Only in Kruger Park

Sand wasp removing pebble from excavation (Picture © SANParks) The extent of the sand wasp "invasion" at the Mopani soccer field (Picture © SANParks)

Dr Dave Balfour of the SAEON Ndlovu Node sent in this snippet about a rare occurrence at the Mopani soccer field in the Kruger National Park. It was detected by Johann Oelofse, Section Ranger at Mooiplaas. Johann reports:

"Today I came across a rare phenomenon upon passing the Mopani soccer field on my way to the staff living quarters. My first impression was that someone had tried to dig up the field, but closer inspection revealed that a nesting colony of "millions" of sand wasps of Bembix sp. had occupied the terrain.

"I have only seen these wasps in action like this on a few rare occasions during the 80s while I was stationed at Woodlands. The same kind of nesting behaviour occurred on the sandy soil of the visitors' camping ground in Shingwedzi Camp and on the river loop road between Red Rocks and the Tshange lookout point. I recall that we once actually taped off the area to protect the wasps from campers "invading" and destroying their nesting site at Shingwedzi.

"The extent of these colonies never came near to that which I have just witnessed at the Mopani soccer field. I therefore wish to declare the Mopani soccer field temporarily closed for practice and play, and request the understanding and patience of all affected staff members to allow us to give this very special natural phenomenon the opportunity to complete its natural cycle."