Blog Action Day 2010: Water

"Blog Action Day is an annual event held every October 15 that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking a global discussion and driving collective action. This year's topic is water." http://blogactionday.change.org/

Elephants enjoying the water - photo by Kev Collett Photography

What's the water situation in South Africa?
Saving Water say: "in five years, almost 80 percent of the country’s fresh water resources would be so badly polluted that no process of purification available in the country would be able to clean it sufficiently to make it fit for human or animal consumption. If we do not find a completely new source of water altogether in about two years, most of Gauteng will be without safe health drinking water.” Read More


In Kruger National Park the situation is extremely serious:

Kruger's crocodiles

Leading scientists have pinpointed the cause of hundreds of mysterious crocodile deaths in the country’s national parks, saying acid water from the coal mining industry is to blame.
The reptiles have been dying in the parks’ Olifants and Letaba river systems since 2008. Thousands of fish in water bodies linked to the Loskop Dam and the Bronkhorstspruit catchments area have also died.
The Wits School of Geosciences Professor Terence McCarthy said acid mine water from coal mines in Gauteng and Mpumalanga has polluted these water bodies. Read More

Image showing elephants dying due to the drought in Kenya recently - National Geographic

What can you do to save water

• Shower, don’t bath – a bath uses an average of 160 litres, while a five-minute shower uses only 60 litres of water.
• Close the tap when cleaning your teeth (this saves up to 20 litres of water), or when shaving (this saves up to 45 litres!).
• Ensure your washing machine and dishwasher are fully loaded before starting them.
• Think before rinsing glasses and cutlery under running water.
• Lawns are generally grossly over-watered and use up to four times more water than other plants. Check your irrigation system, does your water run down the street? 
• Only water your garden before 10:00 or after 16:00
• Consider re-using your bath water and sink water on your garden. Professional grey-water recycling systems are available on the market.
• Remember this tip: watering your garden less frequently, but deeper (for longer), actually encourages a deeper root system, which results in stronger plants. This practice can make water wise plants out of most established plants.
• A dripping tap (one drop per second) could waste up to 30 litres of water an hour - which adds up to 10,000 litres a year!
• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, pavement or street.
• Collect water from your roof through rainwater harvesting to water your garden or fill your pool.
• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Turn off the shower water while you wash your hair, you could save up to 550 litres a month.
• Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 1000 litres a month.
• When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
• Remove alien vegetation from your garden. More information here

While travelling:

• Report water problems to your hotel's staff.- If you find leaky taps report it to the staff. Don't be lazy and let the water waste continue.
• Make sure that your linens are not washed every day. Many hotels are doing this now but you still need to make sure. In fact, make sure that your linens are only washed when totally necessary to skip all that wasted water.
• Skip the golf courses. Golf courses often use tons of water (amongst other no-nos like tons of chemicals) to keep the course that neon color. If you just can't resist, do some research ahead of time to find courses that have water conservation practices.
• Regulate your own water usage. In the same way that you would at home, make sure to take short showers and skip the baths. Wear clothing until it is actually dirty and don't just send it to the laundry
• Speak up. Find out what the properties environmental policies are and voice your support or voice your concern. Use the feedback forms to compliment or recommend implication. Your voice is powerful

Leopard rips flesh off villagers

Leopard rips flesh off villagers: "A large female leopard has gone on the rampage in a village in Sierra Leone, severely wounding two people, after it escaped from a trap, says a village chief."

Freetown - A large female leopard went on the rampage in a village in Sierra Leone, severely wounding two people, after it escaped from a trap that left the animal with deep cuts, a village chief said on Thursday.


Hunters shot dead the animal after it had "ripped flesh off the faces" of two villagers in the eastern Bambara area on Tuesday, chief Francis Foray Gandor said.


According to chiefdom records, it was the first time a leopard had been seen in the area since 1940, Gandor said.


"The two victims are in critical condition at the Kenema government hospital," he said. Doctors said their condition was "extremely serious but stable".


"The animal stepped on a bush trap but broke free with deep cuts on the side of the jaw and then went into a rampage, knocking down huts and damaging cooking utensils and sending villagers running into the bush," he said.


Wildlife Conservation officials said the animal weighed 85kg.

- SAPA

Poachers shot in Kruger Park

Poachers shot in Kruger Park: "A poacher was shot dead and another wounded in the Kruger National Park, SABC News has reported."

Johannesburg - A poacher was shot dead and another wounded in the Kruger National Park, SABC News reported on Thursday.

The men were allegedly found armed inside the park on Wednesday by rangers who were patrolling, Sanparks CEO David Mabunda said.

A shoot-out ensued and one of the men was killed.

His accomplice escaped, but was arrested later while he was being treated at a hospital.

A rifle, cellphone and ammunition was found on the dead man, SABC News reported.

Since the beginning of the year, 232 rhino had been poached throughout South Africa, 104 of them from the Kruger National Park.

