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Home , Kedestes barberae, Nature reserve, Wolfgat Nature Reserve

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & SPATIAL PLANNING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT BRANCH Asieff Khan, Erica Essig, Mogamat Samsodien, Victoria Day, Bronwen Amayo, Shihabuddeen Khan and Tamaryn Khan (editing) Biodiversity Area: Reserve Tel no: 021 396 4283 Email: [email protected]

Temminck’s stint (Photo: C. Dorse 2016)

Table of Contents Page 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES ...... 2 3. CONSERVATION PLANNING ...... 3 4. ...... 3 5. ...... 7 6. ...... 16 7. ...... 16 8. FIRE ...... 21 9. PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION ...... 22 10. STAFF MATTERS ...... 25 11. LAW ENFORCEMENT ...... 26 12. INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT ...... 29 False Bay | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

“ of a feather flock together” - how true that is for this quarter, as the Strandfontein Section was visited by a host of wader species such as little stint (Calidris minuta), common greenshank (Tringa nebularia), marsh sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis), curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) and sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Amongst these, four other birds have been causing quite a stir in the -watching community, becoming like local celebrities. One of these is the Temminck’s stint (Calidris temmincki). This species occurs in the far north and does not usually come further south than Kenya or Tanzania. This sighting is only the third time this species has been seen in Southern Africa with the last sighting being recorded some 25 years ago.

For almost every quarter this year, a new species has been recorded for False Bay Nature Reserve. This quarter was no exception, with a juvenile European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) being spotted by a long-time visitor and enthusiastic bird photographer, Mr Daud Sheard. The species has been added to the Reserve’s species list.

The of the water body has dramatically improved over the last year, noted as being “the best I have ever seen it” by the Area Manager of False Bay Nature Reserve, Asieff Khan. The vlei has been in a clear water phase for the last five months. Such an event was last recorded in 2010 and only lasted for seven days.

On a more concerning note, water hyacinth was recorded in the Zeekoevlei Section in April 2016 after about six years since the last recorded sighting in 2010. A small patch of water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) was found at the mouth of the Big . The source of the infestation is unknown, but immediate efforts were put into place to remove the water hyacinth before they could re-infest the main wetland.

The Reserve Supervisor of the Strandfontein and Pelican Park sections will be leaving False Bay Nature Reserve and the of Cape at the end of December 2016. Ms Essig has accepted a job offer in the L’Agulhas Plain as Conservation Manager of the Nuwejaars Special Management Area. The staff of False Bay Nature Reserve wishes her all the best in her new position. Ms Essig has been based at False Bay Nature Reserve for four years and six months. She will be missed by all.

In June 2016 the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) at False Bay Nature Reserve came to an end. This meant a loss of 37 worker posts from the Reserve. The picnic area of the eastern shore of Zeekoevlei is a popular spot and is visited by many local residents. It is important to keep this area well-maintained as it provides a much-needed recreational space. Operational budget was received from the Environmental Resource Management Department of the City of . This has allowed for the employment of an eight-person team over five months. The team works on two shifts and covers weekends as well as public holidays. The contract will run until 7 May 2017. 2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES

Highlights:  First record for False Bay Nature Reserve of European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus)  Temminck’s stint (Calidris temmincki) (featured on the cover page) (, American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica), red-neck phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) and pectoral sandpiper (Calidris melanotus) are several rare birds seen at Strandfontein Section of False Bay Nature Reserve  Funding received for an eight-person EPWP worker team at False Bay Nature Reserve Challenges:  Vandalism and theft of infrastructure  Lack of work-force to carry out required maintenance and conservation duties 2 Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

 Loss of institutional knowledge with two senior reserve supervisors leaving in this quarter  Strandfontein Road upgrades threatening habitat of the critically endangered Barber’s ranger ( barberae bunta)

3. CONSERVATION PLANNING

In an effort to streamline the functioning of the Advisory Committee (PAAC), all the required meetings for 2017 have been scheduled in advance, with the first meeting set for the first week of February 2017. Similarly, four quarterly branch meetings for the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management Branch have been scheduled, as well as six regional meetings for the South (under which the Reserve falls) and monthly meetings for the reserve supervisors of False Bay Nature Reserve are being finalised.

The annual plan of operation (APO) for the Reserve is due in July 2017, with a Protected Area Review (PA review) to be conducted thereafter in August 2017.

4. FLORA

Flora – Invasive Flora Management

Aquatic Invasive Flora Management False Bay Nature Reserve

Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) Monitoring and Control at Strandfontein Section Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) has been called the world’s worst water weed. It is a fast growing , forming dense mats that quickly cover the water’s surface. This results in increased siltation, water loss and reduced biodiversity. Dense infestations also reduce or alter the flow of water, often resulting in flooding and damage to infrastructure during the rainy season (Cape Town invasive website, 2015). Water hyacinth reproduces by means of seed, but can also utilise vegetative reproduction (i.e. producing side shoots which can break off and develop into new plants). In warm temperatures during the summer months, vegetative reproduction is increased, and if left unattended, actively growing can double their abundance in less than 15 days. That is why it is so important to carefully monitor previously infected sites. The monitoring protocol at Strandfontein Section includes three different patrols which are carried out either weekly or monthly. These patrols remove any regrowth, or emerging plants from the water bodies to prevent re- infestation.

Mr Thembani Namba and Tayla Hadwen removing water hyacinth from a pan in Strandfontein (S1) (Photo: E. Essig 2016)

This quarter, a total of 1010 pieces of water hyacinth were removed from the Strandfontein water bodies. Water hyacinth was found in the pans referred to as S1, S2, S7, M2 and CF Pan. 3 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

A huge concern is the water hyacinth which has been found in M2 and S7. Smaller outbreaks were found in each pan. These pans previously had infestations within the last year and the pans are monitored on a weekly basis. The teams have yet to be given the go ahead for clearing, due to a lack of for efficient removal. It is a major priority to clear these as soon as resources are available.

Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) Monitoring and Control at Zeekoevlei Section Water hyacinth has been absent from Zeekoevlei Section for about six years, with the last-recorded sighting in 2010. In April 2016 however, a small bed of water hyacinth was found at the mouth of the Big Lotus River. The source of the infestation is unknown. Immediate efforts were put into place to remove the water hyacinth before it could re-infest the main vlei. Continuous follow-ups were then scheduled and executed on a weekly basis from May 2016. Follow-ups have continued to date to prevent a recurrence.

Above left and right: Water hyacinth being removed from the Big Lotus River area of Zeekoevlei Section (Photos: S. Dreyer 2016) Terrestrial Invasive Flora Management False Bay Nature Reserve

Wood Harvesting at False Bay Nature Reserve The False Bay Nature Reserve is committed to ensuring the protection and proper management of its natural resources. One aspect of this management is the control of wood harvesting (selected invasive alien plant species only) from the Reserve. In order to ensure proper control, a permit system with guidelines was drafted and implemented. No wood harvesting is permitted in the False Bay Nature Reserve, without a valid permit. There are two types of permits, namely a wood cutting permit and a wood collecting permit. A wood cutting permit is only valid for six months and only a certain quota of wood cutting permits are issued per reserve, per year for monitoring purposes. A wood collecting permit is valid for one year and is given to individuals that are collecting wood for use at home. No mechanical machinery may be used on a wood collecting permit.

This quarter one wood collecting permit was re-issued to a local resident for Pelican Park Section.

Terrestrial Invasive Flora Management False Bay Nature Reserve Zandwolf Section In mid-October 2016 staff members Henry Pheiffer and Mogamat Samsodien cleared invasive tree mallow (Lavateria sp.) along the road verges of the Zandwolf Section. This species occurs along the road edges and in disturbed areas throughout the Reserve. It is removed by hand pulling or using a tree popper. In some cases, plants had already reached more than a meter in height. Four days were spent clearing the perimeter of the Zandwolf Section along the road verges and an additional three days was spent to clear all the disturbed areas in other management blocks of the reserve.

Henry Pheiffer and Mogamat Samsodien also cleared Vicia species (vetch), which was discovered in management block 8 of Zandwolf Section. The area was roughly 500 m2 and took three days to clear. The

4 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

plants were removed by hand pulling and taken to the Coastal Park Landfill site for disposal. A follow-up clearing session was done a week later.

Woody Invasive Vegetation Follow-up Treatments at Zandwolf Section Follow-up clearing sessions were carried out over the past quarter in previously cleared management blocks of Zandwolf Section to check for any regrowth of invasive acacia species. Management block 1 – 6 and 9 – 12 were checked and only six plants in total were found and removed.

Staff member Henry Pheiffer searching for rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) during a follow- up treatment in management block 12 of

Zandwolf Section (Photo: M. Samsodien 2016)

Woody Invasive Vegetation Follow-up Treatments at Pelican Park and Strandfontein Sections Alien invasive terrestrial plant species that are legally listed for removal need to be targeted at the False Bay Nature Reserve to ensure compliance and protect the reserve against the detrimental environmental effects of alien vegetation infestations. Five bi-annual follow-ups (every six months) for the invasive alien plants manatoka (Myoporum tenuifolium subsp. montanum), rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) and Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) were carried out in approximately 176.22 ha of the Pelican Park and Strandfontein Sections this quarter (Table 1). The work was carried out by the Green Jobs Unit alien clearing contractor teams and another follow-up alien clearing session is planned for six months’ time. The invasive species targeted have very long-lived seed (15 years) stored in the soil, therefore follow-ups of cleared areas are essential to minimise the recolinisation of these species and the displacement of indigenous vegetation.

Table 1: Management blocks, with sizes and clearance phase of Acacia salinga, cyclops and Myoporum for the Pelican Park and Strandfontein Sections for this quarter Section Management Follow up phase (After Initial clearance) Size (h) Clearance team block Pelican Park PP004 Maintenance 2 38.99 Green jobs unit Pelican Park PP005 Maintenance 2 30.63 Green jobs unit Pelican Park PP006 Maintenance 2 25.55 Green jobs unit Pelican Park PP007 Maintenance 1 33.78 Green jobs unit Pelican Park PP010 Follow up 3 47.27 Green jobs unit

5 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Herbaceous Invasive Alien Vegetation Clearing and Follow-up Treatments at Strandfontein Section False Bay Nature Reserve contains numerous invasive alien herbs, shrubs, grasses, succulents, creepers and climbers. These plants often smother surrounding indigenous vegetation and can cause substantial ecological damage, and in most cases complete blanketing of indigenous species. This quarter the following species were targeted for clearing in the Strandfontein Section: Patterson’s Curse (Echium spp.), and common vetch (Vicia sp.).

The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004): Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, 2014 - Section 73(2) (b) states that a person who is the owner of on which a listed invasive species occurs must take steps to control and eradicate the listed invasive species and to prevent it from spreading. This quarter three alien species, which are listed as NEMBA Category 1b, were actively managed at Strandfontein Section (Table 2).

Table 2: Herbaceous invasive species which have been cleared in the Strandfontein Section this quarter Scientific name Common name NEMBA Management block Method cat. Echium spp. Patterson’s curse 1b SBA011, SBA002 Manual - hand pulling and spraying Vicia sp. common vetch SBA001 Foliar herbicide spray

Alien Clearing at Rondevlei Section For the past quarter the staff of Rondevlei Section (Shihabuddeen Khan and Theodore Geland) removed 70 black bags of wild mustard, two black bags of common vetch, 100 pieces of water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), 60 Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) and 12 rooikraans (Acacia cyclops) plants. Approximately 600 pieces of water hyacinth were foliar sprayed in the Italian Road canal inlet leading from the Rooikrans Sports facility. City Parks Department and the Transport Cape Town (TCT) departments were approached to clear the rest of the canal, as water hyacinth is constantly being flushed into Rondevlei from the nearby Princess Vlei wetland via the Italian Road canal.

Flora – Indigenous Flora Management

Plant Species Surveys at Pelican Park Section On-going flora surveys are conducted at the Pelican Park Section in order to update the plant species list for the site. Three plant identification surveys were conducted this quarter (once a month), where staff and learners from the Pelican Park and Strandfontein Sections were assisted by Robin and Pat Burnett of the Zandvlei Trust (Friends group).

Removal of Indigenous Vegetation at Zandwolf Section A request was received from Transport Cape Town Department (TCT) to cut back indigenous vegetation at the intersection of Weltevreden Road and Baden Powell Drive, as it was obstructing visibility for trafffic. The area, which is a high accident zone, was cleared by the staff of Wolfgat Nature Reserve and a local Working on Fire (WoF) crew. A 10 m strip, 1.5 m wide either side of the road, was cleared.

Another request, received from a concerned member of the public was received to clear the area around the intersection of Luchanan Drive and Nautilus Road. Zandwolf Section staff members, Henry Pheiffer and Mogamat Samsodien, attended to this request by clearing a 5 m long and 1.5 m wide strip on each side of the intersection.

Eastern Shore Rehabilitation Project In July 2016, a pilot veld rehabilitation project for the eastern shore of Zeekoevlei Section was started. The ground was cleared of all vegetation and reshaped using a D6 bulldozer. The site was then planted out with plants from the Biodiversity Management Branch nursery based at Westlake Conservation Centre. During this quarter, close monitoring of the rehabilitation site has continued with particular interest in removing alien plants, removing grasses and weeds, watering plants where required, and recording faunal sightings for the site. With the assistance of a team from the Working for Wetlands Programme, the entire rehabilitation site was weeded and the green waste was removed to the Coastal Park Landfill site for disposal. 6 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Volunteer Julie Ann Day (mother of Reserve Supervisor Victoria Day) assisted in the disposal of the biomass waste from rehabilitation site on Eastern shore (Photo: V. Day 2016) 5. FAUNA

Fauna - Indigenous Fauna Management

Notable Faunal Sightings at Strandfontein Section Due to the efforts in lowering and raising water levels in the water bodies of Strandfontein Section, and some other external variables, the pans (especially P1 & P2) in Strandfontein Section have been visited by several interesting bird species this quarter. Wader species such as little stint (Calidris minuta), common greenshank (Tringa nebularia), marsh sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis), curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) and wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola) have been sighted. Four other bird species have been causing quite a stir in the bird watching community with the birds becoming like local ‘celebrities’. One of these is the Temminck’s stint (Calidris temmincki). This species occurs in the far north and does not usually come further south than Kenya or Tanzania. This sighting is only the third time this species has been seen in with the last sighting being recorded some 25 years ago.

The other three species is the American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica), which breeds in North America and over winters in South America, the pectoral sandpiper (Calidris melanotis), who also over winters in South America, and the red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus).

Another interesting sighting was that of a Terek sandpiper (Xenus cinereus). While not a rare bird, it is unusual to find on the , and frequents places like the West Coast . Trevor Harder, creator of the South Africans Rare Bird Reports, also spotted some Arctic, white-winged tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) and whiskered terns (Chlidonias hybrida)! The arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) is seldom found on land, and habits open ocean and marine shores (classified a vagrant on land) (Maclean, 2004).

7 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Terek Sandpiper found at Strandfontein Section (Photos: E. Essig 2016)

Breeding Birds at Strandfontein Section Strandfontein Section is home to many ground-nesting birds. These birds lay their eggs in nests that are essentially made up of sand, or earth. This quarter it was discovered on more than three occasions that some ground nesting birds had decided to lay their eggs in or near the surrounding roads. Reserve management intervened on this occasion, and blocked off one road near pan P1 in Strandfontein Section, and then created a small barrier for the other two birds which nested close to the road. Visitors are urged to please ensure Reserve rules are adhered to when certain roads are blocked off for vehicle access. Please be careful where you drive, especially at this time of the year, and report any egg-laying near roads to reserve management.

A white-fronted plover (Charadrius marginatus) (left) who laid eggs next to a road verge and a barrier that was constructed to prevent damage to the nest (right) (Photos: E. Essig 2016)

Rondevlei Section Sightings A notable species spotted at the Rondevlei Section was a juvenile European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus). The sighting was captured by a long time visitor and enthusiastic bird photographer Mr Daud Sheard. At first he assumed it was a juvenile steppe buzzard (Buteo vulpinus), but was uncertain of the identification so he uploaded his photographs to the social media platform: Facebook and it was identified by Andrew Jenkins, Callen Cohen and David Allan as a European Honey Buzzard. This is a new species for False Bay Nature Reserve and has been added to the reserve species list.

8 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Juvenile European honey buzzard sighted at Rondevlei Section (Photo: D. Sheard)

African snipe (Gallinago nigripennis) Didrick cuckoo (Chrysoccyx caprius) Little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) (Photo: D. Sheard 2016) (Photo: D. Sheard 2016) (Photo: D. Sheard 2016)

Black crake (Amaurornis flavirostra) Malachite kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) African spoonbill (Platalea alba) (Photo:

(Photo: D. Sheard 2016) (Photo: D. Sheard 2016) D. Sheard 2016) 9 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Faunal Sightings at Zandwolf Section On 23 November 2016 whilst conducting a routine inspection of the Zeekoevlei mouth, staff members of Zandwolf Section Henry Pheiffer and Mogamat Samsodien noticed hundreds of mullet fry approximately 2 cm long migrating up from the sea into the Zeekoevlei outflow. As they moved upwards some individuals were being picked off by gulls, cormorants and a pair of pied kingfishers (Ceryle rudis).

Most of the endemic mullet species spawn in the ocean before the fry then migrate into an estuary or freshwater nursery area, feeding on small invertebrates and returning to the sea at a later stage in their cycle. One was caught for identification purposes and released again, however at that small size certain identifying features may not be clear so no definitive identification could be made.

One of the mullet fry photographed for identification purposes (Photo: M. Samsodien 2016)

Snake Rescue at Capricorn Business Park Henry Pheiffer (senior field ranger) and Mogamat Samsodien (Reserve Supervisor at Zandwolf Section) accompanied James Morton (intern) and Tayla Hadwen ( student) to respond to a snake call out in the Capricorn Business Park. The snake was identified as a Cape cobra (Naja nivea) on arrival, had entered a holding cage for gas tanks. After some careful manoeuvring, Mr Pheiffer was able to safely lift the snake out and into a transport box. The snake was then released in the Slangetjiebos Section of False Bay Nature Reserve.

Cape cobra being released in Slangetjiebos Section (Photo: M. Samsodien 2016) 10 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Grysbok Incident at Rondevlei Section On 10 October 2016, while conducting a patrol at Rondevlei Section, Regional Manager Mr Dalton Gibbs spotted a Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) which at the time seemed injured. On capturing the , Mr Gibbs noticed that the animal had a snare around its neck and that it has cut into the flesh. He rescued the Grysbok and it was then transported to SPCA Unit for further care, but due to the severity of its injuries the animal died.

Common Duiker Translocation to Rondevlei Section On 29 November 2016 the SPCA Wildlife Unit contacted False Bay Nature Reserve as they were looking for a home for a female common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) they had rescued. The duiker was released at the Rondevlei Section of the Reserve by Mr Mark Petersen (Visitor Control Officer) in management block six. The animal gradually moved into the bushes and disappeared from sight, happy with its new home.

Duiker in transport box before release (left) and duiker wandering off in its new home at Rondevlei Section (Photo: M. Petersen 2016)

Butterfly Monitoring at Pelican Park Section As previously reported, a research monitoring programme was established in 2014 at the Pelican Park Section for the critically endangered Barber’s Ranger (Kedestes barberae bunta) butterfly, which is endemic to False Bay Nature Reserve. The objective of this monitoring programme is to monitor population trends and keep track of the flight period of these within the Pelican Park Section of the False Bay Nature Reserve.

Ismat Adams (former graduate Intern for Pelican Park Section, and current MSc candidate) who created the monitoring protocol in 2014, has enrolled at the and is basing his Master of Science degree on the K. barberae bunta species. Mr Adams led the monitoring this year with a team of two to three Pelican Park Section staff members. The team monitored patches of sword grass (), the larval plant for the Kedestes species, during September. The monitoring included walking through sword grass patches every week and photographing and recording the amount of Kedestes sighted, as indicated by the results below:

11 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

40 Pelican Park Kedestes Barbarae bunta monitoring 35 (Sept 2014 - Sept 2016) Total abundance 30

25

20

15

10

5

0 interior interior interior interior interior interior Road 1 Road 2 Road 3 Road 4 Road 5 1 2 3 4 5 6

Graph representation on the total abundance of K. barberae bunta species recorded per sword grass patch found in the Pelican Park Section between the 2014 and 2016 flight period (September). (Image: E. Essig 2016)

The results from the monitoring show that for 2016 the total count was less than in 2015; however a higher number of butterflies were recorded in 2016, compared to 2014. This could be due to the more intensive monitoring protocol that was approached in 2015 for the Masters research project. Overall the results show that the numbers of the K. barberae bunta species remain low. Interior patch one and two are rated as the most productive in terms of Kedestes numbers. Drafting and implementing a monitoring protocol is just one of the adaptive approaches the management team of False Bay Nature Reserve have taken to conserve this threatened species. Other interventions include the clearing of invasive alien vegetation and the installation of a fence.

Clearing alien invasive vegetation is necessary in order to limit disturbance and conserve the habitat for the butterflies. The invasive species dry out the dune seeps which support the host plant of the butterfly larvae. This can cause the grass to die and potentially increase the intensity of wild fires due to the flammable oils in their leaves. Not much is known of how this butterfly copes with fire, but there is no evidence to suggest that it is fire-adapted like many of the other Cape butterflies.

The purpose of erecting a game fence was to limit disturbance to the habitat from off-road vehicles which damage the indigenous vegetation. It could also deter illegal dwellings and vagrants, which again would minimise disturbance in the area and could also decrease the risk of fire. This season, two of the three wild fires which occurred in Pelican Park Section are believed to be as a result of vagrants making fires for cooking or warmth. Please report any unusual activity, fires, or trespassers to the 24 hour response number 083 499 1717.

Kedestes and Strandfontein Road Strandfontein Road (M17) is a major north –south road link from Baden Powell Drive to Govern Mbeki Road and the highway. This, coupled with increased housing developments in Pelican Park, have lead to proposed upgrades to Strandfontein Road, in order to accommodate increased volumes of traffic in this area. The proposed upgrades include a dual carriageway, comprised of two general traffic lanes and a dedicated bus lane (BRT corridor) in each direction. Non-motorised transport will be catered for through the provision of pedestrian sidewalks and a cycle lane. The main area of concern to reserve management lies at the southern end of the Strandfontein Road upgrade area. The portion between Punt Road and Baden Powell Drive runs through the Pelican Park Section of the False Bay Nature Reserve and within the 45 m statuary road reserve lies patches of sword grass (Imperata cylindrica) which support the endemic, crtitically endagered Kedestes barbare bunta butterfly. Along with this, the area serves a biodiversity corridor, namely it allows for the movement of species between the Cape Peninsula and False Bay Nature Reserve and into the Philippi area. A small team made up of interested parties, together with the faunal committee of the 12 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management Branch, are in the process of looking at alternatives and possible ways of mitigating the effects of the roadway.

Small and Monitoring at Pelican Park Section As part of a baseline data collection initiative for the False Bay Nature Reserve, a trap array survey at Pelican Park Section was set up this quarter to provide useful information regarding the small mammal, reptile, amphibian and arachnid diversity on site. It is important in any conservation programme to regularly monitor species abundance and population trends to determine whether conservation actions are proving effective. The monitoring method consisted of two trap arrays set up in two diverse areas (wet and dry). These trap arrays consisted of four pitfall traps connected by a 10 m piece of plastic sheeting. Six funnel traps were attached to the plastic sheeting. Data from the trap arrays was collected over five weeks from September 28 – October 28 2016 and was checked daily every morning before 08:30.am.

A cross marked sand snake (non-venomous snake) (Psammophis crucifer) found during the

species survey at Pelican Park Section (Photo: T. Hadwen 2016)

During the survey period 17 vertebrate species were captured in the trap array (Table 3), consisting of ten , four small and three amphibians. The ten reptiles consisted of five snake species and five lizard species. The most frequently captured species, in terms of number, was shrew (Myosorex varius) with 17 individuals captured. A total of a 104 vertebrate individuals were captured during the survey period.

A marbled leaf-toed gecko (Afrogecko porphyreus) (left), plain form of a

cross marked sand snake (middle) and a Cape skink found during the

species survey at Pelican Park Section (Photos: E. Essig, C. Williams and T.

Hadwen 2016)

13 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Table 3: Species recorded in the baseline survey for the Pelican Park Section of False Bay Nature Reserve during September and October 2016

Pelican Park Trap Array results (28Sept_2016 to 28Oct_2016) Common Name Scientific name TOTAL Repiles WETLAND SITE DRY SITE Marbled Leaf-toed Gecko Afrogecko porphyreus 0 1 Red Lipped Herald Snake Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia 2 1 Egg Eater Dasypeltis scabra 2 0 Brown water Snake Lycodonomorphus rufulus 2 0 Knoxs Desert Lizard Meroles knoxii 0 5 Cross-Whipped Snake Psammophis crucifer 4 2 Mole Snake Pseudaspis cana 0 1 Short-legged seps Tetradactylus seps 15 0 Cape Skink Trachylepis capensis 7 9 Red-sided Skink Trachylepis homalocephala 8 8 Amphibians Sand Frog Breviceps rosei 12 2 Flat Caco Cacosternum platys 1 0 Clicking Stream frog Strongylopus grayii 1 0 Mammals Grey Climbing Mouse Dendromus melanotis 1 0 Brants Climbing Mouse Dendromus mesomelas 0 1 Forest Shrew Myosorex varius 14 3 Lesser dwarf Shrew Suncus varilla 1 1 Scorpions Cape Thick Tail Parabuthus capensis 1 0 Scorpion Uroplectes carinatus 0 1 Invertebrates Baboon Spider tbd 2 4 Corn Cricket tbd 1 1 Silver Hawk Moth Caterpillar Hippotion celerio 1 0 Cockroach Aptera fusca 1 0 TOTAL 76 40

Two new species were added to Pelican Park Section and to the overall species list for the greater False Bay Nature Reserve, namely grey climbing mouse (Dendromus melanotis) and Brant’s climbing mouse (Dendromus mesomelas).

