Safari News - Summer Edition 2018 - Issue 03 - our third issue for your reading pleasure! by safarinews

SAFARINEWS SUMMER EDITION 2018 – ISSUE 03

TRAIL RUNNING SA’s top destinations CHAD’S RHINO

Tragedy

SECRETARYBIRDS & THE PLIGHT OF AFRICA’S RAPTORS

TIGERS? IN THE KAROO

ONLINE VERSION

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SAFARINEWSCONTENT LIVING WORLD 3–36 News from the world of conservation WILD EARTH Up close and personal with the secretarybird

Whales in the Southern Ocean

Rewilding Zinave National Park

Tiger conservation in Africa

Phinda button spider 31 Proteas and fynbos health

FOCUS Dronfield Nature Reserve, Kimberley

ADVENTURE Top trail running destinations

Bush telegraph

HOTSPOTS Our pick of destinations worth travelling for

WANDER On cloud nine at De Hoop Nature Reserve

HERITAGE The Makuleke of Pafuri

by René de Klerk

REGULARS By the book 27 Diary: Events guide 36 Safari style 37 Zoom in: Photos 38 Little Safarians: Fun for the little ones

A day in the life

14 23

Columns 49 Food: Dig in 50 Last Word: Otch Otto on the bush

31 33 Acting editor René de Klerk +27 78 275 5978 / +27 11 340 3352 renedk@caxton.co.za Journalist Georgina Lockwood +27 11 340 3333 georginal@caxton.co.za

32 44

Printing CTP Printers Johannesburg

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36 SAFARINEWS SUMMER EDITION 2018 – ISSUE 03

Distribution RNA +27 11 248 3500

Advertising and marketing Bryn Pyne-James +27 82 575 0748 brynpj@caxton.co.za General manager Janet Gordon +27 83 454 2564 janetg@caxton.co.za Design Lilac Lime Studio +27 11 340 3219 info@lilaclime.com Page 2 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at safari@caxton. co.za and share your adventures, sightings, photos and stories. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

TRAIL RUNNING SA’s top destinations CHAD’S RHINO

Tragedy lilac lime studio

SECRETARYBIRDS & THE PLIGHT OF AFRICA’S RAPTORS

TIGERS? IN THE KAROO

ONLINE VERSION

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Cover image by Graham Kearney

t’s hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by. As December arrives, you’re no doubt ready to hit the road on another journey of discovery – exploring new destinations, or perhaps returning to old familiar holiday spots. Are you a creature of habit, or one who enjoys pushing boundaries, trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone? Talking about leaving your comfort zone: you can imagine the debate that ensued when we were asked to visit a tiger project in the Free State. Thoughts of canned hunting, tiger bone trade and cub petting immediately came to mind. Controversy around the project’s past meant visiting with an open mind and sifting through mountains of research before we made up our minds. Turn to page 23 and you can make your own decision. Quite a few of our articles this month involve climbing out of comfort zones and shifting boundaries: African giant pouched rats are helping to fight the battle against poaching (p11); a game reserve in the Waterberg is refocusing its rhino conservation methods (p14); and a farmer in the Northern Cape has moved from farming to conservation with the reintroduction of hippos into a river on his property (p35). While everyone usually gets into the spirit of giving at this time of the year, have you thought about your contribution to the planet? Giving back does not have to take too much time or effort – it can be as easy as applying for a MyPlanet card. In the last year alone, the MyPlanet Rhino Fund administered by the Endangered Wildlife Trust has donated more than R3.5 million to rhino conservation. It’s easy to do your bit too. During the holidays, get out of your comfort zone and try new things. And remember to share your exciting journey of discovery with us at Safari News!

Living World

Ocean economy report:

we can do better T

he World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA) released an updated ocean economy scorecard in October, offering an overview of the state of the country’s marine resources. While the report shows some good news, there are still many areas of concern. The report comes two years after the Ocean Facts and Future report was published. The objective was to give an overview of the state of our oceans, to spur on collaboration and provide a marker for the progress that could be measured and tracked. Information reveals there has been an increase in overfished stock and a 4% drop in underfished stock. This indicates more species are being fished to capacity and beyond. The number of sustainably fished species remains exactly as it was two years ago. With around 312 million kilograms of seafood consumed in South Africa annually, the WWF Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) provides consumers with a means to make choices regarding sustainable species consumption. Green species are acceptable to consume, while consumers should avoid buying seafood on the red list, and wary of buying orange-listed species. Unfortunately, the number of orangelisted species has increased. Sardines

have not shown any major regression, and gurnard are now on the orange the overall picture is worrying and list, while carpenter and panga have significant progress still needs to moved from red to orange. be made going forward if we are In addition, African penguin and to safeguard our marine resources West Coast rock lobster numbers for future generations,” says Pavitray continue to decline. Penguin Pillay, head of WWF-SASSI. numbers are plummeting primarily The report revealed a positive shift due to lack of food availability, while when it comes to marine spatial rock lobster numbers are declining planning and due to illegal, the legislation unprotected now being and unregulated African penguin implemented. fishing. The Just over a week number of and West Coast rock after the release of species with lobster numbers this information, unknown status the Department has increased as continue to decline of Environmental there is limited Affairs reported information the approval of available due to 20 marine protected areas (MPAs), lack of research. a move that will bring South Africa’s However, there is good news for ocean protection to a total of 5%. fish eaters – they can continue to South Africa’s ocean space, which eat hake as this species continues is one of the most varied in the an upward trajectory at a maximum world, is highly productive and sustainable yield. Coastal livelihoods diverse. “As we grow and intensify have also shown positive changes. the ocean economy, it is essential to Small-scale fishing communities provide the necessary protection to have been identified and the first a representative sample of marine allocations were made in the ecosystems, thereby ensuring their Northern Cape. resilience to human use and impact, Also, major retailers and suppliers and to the impacts associated are making progress according to with climate change,” said Minister their commitments. Hanekom, acting minister of “While it is encouraging that many environmental affairs. of the key challenges and issues MPAs include the Addo Elephant highlighted in the 2018 scorecard

National Park, Namaqua National Park, Robben Island, Isimangaliso Offshore, the Benguela Bank, Amathole Offshore and Cape Canyon. WWF welcomes this development. “We have been calling for more marine protected areas for a variety of reasons, one of which is they contribute towards fishery sustainability by, for example, protecting spawning grounds or specific underwater habitats,” says the WWF’s Andrea Weiss. Weiss says people can make their own conscious choices when buying seafood or ordering it at a restaurant by consulting the WWF-SASSI list and its green, orange, red trafficlight system. Visit wwf.sassi.co.za or download the SASSI app, or send a WhatsApp to FishMS on 079 499 8795 to find out whether a type of fish is sustainably caught. For a full list of MPAs, visit www.marineprotectedareas.org.za – René de Klerk

Main: Roman only occur in South Africa. This photo was taken in the De Hoop Marine Protected Area. Top: Amathole lace coral is the reason why Amathole Offshore is proposed as a Marine Protected Area. Photo: Steve Benjamin and ACEP Imidia Project Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 3

Letters

Your thoughts Have you recently travelled to exciting destinations or done things completely unique and off the charts? Or do you simply love Safari News? Send your thoughts to safari@caxton.co.za

Europcar partners with Safari News Hit the road and explore beautiful South Africa Justin Crowley from Port Elizabeth writes: My fiancé and I turned over every cent for the last few years and finally managed to save money. Our goal was to take a month off and see as much of South Africa’s reserves and parks as possible. We were shocked at the amount of beauty hiding right under our noses and have learnt that South Africans who travel overseas before seeing South Africa are really missing a lot. We have seen the most beautiful desert scenes in the Northern Cape, experienced true unspoilt nature in rural Eastern Cape, climbed Table Mountain for the first time, visited the flowers on the West Coast

Congratulations on a beautiful publication Coen Oelofse writes:

during flower season, and climbed mountains in the Free State. But our biggest surprise was witnessing a lion kill an impala in the Kruger, with no tourists around. We also picked up a copy of Safari News somewhere along the way, but we really can’t remember where. My fiancé put it in the pocket behind the driver’s seat and we both forgot about its existence, until we had to clean the car to take it for a service. I almost threw it away, but something told me not to. I am so glad I made the decision. What an informative read! We both loved it and can’t wait for the next one.

SAFARI NEWS SPRING EDITION 2018 – ISSUE 02

Wildlife

CORRIDORS FOR GORILLAS

This is the first time I’ve got my hands on Safari News and I was totally blown away. I absolutely love it. The content, the layout and everything are just perfect. Well done to the whole team! Keep up the good work!

Kruger

For the love of zebras

ILLEGAL

Kgosi Mahole writes:

was awarded Africa’s Leading Car Rental Company at the World Travel Awards for the 13th year in a row. Additionally, the team at Europcar strive to be the car rental company of choice, and an inspirational brand that makes a positive difference to people, customers and the planet. Partnering with Safari News, which is packed with travel ideas, environmental news and the best of Africa’s natural wonders, ensures a perfectly aligned relationship, rooted in everything beautifully African. Europcar looks forward to moving your way. Above: Safari News managing director Bryn Pyne-James takes delivery of a vehicle from Amy Davis, Europcar marketing manager.

What does this badge mean? Fair Trade Tourism is a non-profit organisation promoting best-practice responsible tourism in Africa. For the conscientious traveller, certain articles are marked with the Fair Trade Tourism label. Find out more at www.fairtrade.travel

ADVENTURES ON FOOT

WILDLIFE TRADE RAMPANT

Zebra

SPECIES IN AFRICA

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I take my kids to reserves whenever there is an opportunity as I want them to conserve nature for future generations. My daughter saw your spring issue first as she is obsessed with zebras. She loved the front page. We can’t wait for the next edition.

Page 4 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Europcar is proud to partner with Safari News. As a brand and publication that focuses on the latest strides in conservation, offering inspiration to those seeking road trip adventures and rare experiences in the great outdoors, and destinations never previously dreamt of, the partnership is perfectly aligned with Europcar’s ideals. As a leading car rental brand, moving customers across our beautiful country is what Europcar does best! Offering a range of mobility solutions, including chauffeur drive, transfer services, van and car rental, and a fleet of over 25 000 vehicles at more than 100 locations across Southern Africa, Europcar has the range to meet every client’s individual needs. In 2018, Europcar

Hand-drawn sketches in this issue Look out for the gorgeous sketches throughout this issue – they have all been created by South African artist Graham Kearney and are available for sale through the artist. Find ‘Graham Kearney Artist’ on Facebook for more details.

Living World

Tragedy as four of

Chad’s rhino die I

Authorities kept a close eye on the n what was seen as a project with animals from their arrival. While in huge potential for success, six holding bomas, they were fed a mix black rhino from South Africa found of lucerne and branches. After two a new home in Chad in May 2018. months, the rhino were released There was buy-in from the Chadian into a sanctuary within the greater government, expertise was shared, national park, and finally late in and everything was done to protect September, into the greater park. the rhino from poaching. Zakouma receives However, just summer rainfall five months after and is located in their release into Low fat reserves prime black rhino Zakouma National territory in terms Park, two were suggest the rhino of vegetation. found dead. had not adapted “Their external Then just over a appearance did week later, news to their new not show loss of of another two environment condition,” says deaths surfaced. Fran Read from They were African Parks. “They not poached. were probably A statement feeding on something that wasn’t released by African Parks said giving them the nutrients they post-mortem results ruled out needed. This is why the testing is so infectious diseases and plant toxicity. important so we can understand Serological evidence indicated what happened,” she explains. exposure to a blood-borne parasite The western black rhino (Diceros transmitted by tsetse flies, but this was not suspected to have killed bicornis longipes) became extinct them. Low fat reserves suggest the in Chad in the 1970s as a result of rhino had not adapted to their poaching. The rhino subspecies from new environment as well as initially South Africa that was translocated thought, but further tests on the is the south-central black rhino brain and spinal fluid may shed (Diceros bicornis minor). The only further light. other subspecies is the eastern black

rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) from the east of Africa and south-western rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis). At the time of going to print, the last two remaining rhino were being recaptured and placed in holding

facilities for closer management in order to safeguard the animals.

Above: A black rhino on arrival in Chad. Photo: Kyle de Nobrega

Leap day for endangered Pickersgill’s reed frog During September 2018, 200 captive-bred Pickersgill’s reed frogs (Hyperolius pickersgilli) jumped to freedom at the Mount Moreland Conservancy near Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. The release is an effort to ensure the survival of this little amphibian in the wild. Pickersgill’s reed frogs are extremely habitat specific and restricted to Indian Ocean Coastal Belt wetland along the KwaZuluNatal coastline. Much of their preferred habitat has been severely transformed by drainage for sugarcane in the past, and more recently by urban development and mining. As part of her PhD study through North-West University, Dr Jeanne Tarrant started with surveys for the species in 2008 to determine where the frogs still occurred. “We surveyed all of the historic sites and found them only at about half – the rest were too transformed to support the species any longer,” says Tarrant, now manager of the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Threatened Amphibian Programme. The findings of this work, and the 2010 categorisation of the species as Critically Endangered,

led to the official acceptance of the Pickersgill’s reed frog Biodiversity Management Plan in 2017, making it the first amphibian to receive its own nationally recognised government rescue plan. There has also been some good news. The number of known sites where the frog occurs has climbed from 20 to 26, and in 2016 the species was down-listed to endangered. In October 2018, another protected area – the Empisini Nature Reserve on the

South Coast – was added to the list of known localities. The frogs are also found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Umlalazi Nature Reserve. “The rest of the sites are unfortunately at the mercy of habitat degradation as a result of lack of management,” says Tarrant. As part of the management plan, the EWT has been working to rehabilitate four sites in Durban through the eradication of invasive vegetation. In total, between 2015 and 2018, approximately

1 000ha has been cleared and 1 000 indigenous plants planted at sites where the frogs occur. “There are several large projects along the coast that are looking at rehabilitating, or in some cases recreating habitat that is suitable for the species,” explains Tarrant. In addition, the EWT is also working towards the declaration of new protected sites through community custodianship. Pickersgill’s reed frogs, which reach a maximum size of 29mm, are found in dense reed bed wetlands within 13km of the coastline. They change colour as they mature. Juveniles are pale brown to light green, while adult females are usually bright green, and males are darker brown, often with a white stripe down their side, and yellow throats. The Johannesburg Zoo took care of the breeding and retains stock of the captive-bred individuals as part of the population. There are plans to release more of these special frogs back into the wild in the future. – René de Klerk

Adult female Pickersgill’s reed frogs are bright green. Photo: Nick Evans Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 5

Wild Earth

two-year project in collaboration with the conservation NGO, Raptors Botswana, has confirmed researchers’ fears that many birds of prey are fast disappearing from one of Africa’s great wild landscapes. The project repeated a famous bird survey conducted over 20 years ago, by driving over 20 000km in a 4x4 across Botswana. Reported sightings of iconic species of eagles and vultures declined by as much as 80% compared with the previous survey, while some migrant species have since vanished, according to the study published in the international scientific journal Biological Conservation. The researchers returned to a network of roads criss-crossing most of northern Botswana, previously surveyed by former wildlife biologist with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Botswana, Dr Marc Herremans. The team retraced Herremans’ route across gravel and tar roads

Page 6 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Raptors and vultures

DECLINING in a similar vehicle and at similar The study did not pinpoint travelling speed. They spotted birds the cause of the declines, but with the naked eye, only using conservationists say vultures in binoculars to positively identify bird particular are vulnerable to poisoning species, as per the original survey. by poachers for whom the birds’ The survey focused on 29 raptor habit of circling carrion is a threat, species and compared their as it might draw the attention of encounter rate with Herremans’ game rangers inside protected areas. original records. Another recent study found a third The motivation for doing the work of all vultures caught and tested in was to explore whether vulture a separate Botswana study showed and raptor numbers had declined elevated levels of lead in their blood, in Botswana, as they have in many most likely due to ingesting bulletother areas of Africa. Sadly, species contaminated flesh. The road-trip declines were study also found detected for 14 significant declines of the 29 species of many species monitored, with inside protected Species declines 11 of these species areas, which declining by over suggests the main were detected for 50% in the last factors driving 14 of the 29 species 20 years. species declines Some of the transcend habit monitored species showing conservation the greatest status. declines are the Furthermore, white-headed and drivers of decline lappet-faced vultures, African hawk are apparently indiscriminate, eagle, secretary bird, bateleur and inexplicit and are likely acting red-necked falcon. jointly, making defining appropriate Only three species, the brown and conservation measures challenging. black-chested snake-eagles and the The study findings also highlight tawny eagle, were more abundant. the importance of historical data Although declines in raptor in countries where scarce funding populations have been seen resources result in limited elsewhere in Africa, particularly species monitoring. across West Africa, researchers The sharp declines found in the were not expecting such dramatic latest survey would not have been declines in Botswana. observed without reference to The country has a relatively low Herremans’ original survey, which human population size and nearly covered a much wider area of about 40% of the land is under some form 50 000km of road. of protection. As the repeat study concentrated

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only on the northern transects, researchers would now like to repeat the remaining routes in the south of the country, to explore whether the trends in the north represent the overall trends for the country. – Beckie Garbett and Arjun Amar, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town

Main and left: Tawny eagles as well as black-chested snake-eagles are doing quite well as their numbers have increased in northern Botswana. Photos: Maans Booysen

Living World

Secretarybird in the spotlight in 2019 O

ften found in grasslands and open savannas on the hunt for prey, the secretarybird is one of Africa’s most charismatic bird species. Found nowhere else on earth, this unique, eye-catching bird of prey is the perfect nomination for Birdlife South Africa’s Bird of the Year 2019. As Bird of the Year 2019, the secretarybird will be used to highlight the dramatic deterioration of Africa’s raptor populations, while also raising awareness about several of the threats responsible for this decline. A recent study of secretarybirds shows a 78% population decline across Botswana over the past 20 years, and a 70% decline in reporting rates across South Africa. The biggest threat facing secretarybirds and other large terrestrial birds is habitat loss. Development and transformation of natural environments into agricultural fields, plantations, mines and buildings make the areas unsuitable for open-habitat species, like the secretarybird. Secretarybirds are able to coexist with landowners who farm

domestic livestock and wild game if landowners manage their land in a way that provides space for biodiversity. Correctly managing bush encroachment – an increase in the density of woody plants that prevents open habitat species from accessing the area – will assist secretarybirds as well as other threatened large terrestrial birds. The ‘BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year’ title dates back to 2007, and birds that have enjoyed the designation include the African penguin (2007), barn swallow (2011), blue crane (2015) and the lappetfaced vulture (2017). In 2018, the African black oystercatcher was used to promote a #ShareTheShores mentality among beachgoers in the Western and Eastern Cape. Secretarybirds are endemic to the grasslands and open savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. Their long legs enable them to cover large distances in search of prey, such as rodents and reptiles. The birds build large nests in the tops of thorn trees or dense bushes and breed year-round in Southern Africa. BirdLife South Africa keeps a database of secretarybird nest

locations, so if you find one please email info@birdlife.org.za For more information on Bird of the Year, visit www.birdlife.org.za/events/ bird-of-the-year – Melissa Whitecross, Threatened Species project manager at BirdLife South Africa

A secretarybird, the 2019 BirdLife South Africa Bird of the Year, in flight. Photo: Albert Froneman

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 7

Wild Earth

Keeping track of the

secretarybird Melissa Whitecross from BirdLife South Africa tells us more about the first wide-scale tracking of subadult secretarybirds after dispersal

Taemane • • • • • •

Sex: Male From: Warden, Free State Tracker fitted: 5 April 2013 Dispersed: 30 July 2013 Distance travelled: 360km S cience: Taemane is the first secretarybird to be tracked from date of hatching to successful breeding – it took him two years and nine months. He found a partner and set up a territory 35km from his natal nest. He travelled to the KwaZulu-Natal coast before turning back and returning to the Warden area within six months of dispersing.

