SANParks scientific services representatives were all aflutter when news of an elephant sighted in the Diepwalle forest, Knysna, came through from an excited forest ranger.
Hylton Herd, of SANParks, was among those who rushed down with cameras to capture the moment.
Until now the only images of the elusive ellies have been rather unsatisfactory, either in terms of visibility due to dense foliage or distance from the photographer. Thanks to the obliging elephant, who allowed the cameras to get fairly close, SANParks now have the ‘best ever picture on file’.
However, it would seem this sighting does not prove the presence of more than one wild elephant in the Knysna region.
When compared with previous images it would appear that this is the same one as has been previously photographed. Herd says distinctive ears and body shape have led to the conclusion that this is not a previously unseen animal.
However dung will be analysed to make sure that this is the case.
Previous DNA testing on dung samples collected in the region led environmentalist Gareth Patterson to suggest that there may be as many as five elephants still in the forest.
Doesn't it all just make you want to re-read Dalene Matthee's awesome Kringe in 'n Bos (Circles in a Forest)?
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