Conservation science in action

Explore conservation and research partnerships at the Dinokeng Game Reserve

The Dinokeng Game Reserve is the only game reserve in the world located within the boundaries of a metropolitan area where the Big Five roam freely.

Situated in Gauteng – South Africa’s smallest province by area, yet the largest by population and economic activity – the reserve benefits from its proximity to major cities. These cities host some of the continent’s most prominent universities and research institutions, making Dinokeng an ideal and accessible site for academic and scientific research.

This field trip is designed to provide science journalists with insights into the wide range of research initiatives taking place in the reserve. Although supported by government, the reserve is primarily made up of privately owned properties whose owners joined forces to establish this world-first Big Five reserve within a city environment.

Participants will learn how the reserve employs modern technology, such as drones and telemetry tracking, to combat poaching. They will also see how camera traps capture images of elusive species and how bird population monitoring contributes valuable data on species distribution, informing conservation management decisions.

The day tour will further highlight the variety of habitats protected within the reserve. Participants will have opportunities to engage with specialists from diverse disciplines and gain both broad and in-depth understanding of environmental, ecological, biological, and socio-economic research being conducted in this unique conservation landscape.

Video: Dinokeng Game Reserve: Raising a Reserve
Magazine: Dinokeng Game Reserve special edition in collaboration with WCSJ 2025

Itinerary

08:00 Pick up at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC)
09:30 Arrival at Dinokeng Game Reserve
09:30 Refreshments and briefing by Hartogh Streicher, Reserve Management
10:00 Lectures on science in the Dinokeng Game Reserve:
• Veterinarian science by the wildlife vet
• Soil science by Prof Brian Riley
• Tourism by Gerhard Nortje
• Plant studies by Prof Marinda Duitslander
• Citizen science and birding records by Anthony Paton
13:00 Community engagement
14:00 Lunch
15:00 Discussions
16:45 Closure and transfer to the CSIR ICC
17:30 Drop off at the CSIR ICC