uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa

Protected Area Management Plan

July 2018
Authorisation
This Management Plan for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is approved:
TITLE NAME SIGNATURE AND DATE
KwaZulu-Natal MEC: Mr Sihle Zikalala
Economic Development, Tourism and
Environmental Affairs

Recommended
TITLE NAME SIGNATURE AND DATE
Chief Executive Officer:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Chairperson
Biodiversity Conservation Operations
Management Committee
Chairperson
People and Conservation Operations
Committee
Chairperson: Mr Rob Hoatson
uMsonti Private Nature

Prepared by

Endangered Wildlife Trust

Citation

uMsonti Private Nature Reserve: Management Plan. Version 1.0, (2018) [Endangered Wildlife Trust].
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Purpose of the plan ...................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Structure of the plan .................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 9
1.4 The values of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve.......................................................... 10
1.4.1 Protection of the values ..................................................................................... 12
1.4.2 Ecosystem-based management ......................................................................... 12
1.5 Adaptive management ............................................................................................... 12
2 DESCRIPTION OF UMSONTI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE AND ITS CONTEXT ..................... 13
2.1 The legal context for the management of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve ............. 13
2.1.1 Declaration status of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve ..................................... 14
2.1.2 Boundary demarcation and deviations .............................................................. 14
2.1.3 Servitude register ............................................................................................... 17
2.1.4 Invasive species control in terms of the Biodiversity Act .................................. 17
2.2 Ecological context of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve.............................................. 17
2.2.1 Climate and weather .......................................................................................... 17
2.2.2 Topography ........................................................................................................ 18
2.2.3 Geology and soils ............................................................................................... 19
2.2.4 Geomorphology ................................................................................................. 19
2.2.5 Hydrology ........................................................................................................... 19
2.2.6 Vegetation .......................................................................................................... 20
2.2.7 Mammalian fauna .............................................................................................. 20
2.2.8 Avifauna ............................................................................................................. 21
2.2.9 Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) ........................................................... 21
2.2.10 Invertebrates ...................................................................................................... 21
2.2.11 Fire and herbivore management ....................................................................... 21
2.2.12 Invasive species .................................................................................................. 24
2.3 Cultural heritage context of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve .................................. 25
2.3.1 Newcastle Local Municipality ............................................................................. 25
2.4 Socio-economic context ............................................................................................. 26
2.5 The regional and local planning context of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve ........... 26
2.6 Operational management within uMsonti Private Nature Reserve .......................... 27
2.6.1 Infrastructure ..................................................................................................... 27
2.6.2 Operational management .................................................................................. 28
 2.7 Summary of management issues, challenges and opportunities .............................. 28
3 Strategic management framework ...................................................................................... 1
3.1 uMsonti Private Nature Reserve vision........................................................................ 1
3.2 Objectives and strategic outcomes .............................................................................. 1
4 Zonation plan ....................................................................................................................... 1
4.1 Conceptual development guidelines ........................................................................... 2
4.1.1 Limited Use Zone.................................................................................................. 2
4.1.2 Moderate use zone .............................................................................................. 3
4.1.3 Potential Tourism development node ................................................................. 3
5 Administrative structure ...................................................................................................... 4
6 Operational Management framework ................................................................................. 1
6.1 Legal compliance and law enforcement ...................................................................... 1
6.2 Business management and development .................................................................... 2
7 Monitoring and reporting .................................................................................................... 1
7.1 Annual monitoring ....................................................................................................... 1
7.2 Annual protected area management plan implementation review ............................ 1
8 uMsonti Private Nature Reserve annual plan of operation ................................................. 2
8.1 Implementation of the management plan................................................................... 2
8.2 Responsibilities in implementing the protected area management plan ................... 3
8.3 uMsonti Private Nature Reserve resource requirements ............................................ 3
8.3.1 Staff and equipment ............................................................................................ 3
8.3.2 Projects................................................................................................................. 4
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: Management challenges, issues and opportunities ................................................. 28
Table 3-1: Objectives and strategic outcomes for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve .................. 2
Table 6-1: Framework for legal compliance law enforcement and business management and
development ................................................................................................................................ 1
Table 7-1: Annual monitoring schedule for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve ............................. 2
Table 8-1: Progress and goals set (APO) for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve .......................... 25

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Structure of the Management Plan ........................................................................... 8
Figure 1.2: Regional location of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve ............................................... 9
Figure 1.3: Location within the Critical Biodiversity Areas of KZN (Data: EKZNW) ...................... 9
Figure 1.4: The adaptive management cycle (Management Strategy Evaluation, 2009) .......... 13
Figure 2.1: Survey information (page 1) .................................................................................... 15
Figure 2.2: Survey information (page 2) .................................................................................... 16
Figure 2.3: Topographic map of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve ............................................ 18
Figure 2.4: Hydrology of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve ........................................................ 19
Figure 2.5 Vegetation types within uMsonti Private Nature Reserve (Data: EKZNW) .............. 20
Figure 2.6: uMsonti burning area .............................................................................................. 22
Figure 2.7: Year 1 of uMsonti burning plan ............................................................................... 22
Figure 2.8: Year 2 of uMsonti burning plan ............................................................................... 23
Figure 2.9: Year 3 of uMsonti burning plan ............................................................................... 23
Figure 2.10: Map showing the outline of the proposed uMsonti Private Nature Reserve........ 27
Figure 4.1: Zonation map showing the uMsonti Nature Reserve boundary, hiking trail,
indigenous forests and development points ............................................................................... 1
Figure 5.1: Organisational structure for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve .................................. 4
Figure 8.1: Process for the implementation of Management Plans ............................................ 2
ABBREVIATIONS

DEA National Department of Environmental Affairs

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMF Environmental Management Framework
EMP Environmental Management Plan
FPA Fire Protection Association in terms of the National Veld and Forest
Fire Act (No.1 of 1998)
GIS Geographical Information System
IDP Municipal Integrated Development Plan
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature
MEC Member of the Executive Council
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NEMA National Environmental Management Act
NPAES National Protected Area Expansion Strategy
NSBA National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment
PA Protected Area
SDF Municipal Spatial Development Framework
SMME Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises
SWOT Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
1 BACKGROUND

1.1 Purpose of the plan

Management plans for biodiversity stewardship sites are strategic documents that provide the
framework for the development and operation of biodiversity stewardship sites. They inform
management at all levels. The purpose of the management plan is to:

• Provide the primary strategic tool for management of uMsonti Private Nature
Reserve, informing the need for specific programmes and operational procedures.
• Provide for capacity building, future thinking and continuity of management.
• Enable the landowner to develop and manage uMsonti Private Nature Reserve in
such a way that its values and the purpose for which it has been established are
protected.

1.2 Structure of the plan

The management plan for the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is structured as follows:

Section 1: Provides an introduction and background to the management plan and

uMsonti Private Nature Reserve.
Section 2: Establishes the context of the protected area, providing the basis for the
strategic and operational management frameworks that follow.
Section 3: Sets out the vision and objectives for the biodiversity stewardship site.
Section 4: Sets out the zonation of the biodiversity stewardship site, outlining the land
uses in particular zones.
Section 5: Describes the administrative structure that has been established to assist
in managing uMsonti Private Nature Reserve.
Section 6: Sets out the management targets that must be achieved in managing the
nature reserve.
Section 7: Sets out the monitoring measures required to determine if management
targets are being met.
Section 8: Describes the components that must be included in the annual plan of
operation.
Figure 1.1: Structure of the Management Plan
1.3 Introduction

The uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is situated in north western KwaZulu-Natal Province,
Republic of South Africa, approximately 36 km south west of Newcastle close to the Muller’s
Pass Road. The protected area falls within the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) East sub-region
of the uKhahlamba Region and the Newcastle Magisterial District, 80 km from Ladysmith and
25 km south of Newcastle.

Figure 1.2: Regional location of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

Figure 1.3: Location within the Critical Biodiversity Areas of KZN

(Data: EKZNW)
In accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Demarcation Act (Act No. 27 of 1998) and
the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act (Act No. 117 of 1998), the uMsonti Private
Nature Reserve has been demarcated into one District Municipality and one Local Municipality,
namely:

• Amajuba District Municipality

• Newcastle Local Municipality

1.4 The values of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

The values of a place are those remarkable attributes that exemplify that led to it being
identified as a priority for biodiversity conservation. The values are important in planning and
management, as they are the aspects of the place that must be protected. The values of
uMsonti Private Nature Reserve include:

Natural values The high irreplaceability levels of the area are associated with its large,
relatively intact and relatively untransformed grassland that contain a number
of threatened and endemic plant, bird and mammal species. Only 15.5%
protected of Eastern Mistbelt Forest is protected (66.5% target, endangered),
and 1% of Northern KZN Moist Grassland is protected (24% target, vulnerable).

In addition to the spiny crag lizard (Pseudocordylus spinosus), which is

restricted within KZN, a new, yet to be described, species of dwarf chameleon
(Bradypodion spp. nov.) has been recorded in Ncandu Nature Reserve, which
is adjacent to the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve.

The uMsonti Private Nature Reserve maintains a Cape Vulture restaurant

(Gyps coprotheres).

The Holkrans section, 600 hectares in size, was listed on the SA Natural
Heritage Programme as site number 31 in the 1987 SA Natural Heritage
Programme Annual Report.
Ecosystem The following key ecosystem services were identified during the site
service values assessment (scores 4 or 5 out of 5)
• Low degree of Transformation
• Primary vegetation
• No bush encroachment
• Complete vegetation cover
• No soil erosion
• Low levels of alien vegetation infestation
• High species diversity
• High occurrence of rare/protected species
• Large and well linked to surrounding habitats
• Other similar habitats in good condition within 5 km
Socio-economic • The property is an important part of the catchment. It is therefore
values important for water provision, and in fact is also the source of high
quality bottled mineral water.
 • The area plays a role in regulating the flow of water through the
grassland and wetlands on site.
• The site provides pollination services due to its size, habitat
heterogeneity, good condition, and connectedness to other natural
areas.
• The site also provides pest and disease control, particularly due to
the presence of Vultures.
• The site has very high potential for low impact tourism development,
with knock-on benefits for employment, local markets and the area’s
economy. It is a known mountain biking site.
Scenic values • Grasslands, forest patches and mountainous areas have high scenic
beauty values across a variety of ecosystems. There are established
hiking trails on site.
Cultural and • No information currently confirmed. Boer War historical sites
historic values suspected.
Scientific, There are considerable opportunities for research at the site, which is
research and welcomed by the owners:
educational • The forest patches and hiking trail provide educational opportunities
values for school groups (trees will be marked).
• Botanical surveys have already been conducted by the SANBI CREW
team, and more opportunities for surveys exist.
• Bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian studies will be undertaken as
part of a “Bioblitz”.

Consistent with Section 17 of the Protected Areas Act, the purpose of uMsonti Private Nature
Reserve is to:

• First, conservation of natural habitat and biodiversity of the area.