BLiNG • Sex: Male •F rom: Sondela Nature Reserve, Limpopo • Tracker fitted: 21 January 2013 • Dispersed: 26 April 2013 • Distance travelled: 480km •S cience: BLiNG was unfortunately killed when he collided with a powerline during a veld fire along one of the electrical servitudes. After dispersing he travelled to Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana before settling in patchy grasslands near Soshanguve north of Pretoria nine months after dispersal. He highlighted the threat electrical infrastructure can pose to young secretarybirds and showed us the great distances they are capable of.

Spyker • Sex: Male • From: Springfontein, Free State • Tracker fitted: 22 March 2012 • Dispersed: 1 June 2012 • Distance travelled: 80km •S cience: Spyker was the first secretarybird to be tracked around a nest sight. His tracker failed after 168 days. It is assumed the bird was still alive. Page 8 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

he secretarybird, BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year 2019, is vastly understudied, but 10 tagged juveniles have given scientists interesting insight into their dispersal behaviour. Secretarybirds are apex predators and assist in controlling rodents, insects and reptiles in the grasslands and open savannas of Africa, which makes them more resilient than specialist raptors. They kill their prey by kicking it with a force five times their own body weight. Their presence is indicative of a healthy ecosystem, and losing the secretarybird to extinction would lead to increases in populations of agricultural pest species that cause large-scale damage to crops. From 2012 to 2015, 10 GSM-GPS solar trackers were fitted to 10 juvenile secretarybirds on their nests at the age of approximately eight weeks. The central region in South Africa was well studied, with two siblings, Archer and Strider, emerging from the same nest in Calvinia in the Northern Cape. The birds spent an average of 83–100 days in their natal territories before dispersing. Subadult birds have grey eyes, brownish plumage over most of their body and shorter tail rectrices, with yellow bare facial skin. The immature birds showed high variability in maximum distance travelled from the nest and timing of dispersal from their natal territories. Kizuna only travelled 9km, whereas Archer travelled over 1 000km within two weeks of leaving the nest. Most of the birds dispersed more than 150km from their natal nests, before returning to their natal region. Taemane travelled to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal and back to

Warden in the Free State, suggesting evidence for natal philopatry in this species. He provided interesting insight into breeding ages and was the only bird in the study to hatch two chicks of his own, two years and nine months after hatching. The wide-ranging nature of the juveniles exposes them to a diverse range of threats, and a better understanding of their movements will help develop appropriate conservation strategies for this terrestrial raptor. Sadly, two of the young birds, Koffie and BLiNG, perished in the study due to human-related infrastructure. Artemis, due to inexperience, flew into a cliff while flying on a misty morning. Large dispersal movements in large terrestrial birds are common and the general consensus is that it aids gene flow. In a perfect world, this would potentially lead to range expansion of the species to new habitats. It is not clear what drives these big movements. The birds flew over 330km of plantations, monoculture and farmlands that did not constitute as viable secretarybird habitat, so an increasing lack of suitable available habitat could be one of the factors driving these big movements. Secretarybirds face a myriad of threats, from collisions with motor vehicles, electrical infrastructure and fences, to drowning in uncovered farm reservoirs, and secondary poisoning from ingestion of prey containing pesticides. During our study we were able to confirm three mortalities of our tracked birds – two as a result of infrastructure. Mortality rates in juvenile birds of prey are high, leading to slow recruitment

Kizuna • • • • • •

Sex: Male From: Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga Tracker fitted: 17 January 2014 Dispersed: 25 April 2014 Distance travelled: 9km Science: Kizuna indicated that a bird in a productive system like the Wakkerstroom grasslands does not need to disperse far from its natal territory. Kizuna had the smallest dispersal of all the birds.

of young birds into the breeding populations, which is cause for concern. Losing the secretarybird to extinction would mean the loss of the sole member of a unique African bird family – the Sagittariidae. Many believed this 1.5m terrestrial

Wild Earth

What we don’t know • I t is thought, but not confirmed, these birds pair for life, but in the event of the loss of a partner they move on to a new partner. •E xact population numbers worldwide are unknown. • I t is unknown whether the birds, like honey badgers, build up a natural immunity to snake venom. •T here are no known subpopulations or subspecies, probably because the birds can travel so far, so there is likely good genetic mixing throughout their distribution. •T hey do hold territories, but science lacks the long-term datasets to conclusively determine whether they hold the same territory for their entire lives.

raptor was named after the European secretaries of the 1800s because of the quills on their heads. However, it is more likely linked to its Latin name, Secretarius serpentarius, meaning ‘archer of snakes’. Frontier farmers of the 1700s in the Cape of Good

Strider • Sex: Female • From: Calvinia, Northern Cape • Tracker fitted: 28 October 2013 • Dispersed: 16 February 2014 • Distance travelled: 260km •S cience: First insights into foraging patterns and movements of a juvenile secretarybird in the succulent Karoo biome. Strider was also the first female bird tracked in this study.

Hope attracted secretarybirds to their homesteads as pest controllers, naming the bird Secretarius, which loosely translates to a sentry or guard. The secretarybirds were redescribed as archers as they moved through fields hunting snakes.

In response to this Birdlife South Africa is trying to recreate the culture of 1700s farmers among local farmers through the Secretarybird Project. Birdlife South Africa hopes that by understanding the ecology of secretarybirds they can develop scientifically robust conservation strategies. Initiatives such as biodiversity stewardship are proving to be effective, whereby private landowners are encouraged to manage their properties in ways that provide areas of suitable habitat for these birds. An example is the Wilge Stewardship Initiative, which has been rolled out in the eastern Free State. The project has brought approximately 45 000 hectares of grassland into the stewardship programme, which promotes positive land management practices that benefit secretarybirds. If we don’t protect these birds the last place they will be seen is on the front cover of the second edition of Roberts Bird Guide. Have you seen a secretarybird nest? To assist BirdLife SA, please email details to Melissa at info@birdlife.org.za

Main: The secretarybird is BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2019. Photos: Albert Froneman and supplied

Koffie • Sex: Female • From: Warden, Free State • Tracker fitted: 1 March 2014 • Dispersed: 31 July 2014 • Distance travelled: 175km east • Science: Koffie was found dead after suffering a collision with a fence at 11 months old. Her death will help us raise the profile of correct fence line design and management to reduce the number of collisions in raptors and large terrestrial birds.

Artemis • Sex: Female •F rom: Leeuwfontein Nature Reserve, Gauteng • Tracker fitted: 20 March 2014 • Dispersed: 18 May 2014 • Distance travelled: Unknown •S cience: Artemis travelled to Lesotho and the Free State, where she was later found dead at the base of a large sandstone cliff. Artemis showed that some young birds can succumb to natural mortality events – being young and inexperienced, she probably was not aware that flying in misty conditions can hide dangerous objects that pose a collision risk. This is a natural mortality and shows young raptors are at high risk during their early dispersal period.

Archer • Sex: Male • From: Calvinia, Northern Cape • Tracker fitted: 28 October 2013 • Dispersed: 17 January 2014 • Distance travelled: >1 000km • Science: Archer was our longest dispersing bird and showed, together with his sister Strider, that siblings can have very different dispersal patterns. His tracker failed when he entered Lesotho.

Lucky • Sex: Unknown • From: Senekal, Free State • Tracker fitted: 18 October 2014 • Dispersed: 113 days later • Science: Added information to the natal home range data collection as the tracker failed after 133 days.

Petra • Sex: Unknown • From: Koffiefontein, Free State • Tracker fitted: 31 January 2014 • Dispersed: 3 May 2014 • Science: Her tracker failed shortly after dispersal, but she provided insight into fledgling movements around the nest in the Nama Karoo. Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 9

Living World

GIANT RATS assist with law enforcement R

ats are no strangers to harbours and ships, and are often regarded as vermin due to their destructive nature. However, trained African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) could be instrumental in saving endangered species bound for the illegal wildlife trade. Ten rats are being trained by APOPO, a Belgian non-profit organisation that trains rats to not only save lives, but to sniff out pangolin scales and African hardwoods in shipping containers. “We are continually looking for new and novel ways to prevent wildlife crimes. We are also very aware of the challenges that law enforcement agencies face in detecting wildlife contraband, especially in the challenging port environment,” says Dr Kelly Marnewick, senior trade officer at the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Referred to as a HeroRAT, these rodents are fast: in under 20 minutes, a HeroRAT can achieve what a human would accomplish in a day. They are also able to access smaller spaces than a dog. However, this particular project is still in its proofof-concept phase. One of the challenges has been access to pangolin scales for training. Scales are regulated and it has been challenging to acquire samples from all four African species of pangolin. “Whether or not the different species smell noticeably different to the rat is a question we intend to answer in the future,” says Dr Cindy Fast, head of training and behavioural research at APOPO. APOPO currently has 45 HeroRATS

deployed for landmine detection in Angola and Cambodia, a further 38 successfully contributing to tuberculosis research in African countries, and 10 successfully participating in this wildlife detection project. Rats need approximately nine months of training. “As with dogs trained for landmine detection, the rats must also meet national and international standards through external accreditation before they can be operationally deployed,” explains Fast. Basic socialisation starts when they are four weeks old. There are some benefits to using rats over dogs: firstly, the rats are well adapted to the sub-Saharan environment. “Their compact size and mobility make them more conducive to working in some environments, such as tight shipping containers,” says Fast. Plus, rats don’t have a preference for an individual person, which allows them to rotate handlers in the field. – Georgina Lockwood

Below: The African giant pouched rat is now trained for law enforcement. Photo: Apopo Sketch: Graham Kearney

Citizens saving pangolins Pangolins are notoriously shy and rarely seen in the wild. This is why Pangolin.Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the survival of the African pangolin, started Pangolert, a dedicated WhatsApp line to encourage citizen scientist recordings of pangolins for research purposes. Very little information is available regarding population numbers and distribution of all four species of African pangolins. This data is crucial for the conservation of pangolin species. Launched in August 2018, Pangolert has so far received 30 live and historical sightings of this aloof scaly anteater. “We anticipate seeing a marked increase in this figure as our engagement with the tourism industry increases,” explains Catherine Ritchie of Pangolin.Africa. “The tourism industry provides the perfect platform for travellers in Africa to get involved in conservation efforts and citizen science is an excellent tool to facilitate this participation.” It is believed a pangolin is taken from the wild every five minutes, bound for Asia, or African traditional medicine markets. “Through the campaign we have also been able to report potential wildlife traders to the African Pangolin Working Group, which works with law enforcement agents to take necessary action,” says Ritchie. As pangolins are mainly nocturnal, they are most likely to be seen at night, when they come out of their burrows to feed. However, the arboreal black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), found in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, is diurnal. The

Temminck’s ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is probably the most widespread in Africa – and therefore most commonly seen. The white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) is endemic to Central and West Africa, while the giant ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) is the largest of the four species and the most elusive. Information received via the WhatsApp tool is communicated directly and exclusively with Pangolin.Africa and their research partners.

Record your pangolin sighting

•S ave the Pangolert number

on your phone: +27 72 726 4654 and make sure you have WhatsApp installed.

• I f you are lucky enough to see

a pangolin, immediately take a picture and send it to the Pangolert number.

• I n WhatsApp, click on the

plus sign at the bottom of the message screen, select ‘Location’ and send this too.

•N o signal? No problem! The

sighting will be transmitted once you are reconnected to the internet.

•T he number can be used

to report pangolins being trafficked or illegally sold.

•Y ou can also record any past

wild sightings by registering online at www.pangolin.africa/sightings

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 11

Wild Earth

Major link in marine

food chain Complex interactions between whales, krill, marine bacteria and phytoplankton in Antarctica have not yet been fully understood, but Dr Lavenia Ratnarajah believes the link has important implications for the future of our planet

ceans play a major role in everything – from the air we breathe to daily weather and climate patterns – and represent a major ‘carbon sink’. They are home to a vast array of marine wildlife, but we are still trying to explore and understand the basic processes that occur in their depths. Phytoplankton are tiny oceanic plants that take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Up to 50% of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean. Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food chain and without it marine life cannot exist. In large areas of the Southern Ocean, the growth of phytoplankton is limited by iron, as there isn’t enough iron in the surface of the seawater to fertilise it. This is where marine bacteria come in. They recycle iron and produce complex compounds called ‘organic ligands’, which keep iron on the surface of the ocean for phytoplankton to absorb more readily. Bacteria also play an important role in storing more carbon in the ocean. In the Southern Ocean, the growth of marine bacteria is limited by iron and dissolved organic carbon. I have been very intrigued by this for years. As everything is connected, I hope to figure out how the pieces of the puzzle connect. Working on the established base that phytoplankton and bacteria are linked, I set out to investigate what else is connected to this loop, and how. I started off by looking at Antarctic krill. They aren’t just a nutritional supplement available at your local pharmacy – the entire Southern Ocean ecosystem depends on Page 12 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

TheThe facts facts Baleen whales in the Southern Ocean •B lue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) • Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) • Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis)

them. This is why they are a ‘keystone species’ and their fishing is regulated by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Antarctic krill feed on phytoplankton, so a transfer of nutrients takes place. Krill retain the nutrients they need to grow, and release the rest as iron-rich faecal pellets. These faecal pellets quickly sink to deeper levels of the ocean, with some remaining near the surface where they are a source of nutrients for bacteria and phytoplankton. Moving up one trophic level, we get to the baleen whales. Baleen whales are filter feeders, with baleen plates instead of teeth. In the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters, baleen

whales such as the blue, fin and humpback whales, feed on Antarctic krill. A blue whale gulps up to 50 tonnes of water and krill in one mouthful, but swallows only the krill. An adult blue whale can eat up to two tonnes of krill a day. Baleen whales, like all mammals, need iron to grow. A newborn blue whale calf weighs 2.5 tonnes and can, in the latter stages of suckling, put on 100kg a day. As adults, they don’t require much iron, so most of it is released as faecal material. All the nutrients that were inside the krill are now in the whales. More importantly, that faecal material is in a liquid form, so it can remain on the surface of the ocean for a longer period compared to krill

faecal pellets. A few years ago I received a SCAR fellowship to conduct the first experiment looking at how whales could influence phytoplankton growth. To my surprise, although whale faecal material is rich in iron, it was also very rich in dissolved organic carbon – influencing both phytoplankton and bacteria. Marine animals are therefore important players in the maintenance of a healthy planet. During the 20th century nearly 1.3 million blue, fin and humpback whales were killed through industrial whaling. Although there was an abundance of whales in the Southern Ocean, commercial whaling decreased their population by over 90%. With the cease of commercial whaling, the population is slowly recovering. The tragic irony is we often see the effects of marine animals after they have been lost from the ecosystem. Unfortunately, the cryptic nature of these interactions, and the remoteness and difficulty of getting to the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters, makes it difficult to examine the feedback of Antarctic krill and whales on the marine ecosystem. Dr Lavenia will return to Antarctica from January until March 2019 to continue her search for answers. Follow her journey on Twitter @LavyRajah

Main: Humpback whales captured in the Southern Ocean. Photo: Patrick Tigges Middle: A blue whale. Sketch: Graham Kearney

A fish out of water T

he Maloti minnow, a small endemic fish, has almost completely disappeared off the radar in certain areas of Lesotho. The likely cause of the population crash could be the opening of the inter-basin transfer (IBT) in 2006, connecting the Katse Dam to the Mohale Dam as part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. A study 10 years after the construction in the Mohale catchment area revealed the Mohale population of the Maloti minnow (Pseudobarbus quathlambae) had crashed. The study netted only five minnows in its former stronghold, the Jorodane and Bokong Rivers. No minnows were caught in the Senqunyane River. “Dams are essential for water security in Southern Africa. However, when we construct and operate them, it’s really important to be considerate of the species and ecosystems that they affect, and put measures in place to ensure minimal ecological impact,” says Jeremy Shelton, a researcher at the Freshwater Research Centre in South Africa. The University of Lesotho warned that the IBT would have implications for Lesotho’s only endemic fish; they advised that barriers, like mesh nets, metal grids or man-made weirs, should be implemented to prevent the dispersal of fish. Unfortunately this advice was not followed. The IBT also allowed smallmouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus), Orange River mudfish (Labeo capensis), rock catfish (Austroglanis sclateri) and exotic trout species to migrate upstream. The Maloti minnow is now a really small fish in a big pond with other larger, more aggressive fish. The Maloti minnow evolved in isolation without predatory or competitive fish species. Natural barriers like waterfalls would

have prevented the smallmouth yellowfish from migrating upstream. “My intuition is that the yellowfish will prey on small minnows, and compete with adults for food and habitat. “The mudfish may also compete with the minnows, and could also change the stream habitat by suspending benthic sediments while feeding,” says Shelton. There are two distinct populations of Maloti minnow. While the eastern lineage is still abundant, “the Mohale lineage is nearly extinct, with probably less than 100 adults left in the wild,” says Shelton.

