Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Following the massive trail of devastation in the Dana Bay vegetation left by the wildfires on Tuesday 25 November, some local organisations have urged the residents not to attempt their own search-and-rescue operations and to not pick up and take home any vulnerable or injured animals.
The aftermath of these fires, which spanned roughly 1.31km² of vegetation with a 5km perimeter, saw hundreds of wildlife, whose homes were in the affected areas, try to flee the blaze, sustain injuries or die in the fire.
A search-and-rescue operation organised by the Dana Bay Conservancy, Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN) and the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch resulted in over 70 volunteers combing through the burnt areas on 26 November, rescuing surviving wildlife and removing the carcasses of about 90 animals, including a whole troop of monkeys, antelope, mice, birds, snakes, tortoises and more.
Erika van der Westhuizen, the Dana Bay Conservancy's chairperson, said, however, many animals would never be recovered as they had been incinerated in the fires.
The WCIN's Leon Rossouw said he was planning another operation for tomorrow, 5 December, as there were burnt and unaffected areas that still needed to be searched. He especially wanted to search the unburnt vegetation for any surviving wildlife.
Rossouw said those who want to participate should contact the WCIN's hotline or the conservancy. He emphasised it was important that people join the co-ordinated operations rather than go out by themselves or their own small groups, as the conditions on the ground can be difficult to traverse and it could be dangerous.
Van der Westhuizen said some of the land is private property, and those who enter there who are not part of the official search, might be prosecuted.
Rossouw also urged Dana Bay residents and visitors to drive carefully in the area. There will likely be more animal activity on the roads as the wildlife tries to find new areas to live in, away from the burnt vegetation.
He also urged people not to pick up, take home or try to care for any wildlife themselves. Instead, take a photo of the affected animal(s) and send it along with a pin location to the conservancy or the WCIN so they may organise the correct care, if needed.
Contact the WCIN on 079 643 9556 or the Dana Bay Conservancy on 067 490 8396.
Previous articles:
- After-effects of Dana Bay wildfire devastating
- Dana Bay fire – what you need to know
- Danabaai nooduitgang beskikbaar gestel weens veldbrand
- Dana Bay fire: Flora Road opened
- Well done, Mossel Bay firefighters!
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