Summer in southern Africa is always an exciting time of year. It brings about new life and renewed vigour after a long, dry winter, but it too can often bring about its own set of challenges. The recent heavy rains across the northern, central and eastern parts of South Africa and throughout parts of Mozambique have led to the overflowing of rivers and flooding in low-lying areas. This has meant that park staff and rangers have had their hands full in navigating the challengingly wet conditions.
Heavy Rains Bring Challenges In Zinave
Many of the sand roads within national parks pose a challenge to most drivers during the rainy season as they very quickly turn to mud. With the recent heavy rains, not only has the road turned to mud in Mozambique’s Zinave National Park but parts of it are completely flooded.
Luckily, the Zinave team are no strangers to these kinds of situations, and the cars are well-equipped with adequate recovery gear. With a few extra hands on deck, the crew jumps into action by hooking a winch to another vehicle, which helps to pull the heavy 4×4 out of the water.
The New Peace Parks Helicopter To The Rescue
With many areas in Limpopo National Park now being inaccessible due to impassable roads, Counter-Poaching Coordinator Bruce Missing explains that the new Peace Parks helicopter is being put to task to help get fresh food supplies and new tents to the rangers in the field.
Having just welcomed this helicopter to the fleet, it is already playing a critically important role in conservation management, counter-poaching and ranger support in the vast and remote Limpopo National Park.
Come rain or shine, the work never stops for the teams on the ground. Peace Parks Foundation is extremely thankful for their dedication to helping keep our protected areas and all those who work within them safe.
