Dr. Richard Estes is the author of The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Animals, National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife and The Behavior Guide to African Mammals. The Safari Companion, as you probably know is considered a must have for those of us going on safari.
Dr Estes is an Associate of the Harvard Museum of Natural History and Research Associate of the Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center, he is also a member and former chairman of the World Conservation Union's Antelope Specialists' Group, and is considered an authority on wildebeest behaviour. Dr Estes was very lucky in being permitted to camp on the floor of Ngorongoro Crater for three years during the 1960s and early 1970s in order to make a comparative behavior study of ungulates in this area.
Dr. Estes has invited you to ask him the questions, so please add them below, stating your name and location if you wish for these to be included in the interview.
Thanks, Matt
Full Version: Your chance to ask the questions: Richard Estes.
Adding on what Sniktawk is asking: is there a chance that either the Safari Companion or "The Behavior Guide to Africa Mammals" be expanded to coverantelopes living in Sudan and Central/West Africa?
How fantastic.
My question question comes from the fact that I am a little naive about some aspects of behavior, but as a guide I didn't have the time or access to do lots of research. I worked for about seven years as a guide on NamibRand Nature Reserve, and had a great opportunity to get to know a little about Oryx behavior.
One aspect of Oryx behavior that was always of interest to me was about male dominance, and I started making some notes and really watching what was going on. It was this paradox mentioned in "The Behavior Guide to African Mammals" about some Oryx bulls appearing to be territorial and others seemingly non-territorial bulls appearing to still be involved in the breeding. See page 129, bottom-right.
I could talk a lot about what I had observed here, but that may be inappropriate, especially since my observations were mostly done on game drives in the desert, and not really in any controlled, measured way. But I think they may be worthwhile enough to post here.
To give you the gist of my question, here is what I made from what I saw. I was lucky enough to witness both very, very dry years (2002 we had under 25mm rain on our part of the reserve, 2004 rainy season again, though we had one out of season rain event in June), and very, very green years, like last year and 2006.
If you watch Oryx, everything changes. Everything. They go deeper in the dunes, the babies are born at different times, they simply act different totally. It may seem obvious, but with Mountain Zebra, Springbok and everything else the difference was not so obvious. So my question became, "Is there a difference in male dominance behavior during 'good' years and 'bad' years." I would love to have a good comment on that.
I would suggest that during very dry years the territorial bulls hang on to their territories, but don't participate much in breeding, and actually avoid bulls crossing their territories, perhaps not to be challenged. Even if they do fight, and get wounded, they then just disappear to the quieter parts of their territories, which in the Namib are massive, and sit it out. We watched one male sit out about four months with a bad injury, but no other bulls took over his territory (he was on an ATV route through the dunes, so we saw him, but he stayed away from Oryx). It appears to me that a challenger must challenge to satisfy itself that it has actually taken over the territory. A bit of thumb suck, but I would explain this behavior by saying that there is benefit for the territorial bulls to hold onto their territories during those dry years, but they are weaker because of not moving more. The bulls that move around have access to better resources during those dry times...simply from moving, and therefore during those times, they dominate.
Then, when it is greener and (if my thumb-suck is right) access to resources is no longer a divider, then the territorial bulls are king and territoriality becomes stronger even than condition.
I know this sounds a little far fetched, but I believe that there is something to these observations. In the Namib where I worked, Oryx were our 'big game' if you would. The other thing is that observation of behavior becomes so much easier because the animals don't disappear in the bush (desert=no bush). So if a bull chases a bull, you can watch the interaction as long as your guests allow. Also, without the pressure of needing to chase lions and other hairy/scary, we had a much more relaxed guiding style that emphasized really observing closely. But, conversely, without the 'mega' stuff, we also had to 'know our stuff' a little better.
I am sure there is good literature on the topic, but, like I said, I have not had access to it. I have tried to look it up on the Internet, but haven't managed to find a good discussion on it. An opportunity to have someone like Richard comment on it, would be really wonderful.
I just want to add that I am aware that these kinds of behavior can be very misleading to observe in the fashion that we observed them. I have seen that the four or five bulls we got to know the best all behave totally differently from each other, so you would need a good sample size and a good amount of time to draw these sorts of conclusions in a scientific manner. I would not suggest this idea to try to convince anyone...I am just asking a question. One thing we observed that favors the long holding of territories was the fact that some bulls held there territories for the full seven years that I was there! Which amazed us, but there was no doubt about it.
