Volume 22 by Cobus Steyl

Volume - 22 A Very British Perspective

Going green? Paper is the way to go

Becoming Tarzan Jungle Trekking in Indonesia

HUNTING I FISHING I ADVENTURES I CONSERVATION I DESTINATIONS

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Vol 22 2014

Regulars

Contents

Featured species

Hunting

FIshing

4 32

Dung Beetle Rainbow Trout The Common Myna Welwitschia

13 29 43 53

African Double Rifles A Very British Perspective

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest Nomads

Adventures

Becoming Tarzan: Jungle Trekking in Indonesia The most important things to do before a photo shoot

cONSERVATION

Fly fishing Venues of the Middle Vaal Gauteng Bass Fishing Locations

6 16

Going green? Paper is the way to go

dESTINATIONS

Editors Letter Events Recipe: Honey and Chutney Lamb Chops

Travel & Stay

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Vol 22 2014

Editors Letter

The UN finally gave our national heritage the recognition it deserves by declaring 3 March World Wildlife day. A day set out on our calendars to reflect on the impact humanity have on wildlife and to create a global awareness on the severe impact illegal trading and trafficking has on this precious resource. A long term action plan is also in place to work for a future where people and wildlife coexist in harmony. So, in the words of Ban Ki-moon – Let’s go wild for wildlife on 3 March! We unveil the truth of misperceptions on saving the planet by going paperless on pg 56 and on pg 6 “Trigger” from Wesley Richards gives us a “British” perspective on guns for Africa and you can’t help but to open your safe and start preparing for the coming hunting season. For your convenience, you can also have the magazine delivered to your door. Simply obtain yours by following the simple steps on pg 34 to ensure you don’t miss a single edition in future. Till next month “Sometimes I aim to please, but most of the time I shoot to kill.”

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Johan Viljoen

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Vol 22 2014

hunting

Anthony Alborough-Tregear

It can probably be said that the British not only developed the sport of big game hunting,

but also refined the rifles necessary to hunt big game. Whilst the term big game is now more generally used for most of the larger four-legged animals hunted around the world, for the purpose of this article we are only considering those found in Africa, more particularly dangerous game, and the rifles used for hunting such. Unashamedly this article is biased and intended as such! Whilst many fine big game rifles have been built in Europe and the USA, here we are dealing exclusively with those built by the British and in particular the nitro express ones. This article is intended to give a little insight into the development of the nitro double rifle as well as what to look for when buying one today. I hope you find the following both informative and interesting.

A Little History The history of big game hunting and big game rifles really ties in with the expansion of the British Empire. Initially this began with British rule in India, subsequently followed by the rapid colonization of large parts of Africa particularly after World War One. With this expansion came explorers, professional hunters, landed gentry and army officers keen to hunt the game of these exciting new lands. Of particular interest was the dangerous game, the tiger, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Early rifles although of the highest quality were either single or double barrel black powder muzzleloaders built on the flintlock then percussion system. Small bores for plains game and soft skin dangerous game would have been of .450, .500, .577 calibre and 12 bore. Thick skinned dangerous game would have been tackled with 10, 8 and 4 bores. Even with the advent of the breechloader and preloaded metallic ammunition in the mid 1800â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s both rifle format and calibre preferences remained the same.

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hunting It was not until the introduction by John Rigby in 1898 of the .450 3 ¼” Nitro Express cartridge that double rifles really evolved into the weapons we know and still hunt with today. Double Rifles Whilst Westley Richards’ development of the hammerless action in 1875 revolutionized double gun and rifle manufacture worldwide, John Rigby’s cartridge was without doubt the turning point in the development of the double rifle as we know it. Rigby’s cartridge used a new smokeless propellant to fire a metal jacketed lead bullet in excess of 2000 feet per second generating almost 5000 foot pound of energy. This at the time was unheard of for such a small calibre (comparatively speaking!) and suddenly extremely powerful rifles with phenomenal penetrative capabilities could be built much lighter and handier. Still considered the ultimate choice of rifle for the dangerous game purist, few hunters can pick up a classic British double rifle and not appreciate its fine balance, handling, pointability and beauty. Who also cannot dream about the many adventures it has been on! There is always a romance associated with hunting in Africa and the double rifle perpetuates this more than anything else-other than perhaps a pair of 100 pound tusks! The double rifle represents one of the last vestiges of sportsmanship where in a tough, tight often life or death situation it can be relied upon to get you out alive. The real beauty of hunting today with such a double rifle is that it allows us a brief glimpse of this bygone era and we should be grateful for that. So What To Look For In A Good Double Rifle? Well, this is best broken down into six areas: • Calibre The first topic of conversation always raised concerning double rifles is calibre. This subject has been covered time and time again in many fine books and this is only a very brief summary of the principal British ones. Nitro double rifles have been built in many calibres from the tiny .17 HMR up to the .700 Nitro Express. However, for African hunting in general most hunters will be looking at .375 upwards, particularly as this calibre is the minimum recommendation in many countries for hunting dangerous game. It is worth pointing out at this stage that big game double rifles are principally an open sighted short range weapon intended for use against dangerous game viz lion, buffalo, rhino and elephant. The ranges at which they will be shot are certainly short comparatively speaking - under 100 yards and usually a damn sight closer! The sub .375 group includes .240 H & H, .275 Rigby Flanged, .300 H & H Flanged, .303 British, .318 Westley Richards, .333 Jeffery and the various .360’s. Fewer double rifles in this group are seen in the African hunting field today compared to the larger bores. They are of equal quality to their bigger brothers, but have largely been replaced by bolt action rifles which are cheaper and more versatile for general African hunting. That said, double rifles in these calibres would be a pleasure to use for general plains game hunting particularly as modern ammunition and components are available. The .375 H & H in both belted and flanged format is as good today as it ever was.

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hunting Still considered the all around cartridge by which all others are judged, it has been used successfully on every big game animal in Africa. In double rifle terms it would not be considered a “stopper” in the true sense, nevertheless it has saved many a life and has a great reputation. The calibre is also manageable from a recoil perspective which adds to the beauty of owning one. Because of its versatility you’ll often find doubles in this caliber scoped. Next we have the .450/.400 in both 3” and 3 ¼” case length. This calibre has always been popular and many hundreds of rifles were built in this caliber, particularly on boxlock actions. Whilst it has often been overshadowed by the larger calibers, it established and retains a fine reputation on all African dangerous game. This popularity should continue with Hornady’s recent re-introduction of modern 3” factory ammunition. The .425 Westley Richards holds a unique place here as it was primarily designed for use in bolt action rifles with its rebated rim. However, many double rifles were built by the maker in this calibre and so it would not be unusual to find one. It is a great calibre and perfectly adequate for dangerous game hunting. Now we get to the real heart of British dangerous game calibres - those of .450 to .476 calibre. Choice in this group is really a matter of availability and personal preference as in truth these calibres are all about the same in terms of velocity and muzzle energy. Originally this group only consisted of the .450 variants, but with the British ban on this calibre in India and the Sudan in 1907, the principal British riflemakers set about the development of their own proprietary calibres. ALL of the calibres in this group work fantastically on dangerous game and are manageable in terms of recoil and weight of rifle. It is this group that constitutes the bulk of double rifles used in Africa by hunters. The .500 in both 3” and 3 ¼” is in a little niche of its own and has an outstanding and well deserved reputation on elephant and buffalo. It is a real ‘stopper’ of a rifle without the weight and recoil found in the last calibre group. Rifles in this calibre are not so easy to come by these days because of their increased popularity, which is why there has been a big resurgence in the manufacture of new .500s by British riflemakers. This is the calibre you most often see in the hands of a Professional Hunter. Finally we are left with the .577 3” and .600 (some might say .700) which to this day remain the ultimate dangerous game stoppers. Whilst people enjoy the idea of owning one, they are usually not so keen on pulling the trigger once they do! If you have a desire to own one, it would be worth firing a few shots through one beforehand and then carrying it for a whole day so that you can really appreciate what you are letting yourself in for. Very few people hunt with one of these calibres today as they are just too unmanageable for the occasional hunter. That said, they truly are in a league of their own. •Type From a technical standpoint, nitro double rifles can be divided into three action groups: Hammer Up until the introduction of the hammerless action in 1875, double rifles were fitted with external hammers. Interestingly, by the time the .450 Nitro was introduced in 1898 both the boxlock and sidelock action were well on the way to perfection and so fewer nitro double rifles were built on hammer actions as the design was considered obsolete. Those 8

