KNP rangers go high tech

WILDLIFE management in the Kruger National Park has been made easier after rangers were given hi-tech cyber trackers on which to record the observations they make while on patrol. They record data like animal movement, tree types or natural disasters on the cyber trackers, which are convenient palm top computers. "The data is vital for the good management of the park," says park spokesman Raymond Travers. The cyber tracker works with a global positioning system (GPS), which identifies the exact location of a person or object. Illiterate of semi-literate rangers can use the cyber tracker easily, because it uses icons, as well as text. The text comes in English, Afrikaans and Shangaan. "Most of our rangers are Shangaan," Travers said. The data is downloaded from the cyber tracker onto a computer database, ensuring no information is accidentally lost. The rangers undergo a one-day training course to learn how to use the cyber trackers. "The courses are short and quick because the system is very easy," Travers added. The trackers have been distributed to the various sections of the park. They were bought with a generous donation from Erna Goodwin, a German woman who loved her visits to the park so much, that she left the park around R296 000 when she died. (African Eye News Service)