Amathole District Municipality WETLAND REPORT | 2017

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Amathole District Municipality WETLAND REPORT | 2017 AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WETLAND REPORT | 2017 LOCAL ACTION FOR BIODIVERSITY (LAB): WETLANDS SOUTH AFRICA Biodiversity for Life South African National Biodiversity Institute Full Program Title: Local Action for Biodiversity: Wetland Management in a Changing Climate Sponsoring USAID Office: USAID/Southern Africa Cooperative Agreement Number: AID-674-A-14-00014 Contractor: ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – Africa Secretariat Date of Publication: June 2017 DISCLAIMER: The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government. FOREWORD Amathole District Municipality is situated within the Amathole District Municipality is also prone to climate central part of the Eastern Cape Province, which lies change and disaster risk such as wild fires, drought in the southeast of South Africa and borders the and floods. Wetland systems however can be viewed Indian Ocean. Amathole District Municipality has as risk reduction ecological infrastructure. Wetlands a land area of 21 595 km² with approximately 200 also form part of the Amathole Mountain Biosphere km of coastline stretching along the Sunshine Coast Reserve, which is viewed as a conservation and from the Fish River to just south of Hole in the Wall sustainable development flagship initiative. along the Wild Coast. Amathole District Municipality coastline spans two bio-geographical regions, namely Amathole District Municipality Integrated the warm temperate south coast and the sub-tropical Development Plan (IDP) recognises the importance east coast. of wetlands within the critical biodiversity areas of the Spatial Development Framework (SDF). Amathole District Municipality is generally in a good Sustainable development principles are an natural state; 83.3% of land comprises of natural integral part of Amathole District Municipality’s areas, whilst only 16.7% are areas where no natural developmental approach as they are captured in the habitat remains. The biodiversity of the Amathole vision: “Commitment towards selfless, excellent and District Municipality is represented in 5 major biomes sustainable service to all our communities”. that describe the different biotic communities. These biomes are Savanna (34.5%), Grasslands (31.5%), Albany Thicket (29.6% of the area), Indian Ocean Coastal Belt (3.7%) and Forests (0.7%). Amathole District Municipality is a water service Cllr. N. W. Nxawe authority and provider. As such, two major catchment Executive Mayor areas, i.e., Amathole Catchment (north) and Great Amathole District Fish River Catchment (west), provide essential water Municipality resources. More than 70% of wetlands are located within these catchment areas. Amathole District Municipality views wetlands as an essential resource for the fulfilment of its constitutional mandate of providing sustainable basic services to communities. AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: WETLAND REPORT I 2017 1 ICLEI – LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY [email protected] +27 21 202 0381 www.africa.iclei.org www.twitter.com/ICLEIAfrica ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is the In order to strengthen the role cities and local leading global network of over 1,500 cities, towns and governments play in the pursuit of greater regions committed to building a sustainable future. sustainability through the collaborative design and By helping the ICLEI Network to become sustainable, implementation of integrated urban development low-carbon, ecomobile, resilient, biodiverse, resource- and effective biodiversity management, the ICLEI efficient, healthy and happy, with a green economy Cities Biodiversity Center (ICLEI CBC) was created in and smart infrastructure, we impact over 25% of the 2009. The ICLEI CBC is located in Cape Town, South global urban population. Africa, embedded in the Africa Regional Office of ICLEI. We offer cities a broad portfolio of supportive ICLEI Africa’s work is conducted by a dynamic and services through our dedicated team of passionate, passionate team of professionals that seek to work skilled and dynamic biodiversity and urban with cities to ensure a more sustainable future, with a development experts. specific focus on urban biodiversity matters. 2 2017 I AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: WETLAND REPORT ICLEI CITIES BIODIVERSITY CENTER LOCAL ACTION FOR BIODIVERSITY PROGRAMME [email protected] +27 21 202 0381 www.africa.iclei.org www.twitter.com/ICLEIAfrica The ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center aims to create buffers further biodiversity loss, improves the urban BiodiverCities, which promote urban biodiversity for standard of living, and provides local opportunities the many benefits they offer, including human well- for global education and awareness. being, poverty alleviation, habitat conservation, air and water quality, climate change adaptation and ICLEI’s Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) programme mitigation, food provision, fortified infrastructure is a unique global biodiversity programme run by resilience, and happiness of citizens. The ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center. The LAB Program is aimed at improving and enhancing ecosystem BiodiverCities are aware that ecosystem services management at the local level, and is recognized contribute towards