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hunting you do see are well built, sturdy and nearly always non-ejector. It is worth noting that many hammer rifles are underlever locking which combined with the external hammers can be awkward to use if you are unfamiliar with the system. Whilst nearly every maker made nitro hammer rifles, typical names to look out for are J.Rigby, Webley, Army & Navy, Manton & Co and R.B.Rodda & Co. Boxlock The vast majority of classic British double rifles were built on the solid and very reliable hammerless or “boxlock” action. Developed by Westley Richards in Birmingham, the boxlock action is simple in design with few parts to go wrong and consequently has an outstanding reputation for reliability. A basic entry level boxlock double rifle is probably going to be a non-ejector, but don’t be put off by this as these are as well balanced and as accurate as their ejector cousins. Many hunters of old preferred non ejector double rifles for hunting. If practiced with, they can be loaded, shot and reloaded very quickly. Ejector boxlocks are very common although slightly more expensive as a result. If you are looking for absolute perfection in a boxlock double rifle, then Westley Richards hand detachable lock is without question the pinnacle of boxlock development. Typical names to look out for when buying are Westley Richards, W.J.Jeffery, W.W.Greener, Webley, George Gibbs, Joseph Lang, Army & Navy, Thomas Bland, Manton & Co, R.B.Rodda & Co and Charles Boswell. Sidelock If boxlock double rifles are associated with the Birmingham riflemakers, then the sidelock is unquestionably associated with the London riflemakers. With the lockwork operating behind the main action body, the sidelock action had exceptional inherent strength and as a result could be built on slimmer action sizes in proportion to the calibre. You’ll find the majority of sidelock double rifles are ejectors although non ejectors do come up from time to time, which represent good value for money as build quality is superb. Of all the makers, Holland & Holland and John Rigby would take most credit for the development and perfection of the sidelock double rifle. Typical names to look out for when buying are Holland and Holland, J.Rigby & Co, J.Purdey & Sons, William Evans and C.Lancaster. • Condition It is obviously important that what you are buying is safe to use and has not been messed around with. Basically look at the rifle in three sections; barrels, action/metalwork and woodwork. Each of these areas has specifics to look for which often determine how

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hunting original the rifle is and whether during its history it has been altered or modified. This really can be a minefield and so being perfectly honest, the best thing to do is go to a reputable gunmaker or dealer who should be able to talk you through the rifle and perhaps some of its history. If you can, check the specification of the rifle against the original records which a few of the big makers still retain. This should help confirm just how original the rifle is. • Accuracy Accuracy with a double rifle is obviously important. Thankfully reputable gunmakers and dealers will usually provide a target with the rifle to show you how it shoots. Some will shoot the rifle in your presence if they have a range facility. If you buy the rifle privately you should still be able to obtain a target or shoot the rifle. Always begin by obtaining the modern equivalent of the ammunition for which the rifle was originally regulated. All double rifles are regulated to a specific powder charge and bullet weight. This is still manufactured by Kynamco and Westley Richards in the UK, as well as Norma, Federal, Hornady and Superior Ammunition worldwide. You should be able to determine the load from the proof marks which are stamped on the barrel flats, or sometimes engraved on the top of the barrels. Luckily, most British doubles only have one bullet/powder loading in either soft or solid bullet format for each calibre so you cannot go too wrong. One word of warning, calibres such as .475 No.2 have two different bullet diameters so make sure you obtain the correct version. If in any doubt, consult a competent gunmaker beforehand. To test the rifle, set yourself up comfortably at an upright bench -this makes the actual shooting more comfortable. An effective test distance to start with would be 50 yards and whilst choice of target is a personal thing, the classic black 4” bull is clearly visible with open sights. Start by shooting the right barrel, then the left and check that each barrel groups well and that neither one is key holing the bullets. If all seems okay, then shoot a right and then a left shot and always mark which way round they are on the target. People can get easily confused! Most older doubles will shoot a consistent group of anywhere from 2”-4” at 50 yards and some will do this at 100 yards. This is perfectly acceptable particularly with open sights. At the end of the day, it is your first shot that counts and the second is normally at a fleeing target or at point blank range if your quarry’s decided to come at you! There may be some difference in grouping between solid and soft nose bullets as well as bullets by other

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hunting manufacturers. • Fit Gun fit is another important aspect to purchasing a double rifle. A great number of used double rifles were stocked to specific measurements either for a client or for stock, others have been restocked in a similar manner and others altered to suit. As such length of pull, drop and cast can vary from one rifle to another. Be sure that when you mount the rifle your dominant eye lines up immediately with the sights and what you are pointing at. If the foresight bead sits high up in relation to the rear sight, then chances are the stock does not have enough drop and the rifle will shoot high. Conversely if the foresight bead disappears behind the rear sight then clearly there is too much drop and the rifle will shoot low. Most rifles will be “cast off” for right handed shooters and those with a cheek piece will have more cast at heel and toe than a stock without one. To obtain some idea of whether the cast suits you, make sure that the foresight bead is central to the “V” in the express sight. If it is off to one side first check the rear sight has not been deliberately offset, if not then consider altering the cast. Last look at the length of pull. An old wives tale is to put the butt of the stock in the crook of your arm and then see where you trigger finger reaches to. If it fits, the ball of your trigger finger should comfortably reach the trigger, if you cannot reach the trigger, it is too long and if too much of your finger wraps around the trigger then the stocks too short. However, it is probably advisable to have the stock shorter rather than longer as in a quick shooting situation you do not want the butt of the rifle catching under your armpit as you raise the rifle. • And Finally Price! Now to price - simply put British double rifles are never going to get any cheaper so if you want one buy it now! Looking back only ten years double rifles were regularly seen at the big auction houses and often filled several pages of a catalogue. Today you’ll be lucky to see a couple in any auction and those that are invariably fetch high prices. Demand for good double rifles certainly outstrips supply which is why so many new doubles are being built today. Hammer double rifles are invariably the cheaper end of the market, through boxlock, droplock and ultimately sidelock. Non ejectors are always cheaper than ejector and name is very influential in the asking price particularly if it is a Westley Richards, Holland & Holland or Purdey. Calibre is also an important factor and the more popular and larger the calibre the more such a rifle can be expected to fetch. Condition, originality, and whether the rifle is cased can also add to the price. With the recent introduction of modern ammunition by Norma and Hornady, expect prices to continue to rise. The best advice is to go to a notable gunmaker or dealer who has an established reputation for selling used double rifles or in fact building new ones. There may not be any deals, but you can be confident in what you buy. If your budget has no limit, then the ultimate is to have your own new double rifle built to order. All the top British makers offer new double rifles based on the same designs of 100 years ago. They are all truly fabulous!

