Askari Volunteers » Reserve work

Sleep outs in the bush – Read more here

askari — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:54:06 +0000

The African night sky must be one of the most stunning sights a person can ever enjoy. On a clear night the milky way can be seen along with many constellations and the occasional shooting star. Combine that with the nocturnal sounds of the bush as lions make themselves heard on a territorial patrol or hyena give a whooping call to communicate with other members of the clan. All of this can be experiened by sleeping for a night under the African stars out in the wilderness.

Project aims:

A combination of providing a once in a lifetime experience for volunteers and spending time in areas of the bush where we don’t normally.

What’s being done?

Sleep outs are carried out once a month in many different areas of the reserve. They can provide a good opportunity to monitor an area, particularly with regard to human activity. If poachers for example are present in an area they probably don’t expect anyone to catch them at night. Assuming everyone to be asleep they may make use of artificial light or fires and hence alert us to their presence. It is generally good to have as much presence around the reserve as possible when trying to deter poaching or illegal trespassing.

The role of volunteers:

Sleep outs – Volunteers take part in sleep outs as a team. They assist with the packing of equipment and setting up of camp. Volunteers and staff then take it in turns to keep watch for animals throughout the night. A fire is maintained and regular checks made by spotlight for any visitors to camp. Sleep outs also allow a chance for some nocturnal animal monitoring as elephant, rhino, lion and spotted hyena have all made an appearance at the camp during various sleep outs.

Road repairs & Maintenance – Read more here

askari — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:23:21 +0000

When the summer rains arrive each year our roads take a real battering! Heavy rains and splash erosion cause massive run off of top soil and in freak storms, roads can be washed away entirely. A huge part of reserve managements work is to maintain our road system. This is done by a combination of grading, dragging and construction of borrow pits. Borrow pits are the strips of ground that you will see dug up along the side of the road as you travel round the reserve. The soil “borowed” from these pits is used to build a hump on the road so that any fast flowing water will be obstructed. Rather than channelling down and eroding the road, water hits the hump and is forced off the road into the pit.

Project aims:

To assist reserve management with road maintenance, particularly during or after the rainy season.

What’s being done?

Sessions are carried out to fix up and repair sections of road destroyed by the eroding power of summer rains.

The role of volunteers:

Road maintenance – The maintenance required by the team depends on the extent of the damage that’s been done. In some instances the road just needs smoothing over and ruts filling in by moving topsoil back to its original position. In more extreme cases gravel and rocks must be collected and packed into ruts. They must be arranged in such a way that the road will be passable to vehicles again and hopefully to resist future erosion.

Restoration & Building projects – Read more here

askari — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:21:04 +0000

Already present on Pidwa are a number of bird and animal hides, some of which were left to go to ruin by previous managament.

Project aims:

To restore existing hides and platforms as well as build new areas and features which will enhance enjoyment of the reserve and also benefit the wildlife present.

What’s being done?

Restoration – Time is spent restoring existing areas on the reserve which have been left degraded.

Bat boxes – Numerous bat boxes have been and will continue to be built to provide habitat and nesting areas for the variety of bat species using the reserve.

Pan creation – So far, a new pan has been built in the Askari garden. This will attract frogs, birds and many more animal species. In future more pans and dams may be on the agenda.

The role of volunteers:

Restoration – Volunteers carry our varied restoration work from painting and cleaning to building new items such as shelves and benches to go inside already existing hides.

Bat boxes – Volunteers make bat boxes following designs obtained from a bat conservation group. Boxes so far have been placed on the walls of the Askari house but more are planned for many of the buildings around the reserve.

Pan creation – Volunteers assist with the creation of new pans which will attract and provide habitats for a variety of species. Rocks, gravel and sand must be collected, ground dug out and new pipes laid to provide water to the pan.

Reserve clean up – Read more here

askari — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:17:52 +0000

Unfortunately wherever humans go they leave their mark; and often in a way that is not aesthectically pleasing or sensitive to existing habitats.

Project aims:

To work towards a reserve that is free from any sign of human interference, past or present and create a true wilderness where nature can exist, untouched.

