As South Africas dry winter takes hold, Kruger National Park has begun its annual fire management programme, conducting controlled burns to mitigate wildfire risks and maintain the savanna ecosystem's balance, Cape town Etc reports.
The park's fire season, which runs from June to October, is a natural process that has shaped the landscape for millennia, promoting biodiversity and reducing the threat of uncontrolled blazes.
This year, following exceptional rainfall during the countrys 2024-2025 summer, Kruger's grasslands have flourished, leading to increased fuel loads. Park officials are closely monitoring conditions using satellite technology and ranger reports, ensuring that controlled burns are strategically implemented to prevent large-scale wildfires later in the season.
Why fire is essential for Kruger's ecosystemFire plays a critical role in maintaining the park's savanna biome. Many plant species depend on periodic burns to regenerate, while animals such as impala, buffalo, zebra, and warthog benefit from the nutrient-rich grass that sprouts after fires.
To manage this process safely, Kruger's fire protection team, which is part of the Greater Kruger Fire Protection Association, has been conducting early-season controlled burns. These efforts: