DOCSLIB.ORG

Ophathe Game Reserve Management Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ophathe Game Reserve Management Plan OPHATHE GAME RESERVE Protected Area Management Plan Prepared by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Protected Area Management Planning Unit & Ophathe Game Reserve Planning Committee Developed: 2016 Citation: Ophathe Game Reserve: Management Plan. Version 1.0 (2016), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PREFACE Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has adopted an overarching protected area management strategy that focus on developing, together with stakeholders - a Protected Area Management Plan for Ophathe Game Reserve. This management plan is its primary and overarching management document and sets out the desired state for Ophathe Game Reserve and the objectives to achieve this desired state. It forms the framework within which the protected area will be managed and developed towards the achievement of its management objectives, derived in collaboration with the protected area’s stakeholders during 2016. The protected area management planning process has been designed to meet the statutory requirements of the National Environmental Management Protected Area Act No. 57 of 2003 and other relevant legislation. The protected area management planning process requires participation from the protected area’s stakeholders, the general public and specialists during the various stages of the development and implementation of the plan. An annual review process of the management plan and its subsidiary plans will ensure an active adaptive management planning approach. A long-term business approach has also been introduced that ensures that the protected area’s management objectives are operationalised and reflected through an Annual Plan of Operation. A Financial Plan will, at the same time, actively pursue additional and improved funding and income towards the achievement of the protected area’s objectives. Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, as the appointed Management Authority for Ophathe Game Reserve, hereby commits itself to the implementation of this plan. B Khoza Acting Chief Executive Officer Ophathe Game Reserve: Protected Area Management Plan 2016 iii AUTHORISATION The Protected Area Management Plan for Ophathe Game Reserve is recommended by the Ophathe Game Reserve Planning Committee, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of: EZEMVELO KZN WILDLIFE Richard Penn Sawers Park Manager: Northern Protected Areas Andile Mhlongo Conservation Manager EOHP Lucas Myeza Ex Conservation Manager EOHP Bhekani Gumbi Community Conservation Officer Rickert van Westhuizen District Ecologist Zululand Jabulani Biyela District Conservation Officer Shiven Rambarath Protected Area Management Planning Technician Ophathe Game Reserve: Protected Area Management Plan 2016 v TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III AUTHORISATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- V APPROVAL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VII ABBREVIATIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IX 1 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2.1 Structure of the plan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2.2 The legislative basis for the management of protected areas ------------------------------------------------------- 4 2.3 Institutional framework for the management of protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal ------------------------ 4 2.4 The policy framework guiding the management of protected areas ---------------------------------------------- 4 2.5 Planning approach ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 2.5.1 Public Trust Doctrine------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 2.5.2 Ecosystem-based Management ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 2.5.3 Adaptive Management ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 2.5.4 Collaboration and Transparency ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 3 DESCRIPTION OF OPHATHE GAME RESERVE AND ITS CONTEXT ------------------------------ 8 3.1 Background to Ophathe Game Reserve ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8 3.2 The values of Ophathe Game Reserve ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10 3.3 The purpose of