Klaserie Chronicle No 22 - December 2012

December 2012 no. 22

Kroniek/Chronicle

Leader

Of The Pack

The End of the Game Share in the joy of giving Aerial Census 2012: Population stable Thanks to all our Kit-a-Kid donors!

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White cub lioness dies ...4 | Sensus-opwinding vir die Kapenaars ...4 | Predators census 2012 ...5 | A unique hall for a unique school..7 | A river changed ...20 photo: Sean Fairhead

2 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Corné’s

Keyboard

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hey say a change is as good as a holiday but after all the changes I’ve experienced these last few months I think I’m in need of a holiday!

Since August my life has turned around 180 degrees. No longer do I roam the streets of Johannesburg in stilettos or shop till I drop to my poor boyfriend’s despair. I’ve developed a whole new set of survival skills in four short months and have learnt that my handbag is as important for my survival in the bush as it was in the city, though the contents have had to be adapted somewhat.

Gone is the mascara, pepper spray, credit cards and iPod. Instead I am now armed with Tabard, sunscreen, water, Leatherman, camera, binoculars and, most important, a flashlight (it only took one scorpion sting on a pitch black night in the Klaserie to convince me to acquire this piece of equipment).

Nonetheless I am blown away by my new surroundings and feel very privileged to live in this beautiful part of the world.

To see the bush transform from a dull brown since we moved here in August to a lush green forest after abundant spring rains, has been exciting to say the least and the glorious sunsets and sunrises set against spectacular mountain views make every day more than worthwhile. It really is paradise in the true sense of the word and I get to live here! I could not ask for a more majestic setting to continue and build on the incredible work CET has already done.

Our office has been a hub of activity these last couple of months and in this issue we are happy to report on success stories such as the Santa Shoebox project, the Kit-a-Kid initiative and the new school hall at Matikinya Primary – all projects which once again reminded all of us how privileged we really are. Other stories to keep you occupied during the holidays include information on the predator census, changes in the Klaserie River, the state of poaching in Africa and much more, all thanks to our dedicated contributors.

The CET team would like to thank everyone who continues to generously support our various projects and have made my transition period an easy one. It goes without saying that the community is the heart and soul of our organisation and without your support our hands are tied.

May your festive season be filled with love, laughter, joy and happiness.

See you in 2013.

Corné

Wildlife Wonderland

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he learners at Matikinya Primary School were thrilled when their classroom was recently transformed into a wildlife wonderland with the help of Children’s Eco Training and Jackie Hills, a local artist. Jackie kindly donated her time and artistic expertise to convert the eco classroom at the school from just another boring classroom to an enchanting exhibition of the wilderness through the eyes of a child.

Her vision has brought new life into the classroom and the learners are extremely excited to attend their weekly eco lessons. The kaleidoscope of colours has created an environment not only conducive to learning but one that encourages creativity and innovation amongst the young budding ecologists and artists.

Klaserie Chronicle /Kroniek Team Editor: Corné Havenga Advertising and articles: Laura Craig Sub-editor: Catharina Robbertze Layout and design: Lynette Strauss Contributors: Colin Rowles, Pieter Steenkamp, Zenta Nel, Pieter Dreyer, Michelle Henley, Ivan Gillatt, Bruce McDonald, Johan Smalman, Judy Meeser, Kate Meares, Gary Freeman, Mark Anderson, Dr. Hanneline SmitRobinson, Sean Fairhead, Winky Mokgope, Corné Havenga, Caron McDonald, Laura Craig, Nini BaxterFleischer, Kim Provis, Lee-Ann Rautenbach, Lyndsay Finney, Catharina Robbertze, Ronika Chiloane.

Photographs: Colin Rowles, Pieter Steenkamp, Karen Looi, Chris Pearson - Wildcon, Kim Provis – Drummers, Francois van der Merwe, Michelle Henley (sketch), Bruce McDonald, Nini Baxter-Fleischer, Johan Smalman, Corné Havenga, Ivan Gillatt, Neil Gray, Albert Froneman, Colleen Franklin, Gary Freeman, Kim Provis, Karen Randall, Lynette Strauss, Mike Job, Kate Meares, Karin Weyer, Catharina Robbertze, Sean Fairhead, Carl Jansen 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

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 | 3

Aerial Census 2012: Story and photos by Colin Rowles

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e waited in anticipation. All logistics had been taken care of, the census team had been appointed, pilot’s accommodation and food had been arranged and 2000l of paraffin had been procured and lay in a neat row in sealed drums at the helipad.

All aspects we had control over had been planned and organised, however, as is the case with many wildlife management activities, we needed certain weather conditions in which to conduct the census, and this we had no control over.

After being grounded by inclement weather for two frustrating days, during which time much coffee had been consumed and we’d discussed and solved the problems of the world. Monday, 17 September presented us with suitable conditions and without hesitation we were warmly dressed, geared up and ready to go.

We took our positions on board the helicopter and the pilot commenced the start-up. The escalating high pitched turbine whine and the rapid climb of the turbine temperature gage was

Animal population stable

interrupted by the characteristic boom of the pressurised paraffin igniting in the turbine at 800 degrees Celsius. The main rotor rpm increased and started displacing the cool morning air with each thumping rotation. The low rpm light extinguished and a voice crackled through the headphones: “All ready?”. “Yes!” came the replies and the laden helicopter lifted slowly into the cold morning air.

Three days and 22 flying hours later, we were back at the headquarters with bloodshot eyes and sunburnt faces. As we analysed the results we concluded that the census had been a great success. The unseasonal early rain which fell in early September presented us with conditions that we don’t usually encounter during the census at this time of the year. The herb layer had flushed green and carpeted the ground across the entire reserve. This green background provided a distinct contrast, making certain species more visible than usual. In areas dominated by knob-thorn trees we anticipated animals to be obscured from view during the warmer parts of the day by a dense flower canopy, but this was pleasantly not the case.

The 2012 census presented an opportunity to see the reserve and the river systems from the air for the first time

since the January floods. The Klaserie River has changed in all respects. The reed beds have been reduced, sand banks have been created and large quantities of alluvial soil has been displaced, exposing rocks in numerous areas. Deep pools that historically accommodated hippos and crocodiles have disappeared and new pools have been created elsewhere.

Some interesting observations were made during the census, the most notable a pack of 20 wild dogs and eight leopards in one day. A magnificent male cheetah was also seen on Copenhagen and we were fortunate to see three black rhino.

As in the past we recorded all active vulture nests and were pleased to see this year that the one white headed vulture pair is breeding again.

We were sensitised at the start of the census to the outbreak of the dreaded disease, Anthrax in the neighbouring Kruger National Park.

We used the opportunity presented by the census to identify any possible carcasses of animals that may have fallen victim to the disease, fortunately none were located.

In summary, all animal populations that were documented during the census have shown stability or a positive growth trend.

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Sensus-opwinding vir die Kapenaars Storie deur Pieter Steenkamp Foto’s deur Colin Rowles

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White cub lioness dies Story and photo Johan Smalman

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eptember was a sad month when Rangers from Gomo Gomo Game Lodge discovered that one of their prize lionesses, as well as her newest batch of cubs had recently passed away.

Patches was one of the only lionesses in the area who carried the white gene.

She had a new batch of white and tawny cubs but died from what were possibly internal injuries, leaving the cubs with no chance of survival. Patches had also given birth to a white cub earlier in the year, unfortunately this cub also died in tragic circumstances.

Head ranger, Johan Smalman said they were all dumbstruck as to how she died.

“She broke her jaw a couple of months before she died but it was healing very well and recently she even joined in on eating a giraffe. The day before we found her dead she was with a couple of other females eating two impalas that they caught during the day. We think she had internal injuries that we just could not see,” he said.

“The cubs were still alive and suckling from their dead mother for a couple of days afterwards. I just could not go back and watch them starve to death so we called the whole area a negative lock.

We are not sure how or when the cubs died but after a while we went back and they were gone. We just hope that more females in this area carry the white gene.”

rydag net na twaalf stap ek uit die hoofkwartier om my broer by die lughawe te gaan haal. Dit is sy eerste besoek aan Klaserie en ek wil seker maak dat dit onvergeetlik gaan wees... seker nie te moeilik met wat ek in gedagte het nie. Oppad terug deel ons ’n paar stories oor die laaste paar maande se gebeure en is sommer in goeie gees vir die naweek wat voorlê.

Die “ander Kapenaar” het skaars sy sakke neergesit toe die opwinding begin.

Vinnig-vinnig is ons in die bakkie oppad na die aand se roofdiersensus – leeus!

Onder leiding van Colin en die veearts help ons met die verskeie take om die area wat die leeus moet lok reg te kry voor die son sak.

Met die eerste gekreun van ’n buffel oor die luidsprekers is ons agter op die bakkie, ’n bietjie senuweeagtig, maar opgewonde in afwagting vir die aand se gebeure. ’n Paar hiënas was eerste om te kom ondersoek instel, skrikkerig om nader te beweeg, maar wel nuuskierig. Volgende het ’n olifantbul kom kyk waaroor die buffel so aanhoudend lawaai. Hy was gelukkig nie verskriklik geïnteresseerd in ons opset nie en het rustig weer sy gang gegaan.