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Dung Beetle Scarabaeoidea

Featured species

Compiled by Cobus Steyl

Dung beetles are beetles that feed partly or exclusively on feces. All the species belong to the superfamily Scarabaeoidea; most of them to the subfamilies Scarabaeinae and Aphodiinae of the family Scarabaeidae (scarab beetles). As most species of Scarabaeinae feed exclusively on feces, that subfamily is often dubbed true dung beetles. There are dung-feeding beetles which belong to other families, such as the Geotrupidae (the earthboring dung beetle). The Scarabaeinae alone comprises more than 5,000 species. Many dung beetles, known as rollers, roll dung into round balls, which are used as a food source or brooding chambers. Other dung beetles, known as tunnelers, bury the dung wherever they find it. A third group, the dwellers, neither roll nor burrow: they simply live in manure. They are often attracted by the dung burrowing owls collect. Ecology and behavior Dung beetles live in many habitats, including desert, farmland, forest, and grasslands. They do not prefer extremely cold or dry weather. They are found on all continents except Antarctica.

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Featured species Dung beetles eat dung excreted by herbivores and omnivores, and prefer that produced by the former. Many of them also feed on mushrooms and decaying leaves and fruits. Those that eat dung do not need to eat or drink anything else, the dung provides all the necessary nutrients. Most dung beetles search for dung using their sensitive sense of smell. Some smaller species simply attach themselves to the dung-providers to wait for the dung. After capturing the dung, a dung beetle rolls it, following a straight line despite all obstacles. Sometimes, dung beetles try to steal the dung ball from another beetle, so the dung beetles have to move rapidly away from a dung pile once they have rolled their ball to prevent it from being stolen. Male Onthophagus taurus beetles can pull 1,141 times their own body weight: the equivalent of an average person pulling six double-decker buses full of people. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;rollersâ&#x20AC;? roll and bury a dung ball either for food storage or for making a brooding ball. In the latter case, two beetles, one male and one female, stay around the dung ball during the rolling process. Usually it is the male that rolls the ball, while the female hitch-hikes or simply follows behind. In some cases, the male and the female roll together. When a spot with soft soil is found, they stop and bury the ball, then mate underground. After the mating, both or one of them prepares the brooding ball. When the ball is finished, the female lays eggs inside it, a form of mass provisioning. Some species do not leave after this stage, but remain to safeguard their offspring. The dung beetle goes through a complete metamorphosis. The larvae live in brood balls made with dung prepared by their parents. During the larval stage, the beetle feeds on the dung surrounding it. Benefits and uses Dung beetles play a remarkable role in agriculture. By burying and consuming dung, they improve nutrient recycling and soil structure. They also protect livestock, such as cattle, by removing the dung which, if left, could provide habitat for pests such as flies. Therefore, many countries have introduced the creatures for the benefit of animal husbandry. In developing countries, the beetles are especially important as an adjunct for improving standards of hygiene.

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Vol 22 2014

hunting

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greatest Nomads Fritz Rabe The eastern part of CAR looks like Mopane veldt, although the trees were not Mopane. Every stream was covered by forest on both sides with savannah further away. It is flat country and the heat and humidity is heavy even at 10 000 feet above sea level where we were flying towards a bush airstrip in our hunting area. The hunting area is 650km away to the East of Bangui, the capital of CAR. Our camp was on the banks of the Mbari that flows into the Bangui River before joining the mighty Congo River. All these rivers are home to the Goliath Tiger and Vundu or Giant Catfish. Everything here is either giant or pygmy. Giant Eland, Giant Forest Hog, Goliath Tiger or Baits Pygmy Antelope

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hunting and even Dwarf Buffalo roam here. This is a land of extremes. Even the weather plays along. It is either stinking hot or soaking wet. It is beautiful country that is vanishing from our earth because no one cares about another African country that is destroying itself. The Sudanese killers that come into this place in groups of 70 to 100 with donkeys and camels only to poach. They slaughter. Everything with a pulse dies before the hail of AK-47 bullets. There are no authorities here to combat them. No one cares. To them, this is “nomans land”. The wet season from April to October is death season to all living creatures to supply the growing demand for “bush meat”. During the wet season, most animals congregate on the high ground where they are caught in a death trap for the genocide that follows. Even rats and frogs are killed. They are considered a delicacy in this ex French colony. Not even a Hyena is spared as its parts are used in the “muti” trade. This is something that is getting more common in all the African countries. The world goes nuts when they hear of the Rhino poaching in South Africa but turns a blind eye and deaf ear to the thousands of Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Eland and Lion that is exterminated all over Africa. Bongo, Forest Sitatunga, Derby Eland, Elephant, Lion, Giant Forest Hog and Forest Buffalo are but a few species that are going to be extinct in a few years from now. There are no more Giraffe, Rhino, Cob or humans left in this vast area. It belongs to the Sudanese.

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hunting

I had a heavy heart full of doubt and sadness when we left camp at 4;30 am on the first of our 21 day safari to try and bow hunt a Lord Derby or Giant Eland. We drove slowly to the first of many saltlicks to find fresh tracks. At the lick we saw that a herd of eland came during the night to get some much needed minerals from the soil. The grass and leaves in this area does not produce enough to sustain the animals that feed on them. We were too late as the tracks showed us that they came early during the night. The dung was cold and dark and lost most of its moisture. There were also tracks of Western Roan, Sing-Sing Waterbuck and one Buffalo. Yawan got a strange look in his eyes when I pointed the buff track out to him. He has got the worst addiction for buffalo that I have ever seen. It is easier to take a rump steak from a hungry Rottweiler than it is to get Yawan to leave a buffalo. At the third salt lick we found tracks that were fresh enough to follow. I immediately noticed that these wanderers did not wander around feeding. They were motoring and they did it with the wind. We followed them from 7am to 3pm and only once did they stop long enough to have a drink in a small stream. We eventually herd one eland bark like a Kudu when it got our wind and that was They simultaneously went into overdrive and trotted to

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hunting the Congo or Uganda. We were miles away from the truck and running low on water that was consumed by the gallon in the sweltering heat. That evening we hit the sack straight after supper so as to be ready at 4:30 the next day. The Redflanked Duiker looks and behaves like a rat. They are sly and skittish animals because everything that eats meat is a threat to these tiny antelope. Smaller than a Steenbok they offer very challenging targets that can string-jump a hand grenade. We spotted quite a few dashing away while following the elusive eland. By accident we came upon a male that was unaware of us when we emerged from a forest gallery into the savannah. The rangefinder said 25y and the 800gr Easton DG 300 arrow tipped with an 180gr German Kinetic flew straight from the 80lb McPhearson series Mathews Monster. The little devil jumped the string completely and turned 180 degrees before the arrow hit him and put him down within 10 yards. We found the arrow 40y further. He was a beautiful old male and we were really proud to have something in the salt after hours of walking. On the afternoon of day 9 and more than a 100km of walking we came to within hunting distance of a big herd of eland. We followed them since early the morning from a salt lick. We have seen many eland during the previous days and with a rifle the hunt would be

