Craig Jackson from the Northern Tuli Game Reserve wild dog project has updated us on the progress of the project that Knowsley Safari Park has sponsored. The project aims to establish a viable pack of wild dog within the Limpopo Valley region of eastern Botswana. Knowsley Safari Park has sponsored some of the research programme and a community outreach initiative, educating local communities about wild dogs, predators and conservation in general.
By November 2008 the introduced pack has been exploring outside the Northern Tuli Game reserve, even the South African side of the Limpopo River. They returned back to the reserve a bit on the skinny side as there is less game for them outside of the reserve. However, they killed and ate four eland calves within a few days of returning, so full bellies once again.
Two male dogs, about 18 months of age, did not return from these wanderings and Craig is unsure whether they have simply dispersed or if they were killed. However, the Northern Tuli pack now numbers 11 adults and 12 pups.
There have been good rains in November, allowing lush vegetation to grow. But this has probably washed away the scents for the experimental BioBoundary fence. More frozen scent marks are on their way from Pretoria University to reinforce the areas previously demarcated and allow the experiment to continue. So far the packs? reaction to this boundary using a different packs? scent marking placed by the Northern Tuli Project has been to respond by turning away or to one side. New BioBoundary marks are to be placed along the Sashe River to see if this will stop the pack moving across into the Maramani communal area.
The sponsorship money from Knowsley Safari Park is earmarked for the following projects in Northern Tuli:
Vehicle operating expenses
Field operating equipment
Community Awareness programme ? printing costs of questionnaire
Office supplies.