A stop off at Tiaans place on the edge of Makgadikgadi, one of the largest salt flats in the world and situated in North Eastern Botswana, saw the Elephant Ignite Expedition team meet up with Dr Jess Isden and her team of researchers – Jape Radinaane, Jay Mokobele Masego Jeneje (both Tswana’s) and British research students, Hayley Blackwell and Emily Howland.
A fascinating fact in this area, as Jess explained, is that 95 % of the elephants are male. She said that sometimes they get male herds with up to 60 animals. Males have the ability to go without water for days at a time.
Jay, who is doing her Masters Research with Elephants for Africa (set up by Dr Kate Evans) said that she would also like to do her Phd in elephant research. Her take on their value? “Elephants are transforming the vegetation and probably bringing it back to its original state.We look at what they are doing to the veldt from a human, emotional angle. The elephant knows better.” She explained. “Elephants transform the habitat and make it suitable for other animals – and create a bigger diversity.”
The EIE team left Jess and her team with a good supply of literature and education packs for schools and the local community on ways that people can co-exist with elephants.
Glenda Thompson.
www.get-u-noticed.co.za