many essential municipal globally as the leading results-driven local government services, as well as towards the local economy, biodiversity initiative. Currently, LAB is working on sustainability and social well-being of their cities. wetland restoration in South Africa under the Local Biodiversity in cities provides a critical contribution Action for Biodiversity: Wetlands South Africa (LAB towards achieving the global biodiversity targets. It Wetlands SA) project. AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: WETLAND REPORT I 2017 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1 ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2 ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3 Local Action for Biodiversity Programme ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 List of Tables ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 List of Figures ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 Executive Summary ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 Introduction �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 Scope and Purpose of the Report ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10 1 i WhAT is A WETLAND? ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11 2 | WhAT is BiODivERsiTy? �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13 3 | WETLANDS AND BIODIVERSITY WITHIN AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ������������������������������������������14 3.1 Mapping wetlands within Amathole District Municipality ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������15 3.2 Wetland Ecosystem health and Condition ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17 3�3 Key Wetlands within Amathole District Municipality ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17 3.3.1 The Great Fish Estuary ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18 3.3.2 The Great Kei System ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18 3�4 Key Flora and Fauna of the Amathole District Municipal Wetlands ����������������������������������������������������������������19 3.4.1 Flora ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19 3.4.2. Fauna ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20 3.5 Strategic Water
Recommended publications
  • Amathole District Municipality
    AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 2012 - 2017 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN Amathole District Municipality IDP 2012-2017 – Version 1 of 5 Page 1 TABLE OF CONTENT The Executive Mayor’s Foreword 4 Municipal Manager’s Message 5 The Executive Summary 7 Report Outline 16 Chapter 1: The Vision 17 Vision, Mission and Core Values 17 List of Amathole District Priorities 18 Chapter 2: Demographic Profile of the District 31 A. Introduction 31 B. Demographic Profile 32 C. Economic Overview 38 D. Analysis of Trends in various sectors 40 Chapter 3: Status Quo Assessment 42 1 Local Economic Development 42 1.1 Economic Research 42 1.2 Enterprise Development 44 1.3 Cooperative Development 46 1.4 Tourism Development and Promotion 48 1.5 Film Industry 51 1.6 Agriculture Development 52 1.7 Heritage Development 54 1.8 Environmental Management 56 1.9 Expanded Public Works Program 64 2 Service Delivery and Infrastructure Investment 65 2.1 Water Services (Water & Sanitation) 65 2.2 Solid Waste 78 2.3 Transport 81 2.4 Electricity 2.5 Building Services Planning 89 2.6 Health and Protection Services 90 2.7 Land Reform, Spatial Planning and Human Settlements 99 3 Municipal Transformation and Institutional Development 112 3.1 Organizational and Establishment Plan 112 3.2 Personnel Administration 124 3.3 Labour Relations 124 3.4 Fleet Management 127 3.5 Employment Equity Plan 129 3.6 Human Resource Development 132 3.7 Information Communication Technology 134 4 Municipal Financial Viability and Management 136 4.1 Financial Management 136 4.2 Budgeting 137 4.3 Expenditure
    [Show full text]
  • L-Mnr:~ Cape Province 2765 MAIN STREET Dept
    Uncertain Future for Southern Race ofCape Parrot Marsh Farms by Andre' Boshoff INCUBATORS Republic ofSouth Africa There are considered to be nine 28.3 mm), and the latter has a lighter, • FEATURING fully automatic species in the genus Poicepbalus more greyish head. turners. Adjustable temperature The type locality of P. r. and humidity control. which has been divided into two robustus, groups, namely the P. robustus; the nominate race, is given as "east­ superspecies with two species and ern Cape" (Cape Province, South the P. meyeri superspecies with seven Africa); P.r. robustus is endemic to species. The two P. robustus species, South Africa (see Figure 1). For the namely P. robustus and P. gulielmi, sake of convenience the Ciskei and are similar in size and plumage char­ Transkei, two small independent acteristics. P. robustus can be divided homelands which were formerly part TURN-X into three isolated populations which of the eastern Cape Province (referred Up to 72 eggs. differ at the subspecific level; the to hereafter as "E. Cape") are head is brownish in the most included as part of the E. Cape in Fig­ southerly form, P.r. robustus, which ure 1. is restricted to the southern part of P. r. robustus is listed as Vulnerable Africa, and silvery grey in the remain­ in the South African Red Data Book ing two forms, P.r. juscicollis in west - Birds and if it proves to be a sepa­ Africa and P.r. suabelicus in south­ rate species then steps to ensure its central Africa. The plumage colour survival will require urgent attention.
