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Letaba Elephant Hall - Home of the Magnificent Seven

Emerging Tuskers 2007 Competition Report

• Media Release on 2007 Competition Winners
• 2006 Competition Report
• Back to Emerging Tuskers main page

The ongoing emerging tusker’s competition in the Kruger National Park reached a close for the 2007 entries recently, over a 180 entries were received both electronically and through the post office. With much anticipation that panel of judges made up of various experts in their fields: Dr Ian Whyte (Large Mammal Scientist – retired from SANParks in 2007), Johan Marais (author of the Tuskers of Southern Africa), Louis Olivier (Regional Ranger: Nxanatseni Region) and Piet Andjelkovic (Chairman: Bushveld Region Honorary Rangers) sat down at Letaba on the 14th March 2008 to start the daunting task of evaluating the entries received.

2007 proved to be an interesting challenge for all those involved in the emerging tuskers project, despite the number of entries being on a par with the entries received in 2006, the quality of the entries is what created the most excitement. It is assumed that due to the increased exposure the project received through sources like the SANParks website and forum as well as the previous years results, that ‘guests’ and ‘entrants’ have developed a keener idea of what constitutes a ‘Big Tusker’. This can be clearly seen when comparing the ‘rejected entries’, in 2006 44 entries were rejected prior to judging compared with the 20 rejected in 2007 as not being emerging tuskers. In addition to that the remaining entries, once judging began, were found to be of a much higher quality then the previous year, and the judges were suitably impressed with the efforts that many of the entrants made and of the over all quality of the entries. Several of the entries contributed new locations of many on the known bulls, as well as new ear notches or holes which will aid future identifications of these bulls.

Perhaps though, the most exciting development from this years judging was the identification of 5 new tuskers that have been named, in comparison to the one identified in 2006. What interested the judges in this regard was that there was not just one entry of the new bulls as with 2006, but several entries of each bull, which help build a valuable data base of the newly named bulls immediately. Normally this would take some time, once identified, to determine information such as their home range. Several other bulls were identified as strong candidates. These will be monitored and perhaps named in the future, should they continue to develop.

When it came to deciding on the winners for the competition, the judges looked at several criteria primarily the research value of the contribution, and then the quality and clarity of the image, whether key identification characteristic’s could be seen e.g. ear markings, the angle of the picture as well as whether the tusks were visible and if the tusker was photographed from the side or front. These criteria will assist and contribute to future research and monitoring. It furthermore made the identification of the new bulls possible.

After a challenging day, much debating and excitement, the judges decided that the identification of the ‘new tuskers’ would take top honours. Complications arose in that there were five new tuskers and three main prizes. Since two of the ‘new tuskers’ had already been identified by staff members previously and were on file although unnamed, the remaining three ‘new tuskers’ subsequently competed for top honours. The judges the used the criteria above then to decide which of the three bulls would take honours.

With that the judges are happy to announce the awarding of prizes as follows:

1st Place: Receiving a research/game capture trip (type and date to be determined by the relevant SANParks officials) with 2 night’s accommodation in the Restcamp closest to the research for 2 people is Mr Barry Swart, for his contribution on the newly named tusker: Nwashinangana named in tribute to Ted Whitfied, This tusker was been recorded mainly between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane but several entries had him as far a field as Orpen Gate. This tusker formed part of several entries, but it was found that Mr Swart managed to capture all the criteria that was looked for and provided a valuable data base of the tusks as well as ear markings and notches.

Ted Whitfield (Nwashinangana – meaning somebody that blows the animal horn, due to his habit of whistling softly while he was working) started his career in the Kruger National Park as Ranger at Klipkoppies (now named Mooiplaas) section in 1970 and was stationed at 7 of the 22 ranger section throughout the duration of his career. Ted retired on the 1 November 1994 and is currently living in Graskop. Ted’s legacy continues in the Kruger National Park through his one of his 3 children, son Steven Whitfield is currently a section ranger at the Tshokwane section. Steven is married to Lorna, daughter of recently retired large mammal scientist and the father of the emerging tuskers project Dr Ian Whyte (Mastulele).

