DOCSLIB.ORG

Eden & Central Karoo Drought Disaster

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Eden & Central Karoo Drought Disaster EDEN & CENTRAL KAROO DROUGHT DISASTER 2009 -2011 “THE SCRAMBLE FOR WATER” REPORT July, 2012 Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme Stellenbosch University Funded by: STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY REFERENCE NUMBER: LG 10/2011/2012 REPORT NAME: Eden and Central Karoo Drought Disaster 2009 -2011: “The Scramble For Water” AUTHOR(S): Holloway, A., Fortune, G., Zweig, P., Barrett, L., Benjamin, A., Chasi, V. and de Waal, J. REPORT STATUS: Final DATE: 20 September 2012 Submitted on behalf of the Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme by: PROVINCIAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT CENTRE The authorised representatives of the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre, listed below, hereby acknowledge this independent drought disaster assessment report for the Eden and Central Karoo district municipalities. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Study overview This study, commissioned by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) of the Western Cape, seeks to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the Western Cape drought disaster that affected the Eden and Central Karoo Districts between 2009 and 2011. Specifically, the research team was required to: conduct a comprehensive post-event study and analysis of the January 2009-January 2011 Western Cape drought produce a comprehensive written report reporting the findings of the study, including examination of technical and engineering interventions that alleviated its severity identify further research gaps and opportunities for studies on droughts, floods and water security, that could be incorporated into a 5-year strategic drought management plan. This research was directed and guided by the PDMC’s Directorate: Disaster Operations, through the leadership of the Deputy Director, Recovery. As with previous successful post-event studies, the research team worked closely with the PDMC to formulate a Project Steering Committee and to finalise the research methodology. During the course of the project, SU/DiMP met regularly with the Project Steering Committee to ensure satisfactory progress monitoring and to timeously address implementation concerns. 2. Methods Used Although the study terms of reference specifically refer to a two-year drought (from January 2009-January 2011), the research team was required to extend the time-frame back to 2007. This was due to evidence gathered from meteorological data and field research which indicated that proximal drought-risk factors could be traced as early as November 2007. The spatial and temporal scales of the drought, along with its diverse rural and urban impacts, necessitated a complex research methodology. The research team acknowledged the importance of an approach that was sufficiently robust to accommodate both quantitative measures of rainfall deficit at district and municipal scale as well as ‘knock-on’ social consequences over time. Therefore the resulting methodology incorporated a wide range of data sources, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research process involved complex data-handling owing to the disparate datasets provided by six municipalities and two provincial departments. To address the need for in-depth local analysis, the research team applied a ‘sentinel site’ methodology for three localities. Specifically, the towns of George, Beaufort West and Uniondale were identified as sentinel sites for differing drought exposures and impacts. Respectively located in the southern, northern and eastern areas identified as drought-affected, each represented a different livelihood zone and drought risk profile. A more detailed examination of rainfall, water consumption and risk management measures was undertaken for each site. An extensive process was undertaken to collect, compile and integrate the indirect and direct impacts that were identified as drought-associated. This was undertaken through in-person and telephonic interviews, as well as through the detailed review of drought reports provided by government and nongovernmental informants. Although the research team compiled numerous anecdotal reports of hardship and loss consolidated information on livestock losses or diminished crop yields was, regrettably, difficult to source. All farms that were allocated agricultural relief were geo-referenced to municipal scale to show the spatial distribution of assistance for agriculture between 2009 and 2011. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions in the affected areas. Altogether, this involved more than 80 interviews and discussions in the field followed by telephone calls to a diverse range of stakeholders. In this way, causal chains of impact became evident, providing deeper insights and clearly illustrating the interconnectedness of impacts and the knock-on consequences of the water crisis over time and space. This was illustrated by the livelihood impacts sustained by seasonal farm workers who, due to reduced labour needs in drought-affected orchards, moved to towns, seeking casual work and food relief (refer Glossary and Section 6.7). 