Orientate, navigate, use and create maps in a conservation area...

Unit standard 252456
Specific Outcome 1:
Communicate directions to specific locations according to the requirements of the situation.


AC1: Routes and locations are described using clear and simple language.
- The routes and locations are indicated on the map to be able to know where what is on the farm.
AC2: Clearly discernible reference points are made on the map to indicate correct direction.
AC3: The terminology used to communicate direction is appropriate for the situation.
-It's important to use the correct terms when communicating for direction.
AC4: Appropriate routes are selected and described as it applies to the situation for which directions are provided.
- Chose the appropriate routes to arrive at the correct destinations at the appropriate time.
AC5: Alternative routes are identified and provided between two points on a map as it applies to the situation for which directions communicated.


Specific Outcome 2:
Find, orientate and navigate along a route to a specified destination.


AC1: A range of features and navigational tools are used to find, orientate and navigate along a route.
-A GPS is used to make it much easier to find specific destinations for example.


Specific Outcome 3:
Read, interpret and use maps.


AC1: An appropriate map type is selected as it applies to the terrain and purpose for use.
- It's much more sufficient to use the appropriate maps for each purpose or task to each location.
AC2: The user is orientated to the map using compass points (such as true and magnetic north)  
-Using a compass is another alternative to direct direction such as a GPS.
AC3: Real locations, distances, areas and relative positions are identified. Through the use of map reading and interpretation of information.
-You need the appropriate map to be able to find the correct information.
AC4: Map errors and shortcomings are identified and corrected in accordance with industry norms and standards.
-You need to view the map and make sure that there aren't any mistakes,if so you need to identify and correct them to be able to use the map.
AC5: Contour lines are interpreted and explained in accordance with industry standards.
- The maps are explained and understood.


Specific Outcome 4:
Draw and/or create simple maps.


AC1: Simple maps are drawn to ensure that the relative positions of places and objects match the real situation for record purposes.
- It's easier to put all your information on a map to match the real situation for the record purposes.
AC2:  Where appropriate, a suitable scale is chosen, indicated and correctly applied.
AC3: Symbols, conforming to conventional uses, or defined through a key or legend is used in the drawing and/or creating of simple maps.
-Simple keys are used to make it easier to identify important locations on the map.
AC4: Diagrams and modules used in the drawing of maps depict the area and/or land form accurately to enable reading and interpretation by other used.
-It's important to make sure all the detailed information is to be found on each map,for others immediate understanding of all the information given.
AC5: The drawing or creating of maps is concluded in a clear and neat manner to ensure that it contains all critical information's as required by the situation.
-Keep in mind that the layout of each map should be neat, professional and neutral.


Specific Outcome 5:  
Plot information on a map using symbols.


AC1: A range of symbols and keys are used to mark specific areas in the operational environment.
-Cross reference to Specific Outcome 4, AC 3.
AC2: The relevant information on the map is indicated accurately as per grid reference or co-ordinates.
-Cross reference to Specific Outcome 4, AC 4.

Photo's and Descriptions Of Resource Guardianship...

• Aerial count: A method to monitor and to identify local wildlife.

• Drive counts: Counting and comparing notes on a cruiser to get an average.

• Monitoring of local wildlife with a camera: This is one method to monitor the habits of wildlife.

• In this image you'll see another way to identify animals.
• Taxidermy animals on a table with someone explaining each one of these animals.

• Road strip counts: Observers in the cruiser count all animals seen on the game drive.
• A sample area is calculated from the average distance that animals are seen from the vehicle and the total distance traveled 

• Piccinini's, Sondela's restaurant.
• Made of Sandstone.
• Originated from Paul Kruger.

• The sites are very important for the SA community.
• It's worth while preserving.
• It's also passed down from one generation to another.

•  Routes and locations are described using clear and simple language.
• Clearly discernible reference points are used to communicate direction.
• A range of symbols and keys are used to mark specific areas in the operational environment.
• The relevant information on the map is indicated accurately as per grid reference or co-ordinates.

• A range of features and navigational tools are used to find,orientate and navigate along a route.
• An appropriate map type is selected as it applies to the terrain and purpose for use.
• Real locations, distances, areas and relative positions are identified through the use of a map reading and interpretation of information.
• Where appropriate, a suitable scale is chosen,indicated and correctly applied.

A follow up for my blog on Harvesting of Fauna =)

• Chemical Game Capture, where animal are darted by a veterinarian.
• and then transported in a truck to the desired destination.

