November 2009
Rainfall and Temperatures
Temperatures
The average maximum temperature for this month was 30°C / 86°F and the average minimum temperature 17°C / 63°F. The average maximum temperature for November 2009 is slightly higher than November 2008, but falls within the range of temperatures that have been experienced during the previous years which gives the indication that temperatures are not increasing. The highest temperature recorded for November was 40°C / 104°F and the lowest was 13°C / 55°F.
Rainfall
November’s rains have done wonders for the vegetation with everything appearing lush and green. A total of 233.5 mm was received during the month bringing the total rainfall received during 2009 to 666.5 mm. The total for this rainy season (September 2009 to November 2009) increases to 269.5 mm.
Field
Maintenance
The Habitat Squad spent most of the month repairing roads after the heavy rains, however, several days were spent ensuring that the electric fences surrounding River Lodge, Ivory Lodge and 1933 Lodge were in working condition. This is done by ensuring that there is no vegetation touching the fence as well as checking that there are no breaks in the fence. Breaks and vegetation touching the fenceline cause shorts in the electric current which reduce the current in the fence and will cause the fence to be less effective.
Roads
As a result of the heavy rains received during the month several roads were in need of repair. The entrance road into Lion Sands, Bonsela, required the addition of a couple of mitre drains to facilitate the removal of water from the roads surface. The mitre drains on this section of road were also opened and their associated humps were repaired. These mitre drains and humps are extremely important as they prolong the life of a road and ensure that the surface water is quickly removed from the roads surface preventing damage to the roads surface.
In addition Nyamazane, Konkoni, Kingsway, Treehouse access and Ximungwe underwent routine maintenance whereby the mitre drains were opened, humps repaired and certain sections were gravel patched to ensure an even road surface.
Vegetation and Water
This month was one of the higher rainfall months and as a result the vegetation and animals are thriving. All the trees bare lush green leaves and the landscape is scattered with flowers of all shapes and sizes. The landscape has been transformed into an oasis of ever increasing green grass with plenty of natural pans scattered throughout.
As a result of the rains received during the month, all of the five major waterholes contain large amounts of water. This is essential as all of the animals in the Reserve depend on water for there survival - either by being directly dependent on the water or being dependent on the animals attracted to the water.
Animals
Birds
Many migrant birds that are usually seen here this time of year have again been spotted. Woodland kingfishers are abundant and their calls are heard everywhere. Less common sightings of birds included that of Southern Ground Hornbills, a Grass owl and a Long-crested Eagle. Martial Eagles, Bateleurs and Knobbilled ducks have also been sighted during the month.
Reptiles
With the approaching summer conditions and several warm spells experienced in Lion Sands over the past month, reptile sightings have been on the increase. Many species of reptile are now emerging from refuge sites where they spent the winter period. There were several reptile sightings during the month which included:
Tree agama (Acanthocerus atricollis)
African rock python (Python sebae)
Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
Leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis)
Flap-neck chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis)
Giant plated lizards (Gerrhosaurus validus)
Special Sightings
Southern Pride takes down a blue wildebeest!
Game drives are unpredictable and we never know what incredible sightings we will be able to show our guests in the African bush. This was one such case when one of the Lion Sands Rangers located the Southern Lion Pride in the North-western corner of Lion Sands.
As the daylight broke and the darkness faded, they went into hunting mode, locking onto the scent of a herd of blue wildebeest. Quickly moving through the vegetation, to get to a better vantage point, they circled their quarry, looking for the best path to conceal their presence. The herd knew something was lurking in the undergrowth, and their eyes were fixed in the prides direction. Suddenly, the herd bolted, dodging trees and rocks in an attempt to escape the impending danger. The Pride was right behind them, locking onto a lone straggler, bringing her down in seconds.
The hunt was very successful and it was incredible to witness the tactics and strategies of one of Africa’s most formidable predators.
Mammals
African Elephant
Elephant sightings have been incredible during the past month of Lion Sands, with everything been seen from large bulls to the tiniest of calves. Large breeding herds are often seen in the vicinity of the Sabie River, providing excellent opportunities to view these magnificent creatures.
Cape Buffalo
Buffalo sightings have been on the increase during this month with several sightings of both bachelor herds are well as large breeding herds recorded during the month. Most of the sightings have been of bachelor herds otherwise known as “Dagga Boys”. Males leave the breeding herds to build up strength by feeding on higher quality grasses, which would otherwise be unavailable in a large breeding herd and form bachelor herds. Once they have improved their condition they return to the breeding herds where they can challenge other males for the opportunity to male with receptive females.
Edwin Pierce
Ecologist – Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
