The SANParks online community is involved in an online campaign to raise money for CyberTracker equipment. Jose van der Hoorn has started the ball rolling with a donation of R5720-00. This is the largest single donation received through the website thus far. Another very generous donation of R1000-00 was made by Terry Nomell.
Everyone who makes a donation towards CyberTracker equipment will be entered into a draw to win this precision pair of Steiner Binoculars, generously donated by Muhammed, a SANParks forum member. The draw will take place when our target of R57 200,00 is reached with the help of your donation.
There have only been 8 donations made to CyberTracker so far, to the total value of R7, 670. The CyberTracker (CT) System is a user-friendly tool that allows literate as well as non-literate field workers to record customised observations within our national parks, including latitude and longitude co-ordinates.
The Kruger National Park's (KNP) CyberTracker system is customised specifically to benefit both the management and scientific research of KNP through the planning of section patrols for area-integrity management. It is also an early warning system for disease outbreaks; it helps identify trends in the exit and entry points of poachers and assists with the control of invasive species.
The equipment also assists with Wild dog monitoring, Varroa mite/Honey Bee monitoring, the fire management system, archaeological inventory, the establishment of rare game and carnivore distribution and estimated totals etc.
Equipment currently in use is reaching the end of its effective operational lifespan. This equipment has become such an integral part of management and research in the Park that it would be devastating to conservation services if the units cannot be replaced. However, the costs involved in replacing 5 units in each of the 22 sections of the park far exceed the KNP budgetary limits. Each unit costs R5 720-00. Our current fundraising target is set at 10 units, so we're looking to raise a total of R57,200. Your donation is greatly appreciated!
Project Manager: Sandra MacFadyen , Geographic Information/Decision Support Systems, Tel: 013 735 4378