Wildlife at Kwa Madwala
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Kwa Madwala offer a diverse variety of wildlife both big and small. Many of the smaller animals thrive at Kwa Madwala in regular social structures with healthy herds of zebra, impala, kudu, nyala and wildebeest. As the reserve is relatively small at 4000 hectares, the herd sizes will not be the same as say Kruger National Park which often has many 1000’s of animals of one species. However, the animal numbers are in accordance with a reserve of this size and over population is not a problem.
Also to be found is the common Pangolin (Manis temminckii, also known as a scaly anteater) which looks similar to an Armidillo in its appearance and is sometimes seen at night at Kwa Madwala. The Pangolin is very unfortunately now scarce and rarely seen in southern Africa. It is not known how many are located at Kwa Madwala.
Crocodiles and hippopotamus numbers are plentiful in the reserves water bodies and the big cat numbers broadly in line with the size of the reserve and number of antelope. There are currently 5 white rhino and overall the diversity of species is excellent. Of course the animal populations are subject to nature and even careful monitoring and control cannot guarantee sightings on safari nor the exact number of animals on the reserve at any one time.
The last major independent animal audit conducted in July 2004 concluded that Kwa Madwala "has a healthy game population and broad species diversity and has achieved a suitable balance between herbivores and carnivores with no over grazing encountered". We very much hope to have disease free buffalo back on the reserve by early 2007 although this is very much dependent on prices becoming more realistic.
Head Rangers Animal Count June 2006
| SPECIES | NUMBERS |
|---|---|
| ELEPHANT | 13 |
| WHITE RHINO | 5 |
| LION | 5 |
| LEOPARD | 5 |
| GIRRAFFE | 70 |
| KUDU | 80 |
| WATER BUCK | 45 |
| ZEBRA | 65 |
| REED BUCK | 35 |
| BLUE WILDEBEEST | 150 |
| HIPPOPOTAMUS | 13 |
| ELAND | 7 |
| CROCODILE | 15 |
| NYALA | 50 |
| IMPALA | 1500 |
| BUSH BUCK | 30 |
| RIBBOK | 8 |
| DUIKER | 47 |
| STEENBUCK | 36 |
| BABOON | 120 |
| MONKEY | 500 |
| WARTHOG | 350 |
| BUSHPIG | 35 |
| MOUNTAIN REED BUCK | 24 |
Further Information on Safaris And Wildlife
- Safaris & Wildlife Overview
- Game Drives
- Bush Walks
- Aerial Safari Flights
- Elephant Back Treks
- Carnivore Programme
- Birding Programme
- Conservation Ethos