My question question comes from the fact that I am a little naive about some aspects of behavior, but as a guide I didn't have the time or access to do lots of research. I worked for about seven years as a guide on NamibRand Nature Reserve, and had a great opportunity to get to know a little about Oryx behavior.
One aspect of Oryx behavior that was always of interest to me was about male dominance, and I started making some notes and really watching what was going on. It was this paradox mentioned in "The Behavior Guide to African Mammals" about some Oryx bulls appearing to be territorial and others seemingly non-territorial bulls appearing to still be involved in the breeding. See page 129, bottom-right.
I could talk a lot about what I had observed here, but that may be inappropriate, especially since my observations were mostly done on game drives in the desert, and not really in any controlled, measured way. But I think they may be worthwhile enough to post here.
To give you the gist of my question, here is what I made from what I saw. I was lucky enough to witness both very, very dry years (2002 we had under 25mm rain on our part of the reserve, 2004 rainy season again, though we had one out of season rain event in June), and very, very green years, like last year and 2006.
If you watch Oryx, everything changes. Everything. They go deeper in the dunes, the babies are born at different times, they simply act different totally. It may seem obvious, but with Mountain Zebra, Springbok and everything else the difference was not so obvious. So my question became, "Is there a difference in male dominance behavior during 'good' years and 'bad' years." I would love to have a good comment on that.
I would suggest that during very dry years the territorial bulls hang on to their territories, but don't participate much in breeding, and actually avoid bulls crossing their territories, perhaps not to be challenged. Even if they do fight, and get wounded, they then just disappear to the quieter parts of their territories, which in the Namib are massive, and sit it out. We watched one male sit out about four months with a bad injury, but no other bulls took over his territory (he was on an ATV route through the dunes, so we saw him, but he stayed away from Oryx). It appears to me that a challenger must challenge to satisfy itself that it has actually taken over the territory. A bit of thumb suck, but I would explain this behavior by saying that there is benefit for the territorial bulls to hold onto their territories during those dry years, but they are weaker because of not moving more. The bulls that move around have access to better resources during those dry times...simply from moving, and therefore during those times, they dominate.
Then, when it is greener and (if my thumb-suck is right) access to resources is no longer a divider, then the territorial bulls are king and territoriality becomes stronger even than condition.
I know this sounds a little far fetched, but I believe that there is something to these observations. In the Namib where I worked, Oryx were our 'big game' if you would. The other thing is that observation of behavior becomes so much easier because the animals don't disappear in the bush (desert=no bush). So if a bull chases a bull, you can watch the interaction as long as your guests allow. Also, without the pressure of needing to chase lions and other hairy/scary, we had a much more relaxed guiding style that emphasized really observing closely. But, conversely, without the 'mega' stuff, we also had to 'know our stuff' a little better.
I am sure there is good literature on the topic, but, like I said, I have not had access to it. I have tried to look it up on the Internet, but haven't managed to find a good discussion on it. An opportunity to have someone like Richard comment on it, would be really wonderful.
I just want to add that I am aware that these kinds of behavior can be very misleading to observe in the fashion that we observed them. I have seen that the four or five bulls we got to know the best all behave totally differently from each other, so you would need a good sample size and a good amount of time to draw these sorts of conclusions in a scientific manner. I would not suggest this idea to try to convince anyone...I am just asking a question. One thing we observed that favors the long holding of territories was the fact that some bulls held there territories for the full seven years that I was there! Which amazed us, but there was no doubt about it.
I think we all agree that human activities have an influence on animal behaviour. We probably also agree that without human interest and intervention, a lot of animals in Africa would have been in a dire situation today. Investigations have also shown that human meddling has also in some cases created a kind of sanctuaryfor animals at, for instance big traffic junctions like flyovers.
Richard Leaky, as far as I know, promoted the idea that animal reserves should be reserved for animals. I don't believe this will work, as the main fund raiser for the creation and preservation of animal reserves seems to be trips to reserves where you can watch the animals in their natural habitats.
So, my question would be: How do we find the best balance between destructive, human disturbance and positive, human presence?