• In a controlled manner, to share the natural beauty of the area with people for
recreation and education.
• To provide a base for visitors to engage in nature-based tourism to stimulate the
economy for the area and provide employment for local communities.
• To manage grassland resources through appropriate veld burning and sustainable
cattle grazing in selected areas.

Features which drive the high irreplaceability values that are important for conservation:

• Eastern Mistbelt Forest

• Northern KZN Moist Grassland
• Anthropoides paradiseus (Blue Crane) habitat
• Heteromirafra ruddi (Rudd’s Lark) habitat
• Neotis denhami (Denham’s Bustard)
• Eupodotis caerulescens (Blue Korhaan)
• Geronticus calvus (Southern Bald Ibis)
• Anthus chloris (Yellow-breasted Pipit) habitat
• Eupodotis senegalensis (White-bellied Korhaan)
• Aloedes titei (Tites copper butterfly)
• Aloedes Merces (Wakkerstroom copper butterfly)
• Proandricus bourquinii (Bourquins earthworm)
• Doratogonus septentrionalis (Northern black millipede)
 • Ourebia ourebi (Oribi) habitat
• Aloe modesta
• Scilla natalensis
• Watsonia latifolia
• Brachystelma remotum
• Cyrtanthus epiphyticus
• Eucomis autumnalis
• Pelea capreolus (Grey Rhebok)
• Heleophryne natalensis (Ghost frog)
• Bradypodion dracomontanum (Drakensberg dwarf chameleon)

1.4.1 Protection of the values

The protected area’s values, in particular those that underlie the functioning of its ecosystems
and the protection of rare and threatened species, will be given the highest degree of
protection to ensure the persistence of these systems predominantly unaltered by human
activity.

1.4.2 Ecosystem-based management

Decision-making associated with the protection of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve ecosystems
will be scientifically based on internationally accepted principles and concepts of conservation
biology. The protected area ecosystems will be managed with minimal interference to natural
processes. Specific management may be desirable, when the structure or function of a habitat
or ecosystem has been significantly altered by human induced impacts or previous
management. Specific management will only be considered when this option is the only
possible alternative available to restore ecological integrity.

Where directed management is required, it will be based on scientific research, and will employ
techniques that emulate natural processes as closely as possible.

1.5 Adaptive management

The preparation of this management plan has been undertaken based on the guiding principles
of adaptive management, which is a structured, iterative process in which decisions are made
using the best available information, with the aim of obtaining better information through
monitoring of performance (Figure 1.4). In this way, decision making is aimed at achieving the
best outcome based on current understanding, whilst accruing the information needed to
improve future management. Adaptive management can lead to revision of a part or if
necessary the whole management plan.

Adaptive management enables landowners and managers to:

i) Learn through experience.

ii) Take account of, and respond to, changing factors that affect the biodiversity
stewardship site.

iii) Develop or refine management processes.

iv) Adopt best practices and new innovations in biodiversity conservation management.

v) Demonstrate that management is appropriate and effective.

Figure 1.4: The adaptive management cycle (Management Strategy

Evaluation, 2009)

2 DESCRIPTION OF UMSONTI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE AND ITS CONTEXT

2.1 The legal context for the management of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

There is a large body of legislation that is relevant to the management of uMsonti Private
Nature Reserve, but the primary legislation guiding the management of protected areas is the
National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No.57 of 2003).

The Protected Areas Act establishes the legal basis for the creation and administration of
protected areas in South Africa, as its objectives include provisions “for the protection and
conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity
and its natural landscapes”. The Act sets out the mechanisms for the declaration of protected
areas and the requirements for their management.
2.1.2 Declaration status of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

A site assessment of the property was carried out on 26 September 2017. The KZN Biodiversity
Stewardship Forum approved the recommendation for Nature Reserve status on 3 October
2017.

The uMsonti Private Nature Reserve involves 4 (FOUR) farm portions owned by 1 (ONE) entity
(individuals, companies or trusts). The total area of the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is
1230.6 ha.

The properties are:

• Normandien 3303
• Albany 8944
• Buffelshoek 15469
• Woodburn 15470

2.1.3 Boundary demarcation and deviations

The property survey document is provided in Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.1: Survey information (page 1)
Figure 2.2: Survey information (page 2)
The full uMsonti Private Nature Reserve will not be game fenced, as no animals currently need
to be contained. The property is enclosed by a stock fence. The possibility exists to game fence
the Reserve in the future if new indigenous game is introduced.

2.1.4 Servitude register

No servitudes are registered on the property.

2.1.5 Invasive species control in terms of the Biodiversity Act

In terms of Section 76 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of

2004), the management authority of a protected area must incorporate an invasive species
control plan in the protected area management plan. This is addressed in Sections 3 and 4
below.

2.2 Ecological context of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

2.2.1 Climate and weather

The Normandien area lies in the summer rainfall region, receiving most of its rainfall from
November to March. The protected area lies on the Escarpment and receives significant
orographic precipitation. Annual records from 2010 to 2017 are as follows, with the average
being 1,012 mm:

Year Recorded Rainfall (mm)

2010 1,532
2011 943
2012 1,075
2013 893
2014 807
2015 620
2016 1,024
2017 1,207

The mean annual temperature of Newcastle is 17.8°C, but due to the altitudinal difference,
Normandien is probably a few degrees less. Mean annual summer (January) minimum and
maximum temperatures of 16.3°C and 29.1°C and winter (July) minimum and maximum
temperatures of 2.8°C and 20.7°C have been recorded for Newcastle. Frost occurs between
April and September of between 90 to 150 days during the year and snowfalls occur frequently.
Southerly and northerly to north-westerly winds prevail in the area.

The entire Normandien area is referred to as an “Fa land type” by Smit et al. (1993) where a
mean annual precipitation of 1 120 mm is received. The mean annual temperature is 14°C, with
a mean maximum temperature of up to 27°C in January and a mean minimum temperature of
0°C in July.

2.2.2 Topography

uMsonti Private Nature Reserve lies on the eastern Drakensberg Escarpment of southern Africa
and is situated in the Low Berg escarpment between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal with
altitudes ranging from 1,300 m to 1,700 m. The topography is rugged and the escarpment is
incised by numerous kloofs and gorges, many of which provide refuge habitat for the evergreen
Eastern Mistbelt Forest. The topography includes steep and rough terrain together with
streams in the kloofs.

The area is the source if the Horn River, and it is characterised by sandstone cliffs. The main
watershed contained within the Reserve is east facing, but the area has a number of spurs
which face northeast and southwest.

Figure 2.3: Topographic map of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

2.2.3 Geology and soils

The area is described to fall within the “Fa land type” by Smit et al. (1993). This land type
consists predominantly of the Lower Beaufort Stage geology.

The escarpment slopes that are steep in nature are made up of weathering sandstones of the
Normandien Formation from the latest Permian Age (of the Lower Beaufort Group).

The “Fa land type” also has dolerite, mudstones, shale, sandstone and shale of the Volksrust
Formation. The main soil types for the “Fa land type” are Mispah and Glenrosa forms that are
known to be shallow.

2.2.4 Geomorphology

The area is characterised by recessed sandstone cliffs. It is the source of the Horn River, and
there are high altitude, forested riparian zones. There is some evidence of erosion in the
steeper cliffs, which becomes more pronounced during periods of heavy rainfall.

2.2.5 Hydrology

The Reserve straddles two quaternary catchments – V31E (Ngagane) and V31F (Horne – source
to Ngagane). These lie within the Thukela Water Management Area, and within the Buffalo
secondary catchment (V3). There are several stream sources within the Reserve area in
recessed sandstone cliffs. The site is the source of the Horn River.

Figure 2.4: Hydrology of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

2.2.6 Vegetation

The following habitat types are identified in the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve:

• Alluvial Wetlands
• Eastern Mistbelt Forest
• Low Escarpment Moist Grassland

Findings from the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s Custodians of Rare and
Endangered Wildflowers (SANBI CREW) botanical survey is found in Appendix D.

Figure 2.5 Vegetation types within uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

(Data: EKZNW)

2.2.7 Mammalian fauna

uMsonti Private Nature Reserve has populations of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and grey
duiker (Silvicapra grimmia). The protected area is populated by chacma baboon (Papio
hamadryas), common molerat (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis), rock hyrax or dassie
(Procavia capensis), striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio), vlei rat (Otomys irroratus), Oribi
(Ourebia ourebi), grey rhebok (Pelea capreolus), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) and black-
backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula).
2.2.8 Avifauna

The following threatened species occur at the site:

• Denham’s Bustard (Neotis denhami)

• Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus)
• Blackwinged Plover (Vanellus melanopterus)
• Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus)
• Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
• Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
• Bush Blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus)

2.2.9 Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians)

In addition to the spiny crag lizard (Pseudocordylus spinosus), which is restricted within KZN, a
new, yet to be described, species of dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion spp. nov.) has been
recorded in Ncandu Nature Reserve, which is adjacent to the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve.
It is suspected that the Endangered long-toed tree frog (Leptopelis xenodactylus) may occur
there.

2.2.10 Invertebrates

Among the invertebrate fauna, the Endangered northern black millipede (Doratogonus
septentrionalis) is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal and has a restricted distribution. There is also a
newly discovered, yet to be described keeled millipede (Ulodesmus spp. nov.) and a number of
KwaZulu-Natal endemics including: Pearlrose’s spined millipede (Zinophora pearlae), white-
haired robber fly (Hypenetes argothrix), Bourquin’s earthworm (Proandricus bourquini) and the
Near-endemic Drakensberg tail-wagger (Sheldonia transvaalensis).

2.2.11 Fire and herbivore management

Policy statement:

Fire management will be used primarily as a tool to ensure security of the residential
properties, forestry plantations and indigenous forest and grasslands on uMsonti Private
Nature Reserve, and to manage the natural grassland integrity.

Fire is probably the single most important ecological factor determining the presence and
extent of the grassland biome in South Africa (O’Connor and Bredenkamp 1997). The biome’s
biota are well adapted to repeated fires, but community organization and ecosystem
functioning are markedly influenced by variation in the fire regime (Mentis and Tainton 1984).
In terms of maintaining a fire regime that is beneficial for biodiversity, season of burning has a
very strong influence, frequency of burning a strong influence, intensity of burning a weak
influence and extent of burning a marginal influence at best. The influence of extent of burn
could be moderate to strong if interactive effects with grazing are considered (O’Connor 2005).

The uMsonti Private Nature Reserve will use fire primarily for the purpose of security of the
residential infrastructure. Within these limits, fire will be used as a grassland management tool
to ensure biodiversity value and prevent the damage of the forest margins.

Block burning will be done on a three-year rotation and the plans are shown below.

Figure 2.6: uMsonti burning area

Figure 2.7: Year 1 of uMsonti burning plan

Figure 2.8: Year 2 of uMsonti burning plan

Figure 2.9: Year 3 of uMsonti burning plan

The Fire Protection Association meets annually before the fire season where the previous
season’s burns will be reviewed, and based on the Fire Management Plan, management
compartments will be scheduled for burns in the upcoming fire season and will be recorded as
the Annual Burning Plan for implementation. The Reserve’s management structures meet
regularly during the fire season.

