RESEARCH
WHY DO WE DO RESEARCH?
High-quality research is essential in conservation programs as it provides the scientific foundation for effective decision-making and sustainable environmental management. Accurate data collection and rigorous analysis help identify threats to biodiversity, assess ecosystem health, and track population trends of key species. Without reliable research, conservation efforts risk being ineffective, misdirected, or even harmful. Scientific studies also inform policy development, ensuring that conservation strategies are based on evidence rather than assumptions. Additionally, research helps measure the success of interventions, allowing for adaptive management and continuous improvement. High-quality research fosters collaboration between scientists, governments, and local communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable solutions. It also enhances public awareness and education, strengthening support for conservation initiatives. As environmental challenges grow more complex, rigorous research is crucial for developing innovative strategies to mitigate climate change, habitat loss, and species decline, ensuring long-term ecological balance and resilience in natural ecosystems.
The PROJECTS
BEACH BREEDING BIRDS
Conserve Eden monitors Kelp Gulls, African Oystercatchers, and White-fronted Plovers, tracking their breeding success in Plett. We ring chicks to study survival and movements while actively educating the public about threats like human disturbance, predation, and habitat loss. We use nesting area signs and cordoned-off areas to promote egg-hatching success. By engaging with local communities, conducting field research, and promoting conservation initiatives, we help protect these vulnerable beach-nesting birds and support sustainable coastal management, ensuring healthier ecosystems for future generations.
POLLINATION ECOLOGY
Conserve Eden’s pollination ecology studies investigate the interactions between plants and pollinators, focusing on birds, bees, and other key species. Research includes tracking pollinator movements, assessing flower visitation rates, and studying the impact of habitat changes on pollination success. By conducting field surveys, monitoring nectar availability, exploring plant species by unlocking the mysteries of their pollination, and engaging in public education, the program aims to enhance conservation strategies, ensuring the protection of vital pollinator networks that support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
KNYSNA SEAHORSE
Interns work on the Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis) within the Keurbooms Estuary, assisting in monitoring population distribution, documenting seahorse density and habitat use in the estuary. Work includes in-water surveys and density assessments. We aim to better understand the ecological conditions that support stable seahorse populations, identify potential threats, and contribute to evidence-based conservation planning. By supporting awareness and protection of this critically endangered species, interns play an active role in safeguarding one of South Africa’s rarest and most iconic marine animals.
BIRD RINGING
Conserve Eden’s bird ringing program in Plettenberg Bay focuses on monitoring local bird populations and training students in ornithological research techniques. By capturing, ringing, and releasing birds, the project collects valuable data on species diversity, migration, and survival rates. Hands-on training sessions provide students with field experience in bird handling, data recording, and ecological research methods, fostering conservation awareness. This initiative contributes to long-term bird monitoring and supports efforts to protect avian biodiversity in the region.
GARDEN ROUTE BUZZARDS
The Garden Route Buzzard Program monitors and researches Forest Buzzards, Jackal Buzzards and Steppe Buzzards, focusing on population trends, migration patterns, and, in the future, hopefully, breeding success. The project involves ringing and tracking individuals, collecting ecological data, and engaging in public education to raise awareness about raptor conservation. Understanding these raptors’ movements is a critical component of conserving them. By working with local landowners and conservation groups, the program helps protect these birds and their habitats along South Africa’s Garden Route.
SEAHARES
Our latest project will focus on the Ragged Seahare (Bursatella leachii) and will investigate its use of the Keurbooms Estuary, focusing on population dynamics, habitat preferences, and ecological roles. Research includes population surveys, seasonal movement, and environmental assessments to understand factors influencing distribution. By analysing water temperature, food availability, and seasonal patterns, the study aims to support conservation efforts and raise awareness of this unique marine species’ importance in maintaining estuarine ecosystem balance.
SEYCHELLES
Our conservation work in the Seychelles focuses on protecting island ecosystems and recovering endangered species across fragile, biodiversity-rich habitats. Projects include long-term monitoring of nesting sea turtles, research and management of endemic bird populations, and restoration of native vegetation. By combining scientific research, hands-on fieldwork, and collaboration with local conservation partners, our efforts aim to strengthen ecosystem resilience and ensure the survival of unique island species found nowhere else on Earth..
CITIZEN SCIENCE
Citizen Science programs like SABAP2, CWAC, iNaturalist, ELMO, Seafari, and SAFRING play a vital role in documenting biodiversity in Plettenberg Bay. Our team contribute data on bird distributions, wetland species, marine life, and ringing records, helping track population trends, migration, and habitat changes. These platforms engage the public in conservation science, providing valuable long-term datasets that inform research, environmental management, and policy decisions, ensuring the region’s protection of local ecosystems and species diversity.
Our research team is highly experienced, with well over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications published, along with a number of book chapters and a book. We are passionate about getting the results of our science “out there” in various formats, so apart from the scientific literature we extensively use platforms like social media, public talks, popular magazine articles and local press to share our work, enabling others to better understand the biodiversity we share space with, realise the impacts we have, and to focus on positive behavioural change that allows sustainable co-existence with the natural spaces and species in the special place we live in.