Living World

“Through careful planning, small areas of suitable minnow habitat can be re-seeded with minnows,” he adds, referring to a success story in the Cederberg where introduced, predatory smallmouth bass were removed to reclaim habitat for endemic freshwater fishes in the Rondegat River. – Georgina Lockwood

Right: The Inter-basin transfer, Lesotho. Bottom: A Maloti minnow Photos: Craig Garrow & Barry Clark Below: Maloti minnow. Sketch: Graham Kearney

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 13

Living World

tatistics for this year indicate that by the end of August 2018 508 rhino had lost their lives to poaching in South Africa. In addition, 58 elephants were slaughtered for their tusks in the Kruger National Park during the same period. These figures released by the Department of Environmental Affairs highlight the harsh reality facing our natural resources and the rangers in their line of duty. While Welgevonden Game Reserve, situated in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo province, has an adept security system in place, the reserve has been proactive in finding innovative ways to prevent poaching. Over the long term, the current military-style approach to combat poaching is not sustainable. “This industry cannot sustain the cost, in lives and in money, of this war,” says François Spruyt, Welgevonden chairperson. “We needed to find a way to make the probability of being caught so high that poachers would stop poaching entirely.” This attitude sparked a collaboration between Welgevonden, MTN, IBM and Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The team has since developed a radical, proactive solution to prevent poaching – a completely different approach and unlike anything already available on the market. Instead of monitoring the animal’s vitals or implementing technology to detect gunfire, the solution focuses on the movement of common prey species within the reserve. GPS collars were deployed on impala, blue wildebeest, eland and zebra, and scientists have since made use of the data generated to detect when animals deviate from ‘normal’ behaviour. KMI Advertorial_FINALNew.pdf 1 20/11/2018 “These animals need to be aware

Innovative solution to prevent

POACHING of their surroundings every second, in case of there being a threat in the area. We use these animals as a sensor to understand what is going on in the veld,” says Herbert Prins, a professor in resource ecology at Wageningen University. Previous research shows prey animals behave differently when at risk of predation. 09:10 By adopting this concept and

refining its parameters, the algorithm is designed to correlate erratic animal behaviour to the location of human intrusion within the game reserve – prey animals perceive humans as a threat. As poachers are likely to come across these animals while trying to poach rhino, the system will warn anti-poaching units of an intruder long before they have reached their intended target.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport

Page 14 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Over seven months, researchers conducted various experiments within Welgevonden’s predator-free 1 200ha breeding camp. These experiments aimed to mimic the types of human disturbances that can be expected within game reserves, such as game drives and bush walks. While human movement data was captured in the field, GPS data from the animal collars was captured via the low power, wide area (LoRa) network, and sent directly through to the Netherlands for analysis. “We monitored what they were doing and students looked at what distance the animals reacted. Every type of behaviour was analysed,” says Prins. The final results were astonishing. “We are changing the odds,” says Mariana Kruger, general manager for ICT and Converted Solutions at MTN. “Today, the chance of a poacher being detected in South Africa is 3%. This solution will increase that to 86.4% within a 125m radius.” “By using technology, we are able to do far more, and outcompete our competitors to ensure the survival of animals,” says Bradley Schroder, previous CEO of Welgevonden Game Reserve. Proactive in its nature, this solution will not only save animal lives, but those of their protectors too. Plans to take the solution further are currently underway. The aim is to test the product on a larger scale, incorporating the presence of animal predators, and increasing the complexity and accuracy of the algorithm. – René de Klerk

Above: Collaring wildlife plays an integral part in monitoring behaviour. Photos: Jessica Oosthuyse

Paradise

Wild Earth

in the making

After 16 years of civil war in Mozambique, Zinave National Park was left devastated and devoid of much of the life it once supported. Through partnerships focused on rebuilding the park, things are slowly changing. René de Klerk shares the journey

inave National Park has been a buzz of activity since 2016. In one of the biggest wildlife translocation operations between South Africa and Mozambique, animals started streaming in, and after three years of introductions, the park is showing a vast improvement. The project is a result of the signing of a co-management agreement between the Mozambican National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the Peace Parks Foundation, to develop Zinave as an integral component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. It is part of a much bigger plan to re-establish vital wildlife corridors and migratory routes between protected areas in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. In addition, infrastructure has been redeveloped, staff capacity has improved, communities have grown and counter-poaching initiatives have been implemented. Zinave project manager Bernard van Lente says the Peace Parks Foundation and ANAC are committed to developing the surrounding communities and taking the reserve forward. Together, they have already made progress. The safety of the animals is a major priority. Zinave’s anti-poaching teams have achieved significant success in halting all commercial poaching and logging in the park. They have removed more than 3 500 snares and traps, and confiscated over 150 shotguns from communities in and around the park. “The team has established functional and effective protection structures. A well-trained, equipped and motivated ranger corps is backed by newly implemented or upgraded

Five facts •1 972: Zinave was declared a protected area. •1 6: The number of years the civil war raged. •2 015: The co-management agreement was signed. •4 08 000ha: The size of Zinave in the Inhambane district of Mozambique. •1 763: The number of game reintroduced since 2016. This includes 110 elephant, 342 impala, 153 wildebeest, 85 zebra, 250 buffalo, 54 warthog, 147 reedbuck and 622 waterbuck.

Limpopo Nature Reserve (VLNR) infrastructure, such as a control over the coming years. Of these, 48 room with state-of-the-art security already roam Zinave. Matt Crabb, systems,” says van Lente. senior manager of Group Brand With game being reintroduced, Communications at De Beers Group the ecosystem is slowly changing. says it is a privilege “Although it to be part of the has not been operation. “We quantified, it is Zinave’s antihad around 270 noticeable how elephants on many more insects, poaching teams the VLNR, with a small mammals have achieved carrying capacity and birds there are of between 40 and over the last year,” significant success 60. The solution explains van Lente. was taking the Several large excess animals to game translocation an area where they once thrived, but operations took place this past disappeared primarily due to war.” year, including 500 animals from The development of Zinave now the Kruger National Park. In what allows for intensified engagement is dubbed one of the largest ever with the community adjacent to, and elephant translocations from inside the park. South Africa, De Beers Group Apart from the work created will be moving 200 elephants to through the park, the project has also Mozambique from its Venetia

provided an opportunity for baseline studies to determine the needs of the local communities. This includes water provision and establishing conservation and agriculture projects in select settlements. These efforts will then create the foundation to develop tourism. For now, the park only offers rustic campsites and a 4x4 is required for access. Van Lente is enthusiastic about being part of the transformation: “To be part of building something special, which can make a difference, and to see it happen, is satisfying.”

Main: The rivers and wetlands in Zinave create the perfect paradise. Middle: Trained rangers have achieved success in halting commercial logging and poaching in the park. Photos: Peace Parks Foundation Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 15

Living World

Scimitar-horned

oryx returns to Chad T

o date, more than 150 captivebred scimitar-horned oryx have been returned to the wild in Chad’s Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Game Reserve. This vast protected area was set up in the 1960s specifically for the conservation of oryx and other desert species. The scimitar-horned oryx, a large antelope with distinctive long, backward-sweeping, curved horns, occurred across all Sahelo-Saharan countries from Morocco to the Nile Valley. The last strongholds were central Niger and central Chad. Sadly, the species is now considered extinct in the wild due to civil war and poaching. The goal of the scimitar-horned oryx reintroduction programme is to build up a viable, free-ranging and several institutes, zoos and private self-sustaining population of at least collections. If it were not for 500 animals. private collections and zoos, the Only the healthiest antelope scimitar-horned oryx would have from the budding World Herd disappeared completely. in Abu Dhabi are selected for Once in Chad, the vaccinated the programme. The Deleika animals are maintained in a preConservation and Breeding release facility for acclimatisation for Facility in Abu Dhabi hosts indeed up to six months, and are equipped a ‘world The herd’, with genetically with14:25 GPS collars before the release. Parks Shop_100x275_New.pdf 1 23/11/2018 diversified animals donated from The scimitar-horned oryx is actually

Page 16 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

not a true desert species, but an inhabitant of Sahelian grasslands (a biogeographic zone of transition in Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south) and sparse acacia woodlands. It migrates to suitable sub-desert habitats if pasture is available during the wet seasons. However, like desert ungulates, it usually satisfies its water

requirements through the food it eats. Herd sizes vary from 10 to 300, with groups congregating in migrations. The scimitar-horned oryx reintroduction programme began in 2016 as a joint initiative of the Government of Chad and the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi. Under the leadership and management of the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi, on-theground implementation of the project is carried out by the Sahara Conservation Fund. Further technical support for wildlife monitoring, oryx genetics and animal husbandry is being provided by the Zoological Society of London, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Marwell Wildlife, and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. – Yasmina Khaznawi, communications officer, Sahara Conservation Fund

Main: Scimitar-horned oryx have been reintroduced to Chad. Photos: Sahara Conservation Fund Sketch: Graham Kearney

Living World

From Somaliland, with(out) love

he Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Hargeisa, Somaliland is taking care of 12 confiscated cheetah cubs stolen from the wild. The Sudan cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii) is one of four subspecies of cheetah, and slightly smaller and more golden than its Southern African counterpart. It is estimated 300 cubs are sold annually to the Middle East region in illegal wildlife trade as pets. “Data indicates there are about 1 600 Sudan cheetahs left in East Africa, and approximately 300 are found in high traffic areas,” explains Dr Laurie Marker, founder of CCF. The population hardest hit by wildlife trafficking is small, severely fragmented and unprotected. Most cheetahs are found outside protected areas or reserves that do not have proper resources to protect wildlife. The cubs are taken from the mother while she is out hunting and are then taken to Somaliland for export. “If we stand by and do nothing, this subspecies will be extinct in eight to 10 years,” says Marker. “If governments and NGOs act now, we can try to stop poachers from removing cubs from the wild, while at the same time educating people to reduce demand. “Despite cheetah poaching and the cheetah pet trade being outlawed in most parts of the world, they are still in high demand as status pets in certain Gulf States,” explains Marker. CCF estimates that close to 1 000 cheetahs may currently be kept in houses and compounds in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Few survive past two years of age due to malnutrition, while even fewer survive the smuggling process, with five out of six dying before reaching the market. The lifestyle for a pet cheetah can vary greatly. “We have seen an instance of a pet cheetah living in a one-bedroom, high-rise apartment,” says Marker. Keeping domestic cheetah as hunting companions or pets is nothing new – India loved local cheetah populations to extinction. In many regions of the world, the fast and lightly built cheetah has long been sought after for a royal sport called coursing. The earliest record of humans taking a pet cheetah dates to 3 000 BC Sumeria. During his 49-year reign as Indian Mogul in the 16th century, Akbar the Great kept more

than 39 000 wild-caught cheetahs for coursing. Cheetahs are considered easy to train, but do not breed well in captivity. In five decades of keeping cheetah, Akbar only bred one litter. Today, the cheetah trade supports aspirational lifestyles that emulate royal and societal leaders. “While intercepting poachers and prosecuting wildlife traffickers is important, reducing demand for pet cheetahs will be the key to mitigating this threat,” says Marker. The CCF relies on grants and seeks corporate and media partners to help reduce demand through a public awareness campaign in parts of the world where keeping cheetahs as pets is still considered glamorous. Dr Marker started working with these cats in 1974, drawn to them by the expressive sounds they make, from barking and chirping to bubble noises and purring. “I would like everyone who is reading this, to help us celebrate International Cheetah Day on December 4 by telling friends about the plight of the Sudan cheetah.” For more details, visit the CCF website at www. cheetah.org

R300 000 for wildlife Nicole Capper recently did her bit to raise more than R300 000 for rhino and vulture conservation. As Mrs South Africa 2018, this beauty conquered another ‘rare heights’ challenge by summiting the Rhino Peak in the Southern Drakensberg on World Rhino Day on September 22. The Rhino Peak Challenge tests the endurance of the fittest athletes through a gruelling 21km event and influencers are invited to do their bit for conservation. Having never participated in a fundraising climb for endangered species, Capper decided to grab the opportunity. “I am passionate about our heritage and this beautiful country, and I use the outdoors as my training ground for my rare heights training,” says Capper. “It is only right that I give back and help draw attention to this incredible initiative.” Adventurer and motivational speaker Sibusiso Vilane roped Capper into the race as part of their preparation ahead of the 2019 Everest Marathon, an event they are doing together. But Capper is no stranger to gruelling challenges. Kilimanjaro, Cathedral Peak, Rhino Peak and Mafadi are just some of the most beautiful climbs on her list. Mafadi, the highest point in South Africa, is generally planned as a three-day hike. Together with her 9 Peaks Challenge team, they did it in 26 hours without sleep. “It was empowering knowing just how hard I could push my body, and now it has opened my mind to what is possible. It was definitely one of the highest points in my life.” Capper has raised funds for CANSA, Caring4Girls and Rare Diseases in the past. Funds raised through the Rhino Peak Challenge were donated to the Rhino Conservation Project, the Maloti Drakensberg Vulture Project, Wildlife ACT and the Drakensberg Crane Project.

Below: Nicole Capper runs the Rhino Peak Challenge. Photo: Xavier Briel

Main: International Cheetah Day is celebrated annually on December 4, but celebrations have been marred. Sketch: Graham Kearney Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 17

Living World

Lower Orange River a changing oasis? S

pending time on the Lower Orange River in the Northern Cape can be a humbling experience. A drop of water passing by might have melted from a snowflake on the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho, at least 2 200km upstream. The next one might have fallen during a thunderstorm in Mpumalanga, and flowed with the Vaal River for over 1 100km before joining the Orange at the confluence near Douglas. The Lower Orange River, downstream of the Augrabies Falls, is a beautiful visualisation of the saying ‘water is life’. Its water and lush green riparian vegetation create an oasis for a diversity of organisms in the surrounding desert landscape. However, due to human development, this ecosystem is changing. Researchers from the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), SANParks and the University of the Witwatersrand set out to determine how. The flow of the Orange River has been altered severely by regulated flow regimes since the completion of the Gariep Dam in 1971. Further developments, such as the construction of the Vanderkloof, Katse and Mohale dams, as well as the raising of the Vaal Dam, soon

followed. Gone are the days when the Lower Orange River would dry up during drought or frequently overflow its banks after good rains. These activities are crucial as floods provide water to drought-stressed plants and control the development of reeds. Furthermore, along the Lower Orange River floodplain, crops like grapes, dates and citrus are grown for export. The riparian zone is also used for livestock farming, as it provides water, food and shade throughout the year. Diamond mining, however, is limited in extent, and so too is nature conservation in the area. Apart from the direct impacts of land use, human activity changes fire frequencies and introduced invasive alien plants – Prosopis species are especially problematic, and like their counterparts in the Western Cape, are likely to negatively affect the hydrology of the ecosystem. Using flow records, aerial photos, and on-the-ground surveys, researchers aim to assess how the Lower Gariep Alluvial Vegetation responded to these developments. They collected data at Augrabies Falls National Park, Blouputs, Riemvasmaak, Keboes’s Raap-enSkraap Farm and Karsten’s Klein Pella Farm. More surveys are being planned downstream at places like Goodhouse, Vioolsdrift and /Ai/ Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Insights gained from the research will improve the management and conservation of this ecosystem. The project was made possible with funding from the Botanical Education Trust. – Marco Pauw, SAEON Arid Lands Node Main: Riparian woodland consists of a variety of trees. Left: Tshililo Ramaswiela (SAEON) taking in the view. Photos: SAEON

Page 18 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Living World

Old World monkey

era T r am

makes a comeback Captured on camera The Karoo National Park near Beaufort West had a surprise visitor earlier this year. When researchers from the Nelson Mandela University had a look at their camera trap footage, they found a leopard in the images – a first for the park. “There have not been any sightings of leopards in the park since the proclamation,” says Karoo park manager Nico van der Walt. There have been a few rare sightings and historic recordings in the area. It is uncertain where the leopard came from. According to Anita Wilkinson of the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT), leopard densities in the Western Cape are low. Their ranges can be quite large, but this can vary between areas, she adds. “A study by the CLT in 2010 in the Cederberg Wilderness Area revealed the average male leopard home range size is 300km². In the drier areas of the Cederberg falling within the Succulent Karoo Biome, the average home range size was recorded as 669km²,” says Wilkinson. Leopards have been recorded near Graaff-Reinet on Samara Private Game Reserve and are also found in the Anysberg Nature Reserve and the Tankwa Karoo National Park. In places like the Kruger National Park and its concessions, their ranges can be 25–50km², says Wilkinson. The project dubbed Snapshot Safari – South Africa, currently has 33 study sites across the country. PhD student Mika Vermeulen says they have only captured the leopard once, but the camera traps will be kept in the field for the next three years. She says there have also been other interesting photos of elusive, mainly nocturnal species, such as brown hyaena, aardwolf and aardvark. The images will help answer biodiversity-related questions and postgraduate students from multiple universities are using the data. They are, however, relying on ordinary citizens to classify images. Get involved by visiting www.zooniverse. org or searching ‘Snapshot Safari – South Africa’ on Facebook. – René de Klerk

or years scientists have thought Barbary macaques, an Old World monkey, only occurred in small numbers in the Rif Mountains of Morocco. However, a recent survey conducted by Barbary Macaque Awareness and Conservation (BMAC) revealed there are at least 5 000 Barbary macaques in the study area. The Barbary macaque is the only African primate found north of the Sahara Desert in Morocco and Algeria. It is also the only member of the Macaca genus found outside Asia. The Rif Mountain Barbary macaques are the last truly wild macaques in Morocco. “The population was badly underestimated due to their secretive nature and the terrain in which they occur,” explains Sian Waters, founder and director of BMAC. The organisation enlisted the help of local forest users to help locate troops of macaques. If survey teams were unable to find the macaques they confirmed the species presence by faecal matter.

