NELSPRUIT- The Kruger National Park (KNP) Scientists and Rangers in conjunction with Working on Fire teams applied the high intensity prescribed burn in the southern part of the Park in the beginning of September..
The teams started with multiple spiral ignition which were followed by perimeter ignition which resulted in the temporal closure of the following gravel roads: S112 ,S118, S23, S113, S114 and H3 to the Jock of the Bushveld, Afsaal Picnic Spot, Gardenia bird hide, Lukimbi Private Lodge and the Biyamiti Bush Camp.
“The aim of this fire treatment is to determine the desirability and feasibility of researching with high intensity burns to address bush thickening at selected areas in the KNP. The data analysis indicated that we have the most suitable weather conditions to conduct the treatment around this period in September,” explained William Mabasa .
He said the clearing of the area was necessary to ensure the safety of animals and ground teams to guide tourists on alternative roads.
He added that the exercise was a follow-up on a high intensity burn which took place in 2010.
“In preparation for this year’s treatment, prior vegetation surveys were conducted such as sampling the vegetation before and after the fire treatment, collecting of data a year after the burn to look at re-growth responses, plot work – recording of all woody vegetation, information such as species, height, diameter and number of stems,” he added.
