The Prince of Frogs

 

 

Summer time in the bush means lots of rain, plenty of birds in all their feathered beauty, small antelope running around and at night a cacophony of frogs calling. Just as we do research on the different bird species, identifying them on call and on sight, so you can also identify frogs on their calls. We decided after some good rains that it was time to survey the reserve’s puddles and streams for the various frog species.

“Frogging” involves getting your feet wet and possibly the rest of you as you accidentally fall in the steam hunting your quarry. Armed with a head lamp, small net, frog field guide and the calls loaded on an i-pod we are off to see how many of the reserve list we can find in the field.

Recently we started at a small stream close to the camp listening at all the different calls and ticking off the easily identifying ones like Bubbling Kassina, Common River Frog and Banded Rubber Frogs.

Then we are off, often on hand and knees through the under-growth at the waters edge and after 4 hours, with sloshing shoes and most of us still relatively dry we tally up or scores…

We found 13 species (of the previously surveyed list of 16 species) but we also added two species that has not been recorded yet, the Natal Sand frog (only on call though) and the Flat-backed toad. The mega special was the Giant Bull Frog, a near-threatened species due to habitat destruction, one forget how big these frogs really are. All in all a fun evening out and excellent data for the reserve!

Attached are photos of the Giant Bull Frog. Below find the list of species seen/heard on the frogging night.

frog list

Written by Gerhardt Lorist

Research / Volunteer Coordinator

Big 5 Conservation/ Welgevonden

 

Working in the Wilderness.

 

“As volunteers working in the South African wilderness waking up in the early hours of the morning makes for some rewarding encounters.

Heading out for work in an open 4 wheel drive vehicle along dusty two track bush roads, feeling the cold chill and misty air that surrounds us as the first morning light breaks through the unforgiving darkness of winter. We snake our way down the road, never expecting much, as we round each corner, all that’s on our minds is the work tasks set for the day. Suddenly there is a loud bellow and the sound of thundering hooves around us. Some meters ahead there is movement amongst the vegetation next to the road, we move in for a closer look and to our surprise we find 10 lions holding down a bellowing buffalo.

The struggle for life and survival is on. A big male lion has the buffalo bull by the throat, trying to suffocate it, the other lions grabbing where ever they can get in. The air is filled with sounds of manic murder and the bellowing for help as the lions begin feeding, competing with each other for a much deserved position around the kill. The buffalo is quiet and as the lions open it up, the warm blood meets the cold winter air causing steam to rise up like smoke escaping from a fire. We sit and watch in awe as the feeding frenzy continues. Half an hour passes and the buffalo bull is reduced to nothing but skin and bone.

These encounters are random and may catch you by surprise, becoming more than an average tourist experience. You get to experience an intimate rhythm with wildlife. Every day there are work tasks to be carried out, research data collecting, reserve management and maintenance as well as gaining knowledge about the various species and observing their behaviour through Bush craft training. These activities are what keep you out there, ever ready to encounter the very special awe inspiring moments that Mother Nature may let you be a part of.”

Written By:         Caz Schiess

Work Travel SA – Ranger/Guide and Volunteer coordinator.

 

The Magnificent Rhino

 

In these worrying times where rhino poaching is continuing, we all need to do our part in trying to protect these magnificent animals. Are you constantly creating awareness amongst your friends? Have you thought about sending financial support to foundations that assist with animal protection? Have you thought about volunteering in South Africa?  Here are some interesting facts about South Africa’s most endangered member of the Big Five.

South Africa has two species of rhino, the Black rhino (Hook-lipped rhino) and the White rhino (Square-mouthed rhino). Of the two species, the white rhino has the highest population, numbering +- 4000 in the Kruger National Park and only 400 black rhino. It’s hard to believe that less than 100 years ago there were fewer white rhino’s than black rhino’s. The reason for such a low population of rhino in the park was as a result of excessive hunting and poaching.  Another possible reason for the black rhino being so low in numbers could be the fact that they are very anti-social compared to the white rhino which are often seen in large herds of 10 – 15 and even more. Black rhino breed less frequently as a result of being so anti-social.

