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I noticed when I was in Kruger last week, that many of the dams and some rivers have turned green with algae. This was particularly evident in the Central areas. It is disturbing to see green crocodiles and hippos.

What is causing this and what is being done about it. I have reda about the draining of the dam nead Tshokwane but it does not stop there.

How is this efecting the animal, fish and bird life because it must surely be causing fish to die and birds to move to other areas.

well animals also die.

maby the mods or KNP spokesman can help here. would lik eto know what causes this.

Read this article on the main page, it explains the situation.

In fact, he already has... For more info see the following news releases:

KNP Breaches Dam to Prevent Poison Spreading, August 2007
Science Tackles Algal Bloom Problem, April 2008

The article in April 2008 only refers to the Siloweni dam near Tsokwani and 2 dams in 2007 near Lower Sabie. I saw it in several dams all in the Satara area, and this is not referred to in any of the articles, so to me the problem is much bigger than what we think.

I would like to hear the KNP spokesman,s view on why this is spreading and how it will be contained.

(From the Silolweni Dam topic)

This is becomming a problem worldwide. Even in the UK, there is a ford near where I live that we are regular advised not to enter during the summer due to poisonous algae.

I also remember almost walking into a lake near Welkom because the algae was so dense, it looked solid.

Warmer temperatures, water polution etc etc.

Richard

An interesting point of debate: breaching the dam and influencing animal grazing patterns is really a type of farming. How do the Park's manamement determine what is natural , and must be left to remedy itself, versus what is man-induced and needs to be re-balanced by human inter-action.

Thought you would like to see these pictures we have taken of Sunset Dam, my favourite place in Kruger. This green algae is bad as you can see by the pictures. Can anyone official tell us what are the plans? Will Sunset Dam need to be drained?

Sjoe even the crocs are green!

You must see Leeupan in Feb it was totally covered with water Lilley's.

Worryingly this is not water lettuce but very poisonous algae. Other dams that have got like this have killed animals coming to drink there.

We watched a spoonbill wading through and just leaving a slimy trail through it. It is very worrying.

I'm with Jock, it would be interesting to know what the ranger intends to do to prevent the animal deaths that have been seen at other dams.

Those pitures are of great concern Jock! I think everyone loves Sunset dam and to have to drain it would be very very sad

I read recently (?latest Kruger Times) that they plan to pump water in to dilute the algae and then will monitor the situation. They do not want to drain it because of the tourist value/interest - but obviously will do so if it becomes necessary.

Thanks for the update EJ

This is not good news at all, sunset dam is definately one of my favourite places with almost always something to see. But i would rather it be drained than kill animals. Thanks for the up date Ecojunkie. I dont think that diluting it will help though as far as i know , as the algae can grow very , very rapidly if conditions are suitable so would it not just 'pollute' the added water as well?

Is there not some form of biological control that could be used ?