RESERVE REPORT
MAY 2013
Introduction
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an animal that has always fascinated me, its shape and size
unmistakable in the African savanna with its intriguing physiological adaptations. The long extended neck
is the best example of a special and distinguishing characteristic of the giraffe. In Afrikaans the giraffe is
called a “kameelperd” referring to its camel like appearance. There are nine subspecies of giraffe,
distinguished apart by coat patterns and different range distributions. The South African giraffe (G. c.
giraffe) is the subspecies that occurs on Ingwelala. Giraffes are the tallest land animals, up to 6 metres in
height, the Zulu name, “ndlulamithi” translates as “taller than trees” aptly describes this characteristic.
In Africa giraffes range northwards from South Africa to Chad in the north, and east west from Somalia to
Niger respectively. They can tolerate arid conditions.
In adults, males weigh about 300 kgs more than females. Both sexes have horns which are actually called
ossicones. In contrast to regular horns, ossicones have a skin cover and are vascular. In males the
ossicones are thicker in appearance, often void of hair tufts that females have and are used in fighting.
The tongue is unusually long, and assists the animal when browsing. Papillae line the inside of the mouth
which is protection against thorns and sharp twigs.
Giraffes are browsers, at Ingwelala their food preferences will be from the more common occurring
Genera such as Acacia, Combretum and Terminalia. Observations in time have noted giraffes
occasionally licking bones from carcasses. They are the largest ruminant. To facilitate regurgitation for
purposes of “chewing the cud” the oesophagus muscles are exceptionally strong. Despite having such
long necks, they have seven neck vertebras like all mammals, only that the giraffe neck vertebras are very
elongated. Time spent feeding each day can be as much as 20 hours, eating approximately 30 kgs of
browse.
1
The strongest social bonds are between females and their offspring. Although giraffes have home ranges,
they are not territorial. Adult males will compete for females in estrus, where a courtship takes place.
Gestation is usually 15 months. Females give birth standing up, the calf dropping some distance to the
ground. The calf is around 1.8m in height and can stand on its own soon after birth. Calves are vulnerable
to predation and spend much of their early time in hiding. Males play no part in protecting or raising the
young.
More interesting facts about giraffes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“Necking” is the term referred to when males fight to establish social dominance.
The okapi is the giraffe’s closest relative.
At birth the newborn’s ossicones are flat, erecting themselves after a few days.
The heart can weigh up to 10kgs; it has special adaptations to enable pumping blood to the brain.
The blood pressure is twice that of other large mammals.
A special valve reduces the blood flow and pressure to the brain when a giraffe lowers its head.
The West African giraffe (G. c. peralta) is the most endangered.
Giraffes have excellent eyesight, an anti predator aid.
Giraffes have two gaits, galloping and walking.
An anti predator aid is their take off speed from standing still, attaining a top speed of 60kph.
When water is available it can drink up to 40 litres per day.
Giraffes have the longest tail of any terrestrial mammal.
In the wild, longevity is 25 years.
Facts researched off the Internet, text by John Llewellyn. Pictures by Gail Alborough and
Natalie Llewellyn.
2
Climate and rainfall (summary)
Rainfall: 0.3mm
Minimum temperature: 05 degrees Celsius.
Maximum temperature: 32 degrees Celsius.
The following graph summarises total rainfall recorded at Ingwelala for the month of May over the past 30
years.
RAINFALL
40
35
30
MM
25
20
15
10
5
May 1984 - 2013
(Note: May 2013: 0.3 mm is below the monthly average of 6 mm)
Staff compliment
Reserve Manager (1)
Conservation Manager and 2iC (1)
Shop and Systems Manageress (1)
Sibon and Housekeeping Manageress (1)
Accounts Manageress (1)
Workshop Manager (1)
Maintenance Manager (1)
Receptionist (1)
Field Assistants (8)
Grounds staff (1)
Domestics (13)
Maintenance Assistants (5)
Workshop Assistants (5)
Petrol and Stores Attendant (1)
Shop assistants (2)
Sibon (2)
Staff Movement
Nil.
Bungalows for sale
Bungalow # 74, a half share for R 1.600 million.
Bungalow # 86, a full share for R 2.500 million, negotiable.
3
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
0
Conservation
Alien plant eradication
X35 Opuntia spp poisoned with herbicide in camp.
Veld Rehabilitation
Nil.
Erosion Control
Whenever possible, conservation staff is addressing erosion measures in the camp, aligning road
drainage and recovering washed soil around bungalows and entrance roads. This is an ongoing project.
Roads, tracks and airstrip
Airstrip surface inspected weekly and recorded in a register. It remains officially closed. Due to no rain and
compaction, the surface has started to break up. The top layer is loose and sandy.
The majority of roads were dragged using tractors and tyres during the month of May. All perimeter roads
acting as fire breaks were also serviced and cleared of encroaching vegetation.
Several drivers find Tamboti Crossing a challenge resulting in frequent calls to recover vehicles.
Fencing
Three breaches by bull elephants and one giraffe cow during the reporting period.