2nd Place: Receiving 2 nights accommodation at Letaba Restcamp, Kruger National Park for 4 people, including a free guided activity of their choice is Mr AJ de Wet, for his contribution of the newly named tusker: Ngunyupezi, named in memory of Field Ranger Sergeant James Maluleke. This was the only entry of this tusker received, who can be located in the Red Rocks area between Bateleur and Shingwedzi. Despite it being the only entry, Mr AJ de Wet met all the judging criteria with this entry and provided useful data on the bull. The bull having a curved tusk added to the uniqueness of the entry.

Sergeant Maluleke (Ngunyupezi – meaning one who likes to dance with woman but who will always go home at the end of the night)) served his career, which started in 19??, as a Field Ranger at Mahlangeni and served at many sections within the Kruger National Park. He retired in 1982 where he was then stationed at Shingwedzi. Sgt Maluleke was however brought back into service as a security guard at Punda Maria Gate, where he permanently retired in 1995. He is honoured for his dedicated and esteemed career in the Kruger National Park. Sadly Sgt Maluleke passed away in 1996, but his legacy is continued through his son who is currently a Field Ranger Sergeant in the Stolznek section.

3rd Place: Receiving 1 nights accommodation at either Shipandani or Sable Dam bird hide in the Nxanatseni Region of the Kruger National Park for 5 people is Mr Matthew Durell, for his contribution of the newly named tusker: Madolo, named in tribute to Mr Johan Kloppers. This tusker can be found in the vicinity of the Kruger Gate. Mr Durell entered a very wide-ranging series of pictures that provided a comprehensive data base of this bull. Particular reference is noted in the ear markings and tusk angles.

Johan Kloppers (Madolo – Meaning ‘Knee’s’, due to his penchant for walking. According to staff who knew him well he inherited this name due to his unique stride when walking) was a long serving member of South African National Parks who started his career in 1953. His profession saw him in the capacity of Section Ranger, later promoted to District Ranger and ending his career with SANParks as the Head Manager for Nature Conservation retiring in July 1991. Apart from a long a illustrious career Johan will be remembered for 2 publications, namely Butterflies of the Kruger National Park and A Dictionary of Kruger Park Place Names.

Winners should please note all prizes are availability dependant.

Given the extremely high quality of the entries, the judges decided that there were several exceptional entries that needed to be acknowledged. These were entries that were noteworthy and which made a big contribution to the project but did not make the top prizes. They were awarded 4th and 5th prizes which were sourced and generously sponsored by the Bushveld Region Honorary Rangers, Johan Marais, the Media, Events and Stakeholder Relations Department of SANParks (who have an active interest in the project through their forum members) and the Public Relations Department of the Kruger National Park.

4th Place: These winners will receive the book ‘Great Tuskers of Southern Africa’ by Johan Marais. As well as receiving SANParks corporate gear.They are:

Bev Clark: For her contribution of a newly named tusker Machachule, discovered initially by Dr Ian Whyte (SANParks) in the Shingwedzi area, this entry added valuable information on this tusker as to date no pictures have been received that clearly show the ear markings of this bull, and the markings on the left ear can be clearly identified in this entry, as well as giving a definite location of the bull, contributing to determining its home range.

Machachule (The lead dancer) has been named in memory of Corporal Joe Managanyi (Cpl Joe Manganyi was given this name by his staff as he was known as a very strict worker who did not waste time and who had to do things immediately, leading by example) a long serving member of the SANParks family. Joe retired as a Field Ranger Corporal after 33 years service in 2002 in the Mahlangene Section of the Kruger National Park. He sadly passed away on the 14 November 2005.

Sarel Grobler: For his contribution of newly named Machachule, this entry added value in identifying a different notch on the right ear as well as pinpointing a new location for this bull in determining his home range.

