Eric Norton. Student intern. (June-October 2020)

Eric is interested in understanding the human-wildlife conflict between local Topnaar livestock farmers and black-backed jackals along the Kuiseb river.

By better understanding the conflict, how it arises, and particularly the ecology of the jackals, I hope that the information that I collect will contribute to improved strategies for reconciling the interests of traditional livestock farmers and wildlife.

Eric hopes to study for the MSc degree at University of Cape Town (UCT).

ericnortonn@gmail.com

Halle Shaanika. Student Associate. (June 2018-June 2020)

Halle is investigating whether burrowing by gerbil species significantly improve soil conditions on the Husab gravel plains. If they do, it means gerbils are ecological engineers that may support the presence of large mammals and other grazers.

Halle is studying for the MSc degree in Natural Resources Management at NUST.

Supervisors: Theo Wassenaar (NUST), Seth Eiseb (University of Namibia).

halleshaanika@gmail.com

Noita Josob. GTRIP Intern. (January to June 2020)

Noita is studying how local Topnaar communities use the riparian forest vegetation along the Kuiseb River. Using community interviews, Noita is identifying key forest species and community conservation measures to better map forest resources. This will clarify management planning for management of the national park and river basin.

Noita is studying for the Bachelor of Natural Resources Management student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Supervisors: Jonathan Kamwi (NUST); Eugene Marais (Gobabeb)

njosob@gmail.com