Wildlife Estate Diaries

Jul 3, 2024

Wildlife Estate Diaries

Introduction

  • Living in a wildlife estate is an extraordinary experience.
  • The series aims to showcase the daily life and experiences in the wildlife estate.

Location

  • Estate: Hood Sprayed Wildlife Estate.
  • Borders: Greater Krueger National Park.
  • Size: Approximately 600 hectares.

Wildlife in the Estate

  • Common sightings of wildlife around the estate.
  • Smaller and larger species reside permanently within the estate.

Natural Features

  • Water Holes: Heron Dam, Hop Dam, and Fish Eagle Dam.
  • Green Belt: Over half of the estate, natural bushveld, sustenance, and shelter for animals.
  • Facilities: Network of gravel roads, hides for photography, single tracks for running, cycling, and bushwalking.

Human-Wildlife Interaction

  • Suburb feel with tarmac roads connecting houses.
  • Animals move freely between green belts and housing areas.
  • Occasional conflict such as snakes capturing squirrels or leopards preying on dogs.

Monitoring Wildlife

  • Use of trail cameras to capture animal activity in different locations:
    • Heron Dam inlet.
    • Tree near Western tip.
    • Termite mound in the center.
    • Game trail near Fish Eagle Dam.
    • Termite mound along a busy game trail.
  • Goal: Monitor the whole green belt and fence line.

Community Involvement

  • Sponsorship: Opportunity to sponsor a trail camera and choose its location.
  • Featured Property: Africa House (6-sleeper lodge) located near Hop Dam.
    • Features: Fully equipped modern amenities, off-grid, close to town, available for booking.

Future Plans

  • Upcoming episodes: Sharing trail camera highlights, specific activities (e.g., finding rare animals, bird identification).
  • Audience engagement: Comments and suggestions for the series.
  • Support via Patreon: Small monthly donations for rewards and video mentions.

Conclusion

  • Episode 1 recap and anticipation for future episodes.