Grassland burning principles:

• Since 1982 the burning policy has been that advised by the then Natal Parks Board (now
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), namely to burn 50% of the grassland each year on an alternating
cycle. It is recommended that this policy be continued except in years when conditions
are unfavourable. The maximum time left should be 3 years and occasional yearly
burning is acceptable if conditions are good. Accurate records of areas burnt must be
kept by the manager.
• Timing of fire-break and block burning to be carried out according to local fire authority
regulations.

Beef cattle numbers:

Cattle are grazed on the lower section of the farm (outside of the Reserve) during winter, and
a non-selective graze is carried out on the Reserve in the summer months.

2.2.12 Invasive species

Policy statement:

Invasive alien plant species on the property will be controlled using a planned and time-bound
clearing strategy.

The threat of alien plants to biodiversity occurs on a landscape scale as they can reduce or
eliminate either species or habitat. Alien plants, which have been declared weeds or invader
plants according to Section 29 of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (1983) (CARA)
No. 43 of 1983, are a serious threat to the ecological functioning of natural systems as well as
water production and must be strictly controlled in terms of the relevant CARA regulations. An
on-going time-bound programme to effectively control these alien weeds and invader plants
within the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is being developed and maintained. State poverty
relief programmes such as “Working for Water”, DAEA’s Alien Invasive Species Programme”
should be used to full effect to compliment the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve management
budget. The key species identified for the majority of attention include

The Reserve has 50 people (2 teams) working on alien plant control through Working on Fire.

• Bramble (Rubus cuneifolius)

• Bugweed (Solanum mauritianum)
• Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii)
• Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata)
• Poplar (Populus canescens)

The strategy currently being employed includes:

• Employment of full time staff to work exclusively on alien plant eradication.

 • Systematic clearing programme supervised by the uMsonti Private Nature
Reserve Manager. Records to be kept of areas worked on.
• Constant follow up of areas worked on.
• Education of staff regarding the problem of alien invasive plants. Information
available in manager’s office to assist with identification of problem plants.
• Regular update of aerial photographs and fixed point photography showing
areas of invasive plants.

Additional focus species:

• Alien plants frequently invade forest where there has been some form of
disturbance, e.g. extraction of timber, tree falls, lightning strikes, clearing for
roads or pipe-lines etc. The main invader species under these conditions is
bugweed and Silver Wattle. Not only does this occupy space within the forest,
but it supplies a fruit which is favoured above indigenous fruit by birds and so
hampers distribution of indigenous seed. Regular monitoring of the forest is
needed to control the spread of bugweed and silver wattle. Bramble is another
invader plant becoming a problem and is only found adjacent to forest patches.
An urgent management intervention is required to address the spread of
bramble. The application of hormone herbicides are recommended to address
this.
• Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) has been stable in the grasslands during
the past ten years. There are concerns that bracken is replacing palatable grass
species and so reducing available food for grazing animals. There are differing
views regarding the management of this issue. A decision may have to be made
at a later stage whether this species must be dealt with or not. Priority invasive
species must be dealt with first.

2.3 Cultural heritage context of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

2.3.1 Newcastle Local Municipality

“Newcastle was deeply involved in the Anglo-Boer War, and today is the largest town in
northern KwaZulu-Natal. Newcastle was the fourth town founded in ‘Natal’ and featured
prominently in the Transvaal’s First War of Independence, and is where the penultimate battle
was fought, at Schuinshoogte in 1881. Newcastle also featured prominently in the Anglo-Boer
War and featured in both the Boer and English defences. Coal was discovered in the area in the
1800’s, but Newcastle’s original industry was the washing and spinning of wool from sheep
which were farmed in the area. The first train reached the area in 1890 and the town was
proclaimed a Borough in 1891. With the discovery of the large coal deposits came an era of
prosperity which saw the construction of a number of ambitious projects including the Town
Hall. The town shares its name with a further 27 sister Newcastle’s worldwide. Newcastle was
originally known as Post Halt Two and was a stop on the journey from Port Natal-Durban and
the then Transvaal. Whilst today’s major road, the N3, between the two provinces no longer
runs through Newcastle, the town is worth a visit for the battle sites just outside of town, which
include Laing’s Nek, Majuba and Schuinshoogte.”

~Amajuba District Municipality IDP (2016/17)

2.4 Socio-economic context

The following information is taken from the Amajuba District Municipality IDP (2016/17):

Amajuba is administratively located within KwaZulu-Natal, However it is geographically

positioned within space economy of four provinces which are Free-State, Mpumalanga,
KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. This is due to its proximity in relation to the economic trading
hubs of these provinces. The distance from the Amajuba to the major economic hubs within
these provinces indicates that it is 144 km away from Harrismith (Free-State), 152 km from
Ermelo (Mpumalanga), 259 km from Pietermaritzburg (KwaZulu-Natal), 291 km from
Johannesburg (Gauteng) and 339 km from Durban (KwaZulu-Natal). The position and role of
the Amajuba in the regional space economy is tightly interlinked with these four provinces since
the area have strong functional linkages. The challenge is to ensure that the area benefit from
trading and undertaking commerce activities with these economic hubs as opposed to being a
peripheral to the economy of these regions.

It comprises of a total population which is estimated at 499 839 people who are accommodated
on 110 963 households. Newcastle has the highest population which is estimated at 363 236
people (84 272 households) within 31 wards.

The town of Newcastle comprises of three components which are Newcastle West, a central
industrial area, MBO complex (Madadeni and Osizweni) to the east. An urban edge has been
determined around this entire complex within which it is proposed that all future urban
development takes place in order to integrate, densify and diversify it as well as to limit the
loss of high yield agricultural land.

Most employment in Amajuba is created by government at 24 %, followed by trade,

manufacturing and finance with 16.2 %, 15.4 % and 15.3 % respectively.

Newcastle and Emadlangeni both have the comparative advantage in trade. Government is the
predominant employer across municipalities in the Amajuba.

2.5 The regional and local planning context of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

The following areas of growth potential have been identified in the Amajuba IDP (2016/2017),
namely:

• Battlefield development and Amajuba Tourism Route.

• The Amajuba Birding Meander.
• The development of tourism opportunities around the proposed Ncandu River
Dam.
• The development of dams along the Buffalo River Catchment which will open up
large portions of the tribal areas for irrigation.
• The further development of the Balele Nature Reserve at Utrecht.
• The development of a Fly-fishing Meander.
• The development of a proposed residential estate at the Newcastle Golf Course.
• The Development of an Agric Hub which will be linked to the Dube Trade Port.
• The development of opportunities along the MR483 Corridor linking the CBD to
Madadeni and Osizweni.
• The implementation of the Urban Renewal Programme in the Newcastle CBD.
 • The development of housing projects as part of the implementation of the Housing
Plans for the three LM’s.
• The development of the Amajuba Hydroponic Techno Park.
• The identification of Newcastle as an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ).
• The development of the following areas of agricultural potential:
• Soya: The processing of Soya to create Bio-diesel and Soya Meal
• Vegetables: The Specialised production of vegetables through the use of tunnels
and open field planting
• Livestock: Feedlot development and piggery.
• Dams: Sites are being looked at for storage to increase the Irrigable land and
further develop the above.

The Guilderland, Millbank, Normandien and Lusitania have been identified as important
neighbouring stakeholders.

2.6 Operational management within uMsonti Private Nature Reserve

2.6.1 Infrastructure

Figure 2.10: Map showing the outline of the proposed uMsonti Private
Nature Reserve
2.6.2 Operational management

The site is currently used for low-intensity livestock grazing by cattle. The cattle graze in a
rotational system and burning is done in a patch-mosaic basis.

2.7 Summary of management issues, challenges and opportunities

Table 2-1: Management challenges, issues and opportunities

Key performance Issue Opportunity Challenge
area
Fire management • Grassland health • Improved grazing and • Consistent, safe and
grassland biodiversity effective block burning and
firebreaks
• Danger to human • Continued leadership • Severe winds
life and property, in local FPA • Maintaining natural forest
ecosystem and asset patches
damage
Alien plant control • Water and • Use of biomass for • Bugweed, Wattle
ecosystem integrity firewood and//or • Follow up required
wood products
• Employment
opportunities
Conservation • Biodiversity • Improved ecosystem • Balancing human activities
management conservation and service delivery and with conservation actions
persistence of resilience
ecosystem services
Soil erosion • Instability • Slope collapse during heavy
rain events
• Sediment generation • Siltation of water
courses/impoundments
• Loss of topsoil/fertility
Road maintenance • Unstable roads • Employment • Steep roads
opportunities • Access
• Continuous grading and
stabilization required.
Socio-economic • Education • School visits • Learner safety and
contribution • Connecting learners responsibility
to
• Tourism • Birding, hiking, • Trail maintenance
specialist nature • Development of low impact
tourism camp and facilities
• Skills development • Local community • Labour issues
and employment capacitated for • Administration/logistics
various skills on the
reserve
Contribution to • Bird, mammal, • Post-graduate studies • Logistics
scientific research amphibian and • Specialist visits • Funding
reptile research in • Bioblitz
specialized habitats
3 Strategic management framework

3.1 uMsonti Private Nature Reserve vision

The vision of the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is as follows:

To conserve the natural biodiversity, scenic beauty and water resources of the uMsonti Private
Nature Reserve and add socio-economic value to the community through education and
ecotourism.

3.2 Objectives and strategic outcomes

An objective has been identified for each of uMsonti Private 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.
Table 3-1: Objectives and strategic outcomes for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve
Key performance area Objective Strategic outcome
Fire management • Maintain firebreaks to prevent unplanned • Well maintained, healthy grassland with high biodiversity
fires, and burn at ecologically appropriate • Prevention of damage to ecosystem and reserve assets
intervals • Prevention of loss of life
• Legal compliance
Alien plant control • To eradicate invasive alien plants on site for • Healthier ecosystem – biodiversity, sediment and nutrient balance
preservation of water resources and biodiversity • Maintenance of water provision services
integrity
Conservation management • To implement appropriate and sustainable • Accept responsibility for the perpetual custody of:
conservation policies on the uMsonti Private ▪ the Northern KZN Moist Grassland on the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve;
Nature Reserve ▪ the Eastern Mistbelt Forest on the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve;
▪ the natural water resources on the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve;
Soil erosion • To implement appropriate and sustainable • Prevention of excessive sediment generation and loss of nutrients
grazing and soil management at the Reserve • Maintenance of good grazing for beef cattle
• Maintenance of healthy grass species
• Maintenance of stability of slopes
Road maintenance • To maintain the existing road infrastructure • Maintain access for reserve management, tourism and biodiversity conservation
by following appropriate management practices actions
Socio-economic contribution • Education: • Develop a sense of appreciation and responsibility for nature and ecosystem services
• To bring school learners to the Reserve to with local youth for long-term sustainability of the area and beyond
experience and learn about nature
• Tourism • Development of the local economy to benefit the Reserve and surrounding
• To share the beauty and biodiversity of the communities, and promote local trade
area with local people for recreation
• To keep the tourism activities at a low impact
level
• Skills development and employment: • Development of skills of the local community and create employment opportunities.
• To ensure that the highest standards of good • Foster a sense of appreciation of nature conservation and eco-tourism as a viable
governance are practised. economic activity in rural areas.
• To apply fair and effective employment • Maintain good relationships with surrounding communities.
practices.
• To make use of skills and resources offered by
staff and neighbours to benefit the uMsonti
Private Nature Reserve and its local economy
• To recognize that it is in the interests of the
uMsonti Private Nature Reserve to be good
neighbours and foster the spirit of good
 neighbourliness in the Normandien area with
respect to conservation and risk management
including fire and security risks.
Contribution to scientific • To facilitate research into ecosystems and • Long-term contribution to zoological, botanical and ecosystem knowledge.
research species in this unique area • Knowledge sharing on other conservation projects.
4 Zonation plan

The purpose of the zonation of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is to identify the types and level
of usage that are acceptable based on an area’s sensitivity and resilience. Zonation may be
used to identify areas in which appropriate uses and infrastructure may be located and
developed.

