Monthly Archives: December 2012

Exploring Edgeware

Led by Rory Brighton, the group assembled at the Boston T-Party and drove to a suitable spot on the hill. Walking from there, and choosing a westerly aspect the party soon split into those who covered the whole distance to the beacon at the top, and those who achieved a half-way flower search.

Rob Speirs pointed out old wagon trails heading to Bulwer and tracks that had been created by oxen dragging indigenous timber to the station. Philip Grant explained that the huge rocks were dolorite, now exposed by erosion.

Edgeware can be said to have been far below its plant potential. No doubt a consequence of the considerable ongoing rains since October and the searing heat of recent days. But that is not to say that Edgeware did not produce some really worthwhile flowering plants. But the big surprise is that the thousands of Eriosema, particularly the distinctum and salignum, forgot to flower this year. There are thousands of plants but no sign of a bloom. We did find something new to puzzle over though – Tragia meyeriana – stinging nettle creeper.

The ground orchids which were seen, made up in quality if not quite such numbers. There were lots of Eulophia tenella, often in large groups

numerous Asclepias albens – once four in a group

David photographed them earnestly

and took GPS readings for the considerable number of Asclepias cultriformis

Aren’t they spectacular up close?

After seeing some blue Moraea inclinata,

Christeen Grant located a mystery Moraea which has us very excited. It is partly like a Moraea brevistyla, but has quite distinct differences

The Pachycarpus never failed to get attention, both Pachycarpus natalensis

and what we think is Pachycarpus dealbatus

And not to forget the numerous Eulophia clavicornis

Another excitement on a hillside usually known for its Aloes, was that few Aloe boylii were in flower.

On the lower slopes we had to fight through American Bramble which had taken advantage of the distrurbance caused the the pipelint to the resevoir. Higher up however, we were pleased to find the indigenous bramble Rubus lugwigii

According to Rob, the big red termite mounds were a recent addition to the landscape.

Those who walked to the beacon at 1555m, were rewarded with this view. Not as sptacular as on a clear day. Pauline commented “I’ve really enjoyed all the Midlands walks I have done, but this one has been my favourite.”

Rory concluded “It was great to have a good turn out and see everyone so enthusiastic about the flowers. I even learned a few names myself.”

Look under Events for a list of all the regular walks happening in 2013. There will also be a number of ‘once off’ excursions like the CREW outing to Happy Valley/Palmer Four near Impendle. This takes place on 6 January and is certain to be a great outing. Contact Barbara Clulow for more info:072 961 1918 Watch the press for details of these.

This report was compiled by David Clulow, with a little help from his friends.

Summer Walk at Mbona

4 Replies

An enthusiastic crowd gathered on the Summer Solstice to explore Mbona with Keith Cooper. The gorgeous sunny day meant the views were wonderful – across Albert Falls dam, to Blinkwater, Gilboa and beyond.

We began with a wander through the forest. Keith is an expert on forests so shared plenty of interesting information for us to consider as we walked. The Lemonwood (Xymalos)trees are plentiful, probably because they were not prized for their timber by the piooneer woodcutters as the Yellowwood, Black Stinkwood and Sneezewood were.

His simple definition of an Afro-montane or Mist-belt forest was: Closed Canopy, Multi-strata, a Plant Community Dominated by Evergreen Trees. Really easy for us all to remember. This type of forest is also known as Podocarpus forest as the three Yellowwood species are doninant here.

Keith rattled off the Zulu names of many of the trees and plants, and knew their traditional medicinal uses too. Lovely evocative names like umLungamabele (Knobwood or Zanthoxylum davyi) and umaPhipha ( Cape Beech or Rapanea melanophloes). Very often the Zulu name describes the plant use, like Clivia miniata, for instance, known as umayime as it “stops everything” – used to treat fever and snakebite.

On the forest floor, Streptocarpus, Begonia sutherlandii, Peperonia retusa and Impatiens flanaganiae, were flowering.

Jasmine (probably Jasminum breviflorus) was climbing up the trees. Many ferns, orchids and even Streptocarpus were spotted high up the trunks, obviously getting as much light as possible.

Keith told us that Blue Duiker were once common, but none had been seen for a while now. Theory is that it is due to the increase in Caracal. Special birds which occur here include Guerney’s Orange Thrush and Delegorgue’s Pigeon.

As we emerged from the forest, Keith explained the importance of the ec0-tone in maintaining the forest. This is the vegetation which occurs on the edges and protects the forest from fire. The Karkloof forests are about 600ha in extent, one of the biggest forests of this type in South Africa.

The views across the valley and of the hills nearby were spectacular.

This grassland is known as Festuca grassland and is unusual in the area as usually it occurs in the Drakensberg. We were astonished at the thousands and thousands of Scilla (Merwilla plumbea) which covered the steep slopes. Everyone determined to return next spring to see them in full flower.

