Klaserie28 low res

1 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

June 2014 no. 28

Kroniek/Chronicle

Secretive and solitaire the mysterious pangolin Jack(al) of all trades

Africa’s important

SPIDERS

inside| photo Allison Sharp

Matikinya classrooms revamped ...3 | Mastulele ...5 | Bearded woodpecker ...6 | To bee or not to bee ...7 | Party crashers ...8 | Little big eyes ...8 | First CET bush school ...24 | Magpie Shrike ...27 Page kindly sponsored by a friend

2 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

Inside

Corné’s

Keyboard Can you believe we are basically halfway through the year? Autumn is upon us and winter looms. After months of heat and humidity, it finally becomes crisp and the wind blows with a little more urgency. I am always more than ready for the subtle change in season, as it brings a well-deserved break from the sweltering heat.

As the bright green fades away, we start to see beautiful yellow and orange colours like dazzling bright flowers in the trees. It is nature’s delicate smile that opens the gate to winter and prepares us for chilly months ahead.

As the magic of autumn seizes our landscape, it is a season of celebration at CET as we reward hard work and dedication. In the last couple of months we have rewarded the top students in the Support-a-School programme with a wonderful winners’ excursion in the bush, as well as our holiday workshop winners with a weekend of horsing around in the Komatiland’s beautiful Berlin forest.

The excursions were not only fun but very educational and we hope that these reward systems will teach the children involved that rewards come through effort and dedication. We hope that this will inspire them to challenge and believe in themselves.

It is with this very notion in mind that I would like to congratulate Keith Ndhlovu (ex- Klaserie kid and CET trainer) on his recent graduation from the Tshwane University of Technology. His dedication, determination and sheer will to exceed above what was expected of him has placed him firmly on the path to success. You are an inspiration to us all and we hope you continue to achieve your goals, Keith!

On that high note, we have once again received a great assortment of articles from our very talented and faithful contributors that will keep you entertained and informed during the chilly winter months. From spiders, to pangolins, to bees and the mighty lion, this edition is assured to tickle your fancy. And remember, if you experience anything amazing in the KPNR, please tell us about it!

May we continue to inspire learning within ourselves and others to create a movement of change.

Corné

The Klaserie Chronicle is published quarterly and distributed to KPNR owners, as well as CET donors, partners and Chronicle advertisers. For any contributions or queries please email admin@ecochildren.co.za or contact Laura on 082 713 7550. We would love to hear from you!

CET transforms classrooms ................................................................... 3 Klaserie Camps welcome managers ................................................... 4 CET’s Keith graduates ............................................................................ 4 Mastulele ................................................................................................... 5 Bearded woodpecker ................................................................................ 6 To bee or not to bee .................................................................................. 7 Party crashers .......................................................................................... 8 Little big eyes ........................................................................................... 8 Janovsky birds are going places ............................................................ 9 A scaly mammal ....................................................................................... 10 Dutch exchange students visit Matikinya ............................................ 1 2 Jack(al) of all trades ................................................................................. 13 Old timer remembers: The new beginning ........................................... 14 CET winners’ excursion ........................................................................... 15 Africa’s important spiders ....................................................................... 16 US students overwhelmed at Seganyane ............................................. 19 An African adventure for UK students .................................................. 20 A love for mud wasps .............................................................................. 21 Sightings .................................................................................................. 22 First CET bush school ............................................................................ 24 Seriously playful and creative ................................................................. 26 The magpie shrike .................................................................................... 27 BirdLife SA calls on ban of lead shot ...................................................... 28 Common egg-eater ................................................................................. 28 The wonderful world of geology and soils ............................................ 29 MAD CHARITY™ sponsors a third eco village ......................................... 30 MAD CHARITY™ camp ............................................................................. 31 Dates to remember .................................................................................. 32

Sightings ... 22 and 23

Klaserie Chronicle /Kroniek Team Editor: Corné Havenga Sub-editor: Catharina Robbertze Advertising and articles: Laura Craig Layout and design: Lynette Strauss

Contributors Corné Havenga, Laura Craig, Colin Rowles, Peter Lawson, Ivan Gillatt , Allison Sharp, Darren Pietersen, Kate Meares, Donald Strydom, Jonathan Leeming , Judy Meeser, Gay Wabeke, BirdLife SA, Robyn Silcock – Cornwall College, Lee-Anne Detert, Cassandra Mnisi, Berwick Academy Students, Maine, USA -(Jesse, Kennedy, Sam and Kelly), Dutch Exchange Students – (Leanne den Boer and Rozemarijn Wieringa).

Photographs Colin Rowles, Donald Strydom, Jonathan Leeming, Este Gerber, Heinrich Human , Jacques de Villiers, Ivan Gillatt, Martin Cassidy, Allison Sharp, Darren Pietersen, Cassie Carstens, Ziegfried Hugo, Lynette Strauss, Robyn Silcock – Cornwall College, Donovan Detert, Regula Buehler, Stefan Breuer, Jurie van Staden, Amy Green, Laura Craig, Quintus Strauss

the leader in Limpopo for Distinctive finishes

3 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

CET transforms classrooms

By Corné Havenga, photos Esté Gerber Children’s Eco Training (CET) recently facilitated the renovation of five classrooms at Matikinya Primary School thanks to the unwavering support of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) and additional support from Land Rover Sandton and Savanha Construction.

Before

I

t was with great excitement and anticipation that the learners at Matikinya Primary entered their newly refurbished classrooms after the Easter holidays. The children had been peeping through the windows since construction commenced and could not wait to see their new bright, beautiful learning environment. The learners were not the only excited ones though and their teachers were equally excited and eager to start teaching in their new surroundings.

The sounds of joy from both learners and teachers as they entered the classrooms for the first time were ample evidence that they were ecstatic with the final product. And with good reason, these new classrooms are hardly recognisable when compared to the old, rundown versions.

CET believes a safe, clean, comfortable and attractive classroom can stimulate learning and build a positive classroom community. A classroom should be an inviting area where children, teachers and parents feel welcome in order to optimise the wellbeing of everyone who makes use of the space. These refurbishments are sure to make the school a more welcoming, stimulating and exciting place to be, thereby ensuring a positive learning environment.

It was with this notion in mind that CET embarked on the classroom refurbishment project. The project was mainly funded by the KPNR, with additional funding from Land Rover Sandton. CET was once again privileged to have local Hoedspruit contractor, Savanha Construction on board who donated their time and project management expertise. Five classrooms were renovated, none of which would have been possible without the support of these stakeholders. We hope to continue to transform learning environments and create areas that are conducive to learning for quality teaching and learning to take place.

after

4 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

CET star performer, Keith graduates

By Corné Havenga

S

ince Children’s Eco Training (CET) kicked off its holiday workshops in the KPNR in 2004 the trainers have seen many of their regular visitors go from young, primary school children to confident young adults in front of their very eyes.

One of the greatest success stories is Keith Ndhlovu, who regularly attended CET workshops since 2004, came back later as a trainer and has now completed a diploma in Computer Systems Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology with support from CET. We at CET are extremely proud of Keith and would like to congratulate him on his remarkable achievement. His success is not a surprise but well deserved and we are sure it will give him the opportunity to spread his wings and prepare for new challenges waiting in a new chapter of his life. Learning is the key to success and someone as special as Keith has the ability to create a beautiful world of tomorrow.

Continue to follow your dreams and belief in yourself, Keith!

Klaserie Camps welcome new assistant managers

By Lee-Anne Detert

J

an Pienaar and Liana Jansen joined the Klaserie Camps team as assistant managers and lodge managers at Nzumba Lodge at the beginning of February.

For Jan it was a pleasant return as he has worked in the Klaserie before, albeit a totally different area.

Both Jan and Liana have great lodge experience and their personalities and professionalism complement the setup at the Klaserie Camps.

Jan was very happy to return to the area and said they relish the opportunity to work in a reserve that is not as busy, vehicle wise, as some of the neighbouring ones. “The setting of the three camps here in the north of the Klaserie is magical, made even more so by the presence of the hills and the two big rivers - the views from certain spots on the property are simply spectacular.”

“As I watched the sunrise with my first guests at Nzumba, I could not help but get the feeling of a new beginning. Not just of the day, but of a new chapter in our lives. We want to thank everyone involved in Nzumba Lodge and Klaserie Camps for allowing us into their little piece of paradise. We hope to share many sunrises, sunsets, great views and excellent game viewing with them and all the guests, new and returning.”

Mastulele 5 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

By Colin Rowles, photos

by Colin Rowles, Stefan Breuer, C Muller 26 December 2003

M

y family and I were enjoying the warm lazy afternoon relaxing in the garden, when I first saw him. The magnificent elephant bull passed the house on the opposite river bank, sending us all scurrying for cameras.

