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_About
Mankwe
Dougal MacTavish. |
Mankwe Wildlife
Reserve covers an area of 4,760Ha (11,763 acres) and is situated
in the malaria free North West Province of South Africa [Location].
The reserve lies on the boundary of the highveld and bushveld
regions which gives rise to a grass dominated habitat with long
strips of Bushveld and acacia woodland. The dominant rock types,
gabbro and granite, create a relatively flat but slightly
undulating landscape which is dissected by a series of seasonal
streams. The climate is mild sub-arid with an |
average daily mean temperature of 28°
C in December and 15°
C in July. The mean annual rainfall is approximately 575mm
which generally falls between October and March.
The reserve has been fenced and protected since early 1982.
The formation of the reserve was coordinated by wildlife
enthusiast Dougal MacTavish, who recognized the potential for a
unique, highly diverse conservation area for wildlife. He has
since instigated several conservation projects in close liaison
with North West Province Parks. Other projects include the
construction of several dams and animal watering points, the
introduction of a range of large mammal species and protection
of rare and endangered species. |
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Mankwe Wildlife
Reserve at the beginning.
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The reserve has developed into an area of exceptional diversity
with 48 species of large mammal [Species
List] including White Rhino, Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Tsesebe
and Burchell's Zebra. Smaller species include 4 species of
Mongoose, Spotted Neck and Cape Clawless Otter, Honey Badger,
Porcupine and Spring Hare. Predators include Brown Hyena,
Black-Backed Jackal, Caracal, Serval and the occassional
Leopard.
The reserve boasts 300 plus species of birds mixing those
which frequent the dry Kalahari type habitat and those that live
in the wetter highveld region. The construction of dams has also
led to an abundance of wetland bird species and other aquatic
life. Nine plant communities have been identified which include
over 85 grass, woody and herbaceous species. |
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Mankwe Wildlife
Reserve
P.O. Box 20784
Protea Park
0305
South Africa
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