KNP going back to natural water holes
As part of the drive to make the The Kruger National Park a completely natural habitat, the KNP will demolish three artificial water holes in the southern part of the Park in the week of 8-12 December 2014.
Explosives will be used to demolish these structures; after which the rubble will be removed as part of the rehabilitation process.
Six water-holes have been identified of which three is to be demolished: N’wanetsana concrete weir – found in the Mutlumvi concession, Bejwane – located along the southern side of the N’wasitshaka River in the Skukuza Section, Matlhari and Olienhoutfontein – both along the N’wasitshaka River in the Pretoriuskop Section as well as Olifant Drinkgat and Manzimahle North in the vicinity of the Mantimahle Dam.
The General Manager: Communications and Marketing, Mr William Mabasa said that the areas around the target structures will be cleared to ensure animals and people are safe; all roads in the areas will also be temporarily closed. Specific information with regards to which roads will be closed and when will be communicated in due time.
The KNP has been closing artificial water points for the past seven years.
Artificial water holes where water did not previously occur have led to numerous ecological problems such as erosion and other environmental degradation. This also has negative consequences for the rare herbivore species such as the Roan and Sable antelope with increased grazing competition by the more abundant herbivores. Conservation management has taken steps to rectify these negative consequences by closing and demolishing certain artificial watering holes.
These will be replaced by naturally occurring water holes in the areas where possible.