What’s being done?

Any evidence of past farming practices or human habitation is being methodically removed, whether it be old fence lines, feeding troughs or telephone wires.

The role of volunteers:

Clean up sessions – Volunteers take part in clean up sessions, collecting and disposing of old equipment and rubbish, cleaning up the bush.

Reed relocation & Planting – Read more here

askari — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:15:25 +0000

Water is one of the most important aspects to consider when managing a wilderness area. Not only must you make sure there’s enough of it but also that it is in the correct areas and providing the necessary habitats for the animals using it. Many species living on or around the water are reliant on plant cover for both shelter and breeding purposes. Many birds build their nests on or amongst plants and the reed species are particularly good for this.

Project aims:

To attract new bird life to our pans and dams by providing reed and plant cover in which they can live and nest.

What’s being done?

Reeds (which have either been purchased or relocated) are being planted in numerous dams and pans.

The role of volunteers:

Reed relocation – Volunteers carry out sessions to remove reeds from water sources which already have a healthy supply. The plants may be dug up or pulled out and it can be a messy, muddy affair!

Reed planting – Volunteers then plant these reeds in their new habitat by wading into the dam and burying the roots under the soil. So far, the effects have been outstanding with newly planted reeds taking well and even proliferating. Numerous bird species have been seen making use of the reeds and in one instance a rare species, the Lesser moorhen, has been attracted by the new vegetation.

Protection of sensitive tree species – Read more here

askari — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:10:35 +0000

All aspects of an ecosystem are equally as important as each other and here on Pidwa the vegetation is just as valuable to us as the animals. Elephants utilise tree species heavily whether it be to feed on their leaves, bark or fruits or to push them over to relieve anger or as a display to other elephants. Severe de-barking or up-rooting of a tree is likely to kill that individual or at very best, stunt and alter its growth.

Project aims:

To stop or minimise elephant damage towards targeted trees whether it be a particularly rare tree species on Pidwa or just an old, large and beautiful example of its species.

What’s being done?

Elephants actually have very sensitive feet and an extremely efficient elephant deterrent was discovered many years ago in the Kruger national park. One section ranger found that packing sharp rocks around the trunk of a tree prevented elephants from being able to push it over or carry out de-barking. This same technique is now being employed on Pidwa and rocks are collected from an old mica mine on the reserve to pack around the targeted trees trunks. To keep the elephants at bay, the rock perimeter must start a metre away from the trunk and extend out to a distance of 3 metres. Not wanting to hurt their sensitive feet on sharp rocks, the elephants rather leave that tree alone and move on to another.

The role of volunteers:

Rock collection & placement – To source and collect rocks from the mine and then arrange them around the base of the tree being targeted for protection.

Fence patrols & Maintenance – Read more here

askari — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:07:54 +0000

Fences surround the entire perimeter of Pidwa and these must be electrified (at least 4000 volts) to be effective against dangerous game species. The fences need checking daily and maintenance carried out where necessary to prevent malfunction.

Project aims:

To assist reserve management with fence checks and maintenance to keep them in good and effective working order.

What’s being done?

Patrols are made along fence lines and the necessary maintenance carried out.

The role of volunteers:

Fence patrols – Patrols are made during which volunteers check voltage and amp readings to test the energy of the fence.
Vegetation removal – Vegetation growing up and touching the live wires can cause short circuits in the fence and hence a dangerous increase in the amps. Volunteers remove vegetation from along the fences and also carry out poisoning in late summer and skoffling to clear all trip wires of vegetation.
Fence maintenance – Where needed, volunteers assist with the repair of fences. For example poles need re-straining, areas re-welding or even emergency repairs on fences broken by animals!

Ecological monitoring – Read more here

askari — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:05:43 +0000

Nature is dynamic and constantly changing. All aspects of the bush, particularly its condition, must be monitored so that changes can be noted and management plans adapted accordingly. Rainfall is especially important to monitor as it plays such a large role in processes within the environment. Long term trends must be recorded and used to make informed management decisons.

