SANParks.org Forums

Great news Spookie!

I thought cheetah were going to be introduced first, but it is not to be.

Hi BB,

The plan to introduce cheetah is still in place but will take place once their preferred prey (springbok etc.) populations are at the optimal levels.

I wonder how this will affect the Pointer Trail hiking loop.

Regards,
Roger

Wow!

I have been dreaming about lions in the Western Cape for SO LONG -- even wrote a letter to Mr Vali Moosa about it while he was still in power...

Question: Kalahari lions only -- no chance of repeating the Cape Quagga project on `Cape Lions' -- males with VERY HEAVY manes etc (like the Barbary lions in Mpumalanga that originally came from zoos in Ethiopia)?

By the way, the zebras in Karoo NP already have seriously pale bums that are visible from quite a distance!

At last, wild lions within 500 km of Cape Town!

Thank you so much, you made my day.

God bless

Friedrich von Hörsten

This is really great news... unless youre on the menu! There are going to be a couple of very surprised zebra amongst others come next year!

I wonder what the thinking is about numbers and selection/capture of prides. Also the density that the park size will be able to support given the game numbers . And the general lack of cover might take some adaptations in hunting methods. So much stuff.Its going to be very interesting to watch as it is implemented. Cant wait---

Just what went through my mind reading this!!
Very exciting news

My guess is that the Pointer trail will probably become a guided trail ?-----

Great news on the one hand but I wonder what will happen to the (free!)self-guided trails? Karoo is one of those parks best enjoyed on foot.

Very exciting stuff!

But on the other hand I am worried what the implications for the herbivores will be...they havn't seen anything larger than a caracal (apparently according to staff that I asked there are no leopards there?) and from previous situations where this has occurred in private reserves etc (studies) I am worried that the lions will just be able to walk up to their target(s) and kill them

Anyway happy about the imminent introduction nevertheless-SANParks just keep on impressing!

Hi
Great news, another reason to stop over at Beaufort west, when going up to Kruger!

Once the lions (and cheetahs) have been introduced, maybe a 'vulture restaurant' can come next??

Pallo

They will adapt overnight, like the buffs in Addo did.

Yes, very exciting times.....
The lions will probably be introduced mid 2010, although no date has been set yet.

The Pointer Trail and Bossie Trail will be operated as guided hikes, departing at set times. This should make the hikes more informative too.

The lions that are translocated to Karoo will probably be taken from Addo Elephant National Park - these are originally Kalahari black-maned lions and the most suitable both genetically and in terms of disease-free status. Frederich, if you have a look at some of our Addo male lions you will see they have quite heavy black manes. There will be no breeding programme for genetic selection.

There is no longer a project to select for zebra with Quagga like features. This is impossible in a large system like Karoo and could only be achieved (although the results of this type of breeding are contentious) in small breeding camps where you could intensively manage and breed selected individuals.

The prey species in Karoo will definitely adapt to the new threat of large predators, just as those in Addo and many other systems did. The instinct to flee from predators is still innate.

That's a bit sad, the walks will probably be at a fee.
Those two trails were the high point of our Karoo visit. Ag but on the other hand there will be wild lions in the Karoo again .



Can I still do the trails unguided if I take along someone slower than me?

Really looking forward to this.
One or two kills and the other animals will learn quickly.

11 December 2009

I know that SANParks is usually fairly sensitive to the needs of the environment when they make changes to the national parks, but I really must protest about this latest idea of introducting lion to the Karoo National Park (early in 2010, in time for the 2010 World Cup).

The Karoo National Park is a wonderful, serene, peaceful park, which allows for superb star gazing, hiking and walks, and gentle wildlife watching and birding.

Waking up very early in the morning, in one of the cottages, while an entire herd of springbok calmly graze all around you is an indescribable and priceless feeling.

Such memories enrich all who visit the Karoo National Park.

Introducing lion, a super predator, to the Karoo National Park may indeed attract some overseas visitors and another calibre of local visitor, but is it really necessary for all parks to have the big five represented?

Is it not enough that bat-eared foxes, caracal and the very occasional leopard may be spotted as a bonus to all the current offerings?

I think that the introduction of lion into the Karoo National Park is a huge mistake

This decision to introduce a super predator will detract from the Karoo National Park's greatest attraction, peace and serenity, something that even overseas visitors would enjoy.

It isn't all about the big five.

Introducing lion will mean locking and fencing off the visitor accommodation areas, for reasons of safety and security and immediately detract from the openness and vast landscape of the Karoo National Park. The feeling that you're really part of the park will vanish.

Has an environmental impact assessment been done on the introduction of lion? Has an assessment been done on the impact the park provides to many visitors who come time and again, simply to enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual upliftment it provides, and how this enjoyment will no longer be available?

Please, please, re-think this issue

I'm very disappointed with this decision and I am aware of several friends and colleagues that feel the same way.

I only heard of this decision earlier this week. Please advise soonest how one may appeal against this decision.