Featured Research: Sustainability

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Fencing-in Botswana elephants could explain why 350 elephants died in one area, reveals UP lead study

An international study led by the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Professor Rudi van Aarde suggests that the mass die-off of 350 elephants in one area of northern Botswana last year could be attributed to the fencing-in of these animals.

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Fencing-in Botswana elephants could explain why 350 elephants died in one area, reveals UP lead study

An international study led by the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Professor Rudi van Aarde suggests that the mass die-off of 350 elephants in one area of northern Botswana last year could be attributed to the fencing-in of these animals.

Talking Point

UP research project: Retrofitting unused spaces can help South African cities adapt to climate change

There are two approaches to dealing with climate change: slowing it down, and adapting to it. The first is about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and absorbing more carbon.

Talking Point

Nearly half of South Africa’s live music workers may quit the industry for good

For people working in South Africa’s live music sector, 2020 has been “devastating”. That was the term that researchers read most frequently in responses to the country’s largest-ever live music and COVID-19 survey, published in November. As one respondent put it: "I have lost everything. All income, accommodation – everything".

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Where are all the whales? Too hungry to migrate

The large numbers of southern right whales that usually visit the South African coast have been in dramatic decline since 2010. Research conducted by the University of Pretoria (UP) has shown that many lack the energy to do so and that female whales are calving less often.

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Where are all the whales?

The large numbers of southern right whales that usually visit the South African coast have been in dramatic decline since 2010. Research conducted by the University of Pretoria (UP) has shown that many lack the energy to do so and that female whales are calving less often.