Game sightings
Game viewing has remained sparse, most likely due to the prevailing veld conditions and water
availability. Buffalo have taken advantage of these conditions and large herds numbering 200 individuals
have ranged on Ingwelala. However, the autumn season is upon us; the veld is drying out with leaves
changing colour in preparation for the fall.
Three wild dogs were seen on the main road in the vicinity of Ndlopfu.
Most nights one could hear a leopard calling in camp.
General sightings included; hippo, giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, nyala, impala, grey duiker,
steenbok, warthog, spotted hyena, African wild cat and crocodile.
Birds recorded included; Brown Snake Eagle, Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Ground
Hornbill, Saddle-billed Stork and White-backed Vultures.
Security
No incidents to report.
Umbabat
The second meeting scheduled for 11 May to progress the Federal System in the Umbabat took place at
Ntsiri. The next meeting is scheduled for 06 July 2013.
Road Kills
X2 Hornbills.
X1 Squirrel.
4
Water reticulation
Yield data for the boreholes is reflected in the following table, comparative with previous months.
BOREHOLE
MAY
13
75
477
460
1014
539
0
358
Solar
333
800
BH NO 1
BH NO 2
BH NO 3
BH NO 4
BH NO 5
BH NO 6
BH NO 7
BH NO 9
J.B
GOODEHOOP
APR
13
0
674
176
810
563
0
250
Solar
291
1548
MAR
13
45
1254
227
622
223
*
275
Solar
370
1325
FEB
13
69
999
157
496
200
59
319
Solar
417
638
JAN
13
421
1187
175
671
489
237
406
Solar
337
196
DEC
12
571
1232
Solar
875
354
648
282
Solar
269
614
NOV
12
351
579
Solar
669
382
550
525
Solar
335
411
OCT
12
303
789
Solar
696
328
639
414
Solar
310
370
SEP
12
270
554
Solar
740
*
590
546
Solar
114
351
AUG
12
383
1133
Solar
595
378
640
366
Solar
173
534
COMMENTS:
1. The volume is expressed in cubic metres per month.
2. * denotes faulty gauge (when applicable).
Eskom Usage
The following graph shows the monthly Eskom Usage (Kwh) for Ingwelala.
Eskom Kwh
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
Apr-13
May-13
Mar-13
Jan-13
Feb-13
Dec-12
Oct-12
Nov-12
Sep-12
Jul-12
Aug-12
Jun-12
Apr-12
May-12
Mar-12
Jan-12
Feb-12
Dec-11
Oct-11
Nov-11
Sep-11
Jul-11
Aug-11
Jun-11
Apr-11
May-11
Mar-11
Jan-11
Feb-11
Dec-10
Oct-10
Nov-10
Sep-10
Jul-10
Aug-10
Jun-10
Apr-10
May-10
0
Kwh
Workshop
WORKSHOP
MAY
13
APR
13
MAR
13
FEB
13
JAN
13
DEC
12
NOV
12
OCT
12
SEP
12
AUG
12
JOB CARDS OPENED
55
59
72
36
49
83
39
50
42
63
JOB CARDS CLOSED
65
60
76
31
54
53
43
58
34
56
GENERATOR HOURS
0.6
2.6
5.5
3.3
8.7
5.6
15.3
14.9
3
15.2
DIESEL TANK (L)
1850
875
925
975
1000
1100
1175
1350
1525
1575
COMMENTS: There were seven job cards open as at 31/05/13.
5
Vehicles and Workshop
The general fleet and static plant maintenance is 100% compliant with the servicing schedule.
Water Hilux is due for replacement.
Maintenance Land Rover replaced.
Building projects
Current (major) building projects are listed below:
Bung
No
Name
Work requested
Approval
%
Complete
Builder
120
Barnes Senekal
Rebuild
Approved Oct 12
Chameleon
80%
150
Colin Cocking
Rebuild (Flood damage)
Approved Jan 13
Chameleon
25%
140
John Mackenzie
Rebuild
Approved May 13
Chameleon
0%
162
Casper Lotter
Rebuild (Flood damage)
Approved Nov 12
Sharalumi
20%
177
Noel Tyler
Rebuild
Approved May 12
Chameleon
98%
194
John Richards
Rebuild
Approved Nov 12
Chameleon
15%
Bungalows working towards building approval for various scopes of work include # 32, #62, # 93, # 96,