Following the path, we rounded the hillside and came across a completely different landscape – facing North West – this was hot, dry habitat. The vegetation changed too – many aloes amongst the dolerite rocks.

We found this tiny white plant tucked beside the rocks, flowering profusely, which no one could identify. Any ideas? Will post on iSpot and see if one of the plant experts can help. There were a few Satyrium, Hypoxis and Alepidea natalensis in flower too.

Keith pointed out clumps of a Merwilla he had discovered, which is yet to be described. Certainly, like no Merwilla any of us had seen before. We look forward to hearing it’s name once described (although this can take years).

What a fascinating morning. A highly recommended walk that takes place on the third Friday of every month. Contact Keith Cooper on 082 574 1958 to book a spot.

Donation: R20 to Karkloof Conservancy

Winterskloof Wildlife Sightings

1 Reply

Eileen Rasmussen and Judy Bell compiled this report of Summer in the Mist.

Could the mizzley overcast skies be carrying less moisture at last? Looking back through my rain records for the past 27 years, the four months from August through to November for this period show an average of 387 mm rain falling in our garden. This year, it is a whopping 710 mm. The previous highest was 2007 with 568 mm. I am told next year from February or so onwards, will be the start of another very dry spell, so we should enjoy it while it lasts. As always where the weather is concerned, time will tell. It certainly has been much cooler than usual and the clicking or chirping frogs, together with the noisy croakers have been quieter as well. Usually the misty quiet is filled with a variety of clicks and chirps from our pond near the front door. There have been a number of “hearings” of the Buff-spotted Flufftail, the notoriously noisy, but shy bird that has the haunting, hooting call usually during misty nights. There has also been an unconfirmed hearing of the Red-chested Flufftail – the call is similar to that of the former, but the Red-chested flufftail’s hoot is less than a second in duration, while the buff-spotted’s hoot lasts for around 3 seconds. Please listen out for this and let us know which one you hear, where and when.

The sun did manage to find its way through the cloud recently and a variety of birds were also able to enjoy the pleasant warm
sunshine. They seemed delighted to be able to splash in the shallow section of our pond, and then sit and preen themselves on overhanging branches. A Brown-hooded Kingfisher dived into the water several times for a wash.

The local monkeys were taking an interest in the area at a resident’s front door and they thought the troop was considering a new way into the house. It turned out they were enjoying the resident snail population. Now that was useful for a change! Our free ranging chickens used to go through periods of being more interested in earth worms – perhaps this is due to the type of food naturally available at certain times. Don’t forget “a fed monkey, is a dead monkey”, so please avoid (intentionally or otherwise) feeding them human food – take care with your rubbish bags left out on the verge, to prevent them from getting them addicted to junk food from that source too. We have seen some wise households waiting to put their bags out on Fridays, which helps to reduce the litter spread around too.

Howard Richardson from World’s View sent in this photograph of a Natal Dwarf Chameleon which was seen in his garden in World’s View. These creatures are deemed to be critically endangered. They are susceptible to being munched by domestic pets, as well as snakes. The biggest threat however, is from the development of their habitat.

The African Paradise-Flycatchers are back – they are internal migrants, having short trips inland during winter, returning with the warmer weather. Early one morning around 3 a.m., one of our external beams was triggered by an African Wood Owl had broken the beam and settled on the gumpole post, waiting to see if anything worthwhile was around. It seems to be a convenient height as it is about 1,2 metres high. Several birds use it during the day and a piece of sheet metal has had to be positioned to keep the beam lens clean! These owls sing as a duet, with the male and female answering each other. Have a look at Roberts Bird book – they show the calls in a graph form, which makes it easy to identify which owl is visiting without having to get out of bed!

The Olive Thrushes have enjoyed breakfasts of flying ants recently and with so much choice, the supply has tended to exceed demand. Our canines also enjoy the ants and snap away happily. They don’t seem to be unhappy about swallowing the wings either – it all seems to go down the hatch.

One evening around 10 p.m., our dogs were barking furiously on the steps leading up to the bank adjacent to our driveway. They were keeping their distance, but their agitation was evident. In the torchlight, a porcupine was spotted. He or she must have come up from the lower garden. Both dogs have learnt from experience not to tangle with these prickly visitors. Soon after we got our younger dog, she made contact with one and has not forgotten her discomfort and pain and now keeps a safe distance. They are now content to alert the whole neighbourhood with their barking but make sure they do not get too close. The quilled creature was guided back towards the natural vegetation. The odd crab has crawled along towards the back door and even a centipede was found.

A group of Swee Waxbills recently enjoyed the seed on our uncut lawn – listen out for their calls after which they are named. Does one keep the grass cut or leave it for the birds to enjoy? Perhaps a compromise is to cut less frequently so that they can enjoy the seed buffet. The grass is certainly is not as rampant as previous years – there has been so little sunshine to encourage growth.

