Klaserie Chronicle 19 10-2011

December 2011 no. 19

KRONIEK/CHRONICLE AERIAL PREDATOR

CENSUS 2011 Pulled from the jaws of death

DIE BOS MAAK GEREED VIR DIE FEESSEISOEN

inside|

Matikinya sets the pace ...4 | A fantastic year ...8 | Save the elephants ...10 | Mrs Pitlochry... 11 | The Groens go Green ... 19 | Santa Shoebox ... 26

photo: Bruce McDonald

2 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

geseënde kersfees

Merry Christmas Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

KLASERIE CHRONICLE / KRONIEK TEAM

Zani’s

KEYBOARD This year there is something in the air – a feeling of celebration for everywhere you look there is new life, new beginnings as if the bush in all its abundance is celebrating the special season of the year. Is Christmas not about everything new? Can there be anything as beautiful and vulnerable as the exquisite baby impalas?

We also have a special, bumper edition of 28 pages so you can celebrate with us and enjoy the holiday season.

We look back at what was a great year, not only for CET, but for the Klaserie Chronicle as well. We are receiving the most amazing stories and our ‘old timer’ is setting the pace by sharing his memories of the good old days.

Baie, baie dankie vir die Afrikaanse artikels. Ons lesers gaan dit regtig geniet. Ek hoop dit het die ys gebreek en julle begin skryf.

Have a wonderful Christmas with loved ones and keep us in mind when you make your new year’s resolutions!

CET team, thank you and enjoy the holidays.

Zani

jy hoe help... kan Enige bydra, groot of klein, help ons om ‘n verskil te maak in iemand se lewe.

Children’s Eco Training, Rek nr: 013 253 611, STANDARD BANK, Hatfield Tak, Tak nr: 01-15-45, Swift kode: SBZAZAJJ,Tjekrekening, verwysing: jou van en stuur asseblief bewys van inbetaling aan zani@ecochildren. co.za of faks 086 628 8733

Editor: Zani Kunz Advertising and articles: Laura Craig Proofing: Littcor and Anton Nel Layout and design: Lynette Strauss Contributors: Colin Rowles, Anton Nel, Zenta Nel, Jess Matterhorn, Lyndsay Finney, Winky Mokgope, Rhulani Mathonsi, Bruce McDonald, Tim Parker, Courteney Blunden, Fred Ruest, Judy Meeser, Michelle Henley, Kate Meares, Zani Kunz, Rein Kock, Antoinette Smit, Sarie Mommsen, Lynette Strauss, Katy Johnson, Karen Randall, Alwyn Myburgh, Laura Craig, The Klaserie Chronicle is published quarterly and distributed to KPNR owners, as well as CET donors, partners and Chronicle advertisers. If you would like to send a contribution, please forward to admin@ecochildren.co.za or fax: 086 628 8733

May you have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous 2012. ....... ‘n Baie geseënde Kersfees aan elkeen en mag 2012 ‘n jaar van voorspoed en vreugde wees.

For account and delivery queries, please call us on (015) 793 0482 or e-mail us on fhoedspruit@pnp.co.za

Linda Geldenhuys, general manager of Make a Difference, northern region, paid a visit to Zani Kunz, mentor of the 4 MAD Bursary students. A meeting was held at the CET offices in Hoedspruit 1 November 2011.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 | 3

photo: Dr Reininghaus

photo Colin Rowles

Predator Census 2011 IN SPITE OF A FEW WINDY NIGHTS, THE CENSUS WAS A SUCCESS WITH THE RESULTS MEETING OUR EXPECTATIONS. Colin Rowles

O

ur preparations were made. We selected a suitable capture site, and the buffalo carcass to be used as bait had been secured to a tree.

The amplifier horn speaker system had been set up and recordings checked. Capture drugs were sorted and the dart gun and equipment strategically placed in easy reach alongside the spotlights.

As the sun dropped low in the west, silhouetting the dry winter landscape against an orange sky, the last rays of soft evening light gave way to a grey, cool eeriness that descended upon the African night.

The distant call of a White-faced Scops-owl suddenly faded, as the buffalo calf distress call, broadcast through the elevated horn speakers, overwhelmed and dominated every aspect of our surrounds.

We settled in, and waited for the sound of the bellowing beast to draw predators from the darkness.

In anticipation we waited, and soon in the gloomy, greyness of early evening, tree stumps and termite mounds began to take on the features of slinking carnivores, as our eyes played tricks on us.

That was the start of the 2011 predator census.

As it is not possible to census carnivores accurately through conventional aerial census techniques, a technique had to be devised that would result in the predators being drawn to a predetermined point by the broadcasting of an animal distress call.

Carnivores that respond and appear at the site can then be documented through photography, and sampled for veterinary analysis if necessary.

Nine evenly-spaced sites, each with an equal response radius were identified across the reserve. On consecutive nights, each of the nine sites was visited by the census team.

A buffalo carcass that was used as bait was anchored to a tree; two steel gates were also anchored to the tree and placed on either side of the bait creating a “V”.

The bait was anchored inside the “V” at the base of the tree. Placing the gates as described, would force the feeding carnivores to lie with their hindquarters towards the census team. Lying in this position provided the veterinarian with a good target for the darting of selected animals that were to be immobilized for veterinary sampling.

The census commenced each evening

at dusk, and continued throughout the night or until the pride of lions, known to occupy the area, had responded and been accounted for.

All predators that appeared at the call sites were recorded, which included lions, leopards, hyenas and the two species of jackal.

The value of the data collected, will be in its contribution towards the establishment of a population trend that will become apparent following repeated censuses, and not in its stand alone detail.

Strong wind may influence the response of predators to the call site as it would result in an irregularly shaped sound broadcast pattern and consequent response radius.

The sound would be audible to predators further downwind and closer on the upwind side.

Another factor that may affect the responsiveness of the predators is whether or not they had recently fed; satisfied carnivores would not be expected to respond to the call site.

In spite of a few windy nights, the census was a success with the results meeting our expectations.

It is anticipated that the next census will be conducted during September 2012.

BUSH SNIPPETS

4 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

MATIKINYA SETS THE PACE Winky Mokgope and Rhulani Mathonsi

T

he teachers at Matikinya have taken the initiative and managed to buy school uniforms for 120 orphans in different grades. This they did by selling chips, sweets, cooldrinks and atchar. Some of the children were in tears when they received the vouchers for the uniforms.

Two educators on the greening committee did a presentation about their success story. Not only do they tend to the gardens at the school, but they started a garden at Welverdiend village which is doing very well.

CET is proud of the growth and development at Matikinya and grateful that they can enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Southern Cross Schools says thank you

Standing with Rhulani Mathonsi of CET at the back is Steph Louwrens. In front is Aniel Manyike and Hennie Nxumas.

Computers donated to Healing Hearts

T

he Thornybush Collection recently acquired another tourism product and donated redundant electronic equipment to CET who made sure the printers, UPS and computers found its way to Healing Hearts in Hoedspruit who desperately needs equipment.

Ronelle Joubert, office manager of Healing Hearts, gratefully put one of the printers to use in the office immediately. A computer found its way to a 12 year old girl, while the other printer was still to be allocated. “The Thornybush Collection strives to always support local Community Projects,� says JB Burger, operations manager, The Thornybush Collection

Crocodile photo: Katy Johnson

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 | 5

Pulled from the jaws of death Colin Rowles

G

eel Khoza is recovering well after having been rescued from the jaws of a massive crocodile.

He sat quietly on the warm sandbank alongside a deep pool in the Klaserie River, staring in anticipation at the bobbing cork on the end of his fishing line. His wife, Lindiwe, sat nearby, and his young son played in the sand behind them.