# 125 and # 156.
Sibon
Reception advises that the following dates are available for occupation at Sibon:
2013
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2014
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
24-27
09-25, 31
01-03, 14-19
12-17, 30
01-05, 11-20, 25-29
09-29
09-18, 29-31
01-13, 18-28
01-12, 19-20, 25-27
01-05, 10-16, 23-25
19-31
01-04, 10-30
For any further enquiries please contact Babs Lawrence in Reception on 015 – 7931242 or
[email protected]
Reception Statistics
MAY
13
GATE STATISTICS
APR
13
MAR
13
FEB
13
JAN
13
DEC
12
NOV
12
OCT
12
SEP
12
AUG
12
VEHICLES
218
254
337
136
145
388
197
157
283
332
MEMBERS GUESTS
636
756
1061
372
419
1220
552
449
864
1009
UNACCOMP GUESTS
35
40
32
2
10
13
7
51
39
24
UNITS OCCUPIED
124
163
175
97
154
195
117
100
164
168
AIRBORNE VISITORS
11
8
9
2
0
5
16
2
6
25
MAY
13
APR
13
MAR
13
FEB
13
JAN
13
DEC
12
NOV
12
OCT
12
SEP
12
AUG
12
COTTAGE NIGHTS
HORNBILL
8
20
12
4
9
12
4
5
12
19
FRANCOLIN
5
6
8
4
15
13
4
15
9
19
GUINEAFOWL
5
16
6
0
12
16
6
9
7
19
6
General
1.
Reception has requested that all laundry items be clearly marked with bungalow numbers. Any
unmarked items will be marked by our staff accordingly to avoid miss identification. The use of
refuse bags serving as laundry bags is not ideal. Suitable and durable laundry bags are available
from Reception at R35.00 each. Laundry bags should also be clearly marked with your bungalow
number, please.
2.
Maintenance continues to advise that they are in a position to assist with any painting required,
especially interior painting, over and above their routine services provided.
3.
Kindly be reminded of the remoteness of Ingwelala, and the substantial distances and travel time
necessary to seek professional medical facilities in the case of an emergency. Please ensure that
any guests travelling with you to the Reserve are fully aware of this and that persons on chronic or
similar medication should plan sufficient supplies when visiting Ingwelala. Please also remember to
consult your General Practitioner for advice on malaria prophylactics before visiting Ingwelala.
4.
Updated Reserve maps are available in the Shop, detailing the new facilities and infrastructure
changes (roads and picnic sites).
5.
It is interesting to note how often bungalows are vacated after occupation where windows are left
open and doors are not locked. This is brought to management’s attention by the Ntomeni Rangers
during their routine patrols through camp. This literally leaves the door wide open for baboons to
enter and wreck the place.
6.
John Lawrence recently returned from attending an in depth technical training course on solar
design, installation and routine maintenance. Details of the in house services Ingwelala will be
offering Members in this regard will follow in a dedicated communication in the new financial year
(July 2013).
7.
From time to time I appeal to all Members to review their personal circumstances and needs for
what appears to me like a lot of “spare” vehicles house in the Workshop. Garaging is very limited
and there are serious spatial challenges for further expansion. We should be working hard to
reduce our footprint and impact. This is again one of those times that I appeal to Members to review
your vehicle status and consider disposing any unused or “retired” game viewers. You are welcome
to contact me directly in this regard for further assistance.
8.
A reminder that the Shop is to undergo an internal make over during the next 4 - 6 weeks. This will
entail maximising usage of available space. We are installing new shelving, pay point counters,
screening, change cubicle and smart looking cabinets for important retail stock such as spirit liquor
and cigarettes. Please bear with the staff during the fitting, apologies for any inconveniences and a
potentially dusty environment
9.
A Public Meeting for Interested and Affected Parties concerning the application to rebuild dams on
the neighbouring Wilkens property was held in White River on 03 May 2013. The meeting was
well attended. Subsequently, Interested and Affected Parties are waiting for the new draft report to
be compiled by the applicant’s appointed environmental practitioners. Once this draft report is
received, the information will be assessed and commented on. These comments will be reviewed
and included in the final report submitted to the authorities for decision making.
10.
If for any reason you are using your “town vehicle” for game viewing due to malfunction on your
game viewer, please ensure you obtain temporary decals from Reception before traversing on
Ingwelala so all vehicles are easily identifiable.
11.
Kindly be reminded that tracker seats may no longer be used.
12.
Progress on compiling the 2013 Member Survey is good. Bungalow Administrators will be
contacted accordingly in due course (Internal Relations Committee).
Thank you for your continued support.
John Llewellyn
Reserve Manager
7
Ingwelala Share Block Ltd.
ANNEXURE 1 – GRAPHS
No. of Vehicles (per month)
500
450
400
350
300
2011
250
2012
2013
200
150
100
50
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
No. of Bungalows Occupied (per month)
250
200
150
2011
2012
100
2013
50
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
No. of Guests (per month)
1400
1200
1000
800
2011
600
2012
400
2013
200
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
8
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Hornbill Occupancy (nights per month)
25
20
15
2011
2012
10
2013
5
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Francolin Occupancy (nights per month)
25
20
15
2011
2012
10
2013
5
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Guinaefowl Occupancy (nights per month)
25
20
15
2011
2012
10
2013
5
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
9
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
No. of job cards opened (per month)
90
80
70
60
50
2011
40
2012
30
2013
20
10
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Generator Hours (per month)
160
140
120
100
2011
80
2012
60
2013
40
20
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Ground Water Extraction m3
(combined boreholes per month)
6000
5000
4000
2011
3000
2012
2000
2013
1000
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
10
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
11