In an instant he’d passed, walking at a brisk pace, his massive body rocking from side to side, gently swaying his head which carried ivory larger than I’d ever seen before.

Desperate for a photo to support my story, I jumped into my vehicle and sped around to the HQ causeway, in anticipation of seeing his approach and present himself for a few photos. I arrived just in time and was amazed at how rapidly he was moving. He detected my presence as I sat in his path, paused briefly, altered his track and passed me by.

Two days later, I

saw him again in the south of the reserve, I crept in on him as he fed and felt so insignificant in his presence, as my camera shutter clattered away.

Given his exceptional size, I was sure that he’d be known to the Kruger scientists.

An exceptional number of emails later he had a name: Mastulele – the quiet one – named after Dr Ian White, the large mammal specialist of the KNP at the time. I felt privileged that this exceptionally large elephant bull had appeared in the reserve of which I was the custodian, and wondered whether I would ever see him again.

Two summers passed. It was again around Christmas time and was a hot, humid afternoon when I was returning to the HQ from a day in the veldt. I was about to cross the Klaserie River at the HQ when I saw a large-bodied elephant bull feeding in the reed bed.

My usual curiosity drew me closer and it was instantly obvious that this was Mastulele.

His long massive white tusks were like pillars either side of his thick trunk. As with our previous encounter he was alone, temporal glands weeping in a heightened state of musth. He moved off down river, following the

memorised path of his previous visit.

My encounters with Mastulele became regular and something to look forward to.

Each year he makes the 123km journey south from Shingwedzi, in the north of the KNP, to visit the local breeding herds and the lush reed beds of the Klaserie River. I’ve noticed during recent visits how he’s matured. His tusks appear to be emphasised by his ageing body, his temples have hollowed and his shoulder blades and spine protrude above his back. His tracks have become deeply grooved and resemble a maze of ant-lion trails in the soft dry dust.

I sincerely hope that he’ll continue to grace us with his presence for many years to come and that you too will be honoured to meet him.

6 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

Large and noisy

By Peter Lawson, photos by Jacques de Villiers

T

his smart looking guy with a neat beard is easily located in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) by his loud and rapid drumming on tall, hardwood trees that can be heard from a fair distance.

Surely he must suffer from headaches you may wonder, but not so. The woodpecker’s skull and brain are uniquely designed to take the shock that would have disastrous

It is fascinating watching them feed as they are bolt upright while moving up and around the tree trunk while their bodies do not touch the tree in order to be in a good position for catching prey and feeding.

This body positioning is another unique adaptation of the Bearded Woodpecker.

First of all their feet have two long toes pointing forward to grab hold of the tree surface, with the others pointing backwards for support and still more support from the tail. It has stiff outer feathers to prop it up against the trunk and without these the bird would most certainly topple backwards.

Bearded Woodpecker results for us humans. We too like drumming but a different sort and harmful to our ears, I fear.

Our smart bird is the largest of four woodpecker species found in the KPNR and the second largest in South Africa, just slightly smaller than the Ground Woodpecker that is found at higher altitude in the nearby Drakensberg Mountains.

His favourite habitat is in mixed deciduous woodland with tall trees, in particular Mopane woodland.

When you hear a repeated drumming sound, look for the Bearded Woodpecker on the trunk of a tall tree. They like to start near the base of the trunk and move up and around. The effect of the drumming is twofold – used for location and also to cause grubs and the like to venture out of cracks and from under bark where they are extracted and eaten by using a long barbed tongue.

Insect larvae and pupae are most woodpecker species’ favourite food.

Breeding takes place in the winter and saves them from being parasitized by Honeyguides, which are summer breeders.

Apart from Honeyguides there are many hole-nesting birds that take over nest holes and evict the rightful occupants, but the majority of these prefer to breed during summer. However, the Bearded Woodpeckers aren’t entirely safe, as squirrels and some other bird species often use their nest holes.

The nest is a hole in a dead branch excavated with the woodpecker’s long pointed and chisel-like beak. They often return to the same hole each year and both male and female takes turns incubating the eggs. When mom needs a break she calls softly to nearby hubby and he immediately responds and takes over duties so that mom can now look for food.

This works both ways. They also both bring food for the chicks and are devoted parents, staying with the youngsters for some time after they have vacated their wooden home and teaching them everything a woodpecker needs to know.

Certainly a fascinating bird!

To bee ornot to bee

7 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

By Peter Lawson, photos by Heinrich Human

A

utumn and early winter is the time for Barleria sp. to flower in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR). The tubular flowers are spectacular and come in various colours.

When flowering they give a fascinating show and are popular to some large and stout female carpenter bees, Xylocopa caffra. With their striking pitch black bodies, contrasted by bright yellow bands across their backs, they hover at each flower to collect pollen and nectar to feed hungry children hidden somewhere nearby. They are the largest of all bees and are delightful to observe doing their grocery shopping.

Collecting pollen has a most important purpose. You will note they never hover for long at one flower, but move around restlessly to different plants whilst a small amount of pollen gets deposited in each flower. This crosspollination is vital for plant reproduction and essential to farmers and horticulturists, and of course to natural areas such as the KPNR. Most of us would think these striking insects are bumble bees but in actual fact there are no bumble bees in sub-Saharan Africa.

In spite of being large and strong, carpenter bees are not aggressive at all. It is unlikely you would be stung whilst observing them while shopping, or at their nest, but if you were stung you would be surprised that the sting is hardly painful, unlike honey bees

we are familiar with. Also, the sting lacks barbs and is not left behind in the wound.

They are called carpenter bees because of the unique way they construct their nests. The male has nothing to do with nest construction. He just hovers around waiting for his chance to woo a good-looking lady, pretending to be guarding the gorgeous girls, but generally just getting in the way. Our busy lady chooses soft, dry wood for the maternity ward. She bores a neat tunnel in the wood, rasping away the wood fibres with her powerful jaws. She may join up with other bees and they will bore holes side by side in a dead branch, but they do not co-operate. Each female has her own private home, from which she jealously excludes all intruders, buzzing loudly in protest and butting vigorously with her head if any other bees should attempt to enter her tunnel.

Our good looking lady is very meticulous and carefully polishes the smoothed walls of her maternity ward.

She then sets about collecting pollen, bringing it back to the nest on her hind legs. This she mixes with nectar to form a dull yellow paste. On top of this she lays a single enormous white egg, before sealing her maternity ward with sawdust mixed with saliva.

Her hard work is not yet finished and for a full month she goes about burrowing six or so more tunnels in the same branch, repeating the entire process. Each nest chamber is divided from the next by a thin wood partition. She is a devoted mother and stays in her nest tube, guarding it from all intruders and only leaving it for short periods when she is hungry.

Once the eggs hatch the children break down the thin walls and live together as one happy family of about six or seven brothers and sisters. They also like a clean home and sweep out all rubbish to live in their converted home amicably as a family party, only venturing out occasionally to find food. They live in this way for almost a full year before

the sisters show hostility to their brothers and drive them out of the home. The distraught young males take up bachelor quarters in an abandoned tunnel. In early spring, tunnels can be found crowded with males only.

Now the sisters start arguing amongst each other and eventually the boldest and most aggressive sister retains possession of the nest on her own.

The others are fed up with all the squabbling by now and go off to make their own tunnels, to start the process all over again with a fresh set of young females, plus macho bachelors hovering nearby of course.

Bees of all kinds, including honey bees bred commercially, are seriously on the decline worldwide, in some areas at an alarming rate. There are various reasons for this but the main reason is indiscriminate use of insecticides. We are fortunate that in protected natural areas such as the KPNR insecticides are not used and our bee is left to be.

Female Carpenter Bee on Barleria flowers

8 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

By Lee-Anne Detert

W

hat was supposed to be a routine bushveld sundowner turned into a smash-and-grab one can only experience in this part of the world, when a lion made off with Don ’s cooler box lid.

In middle March, Don, on a game drive stopped for a sundowner. His guests were enjoying their drinks, when the tracker looked behind the vehicle and saw five male lions walking toward them – no sign of them prior to this. Don had his guests on the vehicle in no time but had to abandon his table and cooler box.

They got to enjoy a spectacular sighting of the pride, comprising four sub adult males and one adult male in bad condition, sniffing around the set-up, almost eating the snacks and then promptly walking off with the cooler box lid, proceeding to munch it. Don was able to pack up the table and cooler box but decided it best to leave the lid behind. He went to collect it a few days later, still in one piece!

It’s a sighting that will be shared for a long time to come.