• An example of harvesting of fauna: Using Fishing nets to capture fish,is a very effective way to capture a larger amount of fish.

• Passive Game Capture: Bomes with very few entrances with food inside.
• The Boma is left like this for a few days for the animals to get use to it.
• Persons are put on posts to watch the entrance,as the animal enters it is closed with a curtain.
• The animal is chased onto a loading ramp into a loading truck.

• Here is an example of Active Game Capture.

Carry out Harvesting of Fauna Unit Standard - 252455

 Specific Outcome 1

Carry out maintenance checks on equipment used for culling or harvesting:

AC1- Suitable equipment is selected for a particular culling or harvesting operation:

1. The suitable equipment for specific operation

• Fishing nets,mist nets,cages,fire alarms,boma plastic,ropes or game capturing.

     2.  Make sure equipment is in a good working order.Every game has its own equipment.

•  Equipment - Map of area, vehicles and extra petrol, spot lights, Rifles, skinners, Pots, Refrigerators, skinning knife, hanging hooks, darts.

AC2 - Equipment is checked for evidence of wear and tear:

      1. Check if equipment has been used/or not.
      2. Evidence can also be find on animals.

AC3 - Needed maintenance work is carried out to ensure trouble free service as it applies to the use of  identified equipment:

      1. When equipment need to be maintained it's important to report it to the qualified person for     him to do maintenance,this will ensure that everything is done correctly.

Specific Outcome 2

Carry out appropriate harvesting procedures 

AC1 - Appropriate harvesting methods is identified and described as it applies to the culling of harvesting  operation.

     1. Chemical Game Capture - Animals are darted by a veterinarian.

                                               - Animal is transported in a truck to desired destination.

                                                

     2. Passive Game Capture - Bomas with very few entrances with food inside, the boma is left like   this for a   few days for the animals to get use to it.

                                            - Persons are put on posts to watch the entrance, as the animal enters it's closed     with a curtain.

                                            - The animal is chased up a loading ramp into a loading truck.

     3. Active Game Captures - Boma is put up in a V- Shape with one entrance.

                                            - The animals are chased into the boma with a helicopter.

                                            - When the animals passed a certain section, the pilot signals the people to close the curtains.

                                            - Animals are chased into a loading truck.

AC2 - Appropriate harvesting procedures are applied in the participation in harvesting or culling activities.

     1. When dead/alive animals are harvested it should be done according to the standard/correct procedures.

AC3 - Products are processed in line with local veterinary,legal and quality assurance requirements. 

     1. Products should be handled according to the standard procedures.

AC4 - Harvesting activities are monitored to ensure that they are appropriate:

     1. Qualified persons should monitor any harvesting activities to ensure that they are done correctly.

  Specific Outcome 3 

Collect and record basic biological data of the specimens captured.

AC1 - Data is collected to ensure accurate record keeping of captured specimens.

     1. When doing game capturing, count the animals, take photos, make a video or write down notes.

AC2 - The required biological data of the specimens captured. 

     1. What the sizes are, what animal(specimen) it is, Their weight and gender.

AC3 - Data specific to the area of removal is recorded.

     1. When collecting a specimen, it's important to keep record of it- When, Where, How, What.

Specific Outcome 4

Report on the harvest

 AC1 - A report is drafted and submitted to the supervisor to give him detailed feedback on the captures. 

     1. When capturing is done,write a report to your supervisor to give him detailed feedback on the captures.

     

 AC2 - Reference is made to adherence to bag limits. 

     1. You need to give references to your supervisor, for him to get enough or other feedback from.

  

AC3 - Reference is made to adherence to permit conditions. 

     1. Amount landed, Weight, Numbers (Catch returns). 

Nature Conservation Ethics...

Conservation ethic is an ethic of resource use, allocation, exploitation, and protection.

Its primary focus is upon maintaining the health of the natural world: its forests, fisheries, habitats, and biological diversity.

Secondary focus is on materials conservation and energy conservation, which are seen as important to protect the natural world.

To conserve habitat in terrestrial ecoregions and stop deforestation is a goal widely shared by many groups with a wide variety of motivations.