Dit was nie lank nie voor die eerste leeu met ’n harde gebrul verby ons gehardloop het nie. Kort voor lank het ’n trop van ongeveer sewe stadig in ’n wye sirkel om die bakkies beweeg, genoeg vir ’n versnelde polsslag of twee. Met die hiënas wat eerder verkies het om ’n bietjie eenkant toe te staan en geen ander bedreigings in sig nie, het die trop hul aandag op die “prooi” toegespits.

Die veearts het twee jong mannetjies uitgekies en verdoof en dit was tyd vir aksie. Met een oog op die res van die trop is die twee mannetjies, beide so uit soos ’n kers, op die bakkie gelaai en ’n ent weg van die ander gekarwei. Daar is mates van kop tot toon geneem en die veearts het verskeie ondersoeke voltooi.

Hul is gemerk om te verhoed dat hul nie tydens die res van die sensus weer geteiken word nie.

Die narkose se teenmiddel is toegedien en die leeus het stadig begin wakker word, aanvanklik onvas op die pote en kwesbaar. Nadat seker gemaak is hulle is heeltemal wakker en in staat om hul man teen enige kansvatter te staan, was dit tyd om te gaan opruim. Met leeus rondom ons wat nog steeds in die oorblywende “prooi” belang gestel het, is hierdie takie vinnig, baie vinnig, voltooi.

Wat ‘n aand! Suksesvol en opwindend en een wat verseker lank deur die twee Kapenaars onthou sal word.

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

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 | 5

Not a dull moment at predator census 2012 Story and photos by Colin Rowles

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he 2012 predator census was the second census of the carnivore populations of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR). The objective of the census is to gain an understanding of the larger carnivore populations and the various species’ distribution across the reserve.

The census also provides an opportunity to conduct a detailed veterinary analysis of the lion population.

In brief, nine survey sites have been preidentified and are evenly spaced across the reserve. Each of these sites is visited for one night by the survey team over a nine night period. A bait consisting of buffalo meat is set up and the distress call of a buffalo calf is broadcast through the night. This attracts carnivores from the area that are recorded along with their age and gender. When the opportunity presented itself, a large adult lion per pride was immobilised to collect metamorphic data.

During the census we experienced a particularly interesting night at one of the northern sites.

35 minutes after the distress call was started at 17:30 we had recorded seven

hyenas, two black backed jackals and nine wild dogs before eight determined lions ran in and dominated the buffalo carcass.

We allowed them to feed and agreed on the sampling of a young male lion that lay with his rump facing us.

The dart found its mark and the young male fell asleep amongst the others at the carcass. Without warning the remaining conscious lions scattered. We were horrified to see another pride of lions heading rapidly for the carcass.

We had to intervene and get to the carcass before the approaching pride did or they would certainly kill the sleeping male.

We raced in with the vehicle and with much shouting and banging persuaded the gate crashers to leave.

When it was safe enough for us to do so, we jumped off and carefully rolled the sleeping lion onto a stretcher and lifted him onto the vehicle.

We moved away to a safe area and got to work, collecting the necessary samples and measurements.

The whole time the intervening pride fed on the carcass.

When completed, we moved our patient even further away and allowed him to recover.

He recovered in good time and headed back to the carcass thinking his pride was still there. Realising what was happening we tried to turn him back and intercept a lioness from the invading pride that’d begun to run in his direction.

Our attempts were futile. At the point of contact, the young male realised the lioness’s intention. He spun around and took off in the direction that his pride had earlier taken.

The lioness fortunately did not pursue him. Given that the invading pride of eight had consumed our bait we packed up and left.

All in all, the entire census was a success.

The data collected will contribute towards a better understanding of the reserve’s predator populations.

Thank you to Dr. Ferreira Du Plessis from Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Administration, for your assistance with all the veterinary work. A special thanks to Sean from Ntoma, for your assistance and companionship during some long cold nights and thanks Sonia for the Amarula liquor that we enjoyed after our last night’s work. My thanks also to Sipo, Freddy and other KPNR staff that assisted.

6 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Matikinya Hall Opening: From the sponsor’s perspective

The Building Of Matikinya School Hall Story by Lee-Ann Rautenbach from Sharalumi Building Solutions Photos by Lynette Strauss

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hen we were first approached

by Children’s Eco Training (CET) to be involved in a community school project, we were uncertain what to expect but extremely honoured to have been chosen and also very excited to be given the opportunity to contribute to the upliftment of our local community.

Acornhoek is home to many of our dedicated and hardworking employees and to be able to give something back to their community just felt right!

Lyndsay Finney, who coordinated the project, spent many hours consulting and meeting with Sharalumi regarding the plans, costs and sponsorship of the project. As this was Sharalumi’s first community project, Lyndsay’s past experience and guidance was much welcomed and her absolute dedication and commitment to the project was an inspiration to all of us.

Our first day on site was 17 January 2012, the day before the floods. We needed to level the ground to facilitate

paving and rehabilitation of gardens and lawns taking place in September.

The official opening of the Richard Mnisi Hall on 19 October was a day of much excitement for us all. We were greeted by many happy teachers, directors of education, parents and of course, pupils. The hall was filled with such energy and happiness and it was a great honour for us to share in the joyous occasion with this very special community.

As we were taken on a tour around the school grounds it was apparent that Matikinya School is a beautiful and well maintained facility. Besides the new addition to their school, Matikinya boasts with a lovely vegetable garden, proudly maintained by the pupils themselves.

Sharalumi would like to take this opportunity to thank CET for choosing us to be a part of such a wonderful and inspiring project and a special thank you to headmaster Mathews Mdluli, for so graciously welcoming us into the Lee-Ann Rautenbach receiving a gift of heart of Matikinya School. appreciation from the principal of Matikinya This project will remain in our Primary School, Matthews Mdluli and circuit fondest memories as will all the little manager Mr Mgiba. lives it has touched.

SM Structures to erect the steel roof structure; however, due to the effects of Cyclone Dando, no further progress was possible at Matikinya until the end of the first quarter of 2012.

Dando was not going to dampen our spirits and as soon as the steel structure was completed on 27 April, our team was geared and ready to start the construction of the hall with no walls. The school hall was completed in August, with the finishing touches,

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 | 7

A unique hall for a unique school Story by Lyndsay Finney Photos by Lynette Strauss

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hildren’s Eco Training (CET) continued their support of Matikinya Primary School as they assisted the school in building their own school hall.

The Richard Magwambana Mnisi Hall was opened on 19 October with a spectacularly, noisy celebration. More than 1 000 people attended and all agreed it was a fun, entertaining and sincere event - a fitting way to honour and thank the sponsors and to introduce the community to the availability of the new facility.

The project was initiated by CET more than a year ago when they received funds from their benefactors, the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR), to be used specifically for “a project that would

be sustainable and have benefit to a school and its community.” CET was up to the task and with the generous support from one of the project’s major sponsors, Louis and Lee-Anne Rautenbach of Sharalumi Building Solutions, the idea of a “hall with no walls” took root.

Sharalumi shares KPNR’s vision to ‘positively impact on the local community’ and to do so with meaningful investments.

The “hall with no walls” is a starter idea and can be developed further at a later stage, but is more than adequate for immediate school use. It is also an ideal facility for community members to hire for social functions.

There is no other hall within many miles of the area.

Whilst the project was underway additional sponsors jumped on board and played a significant part in the realisation

of the fantastic structure that stands today. Steve Maycock from SM structures in Johannesburg donated in full, the metal structure and roof; PPC Nelspruit donated all the cement used in construction; BUCO Hoedspruit offered generous discounts on all building materials used; Jacolien Steyn of JS Bouplanne in Nelspruit did all the plans without charging a cent; and local electricians, Eljon Electrical also discounted the work they did.

Circuit manager, Mr Mgiba applauded the structure and said its uniqueness (without walls) was fitting for a school which is unique in itself.

Matikinya Primary has a reputation for strongly encouraging their pupils to develop a passion for learning whilst keeping a passionate connection to their cultural roots.

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DHL furnishes Seganyane classroom Story by Corné Havenga Photos by Karin Weyer, Lynette Strauss

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here was great excitement and anticipation at Seganyane Primary School when a team of DHL volunteers travelled all the way from Johannesburg to redecorate the Children’s Eco Training (CET) eco classroom and equip it with tables and chairs.

The DHL team, led by Olande Stols, arrived with a vibrant group of youths from the SOS Children’s Village’s of Mamelodi and Ennerdale in Gauteng as part of a teambuilding exercise that forms part of the company’s Go Teach programme. The combined DHL, CET and Seganyane team of 52 volunteers completed an immense project of restoring a pile of broken desks and chairs to their former glory, providing the school with immaculate new furniture. Some of the volunteers were varnishing and assembling chairs and tables and the more artistic volunteers helped to renovate the CET eco classroom into an educational paradise.

Local artist, Jackie Hills designed the animal mural and guided the volunteers to completion of the final product. The classroom looked magnificent!