Party crashers

By Peter Lawson, photo by Quintus Strauss

S

Little

BIG eyes

oft and cuddly with huge eyes is what the delightful little Thick-tailed Bushbaby, Otolemur crassicaudatus looks like. Their preferred habitat is mature woodland, bordering on forest, and in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) they are common along the Klaserie and Olifants Rivers in riparian forest. They are an endangered species, due mainly to destruction of natural habitat, which is why a conservation area such as the KPNR plays such an important part in their future.

Bushbabies are primates, related to monkeys and baboons. Two species occur in the Lowveld in different habitats. The Lesser Bushbaby prefers low-lying dry thornveld such as in most of the KPNR, but our cuddly little fellow described here is essentially a forest and well developed woodland dweller. Hence they will choose large trees as their home territories, particularly if trees are close together for ease

of movement through the canopies and to provide cover during daylight.

Bushbabies are strictly nocturnal and are agile climbers. During the day they rest in nests of fresh leaves in dense cover, preferring to be in family groups. Females sleep with their offspring, often more than one generation all huddled together nice and cosy. Adult males are loners and avoid each other, generally sleeping alone, but some lucky guy will on occasions have a soft and cuddly lady climb into bed with him. She is readily accepted of course.

Mating takes place in the cold winter months and babies, very often twins, are born in November.

They are born with fur and open eyes and can crawl within 30 minutes, but obediently stay in their leafy beds for three weeks. Mother then takes them with her on foraging excursions and introduces them to solid food. She carries them at first, either in her mouth or on her back until fully weaned at only 10 weeks of age.

Their main diet is fruit and insects and foraging excursions start soon after dark with exceptional care taken to groom each other prior to foraging. This grooming often goes on for a considerable time. They must look neat and tidy for their shopping trips!

To the uninitiated it is alarming to hear a Bushbaby calling at night. They make a variety of chirps, squeaks, clicks and the like when chatting to each other, but it is the loud alarm call that is so scary.

They make mournful screaming cries, similar to that of a human baby. Hence the delightful name of Bushbaby.

9 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

Janovsky birds

are going places

By Kate Carstens, photo by Cassie Carstens

J

anovsky group has been one of the most interesting and rewarding groups of Ground-Hornbills to monitor. Not only is this group super productive, but the offspring reared by the group have really been going places! The breeding pair has had a busy time fledging one chick almost every year since the summer of 2006.

That’s seven chicks over eight years! Truly remarkable. Three of these young birds have since left the group. This is a story of where they’ve gone and what they’re up to.

A young female who hatched in 2009 has been seen with a ‘floater’ group occupying a space in central Klaserie on the boundary of Pitlochry and Senalala groups. This group is sometimes seen on middle airstrip and most recently I had a sighting of her one kilometre south of HQ, along the main access road with the others. She has red and yellow rings on her left leg, so have a look the next time you see a group along the main access road, you may see her.

Recently, Cassie photographed a young male with Senalala group on northern Charloscar. His ring combination matched an individual ringed in Janovsky nest in March 2011.

So, like the young female, he too selected a group not too far away from home.

Lastly, the first chick ever to have fledged from the Janovsky nest box

has been with the group since 2007. In 2013 I received a photograph of a male Ground-Hornbill taken near Hamiltons Safari Camp in the Kruger National Park.

I matched the ring combination to the Janovsky male. He was 75 km from home!

The colour ringing project in the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) has proved successful and provided us with the opportunity of monitoring dispersal of many individuals so far. It continues to yield fascinating insight into the dispersal patterns of this species.

10 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

Photo by Maria Diekmann

A Scaly Mammal Article and photos by Allison Sharp and Darren Pietersen

I

f there is one mammal that is found on the wish list of most nature enthusiasts it has to be the pangolin. The name Pangolin is derived from the Malay Peng-guling which translates to the roller. This refers to their defence mechanism of rolling into a ball when threatened or stressed. There are eight species of pangolin in the world, four in Asia and four in Africa. In South Africa we have only one species, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin Smutsia temminckii.

Defence mechanisms

Pangolins are very secretive solitary animals and predominantly nocturnal thus they are seldom encountered. During the day they will seek refuge in burrows made by other animals like aardvark, or in caves and thickets. While walking on their hind legs through the vegetation they make quite a bit of noise but at the slightest hint of danger will freeze and stand upright to sniff the air.

When danger is detected they will either move off at a fast pace or roll into a secure ball with their keratin scales forming a protective armour, covering their vulnerable head and stomach.

If attempted to pry open, the pangolin moves its tail from side to side and the assailant risks getting cut by the sharpedged scales. They may also give off a foul smelling waxy secretion from an anal gland to ward off their attacker.

Diet

Their diet consists exclusively of Formicid Ants and some termites. They can consume up to 70 million ants per year. Using its acute sense of smell it locates ant nests and uses its long claws to dig a hole into the nest. It will stick its head into the hole and use its rounded sticky tongue to remove ants from the safety of their tunnels.

The tongue of a pangolin is longer than its body and is retracted along a hookshaped structure called the Xiphisternum which extends along the ventral midline to the pelvis, then curves upwards towards

the backbone, and extends below the spine forward again, ending just before the diaphragm. They also have no teeth and their food is ground up by keratinous spines and debris (ingested during feeding) in the stomach.

Breeding

Nobody knows how old pangolins get, although a pangolin has survived for 19 years in captivity. It is believed that Temminck’s Ground Pangolins reach similar ages in the wild. Their gestation period is three to four

11 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28 months, and they give birth to only one offspring. Pangolins are born with soft scales and the pup remains in a burrow for the first month. After this it will start exploring its immediate environment around the burrow entrance during the day and ‘hitch’ a ride on its mother’s back when she goes foraging at night.

The pup travels on the mother’s back for two to three months.

During this period it progressively spends more time walking and foraging next to the mother, alternated with rides on her back. Females have two pectoral mammary glands, like elephants or humans, and the female returns to the burrow at regular intervals to allow the baby to suckle.

When threatened, the mother will roll up around her youngster protecting it from harm. As the youngster’s armour becomes stronger and it is able to completely cover its head with its tail it will curl up on its own alongside its mother. Eventually it will go its separate way to continue its solitary life.

Habitat

Pangolins have fairly large home ranges, ranging from 10–24 km2. This varies with the size of the pangolin, with smaller animals having smaller home ranges. In the Lowveld and Zimbabwe, males have larger home ranges than females, and a male’s home range will overlap four to five females’. By contrast, in the Kalahari, male and female home ranges are virtually identical in size and extent. Pangolins do not have any vocalisations, but they emit a regular snorting sound while foraging. They are also noisy when walking because of undergrowth rubbing against their scales.

@ Leadwood Corner in Hoedspruit (Spar complex)

079 807 3479

info@pixelsunlimited.co.za

Threatened status

Pangolins are under severe threat across their range. They are revered for their purported medicinal powers and are extensively used in the traditional medicine or muthi trade, as ornamentations during traditional ceremonies and for bush meat. Of grave concern is the steep rise in the number of pangolins that are being confiscated from illegal trade in southern Africa, and Africa as a whole.

During the period 2011–2013, an estimated 89 000–178 000 pangolin were traded worldwide, the majority destined for Asia.

Between 2010 and 2013, 71 pangolins were confiscated from trade in southern Africa.

This is a massive 2 400 % increase from the previous five years, and indicates an increase in trade levels from Africa as the Asian pangolin populations plummet. Due to the illegal nature of this trade it is difficult to get accurate data, and these figures are undoubtedly an underestimate.

Also of concern in South Africa in particular are accidental electrocutions on electrified game fences.

Pangolins walk in an upright position and when they encounter a game fence their exposed stomach area comes into contact with it.

When shocked, the pangolin’s instinctive reaction is to roll into a ball, trying to protect itself from the sudden threat. Instead it rolls itself up around the wire, constantly being shocked and staying rolled up to escape the onslaught, resulting in a terrible death by electrocution. Based on available data, a staggering 436–1 190 pangolins are electrocuted on game fences in southern Africa each year. These statistics are of great concern to an already threatened species.

Due to the magnitude of the threat posed by electrified fences, the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) in collaboration with Tswalu Kalahari Reserve and other private game reserves are currently undertaking research to find a solution to this threat.

The levels of local and international trade are also monitored on a continuous basis to gain a better understanding of the magnitude posed by this threat, as well as the trends thereof. The APWG, in collaboration with the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, the University of the Free State and the Tshwane University of Technology, are also undertaking genetic research to determine the relatedness between the different geographical regions, information that is essential when it comes to determining where confiscated pangolins should and can be released.

What can I do?

Due to their secretive nature, a direct census of pangolins is not possible as with many other animals, and researchers rely on sighting frequency and distribution to monitor the population on an ongoing basis. The public can help by submitting pangolin sightings directly to the APWG through their website www.pangolin.org. za or to MammalMAP at vmus.adu.org.za.

