Artificial Surface Water Provision

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Water is one of the most important factors influencing the health and functioning of savanna ecosystems. The availability, distribution, and persistence of surface water affect not only wildlife movements, but also soils, vegetation, birds, insects, and the overall structure of the landscape.

Impacts of Water Distribution

Areas surrounding water points experience high concentrations of animals, which leads to increased trampling, grazing, and nutrient inputs through dung and urine. These changes alter soil conditions and, over time, influence both the composition and structure of the vegetation. As vegetation changes, so too do the habitat and food resources available to other species throughout the ecosystem.

The spacing of permanent water sources is particularly important. When water points are located too close together – typically less than five kilometres apart – animals are able to utilise the landscape more uniformly. This results in vegetation becoming increasingly homogenised, as the natural gradient from heavily used areas near water to lightly used areas further away is lost. Some species benefit from these altered conditions, while others decline as the habitats they depend on become standardized into an environment where they can no longer thrive.

Our Water Distribution Research

Recognising the importance of water distribution, Malilangwe began studying the ecological impacts of artificial water provision in 1997. The results revealed that different vegetation types responded in different ways. Mopane woodlands growing on basalt-derived soils, which cover approximately 51% of the reserve, were relatively resilient to the effects of concentrated animal activity. In contrast, vegetation on sandy soils proved far more vulnerable to degradation. Based on these findings, it was recommended that artificial water points be concentrated within mopane woodlands and, where possible, removed from ecologically sensitive sandy areas.

The research also highlighted another important benefit of reducing water availability in selected parts of the reserve. By increasing the distance between permanent water sources and creating larger areas more than five kilometres from water, herbivores would be encouraged to use different parts of the landscape during the wet and dry seasons. These lightly utilised areas effectively function as forage reserves, providing critical grazing resources during periods of drought and improving the resilience of the ecosystem as a whole.

The management of artificial water points also raised an important question for tourism. Waterholes are traditionally viewed as focal points for wildlife viewing, and there was concern that reducing their number would diminish the visitor experience. However, ecological theory suggested the opposite might occur: with fewer water points available, animals would become more concentrated at the remaining sites, potentially improving viewing opportunities.

To test this idea, Malilangwe conducted a study in 2008. A standard game-drive route was repeatedly surveyed before and after the strategic closure of four water points, and wildlife sightings were recorded. The results showed that animal concentrations increased at the remaining waterholes, enhancing the viewing spectacle, while overall wildlife encounter rates along the route also improved.

Putting Research Into Practice

Acting on the results of our early research, Malilangwe closed 11 artificial water points. At the time, this was considered a bold and unconventional decision, as the prevailing management philosophy favoured providing water as widely as possible. In practice, however, the strategy proved highly successful. While neighbouring reserves have periodically suffered significant wildlife losses during droughts, Malilangwe has remained remarkably resilient.

Our work in this area continues. In recent years, three additional artificial water points, Bandama, Nyamsaan, and Nyari pans, were closed after monitoring revealed significant forage degradation caused by repeated animal traffic. These decisions reflect Malilangwe’s commitment to science-based management, ensuring that water provision supports not only wildlife populations, but also the long-term health and resilience of the Malilangwe ecosystem.