Cape Floral Kingdom, South Africa
Major threats include loss of habitat to agriculture, rapid and insensitive development, the overexploitation of marine resources and wild flowers, and the spread of alien species. At least 1 400 plant species are now endangered or close to extinction. It is this combination of species richness and threat that makes the Cape Floral Kingdom one of the most important global 'hotspots' of biodiversity. Cape Nature Conservation CyberTracker ProjectEffective conservation decision-making and action is dependent on fine-scaled (degree-minute-second) geographically referenced, accurate (spatially and temporally) biological data. Currently field rangers note biological field observations into a field book. In order for data to be made available in digital format for analysis to aid decision-making, data have to be entered onto a spreadsheet or database when the field rangers return to the office. This is a daunting, repetitive and time-consuming task for staff with low computer literacy levels, and consequently is not always done. This results in collected data remaining in analogue format which is then not available for analysis for decision-making purposes. The CyberTracker field data collection system provides a means of collecting fine-scaled, geographically referenced accurate biological observations in digital format in the field. The software allows the user to enter a biological observation through the selection of a series of onscreen pictures (icons). This system is user friendly and has been used with great success among people with low literacy and computer usage skills. Data collected on the field unit is downloaded to a base station unit through a single button-press. Data can be viewed immediately by those who have collected it, providing instant feedback. The CyberTracker system will provide a means for field rangers to use their wealth of knowledge to play a critical role in biodiversity conservation. This will offer empowerment, and play an important role in increasing job satisfaction, as field rangers are able to see the crucial role that their knowledge plays within the core function of Cape Nature Conservation (CNC). We have now to initiated a few pilot projects in CNC reserves. Assegaaibos Provincial Nature Reserve (PNR) was selected for the proximity to the Scientific Services Division offices where the system is being developed and tailored for CNC's needs, and in order to test the performance of the CyberTracker in a "typical" Fynbos reserve. Hottentots Holland PNR was selected due to its pivotal role in the Field Ranger Development Programme. A pilot system was deployed in De Hoop PNR to develop the system in relation to the management of larger mammal species. Finally, one project-driven pilot has been initiated in the Kogelberg PNR (part of South Africa's first Biosphere Reserve) where there is a study being conducted on the invasion of Fynbos by the Argentine ant. The pilot study will soon include staff form the Limietberg, Kammanassie, and Dassen Island PNR's. The initial success of the pilot projects is well demonstrated by the collection of over a 1000 records by just on of the field rangers during the three month test period, including 797 faunal observations and 107 floral observations. The remaining records collected include information concerning law enforcement and visitor management, as well as weather records. Additional features requested to enable the collection of extra function-oriented data during normal patrols include 'Birds in Reserve Project' data forms (De Hoop staff), activities of visitors (Communication staff), and rain gauges (Jonkershoek staff). If sufficient sponsorship can be obtained, we hope to implement about 100 CyberTracker units to cover the entire Cape Floristic Kingdom under the management of Cape Nature Conservation. |
