Keepers' Diaries, January 2009

Voi Reintegration Unit

This month, despite short spells of rains, the natural waterholes remain empty, so we begin the New Year with dry conditions. Many of the natural water sources in the area have already dried up leaving only the borehole and windmill sources as a refuge for the wildlife. Three of the Trust’s wind powered pumps in the area are proving the most reliable water points for the wildlife and we have noticed that they are remaining closer to these vital water points. Wildlife from further a field in the park are traveling long distances so as to be near these water points. Many of the wild elephant herds migrated far during the rainy season, obviously in search of better browse where rainfall was heavier. With many of the elephant herds nurturing new born calves this has made life difficult for the little calves, as due to the poor rains they have to now travel long distances for water. Some have opted to remain close to more permanent water and feed along the water pipeline; unfortunately this poses a risk too for calves falling into deep holes that are worn away due to the water seepage along the pipeline. The poor rains adds additional pressure on the parks natural resources with human wildlife conflict on the increase.