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Coordinates: 24°0′41″S 31°29′7″E / 24.01139°S 31.48528°E / -24.01139; 31.48528
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| name = Kruger National Park
| name = Kruger National Park
| photo = Kruger Zebra.JPG
| photo = Kruger Zebra.JPG
| photo_alt =
| photo_alt =
| photo_caption = [[Burchell's zebra]]s in a Kruger landscape
| photo_caption = [[Chapman's zebra|Plains zebra]]s in a Kruger landscape
| photo_width =
| photo_width =
| map_image = Kruger National Park locator map.svg
| map_image = Kruger National Park locator map.svg
| map_alt =
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Location of the park (red area) in South Africa
| map_caption = Location of the park (red area) in South Africa
| map_width =
| map_width =
| location = [[Limpopo]] and [[Mpumalanga]] provinces, [[South Africa]]
| location = [[Limpopo]] and [[Mpumalanga]] provinces, [[South Africa]]
| nearest_city = [[Mbombela]] (southern) <br />[[Phalaborwa]] (central)
| nearest_city = [[Mbombela]] (southern) <br />[[Phalaborwa]] (central)
| coordinates = {{coord|24|0|41|S|31|29|7|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|24|0|41|S|31|29|7|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coords_ref =
| coords_ref =
| area_km2 = 19623
| area_km2 = 19623
| area_ref = <ref name=East-60>{{cite book|title=Antelopes: Southern and South-Central Africa Pt. 2: Global Survey and Regional Action Plans|year=1989|publisher=[[International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources]], Antelope Specialist Group|isbn=978-2-88032-970-9|editor=East, R. |page=60 |chapter=Chapter 10: South Africa}}</ref><ref name=mw-902>{{cite book|title=Merriam Webster's Collegiate Encyclopedia|date=January 2001|publisher=[[Merriam-Webster]]|isbn=978-0-87779-017-4|page=902}}</ref><ref name=sadc-2006->{{cite web|title=The Official SADC Trade, Industry and Investment Review 2006 |url=http://www.sanec.org/images/stories/Country/south_africa_2006.pdf|publisher=Southern African Development Community|access-date=23 July 2011|page=217|year=2006}}</ref>
| area_ref = <ref name=East-60>{{cite book|title=Antelopes: Southern and South-Central Africa Pt. 2: Global Survey and Regional Action Plans|year=1989|publisher=[[International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources]], Antelope Specialist Group|isbn=978-2-88032-970-9|editor=East, R. |page=60 |chapter=Chapter 10: South Africa}}</ref><ref name=mw-902>{{cite book|title=Merriam Webster's Collegiate Encyclopedia|date=January 2001|publisher=[[Merriam-Webster]]|isbn=978-0-87779-017-4|page=902}}</ref><ref name=sadc-2006->{{cite web|title=The Official SADC Trade, Industry and Investment Review 2006 |url=http://www.sanec.org/images/stories/Country/south_africa_2006.pdf|publisher=Southern African Development Community|access-date=23 July 2011|page=217|year=2006}}</ref>
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| visitation_year = 2014–15 FY
| visitation_year = 2014–15 FY
| governing_body = [[South African National Parks]]
| governing_body = [[South African National Parks]]
| world_heritage_site =
| world_heritage_site =
| url = https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger
| url = {{officialURL}}
}}
}}


'''Kruger National Park''' ({{IPA|ts|ˈkrúːɡà|lang}}; {{IPA|af|ˈkry.(j)ər|lang}}) is a [[South African National Parks|South African National Park]] and one of the largest [[game reserve]]s in [[Africa]]. It covers an area of {{cvt|19623|km2|mi2}} in the provinces of [[Limpopo]] and [[Mpumalanga]] in northeastern [[South Africa]], and extends {{cvt|360|km|mi}} from north to south and {{cvt|65|km|mi}} from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in [[Skukuza]]. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the [[South African Republic]] in 1898, and it became South Africa's first [[national parks of South Africa|national park]] in 1926.
'''Kruger National Park''' ({{IPA|af|ˈkry.(j)ər|lang}}) is a [[South African National Parks|South African National Park]] and one of the largest [[game reserve]]s in [[Africa]]. It covers an area of {{cvt|19623|km2}} in the provinces of [[Limpopo]] and [[Mpumalanga]] in northeastern [[South Africa]], and extends {{cvt|360|km}} from north to south and {{cvt|65|km}} from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in [[Skukuza]]. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the [[South African Republic]] in 1898, and it became South Africa's first [[national parks of South Africa|national park]] in 1926.


To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of [[Limpopo]] and [[Mpumalanga]], respectively. To the north is [[Zimbabwe]] and to the east is [[Mozambique]]. It is now part of the [[Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park]], a [[peace park]] that links Kruger National Park with the [[Gonarezhou National Park]] in Zimbabwe, and with the [[Limpopo National Park]] in Mozambique.
To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of [[Limpopo]] and [[Mpumalanga]], respectively. To the north is [[Zimbabwe]] and to the east is [[Mozambique]]. It is now part of the [[Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park]], a [[peace park]] that links Kruger National Park with the [[Gonarezhou National Park]] in Zimbabwe, and with the [[Limpopo National Park]] in Mozambique.


The park is part of the [[Kruger to Canyons Biosphere]], an area designated by the [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]] (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/directory/biores.asp?code=SAF+06&mode=all|title=UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory|website=unesco.org}}</ref>
The park is part of the [[Kruger to Canyons Biosphere]], an area designated by the [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]] as an International Man and [[Biosphere Reserve]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/directory/biores.asp?code=SAF+06&mode=all|title=UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory|website=unesco.org}}</ref>

The park has nine main gates allowing entrance to the different camps.


== History ==
== History ==
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=== Sabi Game Reserve (1898&ndash;1926) ===
=== Sabi Game Reserve (1898&ndash;1926) ===
Sabi Game Reserve was initially created to control hunting and to protect the diminishing number of animals in the area.<ref name=lonely468>{{cite book |date=2008 |publisher=Lonely Planet |title=South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini |author=Bainbridge, J. |chapter=Kruger National Park |pages=466–469 |chapter-url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/shop_pickandmix/previews/south-africa-kruger-national-park-preview.pdf}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031071554/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/shop_pickandmix/previews/south-africa-kruger-national-park-preview.pdf}}</ref> The reserve was located in the southern one-third of the modern park.<ref name=Foxcroft33>{{cite journal |year=2008|title=Ornamental Plants as Invasive Aliens: Problems and Solutions in Kruger National Park, South Africa |journal=Environmental Management |volume=41 |issue=1 |pages=32–51 |doi=10.1007/s00267-007-9027-9 |author=Foxcroft, L.C. |pmid=17943344 |last2=Richardson |first2=D.M. |last3= Wilson |first3=J.R. |bibcode= 2008EnMan..41...32F|s2cid=38896378 |hdl=10019.1/112297 |hdl-access=free}}</ref>
Sabi Game Reserve was initially created to control hunting and to protect the diminishing number of animals in the area.<ref name=lonely468>{{cite book |date=2008 |publisher=Lonely Planet |title=South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini |author=Bainbridge, J. |chapter=Kruger National Park |pages=466–469 |chapter-url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/shop_pickandmix/previews/south-africa-kruger-national-park-preview.pdf |access-date=11 September 2008 |archive-date=31 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031071554/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/shop_pickandmix/previews/south-africa-kruger-national-park-preview.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The reserve was located in the southern one-third of the modern park.<ref name=Foxcroft33>{{cite journal |year=2008|title=Ornamental Plants as Invasive Aliens: Problems and Solutions in Kruger National Park, South Africa |journal=Environmental Management |volume=41 |issue=1 |pages=32–51 |doi=10.1007/s00267-007-9027-9 |author=Foxcroft, L.C. |pmid=17943344 |last2=Richardson |first2=D.M. |last3= Wilson |first3=J.R. |bibcode= 2008EnMan..41...32F|s2cid=38896378 |hdl=10019.1/112297 |hdl-access=free}}</ref>
[[James Stevenson-Hamilton]] became the first warden of the reserve in 1902.<ref name=lonely468/> [[Shingwedzi|Singwitsi Reserve]], named after the [[Shingwedzi River]] and now in northern Kruger National Park, was proclaimed in 1903.<ref name=McNeely127-129>{{cite book |author=McNeely, J.A. |year=2001 |publisher=International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |title=The Great Reshuffling |isbn=2-8317-0602-5}}</ref> During the following decades all the native tribes were removed from the reserve and during the 1960s the last were removed at [[Makuleke]] in the [[Pafuri]] triangle. In 1926, Sabi Game Reserve, the adjacent Shingwedzi Game Reserve, and farms were combined to create Kruger National Park.<ref name=lonely468/>
[[James Stevenson-Hamilton]] became the first warden of the reserve in 1902.<ref name=lonely468/> [[Shingwedzi|Singwitsi Reserve]], named after the [[Shingwedzi River]] and now in northern Kruger National Park, was proclaimed in 1903.<ref name=McNeely127-129>{{cite book |author=McNeely, J.A. |year=2001 |publisher=International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |title=The Great Reshuffling |isbn=2-8317-0602-5}}</ref> During the following decades all the native tribes were removed from the reserve and during the 1960s the last were removed at [[Makuleke]] in the [[Pafuri]] triangle. In 1926, Sabi Game Reserve, the adjacent Shingwedzi Game Reserve, and farms were combined to create Kruger National Park.<ref name=lonely468/>


During 1923, the first large groups of tourists started visiting the Sabi Game Reserve, but only as part of the [[South African Railways]]' popular "Round in Nine" tours. The tourist trains travelled the Selati railway line between [[Komatipoort]] on the [[Mozambique|Mozambican]] border and [[Tzaneen]] in the then northern Transvaal.<ref name=Bulpin>{{cite book |author=Bulpin, T.V. |title=Treasury of Travel Series: Kruger National Park |publisher=Creda Press |place= |year=1974}}</ref>
During 1923, the first large groups of tourists started visiting the Sabi Game Reserve, but only as part of the [[South African Railways]]' popular "Round in Nine" tours. The tourist trains travelled the Selati railway line between [[Komatipoort]] on the [[Mozambique|Mozambican]] border and [[Tzaneen]] in the then northern [[Transvaal (province)|Transvaal]].<ref name=Bulpin>{{cite book |author=Bulpin, T.V. |title=Treasury of Travel Series: Kruger National Park |publisher=Creda Press |place= |year=1974}}</ref>


=== Kruger National Park ===
=== Kruger National Park ===
[[File:Memorial Kruger Park.jpg|thumb|Plaque in the park. Now and then people do get killed; however, this is extremely rare.]]
[[File:Memorial Kruger Park.jpg|thumb|Plaque in the park. Now and then people do get killed; however, this is extremely rare.]]
Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1918.<ref name=Stevenson/> Warden James Stevenson-Hamilton retired on 30 April 1946, after 44 years as warden of the Kruger Park. He was replaced by Colonel J. A. B. Sandenbergh of the [[South African Air Force]].<ref name=Bulpin/>
Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1918 and a commission established to pursue its planning and development. The first secretary of the commission was
[[Johannes Andries (Dries) de Ridder]], a civil servant.
<ref name=Stevenson/> <ref>{{cite journal |last1=Punt |first1=Willem J. |title=CECILE DE RIDDER |journal=Journal of the Pretoria Historical Association |date=May 2002 |volume=115 |page=32-33 |url=https://repository.up.ac.za/dspace/bitstream/handle/2263/16345/Pretoriana_115_2002.pdf |access-date=24 July 2024}}</ref>
Warden James Stevenson-Hamilton retired on 30 April 1946, after 44 years as warden of the Kruger Park. He was replaced by Colonel J. A. B. Sandenbergh of the [[South African Air Force]].<ref name=Bulpin/>
In 1959, work commenced to completely fence the park's boundaries. Work started on the southern boundary along the [[Crocodile River (Mpumalanga)|Crocodile River]] and in 1960 the western and northern boundaries were fenced, followed by the eastern boundary with Mozambique. The purpose of the fence was to curb the spread of diseases, facilitate border patrolling and inhibit the movement of [[poaching|poachers]].<ref name=Bulpin/>
In 1959, work commenced to completely fence the park's boundaries. Work started on the southern boundary along the [[Crocodile River (Mpumalanga)|Crocodile River]] and in 1960 the western and northern boundaries were fenced, followed by the eastern boundary with Mozambique. The purpose of the fence was to curb the spread of diseases, facilitate border patrolling and inhibit the movement of [[poaching|poachers]].<ref name=Bulpin/>


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[[File:Pride_of_lions_Kruger.jpg|thumb|Pride of [[Panthera leo melanochaita|lion]]s on a tourist road]]
[[File:Pride_of_lions_Kruger.jpg|thumb|Pride of [[Panthera leo melanochaita|lion]]s on a tourist road]]
In 1996 the Makuleke tribe submitted a [[land claim]] for {{cvt|19842|ha|km2|order=flip}}, namely the Pafuri or [[Makuleke]] region in the northernmost part of the park.<ref name="Claim-19960806">{{cite web |title=Commission on the restitution of land rights media statement on a claim by the Makuleke Tribe on a portion of the Kruger National Park and other areas |date=1996 |publisher=South African Commission on Restitution of Land Rights |url=http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1996/960812_0x70796.htm |access-date= 9 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604112421/http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1996/960812_0x70796.htm}}</ref> The land was given back to the Makuleke people, however, they chose not to resettle on the land but to engage with the private sector to invest in tourism. This resulted in the building of several game lodges from which they earn royalties.{{cn|date=December 2023}}
In 1996 the Makuleke tribe submitted a [[land claim]] for {{cvt|19842|ha|km2|order=flip}}, namely the [[Pafuri]] or [[Makuleke]] region in the northernmost part of the park.<ref name="Claim-19960806">{{cite web |title=Commission on the restitution of land rights media statement on a claim by the Makuleke Tribe on a portion of the Kruger National Park and other areas |date=1996 |publisher=South African Commission on Restitution of Land Rights |url=http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1996/960812_0x70796.htm |access-date= 9 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604112421/http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1996/960812_0x70796.htm}}</ref> The land was given back to the Makuleke people, however, they chose not to resettle on the land but to engage with the private sector to invest in tourism. This resulted in the building of several game lodges from which they earn royalties.{{cn|date=December 2023}}


