Nature Conservation

Cultural heritage site

2010-08-17T02:46:00.000-07:00

17/08/2010

Today we went to our heritage site on the farm to do a bit of practical work. What we did was look for old fossilised rocks that have been left there from the the stone age right through to the iron age.
What we did was once we found a rock or tool we wrote on a small card filling in things like location date co-ordinates and what it is we found. After that we then took a picture of the evidence with a rule and the card. The rule was used for us to get a measurement of the evidence so we can date back to what era it was like early stone age or late stone age. Your different eras tell you what type of tools they made like late stone age is when their tools were much smaller and sharper and more effective.
The photo at the top left corner is a picture of some bones and a old part of pottery.
Top right is a pic of me looking for artifacts.

Game capture

2010-08-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

25 - 29 July 2010

In this week we did came capture, which I found extreamly interesting and fun. It started on monday the 25th of July where we started with the building of the bomas, this took about the whole day. Wat we do is run two cables to the left and two to the right so it forms a v shape. Along the cables we set up poles to which the cables hook onto. After that they put up diffrent lines inside the boma, these lines are used to close off the animals as they run in so that they dont run back. After that they start putting up the sails. For most of the sails they put up are fixed, in other words they dont move, the lines and back line sails are put up but then drawn back and hiden in the camoflauge so the animals dont see it when they run past. The following day we started with game capture were the hlicopter came in and started chasing animals towards the boma when the animals run in the chopper than has to give off the signal for us to close the sails and then so on until it reaches the last line. After that we then move the animals up the ramp and into the truck were they are sudated to calm down. After that we broke down the boma and moved to another spot and started over.

In total we caught about 70 animals which include blessbok, blouwildbees, eland and kudus.
I really enjoyed this work especially when I got to fly in the helicopter to help look for kudus, this type of job I would not mind going into.

Mountin bike trail

2010-08-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

24 July 2010

On this day we had our family mountain bike day which went smoothly, but the work we did for this day was the week before where we had to clean up the trails.

There were three trails that needed to be cut and cleaned. The first one was the 2 km trail than the 20 km trail and the 40 km trail. The equipment that we used during this week was: Spade, rakes, pangas and brush cutters. The spades were used to fill in holes along the trail and take out the loose sand. The rakes were used to even out the pathway and rake up thorns and branches. The pangas were used to cut away overhanging branches and stumps in the road. The brush cutters were used to cut away grass that was growing in the pathway.

Out of this experience I learnt how to keep up with guests expectation and keep them happy by maintaining the pathways by cleaning them and making them as comfortable as possible for the guests.

Fire breaks

2010-06-11T02:13:00.000-07:00

30 May 2010 - 10 June 2010

For the past two weeks we have been cutting fire breaks around the houses. The plan was to cut a main fire break around the houses and then cut in between them, but we did not have enough time to finish cutting between the houses, but we did manage to complete the big fire break around the houses. The tools that we used were: Tractor and slasher, tractor and trailer, pitch forks, brush cutters, axes, saw and pangas.

The tractor slashed where it could and if there where any small trees or rocks, then we would remove them for the tractor to pass. Once that was done we came in and used the pangas and saws to clear around the tree and raise it a bit. Then the people with the pitch forks came in and cleared the branches away and put them into heaps. After that the brush cutters came in and cut the grass around the trees. While that went on the tractor with the trailer came and picked up the heaps of branches and debrie and took it to the dump.

We did this to gain experience and everyone had a chance with the different equipment except for the tractors. We also did this because it is part of our next course which is Nature Conservation, Resource Guardianship.

Species care

2010-05-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

28 May 2010
For the species care course I was found competent in all unit standards, they include:

Ecological principles
Clean and maintain area of responsibility
Care for animals in area of responsibility
Assist in selecting, preparing and providing food
Recognize and care for plants in area of responsibility

I enjoyed this course a lot as I learnt a lot under each unit standard and I can now take care of animals in the wild life center.

After we finished we did feed back and re assesments, it all went well and I only had to do two re assesments, one for plants and one for the theory exam.

Species care in a controled enviroment.

2010-05-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

This course is a very interesting course as it helps us and teaches us a lot about how to handle animals, and it is not as simple as giving the animal food water and shelter, but a whole lot more.

We first learnt about animal behaviour and how to approach animals in captivity, for example wen coming up to the en closer you make a noise so the animal knows when you are coming and you don't startle it. You also learn that you need to know when you in the animals comfort zone, like if the animal stops eating and looks at you or stands up to watch you and its ears move to listen then you know you in the animals comfort zone, or even if it runs away from you. In this unit standard you also learn about animal en closers and how they should be built for specific animals and why you build them in that way.

