One of the local Game wardens came to collect Kempie yesterday morning.....
Initially we thought trouble was afoot, but then it turns out that he happens to be one of the most accurate hunters in these here parts and the local police, mine and MET (Ministry of Environment and Tourism) needed his skills....
He had to shoot a gemsbok and a springbok dead, but had to be accurate as the shot had to be placed in a specific part of the beast as the brain and other organs needed to be send for examination......
Something was indeed afoot...... there is an unknown disease rampaging through our two local herds..... I was mortifed to hear that 144 gemsboks in and around our town had died over the last 6 months from it....
The hunt had to be accurate as the herd had been located in a residential area on the local rugby field.....
In all my years I have never seen such an outbreak in our local wildlife...... there is talk of culling all the beasts once the results return and then reintroducing a new herd to the area.....
Oh no! Hope that wont be necessary. I guess the cause need to be found first before any new animals are subjected to the same danger.
Never heard of something like that before.
Any guesses as to the cause? I know of parasite larvae that cause cysts, hope it's some organism, and that they can be treated fir it, rather than culled. pls
Oh this is so sad. You cannot imagine the delight on the faces of the people here in UK when I show them the photographs of the bokke 'mowing' the grass in the township during broad daylight. They are amazed at how they are so brazen!
I remember those mornings when I could see the hoofprints in the Tarmac left by a herd during the night seeking a dinner the lush grass on roundabouts.
What has happened since you posted this?
Gemsboks are still here brother Robert, sure a couple have blown up and died, we had a young one three weeks back that died across from out gate, but there are youngsters being born and the threat of the roaming dogs attacking them has been removed, thanks to the council awarding a tender to some chap to have the abandoned dogs removed from the streets....
Great news about Little Gems still being born. I know I am not in OM anymore but I still have a profound affection for the Gemsbok herd. They are OM's herd and need protecting. Thanks to you all for looking after their best interests.