Don Yunnie
7 Chalet Drive, Hilton, 3245, South Africa Local Tel & Fax (033) 343 1534
Int. Tel & Fax (+2733) 343 1534 cell 082 377 7562, E-mail dyunnie@xsinet.co.za
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Please feel free to write to express your views on the content or the subject of any of the articles in this magazine – to the address above.
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Kruger set to cull jumbos
Fiona Macleod,
05 March 2008 06:00
The Kruger National Park is expected to announce a massive elephant culling programme after the latest census showed the population has doubled since the controversial practice was suspended in 1995.
An aerial survey conducted last August estimated there were 13 500 elephants in the national park and close to 15 000 in the greater Kruger region, including the private reserves on the unfenced western border of the park. Culling regimes before the suspension kept the Kruger population at about 7 500.
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk lifted the 13-year moratorium on culling last week when he announced the National Norms and Standards for Elephant Management, which apply to both public and private reserves. In terms of these new regulations, culling could start as soon as this winter.
Kruger managers have to submit an elephant-management plan for approval by the minister after the norms and standards are officially promulgated on May 1. Observers said last week they expect this to be based on a management plan drawn up in 2000 that recommended culling between 400 and 1 000 elephants a year for at least five years.
"We can definitely expect culling to take place this winter -- if not in the Kruger, then in the smaller public parks," said Michelle Pickover from Animal Rights Africa. "To date, neither the minister nor any of the pro-culling lobby has been able to produce one shred of evidence to show that there is an ethically or ecologically defensible reason to kill even one elephant in South Africa."
Bruce Page, a scientist at the University of KwaZulu-Natal who contributed to the norms and standards, questioned this week whether it was accurate or relevant. "The number of elephants in Kruger may have increased, but so what? History shows that culling in the park did not have an impact on trees."
Managing only elephant numbers and ignoring the effects of other animals such as impalas was futile, he explained. "Managers who want to start culling elephants have to get past the fact that we still don't know whether it has an influence on biodiversity."
At the briefing at which the resumption of culling was announced South African National Parks (SANParks) officials said they were uncertain whether culling would be necessary in the Kruger, but there was a crisis as a result of overpopulation in smaller parks. Provincial reserves such as Madikwe in North West and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi reserve in KwaZulu-Natal were mentioned.
The Kruger management plan, drawn up in 2000, which SANParks resubmitted to the minister for consideration in mid-2005, divided the park into six zones. It recommended the culling of elephants in botanically sensitive areas in the north and south of the park, while in central zones elephant herds would be allowed to grow unhindered.
Wanda Mkutshulwa, head of communications at SANParks, said the management plan would have to be revised.
"Until the management plans have been completed, we cannot say with certainty what will happen and where," she said. "Because there has been no culling in national parks since 1995, the decision to go ahead with culling will take time as sufficient time and consultation is necessary to prepare for such an operation, should the need arise."
When culling was stopped in 1995, SANParks stated the abattoir in Skukuza that had been used for processing elephant carcasses would be closed down.
Responding to recent claims that the abattoir was to be re-opened in anticipation of culling, Mkutshulwa said: "It has always been open for purposes of processing carcasses mainly from our research projects -- for example, research on buffalo bovine tuberculosis.
"The abattoir currently has the capability to process the odd elephant which has been removed because of reasons like causing damage. We have been making an assessment to bring it up to standard to be able to deal better with the processing of buffalo … so that a return could be earned on the buffalo carcasses, but funds required for this have not been sourced as yet."
Van Schalkwyk acknowledged the sensitivities about culling, referring to issues of elephant population management as "devilishly complex".
"Our department has recognised the need to maintain culling as a management option, but has taken steps to ensure this will be the option of last resort that is acceptable only under strict conditions," he said.
Culling would only be allowed for cohesive family groups and it would have to be done in a quick and humane manner. Scoline, the asphyxiating drug previously used, was banned and only rifles with a minimum calibre of 0,375 inches would be used.
Useful number for the Green Scorpions to keep and pass on to as many people as possible, in case they spot anyone performing any illegal activities (polluting, poaching, illegal dumping, burning, chopping of indigenous trees, illegal fishing etc.)
In Gauteng: 011 355-1440 or email
Green.Scorpions@gauteng.gov.za
In the rest of the country: 0800 205 005
Aerial survey in Mozambique - observers
Here is an offer forwarded to me by Peter Opensha.