Richard Leaky, as far as I know, promoted the idea that animal reserves should be reserved for animals. I don't believe this will work, as the main fund raiser for the creation and preservation of animal reserves seems to be trips to reserves where you can watch the animals in their natural habitats.
So, my question would be: How do we find the best balance between destructive, human disturbance and positive, human presence?
My question is a more general version of Namibianat's fascinating observations with the oryx.
Are there any noticeable changes in animal behavior that you attribute to recent climate change?
Also,
Based on what you have observed with cheetahs, what are your thoughts about their prospects for survival in the wild, and how much of your opinion is based on solely their genetic make up and how much is based on the environment that humans have left for them?
That question is in part a narrow variation of Milter's.
Are there any noticeable changes in animal behavior that you attribute to recent climate change?
Also,
Based on what you have observed with cheetahs, what are your thoughts about their prospects for survival in the wild, and how much of your opinion is based on solely their genetic make up and how much is based on the environment that humans have left for them?
That question is in part a narrow variation of Milter's.
Some very interesting questions already posted.
My question relates to Richard's involvement with the World Conservation Union's Antelope Specialists' Group.
1 What chance does the Hirola antelope have of re-establishing itself into a viable population given the reluctance of the traditional land owners in its' remaining home range to allow individuals to be re-located to other conservation areas? Discounting the few which went to Tsavo East before it was decided to prohibit further re-locations.
2 Does this type of protective behaviour by the local tribes reduce the ability of conservation organisations to protect and increase the populations of threatened species?
3 What risks are involved with re-locating various sub-species of hartebeest to conservation areas where they may interbreed with other hartebeest, thus ending up with hybrids? Is this consequence being taken seriously enough when small populations of hartebeest are at risk of dying out and they are moved to more secure areas?
4 Do you see the development of conservancies around the Masai Mara NR, reclaiming land back from small rural holdings for the benefit of wildlife, as a measure which will greatly increase the chances of the Mara area to survive the encroachment of humans and agriculture or is it too little too late?
5 Further to this, is enough being done to enhance the survival of populations of antelopes and other grazing species or is all attention placed on the iconic predator species?
One other question on your Safari Companion book. Is it intended to have it available (at a price) as an iPhone app so that we don't have to lug the book around with us on safari?
Please!!
Thank you (Twaffle from Australia)
My question relates to Richard's involvement with the World Conservation Union's Antelope Specialists' Group.
1 What chance does the Hirola antelope have of re-establishing itself into a viable population given the reluctance of the traditional land owners in its' remaining home range to allow individuals to be re-located to other conservation areas? Discounting the few which went to Tsavo East before it was decided to prohibit further re-locations.
2 Does this type of protective behaviour by the local tribes reduce the ability of conservation organisations to protect and increase the populations of threatened species?
3 What risks are involved with re-locating various sub-species of hartebeest to conservation areas where they may interbreed with other hartebeest, thus ending up with hybrids? Is this consequence being taken seriously enough when small populations of hartebeest are at risk of dying out and they are moved to more secure areas?
4 Do you see the development of conservancies around the Masai Mara NR, reclaiming land back from small rural holdings for the benefit of wildlife, as a measure which will greatly increase the chances of the Mara area to survive the encroachment of humans and agriculture or is it too little too late?
5 Further to this, is enough being done to enhance the survival of populations of antelopes and other grazing species or is all attention placed on the iconic predator species?
One other question on your Safari Companion book. Is it intended to have it available (at a price) as an iPhone app so that we don't have to lug the book around with us on safari?
Please!!Thank you (Twaffle from Australia)
I have a couple more.
Richard, with your long experience studying animal behaviour, have you seen significant changes in animal behaviour over the years between same species living in isolated areas compared to high tourist zones? For example, we hear much about the supposed difference in cheetah hunting habits in the Mara due to high tourist numbers.
What future do you see in the fenced, highly managed game reserves of SA where much of the life cycles of the resident species are managed. Are we setting ourselves up for failure given our lack of knowledge in the effects of our management on some of the dependant, lesser studied species?
Richard, with your long experience studying animal behaviour, have you seen significant changes in animal behaviour over the years between same species living in isolated areas compared to high tourist zones? For example, we hear much about the supposed difference in cheetah hunting habits in the Mara due to high tourist numbers.