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hunting over on day 3 already as we came to within 70y of a truly monster bull but as always the wind was not steady and he galloped away. Myself and Phillipe (the CAR PH) discussed the best approach to try and get to within 40y of the Eland. We were navigating our way behind cover as well as trying to keep the swirling wind in our faces when we came close to this herd. There was one old bull and 3 younger ones within this group of 40+. They milled around and not once did one ever stand still for longer than a few seconds. This behaviour was typical of eland and more so of animals that gets harassed by constant poaching. The old bull finally came to our side of the group and our excitement made way for panic as a huge Warthog male came walking right through the herd straight towards us. (Shoot that pig before he busts us!!) I whispered to Yawan. A split second later a Silver Flame broadhead went through his shoulder at no more than 10 yards just as he turned slightly quartering towards. He gave a high squeal and crashed away for 20y before collapsing. This got the attention of the old eland bull and he came closer to have a look at the mad pig. A second arrow was released in a flash that found the middle of the elandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left shoulder and exited on the last rib on his right side. It was hectic with all the action. The eland gave a short jump and ran in a small circle to give Yawan

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hunting another shot at him in less than 5 seconds. We never found that 3rd arrow. I think that it is still in orbit as there was only one entrance and exit wound in the eland when we got to him where he went down a 100y away. What a hunt it turned out to be!! Who could ever dream of such an outcome after all the hours that we walked in the tracks of these gigantic nomads. The right horn measured 50 1/2 inches with a circumference of 16 1/2. The left was just a touch shorter at 49 3/4 inches also with a 16 1/2 base. It was the new un-official world record for a bow. That did not matter at all as it is the specie that counts and not the tape measure. We were overjoyed that evening when we arrived back at camp. All the effort paid off in spades. Phillipe and me felt like we won the Lotto. Yawan had the biggest smile on his face because now we could go after buffalo. It was with a sad feeling that I flew back home after our hunt. I do not know for how long those great wandering nomads will be available to hunt. I do know that it will end very soon if we as hunters do nothing to protect such a truly beautiful place. I fear that my kids will never grow up to see a Giant Eland in the wild. We are close to the end of an era. Thank you again Yawan, for all the campfires that we have shared through the years.

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hunting

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hunting

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fishing

Fly fishing Venues of the Middle Vaal Mario Smit One of the most frequent questions I am asked is: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where can one fish close to Johannesburg and Pretoria?â&#x20AC;? Well, we might not be blessed with the beautiful little streams that crisscross through the Eastern Cape or the crystal clear rivers of Lesotho but what we have in the Vaal River is a world class fly fishing destination right on the doorstep of the big smoke. For those who want a quick fix of day fishing there are plenty of venues available within an hour from Johannesburg traveling south on the N1. Accommodation around the middle Vaal river area ranges from very basic catering for day visitors, to upmarket lodges suitable for families and couples wanting to get away from it all. As one turns of the N1 and onto the Potchefstroom / Vanderbijlpark (Exit 9) off ramp one very quickly realise that this is yellowfish country with fishing resorts dotted all along the banks of the Vaal river. The first venue on the list as you make your way down to Parys is Yellowfish Paradise. With 750m of river frontage the resort offers a good selection of broken water for the fly fisherman as well as deeper pools suitable to conventional angling. Offering self-catering bungalows as well as a camp site, Yellowfish Paradise is well suited for a group of friends who want to stay overnight and enjoy the fishing available at the resort.

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Not far down the road from Yellowfish Paradise you will find the entrance to Strydoms and Silwerstrome a further 2km down the road. Both these venues are ideally suited to the budget conscious as well as those new to flyfishing the Vaal river as it affords relative easy wading and a large stretch of broken water ideally suited to fly fishermen. Both these venues however are best for day visitors as there are no facilities available. Traveling less than 3km past the little town of Lindequesdrif one finds Arendsnes Fly fishing Resort and Woelwaters Holiday Resort situated directly next to each other. Both resorts offer camping as well as fully equipped chalets, play areas, a swimming pool and are well suited for a group of friends wanting an overnight stay. The Vaal River around these two venues consists of one continuous long stretch of riffles and rapids without the charm of the little islands dotted inside the river as you might find at venues such as Silwerstrome and Strydoms. Although these venues can become quite busy over weekends it offers good value for money. Whereas with many places on the Vaal you can fish only certain sections almost all of the water around these two venues are fishable. The next stop down the R500 to Parys is the very popular Eendekuil. A favourite of many, Eendekuil offers a fantastic stretch of water that is well managed by the owner of the property. Eendekuil only allows for a limited number of fly fishermen per day which ensures an enjoyable day out on the river without the crowds that frequent the other venues. Made up of scattered islands and huge trees in the river it is also one of the most picturesque of all the venues. Eendekuil offers day fishing as well as overnight camping. There are however no facilities available and campers have to bring everything they need with. 26

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fishing Traveling further down the road, just outside Parys, you find Eastco Resort. This very well maintained family resort offers shaded camping/caravan stands, a swimming pool, tuck shop and chalets sleeping up to 6 guests. Fishing at Eastco can be very hard at times as wading can be tough when the Vaal River is flowing strong. Having said that, Eastco remains one of my favourite fishing venues. The resort has a very large fishable area suitable for fly fishing and conventional fishing. For those who are willing to venture out a little bit further there is Elgro River Lodge between Potchefstroom and Parys. In my mind Elgro, as it is affectionately known, is undoubtedly the premier yellowfish destination of the middle Vaal River. With its beautifully maintained lawns, deck area and well-appointed chalets Elgro is the perfect weekend getaway for families and friends. Apart from fishing, Elgro also offers archery, nearby game drives and a drift down the river that gives you the opportunity to fish areas accessible by inflatable raft only. As fisherman we are spoilt for choice when choosing the venue for our next outing. We must remember though that it is a privilege and not a right to fish these areas. Let us protect our indigenous fish species and treat them with the respect they deserve. Treat every venue as if it is your own and respect those who you are fortunate enough to share the water with. • Yellowfish Paradise - 016 987 7199 • Strydoms/Silwerstrome - (no booking necessary – pay at entrance) • Arendsnes – 016 987 1541 • Woelwaters 016 987 7932 • Eendekuil – 056 818 1392 • Eastco – 083 379 2872 • Elgro River Lodge – 018 297 5411 Detailed venue information available on www.yellowfish.co.za

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fishing

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Featured species

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

Compiled by Cobus Steyl

Description Rainbow trout have the typical trout-shape with an adipose fin, and a squarish tail that has black spots throughout. The rainbow trout has 10-12 anal rays and a white mouth and gums. Adult freshwater stream rainbow trout average between 0.5 and 2.3 kg, while lake-dwelling and anadromous forms may reach 9.1 kg. Coloration varies widely based on subspecies, forms and habitat. Adult fish are distinguished by a broad reddish stripe along the lateral line, from gills to the tail, which is most vivid in breeding males. Wild-caught and hatchery-reared forms of this species have been transplanted and introduced for food or sport in at least 45 countries and every continent except Antarctica. Adult fish have a broad reddish stripe along the lateral line, from gills to the tail, which is most pronounced in breeding males. Similar Fish Golden trout, cutthroat trout. Life cycle Rainbow trout generally spawn in early to late spring (January to June in the Northern Hemisphere and September to November in the Southern Hemisphere). The maximum recorded lifespan for a rainbow trout is 11 years.