The warm mid afternoon sunlight filtered through the reeds, forming dancing shadows on the water surface. The tranquil scene was enhanced by the melodious bubbling sound of a Burchell’s Coucal that called from the riverine fringe nearby. The shrill call of a Woodland Kingfisher rang out, and a Fish Eagle called as it wheeled high in the clear blue sky above.

Below the surface it lurked in the cool murky water, motionless, focusing on the unsuspecting creature that had appeared in its killing zone. Without effort it inched progressively closer to within striking range.

When the time was right, the massive prehistoric reptile consolidated its resources, focused and propelled by its large tail, erupted from the depths.

In a spray of water, it seized Geel by the left leg knocking him backwards, its huge conical, canine teeth puncturing his thigh above the knee. In a flash it turned, dragging Geel towards the water and certain death. Lindiwe leapt to her feet and in an instant grabbed Geel by the arm, a tug of war of life and death ensued. With Geel on the ground and suspended in the jaws of the crocodile, he could not resist the efforts of the monster as it inched ever closer to the murky depths.

In excruciating pain and with blood pouring from his leg, Lindiwe knew that her husband’s life depended on her. With supernatural strength she pulled, miraculously and for a split second, the crocodile released its grip to secure a better hold on her desperate husband. In the moment of release, she pulled him from its bloodied jaws and to safety.

David, who was fishing at a pool nearby, heard the splashing and the frantic calls for help. When seeing that Geel was safe, he ran to the reserve HQ and summoned help. Geel’s wounds were bandaged and he was transported to the local medical facility.

We wish him well in his recovery from this traumatic event.

Photo: Colin Rowles

6 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

The Walkabout of the POM-POM Sisterhood Jess Matterhorn

I

t was a lazy, early, Friday morning.

The sun had just cleared the horizon.

Bekkie and I spent most of the night strolling along the fence between Xikankaneni en Incheni Gates.

We were walking in an easterly direction, and as the gate guard was already up and about at Incheni Gate, we deviated from the landing strip before returning to the cutline again.

Suddenly Bekkie broke the silence.

“Kom ons gaan kuier by Winston se plek!”

It was out of the blue. Bekkie can be impulsive, especially for an Afrikaans

photos: Zenta Nel

rhino, but this was weird.

“You’re nuts, Bekkie”, was my answer.

“And you can’t even blame overripe Maroelas as it is out of season.”

“Ag toe, Jess man! Miskien sien ons daai bul van hom!” Bekkie was not giving up easily. She is younger than me, but despite the age difference we have bonded quickly after she had joined our group a few years ago. I must admit, she tends to take the lead in most things as a result of her impulsive and outgoing personality, but she can be a lot of fun. She got her name from her rather prominent Angelina Jolie lips.

However, when she charged the fence with no warning and with a blaze of

sparks burst through the wires, I thought she was pushing it too far this time. You do not play games with the Klaserie Warden. He will pull you back in line by the ear with little sympathy.

“Kom, kom, waarvoor wag jy?” Bekkie was anxiously waiting for me on the other side of the tangled broken wires.

“Oh well, what the heck,” were my thoughts when I too charged the fence.

Despite walking around for three days on Winston’s farm, we saw nothing of his rhinos, especially not the bull that Bekkie was so keen to meet. Worse, there was almost nothing to eat. The grass was all but non-existent. We had to survive by munching on a few green leaves we could find on a few shrubs and bushes. I am so glad I am not a black rhino! Eating grass is much more civilized.

It was mid-morning on the Tuesday when we heard a strange noise.

“O gits, Jess, wat klink so?” Bekkie was putting into words what we were both thinking.

The next minute the biggest dragonfly I had ever seen came swooping across the trees. We were still gaping at the monster, when Bekkie uttered a sharp yelp, “Eina, dêmmit!!”

That was when I took off! I flattened a number of thorn trees in the process, but I did not stop until the whoosh-whoosh sound of the dragonfly’s wings grew quiet.

It was about 40 minutes later; my heart was still pounding, when I heard the dragonfly again. I was still trying to determine from what direction the sound was coming when it was suddenly upon me.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 | 7 photos Zenta Nel

“Verdomp, kon hulle nie net mooi gevra het nie?”

Then it was my turn to yell “Ouch!”, when I felt a sharp prick on my lower back. The next minute I felt like the time I ate some of that lovely green marijuana plants we came across near the one camp. Man, what a feeling! I was walking on the clouds.

This time it lasted only a few minutes, however, and then I suddenly collapsed.

When I woke up it was dark. ”My goodness, have I slept so long?” was my first thought.

Then I realized that I had a blanket over my eyes, but I could see a little from the one fold in the blanket and immediately recognized the Klaserie Warden. He was busy drilling a hole in my horn! Can you believe that?!

Standing next to him was…yes, no doubt about it − the bush accountant!

With a pen and a clip board in his hands – so predictable!

But the person I would really like to meet in person in the middle of the bush is the guy who was dressed in a sleeveless green overall with Provet printed on it.

He had a huge set of pliers in his hand.

The next moment I felt a sharp pain in my one ear and a piece of my ear actually fell between my front legs!

Then the same thing happened with my other ear! If that was not enough, I clearly saw him press a stick with two metal prongs on it against my front leg.

“Holy Elephant!” The jolt from that stick got me to my feet in a jiffy.

Then I realized I had the thickest rope

you could imagine around my neck and another one around my one hind leg.

“What the hell…?!”The next moment seemingly dozens men in green grabbed the rope and started pulling me forward.

“What the hell…?!”

I was still stepping high from the marijuana or whatever it was, but the men in green were relentless and before I knew it, they had pulled me right through a hole in the fence and suddenly I realized I was back in Klaserie!

About three hours later I met up with Bekkie again.

Chewing on a mouthful of juicy Klaserie grass, I could only agree with Bekkie when she said: “Verdomp, kon hulle nie net mooi gevra het nie? Ons sou enige tyd teruggegaan het. En nou al diè drama vir niks!”

Photos Courteney Blunden

8 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

A FANTASTIC YEAR AT THE MOMENT THERE ARE FOUR WHITE LIONS LIVING IN BETWEEN KLASERIE, TIMBAVATI AND THE UMBABAT.

A

nother fantastic year it was in the Klaserie for us at Africa on Foot and Nthambo Tree Camp.

Things just seem to get better and better here on Ross!

Most of our guests come and stay for three to four nights, and during that stay they have some of the best game viewing available anywhere in South Africa.

The animals, which our guides and trackers work really hard on finding, are getting

more and more relaxed, which just proves that ethics and patience are the key to success in the bush.

Our guests now have the privilege of viewing the Big Five relaxed and in their natural environment almost on a daily basis. We also get regular sightings of cheetah and wild dog, two of the most endangered carnivores on earth.

Compared to five years back when even the lions on Ross were scared of vehicles, and a leopard only left tracks or was a fleeting blur in the distance, we now have identikits of multiple cats and their offspring. Your chances of seeing leopard are excellent.

These animals no longer see us as a threat, and we are able to show and teach our guests about our country’s great natural heritage.

We were also lucky enough this year to have a white lion cub born into the Ross pride, although Photos Rein Kock

Courteney Blunden

it only survived a few months before it was killed by another lioness. It just shows that the special gene exists within the lion population of Klaserie.

The adult males from the Giraffe pride must carry the gene too as they have a three year-old white lion in their pride in the Timbavati that we see every now and then.

At the moment there are four white lions living in between Klaserie, Timbavati and the Umbabat; the only wild white lions on earth.

Three of them are almost adult, which goes to show that they are more than capable at being successful in the wild.

We are so lucky to have these creatures around, and should do our utmost to protect their lineage.