    [Show full text]
  • ADM SDF Final Report-Compressed.Pdf
    i ii TABLE OF CONTENT LIST OF PLANS vii LIST OF FIGURES ix LIST OF TABLES x EXECUTIVE SUMMARY xii SECTION A 1 INTRODUCTION 1 A 1. PROJECT OBJECTIVES 2 A 2. CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATIVE PROCESS 3 SECTION B 5 LOCALITY 5 B 1. PROVINCIAL LOCALITY 5 B 2. DISTRICT LOCALITY 6 B 3. AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY LOCALITY 7 SECTION C 9 POLICY ASSESSMENT 9 C 1. NATIONAL POLICY ALIGNMENT 10 C 2. PROVINCIAL POLICY ASSESSMENT 24 C 3. NEIGHBOURING DISTRICT AND METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY POLICY ASSESSMENT 31 C 4. AMATHOLE DISTRICT POLICY ASSESSMENT 40 C 5. LOCAL MUNICIPALITY SDFS 58 SECTION D 68 WHERE HAVE WE COME FROM 68 iii SINCE PREVIOUS ADM SDF 68 SECTION E 74 DISTRICT OVERVIEW 74 E 1. STUDY AREA 74 SECTION F 75 DEMOGRAPHICS PROFILE 75 F 1. POPULATION 75 F 2. AGE STRUCTURE 77 F 3. POPULATION GROUP 79 F 4. GENDER SPLIT 80 F 5. EMPLOYMENT STATUS 81 F 6. INDIVIDUAL MONTHLY INCOME 81 SECTION G 83 BUILT ENVIRONMENT 83 G 1. NODES / TOWNS, CHARACTER, FUNCTION & HIERARCHY 83 G 2. LAND USE 84 G 3. SETTLEMENTS 85 G 4. LAND CLAIMS 88 G 5. LAND TENURE 91 G 6. SMALL TOWN REVITALISATION (STR) PROJECTS 100 G 7. HOUSING PROVISION 103 G 8. HOUSING TYPOLOGIES 106 G 9. INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS 107 G 10. LAND CAPABILITY 109 G 11. INFRASTRUCTURE 112 G 12. INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS 121 SECTION H 122 SOCIO ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 122 iv H 1. INEQUALITY IN ADM 122 H 2. SOCIAL FACILITIES 123 H 3. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 136 H 4. EFFECTS OF GLOBALISATION ON ADM 145 BIOPHYSICAL ANALYSIS 150 I 1.