In the late 1990s, the fences between the Kruger Park and Klaserie Game Reserve, Olifants Game Reserve, and Balule Game Reserve were dropped and incorporated into the Greater Kruger Park with {{cvt|400000|ha|km2}} added to the Reserve. In 2002, Kruger National Park, [[Gonarezhou National Park]] in [[Zimbabwe]], and [[Limpopo National Park]] in [[Mozambique]] were incorporated into a [[Transboundary protected area|peace park]], the [[Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park]].<ref name=lonely468/>
In the late 1990s, the fences between the Kruger Park and [[Klaserie Game Reserve]], Olifants Game Reserve, and [[Balule Nature Reserve]] were dropped and incorporated into the Greater Kruger Park with {{cvt|400000|ha|km2}} added to the Reserve. In 2002, Kruger National Park, [[Gonarezhou National Park]] in [[Zimbabwe]], and [[Limpopo National Park]] in [[Mozambique]] were incorporated into a [[Transboundary protected area|peace park]], the [[Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park]].<ref name=lonely468/>


== Location and geography ==
== Location and geography ==
{{multiple image |align=right |perrow=1 |header=Geography of the Kruger National Park |image1=KNP-Olifants River-001.jpg |caption1=Olifants River |image2=Kruger panorama3.jpg |caption2=Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers at Crookes Corner in [[Makuleke]]}}
{{multiple image |align=right |perrow=1 |header=Geography of the Kruger National Park |image1=KNP-Olifants River-001.jpg |caption1=Olifants River |image2=Kruger panorama3.jpg |caption2=Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers at Crookes Corner in [[Makuleke]]}}
The park lies in the northeast of South Africa,<ref name=Foxcroft33/> in the eastern parts of [[Limpopo]] and [[Mpumalanga]] provinces. [[Phalaborwa]], Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of {{cvt|19485|km2}}. The park is approximately {{cvt|360|km}} long,<ref name=Foxcroft33/> and has an average width of {{cvt|65|km}}.<ref name=lonely468/> At its widest point, the park is {{cvt|90|km}} wide from east to west.<ref name=Foxcroft33/>
The park lies in the northeast of South Africa,<ref name=Foxcroft33/> in the eastern parts of [[Limpopo]] and [[Mpumalanga]] provinces. [[Phalaborwa]], Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of {{cvt|19485|km2}}. The park is approximately {{cvt|360|km}} long,<ref name=Foxcroft33/> and has an average width of {{cvt|65|km}}.<ref name=lonely468/> At its widest point, the park is {{cvt|90|km}} wide from east to west.<ref name=Foxcroft33/>
To the north and south of the park two rivers, the [[Limpopo River]] and the [[Crocodile River (Mpumalanga)|Crocodile]] respectively, act as their natural boundaries. To the east, the [[Lebombo Mountains]] separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly {{cvt|65|km}} distant. The park varies in altitude between {{cvt|200|m}} in the east and {{cvt|840|m}} in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including the [[Sabie River|Sabie]], [[Olifants River (Limpopo)|Olifants]], Crocodile, [[Letaba River|Letaba]], [[Luvuvhu]] and Limpopo Rivers.{{cn|date=December 2023}}
To the north and south of the park two rivers, the [[Limpopo River]] and the [[Crocodile River (Mpumalanga)|Crocodile]] respectively, act as their natural boundaries. To the east, the [[Lebombo Mountains]] separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly {{cvt|65|km}} distant. The park varies in altitude between {{cvt|200|m}} in the east and {{cvt|840|m}} in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including the [[Sabie River|Sabie]], [[Olifants River (Limpopo)|Olifants]], [[Letaba River|Letaba]] and [[Luvuvhu]] while the [[Crocodile River (Mpumalanga)]] and [[Limpopo River]] run along the parks border.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Which River In Kruger Park Is The Cleanest |url=https://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-3-14-kruger-rivers-23334.html#:~:text=In%20the%20Kruger%20National%20Park,the%20Letaba%20and%20the%20Luvuvhu. |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=www.krugerpark.co.za}}</ref>

== Climate ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2023}}
⚫
The climate of the Kruger National Park and lowveld is subtropical/tropical, specifically a [[semi-arid climate#Hot semi-arid climates|hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BSh''). Summer days are humid and hot. The rainy season is from September until May. The Kruger National Park website lists September and October as the driest periods, culminating at the beginning of the rainy season late in October. Because the park spans {{convert|360|km|mi|-1|disp=or}} from north to south, climate can vary throughout the park. [[Skukuza]] in the southern part of the park is about {{convert|2|to|3|C-change|F-change|1}} cooler throughout the year than [[Makuleke|Pafuri]] in the north, with significantly more rainfall.


{{Skukuza weatherbox}}
{{Skukuza weatherbox}}
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| source = <ref name="climate-data">{{cite web |url=https://en.climate-data.org/africa/south-africa/limpopo/pafuri-camp-924361/ |title=Pafuri Camp Climate |publisher=Climate-data.org |access-date=January 18, 2020 }}</ref>
| source = <ref name="climate-data">{{cite web |url=https://en.climate-data.org/africa/south-africa/limpopo/pafuri-camp-924361/ |title=Pafuri Camp Climate |publisher=Climate-data.org |access-date=January 18, 2020 }}</ref>
}}
}}
⚫
The climate of the Kruger National Park and lowveld is subtropical/tropical, specifically a [[semi-arid climate#Hot semi-arid climates|hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BSh''). Summer days are humid and hot. The rainy season is from September until May. The Kruger National Park website lists September and October as the driest periods, culminating at the beginning of the rainy season late in October. Because the park spans {{convert|360|km|mi|-1|disp=or}} from north to south, climate can vary throughout the park. [[Skukuza]] in the southern part of the park is about {{convert|2|to|3|C-change|F-change|1}} cooler throughout the year than [[Makuleke|Pafuri]] in the north, with significantly more rainfall.


== Biodiversity ==
== Biodiversity ==
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==== Thorn trees and red bush-willow veld ====
==== Thorn trees and red bush-willow veld ====
This area lies between the western boundary and roughly the centre of the park south of the Olifants River. ''[[Combretum]]s'', such as the red bush-willow (''[[Combretum apiculatum]]''), and ''Acacia'' species predominate while there are a great number of marula trees (''[[Sclerocarya caffra]]''). The ''Acacias'' are dominant along the rivers and streams, the very dense Nwatimhiri bush along the Sabie River between [[Skukuza]] and [[Lower Sabie]] being a very good example.
This area lies between the western boundary and roughly the centre of the park south of the Olifants River. ''[[Combretum]]s'', such as the red bush-willow (''[[Combretum apiculatum]]''), and ''Acacia'' species predominate while there are a great number of marula trees (''[[Sclerocarya afra]]''). The ''Acacias'' are dominant along the rivers and streams, the very dense Nwatimhiri bush along the Sabie River between [[Skukuza]] and [[Lower Sabie]] being a very good example.


==== Knob-thorn and marula veld ====
==== Knob-thorn and marula veld ====
South of the Olifants River in the park's eastern half, this area provides the most important grazing land. Species such as red grass (''[[Themeda triandra]]'') and buffalo grass (''[[Panicum maximum]]'') predominate while the knob-thorn (''[[Acacia nigrescens]]''), leadwood (''[[Combretum imberbe]]'') and marula (''Sclerocarya caffra'') are the main tree species.
South of the Olifants River in the park's eastern half, this area provides the most important grazing land. Species such as red grass (''[[Themeda triandra]]'') and buffalo grass (''[[Panicum maximum]]'') predominate while the knob-thorn (''[[Acacia nigrescens]]''), leadwood (''[[Combretum imberbe]]'') and marula (''[[Sclerocarya afra]]'') are the main tree species.


====Local vegetation communities====
====Local vegetation communities====
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=== Mammals ===
=== Mammals ===
{{multiple image |direction=vertical |header=Mammals |image1=Lion (Panthera leo) (30941994012).jpg |caption1=Male [[Panthera leo melanochaita|lion]] |image2=Leopard (Panthera pardus) male (6001436301).jpg |caption2=[[African leopard]] |image3=Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) on the road (16509940256), crop.jpg |caption3=[[South African cheetah]] |image4=Elephant side-view Kruger.jpg |caption4=[[African bush elephant]] crossing a road |image5=Rhinoceros in Kruger National Park 03.jpg |caption5=A pair of [[Southern white rhinoceros]]}}
{{multiple image |direction=vertical |header=Mammals |image1=Lion (Panthera leo) (30941994012).jpg |caption1=Male [[Panthera leo melanochaita|lion]] |image2=Leopard (Panthera pardus) male (6001436301).jpg |caption2=[[African leopard|Leopard]] |image3=Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) on the road (16509940256), crop.jpg |caption3=[[South African cheetah|Cheetah]] |image4=Elephant side-view Kruger.jpg |caption4=[[African bush elephant]] crossing a road |image5=Rhinoceros in Kruger National Park 03.jpg |caption5=A pair of [[Southern white rhinoceros|white rhinoceros]]}}


All the [[big five game]] animals are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of large [[mammal]]s than any other African game reserve (at 147 species). There are webcams set up to observe the wildlife.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sanparks.org/webcams/|title=SANParks - Nature Conservation, Accommodation, Activities, Reservations|website=sanparks.org}}</ref>
All the [[big five game]] animals are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of large [[mammal]]s than any other African game reserve (at 147 species). There are webcams set up to observe the wildlife.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sanparks.org/webcams/|title=SANParks - Nature Conservation, Accommodation, Activities, Reservations|website=sanparks.org}}</ref>
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Kruger supports packs of the [[endangered]] [[African wild dog]], of which there are thought to be only about 400 in the whole of South Africa.<ref>Hogan, C. M. 2009. [http://globaltwitcher.auderis.se/artspec_information.asp?thingid=35993 ''Painted Hunting Dog: Lycaon pictus'', GlobalTwitcher.com, ed. N. Stromberg] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209234758/http://globaltwitcher.auderis.se/artspec_information.asp?thingid=35993 |date=9 December 2010 }}</ref>
Kruger supports packs of the [[endangered]] [[African wild dog]], of which there are thought to be only about 400 in the whole of South Africa.<ref>Hogan, C. M. 2009. [http://globaltwitcher.auderis.se/artspec_information.asp?thingid=35993 ''Painted Hunting Dog: Lycaon pictus'', GlobalTwitcher.com, ed. N. Stromberg] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209234758/http://globaltwitcher.auderis.se/artspec_information.asp?thingid=35993 |date=9 December 2010 }}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable" style="background:none; margin:1em auto 1em auto;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;"
|+ '''Wildlife population {{As of|2011||lc=y}}'''
|+ '''Wildlife population {{As of|2011||lc=y}}'''
|-
|-
Line 228: Line 226:
!Count (2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/conservation/scientific/ff/biodiversity_statistics.php|title=Kruger National Park: Biodiversity Statistics|website=sanparks.org|language=en-ZA|access-date=2019-11-09}}</ref>
!Count (2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/conservation/scientific/ff/biodiversity_statistics.php|title=Kruger National Park: Biodiversity Statistics|website=sanparks.org|language=en-ZA|access-date=2019-11-09}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[South-central black rhinoceros]]
|[[Black rhinoceros]] <small>(''[[South-central black rhinoceros|D. b. minor]]'')</small>
|350
|350
|590–660
|590–660
|–
|–
|-
|-
|[[Blue wildebeest]]
|[[Blue wildebeest]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|9,612
|9,612
|11,500
|11,500
|6,400–13,100
|6,400–13,100
|-
|-
|[[Plains zebra]]
|[[Plains zebra]] <small>(''[[Chapman's zebra|E. q. chapmani]]'')</small>
| 17,797
| 17,797
|26,500
|26,500
Line 248: Line 246:
|–
|–
|-
|-
|[[African buffalo]]
|[[African buffalo]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
| 27,000
|27,000
|37,500
|37,500
|37,130
|37,130
Line 263: Line 261:
|13,750
|13,750
|-
|-
|[[Giraffe]] <small>(''[[Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa|G. c. giraffa]]'')</small>
|[[Giraffe]]
|5,114
|5,114
|9,000
|9,000
|6,800–10,300
|6,800–10,300
|-
|-
|[[Greater kudu]]
|[[Greater kudu]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|5,798
|5,798
|9,500
|9,500
|11,200–17,300
|11,200–17,300
|-
|-
|[[Hippopotamus]]
|[[Hippopotamus]] <small>(''H. a. capensis'')</small>
|3,000
|3,000
|3,100
|3,100
|3,100
|3,100
|-
|-
|[[Impala]]
|[[Impala]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|150,000
|150,000
|120,000
|120,000
|132,300–176,400
|132,300–176,400
|-
|-
|[[Hartebeest]]
|[[Hartebeest]] <small>(''A. b. lichtensteinii'')</small>
|–
|–
|50
|50
|–
|–
|-
|-
|[[Mountain reedbuck]]
|[[Mountain reedbuck]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|–
|–
|150
|150
Line 298: Line 296:
|300
|300
|-
|-
|[[Roan antelope]]
|[[Roan antelope]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|–
|–
|90
|90
|90
|90
|-
|-
|[[Sable antelope]]
|[[Sable antelope]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|–
|–
|290
|290
|290
|290
|-
|-
|[[Common warthog]]
|[[Common warthog]] <small>(''P. a. sundevallii'')</small>
|–
|–
|3,500
|3,500
|3,100–5,700
|3,100–5,700
|-
|-
|[[Waterbuck]]
|[[Waterbuck]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|5,000
|5,000
|5,500
|5,500
|3,100–7,800
|3,100–7,800
|-
|-
|[[Southern white rhinoceros]]
|[[White rhinoceros]] <small>(''[[Southern white rhinoceros|C. s. simum]]'')</small>
|7,000 to 12,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanwild.org/NOTICEBOARD/jundec09/Response%20from%20SANParks%20to%20Misleading%20Reports%20and%20Claims%20about%20Rhino%20Sales.HTM|title=Response from SANParks to Misleading Reports and Claims about Rhino Sales and Hunting in National Parks|date=2009-07-15|access-date=2009-10-16|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121110824/http://www.sanwild.org/NOTICEBOARD/jundec09/Response%20from%20SANParks%20to%20Misleading%20Reports%20and%20Claims%20about%20Rhino%20Sales.HTM|archive-date=21 January 2010}}</ref>
|7,000 to 12,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanwild.org/NOTICEBOARD/jundec09/Response%20from%20SANParks%20to%20Misleading%20Reports%20and%20Claims%20about%20Rhino%20Sales.HTM|title=Response from SANParks to Misleading Reports and Claims about Rhino Sales and Hunting in National Parks|date=2009-07-15|access-date=2009-10-16|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121110824/http://www.sanwild.org/NOTICEBOARD/jundec09/Response%20from%20SANParks%20to%20Misleading%20Reports%20and%20Claims%20about%20Rhino%20Sales.HTM|archive-date=21 January 2010}}</ref>
|10,500
|10,500
|–
|–
|-
|-
|[[African wild dog]]
|[[African wild dog]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|240
|240
|–
|–
|120
|120
|-
|-
|[[Cheetah]]
|[[Cheetah]] <small>(nominate ssp.)</small>
|120
|120
|120
|120
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|4,420
|4,420
|-
|-
|[[Leopard]] <small>([[African leopard|nominate]] ssp.)</small>
|[[Leopard]]
|2,000
|2,000
|1,000
|1,000
|1,000
|1,000
|-
|-
|[[Lion]] <small>(''[[Panthera leo melanochaita|P. l. melanochaita]]'')</small>
|[[Lion]]
|2,800
|2,800
|1,600
|1,600
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| caption2 = [[Yellow-billed oxpecker]]s (''B. africanus'') are obligatory [[Symbiosis|symbiont]]s of large mammal herbivores. After an absence of over 80 years, they made an unaided comeback starting in 1979.<ref name="knpo1">{{cite web |title=Yellow-billed Oxpecker Research – Kruger National Park |url=https://www.facebook.com/KNPoxpeckers/ |website=Facebook |publisher=@KNPoxpeckers · Community |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>
| caption2 = [[Yellow-billed oxpecker]]s (''B. africanus'') are obligatory [[Symbiosis|symbiont]]s of large mammal herbivores. After an absence of over 80 years, they made an unaided comeback starting in 1979.<ref name="knpo1">{{cite web |title=Yellow-billed Oxpecker Research – Kruger National Park |url=https://www.facebook.com/KNPoxpeckers/ |website=Facebook |publisher=@KNPoxpeckers · Community |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>
}}
}}
A fairly uniform aggregate of bird species is present from the southern to central areas of the park, but a decline in diversity is noticeable in the [[Colophospermum mopane|mopane]]-dominated flats northwards of the [[Olifants River (Limpopo)|Olifants]].<ref name="kem1"/> Most species breed in summer when rains sustain most vegetable and animal food, but the larger [[bird of prey|birds of prey]] conversely breed during the dry winter, when their prey is most exposed.<ref name="kem1"/> Out of the 517 species of [[bird]]s found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 are nomads.
A fairly uniform aggregate of bird species is present from the southern to central areas of the park, but a decline in diversity is noticeable in the [[Colophospermum mopane|mopane]]-dominated flats northwards of the [[Olifants River (Limpopo)|Olifants]].<ref name="kem1"/> Most species breed in summer when rains sustain most vegetable and animal food, but the larger [[bird of prey|birds of prey]] conversely breed during the dry winter, when their prey is most exposed.<ref name="kem1"/> Out of the 507 species of [[bird]]s found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 are nomads<!-- Values may not add up to 507 -->.