To see a lion as white as snow in the middle of the veld is an experience almost unrivalled in nature, and I hope that all members of the Klaserie family get the chance to see it at least once.

So here is to another great year in the bush and to more wonderful experiences and sightings.

We would like to thank our neighbours whom we share traverse with, and hope that all those around us enjoy the great sightings and memorable moments they have when visiting Ross.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 | 9

Anton Nel

V

eertig jaar gelede het ‘n tienerseun sy eerste rooibok op die plaas Zeekoegat gejag. Vir hom was dit ‘n overgeetlike oomblik, selfs na verskeie ander en meer uitdagende jagte het daardie herinnering vasgesteek.

Nie net was dit die suksesvolle jag nie, maar die omgewing, die bos, die rivier, die kamp en die mense het alles bygedra om die ondervinding in die geheue van die jong man vas te brand.

Baie jare later ontdek die jong seun van destyds, nou met grys teen die slape en plooie waar die jare se lag en trane hulle spore gelaat het, dat sy swaer in die Klaserie Natuurreservaat gaan werk.

Hy moes geduldig wag totdat sy swaer eers self verstaan het wat en waar alles op die Reservaat is.

Hy het egter die swaer nie baie tyd om te aklimatiseer gegee nie en het reeds met sy eerste besoek aan die Reservaat die Zeekoegat aangeleentheid begin aanroer.

Die feit dat die eerste besoek was toe hy die swaer help trek het na die Reservaat, is bewys van hoe belangrik dit vir hom was!

Die swaer, nou ook bekend as die Bosrekenmeester, is egter van nature nie ‘n haastige mens nie en dit het hom meer as ‘n jaar geneem om iets aan die Zeekoegat-kwessie te begin doen! ‘n Oproep na mnr. Van der Schyff, die huidige eienaar van Zeekoegat Gedeelte 3, het die proses begin. ‘n Vriendelike mnr. Van der Schyff het geen probleem gehad om toestemming te verleen om die destydse jong man se droom te verwesenlik nie. ‘n Eenvoudige droom: hy wou weer op die wal van die Olifantsrivier staan, daar

waar hy die rooibok platgetrek het, met die keerwal in die agtergrond.

In September, op ‘n Saterdagoggend, kon dit uiteindelik gebeur. Die eerste stop was die kamp om aan Amos, die kampwag te verduidelik wat vreemdelinge op die plaas maak.

Groot was almal se verbasing toe Amos uitroep: “Maar ek ken jou!

Hoekom het jy so oud geword?”

Dit was nog dieselfde Amos wat destyds op die plaas gewerk het en die rooibok help afslag het!

Veertig jaar later kon die twee mekaar herken en lang stories uitruil.

Die kamp is oorgebou ná die groot oorstromings ‘n klompie jare gelede, maar die slagklip was nog daar en die bos was nog dieselfde.

Twee ure se gesels, rondkyk en ‘n klomp fotos later, kon die besoeker met ’n knop in sy keel, maar met groot tevredenheid, in die voertuig klim en vir ‘n glimlaggende Amos waai tot hopelik ‘n volgende keer.

‘N EENVOUDIGE DROOM: HY WOU WEER OP DIE WAL VAN DIE OLIFANTSRIVIER STAAN, DAAR WAAR HY DIE ROOIBOK PLATGETREK HET, MET DIE KEERWAL IN DIE AGTERGROND.

photos Zenta Nel

NOSTALGIE OP ZEEKOEGAT

10 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

Save the Elephants WE SEEK TO SECURE A FUTURE FOR ELEPHANTS AND SUSTAIN THE BEAUTY AND ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE PLACES THEY LIVE, TO PROMOTE MAN’S DELIGHT IN THEIR INTELLIGENCE AND THE DIVERSITY OF THEIR WORLD AND DEVELOP A TOLERANT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO SPECIES

Michelle Henley (Ph.D.)

T

he Trans-boundary Elephant Research Programme represents the South African branch of Save the Elephants. The project officially started in 2003, but draws on data collected over more than a decade thereby representing a long-term study focused on understanding the motivation behind elephant movements from core conservation areas such as the Kruger National Park (KNP) to the North (Zimbabwe), the East (Limpopo National Park in Mozambique) and the West (Associated Private Nature Reserves).

Previous and ongoing research efforts have resulted in an extensive individual elephant identification database for the western (more than 1 500 elephants identified since 1996) and the northern study site (more than 100 bulls and 11 independent breeding herds have been identified since 2008). We have obtained an improved understanding of elephant ranging behaviour through the collaring and re-collaring of 53 elephants during

75 collaring operations in the western, eastern and northern regions of the KNP. A long-term database of elephant impact on selective trees started in 2004 in order to monitor changes in the survival rates of large trees over time, and the consequential influence that these changes may have on other species (tree nesting birds).

We monitor 2 971 individually labelled trees to determine their survival rate. Since 2008, 62 large trees used by southern ground hornbills and 102 trees used by raptors and white backed vultures as nesting sites are being monitored to understand the influence of elephant impact on these nesting sites.

The monitoring of the consequential influence of elephant impact on selected trees used by other species (tree nesting birds) has resulted in an MSc thesis by Sieglinde Rode. We also experiment with large tree protection methods (wire netting) to foster positive human-elephant interactions as large trees are of aesthetic importance to landowners, tourists and manager alike.

The information that has been gathered to date has been communicated to managers and policy-makers so that it can be used for developing operational guidelines by decision-makers. We believe that a sound scientific basis is important in wildlife management and scientific endeavour should also partly be dedicated to education and action pertaining to environmental issues.

We involve local people at grass roots level in research and education to develop a conservation ethic based on

local knowledge and elephant needs.

Our community outreach programme, which promotes conservation amongst local children on the periphery of conservation areas, has hosted five Bush School Programmes since 2007.

We hope to rekindle an appreciation for their natural heritage by encouraging children to partake in traditional dancing, learning about the medicinal uses of plants and attending elephant tracking days with us.

In South Africa it is imperative to know and understand the dynamics of elephant dispersal especially since the Kruger elephant population is expanding.

This information will contribute towards improving our knowledge of the ecological processes that will propagate the coexistence of elephants, trees and people.

Thank you We would like to thank Marlene McCay (South African Trustee of STE) and Tanda Tula Safari Camp for being the primary sponsors of our programme. We have received longstanding support from the Gower Trust and the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Southern Africa, and are grateful to numerous private donors and organisations which have collectively made a substantial contribution towards elephant collar and deployment costs.

The US Fish and Wildlife’s African Elephant Conservation Fund has kindly supported both the northern and western study site. Wilderness Safaris and ConservAfrica have helped fund the northern study site. South African National Parks and the Wardens of the Associated Private Nature Reserves are thanked for their continued support.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 |11 Kate Meares

T

here I stood in a tree eight metres off the ground. Not a comfortable place to be in at the best of times, but I did not have much of a choice. Pitlochry nest is situated in a wonderfully tall tree along the Klaserie River and I had climbed the ladder to check for eggs, but this time I got more than I bargained for…

I was not the first one up there though. My other half, Cassie, had already climbed the ladder and after commenting that the nest “smelled funny”, had reached into the nest with his arm to take a photo, fearing perhaps that a python might be lurking therein. After looking at the picture he shouted down to me at the bottom of the ladder, “There’s a Hornbill in there!”

“What? Really cool!” I exclaimed.

Followed by a sudden realization that it was the infamous, Mrs Pitlochry, the ‘Tight Sitter’.

“Shall I try and flush her?” Cassie asked bravely.

“Nope, she’ll just sit there. Best I go up and see what I can do.”

