Beach patrol – consolidating the loot. Beach clean-up Members of the Wilderness Region undertook a beach clean-up from Swartvlei Beach to Gericke’s Point. Microplastics were abundant. They collected several bags-full of waste, including fishing hooks, a flip-flop and a boot! A nearby angler pointed out another four large black plastic bags filled with refuse. Struggling with the load, a group of four SANParks rangers returning from their own patrol offered to help. So, with bags in hand, the roles were reversed: SANParks rangers assisted the SHR on their duty. Thank you to SANParks! The members of Tsitsikamma Region have been participating in a Leopard Research Project lead by Dr Jeannine McManus of the University of the Western Cape. Her study aims to provide crucial insights into leopard densities, spatial requirements, and habitat preferences. Working in partnership with local communities, conservation organisations, and policymakers, the study aims to find evidencebased solutions to drive conservation action. GPS collars and camera traps are used to track leopard movements and identify key corridors essential for maintaining population connectivity. The members of Tsitsikamma Region have assisted by placing camera traps in the field and replacing the batteries when required. It is estimated that there are 60 leopards in the area stretching from Baviaanskloof to the Keurbooms River. They avoid high-density human habitations, and play an important role in baboon population control, thereby benefitting farmers. Leopard camera trap survey in the Garden Route National Park 142 SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 NEWS SNIPPETS Members’ activities continued
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI0MzQ=