Figure 4.1: Zonation map showing the uMsonti Nature Reserve

boundary, hiking trail, indigenous forests and development points
Zonation enables a protected area to be zoned along a continuum, from highly sensitive areas
subject to low levels of use and impact, to higher intensity nature-based uses. The zonation
system adopted for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve recognises and reflects:
 • Sensitive features associated with a protected area (i.e. biophysical, cultural and
sense of place).
• A general gradation in the zonation categories, in which the next use level provides
a buffer to the lower use level.
• Influence of existing and historic facilities, infrastructure and use.
• Opportunities and constraints (biophysical, social or managerial constraints) for
use.

The zonation system applied to the reserve includes the following categories:

Limited use An area where the ecotourism principles of low human impact will
zone prevail.
This area is largely free of any built infrastructure.
Moderate use This is also an area in which the ecotourism principles of low human
zone impact will prevail, but higher levels of usage are permitted.
This area includes the main road network, including access and game
viewing roads.
Tourism This is a node within the moderate use zone, which includes
development commercial tourism developments such as lodges, bush meal and
wedding sites.
node

4.1 Conceptual development guidelines

4.1.1 Limited Use Zone

This zone is designated for areas in which activities are to be limited to low-impact ecotourism
uses and conservation management interventions. Motor vehicle access into parts of the
reserve, for game viewing and management purposes is allowed in this zone, but off-road
driving is largely discouraged. The objective of this zone is to enable access and usage of the
nature reserve whilst limiting the impacts of this. This zone is not bound by the restrictions of
the nature reserve, although all residents MUST ensure that no adverse impacts occur on the
nature reserve from this zone.

Permissible activities:

• Game viewing using game viewing vehicles and guided game walks.
• Development of operational management and tourist infrastructure such as 4x4
vehicle trails and field ranger outposts.
• Cattle grazing is allowed during certain times of the year according to the
management plan.

Non-permissible activities:

• Non-guided tourist or visitor vehicle use.

• Clearing of areas for the staging of bush meals or weddings.
• Development of infrastructure other than 4x4 vehicle trails and field ranger
outposts, unless essential for management purposes.
• The possession or use of firearms unless authorised by reserve management.
4.1.2 Moderate use zone

This zone covers areas that encompass key zones for the development of management
infrastructure and moderate levels of tourist and visitor usage. Furthermore, this zone is
designated for areas of relatively high vehicle usage such as for visitors travelling to and from
the lodges within the nature reserve. The objective of this zone is to accommodate lodge-style
developments and to enable the development of operational management infrastructure such
as stores, maintenance areas and staff housing within the nature reserve. The infrastructure
and access routes associated with the private lodge are included within this zone, as well as
hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as roads for maintenance and operations.

Permissible activities:

• Maintenance of the main entry points and access roads through the nature
reserve.

Non-permissible activities:

• Removal of indigenous plants without the necessary permits.

• Introduction of non-indigenous grasses, trees or shrubs for landscaping purposes.
• Introduction (temporary or permanent) of domestic pets such as dogs or cats.
• The possession or use of firearms unless authorised by reserve management.

4.1.3 Potential Tourism development node

The team at the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve may develop a tented camp within the less
sensitive areas of the reserve, which will include sanitation and water infrastructure. This will
include a biodiversity and ecosystem service-sensitive design, which will have minimal impact
on the key features of the Reserve.
 5 Administrative structure

A description of and a diagram of an indicative organisational structure that depicts how

oversight and cooperation with partners is undertaken, and how operational management
activities are structures should be provided here.

Management
Authority

Stakeholders
Landowner Board
Conservation Partner NGO
authorities Endangered Wildlife
Trust

National
DEA

State protected areas

Reserve Warden Ncandu NR
Provincial
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Working on Fire

Facilities and Administration Ecological Security and Community

infrastructure and financial management law liaison
maintenance management enforcement

Research and Habitat and Invasive alien plant

monitoring wildlife control
management Working on Fire

Figure 5.1: Organisational structure for uMsonti Private Nature

Reserve
6 Operational Management framework

This section translates the strategic framework described in Section 3 above into management
activities and targets, which will be used to inform annual plans of operation and the resources
required to implement them. The management targets will form the basis for monitoring of
performance in implementing the plan and are thus measurable.

6.1 Legal compliance and law enforcement

The principles underlying the Management Plan for the uMsonti Private Nature Reserve are
based on general principles guiding the attainment of sustainability – sound resource
management; equitable and appropriate community involvement and beneficiation; the
creation of viable and sustainable business opportunities; and clear policies, objectives and
operational guidelines.

Within the South African context, ensuring compliance to relevant legislation is pivotal to the
attainment of sustainability, and it is imperative that all actions are compliant with all relevant
legislation, including:

Biodiversity, Nature Reserve and Cultural Resource Management and Development:

• The Constitution of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996)

• KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act (Act No. 9 of 1997)
• Animals Protection Act (No 71 of 1962)
• Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (No 45 of 1965)
• Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (No 43 of 1983)
• Criminal Procedure Act (1977)
• Forest Act (No 122 of 1984)
• National Environment Management Act (No 107 of 1998)
• National Environment Management Act: Biodiversity Act (No 10 of 2004)
• National Environment Management Act: Protected Areas Act (No 57 of 2003)
• National Forests Act (No 84 of 1998)
• National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999)
• AMAFA aKwaZulu-Natali / Heritage KwaZulu Natal: KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act
(Act No. 10 of 1997);
• KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Management Act (No 10 of 1977)
• Traditional Healers Act (Act No. 10 of 2004).
• National Water Act (No 36 of 1998)
• National Veld and Forest Fire Act (No 101 of 1998)
• National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999);
• Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (Act No. 32 of 2000);

Human Resource Management:

• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (No 75 of 1997)

• Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (No 130 of 1993)
• Labour Relations Act (No 66 of 1995)
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993)
• Skills Development Act (No 5 of 1998)
 • Unemployment Insurance Act (No 63 of 2001)

Not only do these Acts and Ordinances guide the specific decisions and actions, they also
provide the framework for monitoring performance and compliance, and provide guidelines
regarding contravention, offences and penalties.

The owners and managers of the Reserve have a responsibility to ensure that laws related to
the conservation of the reserve and efforts to combat illegal activities, in particular poaching,
are enforced. Furthermore, it is important that the reserve is properly legally secured and any
legal risks and liabilities are appropriately addressed and managed. On this basis, the following
guiding principles apply:

• All reasonable efforts must be made to ensure the effective conservation of

biodiversity within and on the boundaries of the nature reserve.
• Law enforcement in the reserve will be undertaken through surveillance,
monitoring and appropriate reaction in the event of an offence.
• Wildlife risks to people and infrastructure, both within the reserve and in
neighbouring areas, will be managed and minimised to ensure that all minimum
legal requirements are met and exceeded.

6.2 Business management and development

Opportunities to optimise income, return on investment and value for shareholders must be
realised. The natural resource base that supports the businesses that operate within the
reserve must be protected to ensure the long-term sustainability of its nature-based business
ventures. The following guiding principles will apply:

• The development and operation of business ventures and opportunities within the
Reserve will be consistent with the values and purpose for which it was created.

The operational requirements for legal compliance and law enforcement, and business
management and development are set out in Table 6-1 below.
 Table 6-1: Framework for legal compliance law enforcement and business management and development
Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt authority Partner
responsibility responsibility
NATURE RESERVE DECLARATION
The reserve is a legally The nature reserve must be declared in terms of the ▪ Legal protection of the entire extent of the Partial proclamation of
declared nature reserve. Protected Areas Act. reserve in terms of the requirements of the the reserve. Completion of the
Completion of legal
Protected Areas Act. No title deed Year 1 declaration
agreements.
endorsement on process.
declared properties.
LAW ENFORCEMENT

There is adequate law Develop an integrated security strategy for the ▪ Creation of cooperative structures Recorded losses of Development of Support to
enforcement within the nature reserve, which ensures collaboration with all with law enforcement officials. known rare and Year 1 strategy landowner
nature reserve. relevant institutions. endangered plant
Ensure that staff are equipped and trained to ▪ Regular patrols covering the full species. Implementation of Prosecution of
undertake patrols within the nature reserve for law extent of the nature reserve. Recorded losses of game a system of patrols Individuals caught
enforcement purposes. ▪ Prosecution of any offender caught species. Year 1- committing an
Implement a programme of patrols of the nature committing an offence. Frequent recovery of ongoing offence
reserve and its boundaries. snares.
Arson fires.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Income for the reserve Income generation within the reserve is optimised ▪ Income generation within the Inadequate budget for Development of Provision of advice
shareholders is optimised to ensure value for shareholders and adequate reserve ensures that there is an adequate the reserve. business ventures and guidance on
through tourist wildlife resources to protect and operate the reserve. budget to protect and operate the reserve. and associated environmental
ventures and sustainable infrastructure. issues in
utilisation of natural Ongoing Provisions of developing tourist
resources (consumptive finances to protect and visitor
and non-consumptive). and operate the activities and
reserve. supporting
infrastructure.
7 Monitoring and reporting

Monitoring and reporting is a critical component of the adaptive management cycle. It enables
the effective assessment of management interventions and, if necessary, can be used to direct
modifications of management in an effort to achieve the outcomes required.

7.1 Annual monitoring

The annual monitoring schedule should be designed to monitor the implementation of aspects
of the management plan. It should be designed to be straightforward and relatively easy to
implement by on-site staff.

Records should be maintained of key management interventions and of problem events or

incidents such as uncontrolled access, poaching, illegal plant collection or uncontrolled/arson
fires.

Scientific monitoring programmes may be established to monitor specific management

interventions such as measures for the protection of flagship species. Most of the outcomes
of the monitoring process will be captured in an annual report, which will be used to inform
the following year’s annual plan of operation.