"So what needs to be done? National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers have the primary responsibility for the protection of these birds. But rangers, too few in number, cannot be everywhere. So that leaves the rest of us. If we are sincere about conservation then ALL citizens need to be the eyes and ears in protecting our wildlife and reporting what we see or hear..." Patrick Mccusker

Some of the guidelines for the Care of Natural History Collections:

I. Premise

A. Inherent value of specimens: Specimens in natural history collections are preserved to document presence in given localities at a given time, to validate past research, and to be available for research and other educational purposes. Specimens are collected as a sample of a region's natural and cultural environment (past and present), then are often prepared in some fashion so as to make them useful for research, exhibition, or educational purposes. Subsequent preparation, sampling, or destructive analysis may be necessary to fulfill the goals of research or legitimate educational uses. Reseach enhances the value of specimens.

B. Balance between use and preservation: Associated with the responsibility of ongoing research and educational use is the obligation of the institution to maximize the value of each specimen for future use. This applies not only to the data associated with each specimen, but also to the physical and chemical integrity of the specimen. Thus, it is critical that the demands placed on natural history specimens for current research and educational uses are balanced with the need for preservation of the specimens for future uses.

C. Caring for collections of specimens: Most natural history collections contain thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of individual pieces that require care. An individual specimen may contain hundreds of related pieces. Thus guidelines for collection management and care must take into consideration the reality of large quantities of specimens and numerous pieces per specimen.

D. Inherent value of documentation and archival records: Evidence of the identification, condition, history, or scientific value of a specimen, artifact, or collection when recorded in a permanent manner enhances the value of the specimen. These records may actually have to substitute for the specimen or artifact should the specimens themselves deteriorate or be destroyed.

E. Context of the institutional mission and resources: An institution's program for managing and caring for collections exists within the context of the institution's mission and resources.

II. Objectives

A. Management and care of collections of natural history materials should be governed by respect for the scientific, historic, physical, cultural, and aesthetic integrity of the specimen or artifact and its associated data. Concern for its future should include protection against unnecessary damage, loss, or alteration that might affect its future research, educational, or exhibition potential.

B. Collection management and care should meet the highest professional standards; it must be compatible with and enhance access to collections for the intended scientific and educational uses of the specimens or artifacts.

C. All processes for collecting, preparing, and sampling, as well as the maintenance and curation of specimens or artifacts, should be analyzed relative to the goals of use and preservation to insure that techniques and materials are thoroughly documented, follow sound preservation practices, and fulfill the desired objectives for the specimen's intended use.

D. Every effort must be made to minimize the level of risk facing specimens and artifacts as a result of storage and use (e.g., by using appropriate storage units, providing adequate security, carefully screening on-site users and borrowers, and employing conservation standards for methods and materials used in packing and shipping).

E. Conservation and preservation treatment should meet the highest professional standards. Generally, the preferred approach for research specimens or artifacts will involve preventive conservation. Physical or chemical modifications to a specimen may adversely affect its analytical potential. Since it is not possible to anticipate uses of specimens that may become possible with advances in technology, methods that alter specimens as little as possible are preferred. Techniques and materials selected should be those that are the most stable and have the greatest longevity. In addition, many treatments must be monitored over time to understand more fully their effects on specimens and artifacts. Added materials should be removable whenever possible. Exceptions must be fully justified and documented.

F. Documentation should meet the highest professional standards and follow recommendations of relevant professional societies (e.g., Fitzgerald, 1988; Garrett, 1989). Media used for documentation should be preserved according to professional archival standards.

G. It is unethical to modify or to conceal the true nature of a specimen or artifact through restoration. The presence and extent of restoration should be detectable, although it need not be conspicuous. Methods and materials used must be fully documented.

H. Destructive sampling of specimens or artifacts must be justified by the quality and quantity of the information to be gained, evidence that the information is available only through the proposed sampling, and evidence that the investigator has the necessary expertise to extract that information. Procedures should be established to prevent unnecessary sampling. Sampling must be fully documented and approved in advance by individuals delegated with such authority (Cato, 1993).

Working weekend... =)

Friday - Today we worked on our P.O.E's. We had to check what unit standards we have left,fill in our logbooks,write reports and SWOT's.After that we had to write an evalunet test on HIV/AIDS and I got 90%. After lunch I went to CVP to do welcoming,I also helped Susan to check in guests and when I got the chance I helped at the pancake stand as well.When I finished with that I had to start with customer service from 19hoo to 21h00.I really enjoyed working with the guests!We talked about my studies,they wanted to know what my studies consists of and If I'm enjoying what I'm doing here at Sondela.

