30th April 2016 , Salem , Eastern Cape
http://www.lindalegamesale.co.za
Peter Amm, Walter Currie, Warn Rippon, Paul Hobson
0825614961 0849590940 082122956 0826524724
Interesting Books: Game Ranch Management & Intensive wildlife Production in SA : J du P Bothma & JG du Toit
Transport: Vivienne Thompson : http://www.mywildlifeafrica.com 0729418618
Oribi 
( Ourebia ourebi) –
Xhosa: Ola
Facts on Oribi:
Not necessarily water dependent, except in times of extreme drought or captivity. They enjoy open grasslands and wetlands. Preferred habitat consists of a mosaic of short green grass for grazing and tall grass patches for shelter & protection. They are highly selective of grasses from 80 to 150m tall. The diet consists of 90% grass, 10% broad-leaved forbs & they also eat flowers, bulbs and rootstock.
Sensitive to habitat disturbance & frequent burning of grassland. They are shy antelope & do not tolerate competition or presence of concentration of larger herbivores however short duration rotational grazing with cattle has a positive spin off. In many cases the incorrect competition between the oribi and other herds of plains games can also effect the survival of the Oribi.
Oribi are found solitarily, in pairs or small family groups. The males defend a territory of 6-10ha with one or two females (mother & daughter). This is scent-marked by pre-orbital glands on stems of grass and dung heaps. The range of an Oribi group cover from 24 to 60 ha & it may overlap those of other families by a small margin, depending of the source of food available. The recommended stocking density is around 4 to 8 ha per animal. In the wild population growth is 15-18% expected. On Kasouga farm this is approximately 30 -40% because of grazing system and predator management.
While running it can be seen jumping into the air holding its head and shoulders higher than the rest of the body.The jump allows the Oribi to scan the area ahead. It rarely runs further than 200 meters before stopping, turning & facing the area behind it. If not pursued it will usually lie down. They have a peculiar gait and when alarmed utter a sharp whistle.
Predation from Caracal & Black Back jackal will influence populations. Furthermore, agricultural practices including small or netted camps, competition from domestic animals and feral dogs or poaching will effect the populations.
Oribi on Kasouga Farm:
On average Kasouga Farm has approximately 140 oribi co habitating with cattle and other game species. Since 1993 it has relocated 162 Oribi. Mixed farming with cattle has definitely proven a success story on the Farm.
In South Africa 97% of Oribi are found on privately owned farmland and only 3% on game reserves.
Acknowledgement to the initial conservation of the Oribi in the Eastern Cape must go to:
Messrs: Peter Coetzee, Mr. Don Long &Mr. Alan Stephenson, the Conservation section of Dias Divisional Council, sadly disbanded in 1996. Also to Karen van Tylingen (Kirkman) & Glynnis Humphrey during their thesis at NMMU & Rhodes Universities on Kasouga Farm & Roundhill Farm.
Awards Received:
1989: Natural Heritage Site (No.99) – thriving Oribi population & the largest in South & Southern Africa and in 2011: Best Conservation of Natural Heritage. – Eastern Cape , Tourism & Conservation Awards:
To be sold on Auction at the Lindale Game Sale 30th April 2016 , Salem, Eastern Cape
3 groups of oribi ( 2 males and 2 Females )
http://www.lindalegamesale.co.za
In 1939 there were 123 Bontebok left globally, most of which where located in the National Parks in the Western Cape. 7 Bontebok were relocatedt to Thornkloof Farm, Grahamstown of Mr. Francis Bowker. 2 lost in transit. Around 1968 Mr Bowker sold Bontebok to Thomas Bains Nature Reserve, Grahamstown. In 1991 Thomas Bains swopped 8 Bontebok with Jeff Currie of Kasouga Farm with 8 oribi.
Since 1999 we have relocated 123 Bontebok. In 2011 we sold Bontebok to Peter Amm of Lindale Trust and Dale Cunningham and were of the 1st in the Eastern Cape to DNA test Bontebok.
From 1988 Bontebok herds were registered by using the scientifically approved photographic method developed by Fabricius et al ., until 2008 when the DNA analysis was implemented.
Bontebok are very adaptable grazers enjoying short green grass in sweet and sour veld. Bontebok has a much calmer demeanour than the Blesbok. They like to stay in small family groups of 6-12 animals. They are seasonal breeders that mate from January to early April. Normally kid in October, but occasional can also drop in February and March in a good season. Gestation period varies from 230 to 254 days (8 months).
Kasouga Game Breeder’s Bontebok:
Male to Female ratio: 4 active group size with 6 to 8 females + a bachelor herd of 26, majority of which need to be culled as trophies & stronger males kept for breeding.
75% offspring per adult female
90% weaning
Join us for a game information day and founders meeting of WRSA Grahamstown Wildlife Chamber on the 23rd of February.
Welcome to the Kasouga Heritage Farm Blog!
Kasouga Heritage Farm 