Kruger National Park in South Africa has one of the most extensive sets of records of any protected area in the world, and throughout its history has supported connections between science and management. In recognition of that long-standing tradition comes The Kruger Experience, the first book to synthesize/summarize a century of ecological research and management in two million hectares of African savanna.
The Kruger Experience places the scientific and management experience in Kruger within the framework of modern ecological theory and its practical applications. The book uses a cross-cutting theme of ecological heterogeneity -- the idea that ecological systems function across a full hierarchy of physical and biological components, processes, and scales, in a dynamic space-time mosaic. Contributors, who include many esteemed ecologists who have worked in Kruger in recent years, examine a range of topics covering broad taxonomic groupings and ecological processes. The book's four sections explore:
the historical context of research and management in Kruger, the theme of heterogeneity, and the current philosophy in Kruger for linking science with management
the template of natural components and processes, as influenced by management, that determine the present state of the Kruger ecosystem
how species interact within the ecosystem to generate further heterogeneity across space and time
humans as key components of savanna ecosystems
In addition to the editors, contributors include William J. Bond, Jane Lubchenco, David Mabunda, Michael G.L. (""Gus"") Mills, Robert J. Naiman, Norman Owen-Smith, Steward T.A. Pickett, Stuart L. Pimm, and Rober J. Scholes.
The book is an invaluable new resource for scientists and managers involved with large, conserved ecosystems as well as for conservation practitioners and others with interests in adaptive management, the societal context of conservation, links between research and management in parks, and parks/academic partnerships.
Preface Foreword
Part I. The Historical and Conceptual Framework Chapter 1. The Kruger National Park: A Century of Management and Research Chapter 2. Biotic and Abiotic Variability as Key Determinants of Savanna Heterogeneity at Multiple Spatiotemporal Scales Chapter 3. Adopting a Heterogeneity Paradigm: Implications for Management of Protected Savannas Chapter 4. An Adaptive System to Link Science, Monitoring, and Management in Practice
PART II. A Template for Savanna Heterogeneity Chapter 5. The Abiotic Template and Its Associated Vegetation Pattern Chapter 6. Biogeochemistry: The Cycling of Elements Chapter 7. Fire as a Driver of Ecosystem Variability Chapter 8. Surface Water Availability: Implications for Heterogeneity and Ecosystem Processes Chapter 9. River Heterogeneity: Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Management
PART III. Interactions between Biotic Components Chapter 10. Interactions between Species and Ecosystem Characteristics Chapter 11. Vegetation Dynamics in the Kruger Ecosystem Chapter 12. Insects and Savanna Heterogeneity Chapter 13. Birds: Responders and Contributors to Savanna Heterogeneity Chapter 14. Large Herbivores and Savanna Heterogeneity Chapter 15. Rainfall Influences on Ungulate Population Dynamics Chapter 16. Kruger's Elephant Population: Its Size and Consequences for Ecosystem Heterogeneity Chapter 17. Wildlife Diseases and Veterinary Controls: A Savanna Ecosystem Perspective Chapter 18. Large Carnivores and Savanna Heterogeneity
PART IV. Humans and Savannas Chapter 19. Anthropogenic Influences at the Ecosystem Level Chapter 20. Beyond the Fence: People and the Lowveld Landscape Chapter 21. Heterogeneity and Management of the Lowveld Rivers Chapter 22. Integration of Science: Successes, Challenges, and the Future Chapter 23. Reflections on the Kruger Experience and Reaching Forward
