MISGUND ORCHARDS

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT 2014

Grey Rhebok Pelea capreolus

Prepared for Mr Wayne Baldie By Language of the Wilderness Foundation Trust In March 2002 a baseline environmental audit was completed by Conservation Management Services. This foundational document has served its purpose. The two (2) recommendations have been addressed namely; a ‘black wattle control plan’ in conjunction with Working for Water Alien Eradication Programme and a survey of the fish within the rivers was also addressed. Furthermore updated lists have resulted (based on observations and studies undertaken within the region). The results of these efforts have highlighted the significance of the farm Orchards and the surrounds, within the context of very special and important biodiversity. Misgund Orchards prides itself with a long history of fruit farming excellence, and has strived to ensure a healthy balance between agricultural priorities and our environment. Misgund Orchards recognises the need for a more holistic and co-operative regional approach towards our environment and needs to adapt and design a more sustainable approach.

The context of Misgund Orchards is significant, straddling the protected areas Formosa Forest Reserve (Niekerksberg) and the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve. A formidable mountain wilderness with World Heritage Status and a Global Biodiversity Hotspot (See Map 1 overleaf).

Rhombic egg eater Dasypeltis scabra MISGUND ORCHARDS

Langkloof Catchment

MAP 1 The regional context of Misgund Orchards becomes very apparent, where the obvious strategic opportunity exists towards creating a bridge of corridors linking the two mountain ranges Tsitsikamma and Kouga (south to north). The environmental significance of this cannot be overstated – essentially creating a protected area from the ocean into the desert of the Klein-, a traverse of 8 biomes, a veritable ‘garden of Eden’. This large mountain catchment region (Kouga, Baviaanskloof and Groot rivers) services all the local water needs agricultural and household. The Gamtoos catchment has one large impoundment in the form of the and this services 60%+ of the Nelson Mandela Metropoles water requirements via pipeline. TKNP/FFR BMR

750mm 650mm 250mm 1000mm 550mm <200mm Langkloof Klein Karoo Kouga Baviaanskloof OCEAN Tsitsikamma KR BR GR

The Gamtoos quaternary catchment is fed by three main arteries, the (KR), the (BR) and the Groot River (GR). The diagram above illustrates this clearly while highlighting the Protected Area footprint (Tsitsikamma National Park TNP, Formosa Forest Reserve FFR and Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve BMR). Furthermore showing the steep rainfall gradient from 1000mm p/a South facing slopes of the Tsitsikamma Mountains to <200mm p/a within the semi-desert regions of the Klein Karoo. Most importantly the highlighted upper Langkloof Catchment which drains the north slopes of the Tsitsikammas from Vyekraal in the west to the Heights in the east and the southern slopes of the Kouga mountains from De Hoop near Uniondale in the west to Riverside north of to the east, is noted. It ought be abundantly clear that the majority of water that ends up in the Kouga dam (>60%) comes from the Langkloof. It is this crucial resource that drives the ecosystems both Natural and Agricultural throughout the region. The importance of the Langkloof and its role regarding the sustainable management of the Greater Baviaanskloof region is poorly recognised and understood.

J. Baldie & Sons will endeavour where possible to conserve the wildlife and landscape of the farm by implementing the following:

Adhering to the farm's Integrated Environment Management PIan (IEMP).

Monitoring of bird life, at present there are 112 different species of birds in evidence on this farm. There are Blue Crane, Secretary birds and Fish eagle breeding pairs. A nesting site has been established for the Secretary birds.

Monitoring wildlife at present our antelope species are under pressure due to increased predator activity. This problem is being addressed in conjunction with the Department of Nature Conservation.

Vegetation, at present we are removing alien vegetation in conjunction with the government's Work for Water project.

Firebreaks have been upgraded and improved on the farm.

Erosion, continuous efforts are being made to repair flood damage.

The policy statement is to be reviewed annually. WE THE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES OF MISGUIND ORCHARDS ARE AWARE OF OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ACT AS CUSTODIANS OF OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BIODIVERSITY IN AND AROUND OUR ORCHARDS AND TO THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES SUCH AS SOIL, WATER AND ENERGY.

FURTHER ENSURE RESPONSIBLE HANDLING OF WASTE AND MINIMISING THE RISK OF POLLUTION OF THE ENVIROMENT. THESE ACTIYITIES SHOULD ENHANCE PRODUCTION AND PRODUCT CONFIDENCE.