Each sighting makes a difference so please submit yours if you see this shy creature.

12 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

Dutch exchange students visit Matikinya

A

‘

Dutch exchange student group along with their Southern Cross counterparts were warmly welcomed by the principal, Mr Mathews Mdluli and the learners of Seganyane Primary School when they arrived to do volunteer work at the school on Friday 9 May. The group was shown around the school by Mr Mdluli and then taken to the MAD CHARITY™ Eco Village where they assisted with clearing, planting and fencing in preparation of the new planting season.

These vegetable gardens are incorporated in the ecology syllabus which Children’s Eco Training (CET) presents to learners at the school in their weekly classes.

They also contribute to the daily meal which is given to the children at school and have become an essential and highly popular part of the school’s syllabus.

‘

Leanne den Boer

When we arrived at the school, we received an enthusiastic welcome from the children. We were led to a small building with a stage, where the children danced and sang for us.

They were very happy and looked at us full of interest. After the performance, we went on a tour through the school.

Children were waving and smiling at us from every classroom we passed.

Once we arrived at the school garden we were divided into three groups.

One group was going to plant trees, another group was going to plant vegetables and the group that I was

in was going to repair the broken fence. It was hard work, but for a good purpose, namely teaching children how to live a sustainable life, and it was worth it in the end.

Rozemarijn Wieringa

Big eyes were watching us as we got out of the car.

The children were all dressed in beautifully coloured clothes. As soon as all of us were out of the car someone started slamming a drum and the children started dancing. I felt a little uncomfortable, it was just me, they don’t need to do this for me, I thought. It was beautiful though and they all seemed so happy to see us.

After the grand opening, the head showed us the rest of the school. The classes were full but we saw new classes were being built, with coloured walls and proper ceilings. I loved seeing all the little children looking at us with their big, dark eyes. They were shy but as soon as I started waving they waved back very enthusiastically.

Then we had to start working, planting trees and fixing fences. They have a big garden where they grow their own vegetables and it was beautiful to see the children are taught how to produce their own food. It was a great experience to help them with their future!

13 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

JACKal of all trades

By Judy Meeser, photos by Ziggy Hugo

T

he quick and crafty black-backed jackal, Canis mesomelas is sighted often in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) and is highly territorial, preferring open areas and airstrips.

Black-backed jackals (also known as silver-backed) are handsome, compact little opportunists with a reputation for cunning.

They pair for life and couples do everything together. They hunt, share food, defend their territory and howl in chorus as a pair.

The bonded couple practice social grooming in the most endearing fashion and even share babysitting duties. The bond is broken when one mate dies and then the surviving jackal will likely lose its territory to another pair.

Black-backed jackals are mainly nocturnal but often active during the day, especially

in overcast weather. They are omnivores, hunters and scavengers and prey on insects and rodents, pouncing on them or rooting them out of burrows. Birds and eggs are sought after and small mammals like impala lambs are taken when pairs and grown offspring hunt in packs.

Then, of course they eat fruit and berries – hence the name of the Jackal Berry Tree. Be that is it may, black-backed jackals are mostly known for their intrepid daring at kills of larger predators. It is fascinating to watch a jackal dash in under a mighty lion paw to steal a morsel of meat.

Jackals forage in areas of 7-12 km from their homes. The quintessential opportunist, their diet even includes cat fish (barbel) and baby seals on the West Coast.

Jackals locate carrion by smell from up to a kilometre downwind and from watching vultures and listening for other predator activity. At carcasses they are quick and agile, trotting around, darting between hyenas and vultures and other jackals where there is rivalry for dominance.

For communication, jackals

make use of a siren like drawn-out call to maintain contact between family members.

Body postures and facial expressions play a vital role in communication with the aggressor, adopting a forward stance with ears pointed and wrinkled snout exposing canines. The submissive jackal flattens its ears and tucks its tail in and cringes down.

Both sexes mark their territory with urine.

The other jackal we encounter in the KPNR is the side-striped jackal, Canis Adustus, a taller and heavier species that prefers grassy wooded habitats and avoids open areas as well as the arid habitats to which black-backed jackal is well adapted. To recognise a sidestriped jackal look for the white tip to its tail as it too has something of a saddle on its back that resembles that of the black-backed.

The main component of a side-striped jackal’s diet tends to vary with the seasons, consisting of small mammals in the dry months, insects and other invertebrates in the wet season and fruits when available. Birds and eggs are also preyed upon. The side-striped is less bold at kills and carcasses, and does not consume as much carrion as the black-backed.

This species of jackal is also monogamous and become more vocal when mating between June and August. The pups have a high mortality rate even though they may be cared for by the parents as well as non-breeding individuals.

These two species of jackal are similar but significantly different, allowing them each to exploit a distinct set of conditions, a niche in the eco-system, so that they can co-exist side by side with very little extra-specific competition.

An Old Timer Remembers

The New Beginning

The Gillatt and Barnes families

By Ivan Gillatt

M

ajor changes were taking place in the Crookes and Gillatt families during the year 1950.

My uncle John, known as JJ Crookes, the owner of the farms Northampton, Kent, Cumberland and Elgin had decided to reduce his land holdings in the Klaserie area. Dad, Freddie Gillatt, had relocated to Gledhow, the sugar estate and mill just outside Stanger where he had been the visiting director for many years. JJ sold Cumberland and Elgin (which later became Charloscar) to the Andrews family. He sold Northampton to Freddie.

Part of the deal was that Freddie was to select a site and build a replica of the Northampton camp on Kent, which JJ was keeping. The old wood and iron kitchen was also to be moved to the new site.

The deal was concluded and Freddie said that one of JJ’s family should agree on the new site. So on 1 August Colin, JJ’s son, and Gordon GordonWatson, his son-in-law, arrived at Freddie’s camp.

During our stay we drove to Kent and proceeded up the river road to a lovely site close to the riverbank with a view overlooking some rocks in the riverbed where, at that time, vultures used to come to splash about in the water and dry off on the rocks. It was an ideal camp site. Colin was delighted with the site and felt that it was THE site and so our mission was accomplished.

A typical hunting permit of that time allowed the hunting of six wildebeest, seven impala, five zebra and two kudu. The numbers of the different species were roughly in proportion to species on the farm, but we rarely hunted the full permit. We hunted mainly wildebeest. The yearlings made excellent table meat and the mature ones were very good for biltong. A few impala and the odd kudu were also hunted.

One day we took a drive to the new Kent campsite. We were lucky to have a good siting of a herd of twenty sable of which there were still quite a few around in those days. On another drive, approaching the Dover boundary we suddenly saw a beautiful tawny-maned lion but before we could do anything, it ran off. We alighted from the vehicle and followed its spoor for a while.

Malebyboomslang We saw the spoor where a lioness had joined him. She had actually been closer to us but on

the lower side, an exciting sighting.

All too soon it was time to break camp and return home after another most enjoyable time.

During March 1951 Freddie had a quick trip to Northampton where he briefed Ernest Whittingstall on where the new camp on Kent was to be built and also the placing of the huts. Ernest then organised some locals to build the new wattle and daub huts just as Pump Willis had done at Northampton years before. Freddie’s next trip to Northampton was in July. By this time the Kent huts had been built and our builder Norman Zama put the cement floors down and then proceeded to do renovations at Northampton. The kitchen at Northampton was being replaced with a timber frame building with masonite cladding, a cement block alcove for the wood stove and a corrugated iron roof. This trip was to have another first. My mother Ivy and sister Beryl were to join us for a brief stay.

They drove up with their driver spending two nights on the road. We showed them the new Kent camp and went on a game drive where we had good sightings of what there was to be seen. They had had a very leisurely trip up but going home was a different matter.

We were unable to arrange accommodation so we ended up driving through the night arriving home at 5:45 the next morning.

Later in August Freddie organised a farewell trip for JJ at Northampton where he had enjoyed himself so many times.

This finale was to be no exception and with a full camp it was enjoyed by all.

Our next trip began on 7 July 1952. It was to be the first Gillatt family camp. The kitchen had been completed as well as a bathroom and toilet with an old fashioned galvanised iron bath. We had a copper hot water boiler outside with two 44 gallon drums for cold water. To have a bath one used two big jugs of cold water and one of hot water. If you forgot the order you soon learnt as you could have a scalded bottom. Freddie amused us by christening the bath and inviting us to come and see the spectacle. A change from a dip in the river, even though water had to be carted up by the bucket full.

Colin with his two boys, Alan and David had also come up and they spent a few days finishing off Kent camp so it could be ready for occupation. Their bathroom was comparatively luxurious as it had

Photo by Simon Roberts

14 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

running tap water and a slow combustion stove for the hot water.