Not once have I ever been bored with this species. Ground Hornbills are brave, proud, fierce if they need to be and wonderfully intelligent. I have had my fair share of catching Hornbills and there is something particularly unnerving about being stared at by one at close range. I had to force myself to climb that ladder…

Up the ladder I went, not knowing quite what she would do when I was up there. Once I had run out of ladder I climbed onto a branch and leaned against another thick branch just in front of the nest hole. I peered in. There she sat looking directly at me through those incredibly long eyelashes. Her bill was slightly open in a defensive way, and she was sitting very still and very quietly.

I carefully reached in and immediately she gave me a peck.

“What on earth am I doing here?”

That thought kept going around in my head. Also, “please don’t peck my

Mrs Pitlochry

Barry checking Janowski nest. The nest now has two eggs.

eyes out”. Comical what events the brain conjures up in moments when the adrenalin is pumping.

I was able to slide my hand very gently underneath her belly, felt one leg… OUCH she bit me…two legs…EINA another almighty squeeze on my upper arm with her bill…then just alongside her left leg a single warm egg.

Beautiful! Now for the quick getaway! I removed my arm carefully; she gave one last squeeze and shook off my arm. I apologized for any inconvenience, and hastily retreated back down the ladder.

Nest checks this season have brought about their fair share of surprises.

Thus far we have encountered two pythons and at one nest a genet came rocketing over my head then landed with a thud on the sandy river bed ten metres below before scurrying off.

Another genet hissed at me and refused to leave the nest…fair enough. I have also had a few owls come crashing at my face as

Kate checking Copenhagen nest. This nest is used by Owls at the moment.

I leaned in to look inside, and lastly a single rock monitor scurrying out as I climbed the ladder. May the adventures continue!

Thanks to all who have joined in the nest checks thus far: Eduardo (Tanda Tula), Carl van den Berg, Andrew De Luca, Jurgens Willson, Barry Visser, Cassie Carstens, Silas and Jeandre. photos Cassie Carstens

12 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

What are the LIONS up to in the EASTERN AREAS of the KPNR? Story and photos by Bruce McDonald

L

ions are the only true social cats.

Their social structure is predominantly matriarchal, with groups being formed and based on close female bonds within a pride structure. Females within a pride are not necessarily all closely related as many believe. Group or pride composition does not remain static and may change randomly over time. One may often find completely unrelated individuals or even complete strangers within a pride structure.

Females more often than not tend to stay within their natal pride once reaching maturity but may sometimes disperse with brothers or half-brothers who become evicted from the pride on reaching sexual maturity.

(This normally happens between the ages of two and a half to three years) These splinter groups sometimes form the basis of a new pride structure.

Some individual females never truly settle down and choose a nomadic existence. Research has shown that a given area or territory can only realistically sustain a set number of adult females, based on various survival criteria. Once this threshold is breached, prides may fragment and continue to exist in adjacent and overlapping ranges.

This type of fragmentation may even occur seasonally and may also be driven by deteriorating conditions and lack of key prey species. This may explain why meetings of “strange� lionesses are devoid of aggression.

This type of fragmentation has been common on the east of the Klaserie over the past 15 years where individual breakaway females took-over dormant or vacuum territories for varying periods of time. In the early nineties, the Durham and Fife portions of the Klaserie seemed to be a common lion vacuum area. Resident

prides only started developing in this area in the late nineties and early 2000.

Males fight for the rights of territorial dominance, which includes access to females. They often bond and form coalitions with other males which could be brothers, half-brothers or sometimes even strange nomadic lions.

Numbers vastly improve their chances of maintaining and securing territory, especially when competition is acute.

In areas where lion densities are high, a single male lion has little chance of winning or holding a territory.

MALE COALITIONS Male coalitions are not always advantageous and pose a few problems within a pride structure. Once initiated, the advantage of competing cooperatively should theoretically lead to larger coalitions. This sometimes leads to hostile and aggressive gang warfare. Coalitions of over four males are uncommon. Large male coalitions may also struggle with assembling and coordinating members within a pride structure which tends to

destabilise the pride system.

Coalitions may take over more than one pride at a time and often fail to defend them all, leading to fewer surviving offspring in the long term.

The late nineties saw the development of a coalition of five nomadic male lions in the APNR who secured a vast area of territorial dominance. This coalition was known to cover the area from the Klaserie River to the west, extending all the way to the eastern Klaserie, venturing into the neighbouring Umbabat Reserve as well as covering a large area to the north of the Timbavati.

Their reign lasted for approximately eight years, a lengthy period of lion dominance by any standards.

This formidable lion coalition was feared by other lions throughout the APNR and wreaked havoc wherever they went. They ousted most of the other territorial males and secured a number of valuable prides to themselves.

They announced themselves with aggression and would aggressively take-on any other lions that crossed

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 |13 swords with them, both male and female.

I was fortunate enough to witness a number of dramatic sightings with this group of lions.

in battle and the females were driven off, badly wounded. The one female died later from her wounds. The males then started feeding on the young male’s carcass;

The picture above was taken on Tulela during July 2011. It shows a young male of approximately two and half years of age displaying submissive behaviour to a new intruder in the area.

This male who is easily identifiable as he is missing the tip of his tail, seems to have recently settled in the area and has been observed mating with a number of resident females on the east. The Klaserie East-block is going through an interesting phase with lion populations and pride dynamics at the moment.

LION VACUUM

DRAMATIC SIGHTING One sighting that comes to mind was on a full moon night, watching a small group of lions hunting...laying in ambush at a waterhole as a large herd of buffalo wandered down to quench their thirst after a hot Lowveld day. The picture above shows one of the five males from the male coalition. A real Motley crew! This photo was taken in 2004.

This particular pride was made-up of four individual adult females and a young male of approximately three years of age.

What happened next took us by complete surprise...from over the ridge in the moonlight appeared the five male lions, in full flight, aggressively calling as they bounded towards us.

The scene that played-out in front of us was one of absolute chaos and aggression. The buffalo herd stampeded in all directions bellowing in absolute panic, the moonlight was now bathed in a thick cloud of dust with buffalo bellowing and lions roaring.

The five males totally ignored the mass of panicking buffalo and aggressively started attacking the pride.

The scene was just amazing...such aggression that I had never witnessed before in all the years of having worked in the bush.

The females defended courageously but in vain. The young male was killed

interesting behaviour which I presume would be a display of pure dominance and victory.

Young male lions are forced out of their territories and prides once they reach sexual maturity and become a threat to reproductive opportunities.

These young males risk being killed or injured if they stay within the pride. They enter a nomadic stage of two to three years.

This is a period of learning to hunt and building-up strength to contest for a high ranking position in a pride structure in the future.

This would normally happen at around the age of five years. During this period, they will constantly move through occupied territories which put them at extreme risk of being killed by stronger resident males. They sometimes teamup with strangers or unrelated males to support each other. These small coalitions are not always permanent and invariably do not develop into any form of dominance hierarchy.

This type of situation sometimes develops into a more permanent coalition which might put the lions in a good position to take over territories earlier than they would have if they had been alone.

They would then maintain territories for longer periods and have the capabilities to take-over adjacent territories.

As mentioned before, historically the portions of Fife and Durham which make up most of the East-block were termed a lion vacuum area for a number of years.

Lion sightings in the early nineties were nowhere as numerous as what they are today in the Klaserie, particularly the east.

Presently the East-net area has a small resident pride of lions consisting of only four females, two cubs, a young male (who will be ousted soon) and one dominant mature male which are seen on a regular basis. Another bigger pride sometimes moves onto our area from the Ross section of the Klaserie. I have seen up to 17 lions together in the Ross pride.

Random nomadic males are seen from time to time passing through the area.

