Following on from the January floods, February has been a remarkably intensive month for each region within the Umbabat PNR,
All reserves were hard at work repairing flood damage, with only a few UPNR-wide events scattered in-between. We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated effort each region has put into the extensive repairs and rehabilitation needed following the unprecedented rains and are once again proud of the teamwork and camaraderie displayed.
To complicate repairs, a flash thunderstorm occurred during the month where more than 100mm of rain was measured on the western side of the UPNR. This quick event, with multiple recorded lightning strikes in the region, caused more erosion to the already saturated roads and led to some minor setbacks with ongoing flood damage repairs.
In other news, the UPNR Drone Project is progressing well, and is specifically designed for use within the field of conservation, and for security purposes, across the region. We are excited to progress in this field and make use of registered and authorised drones, allowing for broader and more efficient ground coverage across the UPNR. As a reminder, the use of drones is strictly controlled and must be authorised. Thank you to all involved in the progression of this project.
On the wildlife front, the successful relocation of two elephant bulls at Ingwelala was a particular highlight during the month, as two elephant bulls were safely immobilised and removed from the fenced camp area. Both bulls did well, and we are grateful to Ingwelala for being willing to relocate these bulls and allowing UPNR officials and Members to witness the operation when the opportunities presented themselves.
The APNR Ground Hornbill Project has informed us that the current breeding season for Southern Ground Hornbills within the UPNR has been largely unsuccessful, likely due to the extensive rains. Unfortunately, it seems that the only chick that has survived within the region has been the Nldopfu chick, which is due to fledge the nest within the coming two weeks. Results from the breeding season across the APNR have been varied, including extended time frames in breeding progression across the region.
Within our socio-economic portfolio, the UPNR has sponsored capitation fees for 3,382 scouts within the Mpumalanga Scouts programme for 2026. This sponsorship is to the value of R26,910.00 and will allow those scouts to enjoy a full year of learning and progressing with the Mpumalanga Scouts programme, which focuses largely on conservation. Thank you to all who have made this sponsorship a possibility.
Thank you again to all for the support during this year. As environmental conditions continue to stabilise in the coming months, we wish everyone the best as all properties continue with flood damage rehabilitation and repair.
Words by Tess Woollgar. Images courtesy of Wimpie & Stacey Pretorius.