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Hi Cath - I always reserve comment on issues like this as I have little scientific background. I do believe that Nature should be left to runs its course as much as possible.

I have noticed that man made water troughs in Kruger have "steps" moulded in the concrete and I have always assumed this was to enable animals to reach the water. I have also noticed most toughs never are filled to the top all the time.

Another thought - are animals not very nervous to drink if a predator is about?

So here is Bosnimf's pic from the road...



And here is a pic of the cam (right) and spotlight (left):

Same Giraffe ...

View from KNP


View from Cam


Wonder which one I'll take ....

I was wondering the same thing about how "safe" the water troughs were for the animals.

I seem to remember there being an incident some time ago where a baby elephant got stuck in just such a trough and was abandoned by its mother.

We have also, just the other day seen an impala slipping and having to be helped to its feet by the rangers at our own WH.

Maybe animals with hooves are more vunerable than say paws but I am just guessing.

Interesting one.

It is an interesting debate, and I don't think there's a right or wrong answer, or an easy solution.

I can understand using concrete - it prevents seepage into the ground and loss of precious water in times like these - the other option is a mud-hole - they could get stuck, and precious water would be lost.

If only there was a simple answer. . . .

But I am pleased to see the water level back up again - that is another debate in itself the poor environmental managers have to face - of all the waterholes they maintain, which ones do the keep going, and which ones must be left to dry, because they can't do all of them in times of drought and water restrictions.

Well done KNP, you seem to be doing well in the face of adversity.

As promised yesterday, here is the pic showing the giraffe at the WH together with the cam...

Hi JB
The water is pumped from a nearby underground source (borehole) by a pump. The water is thus not from the river or rain but is physically pumped to the waterhole from the nearby borehole.

The position of the cam seems 'just that bit too far'. We seldom had to post queries about what we are seeing, yet lately, I read many 'is that a lion, leopard' or ' is that a ...? posts. Can the camera possibly be moved closer to allow easier identification?

Hi swanepoel,

I'll pass on your request.

I thought the same, the camera on the old WH was much closer.
For "newbies" like me it is often impossible to identify the animals (except ellies and giraffes ).
Would be fine if there were a possibility to put it a bit closer.

Is it my imagination or is the cam alot clearer? More colour saturation as well.
It looks Great
Can't wait to see it closer...

We thought about changing the lens but that might cause problems with focusing and depth of field- especially at night when a large aperture is needed. The cam will be moved a bit closer to the waterhole next week. Will keep you up to date...

The webcam is about to be moved a bit closer to the waterhole this morning. It will thus be down for a while. It will be up and online again shortly!

We apologise for the inconvenience caused (e.g. withdrawal symptoms for not having the cam for the next hour or so!)

For the newer members who did not see the previous waterhole.

Animals are usually scared off by the activity and human presence, etc. when an activity like this takes place. You could see how quickly the animals returned to the watehole when the team left!

When fieldwork is done, a ranger(s) with a rifle(s) is usually accompanying teams for safety reasons.