After they had left, their two teenage sons joined us. They were accustomed to camp life as they had often been to Mala Mala over the years. The Whittingstalls came down for a day visit and as usual we had a most enjoyable day. Ivy Whittingstall and Ivy Gillatt soon became friends. They had so many common interests: gardens, aloes, plants, flowers etc.

Remember that in those days there were no fridges, so for meat we lived off the land. Francolin stew was a welcome change from venison. The odd live chicken used to be taken up for the table as well.

Ivy Gillatt had some sand placed next to the meat room which was kept damp and the likes of carrots and turnips would be ‘planted’ in the sand to keep them fresh. Bread would be baked in the kitchen but the yeast was stale and it would not rise. She would write a note to the store for other veggies and eggs and they would endeavour to get the supplies we needed. Bread from the store was sometimes a problem as it was often as hard as a brick. Ernest later found that the people at the bakery had a liking for the yeast and used some of it for brewing some concoction which made them decidedly merry at the cost of well-risen bread.

Transformation of the camp was now complete as a new hut had been built for our camp guards and another for the Zulu team who always accompanied us to keep the kitchen going and help spotting and tracking when necessary. Camp was now more comfortable and all was set for many a happy and sometimes exciting time with lions visiting us.

But more of that some other time.

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Another rip-roaring CET winners’ excursion

By Corné Havenga, photos by Esté Gerber

T

he annual Children’s Eco Training (CET) winners’ excursion is always a highlight on the CET calendar and this year was no different.

On a beautiful autumn Friday, 25 excited children and trainers made their way to Mafunyane Riverside Water Park in Nelspruit. The park features seven rip-roaring attractions and the children and teachers were ready to enjoy a fun-filled day of exhilarating rides and poolside chilling. The “Zooming Zebra” and “Boomslang Bungee” are both kamikaze slides built for speed and had the children holding their breath at first before running back for more as the thrilling rides proved to be loads of fun.

After a fantastic, adrenalin-filled day at the water park the group set off to Kaapsehoop Horse Trails for the rest of the weekend where they would spend lots of time horse riding and hiking through the forests.

Saturday started off with a scrumptious breakfast and a brief introduction to horsemanship, where after the group was divided into three smaller groups for the morning activities. The activities included archery, horse riding and game of “Kubb” – a classic Viking lawn game that had the teams testing their aim and throwing ability. The horse riding was by far the most popular activity of the day and the children anxiously awaited their turn. The ride was truly a magical experience, as we enjoyed breathtaking scenery riding through Komatiland’s beautiful Berlin forest.

The morning programme was followed by a delicious lunch and an afternoon hike.

The trail led through the pine tree plantation and patches of indigenous forest. The final destination was a beautiful stream, where the children enjoyed a refreshing swim in the crisp, clear water. After another busy day the fires were lit for the evening braai, followed by a much-anticipated open air cinema.

Sunday morning arrived far too quickly and after another delicious breakfast we headed off to Sudwala Caves, situated ideally on the Panorama route. The tour guide was extremely informative and shared the rich history of the caves with the group. The Sudwala Caves offered a fascinating trip into the earth’s interior and the group was absolutely amazed by the ancient calcium structures formed over millions of years.

After the extremely educational tour everyone enjoyed a lovely Sunday lunch at Pierre’s Mountain Inn before heading back home.

All the children were exceptionally well-behaved and an absolute pleasure to accompany, a true testimony to the CET programme.

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Africa’s important spiders The Klaserie Chronicle’s two resident spider experts, Jonathan Leeming and Donald Strydom share their thoughts on venomous spiders in the Klaserie and the not-so-venomous ones. If there’s one thing they agree on, it’s that we shouldn’t be scared of our eight-legged friends. And definitely not squash them!

Usually, spider-related fatalities around the world are caused by a combination of their venomosity, a lack of medical facilities and treatment as well as ignorance from medical professionals.

The average spider’s venom has very little effect upon humans. Many spiders rarely bite, while others only deliver a mechanical bite, when their fangs penetrate human skin but don’t release venom. Despite the lack of evidence that spiders are dangerous to humans, the average person lives in misguided fear of these creatures.

Many people may think that the world would be a better place without spiders but without their existence, insect populations would blossom, impacting upon food crops and spreading disease.

The four medically important groups mentioned previously, can easily be identified by appearance alone and in some cases, the location of their web and appearance of egg sacs can also be used to reinforce the identification.

Story and photos by Jonathan Leeming and Donald Strydom

Even before Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, human civilisation has had a morbid fascination with spiders. It’s ironic however, that although many people suffer from a phobia of spiders, the average spider is completely harmless. In fact, of the approximately 2 500 spider species known in South Africa, only about 20 species are considered medically important because their bites are known to cause traumatic symptoms which may require medical attention.

These 20 species can be divided into four groups, of which three are found in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR): Button Spiders, Violin Spider and the Sac Spider. The fourth medically important spider in South Africa is the Six-eyed Sand Spider and is found further north around the town of Musina in the Limpopo.

Worldwide, and since the introduction of anti-venom, very few fatalities can be attributed directly to spiders. Even the legendary Sydney Funnel-web Spider from Australia last caused a fatality in 1981.

The name Button Spider refers to the shape of the abdomen which is round like a button. All Button Spiders have neurotoxic venom that affects the muscles of the body, causing them to cramp; a bite from one can be extremely painful. Only females have been implicated in bites, as males are too small to bite through human skin. In southern Africa we divide Button

Black Button Spider

Brown Button Spider

Button Spiders

Golden Brown Baboon Spider Jonathan Leeming is author of Scorpions of southern Africa and a First Aid Guide to Spider Bites and Scorpion Stings. He offers a venomous animal risk management solution to corporate clients, and offers first aid training all around Africa. He is also guest lecturer for Pretoria University for the Diploma on Tropical Health and Diseases. Jonathan is running a series of First aid courses at the Khamai Reptile Park in Hoedspruit.

For more information on medically important spiders and first aid courses visit www.scorpions.co.za.

spiders into two groups, the Black Button Spider and the Brown Button Spider.

Black Button Spider

There are four species of Black Button Spider in southern Africa. They share the common characteristics of the strength of their venom, appearance, preferred habitat and appearance of their egg sacs. All four species prefer to live in the natural habitat and are very rarely found in and around human habitation. They are extremely shy, reclusive, non-aggressive and seldom seen but are often confused with the Brown Button Spider, mentioned below.

A Black Button Spider produces egg sacs with a smooth surface while the Brown Button Spider’s egg sac has numerous

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Donald Strydom started the Khamai Reptile Centre in 1984. The Centre is known for its policy to conserve through education and research and tends to both exotic and local indigenous animals, including snakes, crocodiles, spiders, scorpions, frogs, lizards, leguaan, turtles, monkeys and some birds. He has been involved with several expeditions in Africa, Asia and the Americas and has worked with the BBC, National Geographic and the Discovery Channel in the making of several documentaries. For more information on the Khamai Reptile Centre visit www.khamai.co.za. panicles extending from its surface. Another notable feature of the Black Button Spider is that it is always black and doesn’t have a red hour glass marking on the underside of its body.

Black Button Spiders are not the same as the American Black Widow Spider and there are no known records of a fatal bite by a Black Button Spider in South Africa.

Brown Button Spider

The name Brown Button Spider refers to two different species of spider. Both are similar in appearance, although they produce very different egg sacs. Although they are called Brown Button Spiders, they can be cream to black in colour.

Both species of Brown Button Spiders have a red hourglass marking under the abdomen.

Sac Spider

The only medically important group that refers to one species, rather than a group of species.

These spiders are often found inside houses. Their sac-like retreats can often be found in

the folds at the top of curtains, between a window and frame, or in the corner of a room.

Fast moving and quick to bite, these aggressive nocturnal spiders roam about during the warmer months, hunting for prey. Many bites occur while people are asleep, but a notable number have occurred when people are putting on clothes harbouring these spiders.

Sac Spider bites are often misdiagnosed as that of a Violin Spider but early symptoms of these bites are characteristic and very different from that of a Violin Spider.

Sac Spider

Violin Spider

Information on Violin Spiders has become so mixed up with misidentifications, hoaxes, rumours and general hysteria, that what we often regard as a Violin Spider is not a true Violin Spider.

Some species live in caves, while others prefer savannah habitats and in some areas it’s not uncommon to find them in houses.

The number of bites from these spiders is grossly exaggerated due to the frequent misdiagnoses of bite-like symptoms.

Violin Spider and Sac Spider venoms are both cytotoxic, however, early symptoms of their bites are different. They’ve generated an almost mythical reputation, but in reality bites from these spiders are not common.