DHL also donated a large amount of educational supplies and learning material to assist CET in taking their eco lessons to a new level. This was not the end of their generosity and they also donated a new computer and two projectors to improve visual aids when presenting eco lessons. This will enable CET to extend and further develop the environmental education programme facilitated by them at the school.

Winky Mokgope from CET presented the SOS youth with an eco lesson on snakes. The city slicker guests thoroughly enjoyed the interesting facts and knowledge they learnt about the ever feared creatures. The highlight of the day was definitely the close

interaction between the grade 6 and 7 learners from Seganyane Primary School and the young adults from the SOS village.

The teenagers took great care in bonding with their new friends and embraced their new surroundings completely. It was great to see the children interact with such enthusiasm.

CET would like to thank DHL for their funding and support of the project and the volunteers from the SOS Children’s Village for the interest and friendliness they showed towards their Seganyane counterparts. It was a successful project enjoyed by all.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 | 9

Celebrating a decade of following Mac’s footsteps Story and sketch by Michelle Henley Photo by Francois van der Merwe

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ac was first collared in May 2002 during his first musth period as part of a Green Hunt. His first collar was kindly sponsored by Tony McClellan, hence the origin of his name.

For the past ten years we have had the rewarding experience of following Mac’s annual musth journeys from the northern regions of the Kruger National Park (KNP) to the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR). It has been a wonderful journey of discovery.

With remarkable consistency Mac underwent annual musth cycles between April and July each year.

His movements south when in musth and then north after dropping out of musth have shown large changes in latitude with relatively small changes in longitude. Overall, the temporal trace of the past decade reads like the electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern of a healthy individual in his breeding prime! The only ‘abnormal blip’ in his usual routine is easily detectable in 2007 when he failed to come into musth because of a severe case of ulcerative pedodermatitis which limited his movements for more than four months (refer to the shaded area in the figure).

We have watched with amazement how Mac’s tusks have increased in size over time. Measurements of his tusks during collaring operations indicate that they have increased in weight by at least 1,3kg per year per side. In August 2010, when we fitted Mac’s latest collar, we also had the opportunity to take a molar impression to estimate Mac’s age. From the tooth mould, we estimated him to be 55±4 years old.

Although Mac can now be considered a fairly old gentleman, he nevertheless graced us with his

presence this year when he again came to visit the APNR in full musth. We have observed that initially when Mac first started visiting the APNR for his annual musth cycle, he kept his movements to the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves. Over time, he gradually started moving into the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and this year he spent most of his musth cycle in the Klaserie.

This has left us to wonder whether Mac has learnt to slowly explore new potential breeding grounds and why. It could be that it took him a number of years to shake off his memory of where the fences were that separated the Klaserie from the Umbabat and Timbavati Private Nature Reserves when he first started exploring these regions.

We are grateful for the glimpse into Mac’s world which his collar has afforded us. We are proud to announce that he is known as one of the longest and largest tusked, continually monitored elephants in Africa today. Mac has rewritten the textbooks with his home range of over 7000km2. He has provided us with insights into how bulls’ tusks

increase size over time, how injuries and the loss of body condition can influence musth cycles and how breeding ranges can shift over time. Mac, we salute you for all that you have taught us. Thank you!

We would also like to use this opportunity to thank the warden, Colin Rowles for the 10 years of elephant research that he has facilitated within the Klaserie. It has been such a pleasure working with you. We appreciate all the early mornings to help us collar elephants, the competent field rangers during vegetation surveys and the photos of large tusked elephants for our records.

10 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Conservation management in 3D

The use of Bantam aircraft in the conservation industry Story and photos by Bruce McDonald

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onservation and wildlife management practices have evolved over the years to an almost scientific level.

Modern technology has provided protected area managers with various new tools which have added a whole new dimension to reserve management in many different sectors of the conservation industry.

The Bantam light aircraft is fast becoming one of the most useful tools in modern-day conservation management.

This remarkable little aircraft is capable of producing far more than required and has recently caused conservation managers from all over Africa to stand-up and take note. It has filled an important specialist niche and added another valuable tool to the conservation manager’s tool-box.

increase achieved by conservation authorities during the 20th century. For a number of years now the South African National Parks as well as a number of private reserves have been using Bantam aircraft in the fight against rhino poaching with marked success.

Bantam aircraft are now being deployed in a number of other African countries mainly in a security and anti-poaching role.

The latest country to make use of Bantam aircraft is Tanzania where elephant poaching is steadily spiralling out of control.

At the current rate of elephant poaching in Tanzania, it is predicted that the entire elephant population in this country could be wiped out within the next 10 years. This is a realistic yet frightening thought. More Bantam aircraft have been ordered to be deployed in other reserves in Tanzania

They can take off and land almost anywhere and can fly slow and manoeuvre very effectively to follow perpetrators on the ground. Furthermore they play a crucial role in follow-up and hot pursuit operations as they force perpetrators to sit tight under cover to avoid being detected from the air, giving anti-poaching units on the ground time to move in and apprehend suspects.

Because they were designed to handle adverse New Zealand weather conditions they can be flown in conditions that would ground most other light aircraft, and the wrap-around cockpit produces all-round visibility not dissimilar to that of a helicopter.

Other uses include collection of data, monitoring and mapping, burning programmes, monitoring water points, aerial photography and as a spotter aircraft because they save time and money compared to helicopters.

The specs

Many protected areas in Southern Africa have increased substantially in size over the past few decades due to the modernday conservation approach of establishing larger conservancies and dropping of fences between private reserves and National Parks.

However, the increased size of reserves does not come without its own problems.

Larger areas are harder to patrol and some are almost impossible to patrol in their entirety – whether on foot or by vehicle – due to the sometimes hostile nature of the terrain.

Rhino poaching across South Africa, especially the north-eastern regions of the country bordering Mozambique has risen sharply over the past decade, threatening to reverse the hard-won population

where ivory poaching is rife.

These little aircraft are certainly proving their worth as invaluable tools in lawenforcement, conservation and antipoaching in Tanzania.

Several other countries in Africa including South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana are using the Bantam along similar lines to Tanzania in conservation, research, law-enforcement, marine research and anti-poaching within their national parks.

Why the Bantam?

Not only do regular patrol flights deter poachers from targeting a certain area but when things do go wrong Bantams can be airborne within minutes to coordinate antipoaching operations from the air.

The Bantam is fitted with a reliable Jabiru engine which runs on both Avgas and conventional 95 unleaded octane fuels and can be supplied with either a 4 cylinder 85 hp motor or the larger more powerful 6 cylinder 120 hp motor.

The improved performance of the larger 6 cylinder motor makes this option the aircraft of choice for most conservation operations.

Fitted with a long-range tank, the aircraft can stay airborne for almost 6 hours.

The Bantam is one of the most affordable light aircraft on the market in South Africa. Not only the purchase price but also the operation and maintenance costs make it affordable to most conservation organisations.

To end off, the Bantam is a versatile, no frills aircraft that gets the job done.

This aircraft is reliable, works hard and fun to fly!

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 |11

The end of the game Africa’s elephant crisis: Shocking statistics reveal that Tanzania may have lost as much as 42 percent of their elephant population to poachers over the past three years. This equates to a staggering 31 500 elephants or 30 elephants per day from 2008 to 2011.

Story and photos by Bruce McDonald

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n January 2012, 100 raiders on horseback charged out of Chad into Cameroon’s Bouba Ndjidah National Park, slaughtering hundreds of elephants – entire families – in one of the worst concentrated killings since the global ivory trade ban was adopted in the late eighties.

Carrying AK 47’s and rocket propelled grenade launchers, they dispatched the elephants with military precision. Seen from the ground, each bloated carcass is a monument to human greed. From the air, the scattered bodies present a senseless crime scene. Is this the future of Africa’s remaining elephants?

Supply and demand After a relative respite since the 1989 CITES ban, elephants are once again in peril. Africa is in the midst of an epic elephant slaughter. Tens of thousands of elephant are being wiped out on an annual basis, many more than in the previous two decades. During the 1940’s it’s reported that between 4 and 5 million elephants roamed the continent of Africa. At the beginning of the 1980’s there were said to be more than a million.

Current elephant populations have dwindled to as low as between 400 000 and 500 000. Shocking statistics reveal that Tanzania may have lost as much as 42 percent of their elephant population to poachers over the past three years.

This equates to a staggering 31 500 elephants or 30 elephants per day from 2008 to 2011.

The recent increase in illicit ivory trade has been fuelled by a sudden increase in

demand. The growing prosperity of the emerging Asian middle class, especially in China, has made it possible for a large percentage of the ordinary Chinese population to afford ivory.

Furthermore, China invests millions of dollars in Africa but wildlife experts warn there is a dark side to the Chinese presence in Africa as reports show a significant increase in poaching statistics wherever Chinese labour camps are located.

According to reliable reports, ivory sells for between US$100 and 200 per kg and rhino horn can reach up to US$6000 per kg. Such sums can be a fortune to criminals and poaching gangs who will take huge risks to kill these animals. Like blood diamonds from Sierra Leone or plundered minerals from the Congo, ivory has fast become the latest conflict resource in Africa.

