Early summer is well upon us. A relatively dry and hot month of September is now past.
Maximum temperatures were fairly constant throughout the month peaking at 39 degrees Celsius late in the month. The minimum temperature was 12 degrees Celsius. Rainfall was recorded at 5.5mm.
We have now reached the 1-year mark since the erection of the new camp electric fence, although having reported on it month to month, this annual “anniversary” is extremely significant with our efforts to keep the camp elephant free and importantly to keep the human-wildlife (elephant) conflict at a minimum. Looking back at the 40-year history of Ingwelala, I did not believe this was ever achievable, and have no doubt that this fence type, or variations thereof, will become the industry norm for those organizations who are serious about reducing this age-old human-wildlife conflict.
The Conservation team’s activities were varied during the month, ranging from alien plant eradication, electric fence preventative maintenance, erection of the new Goedehoop solar borehole installation, extensive main line water repairs and maintenance, Airstrip maintenance, malaria sprays, and burning off the old thatch grass removed from dwellings.
The alien plants treated during this month were initially focused on the stands of Yucca that were introduced and have established themselves in the camp area for many years. Yucca is a plant with origins in the central Americas and Caribbean. There is uncertainty as to how it established itself in southern Africa, the attraction is as an ornamental type of plant of addition to cultivated gardens. The threat of this plant in our environment is the aggressive and rapid spread of the root system as the roots go in search of moisture and nutrients. This creates a micro system within which all other natural species growth is compromised, due to the lack of these critical resources to ensure competitive propagation and growth. Our method of removal was through uprooting. These sites will be monitored in the coming months for any regrowth.
Prickly pear (Opuntia) was also targeted in this reporting month. My thanks go to those Members who have reported plants they have observed. Various stands were treated on Argyle, the camp area, Fence Road, and on Goedehoop.
An exercise was done to rid Vuka Ingwe of the Mexican Poppy that seems to be flourishing at present, this is 50% complete, and again, further removal will continue into October.
Alien plants are not the only concern at present as there have been sightings of Indian Mynah birds present on the Ingwelala properties. It is my plea to you to please report these sightings to Reception or to myself, so that these aliens can be destroyed immediately. We cannot tolerate these birds establishing themselves in the protected areas.
Elephant damages to the water line infrastructure was severe in September, the supply lines at Bird Hide and Platform were repaired on several occasions, in addition the water tank at Platform was destroyed on two separate occasions.
Main line water leaks were numerous in the camp area leading to significant water losses.
With the 5.5mm of rain received mid-month, we were able to compact the airstrip with the tractor and roller.
Early in September there were reports of a sick elephant cow on the neighbouring properties. On the 9th a report was received that the cow had succumbed to her illness on Argyle, and that lions were busy feeding on the carcass. On the morning of the 10th, we retrieved the ivory, general agreement is that this was a natural death.
Work is completed on the upgrading of the firefighting equipment.
The Conservation Interns successfully obtained their certification on a snake handling training course.
by Chris Mayes