Ophathe Game Reserve --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 3.4 Proclamation status of Ophathe Game Reserve ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 3.5 The regional and local planning context of Ophathe Game Reserve -------------------------------------------- 12 3.5.1 The National Protected Area Expansion Strategy ---------------------------------------------------------------- 12 3.5.2 The Provincial Protected Area Expansion Plan -------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 3.5.3 Biodiversity Economy Nodes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13 3.6 Culjtural context of Ophathe Game Reserve --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 3.7 The history of Ophathe Game Reserve ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 3.7.1 History of Eco-tourism in Ophathe Game Reserve -------------------------------------------------------------- 15 3.8 Socio-economic context------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 3.9 Ecological context of Ophathe Game Reserve ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 3.9.1 Climate and Weather ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 3.9.2 Topography ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 3.9.3 Geology and Soils --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 3.9.4 Geomorphology----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22 3.9.5 Hydrology ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22 3.9.6 Vegetation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24 Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24 Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 Midlands Mistbelt Grassland ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24 Ophathe Game Reserve: Protected Area Management Plan 2016 iii Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 Zululand Lowveld --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 3.9.7 Fire Regime ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 3.9.8 Invasive Species ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 3.9.9 Mammalian Fauna -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 3.9.10 Avifauna --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 3.9.11 Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 3.9.12 Invertebrates--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 3.10 Operational management context of Ophathe Game Reserve --------------------------------------------------- 33 3.10.1 Infrastructure -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33 3.10.2 Staffing Establishment --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 3.10.3 Funding Levels at Ophathe Game Reserve ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 3.10.4 Management Effectiveness in Ophathe Game Reserve -------------------------------------------------------- 35 3.10.5 Risk assessment ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 3.11 Summary of management issues – StrenGths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) ------ 37 4 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK --------------------------------------------------------- 39 4.1 Ophathe Game Reserve vision ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mega Birding Tour III 2016
    South Africa Mega Birding Tour III 16th January to 9th February 2016 (29 days) Jackal Buzzard by Greg de Klerk Trip report compiled by tour leader: Greg de Klerk Top 10 birds as voted for by participants: 1. Secretarybird 6. Bokmakierie 2. Green Twinspot 7. Blue Crane 3. Martial Eagle 8. Gurney’s Sugarbird 4. Hamerkop 9. African Penguin 5. Cape Rockjumper 10. Drakensburg Rockjumper Top 5 mammals: 1. Cheetah 5. Meerkat 2. White Rhinoceros 3. Plains Zebra 4. African Wild Dog Trip Report – RBT SA Mega III 2016 2 Tour summary The Rockjumper South Africa Mega tour aims to find as many of the country’s endemic birds and special species as possible over the duration of three and a half weeks, while traversing most of the country’s diverse habitats. We travelled a whopping 6854 kilometres from our starting point in Johannesburg. During our travels we visited seven of South Africa’s nine provinces from Polokwane in Limpopo, Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga, the dramatic Sani Pass in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town in the Western