Dragged from remote battle zones and easily converted to cash, this valuable commodity is now fuelling war and conflict throughout the African continent.

As an easy source of revenue, impoverished villagers and militia alike have become heavily involved in elephant poaching. We are in a race against time with poachers if we have any hope at all of saving these Game scouts of the Mbarangandu region noble giants.

With the underground ivory trade becoming increasingly militarised they are Modern warfare simply outgunned and outmanned in every Currently, anti-poaching units do not stand a chance against elephant poaching respect and caught up in a vicious cross-fire situation. in east and central Africa. continue on page 12

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The end of the game from page 11

Anthrax: An ever-present threat Story by Judy Meeser Photo by Lynette Strauss

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ong before Osama Bin Laden and biological warfare, the word anthrax struck fear into the hearts and minds of ranchers and reserve managers alike. During an anthrax outbreak, which occur with some regularity, wild and domestic animals are found dead without any apparent reason. Anthrax is not some manmade compound or powder you will find in a chemical letter bomb, it is a disease that is indigenous to the Kruger National Park and surrounds and in fact every continent on earth.

It is such a natural occurrence that it has been hailed by some as a natural population control mechanism.

During this year there have been isolated cases of anthrax within the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR). What makes anthrax problematic is that the disease or Bacillus anthracis has to kill the host in order to propagate itself and the host animal dies suddenly, showing no symptoms. The anthrax bacteria are indiscriminate and can infect animals of any age or sex.

The moment the carcass of an infected animal is opened by scavengers or predators the highly resistant spores escape and contaminate the area.

These spores can lie dormant in the soil for many years. Even an unopened carcass exudes a bloody discharge which then spreads the spores.

Animals can be infected with anthrax while grazing or browsing, by ingesting or even inhaling in infected areas. The disease is then spread by scavengers, flies and water.

Kudu often fall victim of anthrax outbreaks and form part of the blow fly cycle where an infected carcass is fed upon by blow flies. This fly has a finely tuned sense of smell and can find a carcass from great distances.

The flies feed on the infected carcass

and lay eggs in it. They then sit on leaves and branches close by where they regurgitate and defecate on the vegetation which is later eaten by browsers like kudu and occasionally buffalo which then become infected.

Vultures that feed on infected carcasses will visit water points after feeding and bath and defecate in the water. The waterhole becomes infected and animals that drink there may become ill. Buffalo habitually wade into the water and stir up any spores that may have sunk to the bottom, increasing the risk of infection.

Predators feeding off infected carcasses develop acute swelling of the head and specifically the mouth area. However, predators are not very susceptible to anthrax and if they survive the disease they develop a strong immunity.

It is possible for anthrax to spread from animal to human by contact or by consumption of infected flesh but it cannot spread from human to human.

Carcasses of animals with suspected anthrax infections are buried two meters underground or sometimes burnt.

Nowadays anthrax outbreaks occur every five to 20 years in our area and it is a disease we are able to control.

However, in the 18th century this highly contagious and resistant disease killed hundreds and thousands of people and animals every year. This continued until Louis Pasteur invented a vaccine in 1881. It is chilling to think that until that time anthrax was a very real part of everyday life. Infection always resulted in death and anyone who dealt with animal products was at risk. Later with the advent of the vaccine it was reduced to an animal disease that the man on the street knew very little about until the intriguing and horrifying use of anthrax as a bio weapon became big news.

Hundreds of rangers are killed each year in what has become an increasingly gruesome anti-poaching war.

In many African Parks, biologists and conservationists are being replaced by anti-poaching units and armed military soldiers. As “protectors of the protected”, rangers and anti-poaching units will need more funding, training and equipment in the future to make any sort of impact on combating poaching and wildlife abuse in Africa.

Unite and change We have reached the point as a global civilisation that we must fight for life and the meaning of life. Many African countries have been surfing the crest of an ephemeral wave in the booming ecotourism and safari industry. This cannot and will not last forever and soon the very reasons that tourists visit Africa’s spectacular game sanctuaries will come to an end.

If wildlife management programmes are conducted properly and used wisely to aid in solving human rural poverty, wildlife will become the cornerstone of its own salvation in Africa. With significant benefits to the local communities, especially those that border National Parks and other game sanctuaries, it will be in the people’s interest not to harm wildlife or abuse the National Parks. The people of Africa have the potential to help themselves without begging from the first world if they stand up and see the potential Africa and its resources hold for them. There are potentially huge advantages that can be gained from wise, pro-active wildlife management for the survival of Africa’s wildlife and National Parks.

The countries of Africa have a choice.

They can do what is right for Africa, right for the people of Africa and right for the wildlife of Africa. If Africa accepts that maintaining species diversity can only be achieved by pro-active wildlife management, this could potentially have huge spin-offs for all African countries. It would create a foundation for a sustainable and prosperous tourism industry and could be the saviour of Africa’s wildlife.

If not, Africa and its people will become willing pawns of the biggest, most sinister, uncaring conservation society that the world has ever known.

References: A Game Warden’s Report by Ron Thomson. www.elephantsinperil.org

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 |13

The leader

of the pack

Story and photos by Sean Fairhead

T

he year 2012 will remain etched in my memory forever thanks to two major contributors: floods and wild dogs. The latter, providing me with some of the most exhilarating wildlife encounters one could ever hope for.

For the last four years a pack of approximately 10 to 13 wild dogs have graced us with their presence in the northern part of the Klaserie and adjoining areas of the Kruger Park. They arrive on our doorstep in May of every year and immediately I look out for the alpha female, a tall, light tan coloured female with shredded ears.

The camp seems to be where it all happens, with impala and dogs running past you whilst you’re busy with day to day activities. I recall one incident three

years ago, when a single dog chased an impala into the camp and subsequently the swimming pool. We were out on a drive at the time, and upon arrival found an impala desperately treading water, a wild dog staring anxiously at the impala from one end of the pool, with staff and our daughter watching the impala and the dog from the other end. Needless to say it didn’t end well for the impala once I had removed it from the pool.

This year the Klaserie River in front of the camp seemed to be the designated target area for the dogs.

I believe all the loose river sand exposed by the floods played no small part in this. Most mornings once the sun peeked over the hills I was rewarded with sightings of either the dogs eating something, in the process of killing something, or about to catch something. Like clockwork.

continue on page 14

14 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

The poor bushbuck seemed to take a real hit this year as their main source of shelter, dense phragmites, was destroyed by the floods.

The dogs arrived in April this year. On 30 April my family and I took off after them as they ran past our house just after sunrise. They disappeared into some really thick Mopani and we heard the high pitched whistling squeal typical of one of the small antelope species when in distress. A few minutes later seven of the 10 dogs trotted to a nearby clearing where they proceeded to rest and groom. One of the dogs started calling repeatedly and was rewarded with a reply a few hundred yards away.

All seven jumped up and ran off in the direction of the call to reunite with the other three. After disappearing in some dense scrub again they emerged, chasing a leopard up the northern river bank. Now they were running around like headless chickens smelling the ground, obviously looking for something. There were a few hooded vultures and a pair of tawny eagles in the trees around us.

Surely there must be a carcass here somewhere? Suddenly all hell broke loose as two hyenas came around the

corner and the 10 dogs converged on them as if one. They didn’t know what hit them and went running across the clearing, howling with their bums pulled so far towards their chests that one wonders how they even manage to run. We followed the dogs back toward the river where they found a bushbuck foetus under a big Leadwood tree. Then our seven-year-old bush boy, Luke tells me their kill, a bushbuck ewe, is in the tree above us. We figured after the three dogs had left the kill to fetch the others, a leopard had stolen the kill and hoisted it. In the process the foetus had fallen out. With the leopard and the hyena gone and their food in a tree, the dogs gave up and spent the rest of the morning resting under the Leadwood.

I decided to head out to the dogs later in the afternoon to see what had and would transpire. Besides the bushbuck in the tree, there was no sign of anything.

On my final loop before heading home I found a very large male leopard in a very small Mopani tree with 10 dogs yapping at his heels. He had to contort himself into all sorts of weird and wonderful positions to fit each of his paws on a sturdy branch. When he saw a gap, he

launched himself out of the tree and took off with the dogs hot on his heels. When they got too close he would claw his way up the closest Mopani – invariably one of the shrubby trees typical along the river. When the leopard started tiring he would simply walk away from the dogs growling and snarling over his shoulders with the dogs jumping around twittering.

He would find a small bush, crawl into the middle and defend himself from them by occasionally charging out at a dog.

Toward sunset the dogs started losing interest and the leopard managed to slip away quietly.

Two months and many experiences later, I noticed that the now heavily pregnant female and at least one other animal were not with the pack during hunts anymore.

She had chosen her den and given birth. Mission: Find the den! Ross Berber of Diepkloof and I spent two days looking for the den until we eventually found our old girl and her 12 healthy pitch black

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 |15

pups. The next few weeks proved very rewarding with the pups providing hours of entertainment. As they grew, so did their confidence and they became more inquisitive. They would happily leave the safety of the den to come and inspect the vehicle, sniffing the buffalo dung on the mud flaps, chewing the tyres or simply observing us observing them. The alpha female was always very tolerant of our interaction with her pups and I believe the reason for this was our respect for them.