Constituting the southern [[lowveld]], the park's avifaunal affinities are mainly with the tropical north. Some representatives of this group are the [[African openbill]], [[hooded vulture]], [[Dickinson's kestrel]], [[white-crowned lapwing]], [[brown-necked parrot]], [[Senegal coucal]], [[broad-billed roller]], [[trumpeter hornbill]], [[Böhm's spinetail]], [[tropical boubou]], [[Meves's starling]] and [[scarlet-chested sunbird]].<ref name="kem1"/> Some 30 waterbird and wader species are dependent on the rivers or associated dams,<ref name="pet1">{{cite web |last1=Petersen |first1=Robin |last2=Riddell |first2=Eddie |last3=Govender |first3=Danny |last4=Sithole |first4=Hendrik |last5=Venter |first5=Jacques |last6=Mohlala |first6=Thabo |title= State of the rivers - Kruger National Park |url= https://www.sanparks.org/assets/docs/conservation/scientific_new/savanna/ssnm2015/state-of-the-rivers-kruger-national-park.pdf |website= sanparks.org |publisher= Savanna Science Networking Meeting 2015 – Skukuza, KNP |access-date=25 February 2022 |date=2015}}</ref> including the [[African finfoot]], [[white-backed night heron]], white-crowned lapwing and [[water thick-knee]]. Other species are limited to riparian thicket or forest, including [[African goshawk]], [[crested guineafowl]], [[Natal spurfowl]], [[Narina trogon]], [[Pel's fishing owl]], [[bearded scrub robin]], [[terrestrial brownbul]] and [[black-throated wattle-eye]]. This habitat is often reduced by drought<ref name="pie1">{{cite web |last1=Pienaar |first1=Danie (SANParks) |title=Kruger National Park – A general introduction |url=http://biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4.-Pienaar-KNP-a-general-introduction.pdf |website=biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org |publisher=National Biodiversity Planning Forum |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=20 June 2017 |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125055548/http://biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4.-Pienaar-KNP-a-general-introduction.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> or floods or the understorey is opened up by elephant.<ref name="kem1"/>
Constituting the southern [[lowveld]], the park's avifaunal affinities are mainly with the tropical north. Some representatives of this group are the [[African openbill]], [[hooded vulture]], [[Dickinson's kestrel]], [[white-crowned lapwing]], [[brown-necked parrot]], [[Senegal coucal]], [[broad-billed roller]], [[trumpeter hornbill]], [[Böhm's spinetail]], [[tropical boubou]], [[Meves's starling]] and [[scarlet-chested sunbird]].<ref name="kem1"/> Some 30 waterbird and wader species are dependent on the rivers or associated dams,<ref name="pet1">{{cite web |last1=Petersen |first1=Robin |last2=Riddell |first2=Eddie |last3=Govender |first3=Danny |last4=Sithole |first4=Hendrik |last5=Venter |first5=Jacques |last6=Mohlala |first6=Thabo |title= State of the rivers - Kruger National Park |url= https://www.sanparks.org/assets/docs/conservation/scientific_new/savanna/ssnm2015/state-of-the-rivers-kruger-national-park.pdf |website= sanparks.org |publisher= Savanna Science Networking Meeting 2015 – Skukuza, KNP |access-date=25 February 2022 |date=2015}}</ref> including the [[African finfoot]], [[white-backed night heron]], [[white-crowned lapwing]] and [[water thick-knee]]. Other species are limited to riparian thicket or forest, including [[African goshawk]], [[crested guineafowl]], [[Natal spurfowl]], [[Narina trogon]], [[Pel's fishing owl]], [[bearded scrub robin]], [[terrestrial brownbul]] and [[black-throated wattle-eye]]. This habitat is often reduced by drought<ref name="pie1">{{cite web |last1=Pienaar |first1=Danie (SANParks) |title=Kruger National Park – A general introduction |url=http://biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4.-Pienaar-KNP-a-general-introduction.pdf |website=biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org |publisher=National Biodiversity Planning Forum |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=20 June 2017 |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125055548/http://biodiversityadvisor.sanbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4.-Pienaar-KNP-a-general-introduction.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> or floods or the understorey is opened up by elephant.<ref name="kem1"/>


Some of the larger birds require large territories or are sensitive to habitat degradation. Six of these birds, which are by and large restricted to Kruger and other extensive conservation areas, have been assigned to a fanciful grouping called the "Big Six Birds".<ref name=bsb>{{cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first= Derek |title=Kruger National Park's Big 6 Birds |url= http://www.sanparks.org/groups/birders/knp_big_6.php |work=Birders |publisher=Sanparks |access-date=9 January 2013}}</ref> They are the [[lappet-faced vulture]], [[martial eagle]], [[saddle-billed stork]], [[kori bustard]], [[Southern ground hornbill|ground hornbill]] and the reclusive [[Pel's fishing owl]], which is localized and seldom seen. The 2011 aerial survey found 22 martial eagle nest sites, the 2015 survey an additional 17, while the 2020 survey found 70 nest locations in all,<ref name="hwi1">{{cite web |last1=Murgatroyd |first1=Dr. Megan |title=Bird's Eye View in Kruger National Park |url=https://hawkwatch.org/blog/item/1203-birds-eye-view-in-kruger? |website=HawkWatchInternational |publisher=hawkwatch.org |access-date=27 August 2020 |date=19 August 2020}}</ref> though the activity of these has yet to be determined. There are 25 to 30 breeding pairs of saddle-billed storks in the park, besides a handful of non-breeding individuals.<ref name=bsb/> In 2012 178 family groups of ground hornbills roamed the park and 78 nests were known, of which 50% were active.<ref name=nj>{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Neels |title=Wildtuin help sy bromvoëls só |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/12/27/B1/10/tnjbrom.html |access-date=9 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=27 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516025600/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/12/27/B1/10/tnjbrom.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref> A 2013 study estimated that 904 pairs of [[white-backed vulture]], 78 pairs of [[lappet-faced vulture]] and 60 pairs of [[white-headed vulture]] breed in the park.<ref name="mur1">{{cite journal |last1=Murn |first1=Campbell |last2=Combrink |first2=Leigh |last3=Ronaldson |first3=G. Scott |last4=Thompson |first4=Charles |last5=Botha |first5=André |title=Population estimates of three vulture species in Kruger National Park, South Africa |journal=Ostrich |date=March 2013 |volume=84 |issue=1 |pages=1–9 |doi=10.2989/00306525.2012.757253 |s2cid=86467203 }}</ref>
Some of the larger birds require large territories or are sensitive to habitat degradation. Six of these birds, which are by and large restricted to Kruger and other extensive conservation areas, have been assigned to a fanciful grouping called the "Big Six Birds".<ref name=bsb>{{cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first= Derek |title=Kruger National Park's Big 6 Birds |url= http://www.sanparks.org/groups/birders/knp_big_6.php |work=Birders |publisher=Sanparks |access-date=9 January 2013}}</ref> They are the [[lappet-faced vulture]], [[martial eagle]], [[saddle-billed stork]], [[kori bustard]], [[Southern ground hornbill|ground hornbill]] and the reclusive [[Pel's fishing owl]], which is localized and seldom seen. The 2011 aerial survey found 22 martial eagle nest sites, the 2015 survey an additional 17, while the 2020 survey found 70 nest locations in all,<ref name="hwi1">{{cite web |last1=Murgatroyd |first1=Dr. Megan |title=Bird's Eye View in Kruger National Park |url=https://hawkwatch.org/blog/item/1203-birds-eye-view-in-kruger? |website=HawkWatchInternational |publisher=hawkwatch.org |access-date=27 August 2020 |date=19 August 2020}}</ref> though the activity of these has yet to be determined. There are 25 to 30 breeding pairs of saddle-billed storks in the park, besides a handful of non-breeding individuals.<ref name=bsb/> In 2012 178 family groups of ground hornbills roamed the park and 78 nests were known, of which 50% were active.<ref name=nj>{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Neels |title=Wildtuin help sy bromvoëls só |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/12/27/B1/10/tnjbrom.html |access-date=9 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=27 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516025600/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/12/27/B1/10/tnjbrom.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref> A 2013 study estimated that 904 pairs of [[white-backed vulture]], 78 pairs of [[lappet-faced vulture]] and 60 pairs of [[white-headed vulture]] breed in the park.<ref name="mur1">{{cite journal |last1=Murn |first1=Campbell |last2=Combrink |first2=Leigh |last3=Ronaldson |first3=G. Scott |last4=Thompson |first4=Charles |last5=Botha |first5=André |title=Population estimates of three vulture species in Kruger National Park, South Africa |journal=Ostrich |date=March 2013 |volume=84 |issue=1 |pages=1–9 |doi=10.2989/00306525.2012.757253 |bibcode=2013Ostri..84....1M |s2cid=86467203 }}</ref>


=== Other vertebrates ===
=== Other vertebrates ===
Kruger is inhabited by 126 species<ref name="bar1"/> of reptile, including [[black mamba]]s, [[African rock python]]s, and 3,000 [[Nile crocodile]]s. As yet, knowledge of the densities and distributions of the reptiles, especially on smaller spatial scales, is limited by sampling bias and a strong dependence on the park's public infrastructure is evident.<ref name="bar1">{{cite journal |last1=Barends |first1=Jody M. |last2=Pietersen |first2=Darren W. |last3=Zambatis |first3=Guinevere |last4=Tye |first4=Donovan R.C. |last5=Maritz |first5=Bryan |title=Sampling bias in reptile occurrence data for the Kruger National Park |journal=Koedoe |date=11 May 2020 |volume=62 |issue=1 |doi=10.4102/koedoe.v62i1.1579|doi-access=free |hdl=2263/77007 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> Thirty-three species of amphibians are found in the park,<ref>Pienaar, Passmore & Carruthers, ''Die Paddas van die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin.'' Sigma Press, 1976</ref> as well as 50 fish species. A Zambesi shark, ''Carcharhinus leucas'', also known as the [[bull shark]], was caught at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in July 1950. Zambezi sharks tolerate fresh water and can travel far up rivers like the Limpopo.<ref>Pienaar, U. de V., ''The Freshwater Fishes of the Kruger National Park'', Koedoe Vol 11, No 1 (1968)</ref>
Kruger is inhabited by 114 species<ref name="bar1"/> of reptile, including [[black mamba]]s, [[African rock python]]s, and 3,000 [[Nile crocodile]]s. As yet, knowledge of the densities and distributions of the reptiles, especially on smaller spatial scales, is limited by sampling bias and a strong dependence on the park's public infrastructure is evident.<ref name="bar1">{{cite journal |last1=Barends |first1=Jody M. |last2=Pietersen |first2=Darren W. |last3=Zambatis |first3=Guinevere |last4=Tye |first4=Donovan R.C. |last5=Maritz |first5=Bryan |title=Sampling bias in reptile occurrence data for the Kruger National Park |journal=Koedoe |date=11 May 2020 |volume=62 |issue=1 |doi=10.4102/koedoe.v62i1.1579|doi-access=free |hdl=2263/77007 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> 34 species of amphibians are found in the park,<ref>Pienaar, Passmore & Carruthers, ''Die Paddas van die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin.'' Sigma Press, 1976</ref> as well as 49 fish species. A Zambezi shark, ''Carcharhinus leucas'', also known as the [[bull shark]], was caught at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in July 1950. Zambezi sharks tolerate fresh water and can travel far up rivers like the Limpopo.<ref>Pienaar, U. de V., ''The Freshwater Fishes of the Kruger National Park'', Koedoe Vol 11, No 1 (1968)</ref>