    [Show full text]
  • The Botanical Importance Rating of the Estuaries in Former Ciskei / Transkei
    THE BOTANICAL IMPORTANCE RATING OF THE ESTUARIES IN FORMER CISKEI / TRANSKEI B.M. COLLOTY, J.B. ADAMS AND G.C. BATE FINAL REPORT TO THE WATER RESEARCH COMMISSION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY UNIVERSITY OF PORT ELIZABETH WRC REPORT NO. TT 160/01 Obtainable from: Water Research Commission PO Box 824 Pretoria 0001 The publication of this report emanates from a project entitled: The Botanical Importance rating of Estuaries in former Ciskei and Transkei (WRC Project No K5/812) DISCLAIMER This report has been reviewed by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the WRC, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute ensoresement or recommendation for use. ISBN 1 86845 790 7 Printed in the Republic of South Africa ii The Jujura Estuary, one of several unique estuaries observed in this study. This small estuary had an above average depth of 2.8 m, remained open for extensive periods and was colonized by Zostera capensis. iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION FOR THE RESEARCH There are an increasing number of people utilising the South African coastline. This is creating a need to evaluate estuary and coastal resources and to identify sensitive areas where careful planning and management must take place. Management tools such as importance rating systems and state or condition assessments have become necessary to summarise and express scientific information. The botanical importance rating system is one such method and was developed in a previous Water Research Commission Project (Adams et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Statistical Based Regional Flood Frequency Estimation Study For
    Statistical Based Regional Flood Frequency Estimation Study for South Africa Using Systematic, Historical and Palaeoflood Data Pilot Study – Catchment Management Area 15 by D van Bladeren, P K Zawada and D Mahlangu SRK Consulting & Council for Geoscience Report to the Water Research Commission on the project “Statistical Based Regional Flood Frequency Estimation Study for South Africa using Systematic, Historical and Palaeoflood Data” WRC Report No 1260/1/07 ISBN 078-1-77005-537-7 March 2007 DISCLAIMER This report has been reviewed by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the WRC, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION During the past 10 years South Africa has experienced several devastating flood events that highlighted the need for more accurate and reasonable flood estimation. The most notable events were those of 1995/96 in KwaZulu-Natal and north eastern areas, the November 1996 floods in the Southern Cape Region, the floods of February to March 2000 in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape provinces and the recent floods in March 2003 in Montagu in the Western Cape. These events emphasized the need for a standard approach to estimate flood probabilities before developments are initiated or existing developments evaluated for flood hazards. The flood peak magnitudes and probabilities of occurrence or return period required for flood lines are often overlooked, ignored or dealt with in a casual way with devastating effects. The National Disaster and new Water Act and the rapid rate at which developments are being planned will require the near mass production of flood peak probabilities across the country that should be consistent, realistic and reliable.
    [Show full text]
  • Explore the Eastern Cape Province
    Cultural Guiding - Explore The Eastern Cape Province Former President Nelson Mandela, who was born and raised in the Transkei, once said: "After having travelled to many distant places, I still find the Eastern Cape to be a region full of rich, unused potential." 2 – WildlifeCampus Cultural Guiding Course – Eastern Cape Module # 1 - Province Overview Component # 1 - Eastern Cape Province Overview Module # 2 - Cultural Overview Component # 1 - Eastern Cape Cultural Overview Module # 3 - Historical Overview Component # 1 - Eastern Cape Historical Overview Module # 4 - Wildlife and Nature Conservation Overview Component # 1 - Eastern Cape Wildlife and Nature Conservation Overview Module # 5 - Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole Component # 1 - Explore the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole Module # 6 - Sarah Baartman District Municipality Component # 1 - Explore the Sarah Baartman District (Part 1) Component # 2 - Explore the Sarah Baartman District (Part 2) Component # 3 - Explore the Sarah Baartman District (Part 3) Component # 4 - Explore the Sarah Baartman District (Part 4) Module # 7 - Chris Hani District Municipality Component # 1 - Explore the Chris Hani District Module # 8 - Joe Gqabi District Municipality Component # 1 - Explore the Joe Gqabi District Module # 9 - Alfred Nzo District Municipality Component # 1 - Explore the Alfred Nzo District Module # 10 - OR Tambo District Municipality Component # 1 - Explore the OR Tambo District Eastern Cape Province Overview This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus.
