Celebrating Geke Woudstra’s Success: From Elephants the Makgadikgadi to Jackals in the Kalahari

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Elephants for Africa research team!
Geke Woudstra, who completed her master’s research with us, has officially published her
work in the African Journal of Ecology. Her paper, titled “What Do Male Elephants Eat When
Females Are Not Around?”, is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for everyone at
Elephants for Africa who supported her journey.
During her time with us, Geke focused on the foraging behaviour of male African savannah
elephants in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana — a unique population made up
almost entirely of males. She explored how age and physical condition influenced their
feeding strategies when females were absent. Her research revealed that younger and
healthier male elephants tend to be more selective feeders, choosing higher-quality food,
while older males prioritize quantity over quality, targeting areas with a higher density of
edible plants. Geke’s work sheds important light on male elephant ecology, helping us better
understand how these animals adapt their behaviours in single-sex environments.
Her dedication, hard work, and passion for conservation science have not only led to an
impressive publication but also opened new doors for her academic journey. Geke is now
embarking on an exciting new chapter as she pursues her PhD, shifting her focus from the
Makgadikgadi to the Southern Kalahari with the University of South Africa. Her doctoral
research will investigate the interactions between black-backed jackals and springbok
populations, aiming to uncover the factors behind the decline of springbok numbers. By
studying these predator-prey dynamics, Geke hopes to contribute vital knowledge to
conservation strategies in the Kalahari ecosystem.
We are proud of Geke and grateful for the role Elephants for Africa was able to play in her
development as a researcher. Her success reflects her determination, the value of creating
opportunities for young scientists, and the collaborative spirit between Geke and the
Elephants for Africa team that supported her growth.
Congratulations, Geke! We can’t wait to see the amazing impact you will continue to make in
the world of wildlife conservation.

Stephanie Kong