The trap array was set up in the same location as the previous trap array in January 2016. The results revealed that a higher number of all individuals were found in October month compared to January, barring Knoxs desert lizard, Cape skink and clicking stream frog. Species richness between seasons also differed by five species, however the duration of the opening of the trap array could have effected this.

14 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Grey climbing mouse (left) and Brant’s climbing mouse (right) (Photos: E. Essig 2016)

Pelican Park Trap Array results (Comparing January and October_2016 results) Jan-16 16 Oct-16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2

0

Suncusvarilla

Merolesknoxii

Brevicepsrosei

Pseudaspiscana

Myosorex varius

Dasypeltisscabra

Tetradactylusseps

Strongylopusgrayii

Cacosternumplatys

Trachylepiscapensis

Parabuthuscapensis

Uroplectescarinatus

Psammophiscrucifer

Dendromusmelanotis

Afrogeckoporphyreus

Dendromusmesomelas

Lycodonomorphusrufulus

Trachylepishomalocephala Crotaphopeltishotamboeia

Graph comparing the trap array results of total species encountered during January and October 2016 (Graph: E. Essig 2016)

Fauna - Invasive Fauna Management

Invasive species spotted at Strandfontein and Rondevlei Sections Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are invasive alien species in South Africa where they are known to hybridise with indigenous ducks. Other threats include competitive displacement and disturbing water quality. Hybrid offspring are fertile which further exacerbates the problem. Mallards have already contaminated the genetic integrity of closely related ducks across the world and pose a serious threat to

15 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

the indigenous African black duck and yellow-billed duck (Cape Town Invasive Website). This quarter one mallard drake was sighted at Strandfontein Section.

One mallard duck was also spotted and removed by Ashley Barry (Visitor Control Officer) in this quarter from the Rondevlei Section. No further sightings of mallard ducks have been recorded.

Male mallard duck (drake) sighted with a yellow-billed duck on pan P2 in Strandfontein Section (Photo: E. Essig 2016)

One black swan was also spotted this quarter at Strandfontein Section. The black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterbird, which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest of . Black swans are large birds with mostly black plumage and red bills. Black swans were introduced to various as an ornamental bird in the 1800’s, but have escaped and formed stable populations. Black swans are popular birds in zoological gardens and bird collections, and escapees are sometimes seen outside their natural range (Wikipedia, 2016).

6. SOIL

Please see, “Straightening of the Zeekoevlei Canal Outflow” below in chapter 7 “Water”.

7. WATER

Water Monitoring at Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei Sections Water samples are taken at various points in the Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei sections to monitor water quality. Samples are collected and analysed on a monthly basis by the City of Cape Town Scientific Services Department and results are forward to relevant managers and interested parties on a monthly basis. Additional sampling is conducted at two points in Zeekoevlei and one point at Rondevlei located in the Moddervlei seasonal wetland. These water samples are collected by reserve staff and transported to Scientific Services on the same day as the sample is taken. These samples are taken quarterly with the last one having been taken on 17 November 2016. The next sample date is set for the 16th February 2017 and has been placed onto staff work schedules.

Water Quality at Zeekoevlei Section The water quality of the main water body at Zeekoevlei Section has dramatically improved over the last year with the current condition being described as “the best I have ever seen it” by the Area Manager of False Bay Nature Reserve (pers. comm. Khan 2016). The vlei has been in a clear water phase for the last five months. The last time such an event was recorded was in 2010, but this occurrence only lasted for seven days.

It is believed that a number of diversions in the Big Lotus River and the consistency of the annual draw down event, coupled with favourable weather patterns have led to a reduction in the amount of nutrients in the 16 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

wetland. As a result the system is changing, and a visible reduction in algae can be seen with a dominance of water fleas (Daphnia sp.) being present. An abundance of bird life that is usually only found during the draw down period has been witnessed over the past three months. Species such as black-crowned night heron, little egret, greater flamingo, maccoa duck and red-knobbed coot were seen throughout the vlei with heronries being established in the northern-most part of the vlei.

Water clarity at Zeekoevlei with vlei floor visible at 40 cm depth (top left) and views across Zeekoevlei showing current water conditions and bird life (top right and bottom) (Photos: V. Day 2016)

Zeekoevlei Fish Die-off On 20 December 2016, Mrs Wendy Godwin (a local Zeekoevlei resident) reported a number of small fish that were found dead at the end of her property on the shoreline. A site inspection was done by reserve management and the fish mortality was found to be juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Staff members Johnathan Fischer (field ranger) and Stefan Dreyer (learner) also reported seeing a few dead carp at the mouth of the Big Lotus River.

A team was mobilised and sent around the vlei to locate and remove any dead fish from the wetland. The team spent two days on the task and collected two black bags full of fish. The cause of this event is believed to be due to extreme temperatures and a lack of wind, which caused a reduction in available oxygen in the vlei.

17 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Dead carp found in Zeekoevlei (Photo: W. Godwen 2016)

Water Level Management at Zeekoevlei Section At present, all the wooden chokes are in place at the at Zeekoevlei weir sluice gates. The wooden chokes act as a barrier to retain water in the vlei. It was noticed that at certain gates, water was leaking through the chokes and local residents raised concerns about loss of water through the weir. Even though the water loss is minimal, staff endeavoured to plug the gaps to stop the leaking. By using rags and pushing it into the gaps most of the leaks were stopped.

Zeekoevlei Section staff at the weir plugging leaks using rags

(Photo: V. Day 2016)

Water Level Manipulation at the Strandfontein Section Strandfontein Section contains a series of 22 detention pans which are part of the Waste Water Treatment Works (CFWWTW). The pans are interlinked by means of inflow and outflow weirs. The water level in all the pans (primary, secondary and tertiary) can be manipulated by means of placing wooden planks into the weir to prevent water from flowing in or out of the pan (FBNR IRMP, 2011). As previously reported in the last quarter, the water levels in P1 and P2 were closed off to create a habitat comprised of sandy islands, shallow water and large littoral edges, which is perfect for wader bird species.

