LARGE MAMMALS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE PROTECTED AREAS IN THE KALAHARI

SUMMARY

Reductions in the numbers of large ungulates—especially wildebeest and hartebeest—in the Kalahari during the drought of the early 1980s has led to concern that the ecosystem might be permanently depleted. However, aerial survey data from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve shows that there has been a substantial recovery of ungulate populations during the late 1980s and 1990s. with significant increases in the numbers of wildebeest, gemsbok and kudu. Much of the increase in ungulate biomass is caused by an increase in gemsbok numbers. It is concluded that the CKGR will still be able to hold viable populations of large ungulates even if migratory routes are lost, but that the species composition is likely to be different from that in the late 1970s. and this may have a long-term impact on the vegetation. The situation in an unprotected part of the Kalahari, extending between Kang and the Namibian border, which is the wet-season concentration area for wildebeest, is much less satisfactory. Here there is no evidence for a post-drought recovery of any species, and there has been a continued decline in springbok numbers Since the area used by cattle has not increased greatly during this time, it is concluded that the main reason for the failure for wildlife populations to recover is illegal offtake.