Fotostories 1: BATSHA die olifant
Sasha Mulder van Mopani-tak het die voorreg gehad om deel te wees ‘n opwinde dag in September 2021, toe BATSHA se opsporingskraag vervang moes word. Sasha het haar kennis en kamera saam gevat.
BATSHA is een van 6 olifante wat op die myn, Phalaborwa Mining Company, deur Elephants Alive, ‘n opsporingskraag ontvang het. Die opsporingkrae help om die olifante se beweging dop te hou en om vas te stel in watse areas hulle verkies om tyd te spandeer. Toetse word gedoen om te bepaal of dit sekere minerale is wat hulle na die areas lok, oor dit so ongewoon is vir olifante om in sulke besige omgewings soos die myne te bly.
BATSHA het sy naam by die borg van die opsporingskraag gekry. BATSHA se opsporingskraag het nie meer gewerk nie en ‘n plaasvervanger moes opgesit word. ‘n Nuwe soort opspooringstoestel wat kleiner en goedkoper is, is ook op sy stert geplaas sodat die span kan sien hoe dit werk en of dit moontlik in die toekoms gebruik kan word.
Photo Stories 1: BATSHA the elephant
Sasha Mulder had the privilege of being part of an exciting day when BATSHA’s tracking collar had to be replaced. Sasha took her knowledge and camera with her.
BATSHA is one of 6 elephants that received a detection collar at the Phalaborwa Mining Company from Elephants Alive. The tracking collars help to track the elephants’ movement and to determine in which areas they prefer to spend time. Tests are being done to determine if it is certain minerals that attract them to the areas, because it is so unusual for elephants to live in such busy environments as the mines.
BATSHA got its name from the sponsor of the tracking collar. BATSHA’s tracking collar no longer worked and a replacement had to be put fitted. A new type of tracking device that is smaller and cheaper has also been placed on its tail so that the team can see how it works and whether it can be used in the future.
BATSHA in sy jonger jare, maar kan nog maklik uitgeken word aan die patroon op sy linker oor.
BATSHA in his younger years, but can still be easily identified by pattern on his left ear.
