Summer has hit with a vengeance! The Zululand heat and humidity make midday viewing a no-no. Fortunately with the heat comes the rain. We had approximately 100 ml throughout the reserve. This has brought about a drastic change in vegetation throughout the month.
The elephant have been feeding on the green grass, and rarely noted browsing. This is also showing in their dung - as the consistency is less solid than before. They are mud bathing in the abundant puddles and old farm dams. The breeding herd has been spending the majority of their time between the Tented Camp and Private Villa. However, they have been sighted in the south-eastern region of the reserve for a few days. They have been drinking at both the Villa and Manzindlovu pans. They usually drink very early in the morning and spend most of the midmorning in the valleys before going to drink again.
An interesting picture of Mphata having a 10 minute power-nap!
The bulls have spent the majority of their time along the Mduna valley, and have moved to the south-eastern region with the breeding herd and less frequently have been sighted between the Tented Camp and Villa region. They continue to push trees. They have boosted my confidence by walking very near to the vehicles in a relaxed manner. The viewing from the bulls always overwhelms me. On one particular morning I was able to spend about 3½ hours with the bulls, monitoring their feeding, behaviour and collect some dung samples. I have notified the guides of the elephant's location and guests have experienced superb elephant sightings from both the bulls and breeding herd.
Naughty Elephant Bulls who pushed over this Acacia tortillis
The elephant burst a pipe on Zavolo road (to the Villa) and I was very confused to see them drinking in an area I knew didn't hold water. Apparently this is not the first, nor will it be the last time!
Pictures of the pipe the elephants burst
The Suzuki gave a few problems and was with the mechanic for over half of the month. The engine is being replaced, amongst some smaller repairs so lets hope it proves to be more reliable! Once again I was lucky to be able to use Alan's Hilux, which I used extensively for elephant monitoring and road census.
Tim and Chris have proved very valuable - they are always willing to remove a tree across the road, enter data onto the computer, assist with dung preparation for analysis and especially when monitoring feeding behaviour. Their energy is contagious and we are able to achieve ample during the day. I am able to monitor different animals feeding at the same time. I am collecting much more feeding data records by waiting with the animals for them to start feeding. We work really well as a team. With their help I am a few days (2-3) behind on my data entry. It will be very quiet when they leave!
I have updated the Staff time-off & overtime schedules for the Wildlife Department, updated the rainfall, and Chromolaena budget. I have updated the backup files from Map Maker, Word and Excel documents for Alan and myself. I have been working on my literature review.
The elephant have been feeding on the green grass, and rarely noted browsing. This is also showing in their dung - as the consistency is less solid than before. They are mud bathing in the abundant puddles and old farm dams. The breeding herd has been spending the majority of their time between the Tented Camp and Private Villa. However, they have been sighted in the south-eastern region of the reserve for a few days. They have been drinking at both the Villa and Manzindlovu pans. They usually drink very early in the morning and spend most of the midmorning in the valleys before going to drink again.
An interesting picture of Mphata having a 10 minute power-nap!
The bulls have spent the majority of their time along the Mduna valley, and have moved to the south-eastern region with the breeding herd and less frequently have been sighted between the Tented Camp and Villa region. They continue to push trees. They have boosted my confidence by walking very near to the vehicles in a relaxed manner. The viewing from the bulls always overwhelms me. On one particular morning I was able to spend about 3½ hours with the bulls, monitoring their feeding, behaviour and collect some dung samples. I have notified the guides of the elephant's location and guests have experienced superb elephant sightings from both the bulls and breeding herd.
Naughty Elephant Bulls who pushed over this Acacia tortillis
The elephant burst a pipe on Zavolo road (to the Villa) and I was very confused to see them drinking in an area I knew didn't hold water. Apparently this is not the first, nor will it be the last time!
Pictures of the pipe the elephants burst
The Suzuki gave a few problems and was with the mechanic for over half of the month. The engine is being replaced, amongst some smaller repairs so lets hope it proves to be more reliable! Once again I was lucky to be able to use Alan's Hilux, which I used extensively for elephant monitoring and road census.
Tim and Chris have proved very valuable - they are always willing to remove a tree across the road, enter data onto the computer, assist with dung preparation for analysis and especially when monitoring feeding behaviour. Their energy is contagious and we are able to achieve ample during the day. I am able to monitor different animals feeding at the same time. I am collecting much more feeding data records by waiting with the animals for them to start feeding. We work really well as a team. With their help I am a few days (2-3) behind on my data entry. It will be very quiet when they leave!
I have updated the Staff time-off & overtime schedules for the Wildlife Department, updated the rainfall, and Chromolaena budget. I have updated the backup files from Map Maker, Word and Excel documents for Alan and myself. I have been working on my literature review.
Kirsten Canter