Animal Count

ESOM'S – 72 hour Sanctuary Waterhole Count 06/10/2006 – 09/10/2006

Our fifth 72 hour Sanctuary Waterhole Count was carried out from 13-00 hours on Friday the 06 th of October 2006 until 13-00 hours on Monday the 09 th of October.

I was asked what methods I use to obtain our results. Its important that it be known that our results are arrived at by serious scrutiny of the completed observer data sheets, and then this information is related to the specific animal being counted, its frequency of drinking and other particular habits known to the animal. Also taken into account are the sightings, numbers, and other information gathered by ESOM scouts and members throughout the year

The official Liwonde Population and Park Census figures are published by the DNPW and we do not want to appear to conflict with these numbers as they use specific / scientific formulas and other methods to establish their population results.

Also considered for this count are the animals reported to being outside the rhino sanctuary but still alive in the main park as per the A. Hall-Martin/Wilderness Safaris aerial count conducted in August this year. This exercise reported 11 Hartebeest, 6 Eland, and 4 Zebra living outside the Sanctuary. These numbers have not been included in our 2006 count result, but do appear in the overall totals appearing later in this reports - Population and History chart.

The weather generally was again good with temperatures warmer than last year but not true October temperatures. Nights were clear with good moonlight, but inconsistent wind made the animals rather skittish at the waterholes for the first two days and nights.

Support for the count was as usual excellent 56 people joined us for this important occasion with support coming from the likes of DNPW, CAWS and many loyal enthusiastic volunteers adding support to the ESOM contingent, thank you all very much for your time and effort. Unfortunately the Director of Parks and Wildlife, Mr Leonard Sefu scheduled to join us for two sessions on Saturday had to attend another important function and had to withdraw at the last minute. Mr Gibson Mphepo the new DM for Upper Shire lead by example and sat in on the maximum of 6 observer shifts, a good way to get to grips with your park quickly.

Lastly a special thanks to Chris Badger and Wilderness Safaris Mvuu Camp for their repeated support and contribution to the ESOM waterhole count

The results indicate increases in the species populations, although in some cases less than what we had expected – possible reasons being - the nervousness of the animals noted at the count by some observers could be because of poaching. Another reason could have been the windy conditions coming from all directions would have alerted the animals to presence of the observers. This confirms that it is time to increase DNPW scout numbers in the sanctuary as it is becoming very difficult to effectively police this very valuable project with just two scouts.

Warthog, kudu, bushbuck, impala and in particular elephant remain the problem species in the sanctuary and we need to find a solution to removing them (to other Parks) or drastically reduce their numbers in the sanctuary.

Next years ESOM- 72 Hour Waterhole Count is scheduled for 24 th – 27 th September 2007.

Black Rhino -Chipembere

Nine rhino were counted and identified by the observers. Two observers teams noted that on two occasions at different waterholes that a mother and calf came to drink – both teams claimed that one calf was smaller than the other. The larger calf was definitely identified as Namatunu with Julia, so the smaller calf has to be Justerini's new calf who's birth was expected in April 2006 and size reports would indicate this one being about a 7 month old calf.

Buffalo - Njati

Ninety one - buffalo were counted. They were counted in two herds on day 1 totaling 85 and then joined up together to form one herd and were counted accordingly on day 3 as 85 the Kakuli herds of 4 and 2 were seen on many occasions. This gives us an increase of only 10 buffalo from last year 2005 - less than the number of new calf's - a bit worrying.

Zebra - Mbidzi

Seventy - zebra were counted during the census. They have adapted well and are in good condition, but as per last year took time to come to the water to drink and were very cautious around the waterholes. Last years census recorded 75 zebra so whilst showing a reduction in numbers we must include the 9 sent to Majete and the 4 in the main park before forming any conclusions.

Roan Antelope – Chilembwe

Thirty eight - roan were counted this year. Two main herds of 11 and 13 were counted, one in good condition and the other not so good. Also a herd of 6 exists and the balance, are made up of bachelor units of one, two or three roan.

Eland – Nchefu

Seventy five - eland were recorded at this years census. The largest herd of 39 and another of 22 being the main make up of our eland population. Generally the eland were seen to be in good condition. Six were reported outside the sanctuary in the AHM report – these animals can of course jump in and out if they so wish.

Lichtenstien's Hartebeest – Nkhozi

Seventy four - hartebeest is this year's count. Hartebeest continue to be difficult to record accurately as at this time of year the females are calving and forming new nursery herds, so smaller herds are recorded to what is seen earlier in the year making an accurate result difficult to come by. Ten hartebeest were moved to Majete and 11 sighted from the helicopter by AHM – with these numbers included the result is good.

Sable Antelope – Mphalapala

Three hundred - sable were counted at this years census. The largest herd observed being 68 in good condition and with lots of young. An excess of males still roam the sanctuary but are easily found, pretty relaxed except when fighting each other. We should consider releasing some next year to avoid over stocking and over grazing the sanctuary.

Problems noted at this years Sanctuary Waterhole Count requiring attention

• The over populations of Warthog, Bushbuck, and Kudu need to be given DNPW attention possibly with the help of a donor – perhaps sell to the new game farms starting up around the country, or Kuti Ranch, if not move some to other Parks and Wildife Reserves.

Elephant, other than messing up the fence on entry and exit as well as disturbing the waterholes,and destroying vegetation, are not really threatening the sanctuary, the rhinos or other species, and the cost to move them out would be better spent on rhino translocations. There numbers are becoming a concern now.

• As mentioned earlier in this report, we need additional scouts to manage the sanctuary successfully. This invaluable breeding sanctuary is the future supply of animals to all of Malawi 's National Parks and Wildlife Reserves and needs to be seen and managed and protected as such.

Other interesting sightings

Bushpig, oribi, Sharpes grysbok, duiker, civet, serval, aardvaak, slender mongoose, and the bird sightings were excellent.

Summary

Thanks again to the weather and enthusiastic observer support, I am happy that the count results are a pretty true reflection of the animals that we have at the moment in the Black Rhino Sanctuary.

In conclusion, the results still indicate a definite need to remove some 20% of animals from the sanctuary next year – hopefully the DNPW will include this in their plans with other Parks and Wildlife Reserves for 2007.

Below is a five year graph for our sanctuary Waterhole Count Records (2002 - 2006).

Annual Population Comparison

Species	1999	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	Removed or in park	Comments
Black Rhino	4	7	6	6	8	9	3	New calf to Justerini sighted during count
Buffalo	28	50	52	72	81	91	22	Small herds joined up during count to form one big herd + 6 kakuli bulls
Eland	16	38	24	42	68	75	6	6 -sighted in Liwonde main park by aerial count
Zebra	19	36	52	60	75	70	13	9 to Majete & 4 in Liwonde main park. AHM report 2006
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest	26	40	64	65	70	74	21	10 to Majete - 9 in Liwonde main park -AHM report 2006
Roan Antelope	29	24	15	20	33	38	0	Improving in numbers, condition varies with herd
Sable Antelope	150	250	155	235	250	300	261	Now overcrowded - release needed in 2007

ESOM'S – 72 hour Sanctuary Waterhole Count 06/10/2006 – 09/10/2006

Annual Population Comparison