What future do you see in the fenced, highly managed game reserves of SA where much of the life cycles of the resident species are managed. Are we setting ourselves up for failure given our lack of knowledge in the effects of our management on some of the dependant, lesser studied species?
I'll be adding my questions here:
What are some of your great memories from having lived in the basin of Ngorongoro Crater for three years during the 60s and 70s? Likewise, what were the major frustrations you encountered whilst conducting your research there?
Recently NCAA board member Mr Job Ndugai, head of the Environmental Committee at the National Assembly stated that the huge traffic of visitors and the over 400 vehicles that usually take people down the (Ngorongoro) crater on daily basis during peak season were increasingly threatening the Caldera eco-system. What is your opinion on this, and how can the impact of tourism on the eco system be reduced?
Having studied the Giant Sable antelope for a number of years in Angola (before and during the civil war), what hopes have you for viable conservation of the species? Indeed, is there a large enough breeding herd/s to ensure genetic diversity, and what steps are being taken to preserve the habitats in which it is found?
How much difference have you seen in the amount of human encroachment upon Ngorongoro Crater since the 60s, and how has this affected the wildlife, both inside the crater itself, and in the widlife dispersal areas / corridors which surround it?
Why are wildlife corridors and dispersal areas so important? How can the areas (eg. hectare sq) for corridors be defined, and how can such corridors be protected from human encroachment? In the event that previous such corridors had been truncated, if the governmental will was there, could they be re-established, and in your experience, do migratory animals lose the migratory instinct if hemmed in? In the example of reserves which have lost their corridors, eg Nairobi National Park, what effect does this have on migratory species such as the wildebeest?
Reflecting now upon your many years involvement in wildlife research in Africa, what has been the most personally satisfying facet of your studies, I suppose your crowning achievement, and how has your attitude towards wildlife conservation in Africa changed since you first visited the continent? Do you believe things are changing for the better as we have a greater understanding of animal behaviour, and what is the future for conservation in Africa?
What are some of your great memories from having lived in the basin of Ngorongoro Crater for three years during the 60s and 70s? Likewise, what were the major frustrations you encountered whilst conducting your research there?
Recently NCAA board member Mr Job Ndugai, head of the Environmental Committee at the National Assembly stated that the huge traffic of visitors and the over 400 vehicles that usually take people down the (Ngorongoro) crater on daily basis during peak season were increasingly threatening the Caldera eco-system. What is your opinion on this, and how can the impact of tourism on the eco system be reduced?
Having studied the Giant Sable antelope for a number of years in Angola (before and during the civil war), what hopes have you for viable conservation of the species? Indeed, is there a large enough breeding herd/s to ensure genetic diversity, and what steps are being taken to preserve the habitats in which it is found?
How much difference have you seen in the amount of human encroachment upon Ngorongoro Crater since the 60s, and how has this affected the wildlife, both inside the crater itself, and in the widlife dispersal areas / corridors which surround it?
Why are wildlife corridors and dispersal areas so important? How can the areas (eg. hectare sq) for corridors be defined, and how can such corridors be protected from human encroachment? In the event that previous such corridors had been truncated, if the governmental will was there, could they be re-established, and in your experience, do migratory animals lose the migratory instinct if hemmed in? In the example of reserves which have lost their corridors, eg Nairobi National Park, what effect does this have on migratory species such as the wildebeest?
Reflecting now upon your many years involvement in wildlife research in Africa, what has been the most personally satisfying facet of your studies, I suppose your crowning achievement, and how has your attitude towards wildlife conservation in Africa changed since you first visited the continent? Do you believe things are changing for the better as we have a greater understanding of animal behaviour, and what is the future for conservation in Africa?
Thankyou everyone for submitting questions, please see below how I've revised them all into an interview format. I'm sending these to Dr. Estes tonight, and will be locking this topic. Interview to be published at a later date.
Matt
Sniktawk asks
1 - Is there any chance of Safari Companion being revised to include colour illustrations or photos?
Paolo asks
2 - Is there a chance that either the Safari Companion or "The Behavior Guide to Africa Mammals" be expanded to cover antelopes living in Sudan and Central/West Africa?
Namibnat asks
3 - One aspect of Oryx behavior that was always of interest to me was about male dominance: is there a difference in male dominance behavior during 'good' years and 'bad' years, ie dry years and very, very green years?