There is an opening for two persons on an aerial survey in Mozambique. This will be a country-wide survey covering close to 75% of the whole country stretching over a 3 to 3.5 month period starting in June 2008. The amount offered by the contractor for an observer is USD 600/month with all accommodation and food expenses covered.
Unfortunately the amount is of course on the low side as it was originally fixed with Moz citizens in mind. However, maybe someone suitable would be interested to participate for the experience rather
than for an income. Please let me know if you know of anyone who could be interested.
Regards
contact Petri Viljoen at 013 751 3086, petriv@mweb.co.za
William M.Power MEC
From Tim Condon who is looking for info on the old Natal Parks Board.
Trust this finds you all well,
Apologies I'm on the scrounge for info again !!
Do you know where there may be a pic or info - or both, about William M.Power MEC who was the first Chairman in 1947 of the Board - he also was chair of the Zululand Game Reserves and Parks Board of 1937.
Also is there any pic of the first NPB board which came into affect on 4 September 1947 and does anyone have any clue to the names of it's members ??
Chairman - William M Power MEC,
Douglas Mitchell MEC (served for 25 years)
& 7 others ???????? - can you help even if you remember only one or two names !!
NB: Jim Grantham joined the board from 1950 – 1962
The information must exist somewhere in someone's archives, I'm surprised it's never been written up by anyone. Sorry to be a continual pest !! NB: I've sent an email to Jeff Gaisford at Ezemvelo Wildlife to see if he can help out .
The book goes on & on - Vol.I nearing completion - that's up to 1950 !! Have acquired a wealth of old pics from the 1920-1940 era - quite chuffed !!
Hope you can help, apologies for the intrusion, regards,
Tim
Tim Condon [tim.condon@shaw.ca]
Who is killing the Virunga gorillas?
From ANIMAL PEOPLE, July/August 2007:
GOMA, DRC--Seeking the killers of endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, near the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UNESCO and the World Conservation Union on August 14, 2007 sent out a posse.
"The killings are inexplicable," said a United Nations press release. "They do not correspond to traditional poaching," and "have taken place despite increased guard patrols and the presence of military forces.
"Seven mountain gorillas have been shot and killed this year, four of them last month, more than during the conflict that wracked Africa's Great Lakes region in the late 1990s," the release continued. "Some 700 gorillas are estimated to still survive in the area, about 370 of them in Virunga."
The first two gorillas killed in 2007 were the silverback males of the Rugenda family. The next five victims were adult females.
"The family is one of several groups of gorillas that live on the Congo side of the sprawling Virunga National Park, and are visited from the Bukima camp," reported Stefan Lovgre for National Geographic News.
The killings did not surprise Paul Lughembe, coordinator of the DRC grassroots organization Safe Environment & Enhanced For All, which operates from a Rwandan post office box due to fighting in the
DRC.
Lughembe on May 28 and June 20, 2007 distributed electronic updates about imminent threats to gorillas and other animals in the Virunga region, seeking help that never came to prevent just the sort of massacres that occurred. ANIMAL PEOPLE promised Lughembe coverage of his findings, but did not get to press between receipt of his reports and the killing of four gorillas on July 22.
"The deployment of three brigades [of the newly reconstituted DRC army] is a source of annoyance to the local population in Rutshuru, Masisi and Lubero," Lughembe warned in his first report. "Locals have created their own defence groups to resist the soldiers of the three brigades, who seem to be loyal to the renegade General Laurent Nkunda. So the situation is confused on ground and the war is generalized. "Gorillas have been taken hostage by men of war," Lughembe explained, who "gave an ultimatum of killing all 20 gorillas living in the reserve" near their encampment.
Lughembe's second report described his June 16 effort to rescue a baby gorilla, after notifying representatives of the Uganda Department of Environmental Conservation and the World Conservation
Union. The gorilla was said to be held at Rumangabo.
Posing as "messengers of a business man who sent us from Goma to buy a gorilla," the team obtained a Rwandan military driver, who "helped as interpreter," Lughembe said. "The guide drove us to Camp Vodo," on the outskirts of the Rumangabo military base. There the team found not one but two baby gorillas, one two months old and the other four months old.