A Long-crested Eagle recently had the close attention of two Fork-tailed Drongos, with much chattering and mock attacks. I always find it amusing to see these little chaps sending bigger birds packing. While out walking recently, a Southern Black Flycatcher was heard singing, also a “pretty georgie” (the Cuckoo), only he or she was actually a Chorister Robin-Chat, when sighted. The Chorister robins are known to be great mimics of other bird calls, so don’t be fooled – try and spot the source of the call to make sure. The cicadas are also miffed with the weather and have not reached their intense pitch of previous summers.

The photo shows a giant leaf of the Streptocarpus polyanthus (?) plant, which is a member of the African Violet family
growing naturally on the rock face, which is enjoying the moist conditions in the forest this season. These plants used to be prevalent in our Mist-belt Forests but seem to have been replaced by ginger which loves the same conditions. If you find them in your garden please let us know and cherish them, as they are special residents of our Valley.

Has anyone recently seen Guinevere, our Crowned Eagle chick? She is now about 15 months old and was ringed some months ago. If you have seen her, would you be kind enough to send me an e-mail please, saying where she was seen, time of day etc. Shaun, the student monitoring her is keen to be kept updated with sightings of her.

Derick Hull asks if anyone else has seen the Red-throated Wryneck in Winterskloof – he has!

Biodiversity Stewardship in Winterskloof:

We are keen to develop a programme to get our natural spaces (forests, grasslands, streams and wetlands) conserved. To do this, we will be working hard to influence potential partners (such as eZemvelo KZN Wildlife, uMngeni & uMgungungdlovu Municipality) to work with us to create a biodiversity stewardship agreement for the undeveloped spaces. We hope to get zero-rating for these, in return for keeping them free of invasive alien plants and barriers to the wildlife. This work needs energy and champions, so if you would like to add your assistance to the team, please let us know. We can only do this if everyone agrees and participates. It will create linked corridors for wildlife and release more good quality water in the Dorpspruit, which is desperately needed to dilute the pollution downstream. Our Valley is the watershed for the Dorpspruit and is thus important for the Msunduzi/Mngeni River system. We will keep you informed of discussions, meetings and any plan we draft for comment.

Does anyone know what these tiny red mushrooms are?

Botanising in Boston

7 Replies

The Boston CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) gathered on a rare sunny morning last weekend to explore the grasslands of Sitamani along the road to Impendle. David Clulow compiled this account. Photos by David and Barbara Clulow, Christeen Grant and Nikki Brighton.

A wonderful wildflower display for our pleasure!

Grasslands, a rocky hillside, we were only able to fossick a fraction of this enchanting nature’s garden. The ground orchids, as with many other plants, still to show themselves in bloom. We did find this Eulophia though.

What we saw kept us clambering – Asclepias albens

They really are spectacular and it is always a thrill to find one in the grassland.

and Scilla (Merwilla) nervosa, Indigofera , Aristea woodii, Rhus discolor, Heliophila, Papaver aculeatum, Pachycarpus natalensis,

Mentha, Zornia capensis, Rhynchosia, Vigna, Hermannia woodii, Tephrosia, Albuca setosa, Commelina, Ledebouria, Psammatropha mucronata

31 Psammotropha mucronata 01

Streptocarpus, Striga bilabiata, Satureja compactum, Ornnithogalum graminifolium, Argylobium tuberosum, Crassula obovata,

Ajuga, Senecio, Alepidea natalensis, Disa nigrens, Hibiscus aethipicus, Senecio, Lotononis pulchrum, Peucedanum caffrum,

Conjium nigrescens, Indigofera fularis, Lessertia perennans, Thesium pallidium, Oxalis depressa, Pentanisia, Moraea brevistylis, 04 Moraea brevistyla

Pelargonium luridum, Ornithogalum tenuifolium, Hypericum aethiopicum, Asster bakerianus, Eulophia foliosa, Hypericum lalandii

Epilobium capensis, Craterocapsa tarsodes, Psammatropha, Papaver, Pearsonia sessifolia, Haemanthus humulis,

Monopsis, Lobelia, Wahlenbergia, Cucumis, Eriosema distinctum, salignum and kraussianum, Craterocapsa tarsodes

numerous ferns and grasses; Buddleja and Ouhout.

We couldn’t identify everything. Does anyone want to have a go at this one? Thesium pallidum perhaps?

This bounty of wildflowers demonstrates very well the reward for maintaining a judicious burning programme, careful protection from excessive grazing, leaving the environment to natural selection, the occasional buck, bird or serval.

The reward is the fullsome enjoyment, in which we were privileged to immerse ourselves.