Black Rhino (Hooked-lip Rhino)
Latin Name: Diceros bicornis
Status: Endangered
Lifespan: 40 years
Weight: Both male and female adults average from 800 to 850kg, with large adults reaching up to 1000kg.
Habitat: Black Rhinoceros are found in dry arid areas as well as savannah and woodland areas with sufficient shrubs and trees to hide in, in the heat of the day.
Food: Black rhino are browsers, feeding off a wide variety of shrubs and trees.
•They have a rather small hooked shaped mouth for feeding on trees and shrubs.
•The black rhinos’ natural head posture is face upward, so there is no need for it to lift its’ head when feeding off trees.
•Black rhino are often found in thick vegetation which is possibly the reason why the female will often run in front of her calf to clear a pathway.
•The black rhino is short tempered and extremely aggressive compared to the white rhino.
•They are very solitary and seldom join up with other individuals.

White Rhino (Broad-mouthed Rhino)
Latin name: Ceratotherium simum
Weight:
Adult males 2 000 – 2 500 kg, adult females 1 600 – 1800 kg.
Lifespan: +- 45 years.
Gestation: 16 months.
Feeding : White Rhino are grazers. They have very broad, flat mouths which makes it possible to chew off large tufts of grass while feeding.

•Larger than black rhino. Large bulls reaching weights of 2500 kg.
•A white rhinos’ natural head posture faces downward so its’ mouth is always close to the ground while grazing.
•They have a very distinct hump above the shoulders as well as a very prominent fold of skin at the lower parts of the shoulders.
•Being a very social animals it is not uncommon to see 10 or 15 white rhinos moving together and sometime more.
•The calf normally runs in front of its mother, with the mother using her horn to direct the calf by tapping it on the rear.

There is no colour difference between the two rhinos. The Dutch people named the white rhino the “Weid mond rhino”, meaning “Wide-mouth rhino”. The English thought they were saying “white”, so it was all just a misinterpretation of the name. Even though the white rhino is less aggressive, there are still more incidents of them attacking people as they have a higher population and thus regular encounters with people.

Check out this disturbing chart!

http://www.stoprhinopoaching.com/

 

An Internship in South Africa

WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?

Internships provide practical experience in an actual work environment usually related to an individual’s study or career aspirations.  It also offers a wonderful opportunity to explore a different country while learning new skills and gain knowledge in a particular industry of choice.  An internship is a good way to prepare and even enter into a particular career field.

WHY DO AN INTERNSHIP?

Globalization

The ability to deal with different cultures and business environments is essential in today’s global economy.  This is becoming increasingly more important as commerce and industry spreads across the globe with many companies now represented across different countries and continents. An internship not only allows you to share knowledge and skills with likeminded career professionals but also helps you make new friends and meet exciting people which will give you a broader perspective on the world we all live in.

Experience in a Professional Environment

Working in a professional environment will help you decide on prospective career choices.  This learning experience will also help you to gain deeper insight into the processes of an established company and a career you are interested in.

Improve your People Skills

Whilst gaining invaluable knowledge and experience, working and living in a diverse country will significantly improve your people skills and help you deal with a variety of people in the professional environment.  This will definitely benefit you in all areas of your life irrespective of your career choice.

Personal Growth

Besides the career-related advantages, staying abroad will have a huge impact on your personal development. Taking this big step and being confronted with a new culture requires a huge amount of courage, openness, flexibility and tolerance. This will help broaden your horizon, make you question your opinions and views, as well as overcome personal and career obstacles.

Your English will improve to the best level

Speaking English fluently is a desirable skill in most industries and businesses worldwide.  This is especially true with the demands of commerce and globalization in recent times.  Interns from non English speaking countries will greatly benefit from being surrounded by English speaking people who are keen to aid you in conversations, and help you improve and better your communication skills.  Better fluency in the universal language of commerce will give you great confidence in your working environment now and in the future!