=== Invertebrates ===
=== Invertebrates ===
[[File:Monthly arthropod abundance in central Kruger National Park.png|thumb|right|250px|A seasonally fluctuating biomass of [[arthropod]]s is observed in response to the [[Climate of South Africa|summer rainfall regime]] and the mostly deciduous vegetation, as shown by sampling during 11 months in [[grassland]] near Satara Camp.<ref name="kem1b">{{cite book |last =Kemp |first =A. C. |title=The Distribution and Status of the Birds of the Kruger National Park – Koedoe Monograph No. 2 |date=1 January 1974 |publisher=The National Parks Board of Trustees |pages=5–6 |edition=1}}</ref>]]
[[File:Monthly arthropod abundance in central Kruger National Park.png|thumb|right|250px|A seasonally fluctuating biomass of [[arthropod]]s is observed in response to the [[Climate of South Africa|summer rainfall regime]] and the mostly deciduous vegetation, as shown by sampling during 11 months in [[grassland]] near Satara Camp.<ref name="kem1b">{{cite book |last =Kemp |first =A. C. |title=The Distribution and Status of the Birds of the Kruger National Park – Koedoe Monograph No. 2 |date=1 January 1974 |publisher=The National Parks Board of Trustees |pages=5–6 |edition=1}}</ref>]]
219 species of [[butterfly]] and [[skipper (butterfly)|skipper]] are native to the park.<ref name="williams">{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Mark C. |title=Checklist of the butterflies and skippers of the Kruger National Park |url= https://www.sanparks.org/docs/parks_kruger/conservation/scientific/ff/invertebrates/checklist_butterflies&skippers.pdf |website=sanparks.org |access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref> The fastest and most robust of these belong to the [[genus]] ''[[Charaxes]]'',<ref name="otto">{{cite web |last1=Otto |first1=Herbert |title=Butterflies of the KNP |url=http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-4-8-butterflies-24374.html |website=krugerpark.co.za |access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> of which 12 species have been recorded.<ref name="kloppers">{{cite book |last1=Kloppers |first1=Johan |last2=Van Son |first2=G. |title=Butterflies of the Kruger National Park |date=1978 |publisher=Board of Curators for National Parks |location=Pretoria |isbn=0-86953-021-6 |pages=79–84}}</ref> Genera ''[[Papilio]]'' and ''[[Acraea (genus)|Acraea]]'' are also well-represented, with about 10 and 15 species respectively.<ref name="kloppers"/> The total number of [[Lepidoptera]] species in the park is unknown but could be in the order of 7,000, many of which range widely in African [[savanna]]. The [[Gonimbrasia belina|mopane moth]] in the northern half of the park is one of the best known, and communities outside the park have at times been given permits to harvest their caterpillars.<ref name="kpcoza1">{{cite web |title=Mopane Worm Harvest |url= http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-6-2-mopani-worm-harvest-25325.html |website=krugerpark.co.za |access-date= 21 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="maota">{{cite web |last1=Maota |first1=Ray |title=Mopane worms to alleviate hunger |url=https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/people-culture/people/mopane-worms |website= brandsouthafrica.com |date = 2010-12-20 |access-date= 21 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1= Masuku |first1= Dumisile |title= Mopani worms harvested in KNP |url= https://www.news24.com/Green/News/Mopani-worms-harvested-in-KNP-20121217 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130413012751/http://www.news24.com/Green/News/Mopani-worms-harvested-in-KNP-20121217 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 13 April 2013 |access-date= 21 January 2019 |agency= News24 |date= 2012-12-17 }}</ref> The park has a high diversity of [[termite]]s and 22 genera are known to occur, including the mound-building genera ''[[Macrotermes]]'', ''[[Cubitermes]]'', ''[[Amitermes]]'', ''[[Odontotermes]]'' and ''[[Trinervitermes]]''.<ref name="meyer">{{cite journal |last1=Meyer |first1=Victor W. |last2=Braack |first2=L.E.O. |last3=Biggs |first3=H.C. |last4=Ebersohn |first4=Colleen |title=Distribution and density of termite mounds in the northern Kruger National Park, with specific reference to those constructed by Macrotermes Holmgren (Isoptera: Termitidae) |journal=African Entomology |date=March 1999 |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=123–130 |url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259487863 |access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref> A new [[species]] of [[woodlouse]], ''Ctenorillo meyeri'', has been discovered inside [[termite]] [[nest]]s, [[east]] of [[Phalaborwa]] and near Mopani Rest Camp.<ref name="taiti">{{cite journal |last1=Taiti |first1=Stefano |title=A new termitophilous species of Armadillidae from South Africa (Isopoda: Oniscidea) |journal=Onychium |date=2018 |volume=14 |pages=9–15 |url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325110962 |access-date=15 September 2019}}</ref> It is the first instance of a termitophilous [[species]] from the family [[Armadillidae]]. Many species of [[mosquito]] occur in the park, including the ''[[Culex]]'', ''[[Aedes]]'' and ''[[Anopheles]]'' genera which target mammals. ''A. arabiensis'' is the most prevalent of the 9 or more ''Anopheles'' species in the park, and their females transmit [[malaria]].<ref name="munh">{{cite journal |last1=Munhenga |first1=Givemore |last2=Brooke |first2=Basil D |last3=Spillings |first3=Belinda |last4=Essop |first4=Leyya |last5=Hunt |first5=Richard H |last6=Midzi |first6=Stephen |last7=Govender |first7=Danny |last8=Braack |first8=Leo |last9=Koekemoer |first9=Lizette L |title=Field study site selection, species abundance and monthly distribution of anopheline mosquitoes in the northern Kruger National Park, South Africa |journal=Malaria Journal |date=2014 |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=27 |doi=10.1186/1475-2875-13-27 |pmid=24460920 |pmc=3925985 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
219 species of [[butterfly]] and [[skipper (butterfly)|skipper]] are native to the park.<ref name="williams">{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Mark C. |title=Checklist of the butterflies and skippers of the Kruger National Park |url= https://www.sanparks.org/docs/parks_kruger/conservation/scientific/ff/invertebrates/checklist_butterflies&skippers.pdf |website=sanparks.org |access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref> The fastest and most robust of these belong to the [[genus]] ''[[Charaxes]]'',<ref name="otto">{{cite web |last1=Otto |first1=Herbert |title=Butterflies of the KNP |url=http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-4-8-butterflies-24374.html |website=krugerpark.co.za |access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> of which 12 species have been recorded.<ref name="kloppers">{{cite book |last1=Kloppers |first1=Johan |last2=Van Son |first2=G. |title=Butterflies of the Kruger National Park |date=1978 |publisher=Board of Curators for National Parks |location=Pretoria |isbn=0-86953-021-6 |pages=79–84}}</ref> Genera ''[[Papilio]]'' and ''[[Acraea (genus)|Acraea]]'' are also well-represented, with about 10 and 15 species respectively.<ref name="kloppers"/> The total number of [[Lepidoptera]] species in the park is unknown but could be in the order of 7,000, many of which range widely in African [[savanna]]. The [[Gonimbrasia belina|mopane moth]] in the northern half of the park is one of the best known, and communities outside the park have at times been given permits to harvest their caterpillars.<ref name="kpcoza1">{{cite web |title=Mopane Worm Harvest |url= http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-6-2-mopani-worm-harvest-25325.html |website=krugerpark.co.za |access-date= 21 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="maota">{{cite web |last1=Maota |first1=Ray |title=Mopane worms to alleviate hunger |url=https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/people-culture/people/mopane-worms |website= brandsouthafrica.com |date = 2010-12-20 |access-date= 21 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1= Masuku |first1= Dumisile |title= Mopani worms harvested in KNP |url= https://www.news24.com/Green/News/Mopani-worms-harvested-in-KNP-20121217 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130413012751/http://www.news24.com/Green/News/Mopani-worms-harvested-in-KNP-20121217 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 13 April 2013 |access-date= 21 January 2019 |agency= News24 |date= 2012-12-17 }}</ref> The park has a high diversity of [[termite]]s and 22 genera are known to occur, including the mound-building genera ''[[Macrotermes]]'', ''[[Cubitermes]]'', ''[[Amitermes]]'', ''[[Odontotermes]]'' and ''[[Trinervitermes]]''.<ref name="meyer">{{cite journal |last1=Meyer |first1=Victor W. |last2=Braack |first2=L.E.O. |last3=Biggs |first3=H.C. |last4=Ebersohn |first4=Colleen |title=Distribution and density of termite mounds in the northern Kruger National Park, with specific reference to those constructed by Macrotermes Holmgren (Isoptera: Termitidae) |journal=African Entomology |date=March 1999 |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=123–130 |url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259487863 |access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref> A new [[species]] of [[woodlouse]], ''Ctenorillo meyeri'', has been discovered inside [[termite]] [[nest]]s, [[east]] of [[Phalaborwa]] and near [[Mopani Rest Camp]].<ref name="taiti">{{cite journal |last1=Taiti |first1=Stefano |title=A new termitophilous species of Armadillidae from South Africa (Isopoda: Oniscidea) |journal=Onychium |date=2018 |volume=14 |pages=9–15 |url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325110962 |access-date=15 September 2019}}</ref> It is the first instance of a termitophilous [[species]] from the family [[Armadillidae]]. Many species of [[mosquito]] occur in the park, including the ''[[Culex]]'', ''[[Aedes]]'' and ''[[Anopheles]]'' genera which target mammals. ''A. arabiensis'' is the most prevalent of the 9 or more ''Anopheles'' species in the park, and their females transmit [[malaria]].<ref name="munh">{{cite journal |last1=Munhenga |first1=Givemore |last2=Brooke |first2=Basil D |last3=Spillings |first3=Belinda |last4=Essop |first4=Leyya |last5=Hunt |first5=Richard H |last6=Midzi |first6=Stephen |last7=Govender |first7=Danny |last8=Braack |first8=Leo |last9=Koekemoer |first9=Lizette L |title=Field study site selection, species abundance and monthly distribution of anopheline mosquitoes in the northern Kruger National Park, South Africa |journal=Malaria Journal |date=2014 |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=27 |doi=10.1186/1475-2875-13-27 |pmid=24460920 |pmc=3925985 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
As of 2018, 350 species of [[Arachnida|arachnids]], excluding ticks and mites, are known from Kruger.<ref>Dippenaar-Schoeman et al., 2018</ref> These are mostly [[spiders|true spiders]], including 7 species of [[Harpactirinae|baboon spider]], but also 9 [[scorpion]] and 7 [[pseudoscorpion]] species, 18 [[Solifugae|solifugid]] species (sun and roman spiders), 2 species of [[Opiliones|harvestmen]] and 1 species of [[Amblypygi|tailless whip scorpion]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-3-16-baboon-spider-23462.html|title=Kruger Park Times &#124; New Baboon Spider Discovered &#124; Online News Publication...|website=krugerpark.co.za}}</ref>
As of 2018, 350 species of [[Arachnida|arachnids]], excluding ticks and mites, are known from Kruger.<ref>Dippenaar-Schoeman et al., 2018</ref> These are mostly [[spiders|true spiders]], including 7 species of [[Harpactirinae|baboon spider]], but also 9 [[scorpion]] and 7 [[pseudoscorpion]] species, 18 [[Solifugae|solifugid]] species (sun and roman spiders), 2 species of [[Opiliones|harvestmen]] and 1 species of [[Amblypygi|tailless whip scorpion]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-3-16-baboon-spider-23462.html|title=Kruger Park Times &#124; New Baboon Spider Discovered &#124; Online News Publication...|website=krugerpark.co.za}}</ref>


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The park's ecosystem is subject to several threats, including intensive poaching, urban development at its borders,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kruger-nationalpark.weebly.com/human-impacts.html|title=Human Impacts|website=Kruger National Park}}</ref> global warming and droughts,<ref>{{cite news |date=14 September 2016 |work=The Guardian |title=South African national park to kill animals in response to severe drought |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/14/south-african-national-park-kill-animals-severe-drought}}</ref> animal overpopulation,<ref>{{cite news |year=2016 |work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-southern-africa-has-too-many-elephants-and-lions-is-contraception-the/|title=Southern Africa has too many elephants and lions. Is contraception the answer?}}</ref> and mining projects.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://corridorgazette.co.za/276492/residents-determined-to-stop-mining/|title=Residents determined to stop mining near Marloth Park|work=Corridor Gazette|date=9 August 2018|access-date=3 June 2019|archive-date=3 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603141255/https://corridorgazette.co.za/276492/residents-determined-to-stop-mining/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The park's ecosystem is subject to several threats, including intensive poaching, urban development at its borders,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kruger-nationalpark.weebly.com/human-impacts.html|title=Human Impacts|website=Kruger National Park}}</ref> global warming and droughts,<ref>{{cite news |date=14 September 2016 |work=The Guardian |title=South African national park to kill animals in response to severe drought |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/14/south-african-national-park-kill-animals-severe-drought}}</ref> animal overpopulation,<ref>{{cite news |year=2016 |work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-southern-africa-has-too-many-elephants-and-lions-is-contraception-the/|title=Southern Africa has too many elephants and lions. Is contraception the answer?}}</ref> and mining projects.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://corridorgazette.co.za/276492/residents-determined-to-stop-mining/|title=Residents determined to stop mining near Marloth Park|work=Corridor Gazette|date=9 August 2018|access-date=3 June 2019|archive-date=3 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603141255/https://corridorgazette.co.za/276492/residents-determined-to-stop-mining/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


[[Light pollution]] produced by rest camps and nearby towns affects the biodiversity of Kruger National Park. In particular, it alters the composition of nocturnal wildlife<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deepthoughtmediaadmin |date=2024-01-18 |title=Kruger National Park: Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation |url=https://africaninspiredsafaris.com/kruger-national-park-wildlife-culture-and-conservation/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=African Inspired Safaris |language=en-GB}}</ref> and the hunting behaviour of predators.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Wild, S. |date=2019 |title=Lights from rest camps and nearby towns are threatening wildlife in the Kruger National Park |url=https://www.businessinsider.co.za/lights-from-rest-camps-and-nearby-towns-are-threatening-wildlife-in-the-kruger-national-park-2019-1 |access-date=2020-07-12 |website=BusinessInsider South Africa |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803010013/https://www.businessinsider.co.za/lights-from-rest-camps-and-nearby-towns-are-threatening-wildlife-in-the-kruger-national-park-2019-1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2022 it was announced that Nkosi City, an R8 billion development is planned near the western border of the park.<ref name="bt1">{{cite news |last1=Staff writer |title=New R8 billion city to be built bordering Kruger National Park |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/560552/new-r8-billion-city-to-be-built-bordering-kruger-national-park/ |access-date=20 February 2022 |agency=BusinessTech |publisher=businesstech.co.za |date=20 February 2022}}</ref>
[[Light pollution]] produced by rest camps and nearby towns affects the biodiversity of Kruger National Park. In particular, it alters the composition of nocturnal wildlife<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deepthoughtmediaadmin |date=2024-01-18 |title=Kruger National Park: Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation |url=https://africaninspiredsafaris.com/kruger-national-park-wildlife-culture-and-conservation/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=African Inspired Safaris |language=en-GB}}</ref> and the hunting behaviour of predators.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Wild, S. |date=2019 |title=Lights from rest camps and nearby towns are threatening wildlife in the Kruger National Park |url=https://www.businessinsider.co.za/lights-from-rest-camps-and-nearby-towns-are-threatening-wildlife-in-the-kruger-national-park-2019-1 |access-date=2020-07-12 |website=BusinessInsider South Africa |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803010013/https://www.businessinsider.co.za/lights-from-rest-camps-and-nearby-towns-are-threatening-wildlife-in-the-kruger-national-park-2019-1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2022 it was announced that [[Nkosi City]], an R8 billion development is planned near the western border of the park.<ref name="bt1">{{cite news |last1=Staff writer |title=New R8 billion city to be built bordering Kruger National Park |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/560552/new-r8-billion-city-to-be-built-bordering-kruger-national-park/ |access-date=20 February 2022 |agency=BusinessTech |publisher=businesstech.co.za |date=20 February 2022}}</ref>


