BIOLOGICAL SURVEY

A biological survey of part of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg earmarked for a new grasslands national park, has revealed many new and undescribed species. The intention is to establish the park in a working agricultural landscape through voluntary stewardship agreements with communal and private landowners.

The area marked for the project is in the north-eastern grasslands of the Eastern Cape, between Rhodes village and Mount Fletcher. A better understanding of the biological diversity is required to help guide a long-term management plan.

A ‘bioblitz’ took place, led by SANParks, with support from the SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and WWF South Africa. Ecologists, taxonomic experts and biodiversity practitioners participated, some of whom also looked at the veld condition and general health of rivers and wetlands in the area. Management needs identified included maintenance of the veld through a regular fire regime, control of invasive alien species, management of erosion and the reduction of grazing on steep slopes.

The bioblitz findings concluded that the high-altitude sites were still in relatively pristine condition and that the area offered a multitude of natural attractions, among them birds, floral diversity, geology and cultural heritage. This holds great potential for training local guides from surrounding communities to meet the needs of the ecotourism market as the park project progresses.

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