3. Study Conclusions 3.1 A period of extreme dryness, with sustained low rainfall for +/- two years The period 2008-2011 was reflected in exacting meteorological, hydrological and agricultural drought conditions across the Eden and Central Karoo District Municipalities. These were evidenced by measurable reductions in rainfall, stream flow, groundwater levels and vegetation cover. These reductions were also not limited to a single annual cycle, and spanned at least two to three years. Unfortunately, the drought coincided with the global economic recession, whose impacts were most intense in 2008 and 2009, and which constrained the range of options available to manage the drought and its consequences. Despite the duress sustained in the course of 2009-2011, the research team identified remarkable accomplishments achieved in the course of the drought response operation. However, the drought also revealed numerous deficiencies in water resource management, highlighting gaps to be addressed. 3.2 An impressive response by stakeholders - despite late detection of declining water availability The 2009-2011 drought emergency generated a huge, complex operation by civil society, national, provincial and local governments that spanned two district municipalities and that secured R 572m for wide-ranging relief activities. It was also supported by five separate local disaster declarations. The effectiveness of the response to the drought was enabled through the establishment of two multi-stakeholder mechanisms as well as the availability of experienced disaster management expertise at district and provincial centres. Similarly, the involvement of competent personnel in technical departments at provincial and municipal levels was essential, along with access to updated monthly climate, agricultural and water risk management information for timely decision-making. The development and application of a water crisis risk rating mechanism in 2009 was central to the effectiveness of the drought emergency response over time and across multiple municipalities. The Provincial Department of Agriculture supported drought-stressed farmers, in cooperation with Agri-SA, and secured R 76.9m for relief. Unfortunately, due to the late finalization of DAFF’s Framework for Drought Aid on 23 December 2010, the first phase of fodder relief did not commence until February 2011. At the time this drought study was concluding (May 2012), R 26.9m had been expended, primarily for fodder relief, although not all recipients approved for relief assistance had redeemed their allocated vouchers. 3.3 A costly response, exceeding R 500 million The 2009-2011 operation resulted in R 572.04m being allocated for drought response. Of this, R 495.0m (86.5%) was directed to improving urban water supply infrastructure, while R 76.9m (13.44%) was allocated for agricultural relief. Altogether, the National Treasury provided R 287.2m, or 58.0% of all funding for municipal water supply infrastructure. This was complemented by municipal co-funding, estimated cumulatively to be R 89.3m (18% of total costs). PetroSA’s contribution added a further R 92.5m (18.7% of total expenditure), specifically for Mossel Bay. Smaller amounts from the Regional Bulk Infrastructure and Municipal Infrastructure Grants totalled R 24.2m, while the Eden District Municipality contributed R 1.8 m, primarily for awareness raising. Although Mossel Bay received the largest National Treasury allocation for all municipalities (R 108.5m), Hessequa farmers were allocated the highest amount of agricultural assistance (R 14.3m). While the allocation of substantial funding (R 495.0m) to expand urban water infrastructure addressed urgent water supply imperatives, this contrasted sharply with the very modest financial support released for agricultural risk management (R 76.9m). In Box 1 below, an experienced water engineer questions the disparity in the funding allocation, and contrasts the availability of skilled expertise available for agricultural risk management, with that in well- resourced municipalities. Disparity in Capital Funding “The drought converted to official disaster status, resulted in substantial capital being released for capital works for municipalities. This was essentially a capital contribution to the Industrial Water and Domestic Water use sectors. Contrary to this, no capital investment was released for agricultural use, e.g. for the construction of infrastructure
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Keurbooms-Bitou Estuarine Management Plan