There seems to be a rapid turn-over in male dominance in the East-net traversing area at the moment. In the past year I have noted a change of dominant males on three occasions. The new dominant tailless male arrived unannounced out of the blue and has taken over dominance in the area. He has already destroyed two young cubs in the process.

He was not accepted into the resident pride readily and the females put up a brave fight and actually chased him off for a few days.

Unfortunately he had located a set of two eight month old cubs and had killed the one. We found the other cub with the rest of the pride a few days later completely paralysed and dragging his body to follow the rest of the pride...this cub also died. continue on page 14

14 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

What are the LIONS up to in the EASTERN AREAS of the KPNR? continued from page 13

INFANTICIDE This phenomenon of new males killing cubs is known as infanticide, and why it happens is not truly understood. It’s commonly thought that if the cubs are killed, the female will re-enter oestrus and can be mated again in the shortest period of time. The male will therefore be siring and investing his energy in raising his own cubs and not those of his predecessor.

Males are not always successful in killing resident cubs. Sometimes if the cubs are a year old or more, they might fail, as the lioness and her cubs bond together as a unit and repel the new male. Lionesses are often injured or maimed in the process and sometime even killed.

The cubs are often hidden for a lengthy period and may sometimes die.

Interesting times lie ahead with the lions of the East. New males, new blood and new pride dynamics.

We will keep you informed as to what transpires.

May I take this opportunity to thank all the East-block traversing members for their cooperation and willingness in making the East-block such a success in the Klaserie.

CET IS SUPPORTED

BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY DISTRIBUTION TRUST FUND

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 |15

AERIAL CENSUS 2011 Story and photos Colin Rowles

I

n September this year, it was again time for the annual audit in the Klaserie. The 2011 census was conducted over three days. Fortunately, good, calm and clear weather conditions prevailed.

Environmental conditions were optimal; trees were devoid of foliage and the knob-thorn trees had not yet produced a flowering canopy, which would have obscured animals from view.

All animals that were seen within the observational swath, i.e. the counting strip identified, as the area between the helicopter skid and the counting bar protruding from the side of the helicopter were counted, and the information then communicated to the data collector.

Large herds of buffalo were split up into smaller groups to facilitate counting. All rhino were aged and sexed and lone or bachelor bulls of all species were recorded separately. Large herds of impala were circled at low level to provide the observers sufficient time to conduct an accurate count of these herds.

For effective and efficient management of any protected area, the area manager must have a

detailed understanding of various ecological parameters; one of the most important being, the total number of the various species of animal within the diversity of landscape of the particular area. It is not the absolute number of animals counted in any given year that is of importance, but the population trends evident following consecutive years of applying consistent methodology.

In the good old days, a navigator sat next to the pilot with a map on his lap used not only for navigational purposes, but all observational data was also scribed directly onto this map.

I know of a number of instances where, towards the end of a lengthily census and at great cost, maps blew out of helicopter doors and were shredded by the tail rotors − not the ideal situation.

The counting methodology currently applied in the Klaserie incorporates a laptop computer with a software programme which enables the operator to enter observational data directly into the system. The data is immediately visible on the screen and is positioned in relation to a flight track generated in

advance and visible on the screen.

Each data entry is ascribed a GPS coordinate and is saved in the navigational GPS of the aircraft.

The actual position of the aircraft is identifiable on the computer screen as a flashing astrisk. By glancing at the computer screen, the pilot can make navigational corrections if necessary.

Back on the ground, the data is converted into a Geographic Information System and shape files, from which species distribution maps can be generated.

The 2011 census was a great success and the data collected will be used to supplement an already extensive data set which exists for the various animal species that occur within the reserve.

16 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

sightings ... sightings ... sightings ... sightings ... sightings ...

Cat on a hot tin roof Lee-Anne Detert

I

t was towards the end of October, in a really peak hot spell. Donovan was out on a gamedrive with our guests. We have traversing rights onto Mr OgilvyThompson’s property and Don headed towards “Thompson’s Airstrip” as it is renowned for good elephant & rhino sightings.

Just off the airstrip is an open hanger with a corrugated iron roof. On this day, in the late afternoon just before sunset, they came across an incredible sighting : a beautiful tom leopard was sitting on top of the roof! Donovan got relatively close to the leopard, without making the leopard uncomfortable with their presence.

The guests sat and enjoyed this unusual sighting for 30 min before the leopard decided to make his way off the roof via a tree growing up against the roof.

To see a leopard is always a treat, but to be able to sit and watch this gorgeous male for 30 min is just awesome! Guests were so excited about experiencing this, as was Donovan. photo Donovan Detert

A NEW BEGINNING ...

O

n 19 October at 16h45, some 1.5km on the southern road from the camp, for the first time we saw a black rhino couple; a male with a female.

The one on the left in the picture is the female.

We could observe them for many minutes some 50m away with the wind in our favour. I approached them to approximately 30m and despite the good wind condition, I felt they were more sensitive to movement, vision and noise than the white rhino.

Maybe they are not as settled in as the white rhino, which contributed to their nervousness.

By some noise from the bush, they ran away in great force and speed.

This is a new beginning on Ghekube, complementing the other approximately 8-10 frequently visiting crush of white rhino.

Best regards from Ghekube’s high stand.

Fred Ruest, Kyburg Wine Estate, Devon Valley, Stellenbosch

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 |17

Die bos maak gereed vir die feesseisoen…

Story and photos Zenta Nel

K

ersversierings oral en in elke winkel, die ewige (en soms vreeslik irriterende) kersfeesmusiek en ‘n groter gemaal van mense as ooit in die winkelsentrums.

Dit is die sogenaamde feesseisoen! Ek het dankbaar gedink omdat ons nou in die bos bly, ons die hele feesseisoen vryspring, maar net totdat ek so ‘n rukkie gelede rustig na die Inchenihek ry.

Skielik besef ek: die natuur is ook besig om vir die feesseisoen voor te berei! Die veldblomme hierdie tyd van die jaar is verrassend en onbeskryflik mooi.

Ek en Anton stap een Sondag so 120m op met die paadjie wat van ons huis lei.

Dis ‘n paadjie wat ons daagliks gebruik, maar daardie dag het ons besluit om fotos van al die veldblomme op pad na ons huis te neem.

Ons het fotos van ‘n verstommende 34 verskillende spesies veldblomme geneem!

Ons kon dit met behulp van die boek Wild Flowers of the Limpopo Valley identifiseer.

Die boek kan direk van die skrywer, Retha van der Walt, bestel word by: ludwigslust@ xnets.co.za of faksimilee 0865446358 of telefoon 0155342727.

Dis ‘n uitstekende boek en ideaal vir ‘n kerskous!

So, as jy die Desember in die bos is en daaraan dink om ‘n paar kersversierings in

jou huis op te hang, gaan eers na buite en verlustig jou in God se versierings. Stap so 100m+ en kyk of jy meer verskillende veldblomme as ons kan teëkom.

Natuurlik is die hoogtepunt van Kersfees wanneer die kersliggies aangeskakel word. Ook hier in die bos kan jy dit beleef. Ry een aand so ‘n entjie die veld in, skakel jou voertuig af en wag.

Kort voor lank skakel al die vuurvliegies hul liggies vir jou aan. Onwerklik en betowerend! ‘n Allergrootste bederf wat jy net hier in die bos kan beleef.

Ja-nee, selfs die bos herdenk met oorgawe die geboorte van die Seun. Mag hierdie Kersfees vir jou en jou gesin ‘n tyd van vrede en vreugde wees.

Ry een aand so ‘n entjie die veld in, skakel jou voertuig af en wag. Kort voor lank skakel al die vuurvliegies hul liggies vir jou aan. Onwerklik en betowerend!

