The Kammanassie Nature Reserve in the Klein Karoo has received a life-changing donation from the Cape Hunters and Gaming Conservation Association.
CapeNature’s Kammanassie Nature Reserve team, between Uniondale and Oudtshoorn, has been very concerned about the possibility of animals dying of thirst. Fountains, rivers and streams have dried up due to the severe drought caused by climate change.
The Cape Hunters and Gaming Conservation Association better known as Kaapjag, have now intervened and donated a solar pump to CapeNature for the Reserve's use. In addition, Kaapjag managed to arrange a 5000 litre water tank sponsored by Roto Tank, situated in Moorreesburg.
Among the animals in dire need of water is a precious herd of 42 Cape mountain zebras in the reserve. The small population in Kammanassie Nature Reserve is one of three relict Cape mountain zebra populations. 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 this iconic animal.
Growth of the Reserve's 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.
Given the recent fires on the Kammanassie Mountain in January and February this year, the population will continue to experience slow growth due to the burning of many hectares of young veld.
Kaapjag conservation official Gustav Smit said: “We decided to get involved because we are not only hunters but care for the environment as well and conservation has played a role in Kaapjag’s activities since our establishment 34 years ago.”
Now these zebras and other animals on the reserve will have enough water to drink and there should be no thirst-related deaths once these structures are put up in the coming weeks.
CapeNature chief executive Dr 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.”