On this basis, a monitoring schedule for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is set out in Table 7-1.
Table 7-1: Annual monitoring schedule for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve
Management issue Parameters to be monitored Monitoring measures Monitoring frequency Responsibility Reporting requirements
Fire management Moribund level of grass and previous burn history In field inspection with
Annually Manager Record of event
ecologist
Fire breaks Location of existing fire breaks In field inspection Annually Manager Record of event
Grazing management Existing camps Camp Fence assessment, basic
Veld condition and stocking rates veld assessment
Quarterly Manager Annual report
Stock count to ensure
compliance
Indigenous Forest Management Patrol forest for illegal medicinal plant collections Biannually
In field inspection Manager Annual report
and ensure fire preventative measures in place (every six months)
Alien species control and Areas of heavy plant infestation
Fixed point photography Quarterly Manager Annual report
management
Herbicide usage Written record Annually Manager Annual report

Wildlife Management Veld condition Game count Annually Landowner Annual report
Soil Erosion Eroded sites In field inspection Biannually Manager Annual report
Infrastructure Intactness of fence lines and droppers In field inspection Quarterly Manager Annual report
Buildings and sheds In field inspection Annually Landowner Annual report
Roads
Research Veld condition In field inspection: Pasture disc
pasture meter, key grass Annually Landowner Annual report
species ID etc.
7.2 Annual protected area management plan implementation review

The purpose of undertaking an annual review of implementation of the protected area

management plan will be to:

• Determine how effectively the management plan has been implemented.

• Assist in determining the focus for the annual plan of operation and the setting of
appropriate time frames and budgets.
• Enable effective adaptive management by identifying changes and modifying
management interventions.

The minutes of the annual management meeting will form the basis of the report on the
management plan review. The minutes should include records of recommendations for
update/changes to the five‐year plan so that when the five‐year plan is revised for the
subsequent five years, these recommendations can be assessed and included where necessary.
8 uMsonti Private Nature Reserve annual plan of operation

Each year an annual plan of operation will be prepared, based on the objectives, strategic
outcomes, management activities and targets contained in the management plan.

8.1 Implementation of the management plan

Figure 8.1: Process for the implementation of Management Plans

Each year an annual management meeting is to be held for the reserve. In terms of the
implementation of the management plan, the purpose of the annual management meeting for
uMsonti Private Nature Reserve will be to:

• Finalise the annual report, as part of the annual management plan review
described in above.
• As part of the annual performance review, determine the need to modify or change
any of the management plan’s objectives, strategic outcomes, management
activities or targets.
• Determine management activities for the coming year and to set goals for the year,
based on the key performance areas set out in the management plan.
• Determine how budgets will be spent in an effort to achieve the goals for each of
the quarters of the coming year.

The minutes and notes of the annual management meeting will be compiled in an annual plan
of operation, which will include all of the information, set out above, and will determine what
management activities need to be completed for the coming year, based on the management
plan. A pro forma annual plan of operation is set out in Appendix E.
8.2 Responsibilities in implementing the protected area management plan

In the tables in the operational management framework, the responsibilities for the completion
of management activities are identified. In many cases the people responsible for
implementing the activities will be in attendance at the annual management meeting and the
requirements for the achievement of the management activities can be discussed and agreed
to at the meeting. In some cases, however, the management activities may be required to be
referred to an individual within a conservation authority or another partner to ensure that they
implement the management activity.

8.3 uMsonti Private Nature Reserve resource requirements

In developing annual plans of operation for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve the resource
requirements, associated with management activities and targets set out in the operational
management framework must be considered and budgeted for. The following section broadly
identifies the issues that must be considered in determining adequate human resources, funds
and equipment for the site.

8.3.1 Staff and equipment

Annual plans of operation must consider the staff and equipment needs to undertake the
following activities:

• Community liaison and the implementation of socio-economic projects aimed at

improving livelihoods within the communities surrounding the reserve.
• Implementation of an education, awareness and interpretation programme for the
reserve.
• Periodic rangeland condition assessments and other technical ecological
management activities.
• An annual game census.
• Annual game off-takes and population control.
• An annual burning programme and firefighting response to wildfires.
• An ongoing invasive alien plant species control programme, and an ongoing bush
encroachment control programme.
• An ongoing soil erosion control and rehabilitation programme.
• The implementation and maintenance of scientific research, surveillance and
monitoring programmes.
• Maintenance of roads, paths and fences within the site.
• Maintenance of facilities and infrastructure within the site.
• Capture of visitor information.
• Admitting visitors to the site and charging entrance fees.
• Human resource management, and staff training and capacity development.
• Compliance with requirements in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
8.3.2 Projects

In addition to the requirements for annual recurrent funding for the issues outlined above,
there will be a need to identify funding requirements for the following capital projects:

• Vulture Restaurant: there was originally a vulture restaurant on the Reserve, and
there are plans to re-establish it.
• Educational hikes: educational hikes will take place with a focus on environmental
education with school learners.
REFERENCES
Amajuba District Municipality. 2016. Draft Integrated Development Plan 2016/17.
B9356 Amajuba Building, Section 1, Madadeni.

Burns, A. 2009, KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Programme: Site Review for Ncandu and
surrounds.

Burns, A., Ngwenya, P and Johnson, I. 2009. KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Programme:
Site Assessment of Ncandu and surrounds.

WWF South Africa. 2011. Management plan: Ncandu Private Forest and Grassland
Reserve, South Africa. WWF-SA, Newlands.

Cowan, G.I. 2006. Guidance for the development of management plans in terms of the
National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria.

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. 2008. The National Protected Area
Expansion Strategy 2008-2012. Pretoria.

Mentis, M.T. and Tainton, N.M. 1984. The Effect of Fire on Forage Production and
Quality. Ecological Effects of Fire in South African Ecosystems. pp 245-254.

Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (Eds.) 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho
and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Newcastle Advertiser. 1986. Farm set aside for Natural Heritage Programme. Edition
85 (39): 1.

O’Connor, T.G. 2005. Influence of land use on plant community composition and
diversity in Highland Sourveld grassland in the southern Drakensberg, South
Africa. Journal of Applied Ecology 2005 (42). pp 975-988.

O’Connor, T.G. and Bredenkamp, G.J. 1997. Grassland. In: Cowling, R.M., Richardson,
D.M., Pierce, S.M. (Eds). Vegetation of Southern Africa. Cambridge University
Press: London. pp 215-257.

South African Natural Heritage Programme Annual Report. 1987. Register of South
African Natural Heritage Sites: 1985 – 1987.

Smit, C.M., Bredenkamp, G.J. and van Rooyen, N. 1993. Woodland plant communities
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Stolton, S., Hockings, M., Dudley, N., MacKinnon, K., Whitten, T. and Leverington, F.
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Trollope, W.S.W. 1999. Veld Burning. In: Tainton, N.M. (Ed) Veld Management in South
Africa. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.
 Appendix A

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Alien species Species or genotypes, which are not indigenous to Ntsikeni Nature Reserve and
the surrounding area including hybrids and genetically altered organisms.

Biodiversity The variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial,
marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they
are part and also includes diversity within species, between species, and of
ecosystems (as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act,
2004 [Act No. 10 of 2004]).

Bioprospecting In relation to indigenous biological resources, means any research on, or

development or application of, indigenous biological resources for commercial or
industrial exploitation, and includes – the systematic search, collection or
gathering of such resources or making extractions from such resources for
purposes of such research, development or application (as per the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 [Act No. 10 of 2004])

Buffer zone An area surrounding a protected area that has restrictions placed on its use or
where collaborative projects and programmes are undertaken to afford additional
protection to the nature reserve.

Co- The term ‘Co-management’ must be understood within the context of Section 42
management of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No.
57 of 2003).

Cultural As defined in Article 1 of the World Heritage Convention (UNESCO) 1972 , ‘cultural
heritage heritage’ is considered as “monuments, architectural works, works of monumental
sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an archaeological nature,
inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, which are of (…) value
from the point of view of history, art or science, groups of buildings, groups of
separate or connected buildings which, because of their architecture, their
homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of significance from the point of
view of history, art or science, sites, works of man or the combined works of nature
and man, and areas including archaeological sites which are of (…) value from the
historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view.” For the
purpose of this IMP, living heritage features such as mountains, pools, rivers,
boulders, etc. as well as palaeontological features are included under this
definition.

Ecotourism The travel to natural areas to learn about the way of life and cultural history of
people, the natural history of the environment, while taking care not to change
the environment and contributing to the economic welfare of the local people
(adapted from a definition of ecotourism by Hecto Ceballos Lascurain).

Ecological The sum of the biological, physical and chemical components of an ecosystem and
integrity its products, functions and attributes (as per the National Environmental
Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Ecosystem A dynamic complex of animal, plant and micro-organism communities and their
non-living environment interacting as a functional unit (as per the National
Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).
 Appendix A

Ecosystem As defined in Section 1 of the National Environmental Management: Protected

services Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) as “environmental goods and services”
meaning:
a. Benefits obtained from ecosystems such as food, fuel and fibre and genetic
resources.
b. Benefits from the regulation of ecosystem processes such as climate
regulation, disease and flood control and detoxification.
c. Cultural non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems such as benefits of a
spiritual, recreational, aesthetic, inspirational, educational, community and
symbolic nature;”
For the purposes of this IMP, sustainable water production is also specifically
included under this definition.
Environmental The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air,
degradation water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the loss of species or undesirable
reduction of species population numbers from a specific area from an
environmental health perspective

Indigenous In relation to a specific protected area, means a species that occurs, or has
species historically occurred, naturally in a free state of nature within that specific
protected area, but excludes a species introduced in that protected area as a result
of human activity (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected
Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Invasive Means any species whose establishment and spread outside of its natural
species distribution range –
a. Threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species or have a demonstrable
potential to threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species.
b. May result in economic and environmental harm or harm to human health.
(As per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act
No. 57 of 2003]).

Joint The agreed co-ordination of management and/or management actions by

management landowners and/or mandated managers on their individual or combined
properties in order to achieve common management objectives.
Local Any community of people living or having rights or interests in a distinct
community geographical area (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected
Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).
Management In relation to a protected area, includes control, protection, conservation,
maintenance and rehabilitation of the protected area with due regard to the use
and extraction of biological resources, community-based practices and benefit
sharing activities in the area in a manner consistent with the Biodiversity Act (as
per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No.
57 of 2003).

Management In relation to a protected area, means the organ of state or other institution or
authority person in which the authority to manage the protected area is vested (as per the
National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of
2003]).
 Appendix A

Monitoring The collection and analysis of repeated observations or measurements to evaluate

change in status, distribution or integrity in order to track the impacts of directed
management implemented to achieve a stated management objective.
Neighbouring the communities and people permanently living in the local municipal area/s
community bordering onto the Nature Reserve.
Natural As defined in Article 2 of the World Heritage Convention (UNESCO) 1972 ‘natural
heritage heritage’ is as: “natural features consisting of physical and biological formations or
groups of such formations, which are of (…) value from the aesthetic or scientific point
of view, geological and physiographical formations and precisely delineated areas
which constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants of (…) value
from the point of view of science or conservation, natural sites or precisely delineated
natural areas of (…) value from the point of view of science, conservation or natural
beauty.” For the purposes of this IMP, this would include the required ecological
integrity of the protected area for the production of ecosystem services.