Cape, Port Nolloth in the far reaches of the Northern Cape and finally back to Johannesburg Green Twinspot by Markus Lilje in Gauteng. Although the tour was done at a brisk pace, we were still able to enjoy an excellent and fulfilling time in the areas visited, while covering all the habitats that this incredibly diverse country has to offer. We recorded 470 species of birds on the main tour. Add to this, a remarkable selection of mammal species and reptilian encounters, and it all contributed to this being an excellent tour! Beginning at our comfortable accomodation in Johannesburg, we were thrown into the deep end of introductory birding in South Africa, observing stunning flocks of Red-headed Finch, Southern Red Bishop and Red-billed Quelea, while Speckled Pigeon, Red-eyed, Laughing and Ring-necked Dove fed side by side, allowing us to easily observe their identification pointers.
    [Show full text]
  • Uthukela Health Districts Know Your Vaccination Sites
    UTHUKELA HEALTH DISTRICTS KNOW YOUR VACCINATION SITES :WEEK 09 Aug – 15 Aug 2021 SUB-DISTRC FACILITY/SITE WARD ADDRESS OPERATING DAYS OPERATING HOURS T Inkosi Thusong Hall 14 Next to old Mbabazane 10-13 AUG 2021 08:00 – 16:00 Langalibalel Ntabamhlope Municipal offices e Inkosi Estcourt Hospital South 23 KNOWNo YOUR 1 Old VACCINATION Main Road SITES 9-15 AUG 2021 08:00 – 16:00 Langalibalel Wing nurses home e Inkosi Wembezi Hall 9 VQ Section 10-13 AUG 2021 08:00 – 16:00 Langalibalel e UTHUKELA HEALTH DISTRICTS KNOW YOUR VACCINATION SITES :WEEK 09 Aug – 15 Aug 2021 SUB-DISTRC FACILITY/SITE WARD ADDRESS OPERATING DAYS OPERATING HOURS T Okhahlamba Maswazini community hall 14 Near tribal court 8 /8/2021 08:00 – 16:00 Okhahlamba Bergville sports complex 11 Golf street , Bergville, 8,9 ,11,12 ,13 and 08:00 – 16:00 14/8/2021 KNOW YOUR VACCINATION SITES Okhahlamba Rooihoek community hall 13 Near Rooihoek primary school 9 and 10 /8/2021 08:00 – 16:00 Okhahlamba Emmaus Hospital 2 Cathedral Peak Road 9 ,10,11,12 ,13 and 08:00 – 16:00 14/8/2021 Okhahlamba Khethani hall/ Winterton 1 Near KwaDesayi , Supermarket 10/8/2021 08:00 – 16:00 Okhahlamba Jolly Bar community hall ( 8 Near Mafu High School 11,12 and 13/08/2021 08:00 – 16:00 Moyeni) Okhahlamba Tabhane High School 4 Near Tabhane Community hall 14/8/2021 08:00 – 16:00 UTHUKELA HEALTH DISTRICTS KNOW YOUR VACCINATION SITES :WEEK 09 Aug – 15 Aug 2021 SUB-DISTRCT FACILITY/SITE WARD ADDRESS OPERATING DAYS OPERATING HOURS Alfred Ladysmith Nurses 12 KNOW36 YOUR Malcom VACCINATION road SITES 09 - 15 August
    [Show full text]
  • A Faunistic Contribution to the Butterfly Fauna of Oman (Lepidoptera: Diurna)
    Natura Somogyiensis 34: 153-188. Ka pos vár, 2020 DOI:10.24394/NatSom.2020.34.153 Submitted: 21.03, 2020; Accepted: 05.04, 2020; Published: 15.04, 2020 www.smmi.hu/termtud/ns/ns.htm A faunistic contribution to the butterfly fauna of Oman (Lepidoptera: Diurna) Peter Schmidt1, Sándor Jenő Simonyi2, Levente Ábrahám1, Szabolcs Sáfián3 & Sándor Ilniczky4 1Rippl-Rónai Museum Kaposvár Fő str. 10., Hungary, e-mail: [email protected] and [email protected] 2H-1031 Budapest, Sóvári str. 30. fsz. 1., Hungary, e-mail: [email protected] 3Institute of Silviculture and Forest Protection, University of Sopron, H-9400 Sopron Bajcsy-Zsilinszky str. 4., Hungary, e-mail: [email protected] 4H-1173 Budapest, Szenczi Molnár Albert str. 35., Hungary, e-mail: [email protected] Schmidt, P., Simonyi, S. J., Ábrahám, L., Sáfián, Sz. & Ilniczky, S.: A faunistic contribution to the but- terfly fauna of Oman (Lepidoptera: Diurna). Abstract: During five entomological field expeditions between 2008 and 2019, butterfly speciemens were collected in Oman, and a total of 492 specimens of 46 species were documented. Faunistic and distribution data for each species is presented, along a short overview of the physical geography of Oman and biogeo- graphical notes of the butterfly fauna. With 30 figures. Keywords: butterfly, faunistic, distribution, Oman. Introduction The Sultanate of Oman is located at the southeastern coast of the Arabian Penninsula. The country’s landscape is divided into two major ecoregions, (1) Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, (2) Deserts and xeric shrublands. The former includes the higher regions of the rocky, 650 km long Al Hajar Mountain range from the tip of the Musandam peninsula to Ra's Al Had.