In early 2013, we will be starting a Midlands CREW group to survey patches of natural vegetation in the area for threatened plant species. Should you be interested in joining this group, please contact Nikki at info@midlandsconservancies.org.za or 083 473 3074 For more information about CREW see: http://www.sanbi.org.za/programmes/threats/crew

Dargle Wildlife Sightings – November

4 Replies

Jill Hunter

Jill has written the most delightful story about the wildlife she lives with. It is a bit long to include here, but a highly reccommended read on the Dargle Local Living blog. Click on the link for the full story.

http://darglelocalliving.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/living-with-nature/

A snippet to whet your appetite: “Since both my old dogs died, I decided to live with all these creatures who actually do not need feeding at all. No vets bills, no hair in the house, no pet food to buy at vast expense, no poo on the lawn! Just a few bird droppings on the deck.”

Lucinda and Tom Bate – Inversanda

Saw a mummy bushpig and four babies in a terrible hurry on our drive a week ago. The first sighting of littlies for 16 years!

Jethro Bronner – Old Kilgobbin

Came across a troop of Baboons while climbing iNhlosane. Decided best to retreat.

Mike Crawford – Shanton

Found this amazing mushroom near the pine plantation. A Stinkhorn I believe.

Rose and Barry Downard – Oak Tree Cottage

Our orchard is full of Helichrysum and dandelions and looks like a lovely golden meadow. The bees have made their hive in the middle of the orchard so don’t need to fly too far away. The bees have been very active during the few sunny days we’ve had, but I wonder how they are coping with the rain and what effect this will have on pollination.

The African Hoopoes have been very busy all month feeding their babies under the eaves our roof, and it seems that the young Hoopoes have now left the nest.

We saw two male Buffspotted Flufftails in the garden near the house just a few metres from each other. Both were calling loudly and probably competing for territory.

Also seen: Paradise Flycatcher, swallows, Olive Thrush, Kite, Longcrested Eagle, Egyptian Geese, Egrets, doves etc. Heard: Burchell’s Coucal, Cape Parrots.

Karin and Justin Herd – Bee Tree farm

This is the first of our new chameleon birthings in the grassland below the house. Only counted 7 on 12 November, normally we have 10-12 babies in the first round.

Malvina and Evert van Bremem – Old Furth Estate

November continues very wet and muddy up here, with dams overflowing walls and creating huge excitement in getting in and out of our driveway! Sunshine has been at a premium so far and washing has taken over the clothes dryer which has almost permanently taken up residence next to the Esse stove in the kitchen, following the dictum of trying to tap the electricity grid as little as possible!

Even in all the wet,we have still had a spectacular showing from the aliens from outer space which have proliferated in the lawn this year. (Stag stinkhorns).

The Spurwing geese have completely invaded the wetland and we now have about 7 in residence. They are enjoying the wet! A pair of Blue Cranes are resident on the hills surrounding the house and we hear them calling every day. We are richly blessed to be able to report the “same old” fish eagles, buzzards, kites and owls are all still seen and heard regularly. The flufftails are still calling, as are the cuckoos.

The frogs and toads are also very happy with the weather and little green river frogs have taken up residence in all the puddles on the driveway, so now we have to try to avoid puddles so that we don’t squash frogs. This makes the trip along the driveway even more hazardous than usual.

The Cape Chestnuts have burst into bloom in our indigenous forests, creating pink islands in the verdant greenery. The monkeys and baboons are back in full force and we have heard the Knysna Loeries (or whatever they are called now) calling up and down the indigenous forest below the house. The streams and waterfalls are all in full spate and the sound of rushing water surrounds us.

The dreaded porcupine is back and preying upon any arum lily it can find, especially the Zantedeschia aethiopica, not so much the little Z. albomaculata and valida. We have been overjoyed to see an increase in the Dierama and Gladioli on the farm. We hope the wonderful rain continues throughout the rest of the Summer, but could tentatively wish for the odd sunny day in between.

Sandra and Pat Merrick – Albury Farm

10 wattle crane flew over the house one morning making their strange rusty door hinge sounds.

My saddest of stories which broke our hearts was a pair of blue crane that had been visting all winter. She decided to lay her 2 eggs in our vlei about 30metres from our dam. It was wonderful. We could watch her from our verandah thru the binocs at any time.

A few days later I walked to the dam at about 4pm – she was grazing on the hill – and there, next to her eggs was a jackal. I chased it away but came home with a heavy heart as knew that it would return that night, which of course, it did. Eggs gone.

Next day, Mom and dad stood next to the empty nest for a few hours and eventually flew off. I was so sad to see them go and thought they would not return. For a few days we saw them on our neighbours farm and I thought perhaps she would lay near their dam. But lo and behold. They were back and she was now preparing a nest on a small island a few metres inside the dam. The day she laid her one egg, we had had a heavy rain the night before and the dam started to fill up rapidly from the streams. She frantically stuck her head in the water picking up stones and sand and placing them around her egg trying to raise the nest higher. This went on all day. We had to leave for Mozambique the next day and asked our house sitter to check on the pair of crane. Needless to say, the nest got flooded and they flew off once more.

