April 2008

Buffalo sightings have been on the rise over the last month. This can be attributed to the drying of the environment as we approach winter. With little to no rainfall the water holes are already drying up in the areas further from the river. This is driving the animals to the river to find water. As a result we are seeing more frequently the usual herds from around Clarendon Dam and the KNP but there are other herds also moving in from then KNP, herds that are not as used to vehicles.

There are many duggaboys in and around the Sand River at the moment as well as frequenting what few pools remain away from the river. Herds are numbering anywhere from 80 to approximately 500. The very large herd from KNP (approximately 900 animals) has not been seen this month, but hopefully the need for water will bring them back to the river. As the weather dries out and the grasses start to turn brown, the buffalo are starting to loose condition. This is a slow process that accelerates as the water disappears. Already we have seen an increase in buffalo kills over this past month compared to the last few months by both lion and leopard. This kill rate will increase as the winter wears on and the buffalo become thirstier.

January 2008

Buffalo have been around in vast numbers over the past report period. The large herd of around 900 animals was not seen this month however, there have been four herds, each numbering over 250 that have been seen regularly on Marthly, Eyrefield and MalaMala as well as a herd of approximately 100 animals on Flockfield. The herds appear to be moving in circular patterns, as one would expect from large buffalo herds trying to avoid lion prides. They have, however, not been harassed very much at all by the lions, and hence they have remained on MalaMala for the duration of the month.