Wildlife is interwoven in the fabric of hands-on conservation in protected areas. In this episode, we meet characters of all kinds emerging from the bush and into the daily lives of Peace Parks teams as they all go about their business! From camouflaged creeping critters to conspicuous heavyweights, you never quite know what’s around the next corner in Mozambique’s national parks. For the Peace Parks teams to do what they do, they need to be comfortable with that reality.
Animal Antics
Lourens de Lange, former Conservation and Protection Technical Advisor in Limpopo National Park delights in a night drive back to base, following in the tracks of a couple of bumbling honey badgers. On a scorching day, staff deliver a Tupperware of water to a thirsty tortoise. Some animals, such as a sneakily twig-like stick insect, keep to themselves more than others, hidden from the untrained eye. When a highly venomous boomslang snake slips down from the trees to a vehicle’s engine for a change of scenery, pilot Delport Bothma takes a hands-on, experienced approach when relocation is necessary. Aviation Manager Hannes hosts a gecko in the cockpit, far from its usual enclaves on the ground, and elephants keep Antony Alexander, Programme Manager for Great Limpopo and Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Areas, and Johalize Koch, Conservation Planner, on their toes!
Confidence, Care and Comfort
Whatever the behaviour, you can rest assured that teams are treating animals with the utmost respect. It’s vital to be mindful of different species’ needs for space and safety, and the care and compassion called for in shared spaces.
From geckos to elephants, peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife is a priority.
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