146 | SUSUWE ISLAND LODGE RECEIVES BIRD & BIRDER FRIENDLY AWARD

146

SUSUWE ISLAND LODGE RECEIVES BIRD & BIRDER FRIENDLY AWARD

Keeping an eye on Bwabwata National Park

Photos and text by Stefan Rust

2013

(In terms of the Geneva Convention the copyright of these texts belongs to Stefan Rust)

   

It is a fact that over 600 vultures were poisoned at once at an elephant carcass in the Bwabwata NP. this year. Poachers poison vultures so that they do not give them away by circling over carcasses anymore. Whilst the full impact of this development on the vulture population is quite scary, places such as Susuwe Island Lodge can be of rescue.

Lister, a guide at Susuwe Island Lodge, says that in the area of where they guide their guests in the Bwabwata NP., no poaching takes place. This area is under their control. He also says that being born and raised in this area, the animals roaming here are part of him, almost like his family and it hurts him when he sees a killed animal.

   

Not only are the people of Susuwe Island Lodge on the constant lookout to avoid illegal activities such as poisoning and poaching by keeping their eyes wide open, but they offer unique birding opportunities on the island Birre, having built a treetop platform. The guides are experts and well experienced in guiding birders.

Protecting birdlife and catering for the needs of bird watchers, assured the Susuwe Island Lodge a two penguin-rated Bird & Birder Friendly Award handed over by BirdsConTour.