More about the fires

Old Oct 11th, 2008, 02:38 PM
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More about the fires

I saw a question about the bush fires on a recent post. This was from 6th Oct and contains quite a lot of detail:

http://www.zimbio.com/pilot?ID=ff4AE...ober%2FMonday6
tockoloshe is offline  
Old Oct 14th, 2008, 01:05 PM
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I was horrified when I read this report, so I sent out a few inquiries. Here's the summary of comments from my sources in Botswana that I have contacted for more information about the fires, the camps, the wildlife and the people.
Please, I’m not trying to poo poo the enormity of the damage, but these journalists are simply sensationalist, uninformed media people.

July to November (and beyond sometimes) is bushfire time in Botswana. Has been since the dawn of time and will be to the end of time.

Just look what they (the newsmedia) did to tourism in Kenya this year.

Lesson learned: Take everything with a grain of salt.

PS. I'm not sure if it's allowed to copy an email report here. I'll be happy to forward it to you.
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Old Oct 14th, 2008, 01:47 PM
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safarimama: that's good to hear. Media and by default most people always focus on the destruction of fire and little to nothing is usually said of its critical importance as a natural process that is badly required to replenish the environment. When fire suppression is too great as it was for many years in the USA you end up with a mess. Hopefully the local impacts of this big fire year will not be too severe in Botswana but it should be particularly rich grazing when the grasslands grow back in.
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Old Oct 14th, 2008, 03:20 PM
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As you probably know, one of the things that keeps grasslands grasslands, as opposed to gradually changing over into forests/scrublands is fire. Fire is a necessary part of these ecosystems, to suppress the growth of woody plant material. So, next year, the areas that have been affected should be beautiful, with the land cleared so seeds can germinate, and the plants benefiting from the nutrients imparted by the ashes.
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Old Nov 27th, 2008, 06:18 AM
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what is the situation now, anyone know?

this article http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&...ber/Wednesday8

speculates that the fires were man made since they have had no rain, but you don't need rain to have lightning.

Anyway, I hope that the people and communities in the way are all right.
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Old Nov 27th, 2008, 10:00 AM
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visited botswana in early nov (chiefs, moremi, chobe) and didn't experience any fires nor did we see any fire hazard or proof of late fires.

div
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Old Nov 27th, 2008, 05:37 PM
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Divine54,

I hope you had a good trip. Will you be posting photos for us to view?
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Old Nov 28th, 2008, 07:08 AM
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hari
thank you for showing some interest.

i was prepared to put some precious time into the effort to write a propper trip report with all kinds of bits and pieces, ups and setbacks
i also was keen on posting a link to our pics - which my husband is still editing (without falsifying them).

frankly - i don't think anybody here is interested despite bashing and blaming.
so i have decided to rather save my time any avoid further disappointment.

hope you comprehend.

div
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Old Nov 28th, 2008, 08:20 AM
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Div
You should know by now that it's only a few who do the 'bashing and blaming', and most people are here to share information, so even if you have decided not to do a report, can I, for one, vote to see your photos?
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Old Nov 28th, 2008, 08:37 AM
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Momliz
I have been keeping an eye open for more information about the fire damage but haven't seen anything more recent than your article. It's interesting to follow up on events like this especially when you've seen the 'before' and wonder about the 'after', even if it is said to be beneficial to the environment you can't help but worry about the people who live there.
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Old Nov 28th, 2008, 09:05 AM
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Yes, I am concerned about the people and communities, both human and other. When fire has been suppressed in an area the resulting fires (there will always be some) are even worse.

Div, I would like to see your report and photos - I continue to hope that we can grow up, and, if we need to disagree, do it politely and constructively.

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Old Nov 28th, 2008, 05:26 PM
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Div,

Do I comprehend? Sure, I do ......
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