    Keurbooms-Bitou Estuarine Management Plan Draft Final October 2018 Keurbooms Estuarine Management Plan i DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Document title and version: Keurbooms-Bitou Estuarine Management Plan Project Name: Western Cape Estuary Management Framework and Implementation Strategy Client: Western Cape Government, Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning Royal HaskoningDHV reference number: MD1819 Authority reference: EADP 1/2015 Compiled by: Version 1: Enviro-Fish Africa (Pty) Ltd (2011) Version 2: Royal HaskoningDHV (2018) Acknowledgements: Western Cape Government Environmental Affairs & Development Planning Directorate: Biodiversity and Coastal Management Sub-Directorate: Coastal Management Email: [email protected] Date: October 2018 Keurbooms-Bitou Estuarine Management Plan DOCUMENT USE The South Africa National Estuarine Management Protocol (‘the Protocol’), promulgated in May 2013 under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act No. 24 of 2008, as amended 20141) (ICM Act), sets out the minimum requirements for individual Estuarine Management Plans (EMPs). In 2013/2014, a review was conducted by the Department of Environmental Affairs: Oceans and Coasts (DEA: O&C) (DEA, 2014) on the existing management plans to ensure, inter alia, the alignment of these plans with the Protocol. This revision of the Keurbooms-Bitou Estuarine Management Plan, including the Situation Assessment Report and the Management Plan itself, is in response to the comments received during the
    [Show full text]
  • The Garden Route a Journey of Lush Forests, Rugged Sea Cliffs and Modern Safaris
    Destination Showcase: The Garden Route A journey of lush forests, rugged sea cliffs and modern safaris Telephone +27 11 219 5600 Facsimile +27 11 268 2010/1 P O Box 987 Northlands 2116 Johannesburg South Africa www.dragonfly.co.za Southern Africa’s Leading Travel Group The Garden Route Map of the Garden Route Tsitsikamma National Park N2 E G R E B A G U O K Natures Valley PLETTENBERG BAY N2 THE GARDEN ROUTE Cape Town Knysna Jeerys Bay Plettenberg Bay KNYSNA George H3 The Heads S N G I R A E T B N E I U S O S A M N A A U M Q I M N A E K T U O WILDERNESS GEORGE H2 Gondwana Game Reserve The Airport H1 H2 Fancourt H3 Pezula MOSSEL BAY H1 N2 The Garden Route The Garden Route extends over South Africa’s two southernmost provinces, the Eastern and the Western Cape. Officially the Route starts at Heidelberg in the Western Cape and ends at the Storms River on the extreme western reach of the neighbouring Eastern Cape Province. The whale capital, Hermanus, and the safari region of the Eastern Cape, located on either side and just beyond the borders of the Garden Route have also been included in this document. The Garden Route was so named, due to its lush and ecologically diverse vegetation and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the scenic coastline. The region includes quaint coastal towns such as Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley and George.
    [Show full text]
  • Ethembeni Cultural Heritage
    Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment Report: Proposed 132kV Power Line and Substation Infrastructure, Dieprivier-Kareedouw, Kou-Kamma Local Municipality, Cacadu District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa Prepared for GIBB Engineering & Science 2nd Floor, Greyville House, Cnr Greyville & Cape Roads, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth 6001 Box 63703, Greenacres 6057 Telephone Walter Fyvie 041 392 7510 Fax 086 608 2522 [email protected] Prepared by ETHEMBENI CULTURAL HERITAGE Elizabeth Wahl and Len van Schalkwyk Box 20057 Ashburton 3213 Pietermaritzburg Telephone 033 326 1136 / 082 655 9077 / 082 529 3656 Facsimile 086 672 8557 [email protected] 8 May 2013 Phase 1 AIA of Dieprivier-Kareedouw 132kV Power Line and Substation, Cacadu District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa MANAGEMENT SUMMARY eThembeni Cultural Heritage was appointed by GIBB Engineering & Science to undertake a Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment of a proposed transmission power line and substation site in the Eastern Cape Province, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 as amended, in compliance with Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999, as amended. LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT Much of the proposed power line is located along or close to the Langkloof and R62 Scenic Routes, roughly parallel to and south of the Suuranysberge and the Krom River. It starts at the proposed Dieprivier Substation west of Humansdorp, passes north of the Churchill Dam and the town of Kareedouw, with the eponymous mountains to the south, before terminating at the existing Kareedouw Substation. Historical agriculture related land-uses have resulted in degradation of portions of the route, most notably as a result of crop and pasture cultivation in flat lower lying areas, and to some extent from regular burning of grazing areas on mountain and hill slopes.