"The possessor of the first baby gorilla was selling her for $3,000 U.S., and the second was selling his for $5,000 U.S," Lughembe said. He was not allowed to photograph the gorillas. A sale was not completed because Lughembe did not have the money and the sellers did not accept his invitation to bring the gorillas to Goma to be paid.
"The guide then drove us to a third possessor," Lughembe recounted. "Her baby gorilla endured an atrocious wound to the right thigh. This woman collaborated with soldiers who provide her with gorillas, she said. She told us that they always kill the mother first, before they can take babies. She told us that she had an older gorilla eight kilometres from there. We told her that we would only buy it if we could see it. Imploring that it was too far to go there, but to reassure us, she brought us a packet of hairs and the excrement of this adult gorilla.
"We asked her where they find these gorillas," Lughembe continued. "She confided that they are taken from the Bukima forest, six kilometers from there, probably in collaboration with some armed soldiers. The woman confided that she collaborates with an Ugandan business man who often comes to Kiwanja from Uganda," and named several of their associates.
Despite the many roadblocks and checkpoints in the region, Lughembe established that the gorilla sellers--whose main business appeared to be bushmeat--appear to move easily, "through corruption or influence," and interviewed a man who claimed to be one of their couriers.
Merritt Clifton
Editor, ANIMAL PEOPLE
P.O. Box 960
Clinton, WA 98236
Telephone: 360-579-2505
Fax: 360-579-2575
E-mail: anmlpepl@whidbey.com
Web: www.animalpeoplenews.org
[ANIMAL PEOPLE is the leading independent newspaper providing original investigative coverage of animal protection worldwide, founded in 1992. Our readership of 30,000-plus includes the decision-makers at more than 10,000 animal protection organizations.
We have no alignment or affiliation with any other entity. $24/year; for free sample, send address.]
PROPOSED REST CAMP DEVELOPMENT: AGULHAS NATIONAL PARK
as in C~S 4 08, herewith a reply from SANParks
I have discussed the matter telephonically with Arrie Schreiber and he requested that I provide you with some feedback. SANParks wants to confirm that a full EIA process (Scoping and EIR with several specialist reports) was undertaken for the proposed rest camp development in Agulhas National Park. This fully complied with EIA Regulations and in September 2007 a positive Record of Decision was issued by DEAT for the proposed development. The Western Cape DEADP responsible for EIA’s was also involved and commended the independent Environmental Practitioner, Triviron, appointed by SANParks on an excellent process and report. One appeal was received against the RoD and after considering the facts, the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism dismissed this appeal.
Please note that a full public participation process was done in terms of the legislation in place and that the proposed rest camp is in line with the strategic plan of the park. i.e. coastal park, peripheral development, etc. The site can also not be regarded as pristine – it had three existing structures on the terrain and several roads.
It will be appreciated if you could relay this information, should any enquiries be forwarded to you.
Regards
Antionet
General Manager: Infrastructure & Special Projects
Parks Division
South African National Parks
Tel: (012) 426 5126
Fax: (012) 426 5446
Cell: 082 905 4644
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
1) Hi
We are desperately needing a junior field guide for our Lodge on the Southern Tip of Kruger
www.bushwisesafaris.com
If you or your associates know of a youngster with Level 1 and PDP and great people skills please would you put them on to us.
Email info@bushwisesafaris.com
Tel Tim on 083 651 7464
Thanks in advance
Regards
Verity
2) We have several Game Lodge clients within South Africa are seeking qualified field guides and game rangers.
Salaries vary from R3500 - R7000 live in +tips. Minimum requirements for all positions are: FGASA Level 1, THETA and DEAT registered, First Aid, Valid drivers license and PDP essential. At least 1 years guiding experience for junior applicants. Senior applicants to have at least 3 years experience in an upmarket big 5 environment, as well as all the necessary qualifications. Applicants must be enthusiastic, friendly, honest, outgoing and have good overall knowledge of fauna and flora. Contact Lauren at Hotelstaff on 021 5529592
Tailpiece
1) The lighter side of PETROL
Do you think petrol is expensive?