Violin Spider

Six-Eyed Sand Spider

These free living spiders are ground dwelling and have a uniform yellowishbrown overall colour. They have a dusty and sandy looking appearance, taking on the colouration of the ground that they live on. These spiders do not make a web, but instead lie half buried in the sand waiting for prey to wander past. They are Six-eyed Sand Spider widespread, but more common in arid areas.

Their behaviour and natural history have resulted in very few recorded bites, therefore symptoms of their bites in humans are poorly understood. Experiments on Brown Lynx Spider rabbits indicate that these spiders are highly venomous and potentially life-threatening.

There are many more spiders in the KPNR though that are not medically important and for the most part just extremely interesting. These are just a few of them:

Brown Lynx Spider

This fascinating spider is not dangerous at all and is common in the KPNR. It is a small spider and hardly ever seen, while sitting on a grass stem waiting for prey. It has been observed moving onto fresh buffalo dung in order to maximise

CET says thank you for ongoing support to ...

• Berwick Academy volunteers – Soccer balls, equipment and shirts given to Seganyane school • Lawson’s Birding – Reference books • Vee Barns - Hoedspruit Couriers – Assistance with transport

• Savanha ConstructionAssistance with classroom refurbishment project • Rynfield Primary - Books, games, toys and cd’s/dvd’s • Jannie De Lange – for discount on

quantum hire for Winner’s excursion • Dutch exchange group – donation towards Kit-a-Kid initiative • Kaapsehoop Horse Trails- hosting CET Winners’ excursion • Elephant’s Drift and Pretorian

Advert kindly sponsored by an anonymous donor

Technologies- sponsored CET Bush school • AVI- Hosting CET for cross cultural training • CWBSA- hosting Capacity Building workshop

18 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28 its chances of finding prey attracted to the dung. They have an amazing eye arrangement with a real 360 degree view of its surroundings.

Green Lynx Spider

The Lynx spiders carry their egg sac with them and are extremely possessive, holding on to the sac no matter what. Sometimes they are bumped off a bush by an open game drive vehicle, landing up in the vehicle still clutching onto the egg sac for the duration of the drive. Lynx Spiders are known for the thick bristle-like sensory hairs on their legs.

Golden Orb Web Spider

Fishing Spider

Green Lynx Spider Small Crab Spider

One might wonder what happens to all the Orb-web Spiders during winter. They all die after laying an egg sac safely hidden and well protected with silk. During summer, an adult female will indulge itself with insects within its web, becoming an impressive spider ready to be fertilised by the much smaller male.

As with most spiders, the female will eat the male at any opportunity. The male therefore waits for her to become pre-occupied with a large meal before attempting to fertilise her.

Small Crab Spider

Unlike most Crab Spiders, these harmless little spiders do not look like a crab. They are elongated and camouflage themselves perfectly on their preferred grassy habitat. They will jump and run quickly off the grass if disturbed, only to settle again with legs extended onto another stem to become almost invisible.

Below: Egg Sac of Golden Orb Spider

Golden Orb Spider

Daddy Long-legs Spider

Often thought to be highly venomous but not able to pierce human skin with a bite, these common spiders are in fact absolutely harmless. So much so that if you had to extract the venom from a dozen spiders and inject this into a person, it will still have no lethal effect. The male spider has swollen chelicerae with very sensitive, specialised, sensory hairs. These are used to locate a viable female and deposit sperm.

Fishing Spider

Another harmless spider, the Fishing Spider lives in the vicinity of water where it captures prey. They position themselves at the edge of a pond, mostly at night, with forelegs extended over the top of the water. They use the water as other spiders would use their webs to capture prey. These spiders are able to feel the vibrations of a fish or an insect trapped on the water’s surface then dive in and capture the fish or run on top of the water for the insect.

Golden Brown Baboon Spider

One of the largest and most inoffensive spiders found in the KPNR, these big guys live in holes they dig for themselves. It takes an average of five to seven years for this tarantulalike spider to dig an adequate burrow to live in. They reach an age of about 30 years and are sexually mature at the age of about 15.

Daddy Long Legs Spider (male)

page kindly sponsored by an anonymous donor

19 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

US students overwhelmed by Seganyane kindness

By Berwick Students

15

students from Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine, USA had an incredible day with Children’s Eco Training (CET) and the children of Seganyane Primary School when they visited the school for a day of volunteer work.

The students couldn’t stop talking about the warm welcome they received, how different things were from their hometown and most of all how they appreciated connecting with the children at the school in a meaningful way.

The fact that they weren’t just observers but given a chance to participate in a project that will provide tangible benefits for the learners made the visit a profoundly important part of their travels.

Here’s what some of the students had to say about the experience.

The day at Seganyane Primary school was one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip for me. I’ve done a lot of farm labour before and the programme’s goals were really interesting and engaging. I also really enjoyed interacting with the students and teachers there, especially during our soccer game, an event that I will always remember. – Jesse I have never experienced anything more adorable and jaw dropping than seeing a large group of children singing and dancing upon my arrival! The school was beautiful and, in particular, the colours throughout the school looked amazing. During the day, my group filled rubber tires with compost and soil and planted seeds in each to add to the garden. Later we painted these tires different bright colours and the kids helped us paint (it got a little messy!). After the hard work we played a thrilling game of soccer against the students. The game was a fun way to end a great day. Thanks for letting us visit your school! – Kennedy

While in South Africa, we worked in communities, especially involving gardening.

It shouldn’t actually be called work, it was a blast! Tiring, sure, but it was such a good thing to do and I feel that we all learned a lot. Besides planting crops in a community garden, several of us built wire fences to protect the garden. Throughout all the hammering of wooden poles, twisting and tightening of wire, we saw kids everywhere, kids who we were going to help by building this fence, and that was a great feeling.

I can’t wait to go back again! – Sam Working with the kids was such a great experience. They were so knowledgeable about the projects we were working on and really helped get us excited. Also, the soccer game with the whole school was a really fun time. Having the whole school either playing or watching really made us look at the different culture of where we were and it was really fun to be able to share that experience with all of them. – Kelly

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An African Adventure

UK University students’ trip of a lifetime

By Robyn Silcock

18

students from Newquay College in the UK were given an incredible opportunity to take part in a 10-day trip to the Kruger National Park.

On top of amazing encounters with the Big Five and exclusive access to a rhino capture, students visited the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) to spend the day with the Ground-Hornbill research team.

With backgrounds in zoology, conservation, animal behaviour and ecology, the students and staff were keen to learn about the science underpinning South African park and animal management. After receiving some background on the bird’s conservation status and breeding ecology, Kate Carstens – who is heading the research team in the KPNR – introduced the students to her study’s methodology and thus the nesting boxes.

En-route to the closest nest, students were treated to a relaxed viewing of a beautiful, collared tusker, that just the day before, had featured in a presentation from

‘Save the Elephants’. Once the elephant had moved on, the bravest students were able to scale a ladder and view a disused Ground-Hornbill nest box.

Upon leaving the nest, some students were lucky enough to spot three Ground-Hornbills taking off from under the shade of a nearby tree.

Students enjoyed pizza and bird watching, and the College and Ground-Hornbill teams were able to discuss the future of their new collaboration. “Kate, Cassie and our staff had a lot in common; it was super to make some new friends with similar interests. I’m really keen to visit the Klaserie again and look to make a more formal, scientific contribution to the important work of the GroundHornbill project,” said trip coordinator, Robyn Silcock.

“The trip as a whole was enormously successful. It resulted in students not just developing their field skills, but experiencing encounters that will last them a lifetime.

Thank you to Kate and Cassie for being part of that”.

The group with Kate, the Ground Hornbill nest sits subtly in the background.

Robyn braves the ladder.

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A love for Mud Wasps

By Peter Lawson

W

Hannes Steenkamp

Sceliphron spirifex.

Photos Wikkimedia Commons, donkeyshot and fulvio314

e have a natural inbred fear of wasps due to their aggressive nature and very painful sting, but there is a diverse group of solitary wasps that are not at all aggressive. Indeed I have yet to find someone who has been stung by one.

Members of the family Sphecidae are common at the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) and a number of species are deserving of protection.

Some are quite common and their large size of 2cm or more puts fear into humans, which usually means disaster to the unsuspecting wasp when she is going about her business of ridding her chosen garden of unwanted pests. Most species prey on caterpillars and a few on spiders.

One of the commonest of these solitary wasps is the good looking Black and Yellow Mud-Wasp, Sceliphron spirifex. She loves to build her mud nest beneath veranda roofs, or in outbuildings where there is access to get in and out freely. Often she will move in and out of a building where there is little access and it is fascinating to watch her move through a room to her nest of mud and then exit via the same route. As a child, I regarded them highly intelligent as I would play a game by closing the fanlight or window where access was gained once the wasp had entered the room. On departing she would quickly discover this route was

now blocked and move around, sometimes even to another room, until she found a new opening. What was even more interesting was that on her next entry she would use this same route again and go directly to her nest. I loved this wasp and she was a princess in my mother’s kitchen.