18 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

R RHINO

405 rhino poached to date in 2011

S

REVOLUTION Tim Parker

R

hino revolution is an initiative set up in August 2011 in the Hoedspruit area, involving all role players that either have rhino on their properties or have an interest in protecting them.

Currently we are losing a rhino every 20 hours in South Africa.

As the poaching threat shifted west from the Kruger National Park, this initiative identified the need for a coordinated regional plan in protecting our rhino on private land in the Hoedspruit area.

A seven-point plan was put together and has already gained momentum.

• Dehorning regionally • Media (publicity) • Education • Information/intelligence • Technology • Reaction and apprehension • Funding The Blue Canyon Game conservancy, which comprises ten properties (15 000 ha) was of the first to embark on the dehorning programme.

With the help of Mike Pingo (Sunrise aviation), Dr Peter Rogers (Provet) and ground crew Game Ranch Management Services, all the rhino have now been dehorned, notched and micro chipped.

Ask any conservationist, this was not an easy task. Having to revert to such drastic measures to save our rhino has been a change in mindset.

The rhino revolution initiative would like to thank Jordan Properties and Protrack for the huge effort they have put in to setting this up and driving the process.

The reaction and response from our community has been exceptional so far.

outh African National Parks (SANParks) announced on 6 December that to date, 405 rhinos have been poached throughout the country this year.

According to SANParks, the hardest hit areas have been the Kruger National Park (KNP), Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

From 2009 to 2010, the incidences of poaching rose by 173 percent and from 2008 to 2009 there was a 47 percent increase.

The number of arrests increased from the previous year by approximately 27.3 percent to 210, from 165 in 2010.

In a bid to reduce rhino poaching, one of the initiatives introduced included the establishment of an interim Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit (NWCRU) to investigate rhinorelated crimes in cooperation with SANPARKS, the South African Police Service, Conservation Authorities, National Prosecuting Authority and the Defence Force.

RHINO POACHING AND ARREST STATISTICS

BY PROVINCE/NATIONAL PARK:

Incidents Arrests

LIM 66 26

MNP (MARAKELE) KNP 5 229 0 77

MPUM KZN 26 31 66 4

Incidents Arrests

EC 11 2

WC 4 0

GAUT TOTAL 9 405 14 210

NC 0 0

NW 20 21

FREES 4 0

photo Alwyn Myburgh

“HELPING TO BUILD LASTING WEALTH” l Equity Portfolios l Balanced Portfolio l Absolute Return Portfolios l Treasury Management Contact Danie Berrange on (011) 958 0005 or (021) 882 9374

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 | 19

THE GROENS GO GREEN Lyndsay Finney

W

e are indeed a global village as experienced when the Groens and their extended family, all the way from Holland, became part of the day to day activities of Seganyane Primary School somewhere in Africa – to be precise, in the Hoedspruit area.

They were staying at Gomo Gomo and advised Lindsay to purchase what the school needed prior to their arrival.

On spring day, 1 September, the visitors were welcomed with typical Seganyane hospitality; drum majorettes, song and dance and choral verse. Afterwards they donated their gifts which consisted of: • Two wheelbarrows • Two hosepipes • 8 x 200 slot seedling trays • A large sieve for sieving compost • Books for the library • A variety of large seed packets • One cube of compost – enough to fill one keyhole garden.

• Two mango trees, two avocado trees for planting • Two strawberry plants.

With much needed CET caps the visitors set out to work in the hot African sun. Under the guidance of Julius and Rhulani one group built a Keyhole Garden. The group painted the bricks pink, built the latte compost-making basket, filled the keyhole with horse

manure and topped it up with compost.

They then sewed green beans and watered them well.

The others worked with Lyndsay and Winky sowing seeds. They sifted compost, mixed it with sand, filled the seed trays and sowed tomato and watermelon seeds. The seed trays were put inside the new seed house (built by the Meaningful Travels Abroad visitors in August) – using old desk frames to keep the trays up.

After finishing their work, the Groen family visited the crèche alongside Seganyane. They were clearly very fond of young children and spent quite some time playing with them and taking photographs.

Since this was a normal school day, Seganyane were very accommodating.

The teachers came out in full support, the school was clean and the learners were well behaved and working hard in their classrooms during the visit.

The visitors saw the spinach which had been harvested from the CET grade 6 & 7 gardens being used in the school meal for that day, and were very impressed.

We really appreciate everything – the hard work, the donations and the goodwill and CET and the community want to thank the Groen family by name.

• Henli and Ria Groen (The grandparents) • Jos Groen (their son)

• •

Carolien, Jasper, Maryn, Niels and Flootjie Boom Margreet, Michaiel, Kevin, Tim and Lars Kemperman

The photos below show the keyhole gardens as they are today.

20 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

HABITAT RECLAMATION PROJECT UPDATE Colin Rowles

I

n the last edition of the Chronicle, I provided an introduction to the project, and gave a brief overview of what the project hoped to achieve.

During the past few months, progress has been made in the stabilization of some of the prioritized erosion sites that had been identified during the planning phase of the project.

Firstly, sketch plans were drafted of each erosion donga system.

Onto these plans, the position and dimensions of each of the required structures that were required to be built were marked.

This so-called “mapping exercise”, provided us with the basis from which to quantify the logistical requirements and the reclamation cost for each of the donga systems.

Following the mapping

exercise, sufficient concrete blocks were moulded off-site and had adequate time to cure properly. A site inspection was conducted with the project supervisor, during which the position of each structure was discussed, and then marked on the ground within the dongas.

The foundations required for each structure were then excavated by the erosion control team, and the

foundations cast. The final stage required the building of the specific structures.

The sites that have been stabilized were extensive and the result of heavy herbivore impact during the cattle farming era.

Continuous overgrazing of the area by cattle had left the area bare of cover and the soil exposed. With no cover to limit runoff, these areas were subjected to extreme lateral wash during intensive summer storms.

This lateral wash or run-off formed small gullies, which in turn formed the dongas that we are faced with today.

The erosion sites that have now been stabilized will be subjected to an ongoing monitoring programme and as the process of reclamation begins, so too will each of the structures be adjusted accordingly.

The onset of the summer rains has brought the erosion reclamation work to a close. This important element of the programme will continue again during the winter of 2012.

Regarding erosion work that has been completed, a large number of Prickly pears Opuntia ficusindica have been treated as part of the reserve’s on-going alien plant eradication programme.

To date and over the past ten years, 829 individual plants of this alien invading species have been treated at various locations across the reserve. A member’s camp has also been cleared of all exotic plants and trees.

In consultation with Klaserie members, the removal of alien and exotic vegetation from the various camps will be undertaken during the summer months that lie ahead.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 |21

Photo Lynette Strauss

Things that CROAK and JUMP IN THE NIGHT

Judy Meeser

D

uring this season of plenty, our nights in the bush are filled with a cacophony of sounds that are often unrecognisable. Frogs are responsible for many of these and even for the most determined nocturnal explorer, the frogs in question can be very difficult to find.

They can be tiny, well camouflaged and concealed in thick vegetation, and even seem to be ventriloquial.

To start with the basics; the distinctive and loud guttural kwaak kwaak chorus from the swimming pool on summer nights is the product of a group of male toads calling in unison to attract females.

Frogs generally sound less guttural, appear more slender and spend more time in water than toads do. Actually, we group frogs and toads into one order of the amphibians- Anura- meaning “without a tail” and referring to the absence of a tail in the adult stages of these amphibians.

The calls of frogs (and toads) are unique to each species and most are capable of producing a variety of

sounds, each with a different message − almost like a mini vocabulary. Of all the calls, the mating call is most common and made by males to attract females to a breeding site. The chorus that a group of males set up serves to amplify the call, and make it easier for females from afar to locate, since she is unable to use vision or smell to locate a breeding site.