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Featured species

Feeding Habits Rainbow trout are mainly meat eating fish. They feed on a wide variety of prey including insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish and fish eggs. Habitat and range Rainbows are considered fastwater fish, preferring the swift runs and riffle areas of streams. They may live in small creeks, as well as suitable spots in large rivers, the tailwaters of dams, and in lakes and reservoirs. As trout, rainbows live in cold, clean, well-oxygenated water. This sought after species are found throughout parts of southern Africa but prefers the highlands of Mpumalanga, eastern - and western Cape. Feeding Rainbow trout are predators with a varied diet and will eat nearly anything they can capture. They are not as piscivorous or aggressive as brown trout or chars. Rainbow trout in fresh water, routinely feed on larval, pupal and adult forms of aquatic insects (typically caddisflies, stoneflies, mayflies and aquatic diptera). They also eat fish eggs and adult forms of terrestrial insects (typically ants, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets) that fall into the water. Other prey include small fish up to one-third of their length, crayfish, shrimp, and other crustaceans. As rainbow trout grow, the proportion of fish consumed increases in most populations. Some lake-dwelling forms may become planktonic feeders. In rivers and streams populated with other salmonid species, rainbow trout eat varied fish eggs, including those of salmon, brown and cutthroat trout and the eggs of other rainbow trout. AA Rainbows also consume decomposing flesh from carcasses of other fish. 30

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events

Not to be missed KwaZulu-Natal

GAUTENG Halfway Toyota 4x4 Driver Training and Outing days 7 March - Prado Training 4Ways 8 March - Halfway Honeydew 9 March - Halfway 4Ways 5 April - Halfway 4Ways 6 April - Halfway Honeydew Ryan Otto - 073 845 2003 Autumn Harvest Faire 15 - 30 March Muldersdrift Corne - 011 956 3003 Groot Gat Fees 18 - 21 March Cullinan SA on Tap 21 March Randburg 011 704 4569 SA National Drag Racing Championship 23 March Krugersdorp Nico - 011 762 5431

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North Coast-Zululand Great Train Race 8 March Stanger 078 400 6373 Flock in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Berg 13 -16 March Drakensberg www.birdlife.org.za/events/flock Big Boyz Toyz SA Expo 30 March - April Durban 083 778 9921 Y-Bass tournament trail 5 April Inanda dam kzntournamenttrail@gmail.com

Freestate Free State Easterfest 7 April Fiksburg 081 300 1546

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events Klein Karoo National Arts Festival 29 March - 5 April Oudtshoorn www.kknk.co.za

WESTERN CAPE OmmiBerg Round the Rock 8 - 9 March Paarl Annelize - 021 863 4886

Limpopo

Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour 9 March Hertzog Boulevard 021 681 4361 Swellendam Agricultural Show 13 - 15 March Swellendam 082 083 4431 The Cape Getaway show 14 March Somerset West 021 530 3100 Lamberts Bay Crayfish & Cultural Festival 21 - 24 March Lamberts Bay 0 27 432 1000 ATKV Oesfees 22 March Franschhoek 021 874 3937

Ebenezer Mile Open Swim 15 March Magoebaskloof 083 626 0297 Pick n Pay Bosveld Mile 23 March Bela Bela 082 377 9869

Northern Cape Angling Competition 23 March Velddrif 022 783 1821 Easter Flower Market 30 March Goedverwacht 022 912 4410 Steak Evening 31 April Velddrif 022 783 0005 If you would like to publish your event here, please send details of event to: info@africanadventures.co.za

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Paul Parsons

fishing

Gauteng Bass Fishing Locations Gauteng is a small province, the smallest in South Africa in fact, but is also densely populated; bass fishing venues are therefore not very abundant. The primary bass fishing destination in the province is the Vaal River, a couple of smaller impoundments such as Roodeplaat Dam are also available, as well as a number of private bass fishing venues. Sadly the intensive industry and dense human population result in frequent pollution problems in the area. Nevertheless the Vaal is definitely worth a visit. Below we look into 3 different locations: 1. Bronkhorstspruit Dam Bronkhorstspruit has been a well kept secret amongst bass anglers in the know. This easily accessible dam is located south of the town of Bronkhorstspruit, approximately 60 km East of Pretoria. Some excellent quality largemouth Bass have been caught from the dam and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of those venues that can produce fish throughout the year. The water can be fairly stained so lures with a bit of flash or noise are ideal, white spinner baits have proved effective. Flukes are also a popular choice, especially when fished around and in the grass that surrounds much of the dam.

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fishing Bass of 2 to 3 kg have been caught although the average is more likely to be closer to 1 kg. Bronkies can be a tough dam to fish, when it’s on it’s smoking, but it can turn off just as quickly, at such times the angler has to work for his fish. Capacity Slipway Fish Species Available Structure Recommended Lures Facilities Security Warnings Contact Numbers

Kaia Manzi Lodge and Caravan Park: 013 932 3130 Kungwini Resort: 013 932 2202 Possible on much of the dam.

Ivan Fourie

Bank Fishing Potential

58.5 million cubic meters. Yes at 2 of the resorts that surround the dam. Largemouth Bass, Carp, Barbel, Kurper, Yellowfish. Structure is mainly water grass and reeds, there are also a few trees around the bank as well as jetties and a submerged kraal opposite the main launch area. White spinner baits, flukes, brush hogs and grubs / crawfish replicas that imitate the many crabs that are present. There are at least 4 resorts around the dam with camping sites and self catering chalets. Good. None.

2. Vaal River The section of the Vaal River (not to be confused with the Vaal Dam), runs from below the Vaal Dam wall for approximately 40 km downstream to the Barrage. The river is lined for most of it’s length with private residences so access is limited. A boat is essential for fishing this vast stretch of water, launching facilities are available at a number of resorts, as is accommodation ranging from fairly basic camping sites to luxury hotels and casinos.

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fishing The proximity of the Vaal River to major centers of population mean that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular with other water sports enthusiasts, bass anglers therefore have to learn to live with water skiers and leisure boaters. Despite this the Vaal is a great Largemouth Bass fishery and once the angler has overcome the difficulties good catches can be made. Some very large bass are caught from time to time, the average fish though is somewhat smaller. Capacity Slipway Fish Species Available Structure Recommended Lures Facilities Security Warnings Bank Fishing Potential

40 km. A boat is essential to fish the river properly. Largemouth Bass, Carp, Barbel, Mudfish, Yellowfish. Reed beds, willow trees, log jams and laydowns, sheltered bays, lilly pads, water grass and endless jetties and boat houses. Lures with a good vibration are recommended, spinner baits, crank baits, brush hogs and creature baits. Numerous resorts are available from fairly basic to the ultimate in luxury. Good at the resorts. Boat traffic is heavy, constant vigilance is essential; the Vaal River is possibly the busiest waterway in the country, especially during weekends and holidays. Very limited, the river is lined for most of its length with private residences so access for bank anglers is limited to the resorts. A boat is essential for fishing this long stretch of water. The large number of power boats and jet skis make fishing from a canoe or float tube a hazardous undertaking.

