Hi Martin
Not sure if you have seen this article on the KNP website about the Pels, if not, here it is
http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-3-16-pels-fishing-owl-23464.html
I am sure it is possible the lodge is also a contributing factor.
Andrew
Hi, Andrew,
I have inserted below a quote from the KNP URL you posted above.
"The survey took place in the Pafuri section of the park, following the Luvuvhu River from Crook’s Corner to the Mutale Bend. This is the first survey of the river since the 2000 floods, and Pafuri section ranger Sandra Basson says that the vegetation has changed considerably since then. The first surveys of the Pel’s fishing owl population in this area were carried out in the early 1990s."
This suggests that we are comparing Pel's population today against a population recorded in the 1990's, during which period a major flood in the year 2000 significantly damaged the riverine vegetation. It is entirely possible that the Pel's population were adversely affected by this event. I was there in 2008 and we saw two owls, one flying along the river, and the other sitting in the trees beyond. We assumed this to be a pair, althought this may not necessarily have been the case. Rather than be despondent, I would hope that the population may rather be
increasing post the 2000 flood. Because of that flood, any figures from the 1990's become, in a sense, irrelevant, because the natural conditions were changed by that event.
I would not think that Pafuri Lodge on the north bank of the river would have any effect at all on the owls. I have been fortunate enough to see a number of Pel's Fishing Owls in the Delta, and they usually display a fine disregard for anything we happen to be doing.
It is important to understand the role of Pafuri Lodge in northern Kruger.
All ground north of the Luvuvhu River had been subject to a land claim by the Makuleke people. This would have led to the ground being given over to artisanal agriculture such as cattle and maize, and the development of small rural communities, with potentially catastrophic effects on the wildlife and vegetation of the area. Wilderness Safaris, who manage Pafuri Lodge, negotiated an arrangement with the Makuleke people in which the Makuleke people would receive a financial stake in Pafuri Lodge and its operations, in return for the land being left as it is. In a number of cooperative ventures between Wilderness and the Makuleke people, agricultural training in vegetable-growing in tunnels was provided, along with other improvement schemes. That produce is now sold to Pafuri Lodge and elsewhere, and Wilderness draws as many of its staff from within the Makuleke community as is practical, providing their training as part of the agreement. The existence of Pafuri Lodge is therefore integral to the continuing survival of this fascinating piece of country as a wilderness area, and a major factor in improving conditions for the Makuleke community.
Best wishes,
Dave