WHY CHOOSE SOUTH AFRICA AS A DESTINATION?

Combination of cosmopolitan and nature

South Africa combines flourishing art, design, music and film with a growing business industry. What other country can offer sleepy towns along the coast, picnics in the wine lands, a beautiful day on a sandy beach and of course the pristine African wilderness?  South Africa embodies urban city life as well as relaxing country living in a natural, unique and beautiful way.

A country full of diversity

South Africa is a combination of a 1^st and 3^rd world country. Being a mixture of modern Western and traditional African lifestyles create an extremely interesting and enormously captivating dynamic.

Multiculturalism

 South Africa is home to many different cultural, religious and language backgrounds. It is no wonder that it has been given the exceptional name “Rainbow Nation”. It is a country full of variety and provides numerous fantastic ways to experience different human perspectives. Prejudices and old hostilities between nationalities are being replaced with social integration and tolerance for one another.

Many things to explore

You can enjoy great adventure experiences and exciting travel excursions during your leisure time. You will be able to explore some of the most beautiful places on earth and could very well see exotic animals in their natural habitat.

People

South Africans are generally considered to be one of the friendliest and most hospitable nations. Meeting new people and making lots of friends is an additional advantage to your stay in the Rainbow Nation.

A changing nation

Since Apartheid has been abolished South Africa has been steadily changing. Commerce, industry  and the local economy  is growing, with continued improvements in transport, safety and communication systems, as well as positive changes towards poverty alleviation and better access  to health and education facilities.

WHO CAN DO AN INTERNSHIP?

We offer placements for School leavers, University students, University graduates or Professionals on a career break. Internship placements range from as little as 6 weeks to 6 months.

HOW DOES THE PLACEMENT PROCESS WORK?

Work Travel South Africa is a South African company based in Somerset West, Cape Town.  WTSA  offers a ‘search and select’ service to candidates interested in an internship position whereby we source a suitable employer and job according to each candidate’s individual skills and internship requirements.  We further ensure that all internships are structured with employers in order to achieve the desired outcomes for both the company and the intern..

As a dynamic and experienced company it is our intention to provide a unique cultural exchange between foreign interns and the people of South Africa. This gives young people from abroad the opportunity to experience South Africa at its best, while contributing to the growth of this great country. Through the mutual sharing of skills and experiences we make South Africa a more international work place.

If you are interested in doing an internship we will source a suitable internship position, match your requirements to the right employers, contact them on your behalf and advertise you as a potential intern. Upon their acceptance of your proposed internship we will ensure that employers provide a structured and supervised internship, which is contractually regulated.

During the placement process you will benefit from our staff’s intimate knowledge of the local economy,  industry requirements and the indigenous internship policies as well as our excellent working relationships with our employers.

We will match your individual needs and career or study aspirations to an appropriate company, and ensure you a customized internship position which meets according to your abilities, experience and unique requirements.

During your valuable customised Internship you will be integrated into your employer’s daily business routine with the same privileges and responsibilities as one of its full time staff members. You will be given detailed set tasks, specific duties and work assignments which will assist you to develop   your skills as required for the specific industry. If needed, we also offer a comprehensive support service throughout your stay and can assist with accommodation, language course and transfer arrangements.

WHAT MUST YOU DO NOW?

Contact our offices for more information and an Application Form.

We look forward to hearing from you

See if you can count the number of Giraffe in this pic?

This picture was taken at one of our wildlife volunteer projects in northern Kwa Zulu Natal. An awesome scene with a whole family group of Giraffe foraging in a small area.  New leave growth on the acacia trees are favoured by Giraffe and therefore this congregation of animals in one area. See if you can identify the correct number of animals in this picture? (Click on pic to see larger version)

Work Travel SA support our partner organisation to fund an ecological report for land owners to assist them in managing the elephant population on this private reserve. Wildlife volunteers accompany the conservation manager to monitor elephant behaviour on a daily basis, and to collect observational data on the two resident family herds.

