As part of a broader research initiative examining the relationship between climate change and aardvark biogeography, this project explores how environmental change is shaping where aardvark can survive and thrive in the Makgadikgadi region of the Kalahari, Botswana. Using a combination of camera traps and systematic anthill counts, researchers are mapping the distribution of aardvark across the CT11 concession (around Jack’s Camp, San Camp, and Camp Kalahari).
The study is based on the hypothesis that climate change is reducing the availability of key food sources for myrmecophagous species — animals that rely heavily on ants and termites — with knock-on effects for species such as aardvarks and pangolins across southern Africa. By tracking changes in prey abundance alongside aardvark presence, the project aims to build a clearer picture of how climate pressures are reshaping desert ecosystems.
The Makgadikgadi component of the research is led by Jack’s Camp guide KG Baruti, who is undertaking this work as part of his MSc studies. His involvement brings together scientific research and first-hand knowledge of the Makgadikgadi.