Partnerships A co-operative and / or collaborative arrangement between the Game Reserve

management / EKZNW and a third party that supports the achievement of the Game
Reserve management objectives.
Protected • Means any area declared or proclaimed as such in terms of section 3 or listed in
areas the Second Schedule to the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management
Act, 1997 (Act No. 9 of 1997); or
• Means any of the protected areas referred to in section 9 of the National
Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).

Stakeholders/ These are interested individuals or groups concerned with or affected by an activity
interested and its consequences. These include the authorities, local communities, investors,
parties work force, consumers, environmental interest groups and the general public.
According to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act
No. 10 of 2004), “stakeholder” means a person, an organ of state or a community
contemplated in section 82 (1) (a), or an indigenous community contemplated in
section 82(1) (b).

Surveillance The collection and analysis of single or repeated measurements to establish status or
distribution or integrity at a point in time in the absence of a specific management
context or objective.

Sustainable In relation to the use of a biological resource, means the use of such resource in a way
and at a rate that would not lead to its long-term decline; would not disrupt the
ecological integrity of the ecosystem in which it occurs; and would ensure its
continued use to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations
of people (as per National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act
No. 10 of 2004).

Wilderness Means an area designated in terms of section 22 or 26 for the purpose of retaining an
area intrinsically wild appearance and character, or capable of being restored to such and
which is undeveloped and roadless, without permanent improvements or human
 habitation (as defined by the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas
Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).
World Means a World Heritage Site as defined in the World Heritage Convention Act, No. 49
heritage site of 1999 under Chapter 1, section 1 subsection (xxiv).
 Appendix B

LIST OF STATUTES TO WHICH THE UMSONTI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE IS SUBJECT

Biodiversity and Cultural Resource Management and Development:

• Animals Protection Act [No. 71 of 1962]

• Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act [No. 45 of 1965]
• Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act [No. 43 of 1983]
• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa [No. 108 of 1996]
• Criminal Procedures Act [1977]
• Environment Conservation Act [No. 73 of 1989]
• Forest Act [No. 122 of 1984]
• Hazardous Substances Act [No. 15 of 1973]
• KwaZulu Nature Conservation Act [No. 8 of 1975]
• KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Management Act [No. 10 of 1997]
• KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act [No. 9 of 1997]
• National Environmental Management Act [No. 107 of 1998]
• National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act [No. 10 of 2004]
• National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act [No. 57 of 2003]
• National Forests Act [No. 84 of 1998]
• National Heritage Resources Act [No. 25 of 1999]
• National Water Act [No. 36 of 1998]
• National Water Amendment Act [No. 45 of 1999]
• National Veld and Forest Fire Act [No 101 of 1998]
• Nature Conservation Ordinance [No. 15 of 1974]

General Management:

• Development Facilitation Act [No. 67 of 1995]

• Disaster Management Act [No. 57 of 2002]
• Fire Brigade Services Act [No. 99 of 1987]
• Local Government: Municipal Systems Act [No. 32 of 2000]
• National Road Traffic Act [No. 93 of 1996]
• National Building Standards Act [No. 103 of 1977]
• Natal Town Planning Ordinance [No. 27 of 1949]
• Occupational Health and Safety Act [No. 85 of 1993]
• KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act [No. 5 of 1998]
• Water Services Act [No. 108 of 1997]
Financial Management: Appendix B
• Public Finance Management Act [No. 1 of 1999]

Human Resource Management:

• Basic Conditions of Employment Act [No. 75 of 1997]

• Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act [No. 53 of 2003]
• Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act [No. 130 of 1993]
• Employment Equity Act [No. 55 of 1998]
• Labour Relations Act [No. 66 of 1995]
• Occupational Health and Safety Act [No. 85 of 1993]
• Pension Funds Act [No. 24 of 1956]
• Skills Development Act [No. 97 of 1998]
• Skills Development Levies Act [No. 9 of 1999]
• Unemployment Insurance Act [No. 63 of 2001]
 Appendix C

COPY OF UMSONTI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE PROCLAMATION

 SPECIES LISTS Appendix D

Species List from the botanical survey conducted on 30 November 2017

Species Lat Long
Hypoxis acuminata -27.9502 29.73048
Asclepias acuminata -27.9502 29.73048
Senecio sp -27.9502 29.73048
Pentanisia prunelloides -27.9502 29.73048
Scabiosa columbaria -27.9502 29.73048
Acalypha sp -27.9502 29.73048
Ledebouria sandersonii -27.9502 29.73048
Rhyncosia sp -27.9502 29.73048
Clerodendrum hirsutum -27.9502 29.73048
Hypoxis angustifolia var angustifolia -27.9502 29.73048
Kohautia amatymbica -27.9502 29.73048
Eucomis sp -27.9502 29.73048
Merwillia sp -27.9502 29.73048
Oxalis smithiana -27.9502 29.73048
Anthericum cooperi -27.9502 29.73048
Pelargonium sp -27.9502 29.73048
Oxalis obliqufolia -27.9502 29.73048
Ledebouria sp -27.9491 29.7295
Diospyros sp -27.9492 29.72952
Cyperus albostriatus -27.9492 29.72952
Ledebouria sp 1 -27.9502 29.73048
Polygala praticola -27.9499 29.73034
Gnidia caffra -27.9502 29.73048
Eriosema sp -27.9502 29.73048
Ledebouria sp 2 -27.9492 29.72953
Graderia scabra -27.9502 29.73048
Hypoxis rigida -27.9502 29.73048
Becium obovatum -27.9502 29.73048
Eriosema krausiana -27.9502 29.73048
Gnidia kaffra -27.9502 29.73048
Podocarpus falcatus -27.9492 29.72952
Adiantum sp -27.9492 29.72952
Carissa bispinosa -27.9492 29.72952
Asparagus sp 1 -27.9492 29.72952
Asparagus sp 2 -27.9492 29.72952
Searsia dentata -27.9492 29.72952
Cussonia sp -27.9492 29.72952
Scilla natalensis -27.9492 29.72952
Bowkeria verticillata -27.9492 29.72952
Calodendrum capense -27.9492 29.72952
 Appendix D
Elaodendron transvaalense -27.9492 29.72952
Streptocarpus gardenia -27.9492 29.72952
Geranium sp -27.9492 29.72952
Cyanotis speciosa -27.9502 29.73047
Cyperus sp -27.9502 29.73047
Indigofera hilaris -27.9502 29.73047
Melinis repens subsp. repens -27.9502 29.73047
Felicia moratii -27.9502 29.73047
Monopsis decipens -27.9502 29.73047
Persicaria sp -27.9502 29.73047
Polygala sp -27.9502 29.73047
Lobelia sp -27.9502 29.73047
Pentanisia sp -27.9502 29.73047
 Appendix D

