Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality

For safety reasons these requirements should be observed right from the start. The voltage of
the fence should always be at a minimum of 4000 V. Some game will test the fence regularly
and might escape if the voltage drops. Number and height of the wire strands used in the
electric fence depends on the game to be confined. The standard number is three strands of
wire. The height is determined by the height of the animal in question. The animal should be
shocked in front of the shoulders to prompt it to move backwards. A shock behind the
shoulders will cause the animal to move toward the fence. Several components are necessary
to construct an electric fence: Energisers, wire, insulators, digital voltmeters and lightening
protectors. The length of the fence and number of electrified wires determines the number of
energisers required. The insulators need to be strong enough to withstand the tension placed
on it, and durable enough to withstand fire. Lightening protectors should also be installed to
avoid damage of the fence during thunderstorms. The energiser, as well as the fence itself,
must not come into contact with power lines or telephone poles. A minimum distance of 2 m
should be observed. Warning signs should be mounted along the fence.
Recommendations for Marloth Park
The fence-line around Lionspruit Game Reserve and the newly constructed fence along the
Crocodile River effectively enclose Marloth Park, limiting animal migrations. The fence-lines
are of acceptable design to contain all animals, with the exception of warthogs that will
always find a weakness in any fence. Although all fence-lines are electrified, affectivity is
only controlled through functionality and regular inspections. It is recommended that a
regular fence-line patrol inspection be implemented and any breaches and defects be repaired
immediately. No other mayor internal fences, with exception of the municipal office complex,
dumping site and depot, are found on Marloth Park.
Although the road surface barriers on Olifants Drive, constructed at the entrance gates to
Marloth Park, should be effective in keeping these animals in, it is unfortunately not effective
in keeping poachers out. The lack of security is a matter of concern, as no effective population
regulative measures can be applied if accurate record keeping of natalities and mortalities are
not implemented.
ROADS
The placement, construction and use of roads have various ecological effects and need to be
considered carefully. Roads cause disturbance of the natural environment, because soil is
compacted, water run-off increased and soil erosion promoted. Important ecological effects of
roads are:
© Ecological Associates/ Marloth Park 118