    [Show full text]
  • On a River String
    Farm stays Keurbooms Valley Farm stays Keurbooms Valley Today’s environmen- tally aware farmers offer visitors more than just cuddly creatures to pet. Marion Whitehead found a farm stay with a difference in the Garden Route’s Keurbooms River valley. Green pearls on a river string The Egyptian geese are more skittish than the blesbok. The vigilant parents shep- approving nod from connoisseurs of just that – you wait while owner Ingo to move between the new Garden herding five goslings along the wall the slow food movement. It’s tucked Vennemann goes to scoop your order Route National Park (Wilderness, of the trout dam below my chalet let into a bend of the Keurbooms River from the tank of eating-size brown Knysna and Tsitsikamma), Soetkraal out an urgent warning honk as I go outside De Vlugt, a sleepy village on or rainbow trout. Nature Reserve and Baviaanskloof out onto the deck to admire the Prince Alfred’s Pass which connects ‘In nature, things take time,’ says Wilderness Area. run the farm and guest accommoda- INSET TOP: Mareeán van Rooyen has fun view. Frogs pick up the chorus and Knysna with the Langkloof. Young Ingo. He and his wife, Naomi, are These farmers have diversified into tion of four timber chalets and four camping in one of the blesbok go back to mowing the trout in the hatchery thrive in spark- founder members of the Middle tourism, giving visitors a glimpse into tipis. Apart from fishing, hiking, the tipis at Outeniqua lawn under pecan trees freshly ling mountain water and practically Keurbooms Conservancy, a group ‘green’ life on the land.
    [Show full text]
  • Keurbooms River and Estuary Reserve Detrmination Study
    KEURBOOMS RESERVE DETERMINATION STUDY Scoping Phase Estuaries Prepared for Department of Water Affairs and Forestry by T.G. Bornman* & J.B. Adams† *Institute for Environmental and Coastal Management, †Department of Botany IECM Research Report No. 44 March 2005 Executive Summary A literature review of available information on the Keurbooms / Bitou and Piesang estuaries was completed. From these data the level of ecological reserve assessment was recommended for the estuaries. The data requirements for the reserve assessments were also identified. KEURBOOMS / BITOU The Keurbooms / Bitou is one of few permanently open estuaries along the South African coastline. It is of national importance and was ranked 18th in South Africa (out of 256 estuaries) based on its biodiversity important. The Plettenberg Bay Coastal Catchment study in 1996 investigated the response of the Keurbooms Estuary to different freshwater inflow scenarios, which represented different on-channel and off-channel dam options. Sedimentation as a result of a reduction in floods and saline intrusion upstream were identified as the two greatest threats to the estuary. Mouth closure would mean an unacceptable ecological change for the estuary. Instream Flow Requirements (IFR) for the Keurbooms / Bitou Estuary was estimated at approximately 144 x 10-6.m-3 per annum or 77% of the present day MAR (1999) at the estuary (Ninham Shand 1999). A conservative approach was followed during this study due to the paucity of information and the uncertainty regarding the response of the estuary to any abstractions (Ninham Shand 1995). The findings of the IFR study were that the estuary required 100% of present day flows (baseflow) due to the absence of information.