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage Scan of the Sandile Water Treatment Works Reservoir Construction Site, Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape Province
    HERITAGE SCAN OF THE SANDILE WATER TREATMENT WORKS RESERVOIR CONSTRUCTION SITE, KEISKAMMAHOEK, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE 1. Background and Terms of Reference AGES Eastern Cape is conducting site monitoring for the construction of the Sandile Water Treatment Works Reservoir at British Ridge near Keiskammahoek approximately 30km west of King Williamstown in the Eastern Cape Province. Amatola Water is upgrading the capacity of the Sandile WTW and associated bulk water supply infrastructure, in preparation of supplying the Ndlambe Bulk Water Supply Scheme. Potentially sensitive heritage resources such as a cluster of stone wall structures were recently encountered on the reservoir construction site on a small ridge and the Heritage Unit of Exigo Sustainability was requested to conduct a heritage scan of the site, in order to assess the site and rate potential damage to the heritage resources. The conservation of heritage resources is provided for in the National Environmental Management Act, (Act 107 of 1998) and endorsed by section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA - Act 25 of 1999). The Heritage Scan of the construction site attempted established the location and extent of heritage resources such as archaeological and historical sites and features, graves and places of religious and cultural significance and these resources were then rated according to heritage significance. Ultimately, the Heritage Scan provides recommendations and outlines pertaining to relevant heritage mitigation and management actions in order to limit and
    [Show full text]
  • The Current Status of Land Rights in the Transkeian Territories of South Africa
    The Current Status of Land Rights in the Transkeian Territories of South Africa Chris WILLIAMS-WYNN, South Africa Key words: Communal land, tenure security, de facto land rights, land administration. SUMMARY There is very little formal documented record of land occupation or land rights in the communal areas of the Republic of South Africa. As a result, members of traditional communities who live in the communal areas create their own informal, yet recognisable, exclusivity and right of use through the erection of fences and hedges around their homesteads. Previous research undertaken by this author concluded that the majority of members of traditional communities in South Africa want documented proof that links them (as individuals) to the land that they were born to share. Some attempts were made historically to give rights to land in areas that were part of what was then known as the Transkeian Territories. General plans of quitrent erven were surveyed by government surveyors and approved by the Surveyor-General and formal quitrent title deeds were registered in the Deeds Registry Offices. However, as the years progressed, government officials resettled many of the holders of quitrent titles into villages. Others moved off their land to find employment. “Permissions to occupy” were issued to new occupants by a resident magistrate and traditional authorities allocated sites to their subjects. Without any consideration of these documented land rights, the state forcibly removed people from outside the communal area and relocated them on the communal land. The state also constructed schools, hospitals, dams, nature reserves and roads, often without consideration of the documented records of the indigenous people.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020/21 DRAFT ADM IDP Pg
    2020/21 DRAFT ADM IDP pg. 1 A STORY OF AMATHOLE DISTRICT A place of opportunities whose sole focus is serving its communities. Siyakukhonza mhlali wase Amathole! A district named after intaba zeMathole, on the calves of the Drakensberg. Indawo apho ilanga xa liphuma likhanyisa likhazimle lixele ububele babemi balendawo. Apho kugquba ikhala (the aloe), as one of the most prominent indigenous flowers, kunye no mnga, umthi omfutshane nowomeleleyo, ofana nje nqwa, nomxhelo wabantu balapha. Apho umkhonto negqudu (the spear and knobkerrie) symbolise the liberation struggle and frontier wars of resistance fought throughout the district. As well as the peaceful state that we currently enjoy. Apho iimpondo zenkomo (bull's horns) symbolise strength, power, stability and fertility. Ze iinkomo nemfuyo, zibonisa ubutyebi, which is the all-time focal point of Xhosa existence. 2020/21 DRAFT ADM IDP pg. 2 2020/21 DRAFT ADM IDP pg. 3 FOREWORD BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR It is a fact that our democratically elected government has gone quite far in addressing the imbalances of the past. We can never forget our leaders who fiercely fought for the freedom we are enjoying today. Amongst the many that we hold in high esteem is Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu, the two great giants of our struggle. Following the tradition of the ideals of these stalwarts and other iconic leaders of our movement, we thank President Ramaphosa for his inspiring leadership in encouraging South African’s to cast their vote in the 6th National and Provincial Elections. During the official announcement of the Election Results, President Ramaphosa alluded to the fact that the people of South Africa are custodians of freedom and democracy.
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Resource Management and Policy in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Overview Paper
    Sustainability Indicators for Natural Resource Management & Policy Working Paper 4 Natural Resource Management and Policy in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Overview Paper EDITED BY P.C. LENT, P. F. SCOGINGS AND W. VAN AVERBEKE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE Alice, South Africa February 2000 ISBN: 1 902518640 The effects of policy and institutional environment on natural resource management and investment by farmers and rural households in east and southern Africa (Department for International Development Research Project No. R7076CA) Development and Centre for Institute for Economic Policy Agricultural and Project Planning Agricultural, Food Development Policy Research Centre, Rural Development Centre, University and Resource and Management, Makerere Campus, Research Institute, of Bradford, UK Economics University of Kampala, Uganda University of Fort Manchester, UK Hare, South Africa Natural Resource Management and Policy in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Overview Paper DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT NO. R7076CA EDITED BY P.C. LENT, P. F. SCOGINGS AND W. VAN AVERBEKE FROM CONTRIBUTIONS BY 1 2 3 2 4 R. BALLY , A. BEDIAKO , T. D. DE BRUYN , P. LENT , P. F. SCOGINGS , 5 6 N. T. VAN AVERBEKE AND W. VAN AVERBEKE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE ALICE, SOUTH AFRICA FEBRUARY 2000 1 Dept Zoology, University of Fort Hare, Alice 2 Agricultural & Rural Development Research Institute, University of Fort Hare, Alice 3 OTK Voere, Pretoria 4 Dept Livestock & Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5 Dept Geology, University of Fort Hare, Alice 6 Border Technikon, East London CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 6 INTRODUCTION 7 SUMMARY 9 1.OVERVIEW OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 1.1.
