Birding on Foot at Shingwedzi A second successful Birding on Foot event was hosted by the West Rand Region in November 2024, this time at Shingwedzi Rest Camp. Walking events alternated with vehicle birding drives. When not out birding, guests were entertained with in-camp activities such as ‘Garden Golf’ and ‘Bird and Wine’. It is always a treat to visit areas that are not open to the public. Guests enjoyed a final game drive to the Red Rocks potholes for peaceful sundowners with no crowds or traffic jams. As usual, a well-camouflaged cryptic nightjar kept guests guessing all the way back to camp. Sumptuous dinners were served in the day visitors’ area and, on the final evening, guests were put to the test with a fun and friendly ‘Bird Music Quiz’. Contact Tracy Yates tracy@black-chilli.com Monitoring roadkill in Kruger National Park The Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Brake for Wildlife project aims to determine the effectiveness of road signs to modify driver behaviour and reduce roadkill in protected areas. The SHR recently completed a one-year collaborative programme with the EWT to monitor roadkill on two identified hotspot roads in Kruger National Park. Members received training from the EWT in roadkill data collection. The EWT’s Brake for Wildlife signboards were erected along the two hotspot roads. They requested road users slowdown from a maximum speed of 50 km/h to 40 km/h in a 2 km treatment zone. During the year-long programme, members of the SHR undertook 505 roadkill patrols, clocking up a total of 2 145 duty hours and a distance of 10 100km. A total of 137 roadkill incidents were recorded. A second phase of the project is envisaged. Results will be used to inform road sign placement and design. SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 143
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