Plant list recorded within 5 km buffer of Ncandu Private Forest and Grassland reserve
(adapted from Burns et al. 2009)
Acalypha schinzii
Acalypha wilmsii
Achyranthes sicula
Alectra capensis
Andropogon amethystinus
Anthericum acutum
Anthericum fasciculatum
Anthospermum herbaceum
Argyrolobium adscendens
Argyrolobium harveyanum
Aristea ecklonii
Asplenium lunulatum
Athrixia arachnoidea
Berkheya echinacea echinacea
Berkheya setifera
Brunsvigia natalensis
Buddleja auriculata
Calpurnia aurea aurea
Calpurnia sericea
Canthium gilfillanii
Canthium kuntzeanum
Canthium spinosum
Centella glabrata var. glabrata
Cephalanthus natalensis
Cerastium arabidis
Cliffortia browniana
Clutia cordata
Clutia hirsuta
Clutia laxa
Coccinia palmata
Commelina africana var. africana
Conyza obscura
Corycium dracomontanum
Cotula hispida
Crassula lanceolata lanceolata
Crassula lineolata
Crassula obovata var. dregeana
Crassula transvaalensis
Crassula vaginata vaginata
Craterocapsa tarsodes
Cynoglossum hispidum
Cyperus albostriatus
Cyperus rupestris var. rupestris
Cyperus schlechteri Appendix D
Cyphia elata var. elata
Diclis reptans
Diclis rotundifolia
Dicoma anomala
Diheteropogon filifolius
Disa stachyoides
Disa woodii
Drimia neriniformis
Eragrostis racemosa
Erica caffrorum var. aristula
Erica caffrorum var. caffrorum
Erica leucopelta var. leucopelta
Erica oatesii var. latifolia
Eriosema simulans
Eucomis autumnalis clavata
Euphorbia striata var. striata
Euryops pedunculatus
Euryops transvaalensis
Felicia quinquenervia
Fimbristylis dichotoma
Galtonia candicans
Galtonia candicans
Gazania krebsiana arctotoides
Geranium wakkerstroomianum
Gerbera piloselloides
Gnidia baurii
Gnidia caffra
Gnidia kraussiana var. kraussiana
Gnidia microcephala
Gomphostigma virgatum
Greyia sutherlandii
Haemanthus humilis hirsutus
Haplocarpha scaposa
Hebenstretia comosa
Hebenstretia oatesii oatesii
Helichrysum adenocarpum adenocarpum
Helichrysum aureonitens
Helichrysum aureum var. monocephalum
Helichrysum cephaloideum
Helichrysum cooperi
Helichrysum coriaceum
Helichrysum cymosum cymosum
Helichrysum miconiifolium
Helichrysum monticola
Helichrysum opacum
Helichrysum oreophilum
Helichrysum pallidum
Helichrysum pilosellum Appendix D
Helichrysum scopulosum
Helichrysum simillimum
Helichrysum spiralepis
Helichrysum splendidum
Helichrysum subglomeratum
Helichrysum sutherlandii
Helichrysum tenuiculum
Helichrysum umbraculigerum
Hesperantha baurii baurii
Hypericum aethiopicum aethiopicum
Hypericum aethiopicum sonderi
Hypoestes triflora
Hypoxis costata
Hypoxis filiformis
Hypoxis galpinii
Hypoxis multiceps
Hypoxis obtusa
Hypoxis parvula var. parvula
Hypoxis rigidula var. rigidula
Indigofera eriocarpa
Indigofera hilaris var. hilaris
Juncus effusus
Kniphofia ensifolia autumnalis
Kniphofia laxiflora
Kniphofia linearifolia
Koeleria capensis
Ledebouria ovalifolia
Ledebouria revoluta
Lobelia decipiens
Lobelia vanreenensis
Lotononis amajubica
Lotononis eriantha
Lotononis eriocarpa
Lotononis foliosa
Maytenus acuminata var. acuminata
Maytenus undata
Microchloa caffra
Monsonia attenuata
Moraea trita
Muraltia empetroides
Myosotis afropalustris
Myosotis sylvatica
Myrica brevifolia
Myrsine africana
Nemesia denticulata
Nidorella anomala
Nolletia rarifolia
Olinia emarginata Appendix D
Oxygonum dregeanum dregeanum
Panicum natalense
Pearsonia grandifolia grandifolia
Pelargonium luridum
Pennisetum sphacelatum
Pentanisia angustifolia
Peperomia tetraphylla
Phygelius aequalis
Pimpinella caffra
Polygala hottentotta
Polygala praticola
Polygonum salicifolium
Printzia auriculata
Printzia laxa
Protea caffra caffra
Protea roupelliae roupelliae
Pteridium aquilinum
Pygmaeothamnus chamaedendrum var. chamaedendrum
Rabdosiella calycina
Rhus pyroides var. pyroides
Rhus tomentosa
Rumex acetosella
Rumex steudelianus
Satyrium longicauda var. longicauda
Scabiosa columbaria
Schistostephium crataegifolium
Schistostephium griseum
Scilla nervosa
Scolopia mundii
Sebaea grandis
Sebaea rehmannii
Sebaea sedoides var. sedoides
Selago junodii
Selago longicalyx
Senecio barbatus
Senecio burchellii
Senecio coronatus
Senecio deltoideus
Senecio discodregeanus
Senecio hastatus
Senecio isatidioides
Senecio rhomboideus
Senecio scitus
Senecio speciosus
Senecio subrubriflorus
Senecio umgeniensis
Silene burchellii var. burchellii
Silene undulata
Solanum pseudocapsicum Appendix D
Sopubia cana var. cana
Stachys grandifolia
Sutera floribunda
Tephrosia polystachya var. hirta
Tephrosia polystachya var. polystachya
Thesium asterias
Thesium costatum var. costatum
Thesium goetzeanum
Thesium racemosum
Tolpis capensis
Trachyandra reflexipilosa
Troglophyton capillaceum capillaceum
Turbina oblongata
Ursinia alpina
Ursinia montana apiculata
Ursinia montana montana
Vernonia monocephala
Vernonia natalensis
Wahlenbergia cuspidata
Walafrida densiflora
Zaluzianskya glareosa
Zaluzianskya microsiphon
Zaluzianskya pulvinata
General Fauna List recorded in area surrounding uMsonti Private Nature Reserve (adapted
from Burns et al. 2009)
Appendix D
Name Scientific Name
Mountain Pride Aeropetes tulbaghia
Friendly pond hawker Aeshna minuscula
Common river frog Afrana angolensis
Cape river frog Afrana fuscigula
Goldtail Allocnemis leucosticta
Natal mountain catfish Amphilius natalensis
Longfin eel Anguilla mossambica
Common Hairtail Anthene definita definita
Divided agate snail Archachatina dimidiata
Chubbyhead barb Barbus anoplus
Goldie barb Barbus pallidus
Brown-veined White Belenois aurota aurota
African Common White Belenois creona severina
Scarce Scarlet Bowkeria phosphor borealis
Dwarf chameleon Bradypodion sp nov
Festive Red Tiger (moth) Brephos festiva
Penther's bushveld rain frog Breviceps adspersus pentheri
Karoo toad Bufo gariepensis gariepensis
Guttural toad Bufo gutturalis
Common Geranium Bronze Cacyreus marshalli
Orange-banded Protea-butterfly Capys alphaeus extentus
Warren's coal-black scorpion Cheloctonus anthracinus warreni
Mountain sylph Chlorolestes fasciatus
African Clouded Yellow Colias electo electo
Black wildebeest Connochaetes gnou
Transvaal girdled lizard Cordylus vittifer
Herald snake Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia
Common molerat Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis
Common Meadow Blue Cupidopsis cissus
Spike-femured robberfly Damalis femoralis
African Monarch Danaus chrysippus aegyptius
Northern black millipede Doratogonus septentrionalis
Common African blue Enallagma glaucum
Cratered leaf chafer Eriesthis hypocrita
Broad-bordered Grass Yellow Eurema brigitta brigitta
Marsh Blue Harpendyreus noquasa
Natal ghost frog Heleophryne natalensis
White-haired robber fly Hypenetes argothrix
Fulvous Ranger Kedestes mohozutza
Lucerne Blue Lampides boeticus
Lucerne Blue Laniarius ferrugineus
Peter's thread snake Lioptilus nigricapillus
Eastern Sorrel Copper Mabuya punctatissima
Montane speckled skink Macronyx capensis
Gold-spotted Sylph Metisella metis paris
Gold-spotted Sylph Motacilla capensis Appendix D
[insect] Neolophonotus wroughtoni
Delalande's sandveld lizard Nucras lalandii
Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Mountain marsh orthetrum Oriolus larvatus
Vlei rat Otomys irroratus
Green-banded Swallowtail Papilio nireus lyaeus
Chacma baboon Papio hamadryas
Brook brown-tail Paragomphus cognatus
Burchell's sand lizard Pedioplanis burchelli
Grey rhebuck Pelea capreolus
Gaudy Commodore Phyllastrephus terrestris
Bourquin's earthworm Precis octavia sesamus
Rock hyrax Procavia capensis
Mole snake Pseudaspis cana
Drakensberg crag lizard Pseudocordylus melanotis melanotis
Spiny crag lizard Pseudocordylus spinosus
False Silver-bottom Brown Pseudonympha magoides
Mountain reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula fulvorufula
Four-striped grass mouse Rhabdomys pumilio
Drakensberg tail-wagger Sheldonia transvaalensis
Curle's Brown Stygionympha curlei
Common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia
Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus
Upland spectrum-blue dropwing Trithemis dorsalis
Dismal Sylph Tsitana tsita
Beautiful scorpion Uroplectes formosus formosus
Painted Lady (butterfly) Vanessa cardui
Pearlrose's spined millipede Zinophora pearlae
Birds recorded for the South African Bird Atlas Project 2 (SABAP 2) for the
2729 DC Quarter Degree
Name Scientific Name Appendix D