Seen the secretary bird about 3 times. For the first time we saw about 10 egrets arriving amongst our nguni herd. They are always down in Lidgetton but never here. Unfortunately they left and have not returned. The shell duck have moved off. 7 blue crane arrived at the dam on the 28th Nov. Pat saw a blackbellied korhaan swimming in a puddle of water on our road after a storm. One sunday a stanleys bustard walked across the hill in front of our house. 3 canaries nesting in my standard roses. 2 babies fell out and died. One left her nest and the other is sitting on 3 eggs. The wagtail hatched out one baby in my jasmine creeper., Jackal buzzard on top of cross in the mist., Red collared widow bird, 3 or 4 spoonbill permanent residents at the moment.

The jackal have been a real nuisance. When walking one afternoon about 5pm we saw our ngunis chasing something down the hill – yes, the jackal. It was like a game. He would run and stop and look back at them, and then the chase would start again. What was funny was watching one of the calves chasing it, tail flying in the air.

I saw one male oribi and Pat saw 2 oribi at different times of the month down in front of the house. Still lots of reed buck. Found a dead baby rabbit on my front porch and a few days later another one sleeping in my formal garden. Have no idea how they got there. I put him on other side of our fence and prayed he would not get taken by the jackal or the martial eagle. Male duiker

Nikki Brighton – Old Kilgobbin

Plants: Hypoxis sp (yellow), Hypoxis parvula (white), Helichrysum setosa, Nemesia, Aristea ecklonii, Dias cotonifolia, Veronia, Rhodohypoxis, Caledendron capense, Dias cotonifolia, Celtis africana, Hypericum aethipicum, Gunnera, Oxalis (above), Pentanisia prunelloides, Hesperantha (below) Zantedeschia aethiopica – aren’t the Arum filled vleis just magnificent?

Mammals: Plenty of Samangos about. A couple of tiny duiker, a big Reedbuck ram, 2 bush buck does.

Other critters: Giant snails along the forest paths. Snake skin. White butterflies.

Birds: Crowned Eagles, Jackal Buzzards, stone chats, weavers, Egyptian geese, orange throated long claws, francolins, Knysna loeries and all the usuals. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Boston Wildlife Sightings – November

Edgeware Hill Wildflower Climb:

The official outing on 1 November was washed out, but a replacement flower hunt took place on 25 November, when the flowers were superb. At 1312 m altitude five plants with this blue flower, unknown so far, below

A very special find was this flower below, identified by David Styles using Plant Chat – at 1400 m altitude – Hybanthus capensis

Bruce and Bev Astrup of Highland Glen:

Malachite Kingfisher, Red-necked Spurfowl, Fork-tail Drongo, Speckled Mousebird, Giant Kingfisher, two Spotted Eagle-Owls, Grey Crowned Cranes, Black-headed Oriole, Green Wood-Hoopoe, African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene), Long-crested Eagle (who tackled an old wooden stump, and lodged a piece of wood in its talons – much shaking and biting by bill, till at long last, relief), Hadedah Ibis, two Egyptian Geese, who rule the lands near the river, Little Rush-Warbler, Village Weaver, Common Fiscal, Dark-capped Bulbul, Yellow-billed Ducks, Cattle Egrets, Southern Red Bishop, Helmeted Guineafowl.

Scrub Hare; Long-tailed Grey Mongoose, frustrated in effort to dine on domestic fowl.

Philip and Christeen Grant of Sitamani:

A special sighting in November was a Serval just behind the house. It was totally unaware of me, circled round like a domestic cat in the tall grass, then lay down for a nap!

The birds have been lovely, particularly the dawn chorus; and many fungi and ferns brought forth by the wonderful rain. But my main focus is a two hour walk through a wonderland of Spring flowers on the 4 November when I saw 52 different flowers and two firsts for Sitamani amongst them, Rhodohypoxis baurii and Streptocarpus pusillus, in a very rocky, mini-cliff area in the dolorite on the hillside.

The other flowers seen were: Aspidonepsis diploglossa & flava, Eriosema kraussianum, Lotononis corymbosa, Ajuga orphrydis, Nemesia caerulea, Pentanisia augustifolia, Aster bakeriannus, Sutera floribunda, Vernonia natalensis & a smaller sp., Gerbera piloselloides, Alepidia natalensis, Albuca pachychlamys, Sisyranthus trichostomus, Kniphofia brachstachya,

Walhenbergia krebsii, Lobelia erinus, Hirpicium armerioides, Scabiosa columbaria, Cyphia elata, Berkheya macrocephala, Watsonia socium, Peucedanum caffrum, Anemone fanninii (flowers over but a strong growth of leaves), Raphionacme hirsuta, Polygala sp., Clutia cordata, Eulophia clavicornis, Gazania krebsiana, Berkheya setifera, Indigofera tristis & velutina, Senecio coronatus, Dimorphotheca jucunda, Diclis reptans, Epilobium capense, Eriosema distinctum, Ledebouria ovatifolia plus two other sp.,

Haemanthus humilis, Hypoxis parvula & argentea, Senecio oxyriifolius, Pelargonium alchemilloides, Cerastium arabidis, Stachys aethiopica, Hermannia woodii, Schistostephium hetalobum, Dierama pictum, Monopsis decipiens!

