News

As soon as the report was received, rangers were dispatched to look for the two animals, where they were found close to Bergendal. The buffaloes ran away towards the Sundays River where they disappeared into the thickets. Unfortunately bad weather conditions in Port Elizabeth made it impossible for a helicopter to take off from there to assist in the search.

Rangers searched the Sundays River daily for fresh sign of the buffaloes for two weeks after they were sighted but have since found no sign of them. They also covered the area towards the Environmental Education Centre as well as the open flat areas at Spandaukop without success. A FoxPro animal caller, which simulates the sounds of different animals in distress (in this case a buffalo), was used in an attempt to lure the animals. However, this also proved fruitless.

Park Manager, Peter Burdett, says the possibility exists that the vagrant animals are back in the wetlands of the dam where they belong. In the meantime, members of South African National Parks” Scientific Services unit will conduct a risk benefit analysis of the presence of buffaloes in the park during the course of this week.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Frontier Region Communications

Enquiries

Fayroush Ludick: Regional Manager: Communications, SANParks
Tel: (012) 426 5371; Cell: 082 888 0201
Email: [email protected]