WCNP looks past fire and drought

THE West Coast National Park (WCNP) in the Western Cape, which sustained severe fire damage in February coupled with a drought between May and July which seriously impacted wildlife, is making "significant progress" with rehabilitation and translocation of game, but lack of funds have put further developments on hold says Kevin Moore, acting park manager.
"A large number of game - which had to have supplementary feeding - is currently restricted to the Postberg section of the park, an area of approximately 2 400 hectares. They were translocated to this area in September to enable the veld to support the remaining animals through the dry season."
Unfortunately, the game cannot roam free in the remaining 24 000 hectares, which has a much higher carrying capacity, as only 20 kilometres of the perimeter fence has been reconstructed.
In an effort to raise funds to complete the process of rehabilitation, the WCNP will host a carnival at the park this weekend, which includes a 42-kilometre marathon, dragon boat racing, a 100-kilometre cycle tour, a kite surf event and a flea market.

(Adéle Mackenzie)