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage Impact Assessment with Integrated Set of Recommendations
    HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT WITH INTEGRATED SET OF RECOMMENDATIONS Proposed Residential Development of Nature's Path Lifestyle Village Portions 9 and 10 of the Farm Matjiesfontein No. 304, Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay By PHS Consulting February 2014 cell: 082 7408 046 | tel: (028) 312 1734 | fax: 086 508 3249 | [email protected] |P.O Box 1752 | Hermanus 7200 i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction Consideration is being given to the development of the northern parts of Portions 9 and 10 of the Farm Matjiesfontein No. 304. The developable area of the property is approximately 15.8 ha in extent and it is located 3 km from Keurboomstrand, some 7 km north-east of Plettenberg Bay. The remaining (portions of Portions 9 and 10) 16.62 ha of the property, located south of the development, against the coastline is proposed for a nature reserve and the 1 ha historic farm yard and associated resources on Portion 9 will be excluded from the development area. A development application for a retirement village on the property was initially submitted on 13 November 2008 to the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP). A public participation process (PPP) was conducted for the proposal (under DEA&DP Reference number: EG12/2/3/1-D1/8-1158/08) during the period 15 January 2009 to 16 February 2009. A number of specialist studies were also conducted at the time in preparation of submission of the Basic Assessment Report. However, no application had yet been submitted by 2 August 2010 when the NEMA 2010 regulations came into effect and as a result the above file was closed by the DEA&DP.
    [Show full text]
  • State of Rivers Report, the Product of a Variety of Organizations, Researchers and Scientists, Attempts to Inform Decision Makers, Interested Parties and the OREWORD
    STATESTATE OFOF RIVERSRIVERS REPORTREPORT RIVERS OF THE GOURITZ WATER MANAGEMENT AREA 2007 RRIVEIVERR HHEALTEALTHH PPRROGOGRRAMMEAMME ii RIVERS OF THE GOURITZ WATER MANAGEMENT AREA 2007: SUMMARY The Gouritz Water Management Area (WMA) comprises the Goukou and Duiwenhoks, Gouritz and Garden Route rivers. Beaufort West The Gouritz River is the main river within the WMA. It originates in D the Great Karoo and enters the Indian Ocean at Gouritzmond. w y k 4HQVY[YPI\[HYPLZVM[OL.V\YP[a9P]LYHYL[OL.YVV[.HTRH a Leeu Gamka and Olifants rivers. The Goukou and Duiwenhoks rivers N1 are small rivers draining the Langeberg a Laingsburg k 4V\U[HPUZHUKÅV^V]LY[OLJVHZ[HSWSHPUZ B m u a f fe G west of Mossel Bay. The main rivers of the ls Garden Route, east of the Gouritz River, Touwsrivier Tou Olifants are the Hartenbos, Klein Brak, Groot Brak, ws Oudtshoorn Knysna, Bietou, Keurbooms, Groot and Calitzdorp G Uniondale root Bloukrans. Kammanassie George D u N2 Knysna i Land-use in the area consists largely of sheep and ostrich w G e Albertinia n G o farming in the arid Great Karoo, extensive irrigation of h o u o u r i Mossel Bay k t k z s Plettenberg o lucerne, grapes and deciduous fruit in the Little Karoo, and u Bay forestry, tourism and petrochemical industries in the coastal Stilbaai Gouritzmond belt. Indigenous forests, wetlands, lakes and estuaries of high conservation status are found in the wetter south eastern portion of the WMA. OVERALL STATE Generally, only the upper reaches of the coastal rivers and their tributaries in the WMA are still in a natural or good ecological state, while many of the lower reaches are in a good to fair state.