Alan Caithness: For his contribution of the newly named tusker Ma Xangane discovered originally by Johan Marais and Kirsty Redman (SANParks) in the Letaba Restcamp area, his entry added valuable additional information regarding the bulls roaming area as well as clear images of very notable ear notches for this bull.

Ma Xangane (one who speaks Shangaan) has been named in tribute to Mike English who was known amongst his colleagues for his fluency in the Shangaan language. Mike English had a notable career in the Kruger National Park, starting in 1963 as a Section Ranger in Shangoni. He continued his career with highlights including the starting of the wilderness trails in 1978 (a popular activity to this day) and the documentation of many of the Bushman Rock Art sites in the KNP. At retirement in 1992, Mike was the Regional Ranger for the central region. He continued his efforts in conservation after this and remained in the Kruger National Park as the caretaker for THEBA in Pafuri, until 1996. Mike’s legacy continues through his eldest son who has been a SANParks employee for 21 years and is currently the Section Ranger at Malelane. Don is married to Sharon the daughter of retired ranger Ted Whitfield who has also had a tusker named after him through this competition.

5th Place: These winners will receive SANParks corporate gear. The are:

Joan Trass: For her contribution of known tusker Milulane, Ms Trass photographed this bull close to Biyamithi camp, an area which to date he has not been recorded in.

Penny Legg: For her contribution of known tusker Tsotsi, Mrs Legg photographed this bull north of Letaba at Malopanyani Windmill. This is the first time Tsotsi has been recorded North of the Letaba High Water Bridge.

Johnathan Heger: Mr Heger made several contributions, and it was decided to commend him for his effort as well as for his contribution of a new tusker (this bull is not yet to be named but will be monitored to determine if he has the potential to continue to develop) and of Ma Trix a known female tusker in the Tshokwane area.

CA Ralph: This entrant recorded the known bull Hlanganini in a completely new location, north of the High Water Bridge at Letaba.

Jacques Steenberg: For his contribution of Duke, after the breaking of his tusk. This series shows the break clearly from several angles. A new hole on the right ear lobe above the characteristic notch was also identified.

Jenny Blocks: For her series of Tsotsi, that clearly showed the characteristic notches in the bull’s ears. In addition to this discovered a new notch in the left ear which will aid in future identifications.

Other entries that did not fall into the prizes category as they did not offer any new information on the emerging tuskers, but whose entrants went to considerable effort and that the judges felt was worth mentioning, included.

Commended Certificates:

Stuart Basil: For his wonderful series of known tusker Alexander
Mrs D Outram: For her series of now deceased tusker Massunguine
Abri van Vollenhoven: For his series of now deceased Massunguine
Ala and Peter Burmeister: For their series on known tusker Hlanganini

The project team for the Emerging Tuskers competition would like to thank all of those people who contributed to the project and would like to encourage people to continue contributing as the 2008 competition has already started (prizes for which are to be announced)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entries can be sent to tuskers@sanparks.org (please note this is an entry only email address, no correspondence will be entered into)

or

Emerging Tuskers Competition Queries: (013) 735 6664
Letaba Elephant Hall
Private Bag X402
Skukuza
1350

Entrants are asked to please not send in registered letters as these cannot be collected and will be returned to sender.

Rules and requirements

1. The competition is free and open to all members of the public.
2. We can accept prints, slides, digital images or digital videos. Please label each entry clearly. Do not write directly on the back of prints or staple them together. Please keep duplicates, as no material will be returned.
3. All information and photographs will be retained for research and education purposes. By entering the competition you agree to allow SANParks to use your material in printed and electronic form, for non-commercial purposes photographers will be acknowledged).
4. All entries must be received by 31st December. Any material received after this date will automatically be submitted into the following year’s competition.
5. Prize winners will be announced by 1st March the following year.
6. The same material may not be submitted to the competition more than once.
7. The winners will be chosen based on the scientific value of the photographs and information provided, as well as on the quality of the images.
8. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
9. All prizes are subject to availability of accommodation and may therefore be offered out-of-season.
10. We reserve the right to change any of these rules or prizes at any time if deemed necessary.