One-hundred-and-nineteen alleged poachers had been arrested, 45 of them in the park.

- SAPA

Read more on: poaching | mbombela | sanparks | david mabunda

Lodge of the Week - !Xaus Lodge

a comfortable retreat during the stay

A Desert Interaction

Owned and run by the Khomani San and Mier communities, !Xaus (the “!” represents a vocal click in the San language, but can also be pronounced as a K) Lodge blends into the Kalahari landscape and creates a window into the lifestyle of two very friendly cultures. The main lodge and 12 chalets overlook a vast salt pan and into the dune landscape and operates without electricity. Inspired by the surroundings and incorporating local crafts, the rooms are a blend of canvas and thatch and offer a comfortable retreat during the stay. The main building has a comfortable indoor dining area, a cosy lounge and an outdoor viewing area that is used for meals when the weather permits. The furniture and decorative features in the lodge were crafted by the local people. The refreshing swimming pool is the ideal place to take a dip and still enjoy the view of the pan or dunes. On the deck is a telescope allowing guests to spot wildlife on the furthest dunes. A small curio shop displays crafts and artwork by the local San community in the adjacent areas. Due to the isolation of the lodge, there is a limited selection of drinks available and the lodge needs to be notified in advance of any special dietary requirements. The Mier community prepare “Kalahari cuisine” using their traditional flavours and adding a modern twist. 

The Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park is a large preservation and conservation area that combines the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The landscape of dunes and sparse vegetation is dotted with occasional trees in dry riverbeds. The desert teems with life and the riverbeds are heavily populated by antelope species such as springbok, hartebeest and gemsbok. The famed black-mane lions, leopard, cheetah and hyena occur here but have over 90 000 hectares to roam freely. !Xaus Lodge will take guests on sunset and night game drives, guided walks and a visit to the modern bushman village to watch them make their crafts. For guests staying three nights or more an additional riverbed game drive is included. In the Kalahari the focus is not on the big 5, but rather on how the animals have adapted to a desert environment to ensure their survival. The Kalahari is known as “big sky” country where the evenings reveal every possible star and constellation - the lodges’ observation deck is perfect for star gazing.

 !Xaus Lodge is suited to anyone who has travelled to a safari destination before and who is not interested in ticking off the big 5. The silence and the vastness of the Kalahari is ideal for anyone who wants a quiet breakaway. !Xaus is suitable for couples, families or small groups and a three night stay is recommended. !Xaus may not be a typical safari experience, but it certainly is different and a spectacular way to learn about the unique indigenous peoples of the Kalahari region.

Owned and run by the Khomani San and Mier communities

RATINGS BREAKDOWN
Core Ratings:	Sun Rays
Lodge and Camp	7.1
Safari Experience	5.4
Service	7.1
Facilities	4.7
Unique Rating	7.0
Conservation	4.7
Social involvement	7.2
OVERALL RATING:	7.1

Read more about !Xaus on The Game Lodge Index

Chuckle of the Day - Dung Beetle Divorce

Honey Badger-The Most Fearless Animal on Earth

The best lodges for Walking Experiences in South Africa

There is something unique about experiencing the African bush on foot. It's an exhilarating experience being guided by a ranger and knowing that at any moment you could encounter something big! Stop and look at the small details, focus on tracks and experience new terrain - something completely different to what happens when you're on the back of a vehicle.

Luxury, excitement and the adventure of a life time await you when you travel on foot through the bush!

The Game Lodge Index has a few recommendations for memorable walks (either in the place of a game drive or as a complete walking safari)

Rhino Walking Safaris: Plains Camp

Rhino Walking Safaris: Plains Camp

Plains Camp is found in the only private wilderness area concession in the Kruger National Park. The 12000 hectare concession is situated between the perennial Sabi River and the renowned Mala Mala Game Reserve with large numbers of wildlife moving freely between them. 

Plains Camp is the perfect destination for active people looking for a more adventurous and down to earth experience however because the day involves mostly walking a certain level of fitness is required. The camp can accommodate up to eight people making it a great choice for groups and families however only children over the age of twelve are allowed.

!Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park

Owned and run by the Khomani San and Mier communities, !Xaus (the “!” represents a vocal click in the San language, but can also be pronounced as a K) Lodge blends into the Kalahari landscape and creates a window into the lifestyle of two very friendly cultures.

!Xaus Lodge will take guests on sunset and night game drives, guided walks and a visit to the modern bushman village to watch them make their crafts.

Africa on Foot 

 Africa on Foot is a safari company operating walking and game drive safaris in a remote area of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. The camp is a traditional family-run bush camp where the atmosphere is relaxed and the facilities suitably rustic.
Africa on Foot is ideal for people looking for a safari experience where the activities are split fairly evenly between outdoor walking and game drives. It is suitable for active couples and small groups looking for an authentic and rustic safari experience with no frills at affordable rates – offering excellent value for money.

