Kruger National Park to close four artificial water holes

Four artificial water holes in the Kruger National Park will be demolished to prevent ecological problems, South African National Parks (SANParks) announced yesterday (22 May 2013). The demolition will take place in the week of 27 - 31 May 2013. The area around the four water holes will be cleared to ensure animals and human beings are safe; all roads in the areas will also be temporarily closed.
The water holes to be demolished are:

• N’watimhiri - located on the S21 tourist road (Nwatimhiri road from Renosterkoppies to the Skukuza - Lower Sabie tar road)
• Nhlotini – located  on the S21 tourist road (Nwatimhiri road from Renosterkoppies to the Skukuza - Lower Sabie tar road).
• Manyavula - located along the southern side of the N’waswitshaka River and west of the S65 gravel road (not open to the public)
• Bejwane - located along the southern side of the N’waswitshaka River and west of the S65 gravel road (not open to the public)

According to SANParks, artificial water holes where water did not previously occur have led to numerous ecological problems such as erosion and other environmental degradation. This also resulted in a negative consequence for the rare herbivore species such as roan and sable antelope, increasing grazing competition by the more abundant herbivores.
The demolished water holes will be replaced by naturally occurring water holes in the area, where possible and where negative ecological consequences are not likely.
The park had been closing artificial water points for the past six years, with the last closures having taken place near Mopani Rest Camp in October 2012.

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