Very often we focus our conservation efforts on the large Big 5 protected areas, and forget about the value of the smaller, lesser known protected areas. Yet in conservation circles small reserves continue to fill a worthy niche in conservation strategies, very often conserving the smaller elements of our incredible biodiversity. The question of their value often comes into play because of the issue of economic viability; can we manage these areas sustainably?
This is a very relevant question when it comes to the Karkloof Nature Reserve, situated in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, consisting of vast tracts of natural grassland and indigenous forests. Wildlands Conservation Trust was instrumental in facilitating the formal proclamation of the entire Karkloof Nature Reserve in August 2012, including the Dartmoor property which Wildlands purchased in 2010 in order to expand the reserve. As a key stakeholder in the management of the reserve, the challenge has always been how to generate the financial resources, not only to cover the current management costs, but also proactively improve the management.
Working in an environment where it is not possible to introduce large game species, and where the ecotourism potential is relatively low, we need to be creative and innovative in our thinking to ultimately fund these smaller protected areas. Our key trump-card in the Karkloof Nature Reserve has been the amazing grasslands in the upper portion of the reserve around Mt Gilboa. Historically these grasslands areas have been predominantly used for livestock grazing. So, we cannot introduce high-value game species, and the classic European cattle breeds are disease-prone and have the potential to degrade the grassland areas.
Wildlands has therefore decided to introduce a herd of Nguni cattle onto the Dartmoor property of the reserve – these are an indigenous breed, are hardy and adapt to the local conditions (i.e. do not need dipping for ticks and parasites) and have significant value. The solution for these smaller grassland reserves could be the running of small herds of Nguni in a manner that sustainably utilises the grassland resources, yet improves their condition through best practice management, just like you would in a savannah Big 5 game reserve.
The 9th of September was an auspicious day for the Karkloof Nature Reserve, as the first herd of Nguni livestock were offloaded onto the Dartmoor property. This herd was purchased from the Hancock family, who are well-known as one of the top breeders in the Nguni industry.
“We are very fortunate to have been able to purchase such a high quality Nguni herd and are very excited with the prospect of piloting this innovative model, which will definitely provide a sustainable funding model for this important reserve”, said Donna Lay (Wildlands Reserve Manager). With improved financial resources generated from the management of this herd, the Karkloof Nature Reserve will be in a better position to slowly improve its management potential, and thereby benefit the key species such as Oribi and Wattled Crane.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)