I again find myself questioning the long-term seasonal rainfall forecast as December is now in the past and the predicted above average rainfall is yet to be experienced. .
As we currently stand at the time of writing, 75mm of rain is the seasonal total to date. When looking at the mean average this leaves us hopeful of 300 mm plus in the remaining three to four rainfall months. Temperature ranges this December were a low of 14 degrees with a maximum of 42 degrees Celsius, the rainfall recorded totalled 24 mm.
The electric fence infrastructure remains in good condition, we again experienced minor damages to the earth mat and droppers from the various antelope and buffalo. Repairs were completed immediately. It is especially pleasing that no new damage was reported on the automated gates during the busy December period.
All malaria sprays of the Members’ bungalows for the December period were completed in the first week. This included the offices, staff housing, all hides and bomas, Vuka Ingwe and temporary staff accommodation.
Prickly pear was again targeted in this December, A total of 19 plants were treated on the Buffelsbed property. My thanks go again to those Members that have reported their whereabouts.
Repairs to the waterline infrastructure was extreme in this period, water losses as a result were significant, there are certain sections of the main supply line within the camp perimeter that will need replacing.
Road works were mostly confined to the northern areas of Buffelsbed, the state of the Beacon Drive had deteriorated and exposed the underlying bed of rocky layer. This had become quite unpleasant to navigate, the tractor and ripper were used to rip any movable rocks and to reshape that specific area with gravel.
An unfortunate female giraffe experienced a breech birth and was first observed on the Sibon/Manzimvula cutline. After 48 hours and no natural solution to her condition a veterinarian’s opinion was sought. A Vet was contacted and advised of the situation, his immediate response was to suggest a humane intervention and put the animal down as sepsis would have started although this would not be immediately visible. A slow end was inevitable. With the authority of MTPA I put this animal down on the Buffelsbed property on the evening of the 29th of December.
I will again make a plea for any sightings of Indian Mynah birds to be reported to either reception or the main gate with as specific a location as possible so that they can be immediately destroyed”
by Chris Mayes