Human Environment Interactions

In South Africa, the government and citizens have had a major effect on some aspects of the environment. Many dams have been built on the rivers so that the country can be supplied with hydroelectric power, as well as water for irrigation in the areas where abundant crops are grown. The dams have also been used to prevent flooding and as a result, lakes have been formed.Along with dams, the government constructed national reserves and game reserves to protect wildlife. In the past, the country cleared large areas areas that contained rare African wildlife for their own benefit, such as grazing, farming, and livestock rasing. Many species are becoming endangered and even worse, extinct. Now, South Africa has some of the biggest natural reserves in the world so that animals such as elephants, zebras, lions, and leapords can continue to live unharmed. Some of the effects, however, are not positive. Citizens living off of home-made goods often contribute to the widespread issue of poaching. The poor area of the country poaches because they are in desperate need of money and one horn from a rhino equals more money than one year's salary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hydroelectric_power_stations_in_South_Africa
http://worldgeography.abc-clio.com/Topics/Display/166?sid=1116586&cid=50&useConcept=False

National Park http://www.willgoto.com/1/145199/liens.aspx

Poaching http://conservationbiology.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/poached.jpg