Surveys in 1980 and 2004 found very low to non-existent populations in the study areas. “The isolated, hostile and rocky terrain of the Rif Mountains is ideal macaque habitat,” Waters explains. “The winter rainfall ensures good acorn harvests, which are important to build the macaques up before the harsh winters.” The omnivorous macaques feed on plants, seeds, acorns, leaves, shoots, insects and mushrooms. Major threats facing the Moroccan macaques are persecution and harvesting of macaques as pets or for

tourism. Another significant threat is isolated populations as a result of habitat degradation due to logging, urbanisation and overgrazing. In the Rif Mountains, cannabis plantations pose a threat to the macaques as many of these monkeys live outside protected areas. The destructive macaques do not adapt well to domestic life. They cannot be trained, therefore make terrible pets, says Waters. Dressed-up macaques are often used as photo props for tourists. To view wild habituated macaques, conscientious tourists can visit the Middle Atlas Mountains. “However, seeing truly wild macaques takes a lot of patience, hard work and guidance from experts who know where to find them,” says Waters. – Georgina Lockwood

Main and above: Barbary macaques on a rocky outcrop. Photos: Lucy Radford and Ahmed El Harrad

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 19

Golf Safari

The Durban Hibiscus Coast

iGolf Tour SA T

he Hibiscus Coast, named after the dazzling yellow hibiscus shrubs that line the roadside – coast hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) and sun hibiscus (Hibiscus calyphyllus) – is a treasure trove for visitors to the area. Sunseekers have 70km of golden beaches and picture-perfect coves to explore. Winter on the South Coast is known for the sardine run, but there are plenty of trails, nature reserves and diving too. iGolf South Africa design and package custom golf tours across

a wide range of geographic locations (Cape Town, Winelands, Dolphin Coast, Hibiscus Coast, Johannesburg, Sun City, Garden Route) and golf courses in South Africa. Their Hibiscus Coast tour is one such tour that will delight any golfing enthusiast. This seven-day tour visits five magnificent KwaZulu-Natal golf courses. The first stop is San Lameer, South Africa’s first golfing estate development. It has an 18-hole Championship Golf Course, sculpted

around one of the last remaining wetland forests on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Southbroom Golf Course, the second stop, happens to be the South African author of Fundamentals of Putting Frank Thomas’s favourite course. The third day of the tour visits the Selborne Golf Course, rated by Golf Digest magazine as one of the top 100 courses in Southern Africa. The Wild Coast Golf Course is set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. The shifting ocean breeze

plays a pivotal part in the game, making it an exciting course. It is the fourth stop of the tour. The final stop, Umdoni Golf Course, named after the water-loving trees on the estate, is deceptively elevated, making for interesting play and magical viewpoint moments. Flights arrive and depart from the Margate Domestic Airport and accommodation is provided at the Wild Coast Sun Hotel & Casino. A minimum of four golfers are needed to book the tour.

iGolf South Africa A leading provider of custom golf tours and travel packages to South Africa Visit www.igolfsa.co.za or

E-mail dha@igolfsa.co.za for more information.

Page 20 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Living World

From litter to

Artwork P

ortuguese barnacle fisherman, turned professional beachcomber, turned environmental activist, Ricardo Ramos spent a month in Mozambique with the sole purpose of collecting plastic to produce his signature fish sculptures, and teach the local residents of Vilankulo to do the same. “Plastic is damaging to marine life and has a negative impact on tourism,” says Susana Vidal, general manager of Bahia Mar, who invited Ramos to Vilankulo to create awareness around plastic and dumping. “People earn their living primarily from fishing and tourism, and for many it’s a subsistence existence,” says Vidal. The Vilankulo area is home to unique marine species like dugongs, and Bahia Mar, as a member of Fairtrade Tourism, is committed to uplifting the local community and preserving the natural environment.

Approved for the conscientious traveller

Vidal believes it is important for the community to learn about plastic and pollution. Ramos shares the same sentiments and will donate the funds raised from five sculptures to Parceiros Comunitarios (ParCo), a local community development firm. He has created a blue and yellow fish, turtle, an elephant, and a marlin from the litter he collected in Vilankulo. Ramos started making fish art from plastic in early 2017. “The amount of litter on the Portuguese shoreline is insane,” he says. “I couldn’t ignore it. So, for Christmas my sons and I went to the nearest beach and started collecting litter to create Christmas presents.” From then on, he was addicted and the brand, Xicogaivota, was born. Each artwork is treated like a puzzle. Ramos refuses to use glue or alter the collected plastic. All

sculptures are held together by rope and stainless-steel screws. His favourite artwork to date is the turtle because of the technicality and the time it took to find the perfect pieces of plastic. Plastic in the oceans is a global problem, but the type of litter varies based on local consumption. In Vilankulo, Ramos found lots of plastic fizzy drink bottles. Ramos is already planning his return in April 2019 to continue teaching Vilankulo locals to make art from plastic. “Home doesn’t end at my front porch. This amazing planet is my home and I want it clean,” he says.

Top: A Xicogaivota sea turtle sculpture made from flip-flops. Right: Ricardo Ramos collecting litter on Vilankulo beach. Photos: Bahia Mar Club

Saint Helena restores indigenous habitats In January 2019, Nurseries for Nature, a year-long initiative to propagate Saint Helena’s rare endemic plants, will come to an end. As a result of the project, three local nurseries can now produce endemic vegetation on a large enough scale to restore indigenous habitats. The aim of Nurseries for Nature is to increase the capability of Saint Helena’s endemic nurseries. This occurs by tripling the amount of plants propagated before the start of the project in January 2018, says Martina Peters, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas (BEST) project manager for the Saint Helena National Trust. Of Saint Helena’s 45 endemic plants that occur nowhere else in the world, the project focused on nine endangered species found in the volcanic island’s cloud forest and dryland vegetation regions. These are the tea plant (Frankenia portulacifolia), salad plant (Hypertelis

acida), cliff hair grass (Eragrostis episcopulus), white wood (Petrobium arboretum), Diana’s peak grass (Carex dianae) and St Helena lobelia (Trimeris scaevolifolia). Propagation includes three fern species: tree fern (Dicksonia arborescens), brown scale fern (Pseudophegopteris dianae) and small kidney fern (Dryopteris napoleonis). Ferns are notoriously challenging to propagate. Saint Helena, famous for Napoleon’s place of exile, is a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. It was colonised in 1659 by the British and Dutch East India Company. The arrival of colonists placed further stress on the endemic plant life, which had already been “pushed to the fringes” by the goats, sheep and pigs released by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century, says Peters. Nurseries for Nature employs six people divided between Millennium Forest Nursery and Peaks Nursery.

In a nutshell, the team has the technical task of collecting seeds from wild plants or seed banks for germinating. Once the seedlings sprout they are transferred to potting bags and moved outdoors to harden off to be planted in the wild. Previously, propagation of the plants only occurred on a small scale. Resources and funding for Nurseries for Nature was provided by BEST and was managed by the Saint Helena National Trust.

Above: Small kidney fern (Dryopteris napoleonis), endemic to the island of Saint Helena. Sketch: Graham Kearney Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 21

Living World

erial surveys illustrate how consistent population monitoring over time can shape the way we approach conservation efforts. This method has been used to monitor a range of endangered species, and the technique has been employed successfully in Rwanda. Here, grey-crowned cranes are threatened by human factors often driven by conditions of poverty and a lack of conservation awareness. While the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) and its partners have been working to eliminate the illegal trade and boost the population numbers, surveys were necessary to establish these population numbers. Previous population estimates suggested fewer than 500 greycrowned cranes in Rwanda. In August 2017, with the help of the International Crane Foundation/ Endangered Wildlife Trust Partnership, the RWCA conducted the first national census of greycrowned cranes in Rwanda. The aim of this survey was to form the baseline for a sustained Lufthansa 20x8.pdf 06/11/2018 annual crane survey.1This census 10:58

Flying for cranes in Rwanda incorporated both aerial and ground surveys to include as much of the country as possible. Results showed at least 487 greycrowned cranes in Rwanda and

Proud supporters of conservation Page 22 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

included details on distribution and habitat type. The results of the survey highlighted challenges for grey-crowned crane conservation at different sites and suggested action

that can be taken to ensure the longterm viability of this species. In August 2018, the partnership conducted the second national census, which yielded a count of 458 cranes. These results then posed questions on the migration of cranes between neighbouring countries and breeding habitat selection type from the first two years of survey. Teams hope the questions posed will become clearer and the target strategies become more defined as the baseline information for the species grows. A special thank you goes to the RWCA and ICF/EWT partnership for collaborating on the national census and the National Geographic Society, Whitley Fund for Nature and the Houston Zoo, as without their support, the national census would not have been possible. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Matthew Becker, International Crane Foundation/Endangered Wildlife Trust Partnership

Left: Grey-crowned cranes in South Africa. Photo: Jacquie van der Westhuizen

Tigers in Africa?

n Long Walk to Freedom, Madiba refers to a debate between Robben Island prisoners about the existence of tigers in Africa. One group maintained tigers are exotic and only found in zoos, while the other group argued a healthy population of tigers the Free State, called Tiger Canyon. exists in Africa. The tiger conservation landscape To settle their minds, the tiger as is turbulent, with the provocative we know it never existed in Africa, it Chinese standpoint on tiger bone evolved in Asia. trade and the recent The ancestor reclassification of that it shares tiger subspecies. with lions and Tiger Canyon is Whether tigers leopards did already a superb and belong in Africa occur in Africa safe place to view before migrating and photograph remains a debate out of Africa wild tigers, but it among many around two still needs to prove million years ago. its conservation Nevertheless, relevance. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a long the discussion road ahead, but of tigers in Africa is still prominent, based on the level of investment perhaps more so than ever. There are and dedication at Tiger Canyon, the 19 wild Bengal tigers in South Africa reserve has the potential to be an on a 6 100ha private game reserve in exciting space for tiger conservation.

Wild Earth

Arguably the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most loved feline, the tiger may have been thrown a new lifeline in one of the most unlikely places. A project at its watershed, Georgina Lockwood finds out more about the new apex predator in the Karoo Tiger Canyon might be on the horizon of tiger conservation, but where is the project currently and how did it start? How did tigers get to the Karoo? The project started in 2000 when big cat expert and maverick conservationist, John Varty, obtained two tigers from a Canadian zoo. His ambitious plan was to preserve the tiger in the heart of South Africa. Along with Canadian wildlife trainer Dave Salmoni, Varty began the process of rewilding two tiger cubs, Ron and Julie, in Africa, something that had never been done before. The process is well recorded in the

documentary Living with Tigers. Varty successfully taught the tigers to hunt and survive on their own in the reserve. Their wild descendants, as well as new bloodlines, now roam free at Tiger Canyon. Unfortunately, a catfight among the investors in the mid-2000s, on a previous property and under a different name, plunged the pioneering conservation plan into controversy. The politics among the people overshadowed the original idea, but the legal battle that followed was finally settled in 2013. In the same year, Rodney Drew and his wife Lorna invested in Tiger Canyon. Drew exited a 30-year career in corporate Johannesburg in 2016 and took over as managing director of Tiger Canyon at the end of 2017. Drew comes from an engineering management background and is tasked with professionalising the business. Varty is consulted on tiger issues, considering his wide knowledge of big cats, and Salmoni is no longer involved. The debate still continues on whether tigers belong in Africa, but conservation has become a global problem. Purpose of the project â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tiger Canyon is an ex-situ conservation project that has established a thriving wild population of tigers outside their

Tiger Canyon is situated in the Free State province of South Africa, approximately 26km from the small town of Philippolus. The nearest large towns, Bloemfontein and Kimberley, are both just over 200km away.

> Continue reading on next page

Main: A tiger explores the terrain. Left: Tiger Canyon is ideal for beautiful photography of wild tigers. Photos: Graham Kearney Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 23

Wild Earth

The Facts •A ccording to IUCN, there are fewer than 4 000 tigers in the wild. •T he IUCN Red list of Endangered Species lists certain subspecies of tiger as critically endangered. •T igers regularly top the WWF list as the most traded endangered species in the world. •T igers inhabit some of the most populated areas in the world and are threatened by poaching, habitat loss, human wildlife conflict and traditional medicine markets for tiger bone and wine. •A s of October 2018, there are six subspecies of tiger: Sumatran (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Amu (Panthera tigris altaica), Bengal (Panthera tigris tigris), Indochinese (Panthera tigris corbetti), South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) and Malayan (Panthera tigris Jacksoni). •E xtinct tiger subspecies: Bali tiger (Panthera tigris balica), Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata) and Javan tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica).

native range,” explains Drew. Another example of an ex-situ project is the Australian Rhino Project, with South Africa moving rhino to Australia. Projects such as these indicate how we live in a global village and that some conservation issues need not be resolved solely in the animals’ native range. “We have proactively created a population of wild tigers outside of Asia, in case extinction becomes a reality,” states Drew. But do South Africa’s tigers hold any conservation value? Can these tigers contribute successfully to wild tiger preservation in their native range? The Karoo tigers are free-roaming and are self-sufficient tigers. Unlike their captive-bred counterparts they have the potential to restock wildlife reserves. An added bonus is they are vehicle habituated, allowing the game viewing vehicles (not the open type from Big 5 reserves) to get close. With the exception of the first generation hand-raised, rewilded tigers, none of the current tigers have had human interaction, nor do they have a natural fear of humans. The tigers at Tiger Canyon are Bengal tigers, although they could be a hybrid having originated from Canada. Tiger Canyon is in the process of mapping their tigers’ genetics to steer future breeding management decisions. While tigers are a draw card for photographers and tourists, they do not form part of any credible breeding programmes going forward, for reasons highlighted in the Species Survival Plan. The last Page 24 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

known wild white Bengal tiger was shot in the wild in 1958. In American zoos, all white tigers originate from one founder Bengal white tiger. All offspring are thought to have come from this founder tiger. There is also speculation that the white tiger has been crossed with a Siberian tiger to increase its size. The gravitas of Tiger Canyon will increase when the first wild Philippolis tigers restock a reserve in Asia. “We are currently in the process of bringing our existence and successes to the attention of various Asian reserves and authorities,” says Drew. Delegates from Indian Parks have visited the reserve twice in the past, particularly to learn about the rewilding process. With the correct measures in place, Tiger Canyon has the potential to play a role in restocking national parks in Asia. Tiger conservation in its native range The Bengal tiger’s native range is pretty much India, which is home to 60% of the world’s wild Bengal tigers. The problem in India is not a lack of breeding stock, it is a shrinking range and human-tiger conflict. The Global Tiger Recovery Programme (GTRP) is working towards doubling the wild tiger populations in their native range by 2022. One of the programme’s primary focuses is to effectively manage, preserve, protect, and enhance tiger habitats. Nepal has successfully increased its Bengal tiger population to 235 animals, up from 120 Bengal tigers in 2009. While

some subspecies populations are increasing, others are on the decline. Tigers are listed as ‘possibly extinct’ in Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea and parts of China, according to IUCN. The GTRP highlights that translocation programmes may be needed for Cambodia and Vietnam. Why the Free State province? At the time of setting up the project, the Free State provincial government was willing to grant permits for an exotic predator. According to Drew, the southern Free State has a very low population density, about two people per square km, compared to 380 in India. Drew claims Tiger Canyon is in the right place to help the tiger species. “We have extremely capable vets available locally and many prey species suited to tigers. Since returning the land to wildlife and providing permanent water using solar powered pumps, we’ve picked up the return of rare indigenous species on our camera traps, like serval, caracal, black footed cat, aardwolf, Cape fox, aardvark and porcupine,” says Drew. “To me, the answer to saving tigers from extinction lies in tourism and large areas of protected, fenced land,” says Drew. The world quality conservation fences at Tiger Canyon ensure people and tigers do not come into conflict and are protected. Asian tigers adapt to a wide range of habitats. At Tiger Canyon the tigers, being ambush predators, are typically found among the

Wild Earth reeds, rocky outcrops and riverbeds, unless they are patrolling their territorial boundary. The grasslands, less suitable for tigers, provide refuge for indigenous species such as springbok, aardvark, blue crane, secretarybird, zebra, wildebeest, blesbok, and the tiger’s preferred food source, warthog. Previously barren Karoo farmland has been transformed into a truly magnificent ecosystem, as indigenous wildlife slowly returns. Over the last three years about 800 springbok have been released into the reserve. Tiger Canyon stands in stark contrast to other big cat facilities in the Free State. The Free State happens to be the heart of the controversial canned lion industry, something employees of Tiger Canyon do not identify with. “We clearly stipulate that no hunting has nor ever will take place at Tiger Canyon,” says Drew. “To date, Tiger Canyon has also not accepted any tigers from petting facilities.” With the exception of rewilding domestic tigers in the past, no human contact takes place with tigers or cubs in the reserve. Tiger Canyon also plays a significant role in the proud Karoo town of Philippolis. They currently employ 30 people from this community, making them one of the biggest employers. All the employees who work at the exclusive Tigress Julie Lodge are local residents who have been selected and trained. Even more jobs are created via projects like fencing, road building and housing. Philippolis is a potential stopover

“

It is heartbreaking to think that by the time my children, George, Charlotte and Louis, are in their 20s, elephant, rhino and tigers might well be extinct in the wild

”

– Prince William on 11 October 2018 at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London

point between Cape Town and Johannesburg and has a number of declared heritage sites. Despite this, unemployment rates are high. A recent joint project involved Tiger Canyon providing an excavator and two bulldozers to repair the community garbage dump. “We really hope to benefit the town of Philippolis in a meaningful way as the reserve grows and becomes financially viable,” says Drew. Current situation Tiger Canyon is in its infancy and is limited by land size and resources. Currently, second, third and fourth generations of wild-born, wild-raised tigers reside at Tiger Canyon. Tigers lead a ferocious lifestyle. A female called Panna was recently killed by another territorial tigress, leaving three orphaned one-year-old cubs that are surviving on their own. The bodies of deceased tigers are not removed, as in the wild other tigers interact with the bones – as part of their social behaviour. Like leopards, tigers are solitary, and dominant males fight to the death. The tigers are divided into two camps, Tiger East and Tiger West, to prevent conflict between dominant males. The females maintain territories within the male’s range. A new area, Tiger South, is being fenced to accommodate the 12 cubs when they disperse. The vision for Tiger Canyon is to have a 50 000ha reserve, big enough to sustain a selfregulated, less-intensively managed tiger population. Challenges facing Tiger Canyon The success of Tiger Canyon lies with its management and ability to draw tourists to help fund overheads,

although other individuals have expressed interest in investing. There is no rule book for this pioneering project, as it has not been done before, but to their credit, they have successfully rewilded tigers. Tiger Canyon will have to comply with scientific standards to be taken seriously by conservationists, otherwise it could run the risk of becoming a pseudo reserve – great for local wildlife and tourism, but ineffective for tiger conservation. On the other hand, the willingness of credible tiger organisations, governments and non-governmental organisations to engage with management of Tiger Canyon is part of the project’s impending success. Drew is open to engage. One of the challenges in the foreseeable future is new bloodlines. “If we have to bring in a new captive tiger to improve the gene pool, it’s likely we would have to hand-raise and then rewild again, unless we trade a wild adult tiger from Asia,” explains Drew. In the tiger debate, Mandela maintained that because there was a Xhosa word for tiger, they must once have existed in Africa; perhaps they can again. There are still uncertainties surrounding the project, but what is clear is it is entering a new phase. Time is running out for debate, it is now time for action.