Saturday - This morning we had farmyard which started at 09ho0 but we had to be there at 07h30.At our farmyard you can milk cows,feed the coats and sheep or ride horse.I had to walk Dehablo for two hours which was really exciting since a horse is my favorite animal.After Farmyard we went to the bush to put out game blocks at different places and that kept us busy for a while.Saturday night I had to work "Bring en Braai" which was also a lot of fun.All I had to do is to socialize with the guests.I experienced some cheffing as swell when I had to make a Greek salad for the guests.Bring and Braai finished at 21h30. 

SAVE OUR RHINO's!!!!

"A total of 333 rhinos were illegally killed in South Africa in 2010, including ten critically endangered black rhinos, according to national park officials. The yearly total is the highest ever experienced in South Africa and nearly triple 2009 when 122 rhinos were killed in the country...

What Has Caused The Spike In Rhino Poaching?

The recent killing increase is largely due to heightened demand for rhino horn, which has long been prized as an ingredient in traditional Asian medicine. It has been claimed recently that rhino horn possesses cancer-curing properties as well as the ability to cure impotence; despite there being no medical evidence to support the assertion. Each horn weighs around 10kg and currently fetches over US$ 20,000 per kilo on the Asian market.
The current wave of poaching is being committed by sophisticated criminal networks using helicopters, night-vision equipment, veterinary tranquilizers and silencers to kill rhinos at night while attempting to avoid law enforcement patrols. The criminal syndicates operating in South Africa have been described as highly organized and coordinated, using advanced technologies – this is not typical poaching."- Sam Jackson

Specific outcomes:
Conduct patrols in order to collect and interpret information associated with conservation guardianship.

• Observation and listening posts are established in order to observe operational areas as it relates to patrolling.
• Routine patrols are executed using appropriate formations to detect any illegal activity.
• Information is gathered with regard to movement (illegal/legal) inside a conservation area.
• Routine patrols are executed to locate, follow and identify high profile/threatened species within the operational area.
• Illegal activities are detected through the identification and finding of evidence as it applies to conservation guardianship.

React appropriately within the law and according to establishment procedures, in order to counter any illegal activities.

• Suspects and witnesses are approached in a manner that ensures the safety of persons and the maintenance of full control of the situation.
• A suspect is disarmed and his/her weapons are made safe.
• Lawful arrests are carried out using minimum force.
• Suspects are questioned using techniques that optimize useful information gathering.

Collect evidence in order to be able to prosecute a suspect and present evidence in court of law.

• The sense of crime is secured according to standard operational procedures and requirements.
• The appropriate collection techniques are utilized while preserving the chain of evidence.
• The extend of the offense and individual rights are explained to suspects as it applies to legal requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of a docket according to operational and legal requirements.
• Evidence is presented in court in a credible and consistent way.

 Apply appropriate communication techniques during the operation.

• A variety of techniques is utilized to ensure the maintaining of communication as it applies to patrolling.
• Appropriate report formats are used to present information to supervisors and other audiences.
• A verbal debrief is conducted with patrol members and other audiences as it applies to patrol and conservation guardianship operations.

Us nature lovers are very concerned about this serious problem!

Rhino's aren't the only thing that's going, a part of our tourism attraction of Africa as well! 

If this continues, our next generations coming wont be able to experience this beautiful part of nature!

Don't be selfish...save our RHINO'S!

My HIV/AIDS assignment...

HIV/AIDS...

What is HIV/AIDS???

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus

AIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

This is a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections.

Statistics…

v      51% (approximately 25, 66 million) of the population is female.

v      Gauteng comprises the largest share of the SA population, with approximately 11, 19 million people (22, 4 %) live in this province.

v      KZN. Is the province with the second largest share with 10, 65 million people (21, 3 %) living in this province.

v      Northern Cape with a population of approximately 1, 10 million people is this province with the smallest share in SA.

Aged younger than 15 years…

v      Nearly one-third (31, 0 %)

v      Approximately 23% (3, 52 mil.) live in KZN and 19, 3% (2, 99 mil.) live in Gauteng

Aged 60 years and older…

v      7, 6% (3, 8 mil.)

Aged between 15-49 years…

v      An Estimated 17% of the population is HIV positive.

Something interesting…

v      Life expectancy at birth is estimated at 53, 3 years for males and 55, 2 years for females!!!