This particular, colourful wasp species stocks her nest with spiders which she has paralysed by stinging them.

She collects more spiders until the nest is half full and then lays a single egg on one of the spiders, before filling the nest with more prey. The spiders are not dead, but they are paralysed and provide fresh food for junior when he hatches.

Other mud wasp species do the same with caterpillars.

Another trick I used to play on these wasps as a child was to remove individual spiders from the nest in the mother’s absence. She would then continue to bring more spiders until the nest was full and this game could go on for hours. When I think back on those times I was rather unkind in my youth I fear, but I suppose it was a learning curve and my interest in all things natural continued to grow as a result so the ultimate result has been positive.

sightings

22 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28 Elephant by Stefan Breuer

Warthog by Martin Cassidy

Waterbuck by Regula Beuhler

Above and below: Lilac-breasted roller by Martin Cassidy

Wild dog by Martin Cassidy

Elephant by Martin Cassidy

Pieter Steenkamp page kindly sponsored by an anonymous donor

23 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

Lion by Stefan Breuer

Leopard by Martin Cassidy

Giraffe by Stefan Breuer

sightings Leopard by Jurie van Staden

Squirrels by Martin Cassidy

page kindly sponsored by an anonymous donor

24 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

First CET Bush School

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First CET Bush School a roaring success 16 Children from the Matikinya and Seganyane Primary Schools in Acornhoek were recently treated to a weekend of fun and learning at the very first CET Bush School presented by Children’s Eco Training. This is a new initiative and serves as a winner’s excursion in the CET Support-a-School project.

By Gay Wabeke, photos by Esté Gerber The bush school took place from 1416 March at Elephants Drift Lodge in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) and was sponsored by Elephants Drift Lodge and UK-based Pretorian Technologies.

The top eight grade 7 learners, identified during eco lessons at the two adopted schools, were selected to take part in this event. Being chosen as a participant at the CET Bush School is not only seen as an honour because hard work is being acknowledged, but also because the children get to enjoy a fun weekend away.

For the children it was the adventure of a lifetime! Even though they live in Acornhoek, none of them had been in the “bush” or on safari before and excitement was running high when they arrived. Combine this excitement with a bit of shyness and nerves and there were many a wide eye around.

A few ice breaker activities and games helped settle the nerves though and the children were soon very comfortable in their new surroundings. One of the most enjoyable games was probably Noah’s Ark, in which children and staff were blindfolded and had to make the noise of an animal they were assigned in order to find their mate. Even the lodge staff came out to see what all the strange sounds and laughter coming from the lodge garden were.

Even though fun was at a premium, the weekend was also filled with learning and the children received brief, but informative lessons before every game drive and throughout the camp. They had a lesson on nocturnal animals before going on their first ever night game drive which made the sightings of hippo, buffalo, giraffe, bark spiders and chameleons all the more interesting.

The first day ended with a campfire, hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows before everyone retired to bed to recoup their energy for another fun day.

Day two commenced with coffee, tea, rusks and fruit before the excitement of another safari. Armed with homemade “binoculars and cameras” all sorts of animals were spotted, including a herd of elephants, impala, steenbok, golden orb spiders and many birds. Back at the lodge, and after breakfast, everyone set off on a bush walk along the river and deep into the bush. The walk focussed on food webs and habitats and many creatures were seen and discussed along the way.

More games and learning after the walk meant everyone needed some time off and the swimming pool was the best place to recuperate

after a hot morning outside. After lunch a lesson was given on animal and bird territories, insect identification and night skies. These were followed by games to help everyone remember what they had learnt before an afternoon game drive.

A mouth-watering braai with pap and sauce, chicken sosaties, wors and salad served by the wonderful staff of Elephants Drift ensured the day ended on another highlight before an hour or so of beautiful and interesting stargazing.

The last day started similar to day two with more focus being placed on tracking and animal senses.

After a welcome breakfast it was time to write in their journals about the weekend’s experiences and more educational games. In the wink of an eye it was time for lunch, prizegiving, thanks you’s and sadly time to pack up.

The weekend was a great success and Corné Havenga, CEO of CET said they hope that this will be the first of many Support-a-School winners’ excursions.

“A big thank you must go to our friends, Dave and Jane Gilbert from Pretorian Technologies Ltd. and Richard Goss from Elephants Drift, without whom this initiative would not have been possible. It was an honour to work with them and we hope to continue this relationship long into the future.”

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Seriously playful

and creative

By Corné Havenga, photos by Esté Gerber

T

he Children’s Eco Training (CET) team had the privilege of joining South African Medical Expeditions (SAME) staff and volunteers for a one week capacity building workshop facilitated by Annabel Morgan and Nicholas Mamba from Clowns Without Borders South Africa (CWBSA).

The workshop taught participants how to implement storytelling, mindfulness and theatre in a hands-on participatory and experimental approach. The facilitators were incredible and engaged the group completely from early morning to late afternoon. It was remarkable to see how their integrated approach brought an immediate energy and relaxation to 16 strangers.

The facilitators guided the group through a step-by-step process in designing and implementing their own “creative toolbox”. The idea is for caregivers and teachers to utilise creativity and play to relieve stress, build trust and find new ways to face daily challenges. The workshop placed great emphasis on reflective listening, positive praise and encouragement to build long-lasting relationships

and improve children’s self-esteem.

Everyone had a lot of fun whilst learning and sharing the various games and songs. However, the relevance of all the activities was always part of reflective discussion to highlight the importance of keeping children’s emotional state in mind when interacting with them.

It was clear at the end of the workshop that everyone agreed that play is a universal language for children and that being seriously playful and creative can most definitely develop communication skills and strengthen relationships.

CET would like to thank the CWBSA team for sharing their invaluable skills with our team and the local community and we hope that this will be the first of many workshops to come.

27 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

The friendly Magpie Shrike

By Peter Lawson, photos Jacques de Villiers

E

veryone knows the striking black and white bushveld bird as a descriptive Long-tailed Shrike, so why the name change to the Magpie Shrike? Probably, because it is considered by some not to be a true shrike. When first described in 1831 the description was given as a crowlike bird and it was given the generic name of Corvinella. Crows are in the genus Corvus and true shrikes are Lanius.

Magpies are closely related to crows so this could be a reason.

More importantly, what makes this bird special? Its favoured habitat is Acacia savannah and bushveld but it also ventures into broad-leaved woodland.

Open parkland with short ground cover in these habitats is the best place to find them.

They are normally in small groups of six or more and are conspicuous with their long tails but also give themselves away by their contact calls of various loud whistles and ‘tchzaa’ calls.

Groups move about in a home range of up to 70 hectares.

Although gregarious

they feed and move about in loose flocks but keep in contact with each other by constant talking. They also have a greeting display when up to six birds display together, usually in a tree but occasionally on the ground in a circle, raising their tails and bowing to each other in an impressive dance. Humans can easily relate to this behaviour!

Breeding takes place at any time throughout the long summer. During courtship a guy tempts a girl by bringing her food and feeding her and they frequently sing duets together.

She is rather a flirt if she likes what he is doing for her and she solicits with loud nasal calling, given in a crouched position with her wings slightly drooped and open. He in turn finds this flirty behaviour difficult to resist and they soon have a pair bond.

The loving couple both build their nest together in a thorn tree and he frequently gives happy whistled calls from the nest tree. That changes a bit though after the eggs are laid. When she broods her eggs she gets bored and hungry and can be rather demanding at times.

She begs for food from her man with loud and distinctive ‘tzzeeeer’ calls, but he is obedient and does not argue.

The rest of the group keep their distance while all this is going on, but once the chicks hatch a few chosen helpers will bring food for them in the form of insects, reptiles and small rodents. The chicks stay in the nest for at least two weeks and are noisy little brats, constantly begging for food with a call similar to their mom’s demanding call. Once they fledge it is fascinating to watch them clambering around in the nest tree before taking their first wobbly flight. Mom stays with them during this period but leaves to rejoin the group once her offspring are fully mobile.

When you see Magpie Shrikes in the KPNR don’t just add a tick to your list.

Watch their fascinating behaviour and if you happen to find a nest keep tabs on it and you will find a new dimension to bird watching.

Your R250 can change a life Buy a uniform - consisting of a shirt, shorts or a dress, a jersey, shoes and socks.

Contact Corné @ 082 713 8778 or corne@ecochildren.co.za

Advert kindly sponsored by an anonymous donor

28 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

BirdLife South Africa calls on a ban of lead shot

M

igratory birds represent an unusually tough conservation dilemma because they range across vast areas of the earth’s surface.