Project aims:

To be able to provide ecological information and build up long term data records to assist reserve management.

What’s being done?

Rainfall data – A rain gauge is used to measure rainfall.

Thermometer – Temperature data is also collected on a daily basis.

The role of volunteers:

Data collection – As part of their daily duties, volunteers analyse and collect data relating to the maximum and minimum temperatures, wind speed and direction, cloud cover and rainfall.

Bush encroachment & Erosion control – Read more here

askari — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:00:30 +0000

Humans cause huge disturbance to the natural bush by cultivating fields, building roads, dams and carrying out farming practices. These activities can alter the bush to such an extent that is becomes us-useable to the indgenous species. Over-grazing by cattle leads to the natural plant cover being damaged and the soil exposed. Incorrect burning practices and drought can also contribute to soil exposure. Weathering processes then lead to leaching and nutrient run-off making the soil useless and un-productive. Other natural areas effected by human interference become vulnerable to bush encroachment where the natural balance between grass and woody components is altered. Causes of bush encroachment include over-grazing, drought, misuse of burning, an absence of browsers or incorrect positioning of waterholes. Severely eroded and degraded areas may take years to recover naturally, if they recover at all.

Project aims:

Rehabilitation of previously over grazed and damaged/encroached areas to achieve well structured, diverse, healthy and productive vegetation.

What’s being done?

Bush encroachment – Bush encroached areas on Pidwa are identified and can then be managed in a number of ways. Most commonly, encroaching species are removed by mechanical means. These species can also be targeted with biological control (using a natural pest or browser pressure), fire control or as a last resort using chemicals.
Erosion – Eroded sites are identified and targeted for rehabilitation. Firstly, the exposed and leached soil is picked either using hand picks or machinery. Where possible the gradient of any slopes is reduced to minimise surface run-off. Next the soil must be covered with plant matter; removed bush encroached species are often perfect for this and usually carry spines and thorns enhancing their effect. This plant cover performs many functions starting with a physical barrier to any animals moving across the soil while it’s trying to recover. It also prevents evaporative loss, slows surface run off and protects against splash erosion. Even when dead, the plant cover contributes to the soil improving its structure, water holding ability and nutrient content. Eroded areas can be seeded artificially but this is not essential; grass seeds will naturally be blown to the area. The planting of small trees can also assist rehabilitation as the roots will begin to bind the soil and cycle nutrients.

The role of volunteers:

Bush encroachment control – Areas for control are identified and volunteers assist with removal of encroaching species. Pangas and bow saws are used and the branches are then transported to where needed. Where possible an erosion site is rehabilitated in conjunction with bush encroachment control taking place so the branches can be used as plant cover on the eroded area.
Erosion rehabilitation – Volunteers prepare the eroded soil by picking and reducing the gradient of any sloping ground. Branches of encroaching species are then packed on top of the soil in a very particular way to maximise protection. Where needed, extra seed is spread and sapling trees sometimes planted.
Monitoring – Once an eroded area has been rehabilitated it cannot just be left. Continual monitoring must take place to check that the process has worked and any areas where it hasn’t must be re-done. Any sapling trees planted will need watering until such a time that they are able to establish their own roots.

Anti-poaching – Read more here

askari — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:53:51 +0000

Unfortunately poaching is a very real and active problem on our wilderness reserve. Specialised teams of poachers move between reserves targeting animals for bushmeat which they then sell to make money in local communties. This is not subsistence poaching but animal murder carried out by organised syndicates who are trespassing, poaching and stealing from our wilderness. Poachers enter the reserve via the fences and usually from the gravel road (which is a public road). They make and set snares in their targeted area, often even using wire from our own fences! Poachers may be in the reserve for anything from a few days up to a few months and catch, skin and prepare the meat on site. They set up camps and little butcheries where they hang the meat on wires set up in the trees to dry. Poachers then organise with fellow members of the syndicate to be picked up on the gravel road to transport their meat to town. Snares are indiscriminate with what they kill and although aimed towards species such an impala, wildebeest and zebra could easily snare a leopard, rhino leg or a tiny baby as shown here. Once poachers have finished in an area they don’t clear up after themsleves and wont remove any un-used snares. These snares remain active and unless found will kill the next unsuspecting herbviore moving through that area.