    [Show full text]
  • Dwesac State of Mangroves
    Wetlands Ecology and Management 12: 531–541, 2004. 531 # 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands. The distribution and state of mangroves along the coast of Transkei, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa J.B. Adams*, B.M. Colloty and G.C. Bate Department of Botany, University of Port Elizabeth. P.O. Box 1600, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; *Author for correspondence (e-mail: [email protected]; phone: +2741 5042429; fax: +2741 5832317) Received 9 September 2002; accepted in revised form 27 October 2003 Key words: Conservation, Cover, Density, Mangrove composition, Species, Threats, Utilization Abstract The mangrove communities along the coastline of the former Transkei, now part of the Eastern Cape Province, have not been looked at in detail since Ward and Steinke’s survey in 1982. Mangroves previously occurred in 17 estuaries but were now found in only 14 of the 76 estuaries visited, with a complete loss of mangroves evident in the Mnyameni, Mzimvubu and Bulungula estuaries amounting to 7.5 ha. Total mangrove loss amounted to 17.6 ha which represents a 6.5% loss over 17 years or 1.04 ha per annum. Tree cover had increased by 16.15 ha in eight other estuaries. This increase could be attributed to the inaccessibility of mangrove stands or to protection afforded by provincial nature reserves and hotel resorts. No new mangrove stands were recorded, although Steinke (pers. comm.) has recently recorded mangroves along the north bank of the Kei River. There has been little change in mangrove species composition in the different estuaries over the past 17 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Albany Thicket Biome
    % S % 19 (2006) Albany Thicket Biome 10 David B. Hoare, Ladislav Mucina, Michael C. Rutherford, Jan H.J. Vlok, Doug I.W. Euston-Brown, Anthony R. Palmer, Leslie W. Powrie, Richard G. Lechmere-Oertel, Şerban M. Procheş, Anthony P. Dold and Robert A. Ward Table of Contents 1 Introduction: Delimitation and Global Perspective 542 2 Major Vegetation Patterns 544 3 Ecology: Climate, Geology, Soils and Natural Processes 544 3.1 Climate 544 3.2 Geology and Soils 545 3.3 Natural Processes 546 4 Origins and Biogeography 547 4.1 Origins of the Albany Thicket Biome 547 4.2 Biogeography 548 5 Land Use History 548 6 Current Status, Threats and Actions 549 7 Further Research 550 8 Descriptions of Vegetation Units 550 9 Credits 565 10 References 565 List of Vegetation Units AT 1 Southern Cape Valley Thicket 550 AT 2 Gamka Thicket 551 AT 3 Groot Thicket 552 AT 4 Gamtoos Thicket 553 AT 5 Sundays Noorsveld 555 AT 6 Sundays Thicket 556 AT 7 Coega Bontveld 557 AT 8 Kowie Thicket 558 AT 9 Albany Coastal Belt 559 AT 10 Great Fish Noorsveld 560 AT 11 Great Fish Thicket 561 AT 12 Buffels Thicket 562 AT 13 Eastern Cape Escarpment Thicket 563 AT 14 Camdebo Escarpment Thicket 563 Figure 10.1 AT 8 Kowie Thicket: Kowie River meandering in the Waters Meeting Nature Reserve near Bathurst (Eastern Cape), surrounded by dense thickets dominated by succulent Euphorbia trees (on steep slopes and subkrantz positions) and by dry-forest habitats housing patches of FOz 6 Southern Coastal Forest lower down close to the river.
    [Show full text]