We would always let the animals approach us in their time and never forced ourselves onto them.

By early August the pups were den independent and started roaming with the pack. The old girl had done well and after having been a part of their lives for so long I risked anthropomorphising by feeling proud and protective over her. Our last sighting of them was in September when we had the privilege of seeing them on a klipspringer kill. Sadly, since August they had lost two pups and possibly one of the adults. Normal I know, but I couldn’t help but feel sad.

Look after yourself and the pack old girl.

See you in May!

16 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Die gras is groener aan die ander kant Storie en foto deur Catharina Robbertze

D

aar’s net een ding om te doen as jy ’n olifant op ’n Saterdagmiddag in jou woonbuurt kry. Steek die braaivleisvuur aan.

My eerste besoek aan die Klaserie het beslis aan alle verwagtinge voldoen.

Ons was skaars afgepak voor ons saam met Kate en haar vriende agter op die bromvoël-bakkie op ’n sonsondergang wildsrit is.

Dit was ’n gewone wildsrit... so gewoon soos enige wildsrit in die Klaserie kan wees. ’n Paar renosters, rooibokke, ’n trop olifante (met twee babatjies), twee buffels en ’n vreeslike mooi geitjie later was ons oppad terug hoofkantoor toe vir die verpligte Saterdag bosveld-braai.

Omtrent 200m van die hek af het niemand regtig meer vir diere gesoek nie, maar ’n ritseling by die heli-pad het ons aandag getrek. Mnr. Olifant

het rustig aan die vars groenigheid aan die ander kant van die heining, waar die gras mos altyd groener is, gesmul.

Die elektriese heining is doodluiters omgestoot.

Ons stadsjapies het onsself uit die voete gemaak en die vuur gaan aansteek... die gevaarlike werk is in die bekwame hande van Colin en Pieter gelaat.

Later het Pieter vertel hoe Mnr. O nie vreeslik lus was om terug te gaan na sý kant toe nie. Colin moes op die ou end ’n paar skote skiet om hom aan die beweeg te kry en die jong bul het onder protes weer oor die heining geklim, met agterpote wat sukkel-sukkel oor die draad gelig is. “Just another day at the office,” vir die gesoute Klaseriebewoners, maar vir die res van ons het dit vir ’n opwindende dag en braai gesorg.

Nodeloos om te sê, later die aand om die vuur, het elke geluidjie in die donker

tuin ons bietjie bekommerd en baie subtiel laat rondloer of daar nog iets groots in hoofkwartiere ronddwaal.

Daglig het bewys dat ons nie verniet bekommerd was nie toe dit blyk ’n boom in Pieter se tuin het oornag voete gekry.

Voetspore en die groot misbol reg voor die ingang het ook al ons vermoedens bevestig.

Ja, ’n opwindende besoek. Mag daar nog vele wees.

Diep spore met Kaapse geduld Storie deur Zenta Nel Fotos deur Pieter Steenkamp

V

andat ek en Anton in die Klaserie kom woon het en Mev. Janovsky ons goedgunstelik toestemming gegee het om haar dam te besoek is dit , n spesiale plek vir my. Ek en Anton het menigmaal na werk sommer net by die dam gaan sit. Dit was altyd ‘n besoekpunt as ons gaste gehad het en toe Anton siek geword het, was dit die plek waar ek op my eie gaan sit het om my voete te vind en weer perspektief te kry.

Toe kom die vloed en spoel die brug weg en Mev. Janovsky se dam is ontoegangbaar.

Ek was so verlig toe die tydelike brug gebou is, maar vir die rit oor die dik sand het ek eenvoudig nie kans gesien nie!

Anton was altyd gewillig om my oor te vat en soms moes Kate dit selfs doen, maar vanaf Mei-maand was ek nog nie weer daar

nie en ek het die dam bitterlik nodig gehad.

Die Kapenaar besluit toe om hom oor my te ontferm, maar dié glo aan “leer hulle om , vis te vang,”… en so kry ek toe n 4x4 les in my eie voertuig.

Toe ons vanaf die hoofkantoor rivier se kant toe ry, besluit Pieter om my liewer met die wit Cruiser te volg… net vir ingeval. Iets wat niks vir my reeds gebrekkige selfvertroue gedoen het nie!

Daar aangekom was ek te bang om oor die brug te ry en Pieter moes met my voertuig, met my daarin, sta-a-a-dig oor die brug ry.

Tot my ontsteltenis wou hy deur die rivier terug, met my vas oortuig ons sal vasval.

Toe die kar in die middel van die rivier gaan staan het ek my broekspype begin oprol om die water aan te durf, maar Pieter het , die kar aangeskakel, n knoppie gedruk en doodluiters verder gery. Gelukkig is Kapenaars bekend vir hul geduld (of dalk is hy net geleer om ouer mense met respek te hanteer?), maar einde ten laaste is ek

op my eie oor die brug, oor die sand en deur die rivier terug.

Ag en hoe maklik was dit nie! Dalk , het ek n goeie leermeester gehad of dalk , het ek net n baie oulike kar, maar nou rits ek na hartelus heen-en-weer oor die rivier.

Wat sê die spreekwoord? Mens is werklik nooit te oud om te leer nie!

Maar vir ry in modder is ek steeds te bang…

October Holiday Workshop – 2012

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 |17

In the Garden Story by Caron McDonald, Photos by Lynette Strauss and Caron McDonald

T

he October school holidays saw the hosting of yet another successful CET Holiday Workshop.

258 children attended the workshop themed “In the garden” and planned by the grade 11 group of the Southern Cross school.

The workshop aimed to help the children understand the concept of ecosystems and to instil the understanding that all living things are inter-connected, with each one dependent on the other for survival.

After a short slideshow, a presentation was given using paper cups to build an ecosystem pyramid. Using the natural elements as the base, the pyramid was built by adding all other living organism groups in layers until ultimately man was placed at the top. Different children were then chosen to remove a cup from each layer. Removing the top cup – representing man – nothing changed.

Every other cup that was removed indicated that whenever something was taken away from the ecosystem it was man that suffered the most.

Children were then given the opportunity to discuss how they could become involved in protecting their own environments and ecosystems themselves. Ideas ranged from picking

up litter and planting trees to keep our soil and water sources healthy. One youngster said he thought we should remove man as there would be very little consequence for the rest of the ecosystem!

After this, children took part in a treasure hunt in and around the garden. The clues they received required them to recognise and know the names of certain trees, birds and animals found in the garden.

At the end each group was rewarded with a sweet as their treasure.

For the remainder of the day groups alternated between working in their specially designed workbooks, making painted pot plant holders, planting sunflower seeds, making picture frames from recycled material and playing group games.

From previous experience it was noticed that the level of activity presented pretty much precluded our youngest group of children. For this reason, a special programme was designed for five to six-year-olds. This group had a more age appropriate level workbook which concentrated on number, letter and shape recognition.

We also included a session of throwing and catching for gross motor

development and playing with play dough to develop fine motor skills.

We feel the addition of this new programme as well as the exposure to English during the course of the day, enables our youngest group to get the most out of their time at the holiday workshop, making it a more valuable experience for them.

CET would like to thank all our volunteers for their continued support: Kirsten (Uplands), Sabre, Tegan, Emma, Chantelle, Lauren and Sam (Southern Cross). Also our trainers: Reuben, Thabo, Catherine, Trico, Keith, Again, Dolmet and Nikiwe. Without your assistance, running a programme such as this would not be possible.

18 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . A trip to remember but not to repeat

A Chevy II station wagon, a rifle scope and a family of lions

Story and photo by Ivan Gillatt

I

t was Easter 1962. I had recently taken delivery of a new Chevy II Station Wagon and had decided to spend the long weekend at Northampton. I was accompanied by two servants, Alfred Mthembu (as co-driver) and Mbolodisi Mkhize. We loaded up on Wednesday afternoon and left early Thursday morning from Gledhow in Natal. There being no border posts in those days, our route would be through Swaziland.

The first of several mishaps happened when we stopped at the Pongolo River for breakfast. When we got out of the car, to my dismay I could smell petrol. I looked underneath to find that the petrol tank was being pebble blasted from the stones on the dirt road, thus causing a slight leak at each end. Fortunately, some sunlight soap fixed the leaks temporarily, which allowed us to get to Golela in Swaziland. Here the local garage managed to solder the holes and repair the leaking tank. A heavy piece of hessian bag was tied to the tank to give some form of protection from the sharp stones that were being hurled up from the tyres.

All went well until Acornhoek. We had stopped off at the local trading store for a visit so I could pay my respects to Ernest and Ivy Whittingstall. Whittingstall and his partner ‘Pump’ Willis were the original owners of the farm Northhampton, the first bushveld farm purchased by the Crookes family. Leaving Acornhoek to continue our journey, we joined the main road which of course was dirt in those days. A car rushed past, flipped up a stone and bang went the windscreen on my brand new

Chevy. The closest dealer was Nelspruit, several hours back, so not wanting to waste any more time we continued the journey. To my delight the remainder of the trip to Northampton camp was concluded without further mishap, with the side windows closed, the air vents open and the full blast of air from the missing windscreen blowing on our faces.

