Klaserie Chronicle No 47, Autumn 2019
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KLASERIE CHRONICLE NO 47 2 KLASERIE CHRONICLE NO 47 3 The Klaserie Drift Safari Camps Group comprises of 2 camps which are ideally located to enjoy all the wildlife Africa has to offer, in a private and secluded setting; featuring the big five, incredibly diverse landscapes and comfortable accommodation with all modern amenities. In this issue © Sam Cox Regulars Community Queen of hard work, friendliness Taita Falcon: Small & feisty 20 11 and success 30 Look-alike birds: Part 4 22 A winning weekend African civet: not a jackal, Q & A with Mersin Ngobeni 35 not a cat 44 The start of a journey to 42 Bushveld moments 08 45 greatness 52 Our time on earth 56 Up close and personal with nature Elusive in the shadows Going the extra mile: 28 54 Marie-Tinka Uys 32 Protecting big trees & big elephants 44 Features 36 Defying the odds Stroop: SA Rhino film wins top 4 awards Costs and benefits of cooperative 40 breeding 8 Sniffing for poachers 46 Soil with soul 12 Staying alive 48 Christmas at Klaserie Drift 16 A learning destination in the heart of the African bush The relationship between 50 elephants and vultures “I feel it’s my The intimate Camp provides a welcome mixture of African A dry river bed separates the Camp from a frequently 18 Rare Peatlands rondavel suites that can accommodate 10 guests, and a modern, used watering hole, which lies adjacent to the extensive responsibility to clean farm style main building and entertainment area. A entertainment area and commonly attracts jackals, hyenas, Multi-partner agreement flagstone pathway leads guests to the awe-inspiring lookout warthogs and elephants. Across the green lawn and under 24 look after and connects society to conservation 04 deck, built above the Klaserie River, incorporating a second the large trees, the charming, large house provides ample give back to entertainment area with breath-taking views. accommodation for eight guests. 26 Loyal little heroes nature.” Reservations: 082 456 0673 [email protected] • www.klaseriedrift.co.za KLASERIE CHRONICLE NO 47 002 KLASERIE CHRONICLE NO 47 003 Editor’s note It's a new year, a chance for a new The magazine will be a bumper start, and what better way to face it edition consisting of over 200 pages. than with a brand-new look? It will be a lovely addition to your coffee table. We have implemented a few simple design changes to the look and feel However, we need stories, of our beloved Klaserie Chronicle and information, facts, legends and hope that you like what you see. Our images to put together a magazine editorial team has done a brilliant that truly celebrates 50 years of the job in putting together a sleek and KPNR. If you have any stories about modern design to showcase top-class how it was to visit the reserve in sightings and informative articles to 1969, legendary Klaserie members, keep you inspired and informed on scientific and conservation events, the latest community developments incredible wildlife scenes, significant If you would like to contribute or just and conservation news in our natural events or anything that you’d run an idea for a possible story past beautiful area. like to share that makes the Klaserie us, please get in touch at the best place in the world, please [email protected]. We look We are also excited to announce get in touch. that the next edition of the Klaserie forward to hearing from you and Chronicle will be a special edition We’re also looking for your best making this happen! celebrating the 50th anniversary of photos so please contact us if you are this wonderful place we call home, willing to share beautiful imagery for the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. publication. Half a century ago, three farmers The Klaserie has given us so much had the idea to combine all farmland over the past 50 years and we want CEO Eco Children along the Klaserie River to form a to celebrate this wonderful place in facebook.com/ecochildrenSA single private nature reserve and a fitting manner. The natural beauty today the KPNR covers approximately of this place is undeniable but what ecochildren.co.za 60,000 hectares. really gives the reserve personality is you, the people who live and The Klaserie Chronicle team wants to spend time here. Please help us put celebrate these small beginnings and together a Klaserie Chronicle that truly the massive progress that was made captures all of the beautiful elements since then in a high quality, glossy of our special place, the KPNR. magazine: a Klaserie Chronicle like you’ve never seen before. Editorial Editor: Corné Havenga KLASERIE Sub-editor: Catharina Robbertze Advertising and articles: Laura Craig CHRONICLE Layout and design: Cecilia Theron-Du Preez Readers’ Queries The Klaserie Chronicle is published quarterly and distributed to Photographs KPNR members, as well as Eco Children donors, partners and Susan Scott, Jessica Rowles, Bushwise, Emily