What are water surveys? - Water surveys cover all
animal game counts, habitat and vegetation surveys and water quality testing.
We have access to two open aluminium boats that are able to access almost all
inland, fresh water systems, which can be transported to any region in southern
Africa to undertake specialised ecological monitoring.
Our service –
Animal Game Counts
Habitat & Vegetation Surveys
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 and otherwise inaccessible areas.
How we do it - ESA can
develop the best survey methods to suit the customer’s needs and the
constraints of the environment. We can develop a water based monitoring programme
that enables us to provide the customer with an accurate as possible estimate
of the regions herbivore and bird species. 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. These
data, when gathered over successive seasons or years can be used to predict
trends and help with long-term management.
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 their wildlife species without having to expend larger
costs on aerial surveys.
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. These data can, in union with
animal game counts, and depending on the management objectives of the region
have a significant impact on the successful management and conservation of
the local environment.
How it helps you- Using a water based approach
we are more able to accurately quantify the water systems potential productivity
and vegetation composition. 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.
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.