TOWARDS THESE ENDS; WE PLAN OUR PRODUCTION ACTTVITIES TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT ON SENSITIVE ECOSYSTEMS AND SUPPORT THE ENHANCEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY BY REMOVING ALIEN AND LEAVING MARGINAL LANDS UNDISTURBED.

* REGULARLY AND THOROUGHLY REMOVE WASTE FROM IN AND AROUND THE WORK PLACE AS TO MAINTAIN AESTHETICALLY SOUND SURROUNDINGS;

* ENDEAVOUR TO R-E-USE ORGANIC MATTER BY APPLYING ALL COMPOSTABLE WASTE AS SOIL SUPPLEMENTS;

*IDENTIFY TIIE RISK AREAS FOR POLLUTION BY AGRO.CHEMICALS, PETRO-CHEMICALS AND NOISE AND AVOID CONTAMINATION OF THE ENVIROMENT WITH THESE PRODUCTS;

* IMPLEMENT IPM;

* ADHERE TO WORKER HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE REGULATIONS. POLICY GUIDELINES INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

 Maintain natural mountain and unworked veld for indigenous Flora and Fauna.  Marginal ground must be left unused.  Avoid soil erosion by erecting run off ditches and contours and planting dam walls with grass.  Protect objects of archaeological, historical or cultural value i.e. Bushman paintings at Waterfall Old wall at Big house. Rondavel at top house.  Use only designated roads or tracks.  Assess impact of any new development on environment.  Implement IPM and use to determine chemical spray program.  Ensure that fertilising is done correctly in accordance with farms fertilising protocol.  Co-operate with neighbors.  Remove alien vegetation - ongoing and with WFW.  Firewood can only be cut in designated areas i.e. cleared alien vegetation in Schoemans Hoek.  No hunting shall take place except for problem within the laws of South African Legislation.

Hamerkop Locality:

Misgund Orchards is located in the eastern part of the Langkloof Valley within the surrounds of the village of Misgund - +-37kms east of . Although the majority of land lies with the Province, the eastern most section lies within the Province. The property is split by the main tar road. Property acquisition since 2002 Audit (Coetzee) has seen the property grow from 2000Ha to present 3035 Ha. The new property is dominantly ‘marginal land’, however some prime agricultural land has been developed into orchards and pasturage with the additional water supply from the Rooikrantz River catchment draining the Northern Tsitsikamma slopes. Further the Northern section bridges the Kouga River at its source just beyond the confluence of the Groot and Fountain Rivers. The Groot drains the northern Tsitsikamma’s and the Fountain southern Kouga’s. Topography:

The property is watered by two prominent perennial tributaries namely Rooikrantz River and the Misgund River East. The mainstream Kouga River traverses the Northern portion of the farm, in a deeply incised gorge and lowest point of the property +- 250m asl. The highest point is a beacon on the ridge of intermediary range on the Northern boundary +- 1100m asl. Beyond the foothills of the Tsitsikamma in a northerly direction three sandstone ridges or intermediary hills – with corresponding shallow valleys summarises the topography. A sharply deteriorating rainfall gradient is applicable with the lower altitude sandstone ridges attracting less precipitation on the southern slopes. The northern slope aridity is exacerbated with clear distinction between vegetation. Kouga River NE corner of property

Geology:

As per Coetzee Report, 2002.

Soils: As per Gorra Water Map, 2009.

Weathered TM Sandstone Vegetation:

Erica newdigateae (Endemic) KSN Misgund Orchards vegetation and its dynamics, is part of the poorly understood and understudied intermediary region between the Tsitsikamma and Kouga Mountain ranges.

As this report is aimed at a layman friendly rather than purely scientific approach I have categorised the natural vegetation in a more simplistic manner. This translates into breaking the property into four vegetation zones corresponding to the Vegetation Map overleaf (Map1), from south to north, namely:

Tsitsikamma North Slope (TS) Intermediary South North Slope (ISN) Kouga South North Slope (KSN) Kouga South Slope (KS)

These zones are dominantly affected by aspect South and North facing which would be wetter/fynbossie (S) and dryer succulent/grassy transitional veld. East and West facing slopes would also show subtle species changes and differences in composition.

As importantly altitude is relevant – the higher lying areas more consistent in composition and lower areas more transitional and patchy. The presence of the narrow gauge railway line – previously a steam train would have had a significant patchy impact in the 60’s and 70’s when its fire set veld alight either side quite regularly. The impact of agricultural modifications for pasture and other crops and the probable higher incidence of artificial fire has an impact on the lower lying, flatter grounds regarding species and patchiness.