We then learnt about clean and maintain en closers so we basically spent the day cleaning out cages, my group got the Avery so we swept it out cut the grass back and cleaned up the old food. We also learnt about chemicals and what chemicals to use like they have to be animal friendly and you have to make sure the cage is fully rinsed out after using the chemical.

We then did feedings, and this is where we learnt about proper disposal of food and re using the food in things like compost heaps. We also learnt that you give the animals food according to size and health. Some animals like carnivores need preditor powder because they not getting some of the nutrients as they would in the wild. You also learn about cross contamination, so you cant work with meat and milk at the same time and the bowls must always be cleaned.

We then learnt about plants and why we have certain plants in the center, like we would have grass in the Avery for finches to feed on as they eat the seeds. We also learn about how to transplant plants into the center so that you don't have to wait 10 to 15 years for the tree to start growing.

This course has been very interesting and I have had a lot of experience working in the wildlife center.

Debrief and Report writing

2010-04-15T01:18:00.000-07:00

Holiday Work

1. Theoretical training:

· Strong points: I learnt how to speak to guests more comfortably and not be so shy any more. I also learnt a lot about guiding which helped a lot in the work place.

· Challenges: I just thought there were too many assessments after each other, we did it in two weeks so we did an assessment a day.

· What did I learn: I learnt a lot about guiding and animals, trees, biodiversity, etc. Learnt how to become more comfortable around guests.

· How can we make this better: We can maybe start going through the work during the gap year, so that we are more prepared for the assessments.

2. Roster:

· Strong points: The roster seemed to work out, everyone had something to do.

· Challenges: I think that the theory in the roster was a waste of time because I sat and did nothing all day.

· What did I learn: Nothing really, I did not set up the roster.

· How can we make this better: Take out the theory.

3. Welcoming:

· Strong points: My guest relations were good, communicating and cross marketing.

· Challenges: The time of welcoming is too long and sometimes we short of staff.

· What did I learn: I learnt how to welcome guests and have better guest relations.

· How can we make this better: We can maybe make it shorter so that the next day we are still fresh for work.

4. Conservation:

· Strong points: Everything about it was good. We worked hard and did well.

· Challenges: Digging holes on a hot day is not a good idea, it drained my energy quickly and was very tired for the rest of the day.

· What did I learn: Learnt how to full up holes, dig channels, close roads and clean up.

· How can we make this better: Maybe work throughout the day instead of only in the morning and then go to wildlife centre.

5. Wildlife centre:

· Strong points: Feeding the animals and help clean up the cages.

· Challenges: Did not like working there when I was not suppose to, and the people that are working there did not do that much except feedings.

· What did I learn: Learnt a lot about the feedings, like which animal gets which food and powder, like the cats get predator powder with their food.

· How can we make this better: I think that we should just keep to the roster so we work were we suppose to.

6. Student on duty:

· Strong points: I got to work where I wanted to.

· Challenges: Did not like to boss people around and find out how I can help them.

· What did I learn: Learnt how to take control of situations.

· How can we make this better: Nothing.

7. After hour activities:

· Strong points: Communicate with guests and clean up.

· Challenges: Thought it was a big waste of time for us as students, because all we did was stand and watch the guests then clean up when they had enough staff.

· What did I learn: Speaking to guests.

· How can we make this better: I think we should take it away from the students when there are so little guests at bring and braai and maybe only let us work when there is like 20 guests coming in.

Conservation week

2010-04-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

6 - 8 April 2010

These three days during the holiday were my conservation days. On the first day we went out to go and close the roads that were leading to the turf lands because it had been raining and if people went through, then they would get stuck. After that we went back to the wild life center to help out. There we helped cleaning out the cages because all the Lucern was wet and needed to be changed.
The next day our group split up, some of us went to go and cut grass as fire brakes and the rest of us went to go and dig out channels along the road for all the water that there was on the road.
The next day we stayed at the wild life center busy cleaning up the area. We were told to pick up all the dead branches and sticks, so that the guests would be able to see through and see the animals. After that we helped out with the feedings for the rest of the day.

Brush cutters

2010-04-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

6 April 2010

To day we learnt how to work with brush cutters. A brush cutter is a weed eater. We had to learn how to take care of the brush cutter, like at least once a week or even everyday we have to make sure that the air filter is clean. We had to know that we cant just put in straight petrol, it has to be mixed with 2 stroke fluid, and it must get fulled up to the top so that there is no condensation in the fuel tank. We were told that we had to check all the screws every day before use so that they don't shake loose. After that we learnt how to start it and use it. After that we wrote a test on it to see if we know how to use it.