Remember ‘Bossy Boston’, the tiny Grey Crowned Crane chick, rescued on the lawn at Highland Glen last February?

A note received on 7 December from Tanya Smith: “Bossy Boston is doing well at Hlatikulu Crane and Wetland Sanctuary. He is free flying and comes and goes as he pleases but spends most of his time with the kids at the education centre there. He is a huge hit with all visitors and is playing a massive role in the education programme, which Hlatikulu sanctuary facilitates. He is flying the flag high for all cranes! I think he was destined to become an ambassador for crane conservation. It would be great if you guys could get there one of these days to visit him. Oh, and he even accompanies the Working for Wetland team members into the wetland there to oversee their work and ensure they do a good job rehabilitating wetlands for his fellow wild cranes!”

Nikki Brighton took 24 students there last week and agrees that Bossy is doing great PR for Cranes. “I never thought I could be so close to this beautiful bird” said Nondumiso Mabhida.

The Source of the Msunduzi river – a viewpoint

As one drives along the R617 from Boston towards Pietermaritzburg, one passes the turnoff to Rossi, then the turnoff to Nonchesa, takes the sharp corner and drives downhill and through Mafakathini; between the 22 km marker and that for 23 kms is a spring from which the locals derive much water, collecting it in drums, carting it on wheelbarrows. This is the source of the Msunduze., into which many dozens of streamlets flow, from this hillside, & from north of Maswazini, & from north of the Holy Family Convent at Elandskop, & from Elandskop itself, from the Mbumbane area, & from the Nomo area, joined by the Nkobongwana river from south-east of Mafakathini, then joined by the Nhlambamasoka river at Taylor’s Halt, through the mudflats of Henley Dam to Pietermaritzburg itself.

Impendle Nature Reserve – a Draft ‘Protected Area Management Plan’

Prepared by Ezemvelo, this Draft Plan is a major step in proposals to take the Reserve forward. It is available at suitable Libraries and Municipal Offices. The document is 132 pages in length and 5.6 Mbs to download. By way of providing a small flavour of this document, but without any of the detail, here is an exerpt, namely page 29:

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

In an effort to ensure that Impendle Nature Reserve is effectively managed, the following strategic framework has been developed. It is aimed at providing the strategic basis for the protection, development and operation of the nature reserve over the next five years and has been prepared collaboratively through a process involving stakeholders within Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the communities around the nature reserve, local and provincial government departments and other stakeholders. The vision describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection and development of Impendle Nature Reserve. The objectives and strategic outcomes that follow are intended to provide the basis for the achievement of the vision. The objectives provide a broad description of the goals for each key performance area. The strategic outcomes, which flow from the objectives, set out what is needed to achieve the objectives, based on the management challenges, issues and opportunities described in Section 2 above.

3.1 Impendle Nature Reserve vision

A reserve that protects the ecosystem integrity and important biodiversity of the area, provides a sustainable flow of eco-system services and is managed effectively with the support of the community This vision of Impendle nature reserve includes the effective management of the reserve that incorporates the reserve having adequate resources. The community support is an important component of management and includes not only regular open channels of communication but also an extensive environmental awareness component as reflected in the objectives and in the management tables. An effectively managed reserve also incorporate the potential economic opportunities that need to be investigated as per the management objectives and management tables.

3.2 Objectives and strategic outcomes.

An objective has been identified for each of Impendle Nature Reserve key performance areas, which follow from the management challenges, issues and opportunities, and relate to the important functions and activities necessary to protect, develop and manage it effectively. The objectives have then been translated into strategic outcomes, which form the basis for the management activities and targets set out in the operational management framework, described in Section 6 below. Table 3.1 sets out the key performance areas, the objective for each key performance area and the strategic outcomes, required to realise the objectives.

Mountain Inspiration

10 Replies

Twenty four eco-conscious Midlands kids knew they were going to the mountain (Entabeni), home of the Hlatikulu Crane and Wetland Sanctuary. However, they had no idea they would be making friends with a crane named Boston who thinks she is a person and behaves like a friendly dog! On arrival, Boston wandered over immediately to say hello.

“I never thought I could be so close to this beautiful bird” said Nondumiso, gently stroking the grey feathers and feeling the different textures of her soft leathery cheeks, spiky crown and woolly black cap. She nibbled our shoelaces and fingers and danced with her favourite boys.

