African Wildlife and Environment Issue 67

FRIENDS & CLUBS

especially the cows, to sustain them from May to September. The addition of two new rhino calves illustrates that this initiative is bearing fruit and assists in sustaining the good health and fecundity of the rhino population of Rietvlei. With sponsorship from ‘The Success Academy Rhino Trust’, the FOR is able to offer financial support to the rhino feeding programme, dehorning activities and associated veterinary services. Recently, three rhino youngsters were dehorned in the Reserve, with the assistance of Dr Justin Benade of African Son Veterinary Services. During the dehorning process each rhino was tagged, genetic samples were collected, vitamin boosters administered and wounds treated. The FOR supported this initiative by covering the associated veterinary and transport costs. The Friends of Rietvlei are also very proud of the cheetah population on the Reserve, with 6 individuals currently inhabiting Rietvlei. These include one male and two females, one of which has three cubs. These cheetahs form part of the EWT Cheetah Metapopulation Project, and they will be translocated to other reserves in Southern Africa in 2017 and 2018

to supplement other cheetah populations and to assist with maintaining genetic diversity in the African cheetah population. Current activities The Friends of Rietvlei are currently involved in a range of activities. Maintenance is at the top of the agenda. The maintenance committee, under the leadership of James Drowley, is dedicated to maintaining and improving Rietvlei’s infrastructure and facilities on an ongoing basis. Maintenance is conducted on a weekly basis and during work sessions on Saturdays every month. During these days, maintenance is conducted in various areas of the reserve, including the hides. Repairs are undertaken, signage improved, vehicles and fire-fighting units serviced…well actually anything that needs maintenance, painting or improving is attended to, in accordance with reserve management. Projects focused on the eradication of alien and invasive plant species are a vital part of the Friends of Rietvlei activities, with botanist Marianne Strohbach leading these projects and work sessions every two months. The invasion by Pompom Weed

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