Updates from Warden Craig Spencer (of the Balule Conservation Project)
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Craig Spencer, Warden (far left) Shoshangan getting his collar
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Just thought I would write to keep you all in the loop on some of the goings-on in and around OWNR. There have been some significant improvements and happenings in the past few months:
1. The rather infamous “Tremisana Wedge” as we like to call it has been addressed! You might remember the problems that we have been experiencing for many years with the triangle of fencing between the boundary fence and Con Van Der Merwe fence? The biggest problem has always been the buffalo and other animals becoming cornered here and often the lions take advantage of this, causing damage to the fence, escaping and such. Piero of Tremisana lodge assisted us in finding a solution to this problem and a new section of fencing has been erected to prevent animals from becoming “wedged” in this corner. Many thanks to Piero and his staff at Tremisana for this major step to protect our animals and reduce human impacts.
2. New “bus-stop” at the entrance gate: Again Piero of Tremisana Lodge identified the need to thatch a section of the waiting area at the entrance gate so that staff that are waiting for lifts do not have to sit in the sun and cook! A significant section has been thatched and provides a decent area for staff to wait in the shade for their transport. Thanks again Piero!
3. We have finaly managed to initiate the re-cycling phase of our waste management program. Bottles and cans are now recycled and bins are provided for this purpose. Collections are by a private company every Thursday and this is the only waste that leave the reserve these days. All other waste is treated on-site. The Sputnik Incinerator has earned its keep many times over and although there are still cosmetic improvements planned for the facility, it is 100% functional. We are proud that our waste management plan includes both waste minimisation and recycling!
4. Elephant escape worm-hole: The area under the road bridge near to the Three Bridges Restaurant complex has been dealt with by digging a massive trench to prevent elephants from escaping now that the water level in the river has dropped. Only a trampoline and jet-pack will help the elephants to escape now!
5. We managed to replace the faulty satellite collar on the impressive bull elephant that we call “Shoshangan“, after two years of struggling. The Head Warden (Craig Ferguson) and Dr. Henley from Save the Elephants were instrumental in this operation. This is a well-known bull that we see almost daily on Cambridge 5 & 6 and is also known to leave the reserve by crossing the river. This, and the fact that we can monitor the other friendly big tusker at the same time (as they are often together), makes this a valuable bull to monitor. We can learn so much from his movements and he is also the only prime bull that we have observed to complete his full musthing cycle in OWNR!
6. High profile poaching attempts have increased in the area and we have been investing much of our resources in protecting our borders and high-value animals such as the white rhino. We enjoy great support and co-operation from the other regions within Balule as well as external role-players that are always quick to respond to our calls for help. Thanks to all of you for passing on information from time-to-time.
7. Our Balule Research Facility is going strong with various researchers on the job! We have compiled a research grant application for the proposed black rhino project (to be announced later) which will provide valuable funding for our rhino conservation efforts. We now have a full-time data-capture officer, Amy Clark, who is tasked with the punching of field data into the various data-bases to as to ensure that they are up-to-date at all times. This information is then sent to the various role-players in Balule and APNR.
In conclusion: Although this is not in the normal format of my quarterly reports, I thought it best to inform you all of some of the significant happenings on our reserve. I should have also mentioned that our Chairman was recently elected as the vice-chair for the Balule NR.
The reserve does not have significant water in the earth-dams this year as the drainages did not flow during the summer rains. Be that as it may, the winter grazing far exceeds that of previous years. Animals are looking good and buffalo and rhino are regular sightings still.
Thanks to the committee for putting up with my rantings and weird projects and I enjoy nothing but great support from them all!
A detailed report will be circulated before the next Balule meeting in October.
Many regards
Craig S
Warden: OWNR