Floods or raising of the walls of the [[Massingir Dam|Massingir]] and Corumana dams in Mozambique could potentially damage, by silting, the pristine gorges of the Olifants and Sabie rivers respectively.<ref name="bat1">{{cite news |last1=Bateleurs |title=Dams Potential Damage to Gorges Inspected |url=https://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-2-8-dams-damage-19526.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |agency=Kruger Park News Archive |publisher=krugerpark.co.za |date=2006}}</ref><ref name="str1">{{cite news |last1=Strauss |first1=Lynette |title=Kruger Gorge |url=https://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-23-kruger-gorge-17985.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=Greater Kruger National Park |agency=krugerpark.co.za |date=2006}}</ref> The Olifants River Gorge has a deep, single thread, pool-rapid structure which is home to many crocodiles, besides hippos and fish. The fish population of the Olifants has already been diminished by hundreds of dams in its upper reaches.<ref name="str1"/>
Floods or raising of the walls of the [[Massingir Dam|Massingir]] and Corumana dams in Mozambique could potentially damage, by silting, the pristine gorges of the Olifants and Sabie rivers respectively.<ref name="bat1">{{cite news |last1=Bateleurs |title=Dams Potential Damage to Gorges Inspected |url=https://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-2-8-dams-damage-19526.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |agency=Kruger Park News Archive |publisher=krugerpark.co.za |date=2006}}</ref><ref name="str1">{{cite news |last1=Strauss |first1=Lynette |title=Kruger Gorge |url=https://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-23-kruger-gorge-17985.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=Greater Kruger National Park |agency=krugerpark.co.za |date=2006}}</ref> The Olifants River Gorge has a deep, single thread, pool-rapid structure which is home to many crocodiles, besides hippos and fish. The fish population of the Olifants has already been diminished by hundreds of dams in its upper reaches.<ref name="str1"/>
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=== Poachers ===
=== Poachers ===
Kruger's big game poachers operate with night vision instruments and large caliber rifles, fitted with [[Flash suppressor|suppressor]]s and sophisticated [[telescopic sight]]s.<ref name=bv6>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title=Stropers raak ál beter, meer waaghalsig |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/02/15/B1/7/bvstroopstats_1725.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=15 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516043128/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/02/15/B1/7/bvstroopstats_1725.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=eta>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=Elise |title=Stropers slaan veral híér toe: Gebied van SANParke loop meeste deur |url=http://152.111.11.6/argief/berigte/volksblad/2012/12/22/VB/12/etrenosters_1703.html |access-date=27 August 2013 |newspaper=Volksblad |date=22 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150429195324/http://152.111.11.6/argief/berigte/volksblad/2012/12/22/VB/12/etrenosters_1703.html |archive-date=29 April 2015 }}</ref> They are mostly Mozambique citizens that initiate their carefully planned incursions from the border region of South Africa and Mozambique.<ref name=bv6/><ref name=vilj8>{{cite news|last=Gibson|first=Erika|title=SANW gryp báie meer aan grens|url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/29/B1/14/tegderrick1.html|access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld|date=29 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516022641/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/29/B1/14/tegderrick1.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=vilj10>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title=5 renosterstropers in Krugerwildtuin doodgeskiet |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/01/12/B1/1/bvstopersdood1635.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=12 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516025115/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/01/12/B1/1/bvstopersdood1635.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref> In 2012 some 200 poachers were apprehended,<ref>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=Elise |title= Twee doodgeskiet wat glo wil stroop |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/01/B1/4/etstroop.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=1 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516042604/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/01/B1/4/etstroop.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref> while about 30 were killed in skirmishes.<ref name=vilj13>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title=2 stropers doodgeskiet |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/01/13/B1/7/B1007-B3-03-StoryB.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130219091739/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/01/13/B1/7/B1007-B3-03-StoryB.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 February 2013 |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date= 13 January 2012 }}</ref><ref name=et3>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=Elise |title=Stroper geskiet in wildtuin, 1 gewond |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/09/B1/4/etrenosters.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=9 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044635/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/09/B1/4/etrenosters.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref>
Kruger's big game poachers operate with night vision instruments and large caliber rifles, fitted with [[Flash suppressor|suppressor]]s and sophisticated [[telescopic sight]]s.<ref name=bv6>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=B. |title=Stropers raak ál beter, meer waaghalsig |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/02/15/B1/7/bvstroopstats_1725.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516043128/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/02/15/B1/7/bvstroopstats_1725.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> They are mostly Mozambique citizens who initiate their carefully planned incursions from the border region of South Africa and Mozambique.<ref name=vilj8>{{cite news|last=Gibson|first=E. |title=SANW gryp báie meer aan grens|url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/29/B1/14/tegderrick1.html|access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516022641/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/29/B1/14/tegderrick1.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> In 2012, about 200 poachers were apprehended,<ref>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=E. |title= Twee doodgeskiet wat glo wil stroop |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/01/B1/4/etstroop.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516042604/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/01/B1/4/etstroop.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> while about 30 were killed in skirmishes.<ref name=et3>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=E. |title=Stroper geskiet in wildtuin, 1 gewond |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/09/B1/4/etrenosters.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044635/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/09/B1/4/etrenosters.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref>
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In July 2012, a Kruger game ranger and policeman were the first to die in an anti-poaching operation,<ref name=et4>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=E. |title=Skietery in Kruger eis twee: Wildtuin is 'n 'oorlogsone' |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/07/25/B1/1/etskietery-B2-02.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044820/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/07/25/B1/1/etskietery-B2-02.html |archive-date= 16 May 2013}}</ref> while other employees reported intimidation by poachers.<ref name=vilj11>{{cite news |last=Viljoen|first=B. |title=Horings: Vroue vas oor hulle dreig |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/14/B1/6/bvborgweier_1549.html|access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044030/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/14/B1/6/bvborgweier_1549.html|archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> A Kruger personnel [[Strike action|strike]] affected some anti-poaching operations,<ref name=bv7>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=B. |title= Afgetredes ingeroep om te help in wildtuin |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/02/09/B1/2/bvwildhulp_1602.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516031731/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/02/09/B1/2/bvwildhulp_1602.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> and some employees have been directly implicated.<ref name=vilj12>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=B. |title=Húlle slaan nié bokke dood, sê drie van wildtuin |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2006/12/05/B1/9/bv-impalaslagting_01-12-06%2816-16-29%29bviljoen.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=5 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516041445/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2006/12/05/B1/9/bv-impalaslagting_01-12-06(16-16-29)bviljoen.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref>
Rangers in and around the park have been pressured or [[blackmail]]ed by poaching syndicates to provide intelligence on the whereabouts of rhinos and anti-poaching operations.<ref name="gro">{{cite news |last1=Groenewald |first1= Y. |title=Poaching syndicates target Kruger rangers |url=http://oxpeckers.org/2016/08/3025/ |access-date= 25 August 2016 |agency=Oxpeckers |date=2016}}</ref>


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In December 2012, Kruger started using a [[Denel Dynamics Seeker|Seeker]] II drone against rhino poachers, which was loaned to the [[South African National Parks]] authority by its manufacturer [[Denel Dynamics]], South Africa.<ref name=Schl>{{cite news |last=Schlesinger |first=F. |title=Animal activists to use drones in fight against illegal hunting |url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3715242.ece |access-date=22 August 2016 |newspaper=The Times | page=17 |date=2013}}</ref>
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In July 2012, a Kruger game ranger and policeman were the first to die in an anti-poaching operation,<ref name=et4>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=Elise |title=Skietery in Kruger eis twee: Wildtuin is 'n 'oorlogsone' |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/07/25/B1/1/etskietery-B2-02.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=25 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044820/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/07/25/B1/1/etskietery-B2-02.html |archive-date= 16 May 2013 }}</ref> while other employees reported intimidation by poachers.<ref name=vilj3/><ref name=ho/><ref name=vilj4/><ref name=vilj11>{{cite news |last=Viljoen|first=Buks|title=Horings: Vroue vas oor hulle dreig|url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/14/B1/6/bvborgweier_1549.html|access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld|date=14 April 2012 |url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044030/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/14/B1/6/bvborgweier_1549.html|archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> A Kruger personnel [[Strike action|strike]] affected some anti-poaching operations,<ref name=bv7>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title= Afgetredes ingeroep om te help in wildtuin |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/02/09/B1/2/bvwildhulp_1602.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=9 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516031731/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/02/09/B1/2/bvwildhulp_1602.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref> and some employees have been directly implicated.<ref name=vilj3>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title='Verkeerslid help met stropery': Hof hoor hoe vier beplan |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/28/B1/8/bvrenosterborgkrugervier_1905.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper= Beeld |date=28 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516042645/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/28/B1/8/bvrenosterborgkrugervier_1905.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=bv8>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title=Vier van Kruger vas oor stropery: Voertuie uitgesnuffel |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/01/B2/6/B1001-B2-02-gg.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219112706/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/01/B2/6/B1001-B2-02-gg.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 February 2013 |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=1 March 2012 }}</ref><ref name=vilj5>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title=Vier bly in Skukuza-selle |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/02/B1/2/4bvrenosterhof_1424.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516022451/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/02/B1/2/4bvrenosterhof_1424.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=bvjn>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks, Jody Nel |title=Wildtuin-veldwagter vas weens renosterstropery |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/07/27/B2/1/djrenos.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper= Beeld |date=27 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516043233/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/07/27/B2/1/djrenos.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=vilj12>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title=Húlle slaan nié bokke dood, sê drie van wildtuin |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2006/12/05/B1/9/bv-impalaslagting_01-12-06%2816-16-29%29bviljoen.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=5 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516041445/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2006/12/05/B1/9/bv-impalaslagting_01-12-06(16-16-29)bviljoen.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name="cit1">{{cite news |last1=Citizen reporter |title=Three Kruger Park rangers arrested for alleged rhino poaching |url=https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/environment/2064865/three-kruger-park-rangers-arrested-for-alleged-rhino-poaching/ |access-date=17 January 2019 |work=Environment |agency=The Citizen |date=2019-01-16}}</ref> Rangers in and around the park have been pressured or [[blackmail]]ed by poaching syndicates to provide intelligence on the whereabouts of rhinos and anti-poaching operations.<ref name="gro">{{cite news |last1=Groenewald |first1= Yolandi |title=Poaching syndicates target Kruger rangers |url=http://oxpeckers.org/2016/08/3025/ |access-date= 25 August 2016 |agency=Oxpeckers |date=23 August 2016}}</ref>

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In December 2012, Kruger started using a [[Denel Dynamics Seeker|Seeker]] II drone against rhino poachers. The drone was loaned to the [[South African National Parks]] authority by its manufacturer [[Denel Dynamics]], South Africa.<ref>Conway-Smith, Erin (11 January 2013) [http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/south-africa/130110/rhino-poaching-rhinoceros-horns-vietnam South Africa sics drones on rhino poachers] Global Post, Retrieved 19 March 2013</ref><ref name=Schl>{{cite news |last=Schlesinger |first=Fay |title=Animal activists to use drones in fight against illegal hunting |url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3715242.ece |access-date=22 August 2016 |newspaper=The Times | page =17 |date=2013}}</ref>


In June 2019, a Helix surveillance aircraft system was deployed on night missions in the park, and apprehended half a dozen suspected poachers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/successful-kruger-anti-poaching-demonstration-for-helix-aircraft/|title=Successful Kruger anti-poaching demonstration for Helix aircraft|date=2019 |website=defenceweb |access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref>
In June 2019, a Helix surveillance aircraft system was deployed on night missions in the park, and apprehended half a dozen suspected poachers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/successful-kruger-anti-poaching-demonstration-for-helix-aircraft/|title=Successful Kruger anti-poaching demonstration for Helix aircraft|date=2019 |website=defenceweb |access-date=2019-08-09}}</ref>
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Other threats to poachers include the dangerous nature of the park itself. In February 2018, a poacher was believed to have been trampled by elephants and then eaten by lions, leaving rangers to later find only a human skull and a pair of trousers, alongside a loaded hunting rifle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suspected rhino poacher killed by elephant, eaten by lions in South Africa |date=2019 |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5137424/rhino-poacher-killed-by-elephant-kruger/ |website=globalnews |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref>
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In December 2021, two accused poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park's Skukuza after they were discovered in possession of unauthorized rifles and ammunition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Poachers arrested in Kruger National Park |website=The Herald |url=https://www.herald.co.zw/poachers-arrested-in-kruger-national-park/|access-date=2021-12-24}}</ref>


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==== Rhino ====
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Other threats to poachers include the dangerous nature of the park itself. In February 2018, a poacher was believed to have been trampled by elephants and then eaten by lions, leaving rangers to later find only a human skull and a pair of trousers, alongside a loaded hunting rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-47843999|title=South Africa: Poacher killed by elephant then eaten by lions|website=BBC News|date=2019-04-07|access-date=2019-10-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5137424/rhino-poacher-killed-by-elephant-kruger/|title=Suspected rhino poacher killed by elephant, eaten by lions in South Africa|date=2019 |website=globalnews |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref>
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Poachers make no distinction between white and black rhinos,<ref name=ho>South Africa's 18,780 white and 1,916 black rhinos were still increasing in 2012, see: {{cite news |last=Otto |first= H. |title=Minister is 'optimisties' oor stropery |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/05/B1/6/honoster.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper= Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516030257/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/05/B1/6/honoster.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref> but losses of black rhinos are low due to their reclusive and aggressive nature.<ref name=vilj9>{{cite news |last= Viljoen |first=B. |title=Toeriste kry gestroopte swartrenoster in Kruger |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/05/B1/2/bvswartrenoster_1542.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516021606/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/05/B1/2/bvswartrenoster_1542.html}}</ref> Rhino horn fetches between $66,000 and $82,000 per kilogram,<ref name=vilj10>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=Buks |title=5 renosterstropers in Krugerwildtuin doodgeskiet |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/01/12/B1/1/bvstopersdood1635.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=12 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516025115/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/01/12/B1/1/bvstopersdood1635.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref> and the CITES ban has proved largely ineffectual against the trade in rhino horn.<ref name=et7>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=E. |title=245 renosters al vanjaar gestroop; 161 in arres |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/06/13/B1/9/etrenosters.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516043755/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/06/13/B1/9/etrenosters.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> The second horn is sometimes also hacked from the skull to obtain about 100 ml of moisture that is sold locally as traditional medicine [[Muti]].<ref name=vilj9/>


