What are ground surveys? - Ground surveys cover all animal game counts, habitat and vegetation surveys, veldt management and water quality testing. We are able to base ourselves anywhere to undertake survey work. We use our own mobile camp and survey equipment, enabling us to operate independently within any region.

Our service –

Animal Game Counts

Habitat & Vegetation Surveys

Veldt Management & Maintenance

Water Quality Testing

Animal game counts –

ESA aims to produce safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective procedures that obtain unbiased estimates of populations and trends in large areas.

How we do it - ESA can develop the best survey methods to suit the customer’s needs and the constraints of the environment. To estimate herbivore population numbers we use a mixture of strip count surveys and point counts, where possible incorporating distance sampling techniques. To estimate predator numbers we can conduct spoor count surveys and calling stations. We can also use point count surveys to estimate bird numbers. Data is gathered by an experienced survey team and analysed using a variety of statistical techniques to provide the customer with a detailed appraisal of the wildlife population.

How it helps you - These data allow us to inform you the concessionaire, safari operator or ranch owner of the health and long-term viability of your wildlife species. When gathered over successive seasons or years, these data can be used to predict trends and help with long-term management.

Habitat and Vegetation Surveys –

ESA aims to provide accurate, cost-effective and practical information about the composition, distribution and quality of vegetation within the survey region.

How we do it - ESA can use a variety of survey techniques, at increasing levels and depths of appraisal to analyse the complex array of habitats and resources available within any environment. We use a mixture of cost-effective and modern survey techniques to quantify the species composition, productivity, biomass availability and nutritional quality of the grazing sward, herbaceous and shrub layers and woodland canopy.

How it helps you - These data, in combination with an understanding of the animal species assemblage and management objectives for the region, allow us to inform the concessionaire, safari operator or ranch owner of the productivity and carrying capacity of the region.

In union with animal game counts, and depending on the management objectives of the region, these data can have a significant impact on the successful management and conservation of the local environment.

Veldt Management and Maintenance –

ESA provides a practical, cost-effective service to the ranching industry. ESA initiates all veldt management contracts with an initial habitat survey, combining ground surveys with remote sensing habitat classifications.

How we do it - ESA provides a long-term management protocol for achieving and maintaining maximum potential productivity, while also suggesting the most suitable game stocking policy. We can provide an on-going monitoring programme and environmental management plan to help maintain productivity. Further services include testing water quality, determining optimal new waterhole position and providing a map generating service.

How it helps you - By combining habitat surveys and an assessment of vegetation quality, ESA aims to improve the productivity of a region where possible, by tackling bush encroachment and removing alien species.

Water Quality Testing –

ESA provides a practical, cost-effective water quality service to the safari and ranching industry.

How we do it - ESA can test all the surface available and ground pumped water by field tests and by further laboratory test to provide information on: TDS, anions, ions, pH, biotic content and salinity.

How it helps you –water quality assessments help you to determine if the available water is of an acceptable quality to wildlife species, while also conducting surveys to detect the optimal positioning of new waterholes. ESA can provide an on-going monitoring programme to determine if there is enough water available for the local stock or game species, while also continuing water quality assessments.