Diet Coke 100ml @ R2.80 = R28.00 per litre
Lipton Ice Tea 200ml @ R3.50 = R17..50 per litre ]
Amstel 750ml @ R9.50 = R12.60 per litre
Energade 250ml @ R3.00 = R12.00 per litre
Brake Fluid 100ml @ R6.00 = R60.00 per litre
Vick's Nasal Sprayl 50ml @ R9.00 = R180.00 per litre
Hugo Boss Spray 50ml @ R225.00 = R4500.00 per litre
And this is the REAL KICKER...
Evian water 500ml @ R15.00 = R30.00! R30.00 for WATER!
So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on Water, Coke, or Vick's Nasal Spray!!! Just a little humour to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump...
And - If you don't pass this on to at least one person, your exhaust will fall off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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2) Oil Change!
CHANGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOMEN
1) Pull up to Jiffy Lube when the mileage reaches 3000 miles since the last oil change.
2) Drink a cup of coffee.
3) 15 minutes later write a check and leave with a properly maintained vehicle.
MONEY SPENT Oil Change $20.00 Coffee $1.00, TOTAL $21.00
OIL CHANGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEN
1) Wait until Saturday, drive to auto parts store and buy a case of oil, filter, kitty litter, hand cleaner and a scented tree, write a check for $50 .00
2) Stop by 7-11 and buy a case of beer, write a check for $20.00, drive home.
3) Open a beer and drink it.
4) Jack car up. Spend 30 minutes looking for jack stands.
5) Find jack stands under kid's pedal car.
6) In frustration, open another beer and drink it.
7) Place drain pan under engine.
8) Look for 9/16box end wrench.
9) Give up and use crescent wrench.
10) Unscrew drain plug.
11) Drop drain plug in pan of hot oil: splash hot oil on you in process. Cuss.
12) Crawl out from under car to wipe hot oil off of face and arms. Throw kitty litter on spilled oil.
13) Have another beer while watching oil drain.
14) Spend 30 minutes looking for oil filter wrench.
15) Give up; crawl under car and hammer a screwdriver through oil filter and twist off.
16) Crawl out from under car with dripping oil filter splashing oil everywhere from holes. Cleverly hide old oil filter among trash in trashcan to avoid environmental penalties. Drink a beer.
17) Buddy shows up; finish case of beer with him. Decide to finish oil change tomorrow so you can go see his new garage door opener.
18) Sunday: Skip church because "I gotta finish the oil change." Drag pan full of old oil out from underneath car. Cleverly dump oil in hole in back yard instead of taking it to be recycle!
19) Throw kitty litter on oil spilled during step 18.
20) Beer? No, drank it all yesterday.
21) Walk to 7-11; buy beer.
22) Install new oil filter making sure to apply a thin coat of oil to gasket surface.
23) Dump first quart of fresh oil into engine.
24) Remember drain plug from step 11.
25) Hurry to find drain plug in drain pan.
26) Remember that the used oil is buried in a hole in the back yard, along with drain plug.
27) Drink beer.
28) Shovel out hole and sift oily mud for drain plug. Re-shovel oily dirt into hole. Steal sand from kids sandbox to cleverly cover oily patch of ground and avoid environmental penalties. Wash drain plug in lawnmower gas.
29) Discover that first quart of fresh oil is now on the floor. Throw kitty litter on oil spill.
30) Drink beer.
31) Crawl under car getting kitty litter into eyes. Wipe eyes with oily rag used to clean drain plug. Slip with stupid crescent wrench tightening drain plug and bang knuckles on frame.
32) Bang head on floorboards in reaction to step 31.
33) Begin cussing fit.
34) Throw stupid crescent wrench.
35) Cuss for additional 10 minutes
36) Beer.
37) Clean up hands and forehead and bandage as required to stop blood flow.
38) Beer.
39) Beer.
40) Dump in five fresh quarts of oil.
41) Beer.
42) Lower car from jack stands.
43) Accidentally crush remaining case of new motor oil.
44) Move car back to apply more kitty litter to fresh oil spilled during steps 23 - 43.
45) Beer.
46) Test drive car.
47) Get pulled over: arrested for driving under the influence.
48) Car gets impounded.
49) Call loving wife, make bail.
50) 12 hours later, get car from impound yard.
MONEY SPENT
Parts $50.00 DUI $2500.00 Impound fee $75.00 Bail $1500.00 Beer $40.00, TOTAL -- $4165.00
BUT YOU KNOW THE JOB WAS DONE RIGHT!