Upon arrival I encountered the next problem! To my horror, I realised I had forgotten the scope for my .222 rifle. In those days I used to remove the scope while travelling to prevent possible damage from occurring and the rear sight had been removed to allow the scope to be fitted. I now had a rifle with no rear sight. I normally shot an impala for each of the camp guards at Northampton, Dover, and Kent and knew I had to make a plan to do this. I found a gutter bolt, filed it and managed to jam it into the rear sight holder. After some sighting shots I was satisfied I was able to hit a target accurately at short range and in due course managed to provide meat for the three family camps.

The days in the Lowveld were extremely hot, so all one could really do between the hours 8am and 4pm was to hide under the shade of the old marula tree, away from the menacing sun. Late one afternoon, as it began to cool, I decided to take a walk. So taking Ned Mahlagwana, the camp guard at Northampton along, we set off downstream to a promontory we called the island. When nearing the island we came across a drag mark and Ned insisted on following it into the dense thicket. There we found the remains of a wildebeest with one hind leg still intact and almost complete. Ned took his ‘panga’ and proceeded to hack the leg off the well eaten carcass so he could carry it back to camp, as was the custom in those days.

While walking along the river bank back towards camp something caught my eye and I spotted three sub-adult lions lying on a sand bank in the middle of the riverbed.

We froze as they looked up and watched

us intently, Ned in particular. Another movement caught our attention and we saw the mother lioness look out from the reeds and a low growl followed. We all stood frozen to the spot! Fortunately for us though, the mother chose discretion over valour and it was a growl to call them off. As the family disappeared back into the reeds we were able to continue back to camp, with Ned’s leg of wildebeest and without further incident.

Tuesday dawned a cool, cloudy day, but we could not delay our departure for home any longer. We had to contend with a drizzle all the way to Nelspruit with only a plastic bag for protection. After several hours drive we arrived soaking wet at the General Motors dealer in Nelspruit. To my despair I found that they did not have a replacement windscreen in stock. They directed us to the local panel beater for assistance, only to find there had been a run of broken windscreens over the weekend. The panel beater couldn’t help us either as they did not have the right size plastic sheeting to make a temporary windscreen. We continued our miserable drive through Swaziland via Pigs Peak where we hit very heavy rain and mist.

Cold and wet we managed the journey through to Eshowe where we arrived with a rain drenched car and took shelter at a filling station. Here we finally managed to sort out a plastic windscreen for the last 100 kms home. As you can imagine, this journey was one of the a longest and most arduous journeys I have ever undertaken from Northhampton to Gledhow.

On return home the windscreen was replaced with one of the shatterproof variety and the rear suspension was beefed up with the fitting of an additional leaf to the springs. General Motors later recalled all Chevy II’s and placed a protective shield around the petrol tank.

The exasperating trip in my new Chevy soon turned into an experience to remember and one to laugh about around the campfire, but hopefully one never to be repeated!

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 |19

Bataleur nest on the move

W

hen Mike Job from Makalali Game Reserve left me a message regarding the natural ground hornbill nest on their reserve, I knew something was up and it sounded urgent. When I returned his call he told me of how the nest, situated in a beautiful big Jackalberry tree, fell apart after a big storm and that he was hoping to get details from me on how to make an artificial nest to replace it.

The group there had successfully reared chicks in that nest for many seasons and both he and I were eager to get a replacement up as soon as possible before the breeding season commenced.

How old is that Ground Hornbill?

1

1

3 months to 1 year

(Left) Young birds have completely pale facial skin. Black areas are ectoparasites and fairly common. They also have blue eyes and a shorter bill with no gap between upper and lower bill.

4

8+ years

nest was taken down under the watchful eyes of Jack and Rex from the back of Colin’s Land Cruiser.

Actually those two were more interested in checking out the genet that had scrambled out of the nest and scurried to the top-most branches of the tree.

Nevertheless, Mike Job and his team successfully installed the nest in the same tree as the old natural nest on their Reserve.

Excellent work done by all and in good time, with more than enough time for the Makalali group to adjust to their new nest before the breeding season gets underway. We hope the Makalali group continues to be as successful in the future as it has been in the past.

A quick and easy solution was to use an artificial nest from within the APNR that had never been used by a group. The perfect choice was the ‘Bataleur’ nest, close to “Bataleur’s Nest” here in the KPNR. Since it was installed in 2009 the only visitor to the nest had been a genet.

“Location, location, location…” is the well-used real estate phrase. Whatever it was about the Bataleur nest’s location, it didn’t meet the Hornbill group’s fancy.

Was it too much traffic? Was the view not as nice as the other one? Noisy neighbours or was it a smelly tenant?

For some reason the Bataleur nest’s location didn’t meet the hornbill group’s fancy. With the help of Colin Rowles, Mandla Mathonsi and Eckson Malebe, the

Story and photos by Kate Meares

4

In the previous issue there was confusion with the captions and pics with the article, “How old is that Ground Hornbill?”. Our apologies to Kate Mears. Here are the corrections.

3

22 2 to 4 years

(Below) At this age the bill is at full length but with quite a bit of white on both upper and lower bills. Facial skin is dark with blotches of pale skin on the edges.

4 to 6 years

(Below right) At this age their facial skins are almost complete with only a bit of the cream colour around the edges.

There is still some white on the bill.

4

(Male right, female left) Sexually mature individuals have complete facial skin, blue patch visible in females, bill is dark almost completely black. Pale eyes.

2

3

CET says thank you for ongoing support to ...

• Sharalumi Building Solutions • BUCO Hardware – Buildware • Lyndsay Finney – Matikinya Project Co-ordination • Olande Stols – DHL Supply Chain • DHL Supply Chain volunteer staff

• Volunteers from Mamelodi & Ennerdale SOS Children’s Villages

• Waltons – 100 stationery sets

• Kit-a-Kid donors

• Santa Shoe Box donors • Jacky Hills – Mural Painting at the schools

• Gill Nicholson donated binoculars and a bird book for HWS trainers.

• Samantha & Tony Watson (Australia) – stationery & educational supplies

20 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

A River Changed Story and photos by Gary Freeman

T

he floods of January 2012 were an unexpected natural disaster with the water rising by as much as eight metres above normal flow levels.

Repercussions to the environment were devastating and widespread throughout the reserve.

The Klaserie River which is the lifeblood of the region is also the drainage system that has to carry floodwater through the reserve and then out of the region. In the drainage process, if the volume is too great, the water impact on the system will be tremendous. Those associated with the Klaserie River before the flood will realise how significantly the system has been changed.

The thick Phragmites reed beds that provided much needed winter nourishment for many of the megaherbivores, were completely obliterated in many areas. Many of the large trees were uprooted and deposited further downstream leaving large gaps in the riverine vegetation.

In one section of the river a group of Matumi trees, Breonadia salicina, has

completely disappeared and in another section, water elder, Nuxia oppositifolia, which was a nesting site for a pair of

white-backed night-herons, was also swept away. It may be many years before a similar nesting site will become available again for this rare bird species as their breeding requirements are trees overhanging the water channel. There are huge piles of reeds littering the high water mark of the flood and many of the surviving trees along the river banks still have vegetation debris hanging from the branches like Christmas decorations.

Soon after the flood water had receded, the amount of sand that had been transported by the water became evident. On the inside of the river bends, high sand banks had been deposited and these now cover the rocky outcrops that existed previously. Long white

beaches cause confusion in the minds of bushbuck as they now have fewer places to hide. The flood water has unfortunately carried invader plants and their seeds and these are now slowly taking hold on the delicate river banks. The Mexican Poppy, Argemone subfusiformis, is abundant both in the river bed and on the banks. A number of syringa trees have been washed downstream from well outside of the reserve and have also been deposited along the river banks.

The seeds from these trees will surely start propagating with the onset of the summer rains and control management may have to be introduced sooner rather than later.

Almost one year later, standing on the high river bank in the central part of the reserve and looking upstream, the damage looks severe with the eroded vertical walls of the channel and the lack of riverine vegetation adding to the stark environment. Maybe the Klaserie River needed this “clean out�. Maybe it had become choked and was not functioning as an efficient drainage system for the region any longer. It has certainly changed completely and it will be many years before the river system returns to its former glory. Many animal species will have to adapt to this new environment and overcome the changes that have been forced upon them. They are all a part of this changed river.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 |21

Rhino poaching update 2012 Story by Lynette Strauss

D

Night of the two leopards Story by Pieter Dreyer Photos by Karen Looi

D

uring the last week of June we had the privilege of hosting the Singaporean family again at Klaserie Camps. This is the same family that had the pangolin sighting last year and they were wondering if they could top the pangolin and lions sightings from last year. The good news is, we did.

One afternoon we went out earlier than usual in order to spend more time in the bush. We hadn’t even travelled one kilometre from the lodge when my tracker, Wiseman, spotted an impala carcass tucked underneath a shrub next to the road. As we stopped to inspect the carcass a big male leopard jumped up to the left of the shrub and leapt away into some thicker bush.