    [Show full text]
  • The Tsitsikamma Mountains Form an East-West Range in the Southern Region of the South African Coast in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces
    2019 The Tsitsikamma mountains form an east-west range in the southern region of the 2019 South African coast in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. Stretching just over 80 km from the Keurbooms River in the west just north of Plettenberg Bay, to Kareedouw Pass in the east, near the town of Kareedouw. It forms a continuous range with the Outeniqua Mountains to the west. The range consists almost exclusively of Table Mountain sandstone which is extremely erosion-resistant. Peak Formosa is the highest point in the range at 1675m. The climate of the range is extremely mild, with temperature variations only between 10°C and 25°C generally and rainfall exceeding 1000mm per annum, thus the region supports verdant fynbos and Afro-Mantane temperate gallery forest habitats. Snow sometimes occurs on the highest peaks in winter. The topography of the mountains is interesting, in that the range rises abruptly from the south at a very defined line that runs almost due east-west at the 34º south latitude. The Storms River Bridge was one of the first arch bridges in South Africa with a span of 100m over the gorge at a height of 123m above the river. In 1954 a Roman professor was appointed to construct a bridge over the Storms River to link Port Elizabeth to George via the N2. Completed in 1956, the Ricardo Morandi designed bridge was built 15 years prior to Van Stadens and 28 years before the 3 Bloukrans-area arches came along in 1984. Storms River is unusual for having inclined spandrel supports that radiate out from the main arch rib.
    [Show full text]
  • ENVIRONMENT AUDIT 2014 Louterwater Landgoed Lies Within the Langkloof Valley of the Eastern Cape
    Gladiolus fourcadei ENVIRONMENT AUDIT 2014 Louterwater Landgoed lies within the Langkloof Valley of the Eastern Cape. Situated West of Joubertina, just beyond the village of Louterwater and encompasses the source and primary catchment of the Louterwater River, watered by the northern slopes of the Tsitsikamma Mountain range. ‘Louter’ translated directly from Dutch means clear, and although slightly coke stained in natural tannins, is indeed water of high quality. A second generation deciduous fruit farm, owned by the Muller Family, this beautiful ‘mountain bowl’ has been carefully nurtured into a highly respected fruit producer, with high esteem for the biodiversity and landscapes under their charge. Louterwater Landgoed has engaged a progressive and sustainable approach to their land by making sustainable use of the Indigenous Biological Resource (IBR) namely the two species of Honeybush Tea that occur naturally on the property (Cyclopia intermedia and subternata). In parallel old lands have been transformed into organic Cyclopia plantations and trials for seedling production are underway in the farms tea nursery. Furthermore a herd of valuable stud cattle utilises the natural veld within the carrying capacity and is subsidised by sowed grazing on old lands. The farm has also embarked on a growing eco/agriculture tourism venture over the past ten years, with access to the legendary Peak Formosa a star attraction. Louterwater Village R62 Louterwater Landgoed Guest houses (self catering), and a conference/event centre make up the infrastructure development. Trails are in development and picnic spots at lovely pastoral locations are a weekend hit for locals and visitors alike. LOUTERWATER LANDGOED Langkloof Catchment The regional context of Louterwater Landgoed Orchards becomes very apparent, where the obvious strategic opportunity exists towards creating a bridge of corridors linking the two mountain ranges Tsitsikamma and Kouga (south to north).
    [Show full text]
  • C.A.P.E. Estuary Management Programme
    C.A.P.E. ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME KEURBOOMS/BITOU ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN VOLUME I SITUATION ASSESSMENT Final Report Produced by: Enviro-Fish Africa (Pty) Ltd 22 Somerset Street Grahamstown 6139 Produced for: C.A.P.E. Estuaries Programme Eden District Municipality Pvt Bag X29 P.O. Box 12 Rondebosch George 7701 6530 August 2010 C.A.P.E. Estuaries Management Programme; Keurbooms/Bitou Estuary Management Plan: Situation Assessment TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii LIST OF TABLES, FIGURES & PLATES xxviii LIST OF ACRONYMS xxx CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Terms of reference 1 1.3 Project team 2 CHAPTER 2 - BIO-PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 3 2.1 Introduction 3 2.2 The extent of the estuarine area 6 2.3 Physical structures 7 2.4 Physical properties 8 2.5 Floods 16 CHAPTER 3 - BIOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION 19 3.1 Flora 19 3.2 Fauna 23 CHAPTER 4 – LEGISLATION AND PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 28 4.1 International obligations 28 4.2 National legislation and policy 28 4.3 Local (Municipal) legislation 33 4.4 Existing management plans, development strategies, policies and conservation initiatives 34 CHAPTER 5 – RECREATIONAL USE 46 5.1 Exploitation of living resources 46 5.2 Tourism and non-consumptive use 49 CHAPTER 6 - WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY 51 6.1 Introduction 51 6.2 Management of the catchment 51 6.3 Catchment description 51 6.4 Ecological status 54 6.5 Wetlands 56 6.6 Water quantity 57 6.7 Water quality 58 6.8 Ecological water requirements 59 i Enviro-Fish Africa (Pty) Ltd.