Table 1: Mid-year population estimates for SA by population group and sex, 2010…

Population group	Male		Female		Total
	Number	% of total population	Number	% of total population	Number	% of total population
African	19314500	79,4	2036810	79,4	39682600	79,4
Coloured	2124900	8,7	2299200	9,0	4424100	8,8
Indian /Asian	646600	2,7	653300	2,5	1299900	2,6
White	224300	9,2	2341700	9,1	4584700	9,2
National	24329000	100,0	25662300	100,0	49991300	100,0

Table 2: Mid-year population estimates by province,2010…

	Population estimates	% share of the total population
Eastern Cape	6743800	13,5
Free State	2824500	5,7
Gauteng	11191700	22,4
KZN	10645400	21,3
Limpopo	5439600	10,9
Mpumalanga	3617600	7,2
Northern Cape	1103900	2,2
North West	3200900	6,4
Western Cape	5223900	10,4
TOTAL	49991300	100,0

Region	Adults & Children Living with HIV/AIDS	Adults & Children newly infected	Adult prevalence	AIDS-related deaths in adult & Children
Sub Saharan Africa	22, 5 mil.	1, 8 mil.	5, 0%	1, 3 mil.
North Africa & Middle east	460, 00	75, 00	0, 2%	24, 000
South and South East Asia	4, 1 mil	270, 00	0, 3%	260, 00
East Asia	770,00	82, 00	<0,1%	36, 00
Oceania	57, 00	4, 500	0, 3%	1, 400
Central & South America	1, 4 mil.	92, 000	0, 5%	58, 000
Caribbean	240, 00	17, 000	1, 0%	12, 000
Easter Europe & Central Asia	1, 4 mil.	130, 000	0, 8%	76, 000
North America	1, 5 mil.	70, 000	0, 5%	26, 000
Western & Central Europe	820, 00	31, 000	0, 2%	8, 500
GLOBAL TOTAL	33, 3 mil.	2, 6 mil.	0, 8%	1, 8 mil.

Other Facts about HIV/AIDS…

Over the past 27 years, nearly 25 million people have died from AIDS. HIV/AIDS causes debilitating illness and premature death in people during their prime years of life and has devastated families and communities.

v      ART- This is a Antiretroviral Therapy which extends people with HIV/AIDS lives.

v      HIV- Infection results in the progressive deterioration of the immune system, breaking down the body’s ability to fend off infections and diseases.

v      AIDS- Refers to the most advanced stages of HIV infection, defined by the occurrence of any of more than 20 opportunistic infections or related cancers.

v      HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (Vaginal or anal) or oral sex with an infected person, transfusions of contaminated blood, and the sharing of contaminated needles, syringes or other sharp instruments. Also between a mother and her baby during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

v      33, 4 million people live with HIV/AIDS worldwide. An estimated 2, 7 million people were newly infected with the virus in 2008.

v      HIV/AIDS is the world’s leading infectious killer claiming to date more than 27 million lives. An estimated 2 million people die every year from HIV/AIDS.

v      ART- Antiretroviral Therapy prevents the HIV virus from multiplying in the body. If the reproduction of the HIV virus stops, the body immune cells are able to live longer and provide the body with protection from infections.

v      According to the 2008 figures there are more than 2 million children living with HIV/AIDS. The number of children receiving ART increased from about 75 000 in 2005 to 355 000 in 2009. 

Some of the history of HIV/AIDS in SA…

KwaZulu-Natal

2001 - 35, 5 %

2002 - 36, 5 %

2003 - 37, 5%

2004 - 40, 7%

2005 - 39, 1%

2006 - 39, 1%

2007 - 38, 7%

2008 - 38, 7%

2009 - 39, 5%

Mpumalanga

2001 - 29, 2%

2002 - 28, 6%

2003 - 32, 6%

2004 - 30, 8%

2005 - 34, 8%

2006 - 32, 1%

2007 - 34, 6%

2008 - 35, 5%

2009 - 34, 7%

Freestate

2001 - 30, 1%

2002 - 28, 8%

2003 - 30, 1%

2004 - 29, 5%

2005 - 30, 3%

2006 - 31, 1%

2007 - 31, 5%

2008 – 32, 9%

2009 – 30, 1%

National  statistics of SA…

2001 – 24, 8%

2002 – 26, 5%

2003 – 27, 9%

2004 – 29, 5%

2005 – 30, 2%

2006 – 29, 1%

2007 – 29, 4%

2008 – 29, 3%

2009 – 29, 4%