My guests were so excited about what they had seen as they were on many safaris and had never seen a leopard

before, so with a fresh kill and a male leopard close by, we sat it out and waited.

While we waited, a herd of elephants passed us some distance away and while looking at the elephants, a female leopard approached the impala. She was quite nervous as she crouched down next to the impala and even more so while eating. Just before sunset I changed the position of the Land Rover to provide my guests with a panoramic view of the leopard on the kill with the sun setting in the background.

After a while we left the sighting to have some sundowners in a safe place but not too far away. When we got back to the sighting, the male was feeding with the female some distance away.

Both leopards were now more relaxed with our presence and allowed us to take photos and enjoy this special sighting.

We watched them a total of five hours over two days.

uring a weekend in midNovember 2012, poachers killed seven rhinos at a game farm near Rustenburg in the North West.

The total number of rhinos killed in South Africa as of 27 November stands at 588. This is 140 more rhinos butchered for their horn so far this year, than during the whole of 2011 and 255 more than in 2010.

A week earlier the department of environmental affairs released stats that showed within a week, 18 rhinos had been killed or their carcasses discovered.

Of these, 15 incidents occurred in the Kruger National Park (KNP), one in Mpumalanga and another two in the North West Province.

In Kruger, tourists stumbled upon two fresh white rhino carcasses on 28 November at the Napi Boulders Loop in the Pretoriuskop section.

So far this year, the KNP alone has lost 362 rhinos to poachers. The North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces continue to be the hardest hit by poachers, collectively accounting for the loss of 186 rhinos.

246 alleged poachers have been arrested this year.

Rhinos poached

2011 2012 KNP MNP GP LIM MP NW EC FS KZN WC NC TOT

252 6 9 74 31 21 11 4 34 6 0 448

362 3 1 52 27 75 7 0 59 2 0 588

22 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

sightings

Right: Colleen Franklin captured this bush baby having a quick peek during daytime.

Above: Mark Wilkes had a rare sighting of a black heron. Colin Rowles, warden of the KPNR, has only recorded a sighting once before.

Below: A southern tree agama snapped by Carl Jansen.

Above: Catharina Robbertze captured this buffalo and cattle egret

Below: Elephants at a waterhole in the APNR by Pieter Strauss

sightings

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 |23

A visitor who dropped by for a quick drink at Camp George. Thank you Mark Wilkes for sharing this great sighting.

photos by Lynette Strauss

Life’s tough when you’re small: Colleen Franklin captured the commotion when this little guy got stuck.

He was trailing the herd after hanging around at the waterhole for too long.

24 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Halala grade 7’s, halala!

Story and photos by Catharina Robbertze

T

his time of the year is always a time of celebrations, farewells and new beginnings. This year was no different at the schools supported by Children’s Eco Training (CET), Matikinya and Seganyane Primary Schools.

With the final exams looming learners, parents and staff members of the respective schools gathered to bid the grade 7-learners of 2012 farewell and to wish them all the best as they head to high school.

Both celebrations were joyous affairs with the sound of drum majorettes, traditional music, dancing and ululations that filled the Lowveld air.

Learners performed poems, speeches, readings and dramas to show their parents what they’ve learnt during the year and the sense of pride was palpable in this section of the audience. Circuit managers wished the grade 7’s farewell in their future goals and provided valuable advice for both learners and parents on what to expect of high school and how to remain exemplary citizens.

Corné Havenga, CEO of CET was also there and said she hoped all the grade 7’s will carry on to work as hard as they did during primary school and continue to make a difference in their community and their environment.

As a final good-bye present, CET presented 30 vouchers for a new set of school clothes to those learners who were a part of the eco-village project and worked hard throughout the year.

All grade 7-learners in both schools also received a Santa Shoebox filled with goodies thanks to the organisation of CET and the generous donations of members of the public.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 | 25

More improvements at Seganyane Story by Winky Mokgope Photos by Corné Havenga

T

he hard work of the learners and greening committee of Seganyane Primary School is starting to pay off and the improvements are evident everywhere on the school grounds.

The most recent improvement was made when eight volunteers from Meaningful Travel Abroad (MTA) visited the school together with staff members from Children’s Eco Training (CET).

After receiving a warm welcome from learners, the school headmaster, Eckson Raganya and CET CEO Corné Havenga, all the volunteers and several learners set to work.

The main goal for the day was to move a fence in order to make more room for the school’s eco village and increase the size of the vegetable garden. Grade 7 boys helped the volunteers to do this while the girls were cleaning and working in the garden.

With more space in the vegetable garden there will be more opportunity to start generating a profit from the produce, with the goal of using these profits to bring further improvements to the school and, more specifically, its eco village.

As another successful volunteering day came to an end the children played a friendly game of soccer against each other.

Kit-a-Kid Campaign 2012: Thanks Story by Laura Craig Photos by Corné Havenga and Catharina Robbertze

to all our donors!

O

ur 2012 Kit-a-Kid uniform campaign has again been a resounding success with CET managing to raise an incredible R80 000 thanks to our generous donors.

A school uniform is a simple item and something most children in South Africa take for granted.

Yet there are those who dream of the day they will be able to buy one for themselves. By helping 310 children to own their own school uniform we not only helped them to look good, but also helped them feel good and take pride in the way they look.

We would like to thank all our very kind and generous donors for enabling us to make a success of this worthwhile initiative. We do hope you will join us again next year in making our 2013 campaign even more successful.

Your R250 can change a life!

A uniform consists of a shirt, shorts or a dress, a jersey, shoes and socks.

! u o y k n a Th

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

Thank you to all our donors!

Kit-a-Kid | today | Kit-a-Kid | today | Kit-a-Kid | today | Kit-a-Kid | today | Kit-a-Kid | today | Kit-a-Kid | today |

26 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Amur Falcon population threatened by massacre Story by Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson, Photos by Neil Gray

The female Amur Falcon

The male Amur Falcon

T

he massacre of tens of thousands of migrating Amur Falcons, Falco amurensis, killed in Nagaland in the Wokha district in northeast India, has shocked the world. Conservation India claims that about 12 000 to 14 000 Amur Falcons were hunted for commercial sale and human consumption during October 2012 in Nagaland and it is believed this killing is not limited to this particular district.

The Amur Falcon is a migratory raptor species, about the size of a pigeon, that travels up to 22 000km from its breeding grounds in eastern Asia to the non-breeding grounds in Africa including South Africa. Amur Falcons play a vital role in controlling insect pests, particularly locusts. The conservation of the species is therefore of international concern.

In October, huge numbers of Amur Falcons arrive in northeast India en route to their final overwintering destinations in Africa. It is at one of their migratory stop-over sites in India that these falcons descend from the power lines on which they perch, to the banks of the Doyang reservoir to roost. It is then when hunters catch the falcons using massive fishing nets. “The large scale hunting has happened over the last five to six years, since the construction of the water reservoir in Nagaland that likely attracts insects on which the Amur Falcons feed”, says the Bombay Natural History Society in India. The killing of Amur Falcon has been illegal since 2010 but this has not, however, stopped either the hunters or illicit sellers of these falcons.

According to local bird expert, Neil Gray, the Amur Falcon is found throughout the greater Kruger Park area during the summer months.

“The Amur is one of the later summer migrant arrivals, only arriving in numbers around mid-December, and then departing again mainly by end-March.” BirdLife South Africa is extremely concerned about the killing of this species at certain parts of the migration route. “If this continues the numbers of the species could start crashing globally, and this would significantly affect the birds that spend ‘their winter’ in South Africa”, says Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson, BirdLife South Africa Conservation Manager.

“We would like to offer our full support to Conservation India and the Bombay Natural History Society in their engagements with the national and state governments to ban the hunting (and trade) of Amur Falcons in Nagaland”, states Mark D. Anderson, CEO of BirdLife South Africa.

The massacre of Amur Falcons is but one example of a global crisis where birds are hunted at their migration stopovers and this necessitates support of the current global conservation initiatives, such as the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS).

BirdLife South Africa will approach the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for its support in further communication to the Indian minister and government.

Each October, tens of thousands of amur falcons migrate through the Doyang reservoir in Wokha, Nagaland. Here, they are mercilessly targeted by hunters who kill over 15 000 of these raptors for local consumption and for sale in markets.

Two images above taken on 21 and 22 October, 2012, by: Shashank Dalvi, Bano Haralu, Rokohebi Kuotsu and Ramki Sreenivasan (Conservation India) DID YOU KNOW? Amur Falcons are commonly found in north eastern South Africa. The recent satellite tracking of Amur Falcons by German and South African researchers has shown that Amur Falcons migrate a considerable distance over the sea.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 | 27

Unique conservation experience for everyday people Stories and photos by Nini Baxter Photos by Chris Pearson - Wildcon

T

he rhino conservation events at Baobab Ridge Bush Lodge got off to a good start in winter 2012. Managed by Wildcon Safaris, these events are a great opportunity for guests to not only contribute their money toward rhino conservation, but to also partake in and experience the darting, micro-chipping and earnotching of the rhino. Guests have the unique opportunity to understand and see exactly where their money is going and what good it is doing, while physically partaking in the conservation work required by the various wildlife managers and veterinarians.