Milter asks
4 - I think we all agree that human activities have an influence on animal behaviour. We probably also agree that without human interest and intervention, a lot of animals in Africa would have been in a dire situation today. How do we find the best balance between destructive, human disturbance and positive, human presence?
Atravelynn asks
5 - Are there any noticeable changes in animal behavior that you attribute to recent climate change?
6 - Based on what you have observed with cheetahs, what are your thoughts about their prospects for survival in the wild, and how much of your opinion is based on solely their genetic make up and how much is based on the environment that humans have left for them?
Twaffle asks
7 - What chance does the Hirola antelope have of re-establishing itself into a viable population given the reluctance of the traditional land owners in its' remaining home range to allow individuals to be re-located to other conservation areas? Discounting the few which went to Tsavo East before it was decided to prohibit further re-locations.
8 - Does this type of protective behaviour by the local tribes reduce the ability of conservation organisations to protect and increase the populations of threatened species?
9 - What risks are involved with re-locating various sub-species of hartebeest to conservation areas where they may interbreed with other hartebeest, thus ending up with hybrids? Is this consequence being taken seriously enough when small populations of hartebeest are at risk of dying out and they are moved to more secure areas?
10 - Do you see the development of conservancies around the Masai Mara NR, reclaiming land back from small rural holdings for the benefit of wildlife, as a measure which will greatly increase the chances of the Mara area to survive the encroachment of humans and agriculture or is it too little too late?
11 - Further to this, is enough being done to enhance the survival of populations of antelopes and other grazing species or is all attention placed on the iconic predator species?
12 - Richard, with your long experience studying animal behaviour, have you seen significant changes in animal behaviour over the years between same species living in isolated areas compared to high tourist zones? For example, we hear much about the supposed difference in cheetah hunting habits in the Mara due to high tourist numbers.
13 - What future do you see in the fenced, highly managed game reserves of SA where much of the life cycles of the resident species are managed. Are we setting ourselves up for failure given our lack of knowledge in the effects of our management on some of the dependant, lesser studied species?
14 - One other question on your Safari Companion book. Is it intended to have it available (at a price) as an iPhone app so that we don't have to lug the book around with us on safari?
Matthew Wilkinson (Safaritalk admin) asks
15 - What are some of your great memories from having lived in the basin of Ngorongoro Crater for three years during the 60s and 70s? Likewise, what were the major frustrations you encountered whilst conducting your research there?
16 - Recently NCAA board member Mr Job Ndugai, head of the Environmental Committee at the National Assembly stated that the huge traffic of visitors and the over 400 vehicles that usually take people down the (Ngorongoro) crater on daily basis during peak season were increasingly threatening the Caldera eco-system. What is your opinion on this, and how can the impact of tourism on the eco system be reduced?
17 - How much difference have you seen in the amount of human encroachment upon Ngorongoro Crater since the 60s, and how has this affected the wildlife, both inside the crater itself, and in the widlife dispersal areas / corridors which surround it?
18 - Why are wildlife corridors and dispersal areas so important? How can the areas (eg. hectare sq) for corridors be defined, and how can such corridors be protected from human encroachment? In the event that previous such corridors had been truncated, if the governmental will was there, could they be re-established, and in your experience, do migratory animals lose the migratory instinct if hemmed in? In the example of reserves which have lost their corridors, eg Nairobi National Park, what effect does this have on migratory species such as the wildebeest?
19 - Having studied the Giant Sable antelope for a number of years in Angola (before and during the civil war), what hopes have you for viable conservation of the species? Indeed, is there a large enough breeding herd/s to ensure genetic diversity, and what steps are being taken to preserve the habitats in which it is found?
20 - Reflecting now upon your many years involvement in wildlife research in Africa, what has been the most personally satisfying facet of your studies, I suppose your crowning achievement, and how has your attitude towards wildlife conservation in Africa changed since you first visited the continent? Do you believe things are changing for the better as we have a greater understanding of animal behaviour, and what is the future for conservation in Africa?
Matt
Sniktawk asks
1 - Is there any chance of Safari Companion being revised to include colour illustrations or photos?
Paolo asks
2 - Is there a chance that either the Safari Companion or "The Behavior Guide to Africa Mammals" be expanded to cover antelopes living in Sudan and Central/West Africa?
