Forestry Conservation Projects
At any one time, there are a number of biodiversity and conservation projects being conducted on forestry-owned land. These range from major landscape level studies to projects focusing on a single species or ecosystem.
For more information visit:
Birdlife SA
“The perception of many lay-birders is that plantations hold a low level of avian diversity.” These are the words of Dr Melissa Whitecross, Birdlife South Africa’s Threatened Species project manager for Raptors and Large Terrestrial Birds. “It’s a perception that could do with some re-branding!”
Melissa conducted a census of plantation land in KwaZulu-Natal and recorded a staggering 257 bird species including a number of “real highlights”. The reason for doing the census was to ascertain whether the critically endangered Southern Banded Snake Eagle was using forestry land for hunting and breeding. You will have to click here to find out.
Case study compiled: 2019
Source: Forestry Explained
NCT Forestry Co-operative
The “Thunder Bird” or Southern Ground Hornbill (SGH) faces an uncertain future as the population continues to drop bringing its Endangered status in South Africa perilously close to Critically Endangered. The National SGH working group is hoping for help from a somewhat unexpected source: the forestry industry.
The patchwork nature of forestry with the mixture of insect-rich grasslands and tall trees for nesting lends itself as the ideal habitat for these striking birds. Furthermore, forestry would offers the potential to create conservation corridors between Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, the birds’ last great strongholds
Very little is known about Southern Ground Hornbills on forestry owned land and this is where they need your help. Click here to find out how to become a citizen scientist and answer the call of the Thunder Bird.
Case study compiled: 2019
Source: Forestry Explained
Sappi
You do not need to wander too far into the Sappi Helvetia plantation in Mpumalanga to stumble across one of South Africa’s greatest man-made mysteries – the stone circle ruins.
Neatly piled stone walls seem to appear from nowhere amidst Sappi’s plantation pines and, when seen from above, it becomes clear that these are more than simple stone walls. Circles within circles, interconnected walls and terraces can clearly be seen. Indeed, there are hundreds of stone-walled ruins scattered across the Lowveld – many on forestry-owned land, with thousands more found across Southern Africa.
Their origins remain a mystery, although there are some well supported theories as well as suggestions that are simply out of this world!
Case study compiled: 2019
Source: Forestry Explained
NCT Forestry Co-operative
The Oribi is a dimunitive antelope which prefers to inhabit grasslands, floodplains, open plains and light bushland. Unfortunately South Africa’s grassland biome has been halved over the past few decades, with over 50% irreversibly transformed for agriculture (24%), mining and urbanisation (20%) and forestry (3%). This, alongside hobby hunting with dogs, has led to this dainty antelope’s status being set as ‘Endangered’ in South Africa.
It is for these reasons and more that NCT Forestry have made protecting the Oribi its flagship conservation project. The company has worked closely with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Oribi Working Group since its inception in 2000.
Click here to find out how NCT has been helping the Oribi’s cause and learn how you too can help ensure these graceful grassland antelope still roam the grasslands of South Africa for generations to come.
Case study compiled: 2017
Source: Forestry Explained
MTO Forestry
The grand-daddy of the amphibian world, the Hewitt’s ghost frog split from its closet ancestor more than 160 million years ago when the land was dominated by dinosaurs. Perfectly adapted to the challenges of mountain life, this pretty patterned frog has survived several mass extinction events – until now.
Perhaps overly evolved to suit its surroundings, Hewitt’s ghost frog has a very specific set of requirements. This means that it is only found in four perennial river systems, all of which are found on forestry land. Since 1999, MTO Forestry has funded several studies to learn more about these interesting amphibians and assess their population size and distribution. In doing so, MTO has uncovered some serious threats facing these frogs. Click here and learn how MTO has also devised some great solutions.
Case study compiled: 2017
Source: Forestry Explained
Sappi
The jewels of the insect kingdom, butterflies are one of the few insect species that are universally adored. While it is hard to imagine a world without butterflies, this could be the sad reality with habitat loss driving a global decline in butterfly numbers. This decline is compounded by climate change and indiscriminate pesticide use which means a world without butterflies might be a reality future generations could face.
With 650 South African butterfly species, many of which are endemic, the country’s grasslands is home to many, including the most threatened such as the Karkloof Blue. The story of the Karkloof Blue is one of hope. Click here to read on and find out how through partnering with butterfly experts Sappi is doing its part to help save this beautiful butterfly.
Case study compiled: 2017
Source: Forestry Explained
Sappi
Clairmont Mountain Nature Reserve (CMNR) is Sappi’s first proclaimed nature reserve and is part of South Africa’s Biodiversity Stewardship Scheme run by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
Implemented on sites identified as important for biodiversity and ecosystem services, the scheme provides a cost-effective mechanism for expanding protected areas. The land remains the property of Sappi but is formally recognised as a stewardship area.
So how does forestry land become a protected nature reserve?
A forestry landscape is a patchwork of planted areas and nature spaces. CMNR is a pristine example of the latter as it is contains a variety of habitats with high conservation value. The area is also home to critically endangered, endangered and Red Data List species which, by proclaiming CMNR as a nature reserve, will be protected along with their ecosystems and the services these provide.
Read more here to find out why were Sappi so keen to hand over forestry land for conservation.
Case study compiled: 2016
Source: Forestry Explained