18 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Senior field ranger Clint Williams closing the inlet water weir at P2 (left) after it had been opened for six days (right) to allow for additional water into the pan to create suitable wader habitat (Photos: E. Essig 2016)

This quarter the water levels were checked twice weekly by conservation staff and on two occasions the water was manipulated at the inflow channel when levels became ‘too low’. Wooden boards at the ‘wagon wheel’ weir were removed to allow for the inflow of water to the dry pan. When the levels in the pan were sufficient the boards were again positioned to shut off the water supply and redirect it to another pan. In this way the water level for pans P1 and P2 could be adequately controlled and the resultant abundance of migrant species inhabiting the pans has proven the successfulness of this technique.

Panoramic view of P1 (to the right) with sandy island and muddy littoral edges and P2 (to the left) with an abundance of reed growth and low water levels (Photos: C. Williams 2016)

Straightening of the Zeekoevlei Canal Outflow A monthly inspection is conducted of the Zeekoevlei mouth and in November 2016 it was noted that the mouth began to shift towards Baden Powell Drive. As the month progressed it began to undercut the dune and was only 30 m away from the nearby road. This information was reported to the relavant authorities and In December 2016 Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) and Transport Cape Town (TCT) Departments arranged for it to be realigned. On the 12 December 2016 the mouth was straightend using a mud dozer.

19 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

The Zeekoevlei mouth cutting back towards Baden Powell Drive on 11 October 2016 (Photo M. Samsodien 2016)

The Zeekoevlei mouth cutting back towards Baden Powell Drive on 15 November 2016 (Photo: M. Samsodien 2016)

New channel being created to realign the mouth. (Photo: M. Samsodien 2016) 20 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

8. FIRE

Prescribed Ecological Burns and Wild Fires at False Bay Nature Reserve

Fire Breaks for Pelican Park, Pelican Heights and Peacock Close Fire breaks for the residential areas which Pelican Park Section fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Cape Town Parks Department, as these areas are considered to be ‘open spaces’. The clearing of fire breaks are commissioned by the Reserve Supervisor of Pelican Park Section. Five meter wide fire breaks for the Strandfontein community was completed this quarter. The Green Jobs Unit of the Biodiversity Management Branch was contracted and funded by City Parks Department to complete the task.

Wild Fires at False Bay Nature Reserve

20 November 2016 – A fire occurred in management block five of the Rondevlei Section. The fire was contained fairly quickly with assistance from Lakeside Fire Station. The temperature for the day was a high of 290 C with 24 km/h winds in a south-westerly direction and a relative humidity of 42%.

11 December 2016 – Four separate fires occurred simultaneously in Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei Sections. According to the City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Services it appeared to be a case of arson, but this was not confirmed. The fires were contained before 18h00 and mop-up operations continued till 21h00. A Quemic ranger team was deployed to monitor the burn area through the night. The temperature for the day was a high of 250 C with 21 km/h winds in a south / south-westerly direction and a relative humidity of 44%.

Views of the burned area in the Zeekoevlei Section, across the area known as Billy’s block (Photos: V. Day 2016)

28 November 2016 – A fire occurred in management block two and four of Slangetjiebos Section. The fire was contained fairly quickly with assistance from Lakeside Fire Station. The temperature for the day was a high of 250 C with 32 km/h wind in a south-easterly direction and a relative humidity of 47%.

12 December 2016 – A fire occurred in management block seven of Slangetjiebos Section. The fire was contained quickly with the assistance from Lakeside Fire Station. The temperature for the day was a high of 230 C with 37 km/h winds in a southerly direction and a relative humidity of 66%.

16 December 2016 – A fire occurred in management block two of Slangetjiebos Section. The fire was contained quickly with the assistance from Lakeside Fire Station. The temperature for the day was a high of 240 C with 30 km/h winds in a southerly direction and a relative humidity of 57%.

18 December 2016 - A fire occurred in management block two of Slangetjiebos Section. The fire was contained quickly with the assistance from Lakeside Fire Station. The temperature for the day was a high of 270 C with 26 km/h winds in a south / south-westerly direction and a relative humidity of 58%.

21 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

9. PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION

Environmental Education The last term of the year is a short one with schools getting ready for examinations. The Rondevlei Section day environmental education programme had its annual visit from Sweet Valley Primary with their grade 3 class and it was wonderful to also have Glenbridge special school visit the Reserve amongst other schools (Table 4).

People and Conservation Officer for False Bay Nature Reserve, Bronwen Amayo, has been carrying out a handover to intern Jocelyn van Eeden who will be seeing to environmental education duties from January 2017 – June 2017.

Overnight environmental education programmes have been conducted by the Cape Town Environmental Education Trust (CTEET) staff at both the Zeekoevlei Environmental Education Centre and the False Bay Ecology Park Environmental Education facility. Groups participating in the overnight programmes included Sir Lowry’s Pass Primary School, Harmony Park Primary School, Chuma Primary School and Macassar High School. CTEET also conducted day programmes on site with Arc Optics, Willow Primary School amongst other schools.

Jocelyn van Eeden doing an -breaker game with Sweet Valley Primary learners (Photo B. Amayo 2016)

Insect programme with Willow Primary School (Photo: CTEET 2016)

22 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Outreach programmes York Road Primary School invited the Reserve to be part of a series of talks on various careers held for the grade 7 class. The event will now become an annual event at the school to expose the learners to career choices as they are about to exit primary school. False Bay Nature Reserve presented a talk on nature conservation as a career.

The Gantouw Eland Project Project Manager of the Gantouw Eland Project, Petro Botha, and her team have hosted a few information sessions about the eland (Taurotragus oryx) and the project to various types of groups, ranging from some of the camp groups hosted by CTEET, to interest groups, scientists and interested people passing through the area.