Conservation

2010-03-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

30 March 2010

Yesterday we did some conservation work on the farm. We were filling up holes on the road for the guests and for the animals. It helps the guests so they feel more comfortable and it helps the animals in away that it stops them from digging in the road or climbing into old holes, so it basically keeps the animals off the road and out the way of veichles.

We started at about 9:30, were we waited for the sand which was loaded on the back of the bukkie. The sand was collected from the quarry just out side the farm. We sat on the back of the bukkie with shovels and each time we got to a hole we would stop and shovel the sand in the hole then the other guys would compact it and spread it evenly.

Tambuki Camp

2010-03-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Three day camp.

As part of our course we camped at tambuki. We did not just go for the fun of it, we went to learn and be assesed.
On our way there we walked, and got assessed on guiding, as well as animals, birds, spoor, insects, trees and grasses, but we did not finish being assessed. That evening we learnt a bit about the the stars and were they are.
The next day we went on a walk to an rocky out crop were we learnt a bit about the culture that was on the the farm. We saw a few artifacts of were they sharpened tools on the rocks and made stone spear heads and other tools. That night we were suppose to be assessed on night sky's but the weather was overcast so we could not. The next day and last day was clean up and pack up. We walked back home and finished our assessments and gave a feed back.

2nd week of course.

2010-03-19T02:33:00.000-07:00

In our second week we had a lot more to learn, we had to learn and be assessed on mammals, birds, fish, spiders, reptiles, frogs, grasses and trees. The trees and grass were not so bad as we had a practical for it before the assessment so it was easier to do then the rest. We were assessed on the rest in one day which was a bit hard as it was a lot to do, but I managed and think that I did quite well in both assessments.

2010-03-19T02:32:00.001-07:00

Meet the Management

2010-03-19T02:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 17 March 2010

On Wednesday we had meet the management were we had to organise a dinner for the management of Sondela. We had to do a song and dance for them as well as a slide show presentation to introduce ourselves to the management so that they can get to know us and see what we have learnt over the past two months. The dinner went really well seeing as we were a bit under pressure and fall behind in time in terms of preparation for the evening. What we did was made a path way with candles leaded to the back of the boys house where the tables were set up as well as the buffet that was prepared by our hotel and management students. The food was excellent and the management seemed to be impressed by our work. Before every one ate we had a few speeches done by the management were they gave us some valuable tips in life. It was then followed by supper and our presentation and then dessert and our song and dance that we did.

Day 1 of corse

2010-03-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

9 March 2010

In our first lesson of nature conservation we learnt about guiding and ecology. In guiding we learnt that we need to give a pre - trail briefing and how to do it so that we can find out from the guests if they are allergic to anything or have a medical condition that we should know about and to see what they would like to see. We also learnt a lot more like carrying a bag for guests litter.
Ecology: We learnt about a lot, like succession which is the growth of an ecosystem from start. Also learnt about the cycle of organisms from abiotic factors to decomposers in the trophic pyramid.
We were then taken out into the veld for a short whille to see if we could put what we learnt into practice.
The following day we were assessed on it and I passed quite well.

Firefighting course

2010-03-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we started and finished with our firefighting course. What we did was in the morning had a bit of a resarch session were we looked up firefighting. After that we went to class where we were told more about firefighting and the diffrebt types of fire and the diffrent levels of a fire.
After that we had some fun learning about the equipment and how our plan is if there is a fire. We then had a drill were we had to run put on uniforum grab what we where assigned to and jump om the tractor and go put out a fire. Not a real fire but it was just for practice.
After that we went back to class and had a feed back and gave a presentation on the laws of firefighting.

First Aid level one

2010-02-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

The last to days we have been having class by the boys house because we were learning to do our first aid course.
The corse was really short, only to days long to learn how to do CPR, treating patients with cuts bruises burns, how to splinter broken bons abd make slings for arms.

This corse was really intresting and I learnt a lot. I think we could of done this corse at least three days and not two because it was to short to learn the book for the exams. If anything they could of put some excitment into the course because after a while everyone started to fall asleep. The corse its self was very educational and now I am a qulified first aider so I can help some one who is in need.

Power Point presentation on Beer

2010-02-17T21:54:00.000-08:00

For our assesment last night we had to make a presentation on beer. Now we divided into two groups, the boys and the girls. Each group had to have there own presentation. We had a special guest with us last night whos name is Norman. He is a specialist in brewing and wine making and he judged our presentation and said that the girls won the presentation because they had more facts on the making of beer.

