GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - When relocating to an area such as Dana Bay, Tergniet or Glentana it is deemed necessary that one should become involved with the local conservancy.
These conservancies were started to protect the indigenous fauna and flora, specifically the reason why so many people are investing in these areas where bushbuck are grazing on residential lawns and porcupines are regular night visitors to gardens.
With the coastal fynbos and birdlife and the coastline where whales and dolphins frolic in the waves, this really is a piece of paradise that is worth protecting.
Often, however, the membership of the local conservancies tells a different story. Some committees have to beg residents to join and, even if they do pay their membership fees, they are absent at meetings or events where information is shared.
Knowledge
At a recent Dana Bay Conservancy meeting, for example, it was mentioned that people are planting Kikuyu grass. Kikuyu grass is a very invasive grass species that takes over the fynbos. Especially on the edges of the green belts, this grass is not contained and spreads into the natural ecosystem. This type of grass is also very thirsty and with limited water resources, it really is not suitable.
At conservancy meetings, knowledge is shared, problems can be identified and solutions found together. Commercial development is inevitable, but members of conservancies need to be vigilant to protect the designated areas as green corridors essential to provide the free movement of wildlife.
Danger to wildlife
Recently five bushbuck were killed on the streets of Dana Bay probably because of speeding.
This happens mostly at night. Antelope can literally jump in front of your car. It is much easier to effectively stop at 40km per hour than at higher speed.
In conservancies speeding should not be happening. Not only antelope are killed but tortoises, guinea fowl and Cape spur fowl are seen maimed regularly.
Working together
All the conservancies initiate projects and establish relationships with other members and organisations which is essential for the protection of fauna and flora. When fires break out in these conservancies, the people stand together. They rush to the aid of the fauna in danger; they work as a team.
Please join
Contact your local conservancy for membership.
- Dana Bay Conservancy – Russel Hendry (082 494 7779)
- Great Brak River Conservancy – Scott Thomson (079 187 0257)
- Midbrak Conservancy – Robin Fick (082 453 5167)
- Gouritz Conservancy – Hendie Grobbelaar (083 455 3291)
The beautiful coast and fynbos meet in one of the many Dana Bay green areas, where wildlife flourishes.
Walking trails such as this one in Midbrak, meander through the residential areas and it is green belts such as these that are becoming fewer as a result of commercial development.
Guinea fowl can be seen in Midbrak daily.
After the clearing of some of the overgrown bush, this beautiful garden will once again be admired by all through the hard work and dedication of conservancy members in Great Brak River.
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