Flooding around Kruger National Park

South Africa’s Kruger National Park has reopened its gates and is mostly back to normal after last week’s floods, which saw park officials having to evacuate 60 tourists who were stranded while out on safari drives.

In a statement issued on Monday, South African National Parks (SANParks) said that all gates to the park were now open, as well as almost all tarred roads within the park, and that most of the park’s safari camps were open and operational.

Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest wildlife reserve, covering almost 19 000 square kilometres – roughly the size of Wales – and is also the country’s premier safari destination, drawing around 1.3-million visitors from around the world every year.

SANParks said it was busy repairing the damage caused by the floods, adding that some services “might still be down or disrupted during this period. We apologise for inconveniences that might be experienced, and we promise to do everything in our power to minimize the disruptions”.

Kruger National Park spokesman William Mabasa told news agency AFP that the park’s animals were not affected by the flooding, and that no deaths or injuries to the park’s visitors were reported, although six tourists whose car was washed away had received treatment from the park’s doctors.

SANParks urged guests “to use water sparingly, as camps/gates and picnic spots in many areas operate on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity. Guests are Satara also requested to use electricity sparingly, as the Eskom supply line at Balule was washed away and the camp is operating on a standby generator.”

Article Courtesy of SouthAfrica.info

8 Rhino Carcasses found in Kruger

Eight rhino carcasses have been found in the Kruger National Park, SA National Parks said on Wednesday.

“Yesterday [Tuesday] on patrol, eight rhino carcasses were found. Three carcasses were found in Lower Sabie and five in the Pretoriuskop section of the park,” said spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli.

He said all the carcasses were of adults which had been shot and dehorned.

“They [officials] are busy with investigations now although there are a few leads they are working on as we speak,” said Thakhuli.

Last year, about 443 rhino were killed for their horns, with 333 killed in 2010.

Another sad day for animal lovers in South Africa.

(News 24)

POACHER CAUGHT

A suspected rhino poacher was arrested in the N’wanetsi section of the Kruger National Park (KNP), SA National Parks said Monday 12 December 2011

SANParks and SA National Defence Force members came across three armed suspected poachers and a shoot-out ensued on Sunday afternoon, spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli said. “This led to one suspect being wounded and arrested. The other two managed to escape back into Mozambique. We are liaising with our counterparts on that side to be on the lookout for the other two men.” A hunting rifle and four fresh rhino horns were recovered. One rhino carcass was found, while the second was being sought. The man was in hospital under police guard and expected to appear in court soon. “We will be on high alert for poachers this holiday season. We will not leave any stone unturned. Since January this year, 431 rhino have been killed and 244 of them in the KNP,” Thakhuli said. Seventy-eight suspected poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park this year.

(News24. 2011 )

Volunteering in Africa with WorkTravelSA will soon include Cape Town and Wildlife project combinations

Volunteering in Africa has taken on new meaning.  WorkTravelSA will from early 2012 offer combination projects where volunteers in Africa will be able to join a social care project in Cape Town, along with a wildlife conservation volunteer project in a proper big game reserve.  The social care projects, based around the greater city of Cape Town, will soon only be a 3 hour road journey from our new conservation volunteer camp in a big game reserve – home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopard and a host of plains game species.  Volunteers are now able to combine these projects during the time they volunteer in South Africa.  A combination of these unique and very different volunteer projects can now be done at a much reduced costs as the wildlife conservation camp is only a short road transfer from the vibrant city of Cape Town.  Keep checking for regular updates on development of our newest wildlife conservation project.

Lapalala Wilderness to be explored by our Big Five Conservation Project Volunteers

The 36 000 hectare Lapalala Wilderness is one of the largest private reserves in South Africa. It was the first to acquire black Rhino and today is one of the leading private rhino sanctuaries.

Founded in 1981 it is now part of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve within the region of our exsiting Big Five Conservation Project. We are developing this as a sister project to our Big Five Conservation Project as it poses similar conservation questions and would therefore become a very interesting comparative study site as we continue our volunteer work in both locations.