3. Exclusive Bass Angling Exclusive Bass is a fishing venue for the bank angler that loves bass fishing, the venue is situated just outside of Nigel out on the Balfour road (R51). The dam is stocked with good size bass and also is home to a lot of carp, barbel and kurper. Sizes range between 1kg and 4kg with a lot of 1 to 2.5kg bass being caught every weekend. There are shaded trees with a lawn next to the water for camping or just relaxing. Float tubes and inflatables are welcome. Capacity Slipway Fish Species Available Structure Recommended Lures Facilities Security Warnings Contact Numbers Bank Fishing Potential

Unknown. No, float tubes and inflatables only. Bass, Carp, Curper and Barbel. Some grass all along the sides of the dam with some reeds and some stumps in the water. A lot of open water to fish. Spinner baits in white or chartreuse colors and even the gold colors work very well. Flukes in the colors Black/ June Bug or Watermelon Seed. Any type of Jerk Bait. There are 3 huge Wilger trees along the bank with a well maintained, green lawn all around the dam. There are also ablution facilities. Good. None. Hendrik: Cell: 083 704 2969 Email: hendrik@exclusivebass.co.za Excellent.

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adventures

Becoming Tarzan: Jungle Trekking in Indonesia Rebecca Root www.gapyear.com Intense heat, a few near-death experiences and a whole load of sweat... a trek in the Indonesian jungle is by no means a walk in the park, but it is an epic adventure. In stark contrast to Bali’s white sands and rolling surf, the town of Bukit Lawang in northern Sumatra is all swinging vines and wild treetops. It calls to anyone seeking a bit of Tarzanaction but, be warned, you’ll need more than a loin cloth to make this trip. Bukit Lawang itself is a forgotten corner of the globe that missed the memo on hot water and internet, but this just makes it all the more enchanting. It’s untouched by the curse of McDonalds and its dense jungle is yet to be destroyed by hotel developers. The area remains wild and beautiful, offering a secluded getaway full of great food and jungle sing songs. The locals have you hooked on the idea of a jungle escapade from the moment you plant your feet in the magical land of Bukit Lawang - all smiling faces and funny tales you can’t resist. So that was it. Rucksacks on, water bottles at the ready and our group were ready to take those first steps into jungle wonderland. But, this was by no means a glamorous affair.

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adventures Forget Katy Perry’s recent music video for Roar - with crazy temperatures and vertical hikes, jungle chic was not easy to achieve and a few minutes in I looked like a steamed lobster, all red and sweaty. So be warned and leave the vanity back at the riverside. We climbed through the thick growth and trudged in the deep mud. We fell more than a few times and hiked it up the steep paths. There was literally blood, sweat and tears. However, do not misinterpret the sheer physical agony for disappointment. Say hello to the orangutans Our first sighting of the Sumatran orangutans made all the pants and pains disappear. In packs of two or three, the orangutans swung low between the trees and stared down at the human faces peeking up at them. Unafraid, they came so close and took any opportunity they could to steal a banana. Their button noses and rusty fur could trick you into thinking that they were as harmless as teddy bears, but their strong physique means they’re anything but... Mina, orangutan celeb of the treetops, decided to take a member of our trekking group hostage in exchange for copious amounts of fruit. She put up quite a fight to keep her newly acquired friend and twisted and pulled her poor victim’s arm until the tour guide surrendered all the fruit we had. There goes lunch. We were six hours in and far enough away from civilisation to be more than a little perturbed. After our traumatic hold up we continued to delve deeper into the foliage. By this point our tour guide had taken pity on me, the girl who clearly thought she was going to Zumba class with her crop top and matching bag, and had relieved me of my rucksack. With a nice mud stain coming up the rear no amount of deodorant was helping me out here. Our guide navigated us through the trees as if each branch were clearly signposted. When asked how he found his way so easily he simply said: “I am a jungle boy”. When exhaustion started to creep in and my Primarni pumps began to rub, we finally began what can only be described as a death descent, an almost vertical climb down a cliff face. All it would take was one wrong foot and we could be lost to the jungle forever. When the river below finally came into sight I don’t think my body could have heaved a bigger sigh, but it wasn’t over. In order to reach our overnight camp we had to cross the rough river.

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adventures Once again, totally unequipped, we waded through and tried not to be washed away. When we finally made it to camp - and by camp I mean a piece of plastic sheeting - we all collapsed with exhaustion. We’d experienced more near-death experiences in one day then some people experience in a lifetime but, day one was over, we were still alive and had cups of condensed milk to perk us up. Yum. However physically demanding the day had been, there had been surreal moments that made it worth every second: bathing in the waterfalls (Myleene Klass-style of course), watching the baby monkeys and playing games by the campfire with the natives. These were all magical moments that I would later question if they were real or had just been a result of a jungle hallucination, lack of water and heat creating some mystic illusion. That night we lay beneath the stars and couldn’t have been closer to nature. In fact, I feared we were a little too close. A hiss here and a roar there, I was convinced we wouldn’t last till the morning, but the overwhelming events of the day let us drift into the deepest of comas. Needless to say we were not eaten by a bear or dragged off by a tiger. We had survived a night in the jungle and sunrise brought another day of wading through waterfalls and watching the wildlife, but this time it ended with a raft downstream between the jungle’s valleys. The views were breathtaking, the animals astounding and the moments surreal. How the girl from Leeds survived a jungle trek with nothing but her Topshop joggers and Impulse body spray I’ll never know, but it was worth every moment.

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www.4x4outdoorshow.co.za adventures

Come experience South Africa’s first REAL Show!!

5 & 6 April 2014 at our very own Voortrekker Monument PRETORIA American Style Monster Truck Show by Performance Dynamics together with the Le Riche Bro’s off road bike team for special effects, sponsored by WOA, 14:00pm - 14:30pm each day! Before and after the show...YOU can drive in the Monster Trucks!! * We are building a 4x4 track at the venue, so you can enjoy a 4x4 Off road drive with Andrè De Villiers from Safari 4x4 Roetes!! * Meet Johan Bardenhorst from Voetspore and much more! What’s going to be at The South African 4x4 Outdoor Show? Latest 4x4 vehicles Off road Caravans & Trailers 4x4 Accessories & Conversions Hunting Gear & Destinations Fishing Gear Weapons Camping equipment Bow Range Knives Venue address: Beer Garden & Food stands... and loads more! Voortrekker Monument, 42

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Contact Alan for info: 082 344 0238

Featured species

Acridotheres tristis

Compiled by Cobus Steyl

The Common Myna In South Africa where it escaped into the wild in 1902, it has become very common and its distribution is greater where human populations are denser or where there is more human disturbance. The bird is also notorious for being a pest, kicking other birds out of their nests and killing their young due to the Mynaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong territorial instinct. In South Africa it is considered somewhat of a major pest and disturbance of the natural habitat; as a result, they are frequently shot and killed by people in urban environments and farmers alike. Bylaws in South Africa pertaining to the protection of most animal species specifically exclude mynas from this protection. The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), sometimes spelled Mynah, is a member of the family Sturnidae (starlings and mynas) native to Asia. The range of the Common Myna is increasing at such a rapid rate that in 2000 the IUCN Species Survival Commission declared it one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most invasive species and one of only three birds in the top 100 species that pose an impact to biodiversity, agriculture and human interests. Description The Common Myna is easily identified by the brown body, black hooded head and the bare yellow patch behind the eye. The bill and legs are bright yellow. There is a white patch on the outer primaries and the wing lining on the underside is white. The sexes are similar and birds are regularly seen in pairs.