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Poaching rhino horn escalated in the 21st century, with 949 rhinos killed in Kruger in the first 12 years,<ref name=vilj>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=B. |title=Stropers: R100 000 vir inligting |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/12/14/B1/2/bvrenosterbeloom_1503.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516032935/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/12/14/B1/2/bvrenosterbeloom_1503.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> and more than 520 in 2013 alone.<ref name= 4-killed>{{cite news |title=4 rhino poachers killed, 17 arrested in Kruger Park |url= http://www.citypress.co.za/news/4-rhino-poachers-killed-17-arrested-kruger-park/ |access-date=27 November 2013 |work=City Press |location=South Africa |agency=SAPA |date=2013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 November 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131127012009/http://www.citypress.co.za/news/4-rhino-poachers-killed-17-arrested-kruger-park}}</ref><ref name=yah>{{cite web |last=De Sakutin |first=S. |title=Over 100 rhinos poached in S. Africa in past month |url=http://za.news.yahoo.com/over-100-rhinos-poached-africa-past-month-112429059.html |date=2013 |publisher=Yahoo! News, South Africa |access-date=29 October 2013 |archive-date=28 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028032444/http://za.news.yahoo.com/over-100-rhinos-poached-africa-past-month-112429059.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> A memorandum of agreement is seen as a necessary milestone in stemming the tide between South Africa and Vietnam, in addition to the one with China,<ref name=et9/><ref name=wz>{{cite news |last=Zwecker |first=W. |title=Hof waarsku smokkelaars met vonnis: 'Bly weg uit SA!' |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/11/B1/1/wzchumlong.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516024637/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/11/B1/1/wzchumlong.html}}</ref> while negotiations have not yet started with Thailand.<ref name=et8>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff|first=E. |title=Interpol se hulp ingeroep teen renosterstropery |newspaper= Beeld |date=2012 |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/09/B1/4/etstroop.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516025244/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/09/B1/4/etstroop.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> The amount of rhino horn held in storage is not publicly known.<ref name=et11>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff|first=E. |title=Nee vir draad tussen wildtuin, buurland |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/30/B1/6/etrenosters.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld|date=2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044826/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/30/B1/6/etrenosters.html|archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> Since 2009, some Kruger rhinos have been fitted with invisible tracing devices in their bodies and horns which enable officials to locate their carcasses and to track the smuggled horns by satellite.<ref name=cc/> South Africa's 22,000 white and black rhinos represent some 93% of these species' world population, 12,000 of which are found in Kruger.<ref name=cil>{{cite news |last=Cilliers |first=S. |title=5 gestroop in één park: Nuwe plan nodig vir renosters, sê kenners |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/08/13/B1/1/screnoster.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper= Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516041847/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/08/13/B1/1/screnoster.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref>
⚫
In December 2021, two accused poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park's Skukuza after they were discovered in possession of unauthorized rifles and ammunition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Herald|first=The|title=Poachers arrested in Kruger National Park|url=https://www.herald.co.zw/poachers-arrested-in-kruger-national-park/|access-date=2021-12-24|website=The Herald|language=en-GB}}</ref>

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==== Rhino ====
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Poachers make no distinction between white and black rhinos,<ref name=ho/><ref name=ho2>{{cite news |last=Otto |first=H. |title=Hy kyk renoster in oë|newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/25/B1/13/thoRefnosterwagte.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516043309/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/25/B1/13/thoRefnosterwagte.html}}</ref> but losses of black rhinos are low due to their reclusive and aggressive nature.<ref name=vilj9/> Rhino horn fetches between $66,000 and $82,000 per kilogram,<ref name=vilj10/><ref name=vilj4>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=B. |title= Veldwag met dood gedreig in 4 se saak |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/05/B1/6/bvrenosterdooddreig_1837.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=5 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516023100/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/05/B1/6/bvrenosterdooddreig_1837.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=vilj9>{{cite news |last= Viljoen |first=B. |title=Toeriste kry gestroopte swartrenoster in Kruger |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/05/B1/2/bvswartrenoster_1542.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516021606/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/05/B1/2/bvswartrenoster_1542.html}}</ref><ref name=hh>{{cite news |title=Hoeders van die horing |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/05/19/BJ/6,7/19MeiRenosters.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516032608/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/05/19/BJ/6,7/19MeiRenosters.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=et10>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=E. |title=Kommentaar en ontleding: Stroop vir terreur-geld |url=http://www.beeld.com/opinie/2013-08-23-kommentaar-en-ontleding-stroop-vir-terreur-geld |access-date=27 August 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2013 |archive-date=26 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826072703/http://www.beeld.com/opinie/2013-08-23-kommentaar-en-ontleding-stroop-vir-terreur-geld |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the CITES ban has proved largely ineffectual against the trade in rhino horn.<ref name=et7>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff |first=E. |title=245 renosters al vanjaar gestroop; 161 in arres |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/06/13/B1/9/etrenosters.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516043755/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/06/13/B1/9/etrenosters.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=cil/> The second horn is sometimes also hacked from the skull to obtain about 100 ml of moisture that is sold locally as [[Muti|traditional medicine]].<ref name=vilj9/>


In July 2022, [[Navara (poacher)|Navara]], an elephant poacher who frequented Kruger, was arrested in [[Maputo]] in a sting operation for possessing rhino horns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Mozambique busts notorious rhino poacher |url=https://news.mongabay.com/2022/08/mozambique-busts-notorious-rhino-poacher/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Mongabay Environmental News |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2023, he is serving a 30-year prison sentence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023 |title=Mozambique: Poaching ringleader detained for second time |url=https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-poaching-ringleader-detained-for-second-time-235937/ |work=Club of Mozambique}}</ref>
⚫
Poaching rhino horn escalated in the 21st century, with 949 rhinos killed in Kruger in the first 12 years,<ref name=vilj>{{cite news |last=Viljoen |first=B. |title=Stropers: R100 000 vir inligting |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/12/14/B1/2/bvrenosterbeloom_1503.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516032935/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/12/14/B1/2/bvrenosterbeloom_1503.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> and more than 520 in 2013 alone.<ref name= 4-killed>{{cite news |title=4 rhino poachers killed, 17 arrested in Kruger Park |url= http://www.citypress.co.za/news/4-rhino-poachers-killed-17-arrested-kruger-park/ |access-date=27 November 2013 |work=City Press|location=South Africa |agency=SAPA |date=2013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 November 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131127012009/http://www.citypress.co.za/news/4-rhino-poachers-killed-17-arrested-kruger-park}}</ref><ref name=yah>{{cite web |last=De Sakutin |first=S. |title=Over 100 rhinos poached in S. Africa in past month |url=http://za.news.yahoo.com/over-100-rhinos-poached-africa-past-month-112429059.html |date=2013 |publisher=Yahoo! News, South Africa |access-date=29 October 2013 |archive-date=28 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028032444/http://za.news.yahoo.com/over-100-rhinos-poached-africa-past-month-112429059.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> A memorandum of agreement is seen as a necessary milestone in stemming the tide between South Africa and Vietnam, in addition to the one with China,<ref name=et9/><ref name=viet>{{cite news |title=SA, Viëtnam teken gou oor renosters |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/23/B1/10/etrenosters.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516040531/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/10/23/B1/10/etrenosters.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=wz>{{cite news |last=Zwecker |first=W. |title=Hof waarsku smokkelaars met vonnis: 'Bly weg uit SA!' |newspaper=Beeld |date=2012 |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/11/B1/1/wzchumlong.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516024637/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/11/B1/1/wzchumlong.html}}</ref> while negotiations have not yet started with Thailand.<ref name=et8>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff|first=E. |title=Interpol se hulp ingeroep teen renosterstropery |newspaper= Beeld |date=2012 |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/09/B1/4/etstroop.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516025244/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/09/B1/4/etstroop.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> The amount of rhino horn held in storage is not publicly known.<ref name=et11>{{cite news |last=Tempelhoff|first=E. |title=Nee vir draad tussen wildtuin, buurland |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/30/B1/6/etrenosters.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Beeld|date=2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044826/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/30/B1/6/etrenosters.html|archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref> Since 2009, some Kruger rhinos have been fitted with invisible tracing devices in their bodies and horns which enable officials to locate their carcasses and to track the smuggled horns by satellite.<ref name=cc/> South Africa's 22,000 white and black rhinos represent some 93% of these species' world population, 12,000 of which are found in Kruger.<ref name=ho>South Africa's 18,780 white and 1,916 black rhinos were still increasing in 2012, see: {{cite news |last=Otto |first= H. |title=Minister is 'optimisties' oor stropery |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/05/B1/6/honoster.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper= Beeld |date=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516030257/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/04/05/B1/6/honoster.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=cil>{{cite news |last=Cilliers |first=S. |title= 5 gestroop in één park: Nuwe plan nodig vir renosters, sê kenners |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/08/13/B1/1/screnoster.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper= Beeld |date=13 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516041847/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/08/13/B1/1/screnoster.html |archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref>


==== Elephant ====
==== Elephant ====
Kruger experienced significant elephant poaching in the 1980s.<ref name=cc>{{cite news |last=Coetzee |first=C. |title='Aanslag' op renosters in Krugerwildtuin se visier: Elektroniese skyfies in lyf en horings ingespan teen wilddiefstal |url= http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2009/11/28/B1/10/ccnoster.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper= Beeld |date=2009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516043159/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2009/11/28/B1/10/ccnoster.html}}</ref> Due to international and national efforts, including a worldwide ban on ivory sales beginning in 1989, the poaching was abated for many years, but a sharp rise in 2014 has continued and the numbers of elephants poached per year in the park is growing at an alarming rate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/environment/2072654/pics-mounted-unit-protects-elephants-as-poaching-soars-in-knp/|title=PICS: Mounted unit protects elephants as poaching soars in KNP |date=2018 |website=The Citizen |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.poachingfacts.com/poaching-statistics/elephant-poaching-statistics//|title=Elephant Poaching Statistics |date=2019 |website=PoachingFacts.com |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref>
Kruger experienced significant elephant poaching in the 1980s.<ref name=cc>{{cite news |last=Coetzee |first=C. |title='Aanslag' op renosters in Krugerwildtuin se visier: Elektroniese skyfies in lyf en horings ingespan teen wilddiefstal |url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2009/11/28/B1/10/ccnoster.html |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper= Beeld |date=2009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130516043159/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2009/11/28/B1/10/ccnoster.html}}</ref> Due to international and national efforts, including a worldwide ban on ivory sales beginning in 1989, the poaching was abated for many years, but a sharp rise in 2014 has continued and the numbers of elephants poached per year in the park is growing at an alarming rate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/environment/2072654/pics-mounted-unit-protects-elephants-as-poaching-soars-in-knp/|title=PICS: Mounted unit protects elephants as poaching soars in KNP |date=2018 |website=The Citizen |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.poachingfacts.com/poaching-statistics/elephant-poaching-statistics//|title=Elephant Poaching Statistics |date=2019 |website=PoachingFacts.com |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref>


Following approval by CITES, 47 metric tons of stockpiled ivory from Kruger were auctioned on 6 November 2008. The sale fetched approximately US$6.7 million which was allocated to increased anti-poaching measures. The intention was to flood the market, crash prices and make poaching less profitable. But instead, the legal sale was followed by "an abrupt, significant, permanent, robust and geographically widespread increase" in elephant poaching, as subsequent research showed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/13/legal-ivory-sale-drove-dramatic-increase-in-elephant-poaching-study-shows|title=Legal ivory sale drove a dramatic increase in elephant poaching, study shows |date=2016 |website=The Guardian |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nber.org/digest/sep16/w22314.html|title= Did a Legal Ivory Sale Increase Smuggling and Poaching? |date=2016 |website=The National Bureau of Economic Research |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref>
Following approval by CITES, 47 [[tonnes]] of stockpiled ivory from Kruger were auctioned on 6 November 2008. The sale fetched approximately US$6.7 million which was allocated to increased anti-poaching measures. The intention was to flood the market, crash prices and make poaching less profitable. But instead, the legal sale was followed by "an abrupt, significant, permanent, robust and geographically widespread increase" in elephant poaching, as subsequent research showed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/13/legal-ivory-sale-drove-dramatic-increase-in-elephant-poaching-study-shows|title=Legal ivory sale drove a dramatic increase in elephant poaching, study shows |date=2016 |website=The Guardian |access-date=2024-05-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nber.org/digest/sep16/w22314.html|title=Did a Legal Ivory Sale Increase Smuggling and Poaching? |date=2016 |website=The National Bureau of Economic Research |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref>


The latest [[Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna]] (CITES), summit voted down proposals for further one-off ivory sales from stockpiles for having led to increases in poaching across the continent.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/aug/22/cites-wildlife-summit-giraffe-protections-global-trade-parts-saiga-antelope-horn|title=Wildlife summit votes down plan to allow the sale of huge ivory stockpile |date=2019 |website=The Guardian |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/cites-elephant-ivory-ban-upheld-but-legal-loopholes-remain/a-50118236|title=CITES: Elephant ivory ban upheld, but legal loopholes remain|date=2019 |website=DW |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref> Across the continent the African elephant population decreased 30% in the period between 2007 and 2014.
The latest [[Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna]] (CITES), summit voted down proposals for further one-off ivory sales from stockpiles for having led to increases in poaching across the continent.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/aug/22/cites-wildlife-summit-giraffe-protections-global-trade-parts-saiga-antelope-horn |title=Wildlife summit votes down plan to allow the sale of huge ivory stockpile |date=2019 |website=The Guardian |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/cites-elephant-ivory-ban-upheld-but-legal-loopholes-remain/a-50118236|title=CITES: Elephant ivory ban upheld, but legal loopholes remain|date=2019 |website=DW |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref> Across the continent the African elephant population decreased 30% in the period between 2007 and 2014.
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/08/wildlife-african-elephants-population-decrease-great-elephant-census/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823034234/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/08/wildlife-african-elephants-population-decrease-great-elephant-census/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 August 2019|title=African Elephant Numbers Plummet 30 Percent, Landmark Survey Finds|date=2016 |website=National Geographic |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.greatelephantcensus.com/blog/2016/8/31/press-release-great-elephant-census-final-results|title=Press Release: Great Elephant Census Final Results|date=2016 |website=TheGreatElephantCensus |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/08/wildlife-african-elephants-population-decrease-great-elephant-census/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823034234/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/08/wildlife-african-elephants-population-decrease-great-elephant-census/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 August 2019 |title=African Elephant Numbers Plummet 30 Percent, Landmark Survey Finds|date=2016 |website=National Geographic |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.greatelephantcensus.com/blog/2016/8/31/press-release-great-elephant-census-final-results|title=Press Release: Great Elephant Census Final Results |date=2016 |website=The Great Elephant Census |access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref>


