Warthogs double up at Kruger

2003-11-17 14:43

Cape Town - Warthog and waterbuck populations in the Kruger National Park (KNP) more than doubled over the past year, although the number of lions have remained the same.

According to SANParks' 2002/03 annual report, tabled in Parliament on Monday, the number of elephants in the KNP increased by 12.7%, from 9 276 to 10 459.

The report, which covers the 12-month period up to March 31 this year, also shows substantial increases in the numbers of white rhino (from 5 665 to 7 596) and giraffe (from 7 493 to 9 495).

The only species listed to show a decline is the blue wildebeest, whose numbers dropped by 14.7% - from 20 039 to 17 092.

The park's buffalo herds increased from 25 155 to 30 000 animals.

The lion population appears to have remained stable, with 2 000 individuals counted.

Figures for warthog and waterbuck are 3 798 and 5 697 respectively.

- SAPA