    [Show full text]
  • Zululand District Municipality Integrated
    ZULULAND DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN: 2020/2021 REVIEW Integrated Development Planning is an approach to planning that involves the entire municipality and its citizens in finding the best solutions to achieve good long- term development. OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER [Email address] TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. 1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Introduction to the Zululand District Municipality ................................................................................................. 1 1.3 Objectives of the ZDM IDP...................................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Scope of the Zululand District Municipality IDP ..................................................................................................... 4 1.5 Approach ................................................................................................................................................................ 5 1.6 Public Participation ................................................................................................................................................. 6 2 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATION AND POLICY .........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Seismic Reflection Survey and Well Drilling, Umkhanyakude District Municipality, Northern Kzn
    SFG1897 v2 Public Disclosure Authorized ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT SEISMIC REFLECTION SURVEY AND WELL DRILLING, UMKHANYAKUDE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, NORTHERN KZN Public Disclosure Authorized Client: SANEDI–SACCCS Consultant: G.A. Botha (PhD, Pr.Sci.Nat) in association with specialist consultants; Brousse-James and Associates, WetRest, Jeffares & Green, S. Allan Council for Geoscience, P.O. Box 900, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 Council for Geoscience report: 2016-0009 June, 2016 Copyright © Council for Geoscience, 2016 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Table of Contents Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................... vii 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Project description ................................................................................................................................ 4 2.1 Location and regional context ....................................................................................................... 5 2.2 2D seismic reflection survey and well drilling; project description and technical aspects ............ 7 2.2.1 Seismic survey (vibroseis) process ....................................................................................... 7 2.2.2 Well drilling ...........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa: Fairest Cape to Kruger - January 2020
    Tropical Birding Trip Report South Africa: Fairest Cape to Kruger - January 2020 A Tropical Birding set departure tour South Africa: Fairest Cape to Kruger Main Tour: 10th – 24th January 2020 Eastern Endemics and Drakensberg Extension: 24th January – 1st February 2020 Tour Leader: Emma Juxon All photographs in this report were taken by Emma Juxon, species depicted in photographs are named in BOLD RED Gurney’s Sugarbird seen on our day exploring the Sani Pass during the Drakensberg Extension www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Tropical Birding Trip Report South Africa: Fairest Cape to Kruger - January 2020 Introduction South Africa has it all, from mind-blowing wildlife to incredible scenery to fantastic people and cultures, not to mention the delicious food! This tour really gives clients a wonderful insight into life in this fantastic and varied country. We cover a huge area of the country, taking us through many different habitats and thus allowing us the opportunity to enjoy large species numbers. This tour follows our tried and tested route through the rugged Western Cape and along the south coast into the Garden Route. From there we move inland to the arid landscapes of the Karoo and Tankwa Karoo before hopping across country via airplane to Johannesburg and exploring the world-famous Kruger National Park. Then back to Johannesburg before winding our way through the mid-altitude grasslands of Wakkerstroom to Zululand, visiting Mkhuze Game Reserve, the St. Lucia estuary, the montane forests of Eshowe and oNgoye and the agricultural lands of Howick and Underberg. A final adventurous ascent takes us into the striking high- altitude vistas of Lesotho before winding our way back down to the tropical Indian Ocean shores of Durban.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity and Ecology of Critically Endangered, Rûens Silcrete Renosterveld in the Buffeljagsrivier Area, Swellendam
    Biodiversity and Ecology of Critically Endangered, Rûens Silcrete Renosterveld in the Buffeljagsrivier area, Swellendam by Johannes Philippus Groenewald Thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Science in Conservation Ecology in the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University Supervisor: Prof. Michael J. Samways Co-supervisor: Dr. Ruan Veldtman December 2014 Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za Declaration I hereby declare that the work contained in this thesis, for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Ecology, is my own work that have not been previously published in full or in part at any other University. All work that are not my own, are acknowledge in the thesis. ___________________ Date: ____________ Groenewald J.P. Copyright © 2014 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved ii Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za Acknowledgements Firstly I want to thank my supervisor Prof. M. J. Samways for his guidance and patience through the years and my co-supervisor Dr. R. Veldtman for his help the past few years. This project would not have been possible without the help of Prof. H. Geertsema, who helped me with the identification of the Lepidoptera and other insect caught in the study area. Also want to thank Dr. K. Oberlander for the help with the identification of the Oxalis species found in the study area and Flora Cameron from CREW with the identification of some of the special plants growing in the area. I further express my gratitude to Dr. Odette Curtis from the Overberg Renosterveld Project, who helped with the identification of the rare species found in the study area as well as information about grazing and burning of Renosterveld.
    [Show full text]
  • African Butterfly News!