Main: Two tigers explore the open savannas of Tiger Canyon, an area rich in plains game such as springbok. Right and left: It takes some searching to find the tigers at Tiger Canyon, but it is one of the best places to take photos of these predators in the wild. Top: Tiger Canyon also offers a safe space for birds such as the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird. Photos: Lorna Drew and Graham Kearney Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 25

Focus

You will find the Dronfield Nature Reserve just outside the city of Kimberley in the Northern Cape. It is situated about 15 minutes from the city centre, and just over 460km from Johannesburg.

A rare

gem in the rough

itting in front of a gate and having to speak through a handheld radio to gain access to the reserve was a first for me. Movie scenes with code words like ‘copy’ and ‘over’ went through my mind as I called in to announce my arrival. Shortly after entering, I spotted a few kudu browsing on green leaves while a shy steenbok darted off into the distance. Plains of yellow grass swayed in a light breeze while herds of giraffe stopped eating and looked over, as if to welcome me. Dronfield is not your typical nature reserve. There is no grand entrance gate, nor do you report to a receptionist. You simply make your booking and arrive. While this might seem unusual, the concept works and someone checks up on you after your arrival. This private reserve has been with the De Beers Group of Companies since 1888, when it was home to cattle. But this changed in 2004

Kimberley is synonymous with the Big Hole and its history of diamonds, but dig a little deeper and you will find a wildlife and safari destination away from the crowds. René de Klerk visits one of the lesser-known reserves when the property became a reserve. Now it welcomes visitors who want to get away from the crowds. With six fully equipped self-catering chalets set out among camel thorn trees, plus a swimming pool, it is ideal for a break. The reserve’s conservation manager Charles Hall showed me around. In this part of the world, it is easy to spot game. Some graze lazily in the yellow Kalahari grasslands, while others run like the wind when startled. Species such as springbok, red hartebeest, gemsbok and blue wildebeest roam freely, while high value game like roan, sable and buffalo are kept in special breeding camps. Selling these species at auction is the reserve’s biggest

income generator for conservation. Dronfield’s bird list stands at approximately 220 species. Hall pointed out numerous white-backed vultures on top of thorny trees. The reserve is home to a large breeding colony and the most recent survey in October recorded 113 active breeding pairs. The reserve also has a vulture hide where carcasses provide a safe food source for these critically endangered birds. Our last stop was at the koppie on the property. While we walked up, Hall told me about its heritage. The koppie was a Boer vantage point during the Anglo-Boer war and some remnants can still be seen. But to me there was something far more beautiful – Kimberley in the distance, surrounded by a magnificent Kalahari landscape, red sand and scattered trees as far as the eye can see. I was already dreaming about my return, to feel that red sand under the soles of my feet once again. To book, contact Cindy Carls on +27 53 839 4455 or reservations@debeersgroup.com

Don’t miss •L ook out for the flamingos at the Kamfers Dam across the road from the reserve. •V isit the vulture hide for an opportunity to see white-backed vultures in action. •S pot rare game such as sable and roan.

Main and right: Rare game such as sable, roan and buffalo are kept in camps. Left: Thorny trees decorate much of the landscape. Photos: René de Klerk

Page 26 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

•R elax at a waterhole and watch game come to drink. •P hotography during golden hour is magnificent in this landscape.

Living World

Saving leopards R

of ownership in the initiative and to cover the CLT’s fence removal labour and transport costs,” says Lana Müller, operations and research manager at the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT). The CLT, a registered NGO founded in 2004 and dedicated to researching and protecting predators in the Cape, was called to action following livestock losses from kraals in 2017. Leopards are known for surplus killing, in other words they will sometimes kill more than they can eat. “There are cases where up to 40 sheep have been lost in one night, with many such cases taking place in enclosed kraals where the livestock cannot run away,” says Müller. Surplus killing is a major problem for subsistence farmers who only have five to 20 animals. In addition to the predator-proof kraals safeguarding animals at night, communal herding is another method of reducing human-wildlife conflict during the day. “Farmers are unable to constantly watch their livestock throughout the day because

era T r am

enowned poet Robert Frost wrote ‘Good fences make good neighbours’, and for a community in the heart of the Cederberg, a reliable predator-proof fence is what’s needed to keep their neighbours out. The Cape Leopard Trust is mending walls between leopards and the Heuningvlei community by selling unused fencing material at a subsidised rate to subsistence farmers, in an initiative known as the Heuningvlei Kraal Project. (In South Africa, a ‘kraal’ is a circular pen, made from low stonewalls and used to keep livestock in at night.) “Our aim is to empower and uplift the community through technical support and training. Existing, low-walled enclosures built with rocks are enforced with fencing material, donated to the project by a local commercial farmer, to render these kraals predator-proof. Participating community members contribute a minimal fee (13% of market value) per metre of fencing material received – instilling a sense

and livestock

they also need to tend to their vegetable gardens or tea fields. The aim is for up to 10 farmers to form combined herds through facilitation by the CLT and to then share herding responsibility in line with written agreements between farmers,” explains Müller. Leopards in the Cape, although not a different subspecies, are half the mass of Kruger leopards, with males on average only weighing 35kg. In the Cape, leopards have exceptionally large territories, partly

due to the low prey densities across the Cape Fold Mountains. “The main threat to leopards in the Cape is habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion, direct persecution in retaliation to livestock losses as well as prey base depletion,” says Müller.

Main: A leopard captured on a camera trap. Photo: Cape Leopard Trust

Kids’ Snakes of Southern Africa (Struik Nature)

This is South Africa (Struik Travel & Heritage)

Johan Marais

Peter Borchert

Is there a budding herpetologist in the family? Renowned snake expert R130 Johan Marais has put together an interactive book for kids about 36 of Southern Africa’s weird and wonderful serpents. It’s packed with information about the habits, threats and hunting techniques of these largely misunderstood reptiles. Recommended reading age 9–12 years.

Cat Among the Pigeons (Struik Nature) David Muirhead

R180 What do Marilyn Monroe and the marabou stork, regarded as the ugliest bird in the world, have in common? Feathers, apparently. An intoxicating mixture of myth, laughter and facts, Cat Among the Pigeons is information made fun. David Muirhead’s latest novel breathes life into African folklore, finds is a light bedtime read for unicorns in the form of anyone interested in the an oryx and compares artichokes to pangolins. This natural world.

On the bookshelf Broaden your wildlife knowledge and add to your bush bookshelf collection with the latest conservation and travel books.

The Game Ranger, the Knife, the Lion and the Sheep (Jacana)

Peter Borchert has an impressive career in R280 publishing stories about wildlife, conservation and travel in Africa and This is South Africa is a stunning 158-page compilation on the delights of South Africa. From Kosi Bay to Robben Island, the Cederberg to the City of Gold, it touches on the wild spaces and vibrant cities of the Rainbow Nation.

A Tree for the Birds (Jacana) Vernon RL Head

David Bristow

R260

This book contains 20 curious tales about little known yet outrageous characters from South Africa’s history. From the first game ranger, Harry Wolhuter, to Coenraad De Buys, who fathered his own small nation within South Africa’s developing one. This is local journalist and previous novel about South Africa’s Getaway editor David Bristow’s second entertaining unique past.

This is the follow-up novel to The Search for the Rarest Bird in the World, told by an avid birdwatcher. Travel R260 to the heart of Africa, along the Congo River, with your guides Chrisnelt, Chaminda and Pastor Kadazi in this outstanding nature novel, while absorbing important ecological lessons along the way. Vernon RL Head is the chairman of BirdLife South is either designing special Africa, and when not working buildings, or travelling the on environmental matters, he world in search of rare birds. Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 27

Ndola

Lusaka Tete

St Helena Kasane

Nelspruit

Sishen

45746

Pemba

Nosy Be

More than 55 routes in Africa.

Nampula

Antananarivo

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Living World

New solutions for grassy problems Y

ellow thatch grass (Hyperthelia dissoluta) has been a problem in the Waterberg region of Limpopo for years. This fire-dominant perennial species grows up to three metres tall and occurs naturally in the Highveld region of South Africa. New growth is extremely nutritious and palatable during its early stages, but once mature, wildlife no longer shows any interest. While much debate has been ongoing over the best solution for the grass that is taking over the reserve’s open plains, management at Mabula Game Reserve is now experimenting with different methods. It is still early days, but they are hoping to find the best solution for their grassy problem. “There is a lot we can do about the grass, but not much to stop it from growing back,” says Mabula reserve manager Kobus Havemann. The grass occurs in high densities on most of the open plains in the reserve. These plains are great areas for game viewing, but the thatch grass that dominates is not palatable once mature, and it reaches maturity about two months after new growth starts. It also competes with other grass species as nothing else is as aggressive and quick to grow. “Plenty of animals will use the thatch grass on the plains, but to1be2018/11/12 a food MediaCartel.pdf 13:50 source we have to keep it short,” says

Havemann. Keeping it short is where the challenge lies. Thatch grass has numerous uses, including roofing, but continuously harvesting in an area with dangerous game is not viable. Burning the grass is a short-term solution, but it returns even thicker. Even slashing the grass does not solve the problem. Management has chopped and burned for the last 20 years, but they are hoping research will provide better solutions. Research ecologist Preller Human is now searching for possible answers and has set up experimental sites of 50m x 50m next to one another in an area that

was previously burnt. One site will be left untouched. Another plot is seeded with beneficial grass, while microbes were introduced at a third site. Microbes and seeds were combined in another plot. The last two plots were aggravated (the top soil disturbed) with one seeded, and another microbes and seeds added. After three years of surveys, which will be completed late in 2019, Human will be able to reveal what the effects of fire, slashing and microbes are on the thatch grass. “Only then will we find the best management practices,” says Human. Part of it also includes watching

ungulates to see whether they actively seek the microbe sites – the reason why the survey sites are next to each other. A local farmer has recently been contracted to rake and bale thatch grass in an attempt to take away the seed bed that naturally forms when cutting grass and leaving stalks on the ground. This provides the ideal medium for new seeds to germinate and flourish, and it is felt this may aggravate the thatch grass problem on Mabula. “This is a very exciting experiment and we may just have stumbled across a solution to control thatch grass effectively in the long term,” Havemann explains. He says Mabula’s open plains are extremely important for tourism as sightings are guaranteed with the shorter grass. The vital information gained from the research will assist the reserve in adapting its management plan and inform important management decisions. – René de Klerk

Main: Wildlife prefer short grass. Above: Thatch grass dominates most of the plains in Mabula Game Reserve. These plains are prime areas for game viewing. Photos: René de Klerk

THE MEDIA CARTEL IS COMMITTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF AFRICA’S WILDLIFE.

- OUTSIDE BROADCAST - STUDIO FACILITIES - LIVE BROADCAST & STREAMING PRODUCTION@ THEMEDIACARTEL. CO. ZA Page 30 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

l +27 82 563 4046

Unknown spider

Wild Earth

emerges from the woodwork

A new species of spider has been discovered in the critically endangered sand forests of KwaZulu-Natal. Georgina Lockwood shares the story

The facts

Wright has recently hatched over n February 2014 an unusual 5 000 Phinda button spiders in her arachnid was discovered in the kitchen in order to raise little male Tembe Elephant Park of northern spiders, which are near impossible KwaZulu-Natal. Barbara and Clinton to find in the wild, and required Wright from Wild Tomorrow Fund for species description. To date, were convinced it was a new species, 10 female specimens have been but struggled for years to have the discovered. Wright believes the spider classified. Phinda button spider is an This all changed in 2017, when apex predator in the terrestrial Ian Engelbrecht, research associate arthropod environment. with the Department of Zoology The Phinda button spider is and Entomology at the University arguably the biggest widow spider of Pretoria, visited the reserve. in the world. It has “I immediately charismatic bright thought this red markings was something on its back and special,” says underbelly, unlike Engelbrecht, “but I other African was uncertain as to button spiders, whether it was just which either have some specimen markings on their that blew in from back or their Madagascar or underside, but some other never both. The “It has a gentle exotic place.” females are also This prompted temperament for a much larger than a search for the the males. They species and spider genus that is inhabit trees and before long more feared worldwide” stumps more than specimens were 50 centimetres discovered at above bare ground, &Beyond Phinda higher than most Private Game other button spiders. Reserve. How this species has Their webs are messy structures avoided being discovered is baffling that protrude from the hollow of a experts, but it might be due to its shy tree. So far the species has only been nature, limited range and specialised found in sand forest vegetation, a habitat requirements, or it could critically endangered lowland forest simply have been overlooked in type occurring in South Africa and the past. Mozambique. This vegetation is at “Almost everything about this risk as it is cleared for agriculture species is unique and special. It is and illegal wood harvesting for extremely large for a button spider, ornaments. Wild Tomorrow Fund it constructs a bright purple egg hopes to use the spider as a flagship sac, lives in a very specific critically project for conservation of the sand endangered habitat type, and has forests, and for future entomology a gentle temperament for a spider and arachnology projects. genus that is feared worldwide,” says Should you find a Phinda button Wright. As with all button spiders, spider, do not disturb it, snap this species is also considered a photo and upload the image medically important.

to iNaturalist or the ADU Virtual Museum. Alternatively, email Barbara Wright on Barbara@ wildtomorrowfund.org

Main: A large female and male Phinda button spider on a branch. Below: A young adult female spider. Photos: Wild Tomorrow Fund Sketch (left): Graham Kearney

•W idow spiders are known for their toxic, sometimes fatal bite. • The Latin genus name for all widow spiders is Latrodectus, meaning silent biter, referring to the gentle and cautious way the spider bites its prey. • There are 31 recognised species of widow spider globally, with eight recorded on the African continent. Six of these are endemic to Africa, excluding the recent discovery. • In South Africa widow spiders are referred to as button spiders, possibly derived from the Afrikaans name knopiespinnekop.

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 31

Living World

A sense of community T

he Waterberg region of South Africa boasts the third largest population of rhino in the country, most of which are owned by private individuals who receive no financial support in the global fight against rhino poaching. Local Waterberg reserve owners Tessa and Ant Baber started Save the Waterberg Rhino (STWR) in 2012 after they too became victims of poaching. They lost a rhino cow and calf in 2011, and just eight months later, despite increased security measures, another rhino was killed. It was then that they realised rhinos can only be safe through a collective approach. Today, STWR works with various local and international partners to raise funds to support landowners and the community. However, fighting to save a species has had additional benefits nobody expected. STWR director Jessica Babich says while they are fighting hard to protect the rhino, the rhino are now saving the people. Various initiatives and security measures to protect these mammals have resulted in a drop in the crime rate in the Waterberg district. This could be due to a number of factors. STWR is doing excellent work through fundraising and various awareness campaigns. The organisation has assisted with items that range from on-the-ground essentials such as bulletproof vests and water bladders, to high-tech equipment and cameras. The 1.7 million hectare Waterberg Biosphere is divided into various clusters. STWR collaborates and communicates with each cluster as part of its proactive regionwide security for the protection of black and white rhino. Each cluster is funded and supported

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unbelievable,” says Babich. “It is like by community members and local urban security in a rural environment, businesses, and everyone in the only on a much bigger scale.” Waterberg benefits, whether they Babich says while security is the contribute or not. The security plan most important aspect of their is made up of various layers to give fundraising initiatives, environmental support to all relevant role-players for awareness and awareness, training education, as well and equipment. as the upliftment STWR has of communities raised funds for, “It is like urban play a crucial and is currently security in a rural role in mitigating rolling out, camera networks environment, only on poaching. “Why should anyone in with integrated a much bigger scale” the community technologies and care about the software, linked rhino?” argues to the national Babich. “Yet, the system. As a result, moment people understand the intelligence sharing and gathering collective effort to combat crime is much easier and all key security and the links to anti-poaching, we groups and organisations are are talking,” explains Babich. The able to be more effective in crime organisation facilitates community prevention. “The response has been

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upliftment, thereby enhancing sustainable livelihoods. An important aspect is environmental education. Through initiatives at Welgevonden Game Reserve and the Marakele National Park, among others, youngsters from the community visit these protected areas, learn about conservation and see how wildlife tourism benefits the region. Save the Waterberg Rhino relies on donations and funding support. For additional information, visit www.waterbergrhino.com

Below: With the continuous onslaught on rhinos, and efforts to safeguard them, the Waterberg is now a much safer place for both the rhino and the people who call the area home. Photo: Patrick Bonior/Wild Revolution

Adventure

Top trail

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, Franschhoek

running destinations

Top South African trail running athletes Christiaan and Landie Greyling met on a trail run, and later even married on one. They share their favourite trails around Southern Africa.

he Greylings met on an adventure race in Magaliesberg in 2008. While Christiaan was already a seasoned adventurer, the event was a first for Landie. After a brief encounter around the campfire, the two fell in love and encouraged each other’s determination and interest in wellbeing and trail running. Now they spend their time travelling from country to country to race all over the world, really living the dream. “When you finish a race that has stretched and really pushed you, it is truly euphoric,” says Christiaan. After a brief stint in America, Landie believes it was their return to South Africa and moving to the southern Cape with its abundance of mountains and trails that helped develop her trail running career. These are their top choices to keep you invigorated and coming back for more.

Cathedral Peak, Drakensberg

Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape

If panoramic scenery, mountainous terrain and big open skies are on your bucket list, head to the Drakensberg. This is a single track all the way to the summit, with smooth trails. What makes this a great location is the hotel is built so close to the mountain that runners have access to trails in every direction. There are 18 trails to choose from.

The three-day Klipspringer Trail is ideal for rock hopping among unique rock formations in the remoteness of sheer mountain desert wilderness. You do not have to run the entire trail, but just run out and return.

Recommendation: Cathedral Peak summit. Distance: The Cathedral Peak summit route is 18.5km. To see: Fantastic views of the Drakensberg and valleys from the summit. Don’t forget to look out for the endangered bearded vultures.

