Kaapjag intervenes in dire water situation at reserve
THE Cape Hunters and Gaming Conservation Association, better known as Kaapjag, have intervened in the water situation at the Kammanassie Nature Reserve (KNR) in the Klein Karoo between Uniondale and Oudtshoorn, by donating a solar pump.
They made the donation via CapeNature, and it follows Kaapjag also managing to arrange a 5 000-litre water tank sponsored by Roto Tank.
CapeNature said many farmers had been left with no choice but to accept water from neighbouring farms so their animals may drink.
Among the animals in need is a herd of 42 Cape mountain zebras in the reserve.
Given the recent fires on the Kammanassie Mountain last month and this month, the population will continue to experience slow growth due to the burning of many hectares of young veld.
The small population is one of three relict Cape mountain zebra populations, and although the genetic diversity of this population is low, it is genetically distinct from the other two populations, namely, the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve and Mountain Zebra National Park populations, and thus vital for the future conservation of the animal.
“Indications are that the future survival of the Cape mountain zebra metapopulation in the wild and within its natural distribution range may require, among other things, the mixing of at least some animals from the three relict populations to avoid genetic bottlenecks, but growth of the KNR population is negatively impacted by habitat availability, frequent wildfires, reduced rainfall and subsequent reduced water availability in the reserve.
“Cape mountain zebra are heavily dependent on water to drink on a daily basis. Mountain Fynbos covers more than 80% of the reserve but of this, only the Arid Restioid Fynbos and Waboomveld habitats are preferred by mountain zebra. The suitability of these habitats for mountain zebra is, however, highly variable and impacted by these elements.”
Kaapjag conservation official Gustav Smit said they decided to get involved because they cared for the environment and conservation had played a role in Kaapjag’s activities since its establishment 34 years ago.
The zebras and other animals on the reserve will have enough water to drink and there should be no thirstrelated deaths once these
‘This is a fine example of a conservation partnership in action’
structures are put up in the coming weeks.
CapeNature chief executive Razeena Omar said: “This is a fine example of a conservation partnership in action.
“As the conservation authority in the Western Cape, we value partnerships which add value to the conservation of our valuable and unique biodiversity.
“The donation is an invaluable contribution to the survival of these unique zebras, and we thank Kaapjag for this.”