TS and ISN have corresponding South facing similarities and would be dry and dryer mountain accordingly whereas the ISN North slope is more grassy Sugarbush Shrubland.

Similarly the KSN South slopes are Sugarbush Fynbos whereas the North slopes that ease down quite steeply into the Kouga River are a patchwork of grassy succulent/passerina and even Sub- Tropical Thicket transitions. The Vegetation Map (Map1) further highlights the riverine and dam habitat which would give rise to more specialised water adapted vegetation and may contain quite a diversity of upper reaches species whose seed has been transported downstream.

Unfortunately these wet corridors are prime sites for invader plants most specifically Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii).

Protea lorifolia KSN The less accessible KS vegetation needs more attention however the higher altitude areas would be fynbos of sorts and it is likely that species not found in the other vegetation blocks will occur here due to altitude and rainfall differences.

Exotic Plants:

The property has clearly received much attention around eradication actions specifically Black Wattle and Silky Hakea (Hakea sericea). It was noted in the Kouga River that Green Wattle (Acacia dealbata) was also prevalent among the dense Black Wattle stands.

Small stands of Pine Trees (Pinus pinaster) occurred sporadically as well as lone and small dynamic groups of Silky Hakea. Similarly odd Prickly Pear (Opuntia sp.) on the North slopes.

Black Wattle KS Wildlife Habitat:

Coetzee, 2002 illuminates the variety of diverse habitat and numerous niches and eco-tones.

The fact that these intermediary areas between the two main mountain ranges Tsitsikamma and Kouga have been poorly studied enhances the significance of Misgund Orchards aspirations towards better understanding and management of this natural heritage.

The additional land acquisition post 2002 of 1000ha (mostly natural veld) further inflates the conservation value, as most of this land is quite undisturbed and inaccessible. The possibility of creating a viable public/private biodiversity corridor linking between the Protected Areas Formosa Forest Reserve and Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is greatly enhanced.

A very important linkage for generations of the Baldie Family is their passionate association with ‘Niekerksberg,’ a Protected Area Island part of the Formosa Forest Reserve and Baviaanskloof Cluster managed by Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA). Originally managed by the old Department of Forestry up till 1989, then handed over to Cape Nature Conservation. 1997 handed over to Eastern Cape Nature Conservation a Directorate of Dept Environment Affairs and Tourism and finally ECPTB early in 2005.

It can be stated that the unspoilt beauty of this rugged mountainous conservation area has been unofficially protected by the zeal and determination of this family, especially the late Mr David Baldie.

The fact that Misgund Orchards shares a common Southern Boundary with this Protected Area is important and a partnership/synergy of sorts ought to be negotiated towards the more efficient and sustainable management thereof. Watsonia sp. “flush after fire”

NIEKERKSBERG Niekerksberg is home to a wealth of biodiversity and due to its unspoilt nature, home to some very special species namely:

Southern Ghost Heleophryne regis Undescribed Dwarf Bradypodium sp. Nova Natasja’s Orchid Brownlea recurvata Bolus Orchid Disa bolusiana Moon Orchid Acrolophia lunata Ethel's Spider Orchid Bartholina etheliae

Heleophryne regis

This Protected Area is serviced by an old Forestry Constructed road that rises up from the Misgund Dam onto the plateau +- 1200m and then slowly climbs in a westerly direction to the western boundary overlooking the Haarlem Dam at around 1500m. If one climbs peak at this point views of the ocean and are breathtaking. Bradypodium sp. nova Brownlea recurvata Disa bolusiana Acrolophia lunata Bartholina etheliae It must be stated that to date this wonderful Nature Reserve is without any kind of formal management plan. The region has received very little attention regarding baseline surveys and holds other special biodiversity secrets.

The presence of substantial biomass in the form of Honeybush intermedia and Cyclopia subternata is important in that if harvested sustainably could serve as a financial driver towards achieving more efficient and sustainable management for the area. Present illegal utilisation is worrying and uncontrolled requiring urgent intervention.

Cyclopia intermedia Baseline Checklists:

Coetzee, 2002 addressed the Species Lists in a very broad manner, by modelling geographic location (distribution) and vegetation against various general reference/guide publications. His broader knowledge of the area and similar area’s added to the accuracy of this process. This initial guide is important in that it serves as the basis for wise management of natural resources and the environment in general ‘if you do not know what you have, how can you manage and conserve?’