=== Other ===
=== Other ===
Line 454: Line 452:
|Malelane Gate|| on the [[R570 road (South Africa)|R570]] off the [[N4 road (South Africa)|N4]]||near [[Malelane]]||<small>{{coord|25|27|43|S|31|31|59|E|name=Malelane Gate}}</small>
|Malelane Gate|| on the [[R570 road (South Africa)|R570]] off the [[N4 road (South Africa)|N4]]||near [[Malelane]]||<small>{{coord|25|27|43|S|31|31|59|E|name=Malelane Gate}}</small>
|-
|-
|Numbi Gate|| on the R569 road ||from [[Hazyview]]||<small>{{coord|25|9|19|S|31|11|51|E|name= Numbi Gate}}</small>
|Numbi Gate|| on the [[R569 road (South Africa)|R569 road]]||from [[Hazyview]]||<small>{{coord|25|9|19|S|31|11|51|E|name= Numbi Gate}}</small>
|-
|-
|Phabeni Gate|| on the road off the [[R536 road (South Africa)|R536]] ||from [[Hazyview]]||<small>{{coord|25|01|30|S|31|14|29|E|name=Phabeni Gate}}</small>
|Phabeni Gate|| on the road off the [[R536 road (South Africa)|R536]] ||from [[Hazyview]]||<small>{{coord|25|01|30|S|31|14|29|E|name=Phabeni Gate}}</small>
Line 462: Line 460:
|Orpen Gate|| on the [[R531 road (South Africa)|R531 road]] ||from Klaserie||<small>{{coord|24|28|33|S|31|23|27|E|name=Orpen Gate}}</small>
|Orpen Gate|| on the [[R531 road (South Africa)|R531 road]] ||from Klaserie||<small>{{coord|24|28|33|S|31|23|27|E|name=Orpen Gate}}</small>
|-
|-
|Phalaborwa Gate|| on the [[R71 (Limpopo)|R71]] road ||from [[Phalaborwa]]||<small>{{coord|23|56|44|S|31|9|54|E|name=Phalaborwa Gate}}</small>
|Phalaborwa Gate|| on the [[R71 (Limpopo)|R71 road]]||from [[Phalaborwa]]||<small>{{coord|23|56|44|S|31|9|54|E|name=Phalaborwa Gate}}</small>
|-
|-
|Punda Maria Gate|| on the [[R524 road (South Africa)|R524 road]] ||from [[Thohoyandou]]||<small>{{coord|22|44|18|S|31|0|33|E|name=Punda Maria Gate}}</small>
|Punda Maria Gate|| on the [[R524 road (South Africa)|R524 road]] ||from [[Thohoyandou]]||<small>{{coord|22|44|18|S|31|0|33|E|name=Punda Maria Gate}}</small>
Line 472: Line 470:
== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Portal|South Africa}}
{{Portal|South Africa}}
* [[Kruger to Canyons Biosphere]]
* [[Abel Chapman]]
* [[Abel Chapman]]
* [[Battle at Kruger]]
* [[Battle at Kruger]]
* [[Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park]]
* [[Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park]]
* [[Makuleke]]
* [[Hemmersbach Rhino Force]]
* [[Protected areas of South Africa]]
* [[Kruger to Canyons Biosphere]]
⚫
* [[Skukuza]]
* [[Kruger National Park in the 1960s]] (a timeline of events)
* [[Kruger National Park in the 1960s]] (a timeline of events)
* [[List of protected areas of South Africa]]
* [[Makuleke]]
* [[Sabi Sand Game Reserve]]
* [[Sabi Sand Game Reserve]]
* [[SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary]]
* [[SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary]]
⚫
* [[Skukuza]]


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 05:25, 29 December 2024

Kruger National Park
Plains zebras in a Kruger landscape
Location of the park (red area) in South Africa
LocationLimpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa
Nearest cityMbombela (southern)
Phalaborwa (central)
Coordinates24°0′41″S 31°29′7″E / 24.01139°S 31.48528°E / -24.01139; 31.48528
Area19,623 km2 (7,576 sq mi)[1][2][3]
Established31 May 1926[4]
Visitors1,659,793 (1,277,397 day visitors, 382,396 overnight)[5] (in 2014–15 FY)
Governing bodySouth African National Parks
www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger

Kruger National Park (Afrikaans: [ˈkry.(j)ər]) is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,623 km2 (7,576 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 km (220 mi) from north to south and 65 km (40 mi) from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in Skukuza. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926.

To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, respectively. To the north is Zimbabwe and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.

The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve.[6]

History

[edit]
Main article: History of the Kruger National Park

Sabi Game Reserve (1898–1926)

[edit]

Sabi Game Reserve was initially created to control hunting and to protect the diminishing number of animals in the area.[7] The reserve was located in the southern one-third of the modern park.[8] James Stevenson-Hamilton became the first warden of the reserve in 1902.[7] Singwitsi Reserve, named after the Shingwedzi River and now in northern Kruger National Park, was proclaimed in 1903.[9] During the following decades all the native tribes were removed from the reserve and during the 1960s the last were removed at Makuleke in the Pafuri triangle. In 1926, Sabi Game Reserve, the adjacent Shingwedzi Game Reserve, and farms were combined to create Kruger National Park.[7]

During 1923, the first large groups of tourists started visiting the Sabi Game Reserve, but only as part of the South African Railways' popular "Round in Nine" tours. The tourist trains travelled the Selati railway line between Komatipoort on the Mozambican border and Tzaneen in the then northern Transvaal.[10]

Kruger National Park

[edit]
Plaque in the park. Now and then people do get killed; however, this is extremely rare.

Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1918 and a commission established to pursue its planning and development. The first secretary of the commission was Johannes Andries (Dries) de Ridder, a civil servant. [4] [11] Warden James Stevenson-Hamilton retired on 30 April 1946, after 44 years as warden of the Kruger Park. He was replaced by Colonel J. A. B. Sandenbergh of the South African Air Force.[10] In 1959, work commenced to completely fence the park's boundaries. Work started on the southern boundary along the Crocodile River and in 1960 the western and northern boundaries were fenced, followed by the eastern boundary with Mozambique. The purpose of the fence was to curb the spread of diseases, facilitate border patrolling and inhibit the movement of poachers.[10]

The Makuleke area in the northern part of the park was forcibly taken from the Makuleke people by the government in 1969 and about 1500 of them were relocated to land to the south so that their original tribal areas could be integrated into the greater Kruger National Park.[12]

Pride of lions on a tourist road

In 1996 the Makuleke tribe submitted a land claim for 198.42 km2 (19,842 ha), namely the Pafuri or Makuleke region in the northernmost part of the park.[13] The land was given back to the Makuleke people, however, they chose not to resettle on the land but to engage with the private sector to invest in tourism. This resulted in the building of several game lodges from which they earn royalties.[citation needed]

In the late 1990s, the fences between the Kruger Park and Klaserie Game Reserve, Olifants Game Reserve, and Balule Nature Reserve were dropped and incorporated into the Greater Kruger Park with 400,000 ha (4,000 km2) added to the Reserve. In 2002, Kruger National Park, Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique were incorporated into a peace park, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.[7]

Location and geography

[edit]
Geography of the Kruger National Park
Olifants River
Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers at Crookes Corner in Makuleke

The park lies in the northeast of South Africa,[8] in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phalaborwa, Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 km2 (7,523 sq mi). The park is approximately 360 km (220 mi) long,[8] and has an average width of 65 km (40 mi).[7] At its widest point, the park is 90 km (56 mi) wide from east to west.[8] To the north and south of the park two rivers, the Limpopo River and the Crocodile respectively, act as their natural boundaries. To the east, the Lebombo Mountains separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly 65 km (40 mi) distant. The park varies in altitude between 200 m (660 ft) in the east and 840 m (2,760 ft) in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including the Sabie, Olifants, Letaba and Luvuvhu while the Crocodile River (Mpumalanga) and Limpopo River run along the parks border.[14]

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Skukuza, elevation 271 m (889 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1960–2023)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 44.7
(112.5) 		45.6
(114.1) 		43.6
(110.5) 		41.3
(106.3) 		39.2
(102.6) 		36.4
(97.5) 		36.4
(97.5) 		37.6
(99.7) 		42.6
(108.7) 		45.9
(114.6) 		43.3
(109.9) 		46.3
(115.3) 		46.3
(115.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 33.2
(91.8) 		33.1
(91.6) 		32.9
(91.2) 		30.8
(87.4) 		28.4
(83.1) 		26.9
(80.4) 		26.5
(79.7) 		28.3
(82.9) 		30.8
(87.4) 		31.6
(88.9) 		32.8
(91.0) 		33.7
(92.7) 		30.8
(87.3)
Daily mean °C (°F) 26.8
(80.2) 		26.9
(80.4) 		26.1
(79.0) 		23.3
(73.9) 		19.6
(67.3) 		16.7
(62.1) 		16.4
(61.5) 		18.6
(65.5) 		22.2
(72.0) 		24.1
(75.4) 		25.7
(78.3) 		26.8
(80.2) 		22.8
(73.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 20.3
(68.5) 		20.8
(69.4) 		19.3
(66.7) 		15.7
(60.3) 		10.4
(50.7) 		5.8
(42.4) 		6.4
(43.5) 		8.5
(47.3) 		13.6
(56.5) 		16.6
(61.9) 		18.6
(65.5) 		19.9
(67.8) 		14.7
(58.4)
Record low °C (°F) 10.1
(50.2) 		10.0
(50.0) 		7.6
(45.7) 		4.9
(40.8) 		−0.1
(31.8) 		−4.5
(23.9) 		−3.8
(25.2) 		−4.2
(24.4) 		1.3
(34.3) 		4.8
(40.6) 		9.6
(49.3) 		9.5
(49.1) 		−4.5
(23.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 110.9
(4.37) 		109.4
(4.31) 		79.9
(3.15) 		39.8
(1.57) 		15.6
(0.61) 		9.5
(0.37) 		11.4
(0.45) 		8.7
(0.34) 		27.9
(1.10) 		40.0
(1.57) 		85.7
(3.37) 		96.3
(3.79) 		635.1
(25)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.25 mm) 1.2 1.3 0.9 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.8 1.2 6.7
Source: Starlings Roost Weather (1911–2023)[15][16]
Climate data for Phalaborwa
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 34
(93) 		33
(91) 		32
(90) 		30
(86) 		29
(84) 		27
(81) 		26
(79) 		28
(82) 		31
(88) 		32
(90) 		32
(90) 		33
(91) 		33
(91)
Daily mean °C (°F) 26.5
(79.7) 		26
(79) 		25
(77) 		23
(73) 		20
(68) 		18
(64) 		17.5
(63.5) 		19
(66) 		22
(72) 		23
(73) 		24
(75) 		26
(79) 		22
(72)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 21
(70) 		21
(70) 		20
(68) 		17
(63) 		12
(54) 		10
(50) 		9
(48) 		11
(52) 		14
(57) 		17
(63) 		19
(66) 		21
(70) 		16
(61)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 97
(3.8) 		81
(3.2) 		65
(2.6) 		25
(1.0) 		12
(0.5) 		4
(0.2) 		7.5
(0.30) 		7
(0.3) 		21
(0.8) 		46
(1.8) 		69
(2.7) 		96
(3.8) 		529
(20.8)
Source: [17]
Climate data for Pafuri Rest camp, Kruger National Park
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 35
(95) 		34
(93) 		33.6
(92.5) 		32.7
(90.9) 		29.9
(85.8) 		27.7
(81.9) 		28
(82) 		29.9
(85.8) 		32.1
(89.8) 		34.7
(94.5) 		34.1
(93.4) 		35.1
(95.2) 		32.2
(90.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) 28.2
(82.8) 		28
(82) 		26.9
(80.4) 		25.4
(77.7) 		21.7
(71.1) 		18.9
(66.0) 		19
(66) 		20.9
(69.6) 		23.8
(74.8) 		26.9
(80.4) 		27.2
(81.0) 		28.2
(82.8) 		24.6
(76.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 21.5
(70.7) 		22
(72) 		20.3
(68.5) 		18.1
(64.6) 		13.6
(56.5) 		10.2
(50.4) 		10
(50) 		12
(54) 		15.6
(60.1) 		19.1
(66.4) 		20.4
(68.7) 		21.4
(70.5) 		17.0
(62.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 90
(3.5) 		77
(3.0) 		36
(1.4) 		22
(0.9) 		10
(0.4) 		5
(0.2) 		2
(0.1) 		2
(0.1) 		10
(0.4) 		17
(0.7) 		54
(2.1) 		86
(3.4) 		411
(16.2)
Source: [18]

The climate of the Kruger National Park and lowveld is subtropical/tropical, specifically a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh). Summer days are humid and hot. The rainy season is from September until May. The Kruger National Park website lists September and October as the driest periods, culminating at the beginning of the rainy season late in October. Because the park spans 360 kilometres or 220 miles from north to south, climate can vary throughout the park. Skukuza in the southern part of the park is about 2 to 3 °C (3.6 to 5.4 °F) cooler throughout the year than Pafuri in the north, with significantly more rainfall.

Biodiversity

[edit]
Veld types
Open savanna grassland in the northern flats
Mixed woodlands in the southwest on granite
Open savanna on dry basalt flatlands in the southeast

Vegetation

[edit]

Plant life consists of four main areas, which correspond roughly to the four quadrants of the park. The main veld types are determined by the rainfall gradient (400 to 750 mm per annum) and geological substrates.

Shrub mopane veld

[edit]

Shrub mopane covers almost the entire northeastern part of the park.

Red bush-willow and mopane veld

[edit]

This area lies in the park's western half, north of the Olifants River. The two most prominent species here are the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum) and the mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane).

Thorn trees and red bush-willow veld

[edit]

This area lies between the western boundary and roughly the centre of the park south of the Olifants River. Combretums, such as the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum), and Acacia species predominate while there are a great number of marula trees (Sclerocarya afra). The Acacias are dominant along the rivers and streams, the very dense Nwatimhiri bush along the Sabie River between Skukuza and Lower Sabie being a very good example.

Knob-thorn and marula veld

[edit]

South of the Olifants River in the park's eastern half, this area provides the most important grazing land. Species such as red grass (Themeda triandra) and buffalo grass (Panicum maximum) predominate while the knob-thorn (Acacia nigrescens), leadwood (Combretum imberbe) and marula (Sclerocarya afra) are the main tree species.

Local vegetation communities

[edit]

Several smaller areas in the park carry distinctive vegetation. The Pretoriuskop sourveld and Malelane mountain bushveld receive relatively high rainfall. Here sickle bush and silver cluster-leaf (Terminalia sericea) are prominent. The sandveld communities northeast of Punda Maria are equally distinctive, with a wide variety of unique plant species. The bush-clad hills along the Levuvhu River also shelter an interesting floral diversity and some near-endemic species.

