In the Tswalu Reserve in South Africa, in the southernmost part of the Kalahari Desert, field researchers are working to understand and protect the region’s most elusive species. This photo story explores four distinct research initiatives unfolding across the reserve, from arid savannahs to the hidden nests of desert-dwelling birds.
Researchers use trail cameras and radio telemetry to track the shy and highly trafficked pangolin, revealing insights into their movement patterns and behavior. High in the trees, teams study sociable weaver birds—locating nests by day, then returning at night to band, weigh, and record individuals safely. African pygmy falcons, small but formidable, are monitored through chick banding efforts to better understand reproductive success. Even the tiniest mammals—such as desert mice — are live-trapped, marked, and released, providing crucial data on population dynamics and ecosystem health.