Whiting Chronicle advertisers. For any contributions or queries please Greater Kruger Hotel School, Kruger 2 Canyons Biosphere email [email protected] Julie Zickefoose, Sabrina Chielens, Lindsey Jones or contact Laura on 082 713 7550. Colin Rowles, African Impact, Derek Solomon We love to hear from you. Robin Cook, Leon Marais, Samuel Cox, Patrick Suverein Warren Howson, Stefan Breuer, Kyle Middleton Molly Feherty, Shutterstock Contributors “A river winding between thornveld thickets, unfolding from the feet of the Corné Havenga, Catharina Robbertze, JAG Communications, Marian Viljoen, Emily Whiting, Alanka Craffert, Kruger 2 Canyons Thank You Drakensberg Mountains; the Klaserie remains alluringly untamed as one of Biosphere, Peter Lawson, Marie-Tinka Uys, Lindsey Jones, Eco Children would like to thank all our sponsors, donors and SANParks, Colin Rowles, Samuel Cox, Derek Solomon, supporters for your continued support. Your contributions, Kruger’s most exclusive alcoves.” Dr. Michelle Henley, Robin Cook, Sophie Brown, however big or small, are invaluable in our mission to sow seeds Kyle Middleton, Ian Shoebotham of change. Tel : 021 712 5284/85 | Email : [email protected] KLASERIE CHRONICLE NO 47 004 CONSERVATION|AWARENESS KLASERIE CHRONICLE NO 47 005 CONSERVATION|AWARENESS South African feature documentary highlighting the plight of rhinos, focusing on the fight on the ground in South African game reserves Aand the trade of rhino horn in the East is making waves at international film festivals. The reward tally of STROOP: Journey into the Rhino Horn War now stands at 15, including the coveted Best Documentary award at the prestigious San Diego International Film STROOPSOUTH AFRICAN RHINO FILM WINS TOP AWARDS Festival. Words JAG Communications | Photos Susan Scott Hollywood’s Mudbound producer Kyle Tekiela presented the award to filmmakers Bonné de Bod and Susan Scott saying, “documentaries tell stories that bring big issues to light and the jury felt this was one of the biggest of them all, that poignantly conveys the struggle the world’s rhinos are having to remain alive for the next decade.” In recognition of the impact the film is having in California, the California Legislature as well as the State Senator have sent the filmmakers certificates of recognition from the State of California for outstanding achievements in the cinematic arts, thanking the South Africans for their work in revealing the rhino crisis to the world and contributing to the arts and the Californian community. Says STROOP producer and presenter de Bod: “Winning these awards has opened up new opportunities to get the film seen around the globe. Film festival directors and distributors are contacting us directly because of the buzz around the documentary and to get something this hard-hitting and shocking in front of as many audiences as possible is of course vital for everyone who is concerned about the ongoing slaughter of our dwindling rhino population.” “The jury felt this ... poignantly conveys the struggle the world’s rhinos are having to remain alive for the next decade.” KLASERIE CHRONICLE NO 47 006 CONSERVATION|AWARENESS KLASERIEKLASERIE CHRONICLE CHRONICLE NO NO 47 47 007 CONSERVATION|AWARENESS Awards received to date • San Francisco Green Film Festival - The Green Tenacity Award • Santa Cruz Film Festival - Spirit of Action Feature Film Award Director, Scott added: “I do find it incredible and ironic • San Pedro International Film Festival - Best that the state of California is recognising the film in Documentary Award such a huge way, because many times during filming, we were told to put Americans in the film to give • Glendale International Film Festival - Best Female relevance for the international audience. But this has Filmmaker Award connected with Americans precisely because it’s about • LA Femme International Film Festival - Special ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary things Focus Documentary Award for our planet. I’m so glad we stuck with keeping the “In addition to the slew of story about our heroes on the ground, these awards • San Diego International Film Festival - Best recognise their work.” awards the film has won, Documentary Award • Mystic Film Festival - Best International STROOP was invited to screen Documentary Award at no less than 20 official film • Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam - Newcomer Award • Berlin Courage Film Festival - Best Documentary festivals.” Award STROOP: Journey into the Rhino Horn War tells • Berlin Courage Film Festival - The Courage Award the shocking and touching story of the ongoing for Most Courageous Film poaching of rhino and the trade in its coveted In addition to the slew of awards the film has won, horn. In an exclusive first, de Bod and Scott • Hollywood International Independent STROOP was invited to screen at no less than filmed special ranger units inside the Kruger Documentary Awards - Best Documentary Feature 20 official film festivals.