In the news this month...

Bushman Paintings at Welgevonden
June 2010

We are now offering guided tours to the bushman paintings on Welgevonden. You will be informed about the men who went into the trances and painted the paintings, why they are painted in different ways, how they danced for rain and much more.
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Welcome to Cornel van Wyk
May 2010

We welcome Cornel van Wyk to the Welgevonden Team. Cornel replaces Bronwen Parker as the Junior Accounts Clerk responsible for the general office administration and dealing with the WLOA creditors. Cornel is from the Vaalwater area and has a 15 year old son Pat. Welcome to the Welgevonden Family.

Game Introductions
May 2010

Around 300 impala and 300 wildebeest are to be introduced across the reserve over the next few months. This is part of the management program at Welgevonden where the goal is to build up the numbers of prey species to a level that they are self-sustainable despite being food for the predators.

Winter birding at Welgevonden:
May 2010

Most birders feel that summer is the best time to go birding and they are right when you look at the species diversity that we have over the summer months with all the visiting migrants. However, winter birding can be just as rewarding, an added bonus being that when the trees drop their leaves it’s easier to see, identify and photograph all the birds.
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Warthog Collaring
May 2010

During the last couple of weeks, the Welgevonden LOA management and two students from Wageningen University in the Netherlands have been busy with the collaring of three warthogs.
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Bat-eared-Foxes.
May 2010

The past two months there has been great excitement on the reserve with the occasional sighting of a family of five Bat-eared foxes (Otocyon megalotis) on the plateau between Wooded Peaks and Tshimondi.
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Star Gazing
May 2010

The Star gazing activities have proved a little frustrating over the past few months due to the cloud cover and rain. However, winter is here and together with the chilly and cold evenings we have fantastically clear skies most evenings.
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Cheetah Update
May 2010

The male cheetah that was released on Welgevonden a few months ago has been a regular game viewing attraction on Welgevonden. This animal is very relaxed, allowing guests to be able to view this animal at close quarters and for extended periods of time. The cheetah frequents the area around Main Gate and moves between Main Gate and Gemsbok Plains. On a number of occasions he has been seen making kills and he then generally stays in the area for a few days.

Hannah, assistant with the WEI program, has a passion for cheetahs and together with Gerhardt has identified three female cheetahs that could provide the male with company. One of the females has been observed in the same area as the male for a few days so the possibility exists that we may have a few more long-legged spotted cats around in the future!