Namibnat asks
3 - One aspect of Oryx behavior that was always of interest to me was about male dominance: is there a difference in male dominance behavior during 'good' years and 'bad' years, ie dry years and very, very green years?
Milter asks
4 - I think we all agree that human activities have an influence on animal behaviour. We probably also agree that without human interest and intervention, a lot of animals in Africa would have been in a dire situation today. How do we find the best balance between destructive, human disturbance and positive, human presence?
Atravelynn asks
5 - Are there any noticeable changes in animal behavior that you attribute to recent climate change?
6 - Based on what you have observed with cheetahs, what are your thoughts about their prospects for survival in the wild, and how much of your opinion is based on solely their genetic make up and how much is based on the environment that humans have left for them?
Twaffle asks
7 - What chance does the Hirola antelope have of re-establishing itself into a viable population given the reluctance of the traditional land owners in its' remaining home range to allow individuals to be re-located to other conservation areas? Discounting the few which went to Tsavo East before it was decided to prohibit further re-locations.
8 - Does this type of protective behaviour by the local tribes reduce the ability of conservation organisations to protect and increase the populations of threatened species?
9 - What risks are involved with re-locating various sub-species of hartebeest to conservation areas where they may interbreed with other hartebeest, thus ending up with hybrids? Is this consequence being taken seriously enough when small populations of hartebeest are at risk of dying out and they are moved to more secure areas?
10 - Do you see the development of conservancies around the Masai Mara NR, reclaiming land back from small rural holdings for the benefit of wildlife, as a measure which will greatly increase the chances of the Mara area to survive the encroachment of humans and agriculture or is it too little too late?
11 - Further to this, is enough being done to enhance the survival of populations of antelopes and other grazing species or is all attention placed on the iconic predator species?
12 - Richard, with your long experience studying animal behaviour, have you seen significant changes in animal behaviour over the years between same species living in isolated areas compared to high tourist zones? For example, we hear much about the supposed difference in cheetah hunting habits in the Mara due to high tourist numbers.
13 - What future do you see in the fenced, highly managed game reserves of SA where much of the life cycles of the resident species are managed. Are we setting ourselves up for failure given our lack of knowledge in the effects of our management on some of the dependant, lesser studied species?
14 - One other question on your Safari Companion book. Is it intended to have it available (at a price) as an iPhone app so that we don't have to lug the book around with us on safari?
Matthew Wilkinson (Safaritalk admin) asks
15 - What are some of your great memories from having lived in the basin of Ngorongoro Crater for three years during the 60s and 70s? Likewise, what were the major frustrations you encountered whilst conducting your research there?
16 - Recently NCAA board member Mr Job Ndugai, head of the Environmental Committee at the National Assembly stated that the huge traffic of visitors and the over 400 vehicles that usually take people down the (Ngorongoro) crater on daily basis during peak season were increasingly threatening the Caldera eco-system. What is your opinion on this, and how can the impact of tourism on the eco system be reduced?
17 - How much difference have you seen in the amount of human encroachment upon Ngorongoro Crater since the 60s, and how has this affected the wildlife, both inside the crater itself, and in the widlife dispersal areas / corridors which surround it?
18 - Why are wildlife corridors and dispersal areas so important? How can the areas (eg. hectare sq) for corridors be defined, and how can such corridors be protected from human encroachment? In the event that previous such corridors had been truncated, if the governmental will was there, could they be re-established, and in your experience, do migratory animals lose the migratory instinct if hemmed in? In the example of reserves which have lost their corridors, eg Nairobi National Park, what effect does this have on migratory species such as the wildebeest?
19 - Having studied the Giant Sable antelope for a number of years in Angola (before and during the civil war), what hopes have you for viable conservation of the species? Indeed, is there a large enough breeding herd/s to ensure genetic diversity, and what steps are being taken to preserve the habitats in which it is found?
20 - Reflecting now upon your many years involvement in wildlife research in Africa, what has been the most personally satisfying facet of your studies, I suppose your crowning achievement, and how has your attitude towards wildlife conservation in Africa changed since you first visited the continent? Do you believe things are changing for the better as we have a greater understanding of animal behaviour, and what is the future for conservation in Africa?
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