The annual aerial game census was successfully conducted during the month.
This is done every year, in September, and it is vital that the annual census is conducted in as similar a manner to previous years as possible, for long-term consistency and accuracy. The annual aerial census is historically conducted as close to mid-September as possible, to keep consistent time frames and seasonality. The weather must be as conducive as possible for flying a helicopter safely at low altitude, and in conditions that would be best for counting game at the time. This includes favourable wind conditions (not too windy), combined with sunny and warm weather, when it is easier to spot animals in the bush, as they stand out more in sunny weather.
It is always preferable for the same census team to operate in successive years, for long-term accuracy, and the count is done in a set grid pattern across the entire UPNR, with the same start and end points. The grid pattern runs east-to-west, and the grid is followed from north to south. The ecologist and spotters must wear specialised, yellow-tinted goggles to protects their eyes from debris, and the yellow tint assists with spotting animals more easily, as they stand out more with the yellow tinting. Special aluminium marker bars are added to the helicopter’s frame to mark out a rectangular “block” on either side of the helicopter. The spotter must count each animal seen within the “block” as they fly. This provides a standardised and more accurate method of counting and is aligned with the set grid pattern flown each census.
The ecologist collects all data in real-time, including the location of each animal sighted and counted. This assists with recording accurate data and prevents double-counting during the flight. He also records veld conditions and takes photographs. Other points of interest are also recorded, such as active raptor nests. If possible, the team will also photograph any animals of interest, including predators, injured animals, or rare species seen. Buffalo herds are marked separately, as herds can exceed hundreds of animals and be extremely challenging to count in real-time. The locations of buffalo herds are relayed to a separate team, and using a fixed-wing aeroplane, that team will photograph the herd extensively. The photographs are used to accurately count the size of the herd later, to be added to the overall game count figures.
Highlight sightings from the aerial game count this year included a sighting of a very relaxed cheetah, multiple other predator sightings, and a close-up sighting of a pair of honey badgers foraging. General observations included many zebras, giraffes and wildebeest, plentiful small antelopes, elephants and buffaloes, and various active raptor nests. Although predators can be counted aerially, more accurate data is obtained from doing separate annual predator censuses, carried out at night when predators are most active. These predator censuses will be conducted within the coming months and combined with the aerial census data. Consistent predator identification kits also assist with gaining accurate predator numbers.
Images courtesy of Josh Hibbett
Moholoholo Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre donation:
During the month, the UPNR donated an oxygen regenerator to Moholoholo Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre, to assist with the ongoing and future treatment of vultures at the vulture treatment facility. This vital equipment is especially important when treating poisoned vultures, which may present with difficulty in breathing in severe cases. Unfortunately, poisoning incidents are not uncommon, but thanks to their ongoing efforts, over the past five years, 263 vultures have been saved and successfully released back into the wild. Thank you to all involved in these ongoing efforts.
Words by Tess Woollgar.