Table 4: Environmental education stats October - December 2016

Programmes No. of No. of No. of Adults No. of Hours of schools learners teachers programmes City of Cape 2 200 43 13 21 Town on reserves City of Cape 1 70 0 3 0.30 Town off reserves Partner 2 302 22 19 12 organisation on reserves CTEET on 6 261 15 17 26 reserves CTEET 5 902 182 91 197 camps – ZEEP CTEET 3 882 629 136 246 camps - FBEC CTEET off 0 0 0 0 0 reserves

Meet your Neighbour Event Gaining community buy-in is an important parameter in conserving our natural areas, especially the buffer areas that lie between the boundary of the nature reserve and the local residential communities. On 5 November 2016, the False Bay Nature Reserve (FBNR) participated in the annual ‘Meet your Neighbour’ event which provides a platform for local communities to establish relationships with local organisations in the Strandfontein area. Furthermore, the festival encourages networking and recognition of the local and municipal line functions that operate in the area.

The Reserve staff had the opportunity to communicate some of the prominent challenges in the Pelican Park Section, as this section of the reserve falls within the Strandfontein . By working together, various stakeholders can contribute to protecting the rich biodiversity found in the Cape Flats and along the False Bay coastline. The exhibit was exposed to approximately 1 000 local residents who attended the event.

This year a fun environmental education theme was incorporated into the exhibition, and the staff of Strandfontein Section included fun biodiversity-related activities, which were a great draw card for the young and old.

23 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

A view of the False Bay Nature Reserve exhibit at the event (top), staff member Clint Williams showing some interested participants a hippopotamus skull (above left), Crystal Moses playing a fun ‘guess the item’ game with some children (above right), Clint Williams explaining some of the challenges that the Pelican Park Section faces (below left) and nature conservation student Tayla Hadwen showing taxidermy bird specimens to some youngsters (below right) (Photos: C. Williams, T. Hadwen & C. Moses 2016)

24 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

10. STAFF MATTERS

Staff Training and Development Training interventions completed by False Bay Nature Reserve staff over the past quarter include:

 Nature Conservation student of False Bay Nature Reserve, Ms Tayla Hadwen, handed in her Work Integrated Year (WIL) project on Wednesday 26 October 2016. Ms Hadwen worked very hard on the project, which is comprised of five modules.  The graduation ceremony for the staff members that qualified for the NQF Level 2 Advanced Field Ranger training programme was held on 17 November 2016. False Bay Nature Reserve staff member Mrs Crystal Moses was awarded her certificate of completion, as well as an additional certificate for ‘Top Performance’. Mrs Moses ranked second overall for the course and the reserve staff are very proud of her.  Mrs Crystal Moses’s internal bursary application, to redo two of her Grade 12 subjects, was granted, and lessons started on 31 August 2016 and will continue as once-weekly classes for the next year. To date Crystal has completed her quarterly exams and awaits the results.

Mrs Crystal Moses and mentor Ms Erica Essig posing with certificates (left), and Crystal Moses receiving her certificate from Director of the Environmental Resources Management Department, Mr Osman Asmal, and Manager of the Biodiversity Management Branch, Ms Julia Wood (Photos : E. Essig and A. Khan 2016)

Farewell to Reserve Supervisor, Ms Erica Essig The current Reserve Supervisor of Pelican Park and Strandfontein Sections, Ms Erica Essig, will be leaving False Bay Nature Reserve and the City of Cape Town at the end of December 2016. Ms Essig has accepted a job offer in the L’Agulhas Plain as Conservation Manager of the Nuwejaars Special Management Area. Ms Essig has been working as Manager of Strandfontein and Pelican Park Section for four years and six months. She will be missed.

Interns and Learnerships Four nature conservation interns have been placed at False Bay Nature Reserve on a one year contract starting in November 2016. All four of the interns have completed their work integrated learning year in the south with False Bay Nature Reserve staff member Mr Clint Williams being one of the nature conservation graduates on this internship programme.

Mr Stephan Dreyer, who has been working at False Bay Nature Reserve for nearly four years, has been accepted on a NQF level 4 learnership based at False Bay Nature Reserve. Mr Dreyer started on the EPWP programme before receiving a seasonal field ranger post with the City of Cape Town and is currently completing this learnership.

25 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

11. LAW ENFORCEMENT

Law Enforcement – Planning and Patrols

Monthly Patrols at Zandwolf Section During the patrols carried out at Zandwolf Section for the months of November to December 2016, an increase in illegal dumping was noted. The issue has been discussed with local law enforcement officials in an effort to minimise such activities. Incidents are erratic and happen anywhere from road sides to secluded spots, presumably in the early hours of the morning or late at night. Some areas were cleaned by the City of Cape Town Solid Waste Management Department and by False Bay Nature Reserve staff, with most of the dumped material being domestic waste and waste building materials.

In this quarter three informal dwellings were discovered whilst on routine foot patrols in management block seven and eight of Zandwolf Section. Though no one was present when the structures were found there were signs that these dwellings were occupied.

Monthly Patrols at Pelican Park Section Three planned monthly law enforcement patrols were conducted in the Pelican Park Section this quarter. The purpose of the monthly patrols is mainly to document any infringements onto reserve property, patrol the Pelican Park fence line, and to identify and respond to illegal activities taking place. Infringements include any encroachment across the boundary between the Pelican Park Section of False Bay Nature Reserve and the neighbouring communities of Pelican Heights, Peacock Close, Pelican Park (suburb) and Strandfontein. Legal services from the City of Cape Town are still involved in managing the encroachment problem in Pelican Heights. Law enforcement incidents noted during the law enforcement patrols over this quarter are listed below (Table 5).

Table 5: Illegal activities recorded over a three month period on the Pelican Park Section monthly patrols

Type of incident Details Action Dumping Numerous cases of dumping were reported Waste water flowing One incident was reported into reserve Dumping garden waste One incident of dumping garden waste was Verbal warning given to reported offender Domestic livestock Two incidents of chickens roaming on reserve Verbal warning issued, and final property were reported. written warning issued Vandalism and Sections of fence at the Pelican Heights City of Cape Town Sports & dumping sports field vandalised. The vandalism Recreation department allows for vehicles to access the Reserve notified. Working together through the Pelican heights sports field and with the Reserve towards a this leads to dumping incidents. solution.

Last quarter three warnings were issued to residents regarding minor compliance issues. Two of the three complied, and a final written warning was delivered to the resident which was still not complying with the regulations.

Assistance from Residents at Pelican Park Section Over the past quarter four incidents were reported by concerned local residents. The local community and watch groups from the suburbs surrounding the Pelican Park Section of the Reserve have been keeping an eye out for illegal activities which have negative impacts on the community and the Reserve. A resident from Pelican Heights reported two suspects burning copper wires inside the reserve boundary. The suspects were given warnings and told about the negative impacts that a fire could have on the nature reserve if it was not controlled. 26 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Two suspects caught burning copper wire in the Pelican Park Section (Photos: Local resident 2016)

One incident of illegal wood harvesting (cutting) i.e. without a permit, was reported this quarter by Peacock Close residents and the offenders were asked to leave the site. Two snake call-outs were also reported to the Reserve Supervisor of Pelican Park Section and the Quemic law enforcement rangers dealt with both of these incidences.

