This is sunset Dam, one of the larger dams in the Kruger National Park. Unfortunately, it is affected by blue-green Algae.This algae is found in most waters, but in very small doses. Under right conditions, the organisms multiply to form great masses of algae that discolours the water. The algae produces a strong poison which damages the nervous system, and liver of animals.
The solution is to pump fresh water into the dam to dilute the algae. This is on going to see if it will work. Fortunately, the animals drink from lower downstream where the water is flowing.
One can see the algae collected against the bank of the dam. It is so bad, that it is discolouring the hides of the crocodiles. The guy on the left is the normal colour, and you can see how discoloured the big guy is.
I havent included techs, as this is more to share.
This problem has been present for some time, when we were there in June 2008 a lot of dams had been opened and left to dry out, in a hope of destroying the algae.
We were told it was all caused by Hippo excrement.
interesting thanks Stu. the discoloured guy sure is a BRUTE! look how his size differs from the others.
@ Ken : to my knowledge (and I'm not a Biology major), Hippo's specifically walk around on the land at night, spraying their dung out with their tails.
Thanks for sharing the interesting story. As a photo, this one does not work for me. Subjects too small in the frame. BKGR bushes are not interesting. The merge of the tail of the left-hand animal with the head of the brute is a negative. The light from almost directly overhead is a bit on the harsh side.
The basic COMP and framing are good, as it the EXP.
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