Boston was determined not to be left out when we went out for the afternoon session of orienteering – finding markers on the map and following our noses.

As we wandered through the wetlands we found many interesting plants. Most spectacular were the Red Torch Orchids – Disa chysostachya or umnduze wotshani ombovu.

Much to the delight of the Shea O’Connor School Eco-Club, who had attended the Midlands Bioblitz the week before, SANBI had lent them three cameras and a tablet to conduct a Hlatikulu Bioblitz. Everyone busily taking photos of everything that flowered, crawled or flew, of animal tracks and scats too. Nkululeko Mdladla, a budding filmmaker, took the best shot of the entire excursion:

We saw songololos everywhere and stopped to admire their red legs every time. Many were moved to the edge of the road to ensure passing tractors would not harm them.

The vlei was filled with white Knipophia albescens attended by bees, tiny Aponogton juncus, Ranunculus multifidus and lots of interesting sedges.

The excursion was arranged by the Midlands Conservanices Forum (MCF) in collaboration with the Midlands Meander Association Education Project and KZN Crane Foundation who work with the learners at Shea O’Connor Combined School and the Mpophomeni Enviro Club. It was sponsored by N3 Toll Concession. Arranging fieldtrips is challenging for schools, despite being an important part of the curriculum. MCF has tried to assist schools with this requirement during 2012. Educator, Antonia Mkhabela said “How wonderful it is to observe learners applying the knowledge they have gained in class. Now they have the full meaning of what they have learnt.”

Despite the walk to the forest being strenuous, once we arrived everyone was thrilled to visit ihlathi lesizulu. Sitting quietly, watching the birds, tasting the water and feeling the soft soil was an experience new to everyone. “In the forest, I think I hear it trying to tell me something I don’t know. I hear a voice making me think about my future and the environment in our community.” wrote Mtabaleng.

In the evening, we reminisced – watching photos gathered from the last 6 years of activities the children had participated in. These ranged from visits to the Karkloof Conservation Centre, Biodiversity Days at Umgeni Valley, solar cooking competitions, marching for Climate Justice at COP17, litter clean-ups and recycling, creating a food garden for 10:10:10, giving speeches, receiving awards, learning about birds, imifino, medicinal plants, carbon footprints, wetlands and planting trees. What a thrill to see oneself on the screen, to see ‘cool’ new friends when they were much younger, and to remember interesting times spent learning about environmental issues with the MMAEP.

The next morning we walked over to the Crane Centre to learn more about the three Crane species. Sandi explained how wonderful the new iso-rearing facility which the KZN Crane Foundation is in the process of building in Nottingham Road will be. They will be able to rear the ‘second eggs’ collected when the first chick hatches and increase the population (only 250 Wattled Cranes left in the wild). One of the boys dressed up in the ‘crane mama’ suit to demonstrate the lengths they go to to avoid the birds imprinting on humans (as Boston has).

A couple of girls were thrilled by the idea of becoming ‘crane mamas’ and delighted when Geoff collected discarded Wattled Crane feathers for them to keep.

We followed the frog calls to the dam. Hlatikulu Vlei is an Important Birding Area (IBA) and in 1996 the sanctuary was declared a national “Site of Conservation Significance”. We listened to the completely different sounds in the wetland compared to the quiet time spent in the forest.

Boston was curious about what we were having for lunch and poked her head into the dining hall. Croft Farm in Dargle had provided free range chickens which were pronounced “Delicious, so soft and natural, better than the shops” by Nondumiso. Vusi said “At least the chicken had a happy life.” Sanele added “I’m going to speak to my mum, we don’t need to eat so much meat.”

Everyone took great care of Samkelisiwe, the littlest participant. Holding her hand when she was nervous, answering her questions and making sure she was wrapped up warmly after getting wet. Despite her size, she had a huge appetite and was always the first one for second helpings at meals and keen for the tuck shop to open. She bowled everyone over when she decided to donate half of her tuck shop allowance towards bringing more children to Hlatikulu.

Back at camp everyone poured over the field guides, trying to identify the species they had seen during the day. The Snake Guide, Mushroom and Wildflower guides were the most popular choices.

The evening entertainment was environmental poems, drama, songs, dances and rap which the children created during a thunderstorm which had us all running for cover. Vusi received a standing ovation for his contribution:

We came here sheep, seeking to learn more about nature

We came almost empty, longing to be filled

We came here captives, trapped by societies opinion

Enchained by the ignorance of others

Too weak to break our constraints, but longing, longing to be free

We found ourselves at a place unfamiliar to us, but reminded of our distant past

We came thinking we were cups full of knowledge by soon realised that we were empty vessels

We arrived empty, now we leave full

We came here haughty, now we are humble

We came here sheep, now we leave as lions

Mother Nature’s wellbeing we shall keep

We came here captives, now we will be free.