Afriski Mountain Resort, Lesotho

Muratie Wine Estate, Western Cape

This is free running at its best, with a combination of high altitude training and beautiful scenery added to the equation.

The trails are easy, smooth single tracks with beautiful winelands and mountain surroundings. Ideal for beginner trail runners. There is a R25 fee to use the trails.

Recommendation: Run to the escarpment and to the amphitheatre. Distance: 36km out and back.

Recommendation: Run Syd’s Slope, Uitkyk and the Simonsberg Loop. Distance: Anything from 5km to 30km.

To see: The Tugela Falls, incredible views of the gullies and valleys towards the South African side of the Drakensberg on the escarpment.

To see/do: Wine tasting at Muratie; the trail dogs Syd and Jackson are great company; views of Table Mountain and the winelands.

Distance: 7km, or any distance you prefer. Run out and turn back.

The Greylings believe this reserve is home to some of the best single track and well-maintained trails. R50 entry fee is applicable. Recommendation: The beautiful Perdekop Summit. Distance: 15km. To see: Incredible views of the mountains and valleys surrounding the Franschhoek area. Do not miss the Uitkyk Viewpoint.

Retire from your run in style For travellers looking to explore the trails, who don’t want to part ways with their taste for fine dining, good wine and perfectly appointed suites, Mont Rochelle Hotel is just for you. This hotel is situated on 100 acres of pristine wineland in the heart of the Franschhoek valley, making it the perfect location from which to explore the area. Costs range from R2 500 to R7 050 per person sharing during 2019.

Scan for details

To do: Visit the Augrabies National Park and see the majestic Augrabies falls, Moon Rock and the Twin Falls. Follow @landiegreyling and @christiaangrey on Instagram.

Download a QR Scanner

Main: Christiaan on top of the world. Below: Landie appreciates the views at Mont Rochelle. Photos: JP Nortje and Christiaan Greyling

from your App Store. Use your cellphone camera or QR scanner app to scan and follow the QR link above.

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 33

Wild Earth

Protea species vital to fynbos health

Like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, fynbos needs fire to survive. But how much is enough and what is the connection between Proteaceae species and fynbos health? René de Klerk finds out

The Facts •T here are about 360 species in the Proteaceae family in South Africa. •T he genus Protea, of the family Proteaceae, was named by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1771. •S pecies of the genus Protea are known as sugarbushes because of their excessive nectar production. •T he King Protea is South Africa’s national flower. •M embers of the Proteaceae family are also found in Australia, South America and Madagascar. Pollen fossils show that Proteaceae ancestors grew in Gondwanaland 140 million years ago before the continents split.

Page 34 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

ynbos often seems dull, scraggly and unproductive from a distance. But get closer and you will find a diversity of species, life and bursts of colour, especially among the different Protea species standing sentinel in this fine, bushy vegetation. The Cape Floral Kingdom where fynbos occurs is the smallest of six floral kingdoms in the world, but one of the richest when it comes to plant abundance. It is home to around 8 200 plant species, many found nowhere else on the planet. Through long-term monitoring of certain Protea species in the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg in the Western Cape Province, scientists are using this popular genus as an indicator of fynbos health. Fynbos needs fire to persist and recruit, but if it burns too often it can also be destroyed. With increasing temperatures and fire frequency, fynbos may be at risk – one of the reasons monitoring is so vital. Specific Protea species have been selected as indicator species for monitoring the effects of fire because they are common and abundant and also the slowest to mature in fynbos, says CapeNature regional ecologist Dr AnneLise Schutte-Vlok. “If we allow for the slowest maturing species to flower and set seeds, we would have accommodated all other species in the landscape. Then we would not lose species from the system,” she explains. In Grootvadersbosch they are keeping an eye on the large, treelike Protea species – the narrow-leaf sugarbush (Protea neriifolia), broadleaf sugarbush (Protea eximia) and the common sugarbush (Protea repens). These are numbered in permanent monitoring plots within the reserve. Every year, teams revisit the same 100 plants to measure the height and the number of flowers. If a plot burned, whether planned or by wildfire, teams also look at new seedling recruitment.

Too frequent fires can destroy fynbos, but if fynbos burns too little it can hamper new recruitment. Schutte-Vlok says, “We work on a general rule of thumb that 50% of the individuals in a population need to have flowered three times before the veld burns.” For now, the burn period in Grootvadersbosch is set at 15 years, but monitoring will reveal whether this time period is adequate or not. “If areas on Grootvadersbosch burn at less than 15-year return intervals, we need to take steps to address it as there is a possibility the biodiversity could be negatively affected,”

says Schutte-Vlok. Approximately 70% of Grootvadersbosch is covered in fynbos vegetation. The reserve also boasts 250ha of indigenous Afromontane forest, some of the most significant in the southwestern Cape, with large species diversity.

Below: Mate Modisha monitoring in the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. Left: Protea repens and Protea neriifolia are two of the species monitored in the reserve. Photos: AnneLise Schutte-Vlok; supplied

Living World

Bubbling in the Seekoei River

ippos in the arid landscape of the Northern Cape might seem unconceivable, but the reintroduction of this apex river species 13 years ago in the Seekoei River is rehabilitating the vibrant water ecology that existed in Karoo river systems for millennia. Apart from the resurgence of reed banks, the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve now offers a sanctuary for families of Cape clawless otters, and forgotten bird species that thrived throughout the region historically have begun making a comeback, too. A single hippo deposits over 20kg of dung into the river each day. As well as being a source of nitrogen for river plants, it serves as a rich

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food source for the fish, frogs and fresh water crabs that have gradually begun to repopulate the river. These smaller animals support predators such as the African fish eagle, and African rail, African swamphen and African marsh-harrier have recently been spotted. As a farmer and passionate conservationist, PC Ferreira learnt over the years that reintroducing hippos, which were wiped out in the Seekoei River during the late 1700s, comes with challenges. After years of research, mountains of paperwork and negotiating the necessary permits, Ferreira had his property declared a conservancy before finally receiving hippos in 2005.

The hippos adapted to life in the 300ha sanctuary of the Seekoei River and even multiplied. Unfortunately one of the bulls killed the calves and Ferreira had to make a heartbreaking decision to remove the bull. It has been an uphill battle, says Ferreira, but he is ready to secure the future of these mammals in the Seekoei River by purchasing three additional hippos, as soon as he can cover the transport costs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is crucial to bring in more hippos to establish a herd,â&#x20AC;? he says. There are currently three hippos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a female from the original introduction 12 years ago, a bull of four years and a calf born in December 2017. Apart from seeing the hippos

blowing bubbles in the Seekoei River, guests can visit a cultural heritage site, enjoy long walks, or simply just experience the tranquillity of the area. Officially proclaimed as a private reserve in 2017, Ferreira is slowly making the move from traditional farming with cattle and sheep towards conservation and tourism. Other wildlife in the reserve include sable, roan, springbok, eland and buffalo. For more information visit www.karoogariep.co.za

Hippopotamus with an African jacana. Sketch: Graham Kearney

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Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 35

Living World

Flamingos: flying under cover of night

he Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) fitted satellite-tracking devices to 12 lesser flamingos in 2016 to get a better understanding of their flight patterns. The results were considerably different to expectations, with researchers discovering the birds are capable of

DECEMBER December 3–14: Come Wild with us: holiday programmes Children can explore their heritage in the Mountain Zebra National Park, and learn about plants, animals and more through various informative activities. Activities include game drives, scavenger hunts, and film shows. Enquiries: +27 48 881 5722 or Miranda.moraba@sanparks.org

long distance, nocturnal flights. The data on an individual named Kucki showed the first recorded cross-border movement of an individual lesser flamingo to Madagascar. The bird in question covered 1 020km in less than 24 hours. While in Madagascar, Kucki moved up the coastline towards Mahajanga, before returning to her arrival point – the mouth of the Mangoky River. She finally returned to mainland Africa on 29 May 2018, flying from Madagascar to Mozambique, which entailed a 927km flight over the Mozambican Channel. Matt Pretorius, senior field officer: Eskom/EWT Strategic Partnership at the EWT, says they expected to see regional movements between regular feeding and breeding sites, but not of this distance. “Kucki’s flight to Madagascar really surprised us,” he says. Of the 12 birds fitted with tracking devices, six were from an area near Delareyville in the North West province, and six from a pan next to Allanridge near Welkom in the

Free State. Kucki was part of the Allanridge group. One of the threats facing flamingos is collision with power lines and night movements could mean conventional diverters might not be effective for species like the lesser flamingo. The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, as well as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species have the lesser flamingo listed as near threatened. The EWT will continue to monitor the sample of birds to gain greater insight into movement patterns. “An interesting follow-up to our study would be to see if the greater flamingo displays similar flight patterns across Southern Africa,” says Pretorius. – René de Klerk

Left: A lesser flamingo released at Delareyville shortly after being fitted with a tracking device. Photo: André Botha Sketch (right): Graham Kearney

Save these

December to February: Fizz & Fudge Spend just R40 and taste a duo of Stellenbosch Hills’ Polkadraai bubblies, each paired with custom-made fudge. Enquiries: +27 21 881 3828 or info@stellenbosch-hills.co.za

DATES *Diary events are subject to change

JANUARY January 26: Delheim Harvest Festival Get your pink on. At the beginning of every year, the Cape Winelands become a buzz of activity at the start of harvest. This year’s pink theme celebrates the harvest of Delheim’s world-renowned Pinotage Rosé. The day starts with grape picking, stomping and a family friendly feast. There will be live music, prizes and fun for the kids. Tickets are limited: R650 for adults and R150 for children. Enquiries: www.delheim.com or marketing@delheim.com

Golden Gate birding

FEBRUARY January 24–27: Mapungubwe National Park Birding Weekend Join the Waterberg Region of the SANParks Honorary Rangers and see how many of the 450 bird species you can record. Specials include Pel’s fishing owl, African wood owl and Senegal coucal. R4 200 per person sharing, including accommodation and dinners at Leokwe. Enquiries: Susan Otto on +27 82 572 1632 or susanotto0@gmail.com

Page 36 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

February 8–10: Golden Gate Highlands National Park birding weekend SANParks Honorary Rangers Free State Region is hosting its 13th annual birding event. Search for Cape vulture, southern bald ibis, blue korhaan, and the rare bearded vulture silhouetted against the majestic Drakensberg. R450 per person. Enquiries: Elinda on +27 82 820 5212 or elinda@vodamail.co.za

2019 Birding Weekends between January 24 and February 24 SANParks Honorary Rangers West Rand Region is inviting you to its 2019 annual Kruger National Park Birding Weekends. Boost your birding skills and assist with vital conservation work. Enjoy dawn and evening drives, guided by experienced birding experts. All proceeds go towards conservation projects identified by SANParks. Enquiries +27 11 476 3057 or westrandbirders@gmail.com

Stellenbosch watercolour artist, Juandi Andrag, specialises in limited edition 100% silk scarves,

Safari Style

under the MANTUA Silkwear label. Inspired by colours in nature and the female energy of the flamingo, they’re available at www.mantua.co.za and priced at R1 950.

Donald Featherstone’s kitsch flamingos of 1950s America have been reinvented and the popular Florida lawn ornaments can now be acquired in the streets

Post-WWII society was obsessed with pink, with flamingos featuring in advertisements, ornaments, cosmetics and fabrics. Ardmore Ceramic Art, situated in the foothills of the Drakensberg, produces flamingo-inspired collections, including this sculpture (R2 600).

hion from A o fas f r ica ing am

mporary takes e t n on Co fl

of Johannesburg, courtesy of the city’s beadwork artists. Prices vary from R200 to R750, depending on size and negotiation skills.

The flamboyant

FLAMINGO Cape Town artist Zoe Mafham uses

Escape city life in Johannesburg at Tasha’s

collages to form animals, including

Flamingo Room in Sandton City, decorated

flamingos. The American Flamingo is a

in soft flamingo pinks. Kaross has released

world-renowned 1834 artwork by John

the Kaross for Tashas collection, a range of

James Audubon. Mafham’s collages are

handcrafted embroidered flamingo cushion

available on www.zoemafham.wix.com/

covers, available from www.kaross.co.za, and

collage, priced from R5 000 to R20 000.

priced at R2 400.

How the flamingo tickled the fashion industry pink

rom the moment Harry Styles, former One Direction singer, wore a Marc Jacobs flamingo shirt on X Factor UK, this flamboyant wetland bird made a comeback in popculture fashion, or perhaps it had

never really left. By the 21st century, the flamingo had established itself among bold tropical lifestyle brands. The flamingo has an instantly recognisable silhouette, and with its feminine posture, long legs, and wispy walk,

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it’s easy to draw parallels between fashion models and the bird. Scarves, beach towels, phone covers, bikinis, and pool inflatables (the latter made famous by Kendall Jenner) all make use of the flamingo. Designers in the 1980s started to flirt with seasonal resort wear, with Oscar de la Renta releasing a colourful and bold collection. Resort wear is now a year-round fashion season associated with warmer holiday climates. Lilly Pulitzer built

a fashion brand that represented a permanent summer state of mind, consistently keeping bold tropical prints, like flamingos, in her designs. Tropical flamingo prints in swimwear took off in the 1940s as holiday-goers flocked to beaches. The flamingo entered the world of fashion after the Industrial Revolution and was announced via colourful descriptions in text-heavy advertisements in Vogue magazine. By the flapper era, following the rise

in photography and consumerism, the flamingo was used on compacts and cosmetics; Dorothy Gray Cosmetics produced a blush called Flamingo. Whether the flamingo’s surge in popularity has resulted in an increase in flamingo and wetland conservation remains to be seen. Information provided by Lisa Valendza, Kent State University – Georgina Lockwood

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Zoom In

Time to get

SNAPPING Were you there to capture the moment? The magic? The light and colour? Enjoy this selection of pics from some of our favourite photographers. Send us your top photos and stand the chance of having one of them turned into a painting by talented artist Graham Kearney, and auctioned to raise funds for conservation.

WINNER!

Marli Potgieterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo of a southern ground-hornbill on the H5/S114 gravel road in the Kruger National Park will be turned into a painting and auctioned. All funds raised will benefit conservation.

Pouncing: Chris Fourie captured this playful, pouncing tiger at Tiger Canyon near Philippolis in the Free State.

Golden giant: Jordan Ralph submitted this photo of a bearded vulture coming in to land at Giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Castle in the Drakensberg. Page 38 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

What are you laughing at? Manuela Krog came across this zebra during a trip to Etosha National Park in Namibia.

Zoom In

Send us your pics! To stand the chance of having your image turned into a painting by artist Graham Kearney, send your wildlife or landscape photos, along with your name and a description of where your pic was taken, to safari@caxton.co.za.

Grabbing lunch: Rudolf Badenhorst was at the right place at the right time when he snapped this crocodile grabbing lunch on the Chobe River in Botswana.

Journey on: Manuela Krog took this photo from the Auchterlonie picnic site in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Rolling in the Kruger: Ian Lotter visited the Kruger National Park, where this lilac-breasted roller posed for a photo.

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On the hunt: Joanne Vreenegoor was fortunate to witness this leopard on the hunt while she was visiting the Pilanesberg National Park.

Tusk brothers: Martin Visser captured these elephants in the Makuleke Concession near the Pafuri Gate of the Kruger National Park.

Building a future: Gavin Joyce took this photo of a redheaded weaver constructing a nest at a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game farm in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 39

Hotspots

GEMS

worth travelling for

Idyllic Victoria Falls retreat Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia Thorntree River Lodge is one of the newer luxury lodges on the Zambian side of the world-renowned Victoria Falls. What makes Thorntree River Lodge so special is the combination of its position right on the Zambezi River with the architecture of the lodge. It provides ample views of the Zambezi and the nearby Victoria Falls from the deck, your plunge pool and even from the comfort of your four-poster bed. Thorntree River Lodge is a retreat designed for those travellers who, while enjoying luxurious accommodation, are really looking to get out into the wild. The environmentally conscious design and locally inspired decor of the lodge combine to provide guests with a truly authentic and unforgettable African experience.

Good to know: The signs on the footpaths warning guests about nearby crocodiles and hippos are no joke. Thorntree River Lodge is so well integrated into the surrounding wildlife along the Zambezi that hippos and crocodiles move freely around the lodge and near the footpaths. Cost: Expect to pay R6 991 per person sharing for a suite from December and into the New Year. Book: www.safari.com/thorntree-river-lodge

A destination in the sky Maliba Lodge, Tsehlanyane National Park, Lesotho

Maliba Lodge, an hour’s drive from Clarens, is home to the Lesotho Ultra Trail; Prince Harry is a regular visitor on his trips to Lesotho. The lodge is situated in an enchanting ‘ouhout’ (Leucosidea sericea) forest with an exquisite mountain view. Habituated eland can be seen feeding on the hillside, and the woodlands bustle with birdlife.

Good to know: Maliba Lodge is considered the only five-star accommodation in the country, rated according to Lesotho standards. Nights are chilly so take something warm. The mountain kingdom is ideal habitat for Big 5; the reserve’s wildlife is limited but the walks are sublime. Cost: From R800 to R3 300, excluding meals. Book: www.maliba-lodge.com/bookings/ Photo: Ukali Media

Dive, kite surf, indulge, repeat Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel, Vilankulo, Mozambique Bahia Mar has a range of entertaining activities for guests, from diving, kite-surfing, biking and dhow safaris to snorkelling. Or you can opt to relax and indulge in a spa treatment at the Spa and Wellness Centre. Make the space your own, from a relaxing beach holiday under the palm trees to an activity-packed adventure. It is a great destination for ethical travellers, and hotel staff are very clued up on giving back to Vilankulo. Approved for the conscientious traveller

Good to know: While South Africans do not require a visa, residents of overseas countries can obtain a visa at the border or airport. Selfdrivers require a 4x4 vehicle. Visit your travel clinic to enquire about malaria medication as Mozambique is a high-risk area. Cost: Varies from $190 to $280 per night. Book: www.bahiamarclub.com

Page 40 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Meandering the Midlands Brahman Hills Hotel and self-catering accommodation Only eight kilometres north-east of Nottingham Road and just off the N3 highway, lies Brahman Hills, a beautiful venue offering a hotel and selfcatering accommodation. Not only is this the ideal venue for a wedding, function or conference in the heart of the Midlands, it is also the perfect stopover for travellers between Gauteng and the KwaZuluNatal coast. A chapel on the lake and large reception area make for picture-perfect weddings. The cottages, located in the Blue Crane Nature Reserve, boast private decks with braai and jacuzzi, as well as a fully kitted kitchen, dining area and lounge. A spa with excellent facilities is available for those in need of pampering. Good to know: Guests at the self-catering cottages can use the fine-dining restaurant and bar facilities at the hotel for breakfast or supper. The Midlands Kitchen, right next door to Brahman Hills, also offers delicious meals. Cost: From R2 235 (for two) to R6 000 (for eight) per self-catering cottage. Hotel rooms start from R1 895 per couple including breakfast. Book: www.brahmanhills.co.za

Hotspots Wildlife, views and vultures Bontle Tented Camp, Marakele National Park, Thabazimbi Bontle Tented Camp is located quite close to the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance gate. This alternative to camping is ideal as there is no need to spend valuable time pitching tents. The units are not ultra-luxurious, but they do offer everything required for a comfortable self-catering stay. Each tented unit comes with soft beds, a small bathroom with shower, and outdoor kitchenette and braai area. There are options for couples with two single beds, and family units are furnished with a double and two single beds. All accommodation offers unobtrusive views of the unspoiled bush. While there, take the time to drive up to the Lenong Viewpoint. Not only are the views truly spectacular, the viewpoint gets you close to one of the largest breeding colonies of Cape vultures in the world.