Mammals

[edit]
Mammals
Male lion
Leopard
Cheetah
African bush elephant crossing a road
A pair of white rhinoceros

All the big five game animals are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve (at 147 species). There are webcams set up to observe the wildlife.[19]

Kruger supports packs of the endangered African wild dog, of which there are thought to be only about 400 in the whole of South Africa.[20]

Wildlife population as of 2011
Species Count (2009) Count (2010)[21] Count (2011)[22]
Black rhinoceros (D. b. minor) 350 590–660 –
Blue wildebeest (nominate ssp.) 9,612 11,500 6,400–13,100
Plains zebra (E. q. chapmani) 17,797 26,500 23,700–35,300
Bushbuck 500 500 –
African buffalo (nominate ssp.) 27,000 37,500 37,130
Common eland 300 460 460
African bush elephant 11,672 13,700 13,750
Giraffe (G. c. giraffa) 5,114 9,000 6,800–10,300
Greater kudu (nominate ssp.) 5,798 9,500 11,200–17,300
Hippopotamus (H. a. capensis) 3,000 3,100 3,100
Impala (nominate ssp.) 150,000 120,000 132,300–176,400
Hartebeest (A. b. lichtensteinii) – 50 –
Mountain reedbuck (nominate ssp.) – 150 150
Nyala – 300 300
Roan antelope (nominate ssp.) – 90 90
Sable antelope (nominate ssp.) – 290 290
Common warthog (P. a. sundevallii) – 3,500 3,100–5,700
Waterbuck (nominate ssp.) 5,000 5,500 3,100–7,800
White rhinoceros (C. s. simum) 7,000 to 12,000[23] 10,500 –
African wild dog (nominate ssp.) 240 – 120
Cheetah (nominate ssp.) 120 120 120
Nile crocodile – 4,420 4,420
Leopard (nominate ssp.) 2,000 1,000 1,000
Lion (P. l. melanochaita) 2,800 1,600 1,620–1,720
Spotted hyena 2,000 3,500 5,340

Birds

[edit]
Birds
Harlequin quails (C. delegorguei) are irruptive migrants and late summer breeders in the grassy plains. They are plentiful nomads after good rains, but almost absent during dry years.[24]
Yellow-billed oxpeckers (B. africanus) are obligatory symbionts of large mammal herbivores. After an absence of over 80 years, they made an unaided comeback starting in 1979.[25]

A fairly uniform aggregate of bird species is present from the southern to central areas of the park, but a decline in diversity is noticeable in the mopane-dominated flats northwards of the Olifants.[24] Most species breed in summer when rains sustain most vegetable and animal food, but the larger birds of prey conversely breed during the dry winter, when their prey is most exposed.[24] Out of the 507 species of birds found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 are nomads.

Constituting the southern lowveld, the park's avifaunal affinities are mainly with the tropical north. Some representatives of this group are the African openbill, hooded vulture, Dickinson's kestrel, white-crowned lapwing, brown-necked parrot, Senegal coucal, broad-billed roller, trumpeter hornbill, Böhm's spinetail, tropical boubou, Meves's starling and scarlet-chested sunbird.[24] Some 30 waterbird and wader species are dependent on the rivers or associated dams,[26] including the African finfoot, white-backed night heron, white-crowned lapwing and water thick-knee. Other species are limited to riparian thicket or forest, including African goshawk, crested guineafowl, Natal spurfowl, Narina trogon, Pel's fishing owl, bearded scrub robin, terrestrial brownbul and black-throated wattle-eye. This habitat is often reduced by drought[27] or floods or the understorey is opened up by elephant.[24]

Some of the larger birds require large territories or are sensitive to habitat degradation. Six of these birds, which are by and large restricted to Kruger and other extensive conservation areas, have been assigned to a fanciful grouping called the "Big Six Birds".[28] They are the lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, ground hornbill and the reclusive Pel's fishing owl, which is localized and seldom seen. The 2011 aerial survey found 22 martial eagle nest sites, the 2015 survey an additional 17, while the 2020 survey found 70 nest locations in all,[29] though the activity of these has yet to be determined. There are 25 to 30 breeding pairs of saddle-billed storks in the park, besides a handful of non-breeding individuals.[28] In 2012 178 family groups of ground hornbills roamed the park and 78 nests were known, of which 50% were active.[30] A 2013 study estimated that 904 pairs of white-backed vulture, 78 pairs of lappet-faced vulture and 60 pairs of white-headed vulture breed in the park.[31]

Other vertebrates

[edit]

Kruger is inhabited by 114 species[32] of reptile, including black mambas, African rock pythons, and 3,000 Nile crocodiles. As yet, knowledge of the densities and distributions of the reptiles, especially on smaller spatial scales, is limited by sampling bias and a strong dependence on the park's public infrastructure is evident.[32] 34 species of amphibians are found in the park,[33] as well as 49 fish species. A Zambezi shark, Carcharhinus leucas, also known as the bull shark, was caught at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in July 1950. Zambezi sharks tolerate fresh water and can travel far up rivers like the Limpopo.[34]

Invertebrates

[edit]
A seasonally fluctuating biomass of arthropods is observed in response to the summer rainfall regime and the mostly deciduous vegetation, as shown by sampling during 11 months in grassland near Satara Camp.[35]

219 species of butterfly and skipper are native to the park.[36] The fastest and most robust of these belong to the genus Charaxes,[37] of which 12 species have been recorded.[38] Genera Papilio and Acraea are also well-represented, with about 10 and 15 species respectively.[38] The total number of Lepidoptera species in the park is unknown but could be in the order of 7,000, many of which range widely in African savanna. The mopane moth in the northern half of the park is one of the best known, and communities outside the park have at times been given permits to harvest their caterpillars.[39][40][41] The park has a high diversity of termites and 22 genera are known to occur, including the mound-building genera Macrotermes, Cubitermes, Amitermes, Odontotermes and Trinervitermes.[42] A new species of woodlouse, Ctenorillo meyeri, has been discovered inside termite nests, east of Phalaborwa and near Mopani Rest Camp.[43] It is the first instance of a termitophilous species from the family Armadillidae. Many species of mosquito occur in the park, including the Culex, Aedes and Anopheles genera which target mammals. A. arabiensis is the most prevalent of the 9 or more Anopheles species in the park, and their females transmit malaria.[44] As of 2018, 350 species of arachnids, excluding ticks and mites, are known from Kruger.[45] These are mostly true spiders, including 7 species of baboon spider, but also 9 scorpion and 7 pseudoscorpion species, 18 solifugid species (sun and roman spiders), 2 species of harvestmen and 1 species of tailless whip scorpion.[46]

Threats

[edit]

The park's ecosystem is subject to several threats, including intensive poaching, urban development at its borders,[47] global warming and droughts,[48] animal overpopulation,[49] and mining projects.[50]

Light pollution produced by rest camps and nearby towns affects the biodiversity of Kruger National Park. In particular, it alters the composition of nocturnal wildlife[51] and the hunting behaviour of predators.[52] In 2022 it was announced that Nkosi City, an R8 billion development is planned near the western border of the park.[53]

Floods or raising of the walls of the Massingir and Corumana dams in Mozambique could potentially damage, by silting, the pristine gorges of the Olifants and Sabie rivers respectively.[54][55] The Olifants River Gorge has a deep, single thread, pool-rapid structure which is home to many crocodiles, besides hippos and fish. The fish population of the Olifants has already been diminished by hundreds of dams in its upper reaches.[55]

Anti-poaching measures

[edit]
See also: Rhinoceros poaching in Southern Africa

Kruger is not exempt from the threat of poaching that many other African countries have faced. Many poachers are in search of ivory from elephant tusks or rhino horns, which are similar in composition to human fingernails.[56] The park's anti-poaching unit consists of 650[57] SANParks game rangers, assisted by the SAPS and the SANDF (including the SAAF). As of 2013, the park is equipped with two drones borrowed from Denel and two Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopters, donated by the RAF to augment its air space presence.[58][59] Automated movement sensors relay intrusions along the Mozambique border to a control center,[60] and a specialist dog unit has been introduced.[61] Buffer zones have been established along the border with Mozambique,[62] from where many poachers have infiltrated the park, as an alternative to costly new fences.[63] The original 150 km long fences were dropped in 2002 to establish the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.[57][64] The national anti-poaching committee oversees all activities and coordinates interested parties.[65][66]

Poachers

[edit]

Kruger's big game poachers operate with night vision instruments and large caliber rifles, fitted with suppressors and sophisticated telescopic sights.[67] They are mostly Mozambique citizens who initiate their carefully planned incursions from the border region of South Africa and Mozambique.[68] In 2012, about 200 poachers were apprehended,[69] while about 30 were killed in skirmishes.[70] In July 2012, a Kruger game ranger and policeman were the first to die in an anti-poaching operation,[71] while other employees reported intimidation by poachers.[72] A Kruger personnel strike affected some anti-poaching operations,[73] and some employees have been directly implicated.[74] Rangers in and around the park have been pressured or blackmailed by poaching syndicates to provide intelligence on the whereabouts of rhinos and anti-poaching operations.[75]

In December 2012, Kruger started using a Seeker II drone against rhino poachers, which was loaned to the South African National Parks authority by its manufacturer Denel Dynamics, South Africa.[76]

In June 2019, a Helix surveillance aircraft system was deployed on night missions in the park, and apprehended half a dozen suspected poachers.[77] Other threats to poachers include the dangerous nature of the park itself. In February 2018, a poacher was believed to have been trampled by elephants and then eaten by lions, leaving rangers to later find only a human skull and a pair of trousers, alongside a loaded hunting rifle.[78] In December 2021, two accused poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park's Skukuza after they were discovered in possession of unauthorized rifles and ammunition.[79]

Rhino

[edit]

Poachers make no distinction between white and black rhinos,[80] but losses of black rhinos are low due to their reclusive and aggressive nature.[81] Rhino horn fetches between $66,000 and $82,000 per kilogram,[82] and the CITES ban has proved largely ineffectual against the trade in rhino horn.[83] The second horn is sometimes also hacked from the skull to obtain about 100 ml of moisture that is sold locally as traditional medicine Muti.[81]

Poaching rhino horn escalated in the 21st century, with 949 rhinos killed in Kruger in the first 12 years,[58] and more than 520 in 2013 alone.[84][85] A memorandum of agreement is seen as a necessary milestone in stemming the tide between South Africa and Vietnam, in addition to the one with China,[63][86] while negotiations have not yet started with Thailand.[87] The amount of rhino horn held in storage is not publicly known.[88] Since 2009, some Kruger rhinos have been fitted with invisible tracing devices in their bodies and horns which enable officials to locate their carcasses and to track the smuggled horns by satellite.[89] South Africa's 22,000 white and black rhinos represent some 93% of these species' world population, 12,000 of which are found in Kruger.[90]

In July 2022, Navara, an elephant poacher who frequented Kruger, was arrested in Maputo in a sting operation for possessing rhino horns.[91] As of 2023, he is serving a 30-year prison sentence.[92]

Elephant

[edit]

Kruger experienced significant elephant poaching in the 1980s.[89] Due to international and national efforts, including a worldwide ban on ivory sales beginning in 1989, the poaching was abated for many years, but a sharp rise in 2014 has continued and the numbers of elephants poached per year in the park is growing at an alarming rate.[93][94]

Following approval by CITES, 47 tonnes of stockpiled ivory from Kruger were auctioned on 6 November 2008. The sale fetched approximately US$6.7 million which was allocated to increased anti-poaching measures. The intention was to flood the market, crash prices and make poaching less profitable. But instead, the legal sale was followed by "an abrupt, significant, permanent, robust and geographically widespread increase" in elephant poaching, as subsequent research showed.[95][96]

The latest Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), summit voted down proposals for further one-off ivory sales from stockpiles for having led to increases in poaching across the continent.[97][98] Across the continent the African elephant population decreased 30% in the period between 2007 and 2014. [99][100]

Other

[edit]

It is foreseen that the placement of wire traps to procure meat would eventually become the most challenging form of poaching.[101] A scheme has been proposed to reward adjacent communities with the proceeds of game sales in return for their cooperation in game preservation.[101] The larger communities include Bosbokrand, Acornhoek, Hazyview, Hoedspruit, Komatipoort, Malelane, Marloth Park, Nelspruit and Phalaborwa.[90] Communities along the northern boundary have complained about a number of issues that affect them, including livestock killed by escaped predators.[102] In 2021 and 2022 there were cases of poisoning of carcasses near Punda Maria, evidently to obtain the body parts of scavengers.[103]

Gates to the Kruger Park

[edit]
North & South Gates
Kruger National Park
Pafuri Gate
(northernmost entrance to the park)
Punda Maria Gate
Punda Maria Gate
(another northern entrance)
Crocodile Bridge
(a southeastern entrance to the park)
Phabeni Gate
(a southwestern entrance to the park)

The Kruger Park has the following gates:

Name Road From Town Coordinates
Crocodile Bridge Gate on the extension of Rissik Street from Komatipoort 25°21′30″S 31°53′37″E / 25.35833°S 31.89361°E / -25.35833; 31.89361 (Crocodile Bridge Gate)
Malelane Gate on the R570 off the N4 near Malelane 25°27′43″S 31°31′59″E / 25.46194°S 31.53306°E / -25.46194; 31.53306 (Malelane Gate)
Numbi Gate on the R569 road from Hazyview 25°9′19″S 31°11′51″E / 25.15528°S 31.19750°E / -25.15528; 31.19750 (Numbi Gate)
Phabeni Gate on the road off the R536 from Hazyview 25°01′30″S 31°14′29″E / 25.02500°S 31.24139°E / -25.02500; 31.24139 (Phabeni Gate)
Paul Kruger Gate on the R536 road from Hazyview 24°58′53″S 31°29′7″E / 24.98139°S 31.48528°E / -24.98139; 31.48528 (Paul Kruger Gate)
Orpen Gate on the R531 road from Klaserie 24°28′33″S 31°23′27″E / 24.47583°S 31.39083°E / -24.47583; 31.39083 (Orpen Gate)
Phalaborwa Gate on the R71 road from Phalaborwa 23°56′44″S 31°9′54″E / 23.94556°S 31.16500°E / -23.94556; 31.16500 (Phalaborwa Gate)
Punda Maria Gate on the R524 road from Thohoyandou 22°44′18″S 31°0′33″E / 22.73833°S 31.00917°E / -22.73833; 31.00917 (Punda Maria Gate)
Pafuri Gate on the R525 road from Musina 22°24′1″S 31°2′29″E / 22.40028°S 31.04139°E / -22.40028; 31.04139 (Pafuri Gate)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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Further reading

[edit]
  • Carruthers, Jane (1995). The Kruger National Park: A Social and Political History. Natal: University of KwaZulu-Natal Press. ISBN 9780869809150.
[edit]
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Download coordinates as:

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