Thembela’s rap (with a cellphone providing the backing beat) really got everyone going and Wendy’s passionate plea for the environment ended with “Viva Nature Viva, Phansi Pollution Phansi”!

On our final morning we feasted on free-range eggs donated by Highveld Eggs before climbing Mount Lebanon. Stopping along the way to learn about rock formations and finding examples of the different types of rocks. As we hiked, we discovered more flowers, animal tracks, protea bushes and a stinkhorn mushroom. Lungisani said “Every species is living in harmony here, each has it’s own habitat and there is balance. This is a place in it’s natural state. I have learnt so much.”

In the distance we could see a waterfall and hear the river running swiftly nearby. Just as we crested a hill a stream lay ahead – a perfect spot for splashing, swimming and relaxing.

The boys headed under the waterfall, while the rest of us paddled, drank the cool mountain water and admired the view.

Before the African Insight bus arrived to take everyone home, we spent time reflecting on what we have experienced. Each person sat alone with their thoughts for 20 minutes. “I have never done that in my life” said Thembela “I always am with my friends unless I am asleep. It was wonderful and I will do this quiet time more often.”

We fell in love with Boston and bid her a tender farewell. Everyone left determined to do their very best to take care of the environment.

Bulelani concluded “We have to stay passionate about the environment. We are the future leaders. Now we have more information and more contacts to do this.” Antonia Mkhabela added. “These kids are the drivers of change. Now they are motivated to actually act and make a change in their families, which will spread to the community.”

Everyone took home copies of environmental movies donated by GroundWork, pencils made of recycled materials and colourful notebooks filled with their thoughts about a very special trip. Special thanks to Lindiwe Mkhize and Penny Rees for their assistance in making this trip a success.

Midlands Bioblitz

9 Replies

The endless rain stopped on the morning of the Midlands Bioblitz and it was a perfect day to wander about photographing flowers. Almost 50 nature enthusiasts turned up at the KZN Crane Foundation headquarters at Bill Barnes Nature Reserve in Nottingham Road to take part and do their bit for biodiversity conservation. More plants have gone extinct in South Africa than any other country and one in four species are currently threatened.

The Midlands Conservancies Forum had organised the day and invited learners from Shea O’Connor school nearby to join in the activities.

After a presentation by Suvarna Parbhoo of SANBI on CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) and iSpot, everyone headed out into the reserve to find all the living things they could. Amongst the Themeda triandra and other grasses, there were some tiny, tiny flowers like these Lobelia

Sarah got up close and personal, photographing small grassland plants.

In the rocky outcrop on top of the hill, there were Veronia, Arums and Kniphophia

and lots of Alepidea natalensis in the places the cows can’t get to.

Charlene and Mark searched the wetlands for frogs but didn’t manage to catch one to phtograph. They saw common river frog and heard clicking stream frogs and painted reed frogs too.

Not everything was easy to identify – some plants puzzled the spotters. This Hermannia was a nice find.

Aristea and Wahlenbergias literally glowed in the low light.

Amanda looked out for animal scats and Nora searched for orchids, but it was a little early – they flower in January and February. We found plenty of Brunsvegia which will be in flower in mid-summer too.

Cups of tea were on tap on the verandah of the KZN Crane Foundation, with views across the dam. “What a lovely day. I enjoyed it very much. It was great to be with so many people who know so much about plants and wildlife. ” said Molly Perret

Lindiwe found porcupine quills and four Oribi were spotted bounding away from the action.

After all the rain, the Dierama luteaoabidum and Pelargonium luridium weren’t looking their best, however these little mauve ones were in abundance.

Helichrysum aEriosema, Hypoxis, Pentanisia and Commelina were all flowering happily. Ipomoea and Scabiosa were plentiful on the road verges.

Quite a few birds were seen, including long claws, swallows, egrets, yellow billed kites, jackal buzzard, widows and red bishop. There were lots of fuzzy little caterpillars in the damp grass.

This group of girls was very excited to discover them and other creeppy crawlies amongst the flowers.

“What an awesome day of networking, getting to know interesting people, not to mention capturing the beauty of nature. I’m looking forward to another Bioblitz!” Andile Vilakazi. Environmental educators – Nkanyiso, Lindiwe, Andile, Antonia and Sanele took some great photos and will be visiting the Bews Herbarium soon to learn more about plant identification.

Then we all looked over our pictures, tried to identify the species and enjoyed a picnic beside the dam.

Vusi, Thembela, Quiniso and Sanele had fun checking out iSpot and loading photographs.

All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting day. In early 2013, we will be starting a Midlands CREW group to survey patches of natural vegetation in the area for threatened plant species. Should you be interested in joining this group, please contact Nikki at info@midlandsconservancies.org.za