Waterholes are vital to the African ecosystem; bustling oases where elephants, lions, leopards and hundreds of other species meet and compete for water. But little is known about how they support so much life. Now the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve and local communities in Tanzania are building the world's first waterhole with a built-in specialized camera rig. With half-submerged and weather-proofed remote cameras, Dr. M. Sanjayan (EARTH: A New Wild) leads a team to uncover the complex dynamics of the waterhole for the very first time. The cameras capture three dramatic periods: the middle of the dry season, the hottest time of year, and the height of the first rains to gain unique insights into the lives of some of Africa's most iconic animals. As warthogs, giraffes, monkeys, and big cats all jostle for position at the new waterhole, the team uncover the increasingly important role of water in Africa as its? wildlife? faces the growing impact of climate change.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.