Good to know: It is a 10-minute drive from Thabazimbi to the park gate, so if you need supplies it is easy to pop into town. There is no shop in the park, so all provisions need to be taken along. Cost: From R1 231 to R1 539 for two people, depending on season. This excludes conservation fees. Book: www.sanparks.org

A touch of Karoo luxury on a working farm Mountain View Country Guesthouse, Cradock For a true break from city life, head to Spekboomberg Farm. Situated about 24km from Cradock, guests will enjoy Karoo tranquillity while experiencing a working farm. The mountainous surroundings offer a safe haven to kudu, nyalas and other small antelope species, while flocks of blue cranes are also resident in the area. The four-star rooms are stylishly decorated and consist of a small sitting room with a bar fridge, coffeemaking facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, while the spacious bathroom includes a big bath and shower. Guests can order a picnic basket and take the 4x4 route to the top of the mountain, and enjoy leisurely walks on the property. Good to know: About a 20-minute drive will take you to town or to the Mountain Zebra National Park. There is a swimming pool to enjoy on scorching days, communal kitchen and braai facilities.

Cost: Rooms are priced from R1 200 per night for two people. The family room can accommodate four for R1 400 and the cottage for five costs R2 000. Book: www.mountainview countryguesthouse.com

Sun, sea and whales Slangkop Tented Camp, Table Mountain National Park

New Lasher.pdf

23/11/2018

12:15

Fancy a stay closer to nature, but not in the mood to fight with setting up tents? The Slangkop Tented Camp in the Table Mountain National Park in Kommetjie is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a self-catering stay. The camp is in the heart of the residential area, but you will feel far away from civilisation. Each unit is furnished with two single beds, and with six units available the entire family can be accommodated. Both the ablutions and kitchen facilities are communal and a boma is ideal for larger gatherings. With marine elements throughout the camp, the

sound of crashing waves and the shade of indigenous milkwoods, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect family escape.

Good to know: The boardwalk next to the ocean is easily accessible from the rest camp. The Slangkop Lighthouse is nearby and Cape Point is a short drive. Cost: Prices range between R586 and R686 (depending on season) for two people in self-catering accommodation. Book: www.sanparks.org

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 41

Wander

On cloud nine at

De Hoop

From colourful sunsets, turquoise waters and historic buildings to pods of whales, vultures and fynbos, De Hoop is the perfect escape for couples, friends and families. René de Klerk went exploring

t was difficult to concentrate on sea lettuce and snails in rock pools while large numbers of southern right whales frolicked in the turquoise waters of the bay nearby. Like the rest of the group on our guided marine walk at Koppie Alleen, I was enthralled at the sight of them. Our group of six had set out to discover the magic of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and from the moment we arrived the previous day, we were treated to a taste of paradise. As we made our way down to De Hoop Collection, the white dunes and crystal blue ocean on one side, and glistening waters of the Vlei

and wholesome salads. Apart from the walk to the viewing deck, Potberg also hosts the 6km Klipspringer and 10km Potberg hiking trails. Back at the De Hoop Collection next to the Vlei, active families can choose from four cycling routes, as well as 3km and 13km trails to enjoy on foot. This is probably the best way to really enjoy the fynbos-clad surroundings. De Hoop boasts 1 500 plant species – among the highest diversity in the Cape Floral Region. The blushing proteas and variety of ericas certainly left me impressed.

Know before you go

Main: Sunsets over the Vlei are spectacular. Left: Enjoy the comfort of the beautiful Cloete Suite. Right: From blushing proteas to ericas and much more, De Hoop is a fynbos hotspot; watch soaring Cape vultures from the comfort of the viewing deck; cosy evenings and five star treatment are a given. Below: Don’t miss out on a spa treatment. Photos: René de Klerk and supplied

•T ravel: From Cape Town International Airport, it is a good three-hour drive. The reserve is just over 50km from Bredasdorp, the nearest town. •R emember: Accommodation at Koppie Alleen and Vlei are part of the De Hoop Collection, while the Potberg section is the administrative hub for CapeNature, the vulture colony and a number of hiking trails. The Whale Trail starts here too. •S tay: I stayed in the luxurious Cloete Suite in the Opstal area, where all rooms are close to the restaurant and spa. My room was furnished with a spacious king-size bed, flowing mosquito nets, and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Suite prices start from R2 611 per person per night, including dinner, bed and breakfast. There are accommodation options to suit every budget – from camping to self-catering family cottages.

Page 42 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

on the other, had us mesmerised. bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, De Hoop Collection is situated eland, and ostrich. Apart from these adjacent to the Vlei, a Ramsar residents, the park is also home to wetland of international importance. various other species: the reserve It boasts an assortment of Cape offers a safe haven to the only Dutch-style accommodation and breeding colony of Cape vultures in buildings, and the Western Cape, comes with an and the good interesting history. news is you can The reserve offers The land on which get quite close the reserve is to these majestic a safe haven to situated belonged birds. If you are Cape vultures in the to the Dutch East willing for a short India Company hike and a little Western Cape during the 1700s. bit of a climb, the The Opstal Manor viewing deck and House, adjacent vultures riding the to the Cloete Suites, is the oldest thermals overhead are incredible to building and the original home. see. Afterwards, we were treated to The green lawns offer a welcome a picnic lunch that included delicious attraction to wildlife such as local Overberg cheeses, cold meats

Wander

De Hoop Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area is situated approximately three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg region.

Don’t miss •S outhern right whales can be seen from June to November. Plan your 2019 visit during this time. They counted 1 116 whales in a day along this coastline in August 2018.

If fynbos, flowers and walking aren’t really your thing, you can always opt for a more laid-back experience: the De Hoop Spa offers a variety of treatments for tired muscles. After a deep tissue massage, I felt ready to climb another mountain, or koppie. Another option is the eco boat cruise on the vlei. With bubbly in hand and various snacks to nibble on, it is an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the sunset colours. They also offer guided bird walks and guided mountain bike trails. De Hoop is a great destination all year round, but at least two days are recommended to make the most of your experience. Whether you go for the outdoor activities, a long break or simply to take time off from the hustle and bustle of city life, you will leave invigorated and ready to take on the world.

•B lue cranes, South Africa’s national bird, are abundant on the farmlands, and De Hoop is a birding hotspot with approximately 260 species to look out for. •A part from walking, hiking and cycling, there is also a tennis court, swimming pool and boules courtyard. The world-famous Whale Trail, a 55km slackpacking trail starts at Potberg and finishes at Koppie Alleen.

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Focus Heritage

Selfless acts benefit conservation

For nearly 200 years the Makuleke people have lived in the Pafuri region. Despite South Africa’s turbulent past chasing them from their land, they made a selfless decision that today benefits not only their own needs, but also conservation. René de Klerk learns more

he landscape in the Pafuri region of the Kruger National Park is incredibly diverse, with expanses of fever tree forests, giant baobabs and, of course, unparalleled vistas of Lanner Gorge. Sandwiched between the mighty Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers, this incredible landscape dates back 250 million years and features amazing diversity. Visit any of the RETURNAfrica tourism projects in Pafuri and you will find a strong connection with the Makuleke people. As a result of their selfless decisions and conservation mindset, visitors from all over the world can share in this beauty today. But the journey has not been easy. When the Makuleke people first arrived in Pafuri they settled at the confluence of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers, where an ancient trade route passed through to the Mozambican coast. Here, they were able to maintain

Facts •1 820s: The Makulekes arrived in Pafuri from Mozambique, their original home. •1 969: The Makulekes were removed from their land. It was returned to them in 1998. •3 : The number of accommodation options in Pafuri run by RETURNAfrica. •B aobab Hill Bush House sleeps eight guests. Pafuri Luxury Tented Camp has 19 tents, seven of which can accommodate families of up to four. •T he Pafuri Walking Trails can accommodate 16 guests in two trail camps from April to October. Page 44 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

a subsistence economy through region, in the form of responsible cultivation, harvesting, hunting and tourism and conservation. fishing. For 150 years they enjoyed Today, the Makulekes are the this lifestyle, but in 1969 it all came custodians of the land and share a to an end. Their ability to support close friendship with RETURNAfrica, themselves vanished overnight as a partnership that has greatly the apartheid government forced benefitted the community. them to move 70km south-west of Through the Community Property Pafuri so this beautiful area could Association, they receive 10% of all form part of the revenue generated greater Kruger. In in the concession, an overcrowded says Samantha The Makuleke region, where they Lincesso from were unable RETURNAfrica. community decided to support Furthermore, they to keep their land themselves also have the through a option to shares within Kruger subsistence after a period of economy, time. Through everything various tourism crumbled. initiatives, over 60 families However, after of the community benefit decades of struggle, from employment. 1998 brought a Training and skills new dawn for the development, such as Makuleke people. formal guide training, They finally regained internships and ownership of their mentorships, home, and despite also form the restitution and part of their attachment the to the land, they decided to keep it within Kruger for the benefit of those visiting the

arrangement. Lastly, through the partnership RETURNAfrica has given even more back to the community via donations of school ablution facilities, school uniforms and donations to centres where children can have a meal or do their homework. RETURNAfrica originated at Pafuri. “Our brand is rooted in fair trade and aims to maximise returns to the community, the environment and the business. We are deeply grateful to the Makulekes for the opportunity to operate on their land,” says Lincesso. For more information, visit www.returnafrica.com

Main: Makuleke villagers play an important role in conservation. Left: Celebrating the Makuleke heritage. Above: Catching up on homework. Photos: Gideon Mendel

Kids’ Corner

Did you know? Seychelles is Africa’s smallest nation.

Wild scramble Find the hidden words using the clues below. The words all relate to wildlife you will see in the Seychelles.

Attention young bush lovers and adventurers! Are you a nature buff? Grab your crayons and pens and you’ll soon be on your way to becoming a conservation pro!

fyria etrn: My plumage is snowy white and I am an oceanfaring seabird. Clue: What is Tinkerbell? ttelur: I lay my eggs on sandy Seychelles beaches and feed on the sponges found in the islands’ coral reefs. My exquisite

Collective nouns Get creative with collective nouns – try making up your own too!

tortoiseshell is unfortunately highly valued by man. tiang totoeris: We thrive on islands and I am cold-blooded. I move really slowly and I am gigantic in size.

A of cheetah

ycsellhees bsiurnd: I have a long thin beak perfect for

of grasshoppers

drinking nectar from hibiscus flowers and I only occur in

of rhino

the Seychelles.

of sea turtles

gogdun: Sailors used to mistake me for a mermaid. I am

of flamingos

of hippos

strictly herbivorous and live off seagrass. Despite my aquatic lifestyle I still need to breathe, so I am a mammal.

Have a whale of a time with whale spouts. Can you draw a line from the whale and description to the Blue image Whale of each whale’s spout? Contrary to what most matching Blue Whale people think, whales do not spout water out of their blowholes, it’s actually a stream of warm air.

Sperm Whale Sperm Whale

1. The blue whale spout shoots very high in the air.

Humpback Whale Humpback Whale

Conservation dates to celebrate

Find the Word! World Zebra Day takes place on 31 January 2019. To celebrate these dazzling animals, find the names of the different types of zebra below.

QUAGGA BURCHELL’S GRANT’S MANELESS CHAPMAN’S CRAWSHAY’S HARTMANN’S CAPE GREVY’S Q B G R F A A L B V E B I H D J R O D A V

Tell your teacher about these fun days taking place during the next few months…

International Cheetah Day: 4 December 2018 World Soil Day: 5 December 2018 Penguin Awareness Day: 20 January 2019 World Zebra Day: 31 January 2019 Hedgehog Day: 2 February 2019 World Wetlands Day: 2 February 2019 World Hippo Day: 15 February 2019 World Pangolin Day: 16 February 2019 World Whale Day: 16 February 2019

P DM G H D QD C D M P O V D A D A V A D

J G V X Y G S R L M E G G Y V U QM R T N

Blue Whale

3. The humpback whale has a very short upwardsshooting spout thatSperm looksWhale like a fountain.

Sperm Whale

Humpback Whale

4. The southern right whale has two spouts.

A Z I G R E V Y S K E I C I M I O N O I K K R F L S M Z N I Z A M P Q Z X L S K V D L YMQ L O RM L V M R S Y X G Y L R L O R MC R AW S H A Y S S P I M L E R M X M N S P M O C HA P MA N S Q Z N X R N Z Z

R OU L CO E IN M

you

PANGOLIN

kno

w? Ther e are f o of p ur sp ango ecie lin in s They Afric eat a a . nts a roll u nd c p int an oab all w thre hen aten ed.

Right Whale

C S H V Q Z XH L S L U H R K B T A Y K N N J T Q J V MO N J N N V S N J M N Z J R

Humpback WhaleDid

X VA S C M C Y R Q C V U S T L I H H C V

G FMN Z A H F E O S N F R R S F T R E D

Right Whale

R UU J Z P NQ U P O K T G R A N T S H B

E KQ E G S E R H Y S E E X O T Y R X P S

Right Whale

2. The sperm whale spout Right Whale shoots diagonally forward.

Answers: • Scramble: Fairy tern, Turtle, Giant Tortoise, Seychelles Sunbird, Dugong • Collective Nouns - A coalition of cheetah; a cloud of grasshoppers; a crash of rhino; a bale of sea turtles; a flamboyance of flamingos; a bloat/pod of hippo Whales - 1c ; 2a ; 3d ; 4b

Page 46 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

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Available at participating Total Service Stations while stocks last.

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 47

A Day in the Life

Protecting

GREVY’S ZEBRA

during drought

Sheila Funnell, research manager at the Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT), talks about the important work she does with communities to manage the conservation of these endangered animals.

revy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) is one of only three species of zebra that exist in the world. Classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the population has declined from approximately 15 000 in the 1970s to current numbers of 2 800. Of the remaining population, over 90% are found in Kenya’s Westgate Community Conservancy. In 2016 and 2017 Kenya experienced an extreme drought. Healthy rangelands are able to persevere during extreme conditions due to the presence of perennial grasses and the land’s ability to store water, providing continued sustenance for Grevy’s zebra, livestock and other wildlife. Unhealthy rangelands are less resilient to drought and the ground remains bare. Page 48 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Because of the drought, we initiated a supplementary feeding programme in 2017. We distributed hay to maximise the impact on the Grevy’s zebra survival, particularly that of lactating females and foals. Each day at sunrise, a truck loaded with bales of hay would leave the GZT field camp in the Westgate Conservancy and offload to waiting herds of Grevy’s zebra. Daily reports of Grevy’s zebra mortalities were unceasing and every case had to be verified. We worked tirelessly for weeks on end to save every individual, but the effects of the drought were relentless. In 2017, Kenya lost 5% of its Grevy’s zebra population. With each death, hopelessness hovered over every team member. Efforts were renewed tenfold daily. This is what a day in the life of GZT represents – working

tirelessly to conserve every individual Grevy’s zebra. We aim to conserve the species through understanding their behaviour, life history, distribution and – critically – the dynamics between Grevy’s zebra and humans. This is achieved through the Scout, Ambassador and Warrior programmes. This grassroots approach relies on vital data collected by the Samburu, Turkana and Rendille communities, who have coexisted with Grevy’s zebra for hundreds of years. Data accumulates rapidly and needs to be analysed quickly to initiate real-time responses to fluctuations in the Grevy’s zebra population. Some of the immediate questions we need answered are on key foaling areas, how well juveniles are recruited into the adult population, and the status of pasture and water in the species distribution hotspots. Long-term questions include the incorporation of Grevy’s zebra conservation into economic development plans for northern Kenya, and the rehabilitation of the rangelands to sustain Grevy’s zebra and the communities relying on them. It’s important to work closely with every team member to help find answers to these questions each day. While in the field, I see Grevy’s zebra almost daily. They have been described as ‘old souls’ and every

time I see one of these majestic creatures it appears each animal carries the combined experiences of every generation that came before them. Conserving Grevy’s zebra is as much about protecting the species as it is about preserving the livelihoods of the communities that have lived in harmony with them for so long.