Within this seemingly chaotic breeding site, the position from which individual males choose to call is important.

The male has a special “territorial call” he uses should a competitor intrude into his territory. Still within the breeding site, frogs use a distinctive “release call” if a male accidently clasps another male in the sexual frenzy. Female frogs use the “release call” to terminate mating. Fertilisation is external in frogs and the male clasps the female in one three types of amplexus (grip). The eggs and spermatozoa need to be deposited in close proximity to each other to ensure fertilisation.

Is it not astounding that within the intense and hectic breeding site frogs

are able to hear and be heard, and find order through a somewhat involved system of exchange? The other common call we are all bound to be familiar with, is the “distress call” of a frog. These scream-like calls are emitted with the mouth open when a predator is sighted or tries to catch a frog. Grey Tree Frogs take on a human-like quality when they flee and “scream” to warn the others of a boomslang or spotted bush snake that is sighted hunting frogs in a tree or along the beams of a roof.

Typically of late, fascinating stories like this one have a stern environmental warning at the end. The frog saga is no different.

With all their ingenious adaptations and advanced communication, our frogs and toad numbers are on the decline. Because of their dual aquatic and terrestrial life, their exposed eggs and porous skin, frogs are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.

Frog populations throughout the world have crashed significantly in the past 20 years. We have 135 species of frogs in South Africa and 15% of them are listed as threatened. Are our frogs dying to tell us something?

memory lane .. .. ..

The lioness and the Leica Ivan Gilleat

O

n one of our July trips to Northampton during the fifties, Erik Sonley was out for an afternoon walk going up river from camp. At one of the bends in the river there was some high ground where Erik sat down for a while, watching the river.

A lioness suddenly appeared from a creek which joined the river at that point.

She proceeded to go and lie on the sand bank right in front of him some hundred yards away. He watched her for a while.

As it was near sunset he quietly crept away so as not to disturb her, and walked back to camp where he related the exciting event to the rest of us.

The nest afternoon Erik and I went back to the view sight and sat under some cover watching. To our delight the lioness appeared again. We enjoyed watching her for a while, and again left her to her own devices.

Next afternoon we had a repeat performance, but this time a herd of impala came down to the river on the opposite bank. The actual drinking place was obscured by the reeds so we could not see them at the water. Meanwhile

the lioness had started stalking them, crossed the sand and disappeared into the reeds. All one could see was the movement of the reeds where she was going.

Suddenly we heard her take off with crunching of sand and an explosion of impala up the bank. The lioness had missed, but she came back to her sand bank and once again settled down. The impala had moved away.

I took some photos while she was moving, which did not disturb her. I waited a while and could not resist taking a photo of her on the sandbank, especially as the light was beginning to fade. My old Leica reflex camera had a very noisy click, which was enough to alert her. She got up and started coming straight towards us.

I let her get to the foot of the high ground which had a sloping rock up towards where we were. She was then but a stone’s throw from us, too close for comfort.

We had our rifles, but the last thing I wanted to do was to shoot so I stood up, waved my arms and shouted (in Zulu of course), “Uyaphi?” (Where are you going?) With that she turned and made off not to be seen again; the end of a very

photo Simon Roberts

22 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

exciting experience.

This story has a sequel.

A few months later our camp ranger of the time, Ned Mahlagwana, was out on patrol that day, wheeling his bicycle along the road just above where we had seen the lioness.

Suddenly two half grown cubs with their mother appeared in front of him.

Ned eyed the closest tree, but realised that he would never make it so he froze with only the bicycle between him and the lions.

Fortunately the lioness ‘told’ the cubs to run down to water, and when they were safely past she followed. What a relief! Ned then proceeded on his way thinking all was clear.

The first creek, the actual one where the lioness used to appear from, was quite close.

To his dismay, as he was just about to cross the creek, right in front of him was the lioness and her cubs making their way inland away from the river.

Unbelievable! Anyway she continued to move away and after a good wait, Ned was able to continue on his patrol and all was well.

SUDDENLY TWO HALF GROWN CUBS WITH THEIR MOTHER APPEARED IN FRONT OF HIM. NED EYED THE CLOSEST TREE, BUT REALISED THAT HE WOULD NEVER MAKE IT....

photo Karen Randall

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 | 23

LOVE RHINO, LOVE LIFE Lynette Strauss

T

he Klaserie Private Nature Reserve extended it’s rhino protection programme with an awareness campaign at two communities in the Acornhoek area.

In partnership with Children’s Eco Training (CET), who facilitated the initiative, focus turned to the children of the Seganyane and Matikinya Primary Schools in the Green Valley and Hluvukani districts respectively.

Adopting the theme, ‘Love Rhino, Love Life’ the CET team ran workshops over several weeks that included the completion of a comprehensive activity book on the rhino.

The campaign focused on the grade sixes and sevens of each school.

CET trainers, Winky Ramakgope and Rhulani Mathonsi, presented the lesson plans each week. One of the campaign highlights was a Great North Transport sponsored trip to the

Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre where the children met with a nine month old black rhino calf.

Despite many of the children’s obvious unease, most of them eventually became less jumpy. Seeing, touching and feeding the rhino firsthand settled the nerves and set the scene for a memorable day.

Talking to the teachers afterwards, it appears the little black rhino successfully stomped some ‘did you knows’ into ‘will never forgets’.

The campaign culminated in a ‘rhino festival’ at the two schools on September 23, a day which was sandwiched between International Rhino Day and National Heritage Day. Activities on the day included a formal programme of poems, speeches and choral verse, as well as speakers from the Kruger National Park.

The speakers, Sgt William Ndobe, head field ranger at Letaba Section, Lucas Sibuyi, interpretive officer,

Letaba Camp and Steven Oosthuizen, trails ranger, Olifants Trail, inspired the pupils with their knowledge (and uniforms)!

Most of the programme was initiated by the schools themselves.

The day was officially concluded with cake and tea for all. Hoedspruit Spar sponsored the ‘rhino’ cakes, which definitely scored close to a perfect 10 on the LIKE scale with pupils, teachers and the visitors.

The final leg of the campaign comprised using the theme for the holiday workshop held at Klaserie during the October school break. The four-day workshop was attended by 210 children from the KNPR and also included a visit to Moholoholo.

Great North Transport sponsored this trip as well.

The children completed the rhino booklets and a clay rhino which they took home as a reminder of their commitment to rhino conservation.

24 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

FAREWELL FUNCTIONS AT SCHOOLS Winky Mokgope and Rhulani Mathonsi

O

n 3 and 4 November CET staff, Lyndsay, Winky, Rhulani and Zani, attended the farewell functions at Seganyane and Matikinya Primary Schools respectively. There were visitors from Sun Bake Bakery, parents, Induna and many educators from neighbouring schools.

In the true spirit of Africa they were welcomed by song and dance and a very entertaining programme.

You have to be there to experience the joy and happiness of these children.

CET came bearing gifts by awarding vouchers for a uniform to 30 learners in Grade 6 and Grade 7 at each school.

The headmasters and greening committees received gifts as appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the programme.

Zani thanked everyone and wished all the Grade 7s the very best for the year ahead. At Matikinya the guest speaker encouraged the learners to focus on education and the parents to motivate them.

The social worker encouraged children to come forward if they were abused in any way. After that the soccer players received medals for their commitment.

Everyone was treated to lunch cooked with produce from their own gardens.