Project aims: To minimise or ideally prevent poaching of any kind on Pidwa and safe guard the animals from the horrendous, slow and agonising death inflicted by being caught in a snare.

What’s being done? The majority of poaching on Pidwa takes place in the Buffalo camp. This is a 2000ha section of the reserve fenced off from the rest with no elephant or lion inside. Unfortunately a huge proportion of poaching is internal, not carried out by your own staff but by poachers which have received information from people who know the area. This is the reason poachers target the buffalo camp; they have been told they do not face the danger of lions and elephants here. Regular patrols are made in the camp as well as the removal of snares and poacher equipment when found.

The role of volunteers:

• Anti-poaching patrols – Volunteers form chains to walk through the bush in search of signs from poachers. We are not only looking for snares but also footprints, potential campsites or fire ash and even plastic bags. Poachers place bags in tree tops to keep vultures away; otherwise the birds will attract our attention and give the poachers presence away.

• Snare removal – Once snares are found they must be disarmed, removed using pliers and carried out the bush.

• Bush kitchen clean up – On the sad occasion when poachers are found, there is plenty of clearing up to do after them. The remains of their campsites must be cleared as well as all aspects of the bush kitchen. Meat is removed from wires and left for scavengers to feed on. All wire must then be taken down and carried out of the bush. Many patrols must also be carried out in the area to ensure every single snare is collected. In some cases where poaching is suspected, a professional anti-poaching team is called in to apprehend the poachers. In this case, once poachers are handed over to the police, volunteers work along side the anti-poaching unit in the clear up mission.

Alien Plant Control – Read more here

askari — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:01:14 +0000

Alien plants are those which originate in a country other than South africa. They do not belong here, they should not exist and pose a huge threat to our indigenous, natural plant species. Alien plants are ususally so well adapted and competitive that they out-compete and eventually even displace indigenous plant species. In 2002 more than 10 million hectares (equivalent to 6.82% of South Africas land mass) was thought to be covered by alien plants. They use around 3300 million cubic metres of water per year and cost millions of rand to remove. Unfortunately a number of alien species can be found on Pidwa, originating from different countries having travelled here in different ways. Some, such as the Queen of the night cactus, was deliberately brought here by humans as an ornamental plant. Others, such as the common thorn apple, came accidentally in horse fodder many years ago.

Control of these plants varies from mechanical to biological and chemical removal methods. These aliens are causing decline in species diversity through local extinction of indigenous species. The resutling ecological imbalance could have catastrophic consequences such as increased flooding and this will all most definitely lead to decreased productivity of the land.

Project aims: To rid Pidwa of all alien plant species competing with the indigenous plant population.

What’s being done? A variety of control methods are being used against the different species on Pidwa. The plants targeted and removal techniques can be seen in the volunteer section.

The role of volunteers: Volunteers carry out plant clearing sessions during which the following plant species are treated using the methods explained.

Lantana control – Lantana plants are mechanically cut down using pangas and saws and herbicide is applied to the cut stems to prevent re-growth. Theses plants can also be sprayed with herbicide and this is necessary to prevent coppicing from cut stems.
Common thorn apple control – These plants are simply pulled out the ground, root and all and left to the side to die.
Prickly pear control – This succulent cactus is injected with an herbicide called MSMA to kill it. Biological control is also effective against this species at certain times of year. Two insects in the form of a beetle and a mealy bug have been obtained from the government “Working for Water” scheme. These insects act as natural pests against the pear and can be artificially distributed between plants to kill them off.
Queen of the night control– These succulents are also injected by the MSMA herbicide. Generally these cacti are too large for treatment by the biological control used for Prickly pear.
Moon cactus control – This is another succulent and both the MSMA herbicide and biological control are effective in killing it.
Yellow oleander control - These plants are cut down and then burnt. Stems are treated with herbicide to prevent re-growth.