A work party of the Honorary Rangers (HR) hacked away in the Kruger National Park (KNP), clearing 590 adult Lantana plants in three days. Malelane section ranger, Don English, directed 11 Lowveld HRs and one member of the HR Highveld branch to the area in need of clearance. "We used the cut stump method to poison the Lantana, which was cleared in a tributary leading to the Crocodile River, at the Malelane main gate and outside Berg en Dal rest camp," says Grant Coleman of the HR alien invasive task group.
"The work was hard, with cuts, falls, steep mountains, rocks and long grass adding to the difficulties. Africa is not for 'sissies'." Grant added that despite these obstacles, the hackers enjoyed the work and the weekend. "This excursion was but a drop in the ocean, and more work parties are planned. Hopefully we can make a difference to the southern and western boundary of the park." HRs who would like to get involved can contact Grant Coleman at leslcoleman@gmail.com.