CET always looks forward to these functions as the culmination of the year’s hard work.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 | 25

Where-Am-I Competition #1 Anton Nel

T

he KPNR HQ staff are concerned about the speed of vehicles on our roads, especially the “Incheni Highway” leading from Incheni Gate to HQ and also Road 2259 (Enkhulu Gate to Incheni Gate) now being managed by KPNR. The impact of speeding on our roads is well known to all of us and to increase awareness we decided to have a competition.

In the photograph below is a labelled Green Thorn Tree.

Have you ever noticed it?

If you have, well done! If not, you may not necessarily be a speeder, but like me, you can get so absorbed in thought that you miss the small things.

See if you can find the tree and send us its position, either in GPS coordinates or if you do not have a GPS instrument, give us a description of where to find it, e.g. 3,2km south of

photos Anton Nel

the Lalapanzi turn-off on the westernside of the road.

This tree is s o m ewh er e on the 16km between the Enkhulu ( Timbavati) Gate and KPNR HQ and visible from the road (but only at speeds below 50km/h).

By the way, the speed limit of 50km/h is really quite generous; it should be 30 km/h.

Do we really get so used to the bush that we lose interest in the natural environment around us?

The competition is open to anyone except KPNR staff and the prize will be a piece of KPNR logo clothing from Motlasedi Trading. Please send your answer to admin@ klaseriereserve.co.za or a fax to 0866202418.

Closing date is 31 March 2012.

Jameyana Primary wins Protrack tournament

E

very year Protrack hosts an u/13 soccer tournament for schools chosen in the Acornhoek and Hoedspruit area. This year, Jameyana Primary School walked away with top honours.16 schools competed for the winning prizes. One of the prizes was a game drive to Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, facilitated by Children’s Eco Training with meals and treats included. Sboniso Phakati (Spoon) was the coordinator of the tournament.

DONATE R250 to clothe one child in a complete school uniform for 2012

CONTACT Zani @ 082 713 8778 or zani@ecochildren.co.za

T hank yo u for you r ge ne r osit y a nd fantastic suppor t in 2011!

26 | Klaserie Chronicle /Kroniek no. 19

Kidz2Kidz Santa Shoebox project -Hoedspruit Zani Kunz and Sarie Mommsen

N

owhere in the world will you find shoe boxes that have been decorated so beautifully by loving hands and filled with gifts from kind and generous hearts. The friends of CET and the people of Hoedspruit really have hearts of gold. We know that the children will treasure every item and will be forever thankful for the time and money you spent on these gifts.

Kidz2Kidz’s Santa Shoebox Project is a community initiative that coordinates the donation, collection and distribution of personalized Christmas gifts to underprivileged children, while at the same time helping parents teach their own children about the joys of giving.

The donor knows the name, age and gender of the children that he/she is donating to, as well as the name of the

Southern Cross Schools Seniors

Drakensig Primary School

organisations that are caring for the children.

In the Hoedspruit area, Zani Kunz and Sarie Mommsen were the coordinators of this project which exceeded all expectations. Having done their homework it was established that 620 shoeboxes for the age group three months to 18 years had to be collected, and within one month they received 750 boxes! The response was overwhelming.

Everyone pitched in: schools, lodges, companies, volunteers, friends, parents, strangers, etc.

What a blessing it was to receive these beautifully decorated boxes brimming over with gifts. Not only were shoeboxes received from our local people, but from all over the country: Western Cape, KZN and Gauteng. The five CET Bursary children also packed their own boxes as a gesture of giving back. How wonderful is that?

The beneficiaries are children from: • Klaserie Kidz

Hoedspruit Christian School • Richmond Creche • Balule Creche • Segagule Creche • Thulamahashe Orphanage • Gorutha Centre • Finale Creche We want to thank the Hoedspruit community for donations, sending e-mails, transport, decorating the boxes at home or at Bizarre Doodles, taking photos, registering and checking boxes and so much more. Santa’s elves who offered their time and assistance were: Melissa Ferguson, Silke Fobbe, Helene Loon, Karen Randall, Helen and Angela Skea, Mari Hattingh, Laura Craig, Winky Mokgope, Rhulani

Southern Cross Schools Juniors

Pokkelpensies

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19 | 27 Mathonsi, Lyndsay Finney, Lisl Bennet, Anna-Lena May, Zenta Nel, Desiree Potgieter, Cynthia Fagan, Suzette Spies, Ronell Pretorius, Melanie Leicester, Angela de Becker, Ina Kunz, Adam Pucjlowski, Sarie Mommsen, Gorutha Centre vehicle and storage.

The institutions and people mentioned below donated 20 or more boxes: Drakensig Primary School, Drakensig Pre-Primary School, Mariepskop Primary School, Mariepskop Nursery School, Hoedspruit Christian School, Southern Cross Schools, Gomo Gomo Game Lodge, Royal Malewane Lodge, Kapama Lodges, Elodie Janovsky, The Malan Family, The Luus Family, Stuart and Katrin Woodhead: monetary donation.

Over the past five years the heartwarming Kidz2Kidz Santa Shoebox Project has touched the hearts of many thousands of South Africans.

The project, which will by way of a volunteer social and community

Santa volunteers

photos Zani Kunz, Sarie Mommsen, Karen Randall and Laura Craig

network collect 70 000 Christmas gifts for children at orphanages, crèches and care centres across the country this year, has grown exponentially over the years, earning the respect and support of the business sector.

We want to encourage you to visit the Santa Shoebox website for more information (http://www.santashoebox.co.za).

Mariepskop Primary School

Santa IT department Santa volunteers

Santa volunteers

Santa volunteers

NOTICEBOARD

28 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 19

SISTERS WITH BLISTERS

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et it not be said the CET team is afraid - especially when their action supports a good cause like taking a stand against woman and child abuse. On Friday, 2 December, the community of Hoedspruit supported the Sisters with Blisters march by walking from the Kamogelo Centre to PicknPay and back, and CET was there. Hlokomela and Hoedspruit Support Unit launched the annual national 16 days of activism against woman and child abuse awareness campaign in Hoedspruit with

WINNERS VISIT HQ: Every year the winners of the Support-a-School greening projects and the Greening parents/teachers committees get to visit the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve where they are treated to a game drive and bush walk. This year the 60 grade sixes and sevens and 15 adults descended on the area around HQ and, together with the CET staff, had a great time exploring the treasures of the bushveld.

Bursary students’ year-end function

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riday, 18 November, Hat & Creek Restaurant hosted the CET Bursary programme’s year end function.

The children, their parents/guardians, teachers and headmaster of Southern Cross, Ant de Boer, as well as the children’s mentors attended.

Zani Kunz, chief executive officer of CET, thanked all the stakeholders for the successful partnership and support during the year. The bursary programme is anchored in a successful relationship between CET, Southern Cross Schools (SCS), Make-a-Difference (MAD), the parents and the students.

Mr de Boer also commended everybody on their hard work and looked forward to yet another positive partnership next year. The best part of the function was when each of the children, without notice, stood up and delivered their own thank you speeches.

“That was very admirable and showed the leadership and confidence the children learned during the year,” says Zani. The parents then voiced their gratitude before gifts were handed out and a delicious lunch was served.

CET says thank you for ongoing support to ...

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Ntsiri Nature Reserve: Binoculars Noeleen Mullett: holiday workshop material Jackie Preston: Christmas decorations Lisl Bennet: Holiday Workshop material Thornybush Lodges: Computers and equipment

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PicknPay: consumables Guenther Stach + Nicola SchneiderNeudeck and Wolfgang + Miriam Stahl for baby clothes from Germany Zenta and Anton Nel: Magazines Louise Janovsky: Watches and Bags

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Karen Randall: Photos and BushyTale stories John Burgess: Monetary donation funded the Step by Step Creche development programme Donald Duffus: Computer Hardware