2005/2006 - SANParks

2005South African National ParksFRONTIER PARKS CLUSTERAfter extensive research, new marketing and advertising material hasbeen designed, repositioning the park in the tourism market wherevisitors can “Experience a World of Diversity in One Park”.The park was represented at four shows during the year, including theTourism Indaba, and monthly electronic newsletters were sent out toover 300 stakeholders, tourism operators and visitors.KAROO NATIONAL PARKOVERVIEWThe size of the park increased to 90 000 hectares, with the acquisitionof Aalwynsghat (420ha), Dansterfontein South (457ha), DansterfonteinNorth (416ha) and Paardefontein (1 380ha). The fencing of thisconsolidated section commenced in September 2005 and should becompleted by March 2007.Tenders for the construction of 40km of tourist roads were receivedat the end of March 2005 and construction should start early in thenew fi nancial year.The process of drafting a new Park Management Plan in compliancewith the new Protected Areas Act commenced in January 2005 andshould be completed by end October 2006.Construction of a new swimming pool at the Bulkraal day visitor’s facilitycommenced in March and should be completed in the fi rst quarter ofthe new fi nancial year. The addition of the new infrastructure will allowmanagement to develop this facility to its full potential.CONSERVATIONThe year started with very good rains, with resultant improvement inveld conditions throughout the park. Winter was very dry, however,and cold temperatures manifested quite late, leading to very dry veldconditions which only recovered during the last quarter.Despite the fact that the rainfall for the 12 month period was well belowthe long term average, the veld remains in good condition thanks tothe good November and January rains and the cool weather duringlate summer. The last quarter was characterised by severe temperaturefl uctuations.One Black Rhino bull (Diceros bicornis bicornis) was reintroduced, bringingthe number of Black Rhino in the park to two. Both animals are doingwell and remained in the Stolzhoek area throughout the year. Grazers64