Quail, Common Coturnix coturnix

Spurfowl, Natal Pternistis natalensis
Spurfowl, Swainson's Pternistis swainsonii
Francolin, Grey-winged Scleroptila africanus
Francolin, Red-winged Scleroptila levaillantii
Guineafowl, Helmeted Numida meleagris
Goose, Egyptian Alopochen aegyptiacus
Teal, Red-billed Anas erythrorhyncha
Duck, African Black Anas sparsa
Duck, Yellow-billed Anas undulata
Goose, Spur-winged Plectropterus gambensis
Honeyguide, Greater Indicator indicator
Honeyguide, Lesser Indicator minor
Woodpecker, Golden-tailed Campethera abingoni
Woodpecker, Cardinal Dendropicos fuscescens
Woodpecker, Olive Dendropicos griseocephalus
Woodpecker, Ground Geocolaptes olivaceus
Wryneck, Red-throated Jynx ruficollis
Barbet, Black-collared Lybius torquatus
Tinkerbird, Red-fronted Pogoniulus pusillus
Barbet, Acacia Pied Tricholaema leucomelas
Hoopoe, African Upupa africana
Wood-hoopoe, Green Phoeniculus purpureus
Kingfisher, Malachite Alcedo cristata
Kingfisher, Half-collared Alcedo semitorquata
Kingfisher, Brown-hooded Halcyon albiventris
Kingfisher, Pied Ceryle rudis
Kingfisher, Giant Megaceryle maximus
Mousebird, Speckled Colius striatus
Mousebird, Red-faced Urocolius indicus
Cuckoo, Diderick Chrysococcyx caprius
Cuckoo, Klaas's Chrysococcyx klaas
Cuckoo, Black Cuculus clamosus
Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuculus solitarius
Swift, Little Apus affinis
Swift, Common Apus apus
Swift, African Black Apus barbatus Appendix D
Swift, White-rumped Apus caffer
Swift, Horus Apus horus
Palm-swift, African Cypsiurus parvus
Swift, Alpine Tachymarptis melba
Eagle-owl, Spotted Bubo africanus
Eagle-owl, Cape Bubo capensis
Nightjar, Fiery-necked Caprimulgus pectoralis
Dove, Lemon Aplopelia larvata
Olive-pigeon, African Columba arquatrix
Pigeon, Speckled Columba guinea
Dove, Rock Columba livia
Dove, Namaqua Oena capensis
Turtle-dove, Cape Streptopelia capicola
Dove, Red-eyed Streptopelia semitorquata
Dove, Laughing Streptopelia senegalensis
Korhaan, Northern Black Afrotis afraoides
Korhaan, Blue Eupodotis caerulescens
Korhaan, White-bellied Eupodotis senegalensis
Bustard, Denham's Neotis denhami
Crane, Blue Anthropoides paradiseus
Crane, Grey Crowned Balearica regulorum
Crake, Black Amaurornis flavirostris
Coot, Red-knobbed Fulica cristata
Moorhen, Common Gallinula chloropus
Crake, Baillon's Porzana pusilla
Rail, African Rallus caerulescens
Snipe, African Gallinago nigripennis
Thick-knee, Spotted Burhinus capensis
Plover, Three-banded Charadrius tricollaris
Lapwing, Blacksmith Vanellus armatus
Lapwing, Crowned Vanellus coronatus
Lapwing, African Wattled Vanellus senegallus
Tern, Whiskered Chlidonias hybrida
Tern, White-winged Chlidonias leucopterus
Sparrowhawk, Black Accipiter melanoleucus
Sparrowhawk, Rufous-chested Accipiter rufiventris
Eagle, Verreaux's Aquila verreauxii
Buzzard, Jackal Buteo rufofuscus
Buzzard, Forest Buteo trizonatus Appendix D
Buzzard, Steppe Buteo vulpinus
Harrier, Black Circus maurus
Marsh-harrier, African Circus ranivorus
Kite, Black-shouldered Elanus caeruleus
Vulture, Cape Gyps coprotheres
Eagle, Long-crested Lophaetus occipitalis
Kite, Yellow-billed Milvus aegyptius
Eagle, Martial Polemaetus bellicosus
Harrier-Hawk, African Polyboroides typus
Secretarybird, Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius
Falcon, Amur Falco amurensis
Falcon, Lanner Falco biarmicus
Kestrel, Lesser Falco naumanni
Kestrel, Greater Falco rupicoloides
Kestrel, Rock Falco rupicolus
Grebe, Little Tachybaptus ruficollis
Darter, African Anhinga rufa
Cormorant, Reed Phalacrocorax africanus
Heron, Grey Ardea cinerea
Heron, Black-headed Ardea melanocephala
Heron, Purple Ardea purpurea
Egret, Cattle Bubulcus ibis
Egret, Yellow-billed Egretta intermedia
Egret, Little Egretta garzetta
Hamerkop, Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
Ibis, Hadeda Bostrychia hagedash
Ibis, Southern Bald Geronticus calvus
Spoonbill, African Platalea alba
Ibis, Glossy Plegadis falcinellus
Ibis, African Sacred Threskiornis aethiopicus
Stork, White Ciconia ciconia
Stork, Black Ciconia nigra
Fiscal, Common (Southern) Lanius collaris
Shrike, Red-backed Lanius collurio
Batis, Cape Batis capensis
Batis, Chinspot Batis molitor
Raven, White-necked Corvus albicollis
Crow, Pied Corvus albus
Crow, Cape Corvus capensis
Drongo, Fork-tailed Dicrurus adsimilis
Appendix D
Puffback, Black-backed Dryoscopus cubla
Boubou, Southern Laniarius ferrugineus
Oriole, Black-headed Oriolus larvatus
Flycatcher, Fairy Stenostira scita
Tchagra, Black-crowned Tchagra senegalus
Bush-shrike, Olive Telophorus olivaceus
Bokmakierie, Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus
Paradise-flycatcher, African Terpsiphone viridis
Flycatcher, Pale Bradornis pallidus
Chat, Familiar Cercomela familiaris
Robin-chat, Cape Cossypha caffra
Robin-chat, Chorister Cossypha dichroa
Rock-thrush, Sentinel Monticola explorator
Rock-thrush, Cape Monticola rupestris
Flycatcher, African Dusky Muscicapa adusta
Chat, Anteating Myrmecocichla formicivora
Chat, Buff-streaked Oenanthe bifasciata
Wheatear, Mountain Oenanthe monticola
Thrush, Groundscraper Psophocichla litsipsirupa
Stonechat, African Saxicola torquatus
Flycatcher, Fiscal Sigelus silens
Thrush, Olive Turdus olivaceus
Thrush, Kurrichane Turdus libonyanus
Thrush, Karoo Turdus smithi
Starling, Cape Glossy Lamprotornis nitens
Starling, Red-winged Onychognathus morio
Starling, Pied Spreo bicolor
Tit, Southern Black Parus niger
House-martin, Common Delichon urbicum
Swallow, Lesser Striped Hirundo abyssinica
Swallow, White-throated Hirundo albigularis
Swallow, Greater Striped Hirundo cucullata
Martin, Rock Hirundo fuligula
Swallow, Barn Hirundo rustica
Cliff-swallow, South African Hirundo spilodera
Saw-wing, Black (Southern race) Psalidoprocne holomelaena
Martin, Banded Riparia cincta
Martin, Brown-throated Riparia paludicola Appendix D
Greenbul, Sombre Andropadus importunus
Brownbul, Terrestrial Phyllastrephus terrestris
Bulbul, Dark-capped Pycnonotus tricolor
Apalis, Bar-throated Apalis thoracica
Cisticola, Lazy Cisticola aberrans
Cisticola, Wing-snapping Cisticola ayresii
Cisticola, Pale-crowned Cisticola cinnamomeus
Neddicky, Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla
Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola juncidis
Cisticola, Wailing Cisticola lais
Cisticola, Cloud Cisticola textrix
Cisticola, Levaillant's Cisticola tinniens
Prinia, Drakensberg Prinia hypoxantha
Prinia, Tawny-flanked Prinia subflava
White-eye, Cape Zosterops virens
Reed-warbler, African Acrocephalus baeticatus
Swamp-warbler, Lesser Acrocephalus gracilirostris
Rush-warbler, Little Bradypterus baboecala
Warbler, Barratt's Bradypterus barratti
Blackcap, Bush Lioptilus nigricapillus
Warbler, Willow Phylloscopus trochilus
Grassbird, Cape Sphenoeacus afer
Lark, Red-capped Calandrella cinerea
Lark, Eastern Long-billed Certhilauda semitorquata
Lark, Spike-heeled Chersomanes albofasciata
Lark, Rudd's Heteromirafra ruddi
Lark, Rufous-naped Mirafra africana
Lark, Eastern Clapper Mirafra fasciolata
Sunbird, Greater Double-collared Cinnyris afer
Sunbird, Southern Double-collared Cinnyris chalybeus
Sunbird, Malachite Nectarinia famosa
Sunbird, White-bellied Cinnyris talatala
Finch, Cuckoo Anomalospiza imberbis
Pipit, Yellow-breasted Anthus chloris
Pipit, African Anthus cinnamomeus
Pipit, African Rock Anthus crenatus
Pipit, Plain-backed Anthus leucophrys
Pipit, Long-billed Anthus similis
Pipit, Buffy Anthus vaalensis Appendix D
Waxbill, Swee Coccopygia melanotis
Waxbill, Common Estrilda astrild
Bishop, Yellow-crowned Euplectes afer
Widowbird, Red-collared Euplectes ardens
Widowbird, Fan-tailed Euplectes axillaris
Bishop, Yellow Euplectes capensis
Bishop, Southern Red Euplectes orix
Widowbird, Long-tailed Euplectes progne
Firefinch, African Lagonosticta rubricata
Longclaw, Cape Macronyx capensis
Wagtail, Cape Motacilla capensis
Quailfinch, African Ortygospiza atricollis
Sparrow, Southern Grey-headed Passer diffusus
Sparrow, Cape Passer melanurus
Sparrow-weaver, White-browed Plocepasser mahali
Weaver, Cape Ploceus capensis
Masked-weaver, Southern Ploceus velatus
Quelea, Red-billed Quelea quelea
Mannikin, Bronze Lonchura cucullatus
Waxbill, Blue Uraeginthus angolensis
Whydah, Pin-tailed Vidua macroura
Bunting, Cape Emberiza capensis
Bunting, Golden-breasted Emberiza flaviventris
Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted Emberiza tahapisi
Canary, Black-throated Crithagra atrogularis
Canary, Cape Serinus canicollis
Seedeater, Streaky-headed Crithagra gularis
Canary, Yellow-fronted Crithagra mozambicus
Canary, Forest Crithagra scotops
Modelled or likely distribution range of Red Data species (according to the KZN Strategic
Environmental Assessment or any other reputable source of such information, adapted from
WWF South Africa, 2011)
Type Scientific Name
Appendix D
fish Barbus pallidus
amphibian Leptopelis xenodactylus
annelid Proandricus bourquini
bird Bucorvus leadbeateri
bird Bugeranus carunculatus
bird Hemimacronyx chloris
bird Lioptilus nigricapillus
gastropod Archachatina burnupi
gastropod Natalina reenenensis
insect Bittacus bicornis
insect Bittacus sobrinis
insect Charaxes xiphares
insect Chrysoritis oreas
insect Damalis femoralis
insect Dasophrys dorattina
insect Durbania amakosa
insect Neolophonotus argyphus
insect Neolophonotus hirsutus
insect Neolophonotus sp
insect Neolophonotus leucodiadema
insect Stagira dracomontanoides
mammal Chrysospalyx villosus
medicinal plant Alepidea amatymbica
medicinal plant Curtisia dentata
medicinal plant Eucomis autumnalis
plant Bowiea volubilis
plant Ocotea bullata
plant Stachys rivularis
reptile Bradypodion thamnobates
Key species recorded in the vicinity (Burns 2009) Appendix D
Oribi (Ourebia ourebi)

Yellow Breasted Pipit (Anthus chloris)

Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus)

Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus)

Scilla natalensis

Watsonia latifolia

Bradypodion dracomontanum (Drakensberg dwarf chameleon)

Heleophryne natalensis (Natal ghost frog)

Note: another dwarf chameleon has been sighted by other ecologists in the Ncandu Private Forest and
Grassland Reserve vicinity that may be described as another species and is now known as “Ncandu
Dwarf Chameleon”
 PRO FORMA ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION Appendix E

Notes of a management meeting for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve held at.. on..

Present:

Apologies:

CC:
 Table 8-1: Progress and goals set (APO) for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve
Appendix E

Management target 2017/18 Progress 2018/19 goals Completion date Responsibility Action
FIRE MANAGEMENT
• Well maintained, healthy grassland
with high biodiversity
• Prevention of damage to ecosystem Regular Patrols and controlled burning according to the
and reserve assets Management Plan. Mar 2019 Warden Fire team, Warden
• Prevention of loss of life
• Legal compliance and compliance
with SANBI’s burning guidelines
ALIEN PLANT CONTROL
• Healthier ecosystem – biodiversity,
sediment and nutrient balance
• Maintenance of water provision
Remove 45% of alien invader plants (Continue with Working on Fire
services Legal protection of the Mar 2019 Warden
remaining areas identified for clearance) team, Warden
entire extent of the reserve in
terms of the requirements of the
Protected Areas Act.
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT
• Accept responsibility for the
perpetual custody of:
- the Northern KZN Moist
Grassland on the uMsonti
Private Nature Reserve;
Ensure that Management Plan is successfully
- the Eastern Mistbelt Forest on implemented.
Mar 2019 Warden All uMsonti NR staff
the uMsonti Private Nature
Reserve;
- the natural water resources on
the uMsonti Private Nature
Reserve;
SOIL EROSION
• Prevention of excessive sediment
generation and loss of nutrients Grazing
Implement burning and grazing plans as specified in the management, road
• Maintenance of good grazing for
Management Plan, ensure road maintenance and Mar 2019 Warden maintenance,
beef cattle stormwater infrastructure is effective, and implement Working on Fire
• Maintenance of healthy grass effective alien plant control. staff
species
• Maintenance of stability of slopes
ROAD/TRAIL MAINTENANCE
• Maintain access for reserve Grazing
management, tourism and management, road
biodiversity conservation actions Construction of steps in steep terrain on hiking trail Mar 2019 Warden maintenance,
Working on Fire
staff
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION
• Maintain access for reserve
management, tourism and Promote the area for its tourism value Mar 2019 Landowner Board Marketing team
biodiversity conservation actions
• Develop a sense of appreciation
and responsibility for nature and
Warden/outreach
ecosystem services with local Begin educational tours with school groups Jan 2019 Warden
team
youth for long-term sustainability
of the area and beyond
• Development of the local economy
Tourism
to benefit the Reserve and
None for this year Jan 2020 Warden consultants, wider
surrounding communities, and stakeholders?
promote local trade
• Development of skills of the local
community and create None for this year Jan 2020
employment opportunities.
• Foster a sense of appreciation of
nature conservation and eco-
None for this year Jan 2020
tourism as a viable economic
activity in rural areas.
• Maintain good relationships with
Ongoing Jan 2020 All uMsonti NR staff All uMsonti NR staff
surrounding communities.
CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
• Long-term contribution to
zoological, botanical and Preliminary survey Jan 2023 EWT EWT
ecosystem knowledge.
• Knowledge sharing on other
None for this year Jan 2021
conservation projects.
NATURE RESERVE DECLARATION
• Legal protection of the entire
extent of the reserve in terms of Landowner, EKZNW, Landowner, EKZNW,
Declaration Mar 2019
the requirements of the Protected EWT EWT
Areas Act
LAW ENFORCEMENT
• Creation of cooperative structures
Establish cooperative structures Mar 2019 Landowner, EWT Landowner, EWT
with law enforcement officials.
• Regular patrols covering the full
Confirm and maintain patrol system Mar 2019 Warden Patrol staff
extent of the nature reserve.
• Prosecution of any offender
Ongoing Mar 2019 Warden, SAPS Warden, SAPS
caught committing an offence.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
• Income generation within the
reserve ensures that there is an
None for this year Jan 2020 Landowner Board Landowner, EWT
adequate budget to protect and
operate the reserve.