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Welcome to the Home Page of the

Succulent Karoo Research Station

in Goegap Nature Reserve, South Africa

The Research Station at Goegap aims to increase our knowledge about the ecology of the Hardeveld of Namaqualand with special reference to the important role of small mammals. Its focus is on the socio-ecology of small mammals, to understand social behavior like group-living and monogamy and to come to an integrative understanding of social flexibility. Its scientific merit is represented in publications in high ranking international scientific journals. The Research Station offers a convenient and pleasant workplace for scientists from all over the world in an unique environment. The Research Station aims to promote Goegap Nature Reserve and Namaqualand as a tourist destination via its homepage, email newsletter and publications in popular science magazines.

The Succulent Karoo Research Station

The Succulent Karoo Research Station is situated in the Goegap Nature Reserve, Namaqualand (Northern Cape), South Africa, 20kms away from Springbok. The research station consists of an old farm house and can accommodate up to 6 researchers and students. We are grateful to the Department of Nature and Environmental Conservation and to Goegap Nature Reserve who provide these facilities. The research station works in cooperation with the University of Zurich (Switzerland) and the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg (South Africa). Researchers from all over the world use this facility. The Succulent Karoo Research Station was established in 2001 by Dr. Carsten Schradin. Since then, field studies on the socio-ecology and evolution of small mammals have been conducted. The long term study on striped mice is of special importance, as worldwide less than 25 long term studies on mammals are conducted. The Succulent Karoo Research Station also conducts studies on the ecology and biodiversity of Namaqualand, leading to important results for conservation.

The Striped Mouse

Our main study is about the socio-ecology of the striped mouse. In Goegap, this species exhibits a highly complex social structure. Striped mice live in groups that share one nest and territory. Groups consist of up to four breeding females, which are normally sisters and raise their young together. Each group also has a male that participates in infant care. The offspring stay at home even after reaching adulthood. Thus, adult sons and daughters stay with their parents until the next breeding season. Groups can consist of up to 30 adult mice. However, the striped mouse is very flexible and can adapt its social system to changes in its environment. In years with very low food abundance they become solitary. When food supply increases, family groups form again. The striped mouse is active during the day. As the habitat in Goegap is very open, we can observe them directly in the field. Mice are well habituated to the presence of observers. One of the first things a young mouse sees when leaving the nest for the first time is a student observing the nest.
This is worldwide the only study where a mouse species is directly observed in its natural habitat!

Biodiversity and Conservation

Namaqualand is part of the Succulent Karoo, a biodiversity hotspot. Its richness in species is as high as in a tropical rainforest. More than 2000 plant species occur only in the Succulent Karoo and nowhere else. Small mammals play an important role in this ecosystem. The Succulent Karoo Research Station conducts research on the interactions between small mammals and plant biodiversity. The results are important for nature conservation.