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AVG TEMP:
Swati
29°C
LANGUAGE LESSON Shangaan ‘Kahle’ means ‘awesome’
WHAT’S NEW ON THE GROUND? 1) Nina joins us as Community Coordinator while Charline and Marvin take up the research/community and photography assistant positions respectively. 2) Summer is coming to an end – we are happy to welcome some cooler weather but will definitely miss the snakes and solifugaes (Lilo/Google it!) associated with the summer!
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We were delighted to report the birth of a baby rhino in one of the areas we monitor. This was a very special moment for the team as rhino poaching is still an enormous problem in this region and the species are declining rapidly.
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A nearby reserve (where our Big 5 volunteers do wildlife research) recently dropped fences with their neighbours, meaning we can now do research game drives across over 4000ha. This means more animals to monitor and more damaged habitat to restore for the wildlife living there.
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Prickly pears are a highly invasive species of cactus that is problematic across South Africa. This quarter we have initiated a project to map, monitor and eradicate the plant on our property, which makes the land more suitable for animals to survive.
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Two large predator interns have joined the project this quarter to gain practical research experience whilst contributing to the project. Both have already made good progress analysing the information we collect on different animals out in the field.
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Volunteers have spent time observing six different large predator species this quarter, including lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog, cheetah, jackal – learning about their behaviors, ecology, threats and conservation efforts. This is an amazing privilege that not many people get to experience!
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New and updated data sheets have been compiled and put into use for smoother and more efficient data collection. This makes it easier for volunteers to do research on the different animals we observe.
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One of FBL1’s (a female leopard in our study area) cubs – who we previously thought had died – was tracked and observed and recorded this quarter – an amazing accomplishment for our dedicated volunteers! We’re so happy to see they are doing well.
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Data was collected on over 20 lions from at least four different prides this quarter. The data is currently being sorted and formatted by volunteers and will be sent to our lion research partner (LiMF) to assist in the conservation of lions.
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A new partnership has been sealed for our income generating project Farmers of the Future. Not only will the land provide the arena for expanded farming production, the farmers will also receive mentorship from a successful local businessman!
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Two Farmers of the Future ambassadors, Bheki and Portia, have started producing and selling chillies and peanuts. We will continue to monitor and support both ambassadors as they grow and develop their businesses while simultaneously expanding the reach and impact of the project.
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During the first quarter of the year, we worked with grade five students at our Reading Club. Initial results were amazing, with 175 books read to volunteers, 78% attendance and 37% progressing at least one reading level! All these efforts contribute to empowering youth of the area!
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We’ve added a new macro photography section to our photography database. During their weekly bush walks (inbetween photographing the Big 5), volunteers seek out the smaller (but equally important) creatures of the environment to capture. The pictures are then edited, identified and added to the database which is used for educational and awareness purposes.
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The macro project and the entire location gained great exposure this quarter through an article written by our Photography Coordinator, Samuel Cox, which was published online by Africa Geographic!
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Photography volunteers have been set numerous assignments to meet photographic briefs this quarter, including capturing the first images of Sunguti Farm!
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The photography project continues to support both the research and community projects, not only through essential photographs provided, but also through the hands on work done by photography volunteers.
‘Today at Kruger National Park we were spoiled with some awesome sightings, including a lioness keeping a watchful eye over her pride kill, wild dogs chilling in the shade and a farewell from a bachelor group of drinking elephants.’ – Mark Hutchinson, Large Predator Volunteer
During weekends when volunteers are not on trips to Kruger, Panorama, Hikes or Swaziland – a game of frisbee, soccer or (our favourite) touch rugby can be found taking place in front of the lodge.
Team Photo
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