For the purposes of this updated audit each of the various categories are addressed with species observed that are not on these lists. Additionally I have added a very important component namely Insects – and this needs to address broad categories as set out. I have made a short list of species observed and likely.

Amphibian occurrence

Three species on Coetzee, 2002 list do not occur:

Sand Toad Bufo angusticeps, Plain Rain Frog fuscus and Southern Ghost Frog Heleophryne regis.

All of the others do occur on the property and can be confirmed barring the Karoo Toad Bufo gariepensis, and Common Caco Cacosternum boettgeri which is still likely to occur.

Bushveld Rainfrog occurs on the property and can be added to the list. Breviceps adsperus pentheri

Reptile occurrence

The following species and the list Coetzee, 2002 can be confirmed: Snakes

Leptotyphlops nigricans Black thread snake Lycodonomorphus rufulus Common Water snake Lamphrophus fuliginosus Brown House snake Lycophidion capense Cape Wolf snake Duberra lutrix lutrix Common Slugeater Pseudaspis cana Mole snake Psammophylax rhombeata Rhombic Skaapsteker Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Eggeater Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia Red-Lipped Herald Dispholidus typus Boomslang Naja nivea Cape Cobra Causus rhombeatus Rhombic Night Adder Bitis arietans Puff Adder Bitis atropos Berg Adder

Lizards Goggia hewittii Hewitts Dwarf Leaf-toed Gecko Pachydactylus maculatus Spotted Thick Toed Gecko Acontias meleagris meleagris Cape Legless Skink Mabuya capensis Cape Skink Mabuya homalocephala Red –sided Skink Nucras lalandii Delalandes Sandveld Lizard Tropidosaura montana montana Common Mountain Lizard Tetradactylus seps Short-legged Seps Cordylus cordylus Cape Girdled Lizard Pseudocordylus microlepidotus Cape Crag Lizard Chamaesaura anguina Cape Grass Lizard Agama atra Southern Rock Agama Varanus niloticus Water Monitor (New addition)*

Tortoises

Geochelone pardalis Leopard Tortoise Homopus areolatus Parrot-beaked Tortoise The Knysna Dwarf Chameleon Bradypodium damaranum is unlikely to occur within the property as it is a Temperate Forest specialist. What is a likely find would be the undescribed Baviaanskloof Dwarf Chameleon Bradypodium sp. nova most especially within the fynbos vegetation within the KS zone of the vegetation map.

Pachydactylus maculatus

Avifaunal occurrence

The species list Coetzee, 2002 is a good representation of the properties birdlife. I have yet to see a Martial Eagle within the Langkloof?

I would like to add the following confirmed species not on the list:

Narina Trogon Apaloderrma narina subs narina Buff Spotted Flufftail Sarothrura elegans Black Eagle Aquira verreauxii Black Harrier Circus maurus Apaloderma narina subs narina KSN Mammal occurrence

The species list Coetzee, 2002 is a good representation of the properties mammals.

I have yet to see a Bat-Eared Fox in the Langkloof and think Aardvark occurrence is unlikely.

I would add the following confirmed species:

Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus Southern Mountain Reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros

Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis

Cape Fox Vulpes chama Small Black Footed Cat Felis nigripes

Wahlberg’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomorphorus wahlbergi

Epomorphorus wahlbergi Fish occurrence

The species list Coetzee, 2002 is redressed more accurately as follows:

Due to the Kouga Dam Wall erected in 1967 which stands 90metres high, catadromous species such as mullet and eel have been effectively prevented from migrating upstream. 7000 Mullet fingerlings were released on Misgund Orchards, Myxus capensis back in 1993 into the big dam just west of Misgund River on North side of the R62.

The indigenous species are highly threatened and prefer the faster flowing upper catchment perennial streams. Discoveries of two new fish species around Joubertina namely: Galaxias zebratus cf joubertinae Pseudobarbus afer cf kromme

It is quite possible that the Upper Reaches of both Misgund West, Misgund East and Rooikrantz rivers hold populations of these special indigenous fish. Additional to these is the possible occurrence of Sandelia capensis or Cape Kurper and it is possible that a small population of these Cape Endemics occur within the Misgund Orchards Property in the top reaches of Misgund East River.

Regarding Exotic species: Inclusions would be the Spotted Bass Micropterus maculatus and Common Carp Cyprinus carpio within the Kouga River mainstream.

The Trout introductions mentioned were made however these fish were not able to breed due to high summer water temperatures and have become extinct in the system.