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Featured species Subspecies The Common Myna has two subspecies: • Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus, 1758). Widespread, including Sri Lanka. • A. t. melanosternus Legge, 1879. Endemic to Sri Lanka. The subspecies melanosternus is darker than the nominate subspecies, has half-black and half-white primary coverts and has a larger yellow cheek-patch. Vocalisation The calls includes croaks, squawks, chirps, clicks, whistles and ‘growls’, and the bird often fluffs its feathers and bobs its head in singing. The Common Myna screeches warnings to its mate or other birds in cases of predators in proximity or when it’s about to take off flying. Common Mynas are popular as cage birds for their singing and “speaking” abilities. Before sleeping in communal roosts, mynas vocalise in unison, which is known as “communal noise”. Breeding Common Mynas are believed to pair for life. They breed through much of the year depending on the location, building their nest in a hole in a tree or wall. The normal clutch size is 4–6 eggs. The average size of the egg is 30.8 x 21.99 mm. The incubation period is 17 to 18 days and fledging period 22 to 24 days. Nesting material used by mynas include twigs, roots, tow and rubbish. Mynas have been known to use tissue paper, tin foil and sloughed off snake-skin. The Common Myna uses the nests of woodpeckers, parakeets, etc. and easily takes to nest boxes; it has been recorded evicting the chicks of previously nesting pairs by holding them in the beak and later sometimes not even using the emptied nest boxes. This aggressive behaviour is considered to contribute to its success as an invasive species. Food and feeding Like most starlings, the Common Myna is omnivorous. It feeds on insects, arachnids, crustaceans, reptiles, small mammals, seeds, grain and fruits and discarded waste from human habitation. It forages on the ground among grass for insects, and especially for grasshoppers, from which it gets the generic name Acridotheres, “grasshopper hunter”. Habitat This abundant passerine is typically found in open woodland, cultivation and around human habitation. Although this is an adaptable species, its population has been decreasing significantly in Singapore and Malaysia (where it is locally called gembala kerbau, literally ‘buffalo shepherd’) due to competition with its cousin, the introduced Javan Myna.

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adventures

You make many mistakes over the years and some of them can be real costly. For this article I have decided to put together a few tips that can help you, not to make the mistakes that I have made. I will share tips from the most basic to more advanced. Always reset camera settings There are few things worse than taking what you think is a stunning picture, only to find your camera’s ISO and saturation were cranked right up from a previous shoot and you’ve missed the moment. Avoid this by checking – and resetting – all of your settings before moving from one picturetaking opportunity to the next. Charge your batteries Don’t assume your camera’s battery is fully charged – make sure it is. Charge it before you go out so you’re certain there’s enough life in it. Invest in a spare battery if you regularly find yourself shooting beyond its capacity. 46

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adventures Set the image size Most times you’ll be shooting at the highest resolution your camera offers, regardless of what it is you’re photographing. But do you always need to? Sometimes a smaller image size might be all you need, and reducing the resolution not only means more images will fit on a memory card, but you can achieve a faster shooting rate, too. If sports photography is your thing, reducing the resolution will help you avoid delays as your camera clears its buffer. If you intend to do any manipulation or retouching then shooting RAW is often the best solution thanks to its increased bit depth. However, RAW files are larger, so it take longer for the camera to deal with it. You also need to process the images before they can be printed. JPEG files, on the other hand, are processed in-camera at the time of shooting. So you can print or share them immediately, and you’ll find that you can shoot a much longer burst of consecutive frames at a much quicker rate. Providing you don’t want to make too many radical changes to an image after you’ve taken it, you may find you can’t tell the difference between a JPEG file and a RAW one. For the ultimate in choice, though, and when speed isn’t important, why not shoot both?

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adventures adventures Most digital cameras give you this option, and you can then decide what you want to do when you’re back at your computer. Just make sure you pack an extra memory card. Experiment with settings When they’re not working on an assignment, professional photographers spend a lot of time testing. This could be testing a new lens to determine which aperture or focal length it performs best at; testing the ISO and white balance to see which options give the very best results; or even testing the dynamic range so you know the sensor’s limitations. You can do exactly the same with your SLR, so you know precisely where its strengths and weaknesses lie. This isn’t about looking for perfect shots – just experimenting with your kit to understand it better, or trying out new techniques that you can employ at a later stage. Double-check your kit It might sound obvious, but check your camera bag if you’re going to be shooting away from home. Make a checklist to help you remember everything. Autofocus or manual focus? It’s all too easy to become over-reliant on your camera’s autofocus, and there are some situations where focusing manually is definitely a better option – pre-focusing to photograph a fast-moving subject on a race track, or focusing precisely for a detailed macro shot. Shoot more than you need Even with static subjects, consider shooting a burst of frames using your camera’s continuous shooting mode. Subtle variations in the light as clouds move across a landscape, or a portrait subject changing expression, are both examples of a ‘perfect moment’ that could be missed with just a single shot. So shoot a burst and pick the best frame later.

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adventures Try bracketing You may be able to adjust the exposure of an image in your editing software, but lighting an under-exposed shot will exaggerate any noise, while over-exposed highlights are impossible to recover. If you’re in any doubt, bracket your shots to be sure you’ve got one that’s correctly exposed – even if you choose to shoot RAW files. Polarisers The effect of a polarising filter is impossible to recreate digitally, which makes it the number one filter choice for outdoor photographers looking to cut down reflections or intensify blue skies. Don’t skimp on price, or you’ll be skimping on quality. Black & white: in-camera or in-computer? Unless you know that you definitely want to print black-and-white images from your memory card, it’s best to shoot in colour and then convert to mono later in your imageediting software – it will offer a lot more control than your camera. If you decide to shoot black-and-white JPEGs, don’t forget about in-camera filters: red, orange and yellow filters can all add drama to boring skies, while an orange filter will reduce the appearance of freckles and blemishes in portraits. Changing lenses So much has been said about ‘dust bunnies’ (small particles of dust that can land on your camera’s sensor and cause dots in images) that many photographers seem paranoid about changing lenses – but that’s one of the main attractions of DSLR photography! There are some simple precautions to take though. Always switch the camera off when changing lenses, as this removes any static charge from the sensor which can attract dust particles. Shield the camera from the wind and weather and make sure you have the replacement lens ready to fit. Finally, keep the camera’s lens opening pointing downwards when changing lenses, to minimise the risk of anything falling into it. Happy shooting

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Welwitschia

Welwitschiaceae

www.plantzafrica.com

Weird, peculiar, wonderful, strange, bizarre, fascinating, and of course, unique, are the kind of words that are used to describe the welwitschia. It is one of the few things on Earth that can truly claim to be one of a kind. There really is nothing like it. Description An adult welwitschia consists of two leaves, a stem base and roots. That is all! Its two permanent leaves are unique in the plant kingdom. They are the original leaves from when the plant was a seedling, and they just continue to grow and are never shed. They are leathery, broad, strap-shaped and they lie on the ground becoming torn to ribbons and tattered with age. The stem is low, woody, hollowed-out, obconical in shape and sturdy. It grows to about 500 mm in height. The largest recorded specimen is in the Messum Mountains and is 1.8 m high, and another on the Welwitschia Flats near the Swakop River is 1.2 m tall and 8.7 m wide. Carbon dating tells us that on average, welwitschias are 500600 years old, although some of the larger specimens are thought to be 2000 years old. Their estimated lifespan is 400 to 1500 years. Growth occurs annually during the summer months. Cone-bearing plants are often wind pollinated, producing masses of pollen and all at the same time. Welwitschia is clearly not wind pollinated, as it produces smaller amounts of pollen, with the nectar to attract insects, and the flowers open in succession over an extended period, which also encourages cross-pollination. It may be a beetle, but judging by the fact that large distances can separate plants, Ernst van Jaarsveld thinks it is more likely to be a kind of wasp, which he has seen on the male cones in habitat. The female cones reach maturity in the spring, about 9 months after fertilization.

