Catchups from the Karoo

Catchups from the Karoo: A Groundbreaking Day for Conservation

In our latest Catchups from the Karoo, EWT’s Drylands team shares an extraordinary fieldwork day combining cutting-edge science and rare wildlife encounters. On a scorching April morning in Loxton (a blistering 40°C!), Senior Field Officer Esther Matthew embarked on a pioneering mission to detect South Africa’s critically endangered Riverine Rabbits using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology.

Science in the Scorching Heat

The team’s innovative approach involves:

• Soil sampling at confirmed rabbit sites to establish DNA baselines
• Camera trap monitoring across a Loxton farm
• eDNA analysis (funded by Rand Merchant Bank) to identify rabbit presence without direct sightings
• Potential for population genetics research if sample quality permits

“This could revolutionise how we monitor elusive species,” explains Matthew. “Finding DNA traces in soil means we might detect rabbits even when we can’t see them.”

Fieldwork Triumphs

Despite the harsh conditions, the day yielded:

• Two Riverine Rabbit sightings (including a volunteer’s first-ever encounter)
• Camera trap footage of nocturnal activity
• Bonus wildlife: A majestic kudu bull
• 35 soil samples collected for lab analysis

Why This Matters

With fewer than 500 Riverine Rabbits remaining, this project:

• Improves detection in unconfirmed areas
• Strengthens partnerships with landowners
• May reveal genetic diversity between populations

“Seeing two rabbits in one day was magical,” says volunteer Gail Thomson, who captured photos of one darting through a dry riverbed. “It reminds us why we endure the heat and flies!”

Stay tuned for more Catchups from the Karoo as we analyse these exciting findings!