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Last Updated:
21-01-2012
In the news this month...
Annual Aerial Census
January 2012
The Welgevonden Game Reserve Annual Aerial
Census was conducted over three days during
September 2011. The Reserve is divided into
three sections, and counted over a period of
three days by flying east/west transects of
400m. Therefore, 200 m on each side of the
helicopter are counted with each flight line. In
this manner, the census is conducted over the
entire Reserve...
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Lion Management
January 2012
As with any small Reserve that accommodated lion
there is a balance that needs to be maintained with the
ungulate or prey populations and Welgevonden is no
exception. The presence of lion on Welgevonden
necessitates the introduction of additional prey animals
onto the Reserve each year to boost the prey population.
The aim being that a balance between the prey population
growth and the numbers that the lions eat will become
self- sustaining and the prey population will ultimately
grow. Welgevonden therefore manages the lion population
to comprise two small prides. However, lion populations
can grow at a rapid rate and there are periodically
animals that have to be removed. Finding suitable free
range homes for these animals has proved difficult as
there are a number of reserves in a similar position.
This year six animals were up for removal and we managed
to find good homes for them...
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The elephant contraception program continued
this year with all females of breeding age being
contracepted. During the past two years some
elephant cows have been skipped in order to
allow a few calves to be born. The aim being
that there will be a calf in each herd if all
goes according to plan. The fact that an
elephant cow has a twenty-two month gestation
period delays the results somewhat! There have
however been 3 calves born this year bringing
the Welgevonden elephant population to 124...
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Welgevonden
Orientation Program 2012
January 2012
Dates for 2012 courses now available.
More>>
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