Residents are encouraged to call the False Bay Nature Reserve at 021 396 4283, or alternatively the 24 hour response number managed by the Quemic Rangers should they encounter any illegal activities or incidents of non-compliance.

Law Enforcement at Rondevlei Section On 23 October 2016 the Quemic control room received information that a body was discovered inside the Rondevlei Section along the western fence boundary. The severely decomposed body was discovered by a local resident. The matter was handed over to the police (SAPS) for further investigation.

On 25 October 2016, Mr Haynes and Mr Satardien from Quemic escorted Ms Julia Wood (Manager: City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management Branch), Mr Asieff Khan (Area Manager – False Bay Nature Reserve) and Mr Shihabuddeen Khan (Reserve Supervisor of Rondevlei Section) on an inspection of the western fence. Large sections of the fence are missing or damaged, leaving vulnerable gaps in the boundary. This is particularly problematic as hippopotamus in the reserve could potentially escape into the nearby informal settlements, posing a threat to humans. The purpose of the inspection was to look at improving the boundary and brain storming possible solutions.

27 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Inspection of the western boundary fence of Rondevlei Section (left) and brainstorming solutions (right) (Photos: Quemic 2016)

Fence Patrols at Rondevlei Section Weekly fence patrols have been implemented for the western and southern boundary of Rondevlei Section. Two weekly patrols are conducted by both reserve staff and the Quemic rangers.

Zeekoevlei Law Enforcement Incidents There were 12 major law enforcement incidents recorded at Zeekoevlei Section over the past quarter:

October 2016: - 29/10/2016: A severely decomposed body was discovered by a local resident in a reedbed on the eastern shore of Zeekoevlei Section. The matter was handed over to the police (SAPS).

November 2016: - 05/11/2016: A male suspect was found illegally removing grass from the Little Lotus River area. A verbal warning was issued. - 06/11/2016: Two persons were removed from eastern shore of Zeekoevlei Section for illegal sand . Verbal warnings were issued. - 10/11/2016: A regular vagrant at Zeekoevlei was removed from the Reserve for trespassing - 16/11/2016: Three juveniles were removed from the public area of Zeekoevlei Section and given a verbal warning for smoking marijuana in one of the toilet facilities.

December 2016: - 11/10/2016: A drowning occurred near the Zeekoevlei Yacht Club. One male body was found and retrieved by the police (SAPS). City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, the

28 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

ambulance service, Quemic and SAPS were on scene. The case was handed over to the police station. - 22/12/2016: A driver on the Eastern shore of Zeekoevlei was found to be speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. He was given a stern verbal warning and removed off site. - 24/12/2016: An incident of public indecency was reported on the eastern shore of Zeekoevlei. The two suspects involved were issued verbal warnings and escorted off site. - 27/12/2016: Four doors stolen from the toilet facilities along the eastern shore of Zeekoevlei Section were recovered and a warrant of arrest issued for the suspects. The control room was alerted to the theft as one of the cameras installed in the area triggered an alarm at the Quemic control room. - 28/12/2016: Two vagrants were removed off site from the eastern shore of Zeekoevlei Section and issued verbal warnings.

12. INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT

Operationally Funded Projects

Camera Installations on the Eastern Shore of Zeekoevlei Section Staff members Mr Henry Pheiffer and Mr Mogamat Samsodien were tasked with installing five remote camera systems in the toilet facilities. These blocks are regularly being targeted by vandals. In an attempt to minimise the damage to the infrastructure, cameras were fitted with motion detectors at the entrance of the toilet blocks. The units automatically activate once the reserve is closed and if any motion is detected, a 10 second video is immediately sent to the control room, monitored by the Quemic rangers based at the False Bay Ecology Park Environmental Education Centre.

The receiver boxes were mounted on a 350 mm x 350 mm board and then mounted inside the toilet block as the cameras work on line of sight with these boxes. The cameras were mounted above the entrance so as to not infringe on the privacy of the people using the facility and only trigger when someone enters the building. The receiver is also equipped with a tamper switch and if the receiver is targeted by vandals it will send a distress call to the control room.

View of one of the camera box units installed at the toilet blocks of the Zeekoevlei eastern shore (Photo: M. Samsodien 2016)

29 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

Views of the camera units installed inside the toilet blocks at Zeekoevlei Section (Photos: M. Samsodien 2016)

Strandfontein Section Fence Line and Gate Installation Work has continued on the Strandfontein Section fence line this quarter. The Strandfontein fence line consists of a 500 m diamond mesh line which runs from the False Bay Ecology Park Environmental Education Centre to the north-eastern perimeter of the Strandfontein Section. Work has included cutting the grass and spraying it with herbicide, as well as cutting back any bush encroachment within 1 m on either side of the fence. Then the poles were strained with insulated straining wire and finally the diamond mesh positioned and tightened. Two gates were installed at either end of the fence line to control access to these areas of the Reserve.

View of the new fence line at Strandfontein Section from a westerly direction (Photo: E. Essig 2016)

30 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016 False Bay Nature Reserve | False Bay -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo False Bay

The gate installation (left) and fence line (right) at Strandfontein Section (Photos: E. Essig 2016)

Maintenance on Eastern Shore of Zeekoevlei Section In June 2016 the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) running at False Bay Nature Reserve came to an end. This meant a loss of 37 worker posts at the Reserve. The eastern shore picnic area is a popular spot and is visited by many local residents. It is therefore important to keep this area well-maintained as it provides a much-needed recreational space. The loss of EPWP workers affected the capacity of the Reserve to carry out maintenance activities in this area. Operational budget was then received from the Environmental Resource Management Department, which allowed for the employment of an eight-person over five months. The team works on two shifts and covers weekends as well as public holidays. The contract will run until 7 May 2017. REFERENCES

Red List SANBI website: http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php/species=1534-153

Cape Town Invasive Website: http://www.capetowninvasives.org.za/project/animals

Wikipedia website: https://www.wikipedia.org

Maclean, G.L. (2001) Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. Cape Town: John Voelker Bird Book Fund

31 City of Cape Town Quarterly Report – 1 October to 31 December 2016