N E W S
What's been happening at KRS
Helicopter Census
Animal Census
A total count of the animals in Khama Rhino Sanctuary was conducted on 1st August, 2003 thanks to the assistance of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The main objectives of the census were:
-- Determine our annual stock-type of animal species we have.
-- Determine their absolute number.
-- Determine if there has been an increase or decrease in the number of animals we have.
It is important that annual counts of animal species are done to determine the trend of our animal population. Armed with such information we can make decisions affecting the management of the animal population in the Sanctuary.
Small areas like KRS are prone to overpopulation if the regular animal census is not done. An over population i.e. animals exceeding the carrying capacity of the area is detrimental to the environment as this leads to over utilisation of the food resources. As a result, death of the animals may occur.
It is important also that we maintain our Sanctuary animals at a level that will not be an eyesore to our clients. Obviously, visitors would not like to see emaciated animals that are in bad condition.
As an environmental group we must be seen to be doing the right thing. The deterioration or degradation of our environment will defeat our objectives in environmental education as well.
Due to the small size of the Sanctuary, we already knew numbers of some species. The census was done to confirm the figures. Almost all the species were found to be still below the carrying capacity of the area. It was noticed that there has been an increase in the numbers of animals since they were introduced, the most noticeable increases being those of:
white rhino 28
black rhino 1
wildebeest 70
hartebeest 58
impala 72
warthog 19
zebra 70
(As of the August 1, 2003 census)
The Sanctuary will be required to relocate some of the animals in the years to come to avoid overcrowding.
Once more thanks to the DWNP for the contribution they made in allowing us to use their helicopter and pilot for the census.
M. Tjibae, Manager/Warden
Giraffe happenings
We had a most unfortunate loss in September. Apparently, a snake bit one of our female giraffes while she was browsing quite happily in the upper reaches of an acacia tree.
Blindness resulted.
The poor giraffe then stood quietly, not knowing which way to turn. Her hearing and sense of smell were acute, however, as she reacted to the efforts of our rangers to place a water trough near her and to put some lucerne in a tree near her. Their efforts were not enough, sadly.
Two rangers spent a night by her body - to keep predators away until the animal health authorities could come out to perform a post mortem. We are waiting for official results.
On a happier note, O.P., the assistant manager/warden has seen a brand new baby giraffe very recently. Nature is ever active.
Eland Behavior
Lately, the Environmental Education Centre has been "vandalised" by a raging bull - eland, that is. For some reason, this huge, handsome fellow has taken to knocking down trees around the Centre. He has concentrated his efforts near the main hall, but on several occasions has trashed trees by the administration house and the educator's residence. We're not sure why he does this, but it is common behaviour we're told.
EEC Getting Busier
The KRS Environmental Education Centre is getting busier every week. In July/Aug (2003) we hosted two groups of teachers-in-training from Molepolole College of Education for overnight stays, fully catered.
These teachers-in-training were put through some hands-on activities and shown some of the material that has been developed here at the EEC. We hope their experience here will mean that they can, in future, bring their classes to the EEC to enhance their lessons in many subject areas.