    LATE WINTER EDITION: JULY / AUGUST AFRICAN 2017-4 THE BUTTERFLY LEPIDOPTERISTS’ SOCIETY OF AFRICA NEWS LATEST NEWS Welcome to the Late Winter edition of African Butterfly News! African Butterfly News celebrates its first year of existence; the first edition, 2016-5, was circulated in September last year. The photographic competition commenced in August 2016, so the annual award will be made in the next, Spring Edition – for purposes of the photographic competition, the season starts in August and ends in July. A reminder that the newsletter is circulated every two months: Late Summer (January and February) – circulated in January Autumn (March and April) – circulated in March Early Winter (May and June) – circulated in May Late Winter (July and August) – circulated in July Spring (September and October) – circulated in September Early Summer (November and December) – circulated in November You will all be aware of the devastating fires that the southern Cape experienced in June. Dave and Hanna Edge, LepSoc Africa’s Treasurer and Membership Secretary respectively, were caught up in this drama, and had to evacuate their house (refer to Dave’s eyewitness account below). Fortunately, the building survived the fire, although the nearby Brenton Blue Reserve was incinerated. All fences, sign boards and marker-posts were destroyed – it is hoped that some larvae or pupae of the Brenton Blue (Orachrysops niobe) are still alive, safely underground. See a report under COREL under the “Projects” section. Some of you may have seen an article in the Sunday Times, by Aaron Hyman, a friend of Christopher Dobson. This magazine relies on material from you, the members of LepSoc Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • Check-List of the Butterflies of the Kakamega Forest Nature Reserve in Western Kenya (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea, Papilionoidea)
    Nachr. entomol. Ver. Apollo, N. F. 25 (4): 161–174 (2004) 161 Check-list of the butterflies of the Kakamega Forest Nature Reserve in western Kenya (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea, Papilionoidea) Lars Kühne, Steve C. Collins and Wanja Kinuthia1 Lars Kühne, Museum für Naturkunde der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 43, D-10115 Berlin, Germany; email: [email protected] Steve C. Collins, African Butterfly Research Institute, P.O. Box 14308, Nairobi, Kenya Dr. Wanja Kinuthia, Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museums of Kenya, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya Abstract: All species of butterflies recorded from the Kaka- list it was clear that thorough investigation of scientific mega Forest N.R. in western Kenya are listed for the first collections can produce a very sound list of the occur- time. The check-list is based mainly on the collection of ring species in a relatively short time. The information A.B.R.I. (African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi). Furthermore records from the collection of the National density is frequently underestimated and collection data Museum of Kenya (Nairobi), the BIOTA-project and from offers a description of species diversity within a local literature were included in this list. In total 491 species or area, in particular with reference to rapid measurement 55 % of approximately 900 Kenyan species could be veri- of biodiversity (Trueman & Cranston 1997, Danks 1998, fied for the area. 31 species were not recorded before from Trojan 2000). Kenyan territory, 9 of them were described as new since the appearance of the book by Larsen (1996). The kind of list being produced here represents an information source for the total species diversity of the Checkliste der Tagfalter des Kakamega-Waldschutzge- Kakamega forest.
    [Show full text]
  • Catalogue of the Type Specimens of Lepidoptera Rhopalocera in the Hill Museum
    Original from and digitized by National University of Singapore Libraries Original from and digitized by National University of Singapore Libraries Original from and digitized by National University of Singapore Libraries Original from and digitized by National University of Singapore Libraries CATALOGUE OF THE Type Specimens of Lepidoptera Rhopalocera IN THE HILL MUSEUM BY A. G. GABRIEL, F.E.S. Issued June, 1932 LONDON JOHN BALE, SONS & DANIELSSON, LTD. 83-91, GBEAT TITCHFIELD STEEET, OXEOED STEEET, W. 1 1932 Price 20/- Original from and digitized by National University of Singapore Libraries Unfortunately Mr. Joicey did not live to see the publication of this Catalogue. It will however remain, together with the four completed volumes of the " Bulletin of the Hill Museum," as a lasting memorial to to the magnificent collection of Lepidoptera amassed by Mr. Joicey, and to the work carried out at the Hill Museum under his auspices. G. Talbot. Original from and digitized by National University of Singapore Libraries CATALOGUE OF THE TYPE SPECIMENS OF LEPIDOPTERA RHOPALOCERA IN THE HILL MUSEUM. By A. G. GABRIEL, F.E.S. INTRODUCTION BY G. TALBOT. It is important to know exactly where type specimens are to be found. The British Museum set an example by publishing catalogues of some of their Rhopalocera types, and we hope this will be continued. Mr. Gabriel, who was responsible for that work, has been asked by Mr. Joicey to prepare a catalogue for the Hill Museum. The original description of almost every name in this catalogue has been examined for the correct reference, and where the sex or habitat was wrongly quoted, the necessary correction has been made.