Main and below: Sheila Funnell, research manager at the Grevy’s Zebra Trust. Left: Grevy’s zebra. Photos: Jillian Knox

Opinion

Rescuing a white-backed vulture in distress

What are brands doing for I

THE BUCK?

f animals could patent themselves, the world of marketing would be riddled with intellectual property battles. The value of nature-inspired branding translates easily into monetary gain. I wonder whether the favour is ever fully returned. It begs the question: What are businesses doing for the brainchildren (the animals or natural inspirations) behind their brands, namesakes and logos? In other words, I wonder what Amazon is doing for the Amazon rainforest, Puma for pumas, Jaguar for jaguars, Bacardi for fruit bats, and Slazenger for panthers? In September 2018, Amazon became the second US trillion-dollar business, yet according to the World Wildlife Fund, the earth loses 18.7 million acres of forest per year. In the same month, Safari News celebrated its second issue. The zebra cover was dubbed a ‘poster boy’ for Investec on numerous occasions. Kudos to the brand power of Investec. That gets me wondering: Is the real attraction the stylish and individualist brand power of the zebra? Science has been a copycat of nature since the invention of wings, in the form of biomimicry, but what are brands mimicking? A jaguar is associated with strength, power

and aggression – perfect for a car manufacturer. Something similar can be said for Peugeot’s lion. I am not implying these brands don’t have a corporate social responsibility (CSR) budget that is put to good use. Business is regarded as a major driver in economy, industry and politics. It’s the same with conservation. Rhinos have become a marketer’s darling and a hotspot for CSR budgets. Stay in your lane; get involved with the conservation of the species that’s the brainpower behind your brand. The German airline, Lufthansa, has a crane logo, designed by Otto Firle in 1918. Today, Lufthansa supports global crane initiatives and has partnered with Crane Protection Germany. Amarula set up The Amarula Trust to conserve elephants because of the role they play in tree dispersal. Lacoste, through the Save your Logo campaign, contributes to the conservation of its own logo, the crocodile. Cranes cannot sue Lufthansa. The Amazon can’t sue Amazon. Financial gain is derived from nature. But notes, coins and law suits are not nature’s currency. Life is. That’s all I’m saying. – Georgina Lockwood *The opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not reflect the opinions of Safari News, Caxton or its editors.

As the EWT’s spokesdog, I sometimes get to witness the most incredible things in the field. My colleague, Andre Botha, who heads up our Vultures for Africa programme, was recently contacted about a vulture hanging in a tree near Skukuza, in the Kruger National Park. With great trepidation, we headed to the site, expecting to find a dead bird. After having to wait for two male lions to move off a giraffe carcass not more than 70m from the tree, Andre was able to assess the situation. We were surprised to find that the adult African white-backed vulture was still alive, but hanging upside down, suspended by one leg to which a rope was tied. The rope had become entangled with the branch, and posed a serious threat to the bird. Fortunately, the bird still seemed to be in good condition, but the operation to recover it was a daunting task as the dead tree that it was entangled in, was fragile. Simply climbing the tree to reach the bird was not possible (certainly not for me!). With the arrival of state veterinarian Dr Louis van Schalkwyk and other colleagues, we discussed options to try and get the bird safely out of the tree. While various options like ladders and cranes were being discussed, a stiff breeze started to stir the leaves and branches of the trees, and this movement of air seemed to invigorate the bird, which started flapping its wings. This effort was rewarded with the branch snapping and the bird drifting down to the ground with rather weak wing beats. We were on hand seconds after it landed and were able to catch it to assess its condition for possible treatment.

We found that the rope attached to its leg was expertly tied onto the bird, probably by someone who had trapped the bird and kept it in captivity. It’s not clear how long the bird may have been kept captive, but it escaped and eventually made its way to a giraffe carcass in the Kruger, where it became entangled in the tree. The bird was taken to the state veterinary facilities in Skukuza. We administered fluids to rehydrate the bird and decided to keep it overnight under observation. It was placed in a holding cage and offered a juicy piece of impala liver. We released the bird on the Skukuza golf course. After an initial hesitant effort to fly away, it took to the skies successfully. What an exciting rescue effort to be part of, and well done to everyone who was involved – a great example of how teamwork and rapid response can help save a critically endangered bird! ’Til next time Mwitu

Hi! My name is Mwitu

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 49

Food

DIG IN

Our pick: No more spilled drinks This nifty little product resolves the frequently faced problem of a glass, mug, can or bottle toppling over when placed on the grass, beach or any uneven surface. The Flatspot Outdoor Coasters ensure your drink lasts a little longer. The great little leveller comes in polycarbonate and polypropylene. R100 for a pack of five, from www.onshore.co.za

Sundowners at Sunset Restaurant As the sun set over the beautiful peninsula, the gin trolley appeared, glistening with local craft gins. Sunset Restaurant at the Peninsula Hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town offers a fresh and trendy fine-dining experience. The space is decorated in vibrant gemstone shades of peridot, citrine and fluorite. Every seat was full when we visited. We were there for the three-course meal for R395 – all meals are inspired by head chef Hajiera Hamit’s visit to London. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive dessert as brandy flames lit up the room. The menu changes every three months. For bookings, visit www.peninsula.co.za

For your collection Stellenbosch Hills is known for producing excellent fruit from a vineyard thriving in decomposed shale and granite, morning sunlight and a cooling sea breeze. With a number of new releases from 2016 now ready, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Wines retail between R52 and R80 a bottle from the cellar and at leading outlets countrywide.

Fun with food heritage Leopard’s Leap South African Table presents guests with the opportunity to taste authentic South African dishes and to learn more about our food heritage while sharing a meal. The experience includes a platter on arrival, two-course meal and wine tasting. Join them every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 12– 1pm at R295 per person. Book on reservations@leopardsleap.co.za

Beat the heat!

ClemenGold Grapefruit Gimlet Ingredients • 50ml ClemenGold Gin • 25ml thyme sugar syrup (palmful of thyme blended into 1L of cold sugar syrup) • 15ml lemon juice • 25ml grapefruit juice

Dijo – providing food inspiration from Soweto Lesego Semenya, aka LesDaChef, not only showed South Africans how to create extraordinary dishes on the campfire (as featured in Safari News Spring Edition), he recently released his own cookbook, Dijo. He has cooked for billionaires such as Sir Richard Branson and Bill Gates, and judged on Top Chef South Africa. Every dish speaks of passion and nostalgia. Dijo is an affirmation of South Africa’s cuisine, unique flavours and South African heritage.

Page 50 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Healthy addition Nutriseed’s NuSeed range is a quick and easy addition to salads, soup and even cereals. Seeds are dry-roasted to retain nutritional value and enhance natural flavours. Six flavour combinations are available, including Original Roasted, Belgian Chocolate, Vanilla & Cinnamon, and Balsamic Vinegar. R40 for six, from Dis-Chem, The Health Food Emporium and leading retailers.

For ClemenGold syrup: • 250g sugar • ½ cup water • 2–3 ClemenGold fruit peels • ½ cup lime juice Method for the syrup Place all the ingredients in a pan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil and simmer until it achieves a syrupy consistency. Strain through a fine sieve and store in a sterilised bottle. Standard mixology Mix in glass over ice. Stir and garnish with grapefruit zest and thyme sprig.

Advertorial

A break from the city at

Founders Lodge F

ounders Lodge by Mantis is just an hour away from Port Elizabeth, adjacent to Shamwari Game Reserve where all Founders’ guests enjoy Big 5 game drives. Founders Lodge offers a luxurious bush experience for guests in pristine gameviewing country. The lodge was conservationist and pioneer Adrian Gardiner’s home while he was setting up the reserve and before it became part of the Mantis Collection. Founders Lodge consists of six luxury suites comprised of two heritage suites and four contemporary suites. Each suite features an original David Yarrow photograph. Hot days are spent in one of two outdoor swimming

pools, and the active visitor can hit the gym to work off the delicious meals. Founders is also home to the largest private collection of authentic antique Xhosa beads, utensils and clothing. Upon seeing this collection, Nkosi Mandla Mandela remarked that it was the most authentic representation of this age-old art form and a true mirror of Xhosa culture. You can spend an afternoon learning to interpret ancient pieces or try your hand at beading. Founders Lodge offers two game drives a day, pursuing the Big 5 and other interesting critters. In addition to game drives, Founders Lodge is also a birdwatcher’s delight. Special species to tick off your bucket list

include the olive bush shrike (Ruddy form), white-backed night heron, black harrier, Denham’s bustard and the very special Narina trogon. Evenings give way to a blanket of stars where guests are then invited to stargaze and map the night sky. Many a Big 5 safari can be enjoyed in the Eastern Cape, but the Founders experience is made exceptional by its special location atop a hill in a rare biome populated with peculiar flora and fauna. Guests encounter the denizens of this precious ecosystem while on nature walks on this private 400-hectare concession. The reserve is home to the Cape mountain zebra, and don’t forget to look out for the Addo

flightless dung beetle, a species unique to a few locations in the Eastern Cape. Dung beetles offer important ecological services by aerating and fertilising the soil with dung. The roots of Founders Lodge are in conservation, and the team works tirelessly to eradicate the land of alien vegetation and give guests an opportunity to witness conservation in action. From adopting a cuddly plush rhino that you will find on your bed at check-in, to visiting the Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre and Born Free Foundation, staying at Founders allows you to invest in the preservations of nature today, for tomorrow.

BY MANTIS

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 51

Advertorial

Tel: +27 12 346 5425

rita@whleisuregroup.co.za

This intimate lodge ensures a secluded breakaway, rest for the soul and royal treatment, including fine dining under starlit skies. The decor is a balance between opulence and ruggedness. Memories are made by the beauty of nature that surrounds the lodge, overlooking the African savanna and a waterhole in front of the lodge.

FIFTY SEVEN ON WATERBERG

www.57waterberg.com

Tel: +27 82 886 8114

henriette@inzalolodge.co.za

Inzalo’s tented oasis will open its doors in April 2019, situated in the Sterkstroom valley with spectacular views of the river and sandstone cliffs. The decor and design combine modern comforts with rustic charm and the five tented safari suites each offer maximum privacy with breathtaking views, private decks, splash pools, outdoor showers and lots more.

www.inzalolodge.co.za

INZALO LODGE

Tel: +27 72 744 5486 sasha.ella@mantiscollection.co.za This 5-star lodge, situated among the wildlife-rich grasslands, is operated on an Exclusive Use basis. The three guest villas sleep six people in total and the tailor-made safari schedule is determined by the guests. The grasslands yield fantastic white rhino, elephant, lion and cheetah sightings. Photography and birding opportunities abound.

IZINGWE LODGE

www.izingwelodge.com

Tel: +27 87 151 0845

info@lionsridgelodge.com

The seven-bedroom private safari lodge overlooks the source of the Taaibos River and a waterhole that attracts all the local wildlife – elephant, leopard and lions are often seen close to the lodge. The lodge caters for a range of options: couples, families, catered (personalised meals), and self-catering (cooked by their chef).

www.lionsridgelodge.com

Tel: +27 11 837 6776

LION’S RIDGE

reservations@makweti.com

The unfenced Makweti overlooks the Makweti Gorge and a nearby water source. Proud member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – the global hallmark of excellence in cuisine. Experienced guides take each guest on an unforgettable journey of discovery through the African bushveld, their service focusing on attention to detail at all times.

MAKWETI SAFARI LODGE Page 52 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

www.makweti.com

Advertorial

ABOUT WELGEVONDEN Welgevonden Game Reserve, meaning ‘well found’, is a malaria-free, Big 5 game reserve situated in the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere in Limpopo, South Africa. It is a prime destination to see cheetah and rhino. It is home to over 50 species of mammal and more than 300 birds. Welgevonden is less than a three-hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport. The pristine Waterberg Biosphere is one of South Africa’s least populated areas and one of the best wildlife areas in Southern Africa. Game drives are conducted daily by professional and enthusiastic guides. Ten of the outstanding and unique lodges for safari-goers are featured below.

Tel: +27 87 150 2314

res@mhondoro.com

A luxury 5-star family friendly lodge recently rebuilt, offering a tasteful mix of African chic and contemporary design, including a spa and gym with excellent beauty therapists. An exclusive feature is the underground hide connected by a tunnel to the main lodge. The lodge is suited for six as an exclusive use option.

MHONDORO SAFARI LODGE & VILLA

www.mhondoro.com

Tel: +27 82 854 8841

info@nedile.co.za

Accommodating 10 guests in exclusive 5-star stylish suites positioned between rocky outcrops, with views of the Waterberg Mountains, the lodge is ideal for experiencing South African hospitality. The main lodge, with its African theme, invites guests to sit back, relax and take in the tranquillity of the awesome surroundings.

www.nedile.co.za

Tel: +27 83 326 4735

NEDILE LODGE

reservations@nungubane.com

Along with the main lodge, five luxurious chalets are set in mountainous terrain overlooking valleys and kloofs, interspersed with areas of open plains and rolling grasslands. A thatched sala offers amazing views and is well loved as a place of refuge and tranquillity. The ancient weathered sandstone boulders, viewed from the elevated swimming deck, are breathtaking.

NUNGUBANE GAME LODGE

www.nungubane.co.za

Tel: +27 11 837 6776

reservations@safariwing.com

Your home away from home. The Lodge offers five luxury suites for up to 16 guests. Relax at the pool and enjoy home-cooked meals and dinners in the boma around the camp fire. Facilities include a children’s playroom that can be configured for corporate breakaways. An ideal location for your family safari or corporate team build.

www.shidzidzi.com

Tel: +27 73 790 8965

SHIDZIDZI LODGE

reservations@wildivory.co.za

Situated in one of the ‘sweeter’ bushveld areas, this eco-friendly, luxury tented lodge is elevated and overlooks a wooded plain, a private waterhole and uninterrupted views. All power requirements are solar generated and meals are traditional. Watch spectacular electrical thunderstorms in summer and gaze in wonder at night at the magnificent Milky Way.

WILD IVORY ECO LODGE

www.wildivory.co.za

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 53

Route

The route to Kruger Screenshot 2018-11-15 at 07.43.54.pdf

22/11/2018

08:39

Planning a trip to the Kruger National Park? There are some great options along the way for a quick break, a bite to eat, or even to stock up on forgotten items

3 1

1. Alzu Total Petroport N4 Alzu Alzu Petroport is the ideal stop between Middelburg and Belfast. In addition to quality restrooms, there is a variety of restaurants to choose from. An animal enclosure with rhino, buffalo, ostrich and a few antelope species is a welcome change of scenery on your journey.

2. Milly’s Restaurant Machadodorp Stop here, or miss some of the best country dishes in the area. Milly’s mouthwatering pies are sure to fill that empty spot before you hit the road. Their burger patties are unique and they have plenty of dishes on their menu containing trout as an ingredient.

Kruger

National PA R K

Phabeni Gate

Paul Kruger Gate

Numbi Gate

Crocodile Bridge Gate Malelane Gate

3. J&S Schoemanskloof Pass This farm stall is a must for anyone travelling on the Schoemanskloof Pass. Joubert & Sons are famous for their juicy oranges and the freshest, thirst-quenching orange juice. Don’t forget about the preserves and other goodies to take home or snack on while on the road.

4. Casterbridge White River This Lifestyle Centre with its tranquil gardens, quirky independent shops, entertainment, fitness centre and boutique hotel is the ideal stop just 40 minutes from the Kruger National Park. While there, don’t forget to pop in at the Motor Museum and White River Art Gallery.

5. De Rust Butchery Hazyview Tel: +27 82 429 4092 or +27 82 873 5317, ask for Johan, Lize, or Reinhardt No road trip is complete without delicious biltong or dry wors, a South African delicacy of dried, cured meat spiced to perfection. For self-catering guests at the Kruger, make this your meat stop of choice and leave your neighbours completely envious. We supply most of our local restaurants, lodges and hotels, and provide only the best meat. With a wide variety of beef, lamb, pork and venison and by far the best biltong bar in town. We are situated just out of Hazyview central area on the main road towards White River/Nelspruit, at the Sasol Garage opposite Mica Hardware, so come on over. TRADING HOURS: Monday: 7:00–17:30 Tuesday: 7:00–17:30 Wednesday: 7:00–17:30 Thursday: 7:00–17:30 Friday: 7:00–17:30 Saturday: 7:00–14:00 Sunday: Closed

Page 54 | Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News

Last Word

GO CUFF YOURSELF Illustration by Annalene Lindeque

Counter-poaching operations don’t always work out as planned – even when you have plenty of experience on board, says Otch Otto

t was a normal counter-poaching day. At first light the overnight incursion track reports were collected on the domain awareness system, pursuit was immediate, and interception calculations of poacher intent were calculated. The helicopter pilot was having coffee, the rapid response rangers (R3) were chatting under the jackalberry tree, and the dog team (DT) was on its way, with the line dog panting in anticipation. Today you eat the badger, tomorrow the badger eats you. I remember an afterwork game drive when I came across an African rock python that had ambushed a honey badger. I often drive at dusk to see honey badgers and civets. The demise of a rarity like a honey badger by a python was uncommon and special. I parked to experience the event and only left when it was too dark to follow the badger feeding on the python, after it had wheeled itself out of the snake’s grip. The day ahead would be the same as that game drive. Rangers often have the opportunity to be

chopper before the pilot completed successful and a simple tweak can the preflight check. turn a perfectly executed pursuit The helicopter was dispatched into a lemon. Poachers get away, with an R3 DT combination and an whether by circumstance, weather, open seat for the ranger who had terrain, distance or depth – just like taken the operation this far on the the bounce of the ball in a rugby ground. The commanding ranger match. Sometimes the magic wand was collected of destiny waves in the field, the over the R3 and dog dropped on everything goes the forward track right. These events A simple tweak and the R3 team come in packages, can turn a perfectly remained in the with concurrent helicopter to be close shaves that executed pursuit into dropped near the test their resilience a lemon poachers to make and exhaust their acquaintance. veterans. However, The dog and his the holder of handler found the the ‘Bush Wand location quickly, but the helicopter of Justice’ loves persistence and could not land. It was dense bush. dedication, so when we succeed, It is not common for even the most we maintain momentum and often experienced to observe poachers strike several times in a row. from the air, but there they were, The field ranger in charge of the running east, then west, then north, chase spotted fresh tracks and the then in circles. track description matched the report, Common practise with a visual is complete with a rhino poaching to circle in proximity over the area. movement pattern and team We were barking with no teeth composition. The dog was in the

and the R3 team could not be dropped. When the ranger called for suppression and target retention, the pilot responded in an icy voice: “Until we run out of fuel?” With a chopper full of experience and nothing else to do, a brief conference ensued. And then the badger knew how to eat the python. The helicopter lifted slightly, rolled into a circular pattern and one ranger spoke over the sky-shout. “We have you and will get you. Refrain from resisting arrest or your road ahead will be very rocky. Now stand still and listen. I am going to drop three pairs of handcuffs. You will place all your weapons in a heap where I drop your newly acquired jewellery.” Then he made the historical statement: “Now, go cuff yourself, place the keys on the weapon pile, retreat on the game path towards the hill, and wait for the dog you hear approaching. Don’t do anything silly… see you at the vehicle. Hurry!” So the badger licked its lips, said go cuff yourself, and walked off into the distance.

Summer Issue 2018 | Safari News | Page 55

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