Threats to the Veld

 

Alien Vegetation

Much focus has been placed on the Alien plant species  over the years and most of our Members and residents in and around the CRR are very aware of which plants pose a danger to our biodiversity and the best way to deal with them. For more information on the Pompom thrips please be sure to watch the video interview with Fransa if you have not already done so.

Livestock

Overgrazing on protected land is fast becoming one of the biggest threats to our biodiversity. The assumption by some livestock owners that it is acceptable to allow their livestock to graze freely on protected land in the CRR is on the increase. This is causing untold damage to our veld and wetland biodiversity, and work done by Working For Water on the prevention of soil erosion, as the cattle and goats trample on everything indiscriminately.

Long hours and much expense has also been put into removing bankrupt bush on the offsets. Although this plant is indigenous it has a tendency to spread and take over wherever overgrazing has occurred. Besides the environmental damaged this is also trespassing, regardless of whether the land is currently occupied or not, or who the owners are. Any and all livestock must be kept within the confines of the owner’s own property.

Fencing

We are seeing increasing cases of Landowners fencing in the entire property, not just the homestead area, and with fencing that is pretty much impenetrable for even the smallest of game. This is slowly but surely reducing the area wildlife has to search for food and habitat.

Homosapiens have covered an extraordinary amount of the surface of this planet whilst still being fully reliant on the environment for the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. It would serve us all well to be mindful of what little space we leave for the essential natural cycles to take place that ensure the survival of the environment.

Snares

This is a war we have been fighting for many years. The map below will give you an good indication of just how big a problem this horrible practice has become, and it is unlikely this will change anytime soon. Besides having an impact on the wildlife which is a critical part of our precious biodiversity it is also a very cruel way to hunt causing the animal immeasurable suffering, ending either in serious injury or death.

We have found it to be far more productive to have more smaller snare walks carried out by experienced and dedicated members of our snare walk team and a public snare walk open to all every three months to create awareness and bring in new members who have enjoyed the experience.

As landowners and residents however, we can all make a difference by checking our own properties regularly and reporting what we have found to the CRR.  This helps us ascertain hot spots, patterns and severity.

If you are not sure what to look for join one of our public snare walks to find out how you can protect our wildlife. To report finds or for any questions please WhatsApp Dalene on 076 247-7012 or 083 779-4143.