Grassroots Grassroots - Vol 18 No 4

NEWS Electric vehicles for wilderness conservation and sustainable game viewing Carolin Giarra Current Address: Bachelor of Technology in Tourism Management Candidate, Durban University of Technology Reprinted From: http://bit.ly/2OOOCEq S outh Africa currently faces the chal- lenge of managing its rich biodi- versity, whilst facing the threat of increased environmental degradation. The threats are varied, complex and multi-faceted, with climate change probably one of the most dangerous. As a result of climate change, tempera- tures have rapidly increased within the Kruger National Park region, which ex- perienced the worst drought season recorded in 2016. Rising temperatures of between 2.5 and 3 degrees Celsius could lead to an approximate loss of 66% of all animal species in the Kruger National Park. National parks are not able to prevent this phenomenon from happening, and therefore the implementation of mitiga- tion and adaptation strategies is crucial. The field guides and trackers who are working in the environment and with the game viewing product every day are at the frontline of implementing suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies. The work of a field guide has become more diverse and complex overtime, as they have to face new challenges each day and lead the way in conserving South Africa’s natural wonders – from battling wildfires and poachers, to play- ing an important role in rehabilitation of land and habitats, and acting as an edu- cational force in wildlife conservation. basis to cope with changes in tempera- tures and seasonality. Not only to ensure a more engaging game viewing environ- ment as animal activity will be greater, but also to ensure guest comfort. They further adapt to changes in the environ- ment by restricting the accessibility of certain areas or roads in times of tem- perature change as the ground, soil and the vegetation is affected. These are all efficient responses to adapt to changes, however field guides should consider campaigning for more future-oriented solutions. no engine noise during a drive. The world has seen a lot of technologi- cal development focused on making operations more sustainable. A lot of re- search is dedicated to the possible use of hybrid or electric vehicles for game drives. This development would bring a number of environmental benefits, ranging from the positive effects on the carbon footprint as vehicle emissions will be reduced, to the positive effect of A number of interviewed field guides share the opinion that the technologi- cal development is not yet feasible. A game viewing vehicle is required to reach a certain transport distance and at the same time also provide the same 4×4 experience. The field guides men- tioned a required distance of up to 100 kilometres per viewing, requiring tech- nology to provide for these demands. An average car emits 280 % more carbon per mile than an electric vehicle, even if the electric vehicle is charged with elec- tricity that was generated mostly using coal. An electric car charged with re- newable energy emits zero carbon per mile. This will have a great impact on a region which already faces a diminished volume of greenhouse gas emissions and would also positively affect the sen- sitive environment within the conserva- tion areas. Figure 1: © Mats Ingelborn The change in temperature has a sig- nificant influence on the behaviour and activity of animals. Generally, it can be said that animal activity is higher dur- ing the cooler times of the day as the majority of animals prefer to hide during the heat. This heat factor also impacts on tourism operations, with game view- ing mostly occurring during the cooler times of day. Field guides already adjust the times and lengths of the game drive on a daily 07 Grassroots Vol 18 No 4 December 2018

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