YouTube, the sad reality of news and views

 

My video uploads on YouTube have been going well over the last few years now. They never seem to attacked a lot of views but over time you do see a steady increase in viewership.

My videos generally relate to nature as is my passion.

Looking at the youtube analytics system, my videos generally generate 200 to 400 views which is not a lot but it feels good that I'm not the only person enjoying moments I have captured.

In December 2012 I uploaded a video I recorded of a certain individual stealing my motor bike. I was not expecting any real views from this video but wanted to upload it never-the-less in case  someone recognised this buffoon and could report it to the cops. 

Sadly nothing has come of this case and the motor bike is gone for good. This is not a bad thing since I do not really like motor bikes in the first place.

What I do find amazing though is that the video is out performing every other video I have ever uploaded to YouTube. In the last week it has reached 4000 views. Its crazy to see how many people watch this video.

So I have decided that perhaps my Youtube vlog has been misdirected, going forward I have learned the secret to increasing YouTube views, make sure your video is about crime or something negative and people will watch it…  LOL maybe not

Out of interest the video Im speaking about is below

Crime in South Africa

Cape Vidal South Africa

Its only taken 8 months to put a complete video together of Isimangaliso Wetland Park. It amazing to think that it took me ten years to see this park again last years and now I have already booked my holiday for this year.

Cape Vidal is in the Isimangaliso wetlands park. It is managed by KZN wild life. Apparently they will be investing more money into the upgrading of this resort but the main spend will go toward Sodwana bay.

The area is a prime fishing destination but this has reduced slightly over the last couple of years due to the 4x4 beach ban.

I think this has done wonders for this section of coast and it literally means you can take a walk up or down the coast from Cape Vidal and not cross another person. As the largest marine reserve in South Africa we need to appreciate these areas more and more.

The video below shows all the animals I manage to capture plus a tour of a local Zulu village, its a bit long but will definitely give you a feel of the area.

Cape Vidal

A Drive through Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria

Rietvlei is situated 25 kilometres from OR Tambo International Airport between Kempton Park and Johannesburg.  The nature reserve is 3800 ha and includes Rhino, hippo,  cheetah and Lion.  The lions are the only animals that are not free roaming.

For more info please go to http://www.friendsofrietvlei.co.za/ or www.rietvlei-reserve.co.za

We spent two hours driving around the reserve and found a few rare birds that you don't see every days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first encounter was with a male and a female Secretarybird. The Secretarybird is classified as Vulnerable. The bird is instantly recognisable by having an eagle-like body on crane-like legs or as my kid calls it a mean looking chicken. The bird is largely terrestrial and hunts with it long legs while walking through the grass. I have seen this bird take on snakes in the past and its always in the birds favour. Secretary birds consume snakes, other reptiles, amphibians, tortoises, rats and other small mammals as well as young game birds. The Secretary bird is widespread throughout Africa south of the Sahara but are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss.

The next on the list was the White-fronted Bee-eater. Although this is not uncommon it is good to see so close to Johannesburg. Their status is common resident in grassland and savanna’s and Im sure we will see it right through winter at Rietvlei.

The next picture is of a yellow billed duck. Quite common and always spotted at Rietvlei I just had to take a few pictures as the colours on this bird are just spectacular.

African Grey Hornbill

Ant-Eating Chat

Our last entry before we left was a Rhino and her calf.

 

Save our grasslands, save our water sources!

WWF Pongola

You support WWF because you care about our natural environment. And we know we can depend on your support when conservation matters of critical importance arise.

The proposed Pongola Bush Protected environment is under threat from many unsustainable practices, including coal mining. This area (about 9250 ha) is on the verge of declaration as the first Protected Environment in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal area. This region is home to some of the most important and intact grasslands and strategic water source areas in our country. With your support, we can bolster efforts to declare these conservation areas.

We believe that you can make a difference by having your say about this before 22 March 2013, and help protect some of the country’s most important grassland areas and "water factories”.

A recent analysis by WWF indicates that only 8% of South Africa’s land surface generates 50% of our rainfall run-off; much of this overlaps with abundant coal resources. Our Enkangala Grasslands Programme works in the headwaters of the Vaal, Pongola and Tugela to protect these remote areas from threats to water and biodiversity. This strategic water source area, spanning the high altitude grasslands between KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Free State, provides clean, potable water for Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, including several major power stations.

Stewardship partners and landowners have already shown commitment in securing this area of irreplaceable biodiversity value, picturesque natural landscape and water security. We ask you to now do the same.

The intention to declare these areas has been published in the Government Gazette. Protection Environment status will assure effective management and protection of this threatened area.

Please help us by supporting conservation and livelihoods through your actions! Make your voice heard online and/or write a letter. You may also send your signed letter to us by email or fax (+27 086 628 7518). The deadline for submissions is 22 March 2013.

For a Living Planet,

Dr Morné du Plessis

WWF-SA CEO

Rhino reward of R100 000 in KZN

Rhino reward of R100 000 in KZN: A R100 000 reward has been offered by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife for the capture of the poachers who killed and dehorned a rhino in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park at the weekend.

The original Sounds of Silence @ the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

My recent trip to iSimangaliso Wetland Park was epic and I cant wait to get back. Early on the morning of the 25th I took the loop just out side of Cape Vidal and stopped the car at the Bhangazi Lake view point.

The last time I was in the park this route was not open and thus I ended up doing it every day on this trip.

The Bhangazi Lake is a natural fresh water reservoir that is fed from rainwater from the low-lying wetlands.

This video clip is looking onto the lake on a overcast morning and the sounds are amazing.

Every time I long for the bush now this is the sound I play myself.

 

 

 

 

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