The early signs of Autumn are certainly upon us, comfortable warm days that are followed by evenings where temperatures are peaking in the high teens.
In terms of rainfall 51mm was recorded for the month, the bulk of which fell on the 15th and 26th March. The ambient temperature range in this reporting month was a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 35 degrees Celsius, humidity ranged between 51% and 89%.
Elephant interest and attempts to breach the new fence infrastructure continued throughout the month. It is again pleasing to report that no breakages have occurred despite their efforts. Damages to the new gates was once again an issue during March. I feel it is imperative that all persons are familiar with not only the workings of the automated gates but know with absolute certainty the locality of the gates and follow the visible instructions from the signage displayed at each gate.
Members will have noticed the aggressive propagation of the weed coverage in the main road causeway, more specifically this is identified as red water fern, or Azolla filiculoides. As is the case with many of our alien plants, this species has origins in South America, and scientists were fairly puzzled as to how it made its way into the KNP when it was first detected and identified in the early 1980’s. Speculation abounds regarding this, but the question remains unanswered.
Red water fern is a free floating aquatic fern, colour changes occur between green, brown, and red, as a result of sunlight intensity and ambient temperature. Infestations occurring in stagnant or slow flowing waterbodies can rapidly propagate and increase by two-fold in a matter of days under the right environmental conditions. The lack of sunlight penetration through the thick surface mat of fern will cause de-oxygenation of the waters beneath. This in turn has a serious detrimental effect on the aquatic life. The observer will have noticed the discoloured water in the causeway as well as a distinct odour. Dispersal and distribution of the infestation will occur through the feet and feathers of waterfowl as well as on the hides of large mammal movement such as buffalo and hippo. Once removed from the water the fern will perish over a period of a few days.
Work tasks completed during the past month was primarily focused on the completion of the first malaria spray of 2022. All bungalows, the communal Members Area, administration complex, staff accommodation, and the hides and bomas were treated.
River crossings were attended to as needed. Ingwelala Drive was graded on two separate occasions, post the rainfall of the 15th and 26th of March. Mitre drains were attended to on the northern side of the camp causeway, as well as the entrance road to Sibon from Argyle Road. The eastern bank of Tamboti Crossing and western bank of Combretum Crossing required repair work.
An injured kudu cow was reported at the main road causeway towards the end of the month. The most obvious visible injury was a large puncture wound in the stomach area, caused by an unknown source. The cow unfortunately succumbed to these injuries before any humane intervention was necessary. The carcass was then removed from the water and placed on the western bank to avoid any risk of contamination of the water body.
An additional six strands of electric fencing were added to the western side of the airstrip apron to deter any hyenas from damaging tyres and the undercarriage of stationary aircraft.
Water leaks on the main line occurred along Giraffe Road. Elephants damaged the water supply line pan to Bird Hide.
The two baboon monitors employed are proving effective as there have certainly been fewer baboon and monkey issues
by Chris Mayes; Photo: Rene Vichos