    [Show full text]
  • Mtunzini Conservancy Newsletter December 2015
    Mtunzini Conservancy Newsletter December 2015 https://www.facebook.com/MtunziniConservancy/ Dear Members and Supporters, Many thanks to Jim Chedzey for compiling another lovely newsletter and for all the contributions that make up the 5th edition of the year. As 2015 melts away and 2016 dawns it is with excitement and some trepidation that we welcome the holidays and anticipate what the New Year holds! Most weather models are predicting the continuation of a strong El- Nino episode during the summer season with the expectation for it to start gradually decaying during late autumn and the early winter seasons. Thus the rain that we have recently experienced along the coast and inland towards Hluhluwe- Imfolozi has been most welcome as the continuation of dry conditions towards the mid- and late-summer season is forecast. Let’s all do our bit to conserve water by using it sparingly and installing water collection and recycling systems in our homes and businesses. The Conservancy held its year end function on Friday the 4th December at Twinstreams and it turned out to be a most enjoyable and entertaining evening. Special thanks to Kim and Wayne for sharing your Karoo expedition with us – the presentation was artistic and energetic and we would recommend anyone who would like their photos and videos put into a similar dynamic format contact Kim Steinberg on 0799832641. Many thanks also to our gracious host Steve Untiedt who always make us feel at home – and staff Nomusa and Khululiwe and Nonhlanhla for preparing the salads and Ray, Matthew, Ntokhoza and Kevin for the firewood.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Zululand District Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal
    EZEMVELO KZN WILDLIFE Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Zululand District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Technical Report February 2010 The Project Team Thorn-Ex cc (Environmental Services) PO Box 800, Hilton, 3245 Pietermaritzbur South Africa Tel: (033) 3431814 Fax: (033) 3431819 Mobile: 084 5014665 [email protected] Marita Thornhill (Project Management & Coordination) AFZELIA Environmental Consultants cc KwaZulu-Natal Western Cape PO Box 95 PO Box 3397 Hilton 3245 Cape Town 8000 Tel: 033 3432931/32 Tel: 072 3900686 Fax: 033 3432033 or Fax: 086 5132112 086 5170900 Mobile: 084 6756052 [email protected] [email protected] Wolfgang Kanz (Biodiversity Specialist Coordinator) John Richardson (GIS) Monde Nembula (Social Facilitation) Tim O’Connor & Associates P.O.Box 379 Hilton 3245 South Africa Tel/ Fax: 27-(0)33-3433491 [email protected] Tim O’Connor (Biodiversity Expert Advice) Zululand Biodiversity Sector Plan (February 2010) 1 Executive Summary The Biodiversity Act introduced several legislated planning tools to assist with the management and conservation of South Africa’s biological diversity. These include the declaration of “Bioregions” and the publication of “Bioregional Plans”. Bioregional plans are usually an output of a systematic spatial conservation assessment of a region. They identify areas of conservation priority, and constraints and opportunities for implementation of the plan. The precursor to a Bioregional Plan is a Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP), which is the official reference for biodiversity priorities to be taken into account in land-use planning and decision-making by all sectors within the District Municipality. The overall aim is to avoid the loss of natural habitat in Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and prevent the degradation of Ecological Support Areas (ESAs), while encouraging sustainable development in Other Natural Areas.
    [Show full text]