Transfrontiers Walking Safaris

Transfrontier Walking Safaris is an adventurous form of experiencing the African bush with the main focus being guided walking trails though the Klaserie Game Reserve. 
 Fit and adventurous people will find this to be the perfect getaway while the general nature lovers will not be disappointed.

Mashovhela Lodge

Mashovhela Lodge is an affordable lodge tucked away in a luscious valley in the Soutpansberg mountain range in the northern Limpopo province.
Mashovhela is suitable for both young and old who are looking for a personal nature or cultural experience. Hikers, birders and plant enthusiasts will be truly impressed by this little reserve and the fascinating Soutpansberg area as a whole.

Kalahari Trails

Kalahari Trails is a privately owned nature reserve located just outside the Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park and has a selection of affordable self catering accommodation and camping options.

The 3500 hectares of land that Professor Rasa owns, is home to various antelope species and around 200 bird species. Having studied with the local Bushmen, she is qualified to take guests on walks where animals are tracked and age-old methods of hunting and gathering are explained. Kalahari Trails is the only place in this desert where night walks are offered and this is a chance to see the night-active animals under the guidance of an expert biologist (these are only available in summer months). The reserve does not have any dangerous game and it is safe for guests to walk around and explore the surroundings on their own however, due to the sensitive nature of the dune landscape, self drives are not permitted. While it is not a typical safari getaway, the Kalahari is the experience of a life time.

Thabazimbi fire under control: "Wild fires which destroyed thousands of hectares in Thabazimbi have been brought under control, says Working on Fire."

Thabazimbi fire under control

2010-10-12 12:49

SAPAJohannesburg – Wild fires in Thabazimbi which had destroyed some 88 000 hectares had been brought under control, Working on Fire (WOF) said on Tuesday.

"The fire is under control and there has been no report of injuries or loss of life," said WOF public information officer Natasha de Kock.

However, firefighting teams remained on stand-by.

"It is still very, very dry and windy and we are all on stand-by at the moment."

She said the fires were brought under control on Monday evening.

Some 88 000 hectares had been destroyed, including 50% of the Marakele National Park in Limpopo.

The Limpopo provincial government could not confirm a newspaper report on Tuesday that the affected areas had been declared a disaster area.

Links

• Thabazimbi blaze consumes veld
• Fire crews battle Thabazimbi blaze

kalahari.net

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Read more on: fires | polokwane

Honey Badger & Leopard

Fun Facts about Honey Badgers!

Photo credit: Madach

Honey Badgers are the "most fearless animal in the world” according to the 2002 edition of the Guinness Book of Records.

Honey badgers are jet black except for the gray mantle, separated by a white stripe, extending from the crown to the base of the tail. The colour of the mantle and stripe may vary from one individual to another and often becomes darker with age

The honey badger is also known as the ratel. The Norwegian for honey badger is Honninggraevling, and the French is le blaireau mange-miel. In those parts of Africa where Swahili is spoken, the honey badger is called Nyegere.

Photo Credit: Francois Retief

A young / baby of a honey badger is called a 'kit'. The females are called 'sow' and males 'boar'. A honey badger group is called a 'cete, colony, set or company'.

A fully grown adult male can stand as high as 30cm, and be up to 1m in total length

They are normally solitary animals, and are one of the lesser seen African mammals.

They have skin which is very thick and rubbery, to defend them from bites, and they are able to catch and eat even the most deadliest and poisonous snakes.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Bachelor

Honey badgers have a unique relationship with the greater honey guide. The little bird leads a honey badger to a beehive, and then waits good-naturedly for the honey badger to open up the hive and enjoy the honey and bee larvae. Once the honey badger leaves the hive, the honey guide will then feed on the remaining beeswax

There is just one species of honey badger, Mellivora capensis

Litters of 1-2 young are born in nursery dens lined with grass. A young honey badger reaches adult size at around 8 months of age, but stays with its mother until is at least 14 months of age.

Honey badgers can be very aggressive animals, and have few predators

Photo Credit: Bennie van Zyl

 The badgers striking colouration makes them easily recognizable and they could only be confused with the much smaller Striped polecat  (Ictonyx striatus) and Striped weasel (Poecilogale albinucha).

Honey badgers have a distinctive jog-trot

Sadly, Honey Badgers are near threatened in South Africa due to attacks by bee- keepers, poultry and sheep farmers

Photo credit: Madach

 The South African Defense Force named their Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), the Ratel, after the Honey Badger.

A female honey badger has a home range of 100-150 square km

The honey badger does not have visible ears

Photo credit: Christiaan Engelrecht

Honey badgers are accomplished climbers and can easily climb up into the uppermost branches of trees to raid bird nests or bee hives.

Pale chanting- goshawks have been observed following honey badgers. The badgers are powerful, prolific diggers and repeatedly flush rodents and reptiles from their underground refuges, ideal prey for the goshawks.