Galaxias zebratus cf joubertinae Micropterus maculatus Spotted Bass Invertebrates (NEW) Freshwater: Dragonflies Mayflies Caddis Flies Damselflies Water Beetles

Butterflies: Table Mountain Beauty Aeropetes tulbaghia Fynbos Charaxe Charaxes peleas Citrus Swallowtail Papilio demodocus Green-Banded Swallowtail Papilio nireus Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

Moths: Equine Maiden Thyretes hippotes Pine Emperor Imbrasia cytherea African Humming Bird Moth Macroglossum trochilus

Beetles: Jewel Beetles (Buprestids) Brush Jewel Beetle Julodis sp.

Longhorn Beetles (Cerambycids) Skunk Longhorn Anubis scalaris

Weevils (Curclionids) Lily weevils Brachycerus sp.

Fruit Chafers (Scarabs) Green Protea Beetle Trichostetha fascicularis

Spiders: Baboon Spider

Antlions/Owlflies: Mottled Veld Antlion Palpares caffer Julodis sp. Brush Jewel KSN Lily Weevil Brachycerus sp. KSN

Equine Maiden Thyretes hippotes ISN Skunk Longhorn Anubis scalaris ISN List

The species list Coetzee, 2002 is a very broad and generic template, and could be improved considerably. The geophytes component has received very little attention, and is governed mostly by fire events. Windows of opportunity after every fire present many unusual, spectacular and special flowers.

Here follows a list of orchids to be found on the property both confirmed (C) and likely (L) :

Acrolophia cochlearis (L) Bartholina burmanniana (C) Disa bifida (C) Disa spathulata subs. tripartita (C) Disperis capensis (C) Eulophia tenella (L) Eulophia tuberculata (L) Holothrix burchelli (C) Holothrix parviflora (C) Holothrix pilosa (C) Holothrix schlecteriana (L) Holothrix villosa (L) Satyrium coriifolium (C) Satyrium erectum (C) Satyrium jacottetiae (C) Satyrium longicolle (C) Satyrium membranaceum (C) Satyrium pallens (L)

The only official site visit to the North Western portion of the property revealed the following charismatic species not on the list: Protea tenax, Protea lorifolia, Erica newdigateae, Phylica stipularis, Anisodontea sp. and Crassula saxifraga. The newly discovered Tritonia linearifolia and Bulbine retinens are very likely to occur within the KSN and KS areas. Disa spathulata subs tripartita (Langkloof endemic) ISN Bartholina burmanniana KSN Eulophia tuberculata

Disa bifidum KSN Holothrix parviflora KSN Satyrium jacotettiae ISN Disperis capensis ISN Phylica stipularis KSN Protea tenax KSN

Anisodontea sp. KSN Medium Term:

The development of a holistic environment management plan in line with the recommendations within the Global Gap All Farm Base Checklist. This would entail developing a tangible vision and creating more body and synergy around the present Policy and Guidelines. Action plans backed up with sustainable and achievable goals within sensible time frames that must be aligned to creative and reliable funding models. Improving the bottom line profitability of the farm by ensuring all the land within the property is utilised to its maximum potential without detracting from its environment friendly policies. At the very least, not burdening the budget by breaking even by covering costs. I am of the opinion a ten year planning and implementation window whose feasibility evolves according to incentives available would serve Misgund Orchards and the region very positively. It will be important ‘to work closely with neighbours’ both privately owned and those properties managed by ECPTA. Misgund Orchards could catalyse a far more inclusive and regionally based sustainable development hub that secures a far more lucrative and vibrant economy based on agriculture and the environment. A working synergy with ‘Niekerksberg’ and sustainable utilisation of its natural resources serving to ensure financial viability. This concept is quite feasible from a Government Policy and Legislation perspective.

Short Term (May 2014 – April 2015):

Baseline biodiversity surveys on a monthly basis towards getting a far better understanding of what the property contains both faunal, floral, cultural and other.

Engaging ‘neighbours’ ECPTA, Du Toit Farms and those land owners who border your property, North towards the Kouga Mountains towards getting a sense of opportunities and potential for mutually beneficial synergy. Short Term (cont)

Supporting a survey of the aquatic faunal components of the Upper Misgund West tributary by South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) from Grahamstown and LOWFT.

Misgund Orchards and its management to nurture and catalyse more synergy around water catchment management and strategic development of our water resources in line with National Water Resource Strategy September 2013.

Lobelia sp. Misgund Dam Du Toit Farms With Compliments

PO Box 65 T: 0422732677 Tweeriviere C: 0722089538 6411

[email protected] www.languageofthewilderness.nl