After that we had to come up with an advert to advertise a new brand of beer wich was fun.
In this experience I learnt alot about beer and how its made and that SAB is the worlds second largest brewie. I learnt that if I have to take people out on tours and that and they ask about beer I can tell them about it and if there is nothing to talk about it is a good thing to bring up with guests

Working at the wildlife center

2010-02-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

My weekend was awsome, I worked in the wildlife center which was fun I learnt a lot and did a lot.
At the wildlife center we feed the animals about every three hours for the young buck. Its about twice for the lions and three times a day for the rhinos. On Saturday we had to go and dart an nyla bull because its nails were over grown and it had a huge apses on its foot.

I learnt a lot this weekend on how to feed animals and how often to feed them and the amount to feed them. I also learnt a bit on nutrision. I also learnt how to handle animals that become agressive towards you especialy the cats and I also learnt how to handle animals that dont want to feed by the bottle.

If I could then I would never stop working there because thats what I came for was to work with animals. The only negative thing about this weekend is that it had to end.

Debate on terminasion of Red billed Queleas

2010-02-10T22:11:00.001-08:00

Briefing: We had a briefing before our debate and were told what we were going to do and how we were going to do it or say our share of what we think of the problem.

Prepare:We than had a chance to go and prepare our selves and find information on the queleas, and practice how we are going to say our speech. I read through a site or two on the Internet and collected information i needed. I then wrote out my speech and prepared myself.

Conducting:We then all got to go to the conference room and had a chance to say our share and listen to others. I think mine went ok for a first time in that way of debating.

Feedback:Well I thought everything went smoothly and we did quite well. I liked the fact that we went for killing the birds and then not killing the birds insteads of one side saying there share and the other side then saying there side. I did not like the fact that we had to do it parliamentary style instead of a normal debate. I also was not happy that we did it late and then had to walk home because some of us were tired.

I learnt that we all have different opinions and that we should listen to others to see their side of the story, as they say a sausage has two points.

School Time!!

2010-02-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

Yeasterday we had alot of fun during class time because we were not in class, but outside playing games. Now the games we played were not just for fun but also taught valubale lessons like comunication and listining to each other, but we had alot of fun and enjoyed it.

First weekend working on Sondela

2010-02-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

On my first week of work, I gained experience on a few things even though I only had one job to do I did more. I first worked at welcoming on Friday evening which was good because I finlay overcome being scared of working with guests, which was good because over the weekend I worked with guests. My original work place was conservation which I did do a bit of on Saturday morning were we drove around the farm checking the fences and roads and sign boards. After that we worked in the entertainment area. Here we helped guests, played with the children and cleaned up the area. Sunday was pretty much the same except we did not do any of the conservation.

Culling of quelea on nature reserve

2010-02-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

On the first of February we had a one in a life time experience, which is the culling of quelea's. Now this is something I do not agree on because it goes against what I am doing which is conservation, but I now know why they do it and how they do it.

Why do we do it:
The reason why they need to cull these small birds is because they cause a lot of problems like:
They eat the crops of the farmers in the area, and it is by law to kill them. They don't just kill the birds because the farmers are loosing crop and money, but also because its a food security. Now the reason for the food security is that the human population is growing faster then the amount of food there is been grown, so they need to save as much of there crops as they can, but the queleas come and eat the grain. The birds can eat up to four to eight tons of crop a day depending on the size of the flock.

How is it done.
Now there are two ways you can cull these birds. The first way in which you can get rid of the problem bird is by blowing them up. How its done is by releasing fumes such as petrol around the area they nesting and set it a light. What happens is the birds breath it in and so they blow up, its fast and painless. The second way is poison. With poison there is a lot of planning and work put into it. What you should first do is have a briefing about whats going to happen. Then we go out into the area they are breeding and chase away non targeted animals. We set up a perimeter of 48 hectors with a torch. Which is a can on a pole filled with diesel and a cloth hanging out. The torches are lit just before sunset. The reason why we have torchess is because we do the spraying at night. The spraying is done by a plan using a poison called Falcolin. Each container has ten liters of poison and one container has to be spread over one hector.

My reflection:
As i said before I am against it and I am a bit sad about the fact that some non targeted species had died or got infected like we had one dead White Faced owl and a sick cattle egret. The best thing about the whole experience, was the experience and the knowlage we got by the culling of the birds. Also learnt valuble skills throught the experience.