Their long trips mean the birds are exposed to a wide range of threats, from natural predation and adverse weather, to manmade threats like wind farms, exposure to poisons and pesticides, and habitat destruction.

One of these poisons is lead. Sport hunters of water birds typically employ lead shot and over time, wetlands can see a build up of lead in the ecosystem, gradually poisoning all manner of species.

To this end, scientists working with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP)’s Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) have called on the world’s nations to take decisive action in banning lead shot from use where its accumulation could result in the poisoning of non-target species.

BirdLife South Africa supports this call and looks forward to working with our partners in the hunting fraternity in southern Africa to ensure the sustainability of our migratory bird species for generations to come.

Common Egg-eater

the egg without it cracking and loosing valuable nutrients.

The egg then enters the neck area where there are a series of bony projections.

These form part of the vertebrae and serve to crack the egg lengthwise. After the egg has been cracked the neck muscles contract, crushing it and the contents are swallowed.

The shell pieces are held together by the egg membranes. This allows the snake to regurgitate the crushed shell in a neat boat shaped package. Being adapted to egg eating has its disadvantages.

Having no venom means these snakes are open to being preyed upon by birds, mammals like mongooses and even other snakes. This is where the heart of a Black Mamba comes in.

When harassed, this little snake coils and uncoils on the same spot, rubbing its rough keeled scales together and emitting a hissing sound similar to some

A small snake with a big heart

By Allison Sharp We always seem to hear about the big, the bad and the ugly when it comes to snakes but I would like to shift the focus to a little snake with attitude and the heart of a Black Mamba.

Common Egg-eaters are plentiful in the Lowveld and often confused with Rhombic Night Adders when encountered.

These snakes in fact have no venom and virtually no teeth.

Although this might seem strange there is a very simple explanation. Common Egg-eaters, as the name suggests, specialise in feeding on bird eggs.

Although other snakes may also feed on eggs, these egg-eaters have taken it to the next level.

Firstly, having virtually no teeth allows them to swallow

adders. To add to the show, it opens its mouth wide, revealing a completely black mouth and strikes at its attacker.

The strike is never carried through as this would reveal its carefully orchestrated ruse. This brave show can look quite scary to a predator and may have it thinking twice about messing with this feisty little snake.

29 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

By Gay Wabeke, photos be Esté Gerber

T

he CET April holiday workshop themed Geology and Soils was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved. Children’s natural affinity and attraction to play in the dirt made the topic of rocks, minerals and soil interesting from the get-go.

After getting the basic concepts of geology, minerals and soil out of the way it was down to business with an action-packed day of fun with songs, art projects, board games, microscopes, experiments and various other games.

First off the children learnt a song about the rock cycle to help them remember how the three main types of rocks – sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic – are formed. Next up was a rock identification game where they had to identify rocks by what they felt and looked like.

After a quick lesson on what people use rocks for, they were off on a treasure hunt for famous rocks from around the world. The children learnt about Mount Rushmore (South Dakota, USA), Stonehenge (England), the Pyramids and Sphinx (Egypt), the Twelve Apostles (Victoria, Australia), Devil’s Tower (Wyoming, USA) and the Arches National Park (Utah, USA).

During the mineral lesson the children gazed at the crystal structures of different minerals like salt, feldspar and mica under microscopes to get a better idea of what minerals are and what they look like. Next was a lesson on how rocks fit into nature and a look at graphite, the most common rock type in the Lowveld. The children learnt about its structure, minerals (quartz, mica and feldspar) and what it tells us about the soils and trees in the area. After this it was time for the rock ‘n roll board game, which was a big hit and definitely helped to bring everything that was learnt during the day home.

The last part of the day focused on soils and was packed with lessons about how soil is formed, experiments, a sand art project where a poster was designed with different layers of soil and the environment on top. The sand castle relay and marble race ensured the day ended on a high before the excitement of prize giving. Another successful holiday workshop!

The wonderful world of geology and soils

30 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

MAD CHARITY™ sponsors a third Eco Village

By Corné Havenga, photos Esté Gerber, Lynette Strauss

T

he Children’s Eco Training (CET) Eco Village programme funded by MAD CHARITY™ has grown from strength to strength. It has made a significant impact on both the children and local community, inspiring them to embrace the beauty of nature, fully understand the intrinsic value of their environment and subsequently protecting this environment for future generations.

CET’s vision is to expand

the Eco Village programme by establishing the project at more schools within the Acornhoek/Bushbuckridge area. The aim of this project is to establish food security in primary schools in the area by teaching learners basic agricultural methods and ecology knowledge.

We are once again very privileged to have MAD CHARITY™ as a partner funding the third Eco Village Project and enabling CET to continue to make a positive impact on the community.

The expansion and improvement of learners’

MAD CHARITY™ focuses on providing exceptional educational and related opportunities for academically talented learners from financially less privileged backgrounds.

For more information visit www.madcharity.org

environmental education will not only improve the preservation of the environment in this area but also the lives of the communities that live in the area.

The eco villages have shown massive potential in making a real difference in the community where it is implemented and we believe that its continued expansion can only hold benefits for the children and the greater community, now and in the long term.

We would like to thank MAD CHARITY™ for their continued support and look forward to develop this project even further.

31 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

magic memories

at MAD CHARITY™ Leadership Summit

Cassandra Mnisi is the newest addition to MAD CHARITY™’s Individual Education Programme in partnership with Children’s Eco Training (CET) and Southern Cross Schools (SCS). She attended her first annual MAD CHARITY™ Foundation Leadership Summit earlier this year.

By Cassandra Mnisi

M

y first MAD CHARITY™ Leadership Summit was a wonderful experience.

I was scared that it might be boring and that I might not get along with the people, but I was wrong. It was one of the best camps I’ve ever been to!

The Leadership Summit was at the Jeppe High School for Boys and students from all over the country, including Hoedspruit, KZN, Cape Town and Johannesburg were there.

On the first day we were divided into nine groups and the learning started. A filming crew taught us about the media industry and we did community service by picking up litter and feeding animals at the Bokkie Park. We also learnt about setting smart goals and self-auditing exercises. This was very helpful and I set many new goals for the year ahead.

Day two was mostly based on teamwork, team spirit and leadership skills. We played many games and I had too much fun. Our group was the overall winner out of all challenges because of our enthusiastic personality and team spirit. Next, each group interviewed a different profession and did a PowerPoint presentation of what we had learned from the person. We interviewed an industrial designer and

all the different presentations were very interesting and had us in fits of laughter.

Later that evening the MAD CHARITY™ staff presented a play. I was very shocked and grateful to also receive a laptop from MAD CHARITY™! I suppose it was my best night.

The next day we had a research psychologist help us understand facial expressions and emotions.

After that we went to the Apartheid Museum where we learned about the struggle and how people lived pre-democracy which was sad but also very inspirational. We then walked to Gold Reef City where we went on rides – the scariest thing I have ever done in my entire life!

On our last day we didn’t do a lot as everyone was exhausted and sad to leave but we wrote letters to our team members and did collages of our smart goals and how we see ourselves in the next few months. It was sad to leave as we had splendid moments together which will be remembered forever. My best group moment was when we had 15 minutes to prepare a play when we had just met each other. We didn’t have time to practice but because we believed in ourselves we came up with ideas, spoke really well and aced the play.

I learned a lot from the MAD CHARITY™ Leadership Summit about behaviour and learning.

It has made me a better person and I now view things from a wider perspective. I met new unforgettable friends and will never forget the camp. It was a lovely activity to be part of and enormous gratitude to all who made it possible! I can’t wait for next year’s camp!

Cassandra Mnisi

32 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 28

Dates to remember •

JUNE HWS: Teachers’ training dates: 26 and 27 June 2014/ Workshop dates 30 June – 3 July 2014 ­­– Theme: Ground Hornbills

•

OCTOBER HWS: Teachers’ training dates: 2 and 3 October 2014/ Workshop dates 6 - 9 October 2014.

– Theme: Soil erosion and the environment

•

DECEMBER HWS: Teachers’ training dates: 4 and 5 December/ Workshop dates 8 – 11 December 2014 – Theme: Energy cycle in the environment

•

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve AGM: 5 July 2014

How can you help CET?

Your contribution can change a life Children's Eco Training. Standard Bank, Cheque Account, Acc 013253611, Hatfield Branch, Code 01-15-45. Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ, PLEASE use your name as reference and send confirmation of payment to corne@ecochildren.co.za

... for only R250

You can make the first day of school memorable for the right reasons

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Buy a uniform, a jersey, shoes and sock s s a dre Contact Corné @ 082 713 8778 or corne@ecochildren.co.za

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