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Vol 22 2014

Featured species The seeds are 36 x 25 mm and have a large papery wing and are dispersed by wind, in spring, when the female cone disintegrates. In their natural habitat, many seeds are lost to fungal infection and to small desert animals that feed on them. The seeds remain viable for a number of years. They germinate only if fairly heavy rain is spread over a period of several days. As these conditions rarely occur, it often happens that many plants in some colonies are the same age, as they all germinated in the same good year. The seedlings, once established, depend on the fog for survival until the next rains occur. Distribution Welwitschia mirabilis grows in isolated communities in the Namib Desert, in a narrow strip, about 1 000 km along up the coast from the Kuiseb River in central Namibia to Mossamedes in southern Angola. The plants are seldom found more than 100 to 150 km from the coast, and their distribution coincides with the fog belt. Welwitschia is still common in its habitat and shows variability, which is a sign that it is far from extinction. They are neither endangered nor rare; nevertheless they are protected by law. Ecology Welwitschia is ecologically highly specialized, and is adapted to grow under arid conditions receiving regular fog. This regular, dense fog is formed when the cold northflowing Benguela current meets the hot air coming off the Namib Desert. The fog develops during the night and usually subsides by about 10 a.m. The leaves are broad and large and droop downwards. This is an ideal way for it to water its own roots from water collected by condensation. It also has numerous stomata on both leaf surfaces and fog-water is taken up directly through these stomata. The fog has been estimated to contribute 50 mm in annual rainfall, but in spite of the fog, the plants are still dependent on additional sources. Rainfall in this area is erratic and extremely low, only 10 - 100 mm during the summer months. In some years, no rain falls at all. The plants are often confined to dry watercourses or next to higher rainfall regions and they occasionally grow on rocky outcrops. All these habitats point to an additional underground water supply. The plant has a long taproot, allowing it to reach this underground water. Uses & cultural aspects The core, especially of the female plant, was used as food for people in earlier times. It is said to be very tasty either raw or baked in hot ashes, and this is how it got its Herero name, onyanga, which means onion of the desert. 54

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Vol 22 2014

Conservation

? n e e r g g n Goi Paper is the way to go. We are told to ‘save the planet and go digital’ or save the environment by opting for e-billing. You may even have ‘please consider the environment…’ on your emails. The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) highlights the environmental benefits of paper and print, and encourages people not to buy into claims that going paperless saves trees and combats climate change. Both sides of the story “We live in the digital age – an age of convenience and accessibility. But these benefits should not be promoted as ‘greener’ than print,” says PAMSA’s Jane Molony. Paper is produced from a renewable resource – wood. It does not come from indigenous forests but from

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Conservation

sustainably managed timber plantations. All paper produced in South Africa comes from plantation-grown trees, recycled paper or sugar cane. Around 600 million trees across 762,000ha are specifically farmed for pulp and paper manufacturing. These act as massive carbon sinks, absorbing millions of tons of carbon dioxide. When timber is harvested and turned into pulp and paper, the carbon stored is only released when the paper burns or biodegrades. (This is why we should recycle paper – to keep the carbon stored for longer.) The darker side of digital In his report Print vs Digital Media: False Dilemmas and Forced Choices, Don Carli, a senior researcher at the Institute of Sustainable Communication, says: “While paper mills emit visible plumes of steam, and waste paper piles up in plain sight, the invisible ‘grey energy’ used to manufacture digital technologies and the toxic ‘e-waste’ associated with electronics are largely out of sight and out of mind. ‘Dark data’ is also exchanged between computers but never seen by human eyes.” The average American consumes almost 34 gigabytes of data daily, mostly invisible ‘dark data’, the impact of which researchers are just beginning to study.

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Vol 22 2014

Conservation

“We don’t know the environmental impact of saving a document on a server for 10 years or more. And we have no idea of the impact of extracting finite resources to make electronic devices that cannot easily be recycled safely and practically,” says Hans Wegner, chief sustainability officer of the National Geographic Society. Notably, Greenpeace has identified electronic waste as the fastest growing component of the municipal waste steam. The bigger picture “We need to look at the life cycle of the products we use – whether paper or digital,” stresses Molony. “Environmentally conscious citizens who use digital media would need to consider raw materials, how and where items are manufactured, their means of 58

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Conservation transportation, how they are powered and their recyclability.”

FAST FACTS

In considering sourcing paper products and printed material, the simplest way is to buy locally produced paper or look for certification symbols (FSC, PEFC or SFI) which demonstrate a sustainable process, from the forest to the consumer.

• Approximately 150,000 people are employed because we use and recycle paper products.

Consumers often fall into the trap of insisting on printing on recycled paper. “Most recycled paper is imported along with a hidden carbon footprint. FSCcertified virgin paper is just as green, and you support the local economy.” Carli sums it up: digital media doesn’t grow on trees. For more information or to download (and print) a fact sheet, visit www.thepaperstory.co.za and follow @ PaperRocks_SA on Twitter.

• SA consumed 2.6 million tonnes of paper, corrugated materials, board and tissue in 2012. (Of this, 864,000 tonnes were imported.) •Of the 2.4 million tonnes manufactured locally, 605,000 tonnes were exported. •Some 1,151,315 tonnes of paper and board was recovered for recycling in 2012.

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Vol 22 2014

Destinations

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Recipe

HONEY AND CHUTNEY LAMB CHOPS Ingedients 6 lamb loin chops, 20 mm thick Basting sauce 60 ml (1/4 cup) fruit chutney 45 ml (3 Tbsp) honey 60 ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice 2 ml (1/4 tsp) lemon rind 30 ml (1 Tbsp) finely chopped fresh thyme or 10 ml (2 tsp) dried

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2 cloves garlic, crushed 5 ml (1 tsp) mustard powder 2 ml (1/4 tsp) medium curry powder salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

What to do 1. Basting: Mix all the ingredients together. 2. Debone the lamb from the bone. Roll each deboned lamb chop and secure with a wooden skewer. 3. Place chops under heated oven grill on a rack over oven pan. Grill for about 15 - 20 minutes, while turning and basting frequently with sauce until golden brown. Serve immediately. VARIATION: Place chops over moderate coals instead of under oven grill.

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Vol 22 2014

Travel & Stay

Vol 22 2014

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Travel & Stay

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Vol 22 2014

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Vol 22 2014