September 2009
Rainfall and Temperatures
Temperatures
The average maximum temperature for this month was 32°C / 90°F and the average minimum temperature 13°C / 55°F. The average maximum temperature for September 2009 is slightly higher than September 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 September was 40°C / 104°F and the lowest was 9°C / 48°F.
Rainfall
No rainfall was experienced on the Reserve during September. As a result the total rainfall received during this rainfall remains at 789.5 mm and the total for 2009 at 409 mm.
Field
Maintenance
Most of the maintenance work done during the month was supplying the smaller pans in the Reserve with water. This was done due to the lack of rainfall received during the month as many of the natural pans had begun drying up. With the supply of water there are bound to be small problems which occur, usually in the form of leaking pipes caused elephants pulling the pipes out of the ground to get to the fresh water inside. Once all these leaks were located they were repaired and the pipes once again placed underground.
Work was also undertaken on the electric fences around River and Ivory Lodge as well as 1933 Lodge. Small breaks caused by fallen trees were repaired and the grass and vegetation was slashed to prevent any short circuits from being formed.
Roads
Routine road maintenance was completed on Puza Manzi, Ndlopfu Way, Ingwe, Hammerkop and sections of Warthog Wallow during September. Mitre drains were not opened on these roads due to only one tractor running; instead we concentrated on gravel patching damaged areas. Several sections of the road were also lifted as the road had become angled and uneven.
Routine maintenance involves the opening of mitre drains and the repairing of their associated humps, as well as the filling of potholes and the removal of obstructions such as rocks. This is very important as is facilitates the removal of water from the road’s surface.
Vegetation and Water
The vegetation is looking extremely dry, especially the grass and shrub layer. Only some of the tree species have started to produce leaves and flowers which is a welcome sight in the dry, barren landscape. October should bring the first signs of this seasons rains and it will only be a matter of time before everything is lush and green!
Animals
Birds
Bird activity has been relatively high during September with the occasional sighting of the migrant birds that are usually seen on the Reserve this time of year. Two Wahlberg’s Eagles were seen in the West of the Reserve towards the end of the month and more should be migrating into the area soon. Less common sightings of birds included that of Trumpeter Hornbills, Saddlebilled Storks and a European Golden Oriole. Black Storks and Marabou Storks have also been sighted during the month (images below).
Reptiles
September has been full of excitement when it comes to reptile sightings. This is probably do to the increase in temperatures and the lack of rainfall experienced in the Reserve during the past months. On these warmer days we have been really fortunate to sight the following species:
Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis)
Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
Water Monitor (Varanus niloticus)
Tree Agama (Acanthocerus atricollis)
Vine Snake (Thelotornis capensis) (Images below)
Special Sightings
African Wild dogs on Lion Sands!
A large pack of African Wild dogs were once again seen early last week by all our guests. The dogs were spotted shortly after sunrise, moving through the vegetation in the eastern region of the Reserve. This was one of the well known packs comprising of eleven members, nine adults and two pups. It was amazing to see them up close, interacting with one another while constantly searching for an easy meal.
African Wild Dogs usually live in packs of about 10 to 15 animals with a male or a female as a leader. They are mainly diurnal and are active during the early mornings and late afternoon when they range over large areas in search of food. They only feed on fresh meat, mainly on smaller species such as impala but Blue Wildebeest and Kudu are also taken. African Wild Dogs hunt in groups, chasing their prey until it is exhausted and is eventually torn apart while still on the hoof.
African Wild Dogs are endangered animals, mainly due to limited habitat availability and large scale prosecution in the past. Only about 150 animals survive at present in the Kruger National park area and adjacent private game reserves.
Mammals
Lion
The Southern pride has been on and off the property during the past month. The Hilda’s rock pride has hardly been seen over the past weeks and their cubs have also not been seen for at least four weeks after their altercation with the Southern Pride. In addition we had two large males from the Kruger National Park enter Lion Sands. At that stage our dominant male and the Southern Pride were on the property, but no altercation prevailed. The two nomadic males left as quickly as they appeared, crossing the Sabie River and returning to the Kruger National Park.
Very little predation of lion was witnessed this month - we did however locate a male lion from Kruger feeding on a juvenile Cape Buffalo as well as a pride from the Kruger feeding on an adult male Waterbuck. Two females from the Hilda’s Rock Pride were also seen attacking and killing a male Honey Badger during the beginning of the month.
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. vMost 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.
Other Interesting Sightings
Wahlberg’s Eagles have been seen during the month and a European Golden Oriole was seen on a walk with our guests in the west of the Reserve.
A very relaxed Black Rhino bull was seen crossing the Sabie River from the Kruger National Park towards the end of the month.
A lone Klipspringer was seen near a rocky outcrop on Misi Loop towards the end of the month.
Edwin Pierce
Ecologist – Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