In July we had our first event of the year, which went smoothly with all participants going home in awe of the experience. Guests settled in at Baobab Ridge and were briefed by Chris Pearson of Wildcon on the next day’s events including the species history and threats it faces, the reasons why the group will be doing the event, wildlife anaesthetics to be used, safety, tasks and responsibilities and respect for the animals.

The area in which the rhino will be darted is decided upon by Colin Rowles

of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. The party meets the next morning with an introduction and run-down from Colin and Dr Peter Rogers of Provet Wildlife Services in Hoedspruit.

One of the guests joins the pilot and Peter on the helicopter to find and dart the rhino. Once this is done the game viewers follow with the remaining guests, who then meet the helicopter where the first rhino has been darted. The group assists with the insertion of microchips into both the front and back horns of two animals (to prevent poaching) as well as cutting small ear notches in both animals (for individual identification purposes).

Qualified guides are used who place an emphasis on both animal and guest safety and all of the events are conducted with professional wildlife veterinarians and specialised helicopter pilots.

These events are unique and rewarding for all parties concerned.

It affords the guests an exclusive bushveld experience while also facilitating their involvement both financially and physically in a necessary wildlife research and conservation exercise.Â

28 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Story by Catharina Robbertze, Photos by Catharina Robbertze, Corné Havenga and Karen Randall

T

the

Joyof

Giving

he Santa Shoebox (SSB) project took South Africa by storm as thousands of people turned into Christmas elves earlier this year to make sure thousands of less-privileged children have a joyful Christmas.

Hoedspruit was not left behind thanks to the administration and hard work of the staff of Children’s Eco Training (CET) and volunteers from the KPNR and greater Hoedspruit community.

According to Corné Havenga, CEO of CET they managed to collect 1137 boxes, distributing them to 13 facilities in the Hoedspruit area. As the boxes were handed over to excited children the sheer overwhelming joy was evident on faces everywhere as many of these children had never received a new pair of clothes or owned a new toy before.

However, it was not only the children receiving the gifts that got to enjoy Christmas. One of the Hoedspruit collection point’s biggest contributors, Rynfield Primary School enjoyed it so much that the project developed from a class project of 30 boxes to 289 boxes donated by all the children from grade 1 to 3 in the school.

Angela Bennette, a grade 1 teacher at the school said when she heard about the project she wanted each of the children in her school to experience the process from start to finish. “The children gained a better understanding of giving and sharing during this project. Initially, some of them could not understand why you would give another child a toothbrush or a tube of toothpaste as a present. This project gave each child a chance to stop and think about all the things they take for granted. It really made every one of them think about what they are grateful and thankful for in their lives!”

Said Corné: “It was important for us to implement the Kidz2Kidz concept so the children giving the gifts could learn more about the joys of giving and realise how privileged they are. All the local schools, lodges and the community really came together to support this initiative, as well as corporate sponsors and schools from the Johannesburg area. We’ve been extremely blessed to reach such a huge target for our area and to even exceed the goal we set for ourselves.”

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 | 29

Thank you for your bulk pledges!

• • • • • • • • •

Rynfield Primary School (Johannesburg) Royale Malewane Lodge Triumph Communications (Johannesburg) Southern Cross Schools Drakensig Laerskool Christian School Hoedspruit Pre-primary Gomo-Gomo lodge Hereford Group (Johannesburg)

The Hoedspruit beneficiaries of the SSB project • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Klaserie Kidz (East, West,South and North) Teedi Crèche Matikinya Primary School Seganyane Primary School Finale Crèche Enable Crèche Moriah Mango Crèche Hikatekile Crèche Richmond Crèche Segagule Crèche Songololo Crèche Blydepoort Crèche Bavaria Crèche

MAD pupils stand out

30 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Sam’s MAD Golf Day Story by Catharina Robbertze

A

little boy from the Lowveld recently made a big impression as he charmed the socks off several successful businessmen and women in Johannesburg.

Sam Mahlalela is one of four learners at Southern Cross School sponsored by the Make a Difference Foundation (MAD). He travelled to the MAD golf day in Johannesburg in October to perform as part of a drumming trio.

He punched far above his weight and as participants of the golf day arrived they were immediately treated to Sam’s charming personality to start their day off with a huge smile.

No matter how bad things went for some on the golf course, Sam was once again the star of the show at the closing ceremony and auction. He certainly contributed to the success of the evening.

He was not only the cause of many

laughs and smiles on the day but he also enjoyed the day thoroughly: “The MAD golf day is not just a normal golf day. It was jam packed with fun and laughter and I got to meet some of the coolest and fun people ever. It is not all just about having fun but mostly about raising money to help support the current MAD beneficiaries such as me.”

On the day everyone agreed that it would not have been such a fun event had it not been for Sam’s presence.

It is arguable that Sam helped to raise more money by putting a smile on the attendees’ faces and showing them how well their money is spent by giving children such as himself a better chance at success.

Above: Mashudu Mutshaueni was appointed a boarder leader at the Southern Cross Schools prize giving. Below: Mashudu also received the “Tenacity” award.

Below: Zandi Mathebula received a laptop from MAD.

About MAD The Make a Difference Foundation‘s (MAD) primary goal is to identify talented South African learners from less fortunate backgrounds and support their education and life skills development to help them reach their full potential.

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Dikgetho Mametja performed the role of Beast in Meeting Mrs Grimm at the Southern Cross Schools 2012 Arts at nightfall evening.

Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22 | 31

Marching to their own beat

Groens helping again

The Groens’ Helping Hand

Photo by Kim Provis

A

fter helping Seganyane Primary School to improve their kitchen and washing facilities earlier this year the Groen family moved their attention to the needs of the next-door Teedi Crèche.

During an earlier visit the family realised that approximately 80 children, who attend the crèche, had no toilet facilities while the staff had to make do with a long drop.

It wasn’t long before they decided to task Children’s Eco Training (CET) to find a sustainable solution for the problem.

As the school does not have running water, normal toilets weren’t an option and it was decided to install Enviro Loos. These waterless toilets use a natural biological process to break down human waste into a dehydrated odourless compostlike material, something that will improve the children’s hygiene situation greatly and also contribute to the environment’s condition.

Construction was completed in November and everyone at the school is ecstatic to have proper facilities at their disposal.

A big thank you to the Groen family for their continued support, both with resources and time.

The Southern Cross Schools’ senior drumming squad, led by our very own bursary student, Samkelo Mahlalela, earned a double gold certificate at the Tzaneen Eisteddfod on Friday 17 August.

The squad consists of learners from the Preparatory School and the College and impressed the judges to earn an almost perfect 93% with their unique compositions, great skill and original rhythms. The drummers lived up to their reputation for excellence and kept audiences enthralled throughout their performance.

Congratulations to drumming coach Kim Provis and the squad on their outstanding performance.

Santa Shoebox at Teedi Créche

Photos by Rhulani Mathonsi

Thank you everyone!

With your help all registered children will receive a Santa Shoebox in 2012!

The Santa Shoebox collects and distributes gifts at Christmas time to underpriviliged children throughout South Africa and Namibia

Initiative of the Kidz2Kidz trust IT2671/2009 PB) 930031301 Section 18A NPO 102-098 www.santashoebox.co.za * ino@santashoebox.ca.za

32 | Klaserie Chronicle/Kroniek no. 22

Container or storage facility needed

C

ET is in desperate need of a container or lockable storage facility at Matikinya and Seganyane Primary Schools.

“We have tools, equipment and donated clothing, books, toys and other goods that we would like to store closer to the school,” says Corné Havenga, CEO of CET. Corné also recently met with several children heading households in areas served by these schools. These containers will shorten delivery channels to these children, should people wish to reach out to them.

Thank you to Waltons for the 100 stationery sets for CET’s Santa Shoebox campaign!

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Kit-a-Kid 2012: How you can help

A

s the year is slowly winding down our Kit-a-Kid project is gaining momentum to help as many children as possible have the opportunity to go to school next year.

Many children in our area are not allowed to attend schools if they do not have the correct attire. The Kit a Kid initiative has made a massive impact on many lives by providing school uniforms to hundreds of children, thereby enabling them to

have access to valuable education.

By providing these children with something as basic as a school uniform you have helped to instil a greater sense of pride and responsibility with learners.

Thanks to your help they now look forward to attending school and embracing their learning environment without worrying about being dressed accordingly.

Thank you for your support in previous years.

• Despite escalating prices we will still be able to clothe one child for R250 in 2012. A complete uniform consists of a shirt, shorts or a dress, a jersey, shoes and socks.

• Uniforms are distributed to committed and enthusiastic Klaserie Kidz who regularly attend CET holiday workshops as well as learners in our adopted schools who participate in our greening projects. To be able to qualify for a uniform children have to work hard and regularly attend CET training programmes.

• Contact Corné @ 082 713 8778 or corne@ecochildren.co.za • Children’s Eco Training Account nr: 013 253 611, Standard Bank, Hatfield, Branch code: 01-15-45, Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ. Please send your proof of payment to admin@ecochildren.co.za

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