Kasane frustrations

Since doing an endless number of transects and editing excel spreadsheets, we headed to Kasane to test a few of the DWNP field officers for their track identification skills. To say they didn’t know much is putting it lightly. You’d think that a few would immediately be able to tell a lion track from the other since it’s well the biggest track, but no, one chop sommer said it’s a leopard track. Had to ask him if he’s sure and he should also look at the size of the track. Now I’m not saying I’m any better with identification, but I reckon they need to know a little more than me since they actually need the skill to determine which predator killed a cow when they’re called out for wildlife conflict reports. The one lady who refused to do the test because she said she didn’t want to waste our time because she didn’t know tracks at all, said they rely on the farmer to tell them what killed the cow. They do realise that the farmers only get compensation for lion and leopard killings? So why in the word would the farmer tell them it was killed by a hyena if they’re not going to be compensated for the loss. Yes, they might be able to tell what killed the cow by looking at the markings on the animals, but since DWNP only arrives at the scene a few days later majority of the time (because of “lack” of transport”, you have to see the state of the government cruizers, I didn’t see one that didn’t have a few dents in) so they won’t be able to check-up on the farmers allegations. So basically they’re a bunch of lazy poops who are not all passionate about wildlife conservation, and couldn’t be bothered about going out into the field and rather want to remain in the office. How on earth are you supposed to do conservation work from an office? Guess it’s because all their offices have nice aircons. Even the head of the division didn’t know all the tracks. Great example to your peers buddy! Ok they weren’t all bad, there was a really nice lady who actually knew her tracks and she said she loved looking at tracks when she’s in the field. Can we please clone her.

While driving to Kasane, we drove through Chobe National Park so see some wildlife. I wasn’t very impressed with the state of the park to be honest, didn’t see much except along the Chobe River, but I guess it’s because it was stinking hot so all the animals were in hiding. Did see 2 ellie carcasses though :/ but that’s just natural. I hope. And we saw a pride of lions which is always special. It’s a bit of a downer though to see cattle on the Namibian side of the river, especially domestic dogs running around. We did see a pride of lions though, which was great, the only irritating part was having to listen to other tour cars reverse in and out of spots to also see the lions. They seriously have no concern for the lions. Before we heard about the lions we saw a huge group of vultures circling in the air, you’re lucky if you see such a huge group of vultures these days, with locals poisoning carcasses to avoid detection of poaching.  

Kasane on the other hand was an interesting little town, not much going on there except us almost melting from the heat. Thank goodness for aircon! After buying a few supplies to take back to Chobe, we took the long road back.  

We’re been getting up before 5:30am most mornings so that’s quite an adjustment, but it’s much better than melting in the heat while doing herbivore transects. Studying Botswana tree species hasn’t gone too badly, but now it’s time for birds :x there are just so many!! And not to even mention grasses.

I’m not really sure what’s happening with the actual application process of the wildlife monitor position since Robyn told me that other guys are also coming end of the month and since there are only 3 students coming so far, it would been a waste for me to also be here as there won’t be that much work for all 4 applicants. There is another position open at Khwai, which is a beautiful area and less conflict situations since the community doesn’t have any cattle there so fingers-crossed that they’re coming for that position. Picture, the local guy who we’re working with says I better get the job because he likes me and I know enough haha. And since Robyn asks his opinion about the monitors, it’s a good sign. It’s just a pain that I can’t start working now already and have to travel back and forth. It’ll be good to see family and friends again so I suppose it isn’t the worst. There is another volunteer coordinator position that the lady contacted me about applying so if I don’t get this job I’ll definitely apply for it since it’s much close to home and the pay the best I’ve seen for that position. O my wait they require FGASA Level 1. Urggg if another person asks me about that...it just feels like such a waste to have to pay to get that certificate if I've already studied 4 years to become a conservationist.