    [Show full text]
  • Garden Route Towns, Beaches and Game Reserves
    Game Reserves Game Information by SA supplied Venues.com Garden Route Towns, Beaches and Towns,Route Beaches and Garden The Garden Route is a coastal corridor on the western coast of South Africa, where ancient forests, rivers, wetlands, dunes, stretches of beach, lakes, mountain scenery and indigenous fynbos all merge to form a landscape of restorative beauty.This is a strip of land like no other in the world in terms of beauty, natural attractions and unique flora and fauna - hence its name. Three of South Africa’s top hikes take place here - the Otter Trail and the Tsitsikama and Dolphin trails and man’s footprint has made little impact on the rugged and sometimes inaccessible coastline. The Garden Route is a paradise for eco-lovers, bird watchers and solitude seekers and one of the most beautiful parts of the Western Cape. It lies sandwiched between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and is on every tourist’s itinerary. The Garden Route is a popular holiday destination during summer and a tranquil hideaway during the winter months - both seasons are equally beautiful and attractive due to the largely Mediterranean climate of the Garden Route.Hit the beachEnjoy a great day out at one of the Garden Route's many excellent beaches. With hundreds of kilometers of coast line and some of the most stunning beaches in the world, visitors to South Africa's Garden Route are bound to find the perfect Garden Route beach. Whether you just fancy a gentle stroll along the sand, a refreshing swim or to ride some waves on your surf board, the GardenRoute offers it all.
    [Show full text]
  • Movements of the Kelp Gull Larus Dominicanus Vetula To, from and Within Southern South Africa
    Whittington et al.: Movements of the Kelp Gull 139 MOVEMENTS OF THE KELP GULL LARUS DOMINICANUS VETULA TO, FROM AND WITHIN SOUTHERN SOUTH AFRICA PHILIP A. WHITTINGTON,1 A. PAUL MARTIN,2 NORBERT T.W. KLAGES1 & ALBERT SCHULTZ3 1Department of Zoology, PO Box 77000, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa ([email protected]) Current address: East London Museum, PO Box 11021, Southernwood, 5213, South Africa 2PO Box 61029, Bluewater Bay, 6212, South Africa 3Animal Demography Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa Received 18 July 2008, accepted 13 March 2009 SUMMARY WHITTINGTON, P.A., MARTIN, A.P., KLAGES, N.T.W. & SCHULTZ, A. 2009. Movements of the Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus vetula to, from and within southern South Africa. Marine Ornithology 37: 139–152. Adult Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus vetula appear to be relatively sedentary, most movements occurring within 30 km of the ringing site. Juvenile birds dispersed rapidly, most movements being of less than 30 km, but some dispersed up to 935 km from the natal site. Adults and juveniles from two south coast colonies exhibited differing patterns and distances of movements and dispersal. Most birds from the Swartkops Estuary colony travelled to the south and west; those from the Keurbooms River colony, Plettenberg Bay, tended to go north and east. On average, dispersing juveniles travelled greater distances than adults did. It is possible that some juvenile birds followed the annual sardine migration towards the coast of KwaZulu–Natal. The Kelp Gull population within the study region appears to be ecologically separate from those found farther west, although a few birds ringed as pulli in the study area were recorded in the southwestern Cape.
    [Show full text]