Mullersrus Primary School We value our relationship with the local school in Buffeljags. Every time we go there to interact with the children, we get a warm and welcoming vibe. We recently visited the school and interacted with approximately 70 students in grades 5 and 6. We were debating what to do with the kids, but we decided to incorporate rivers and freshwater systems, as well as art. As usual, we called on Donovan Julius to help us with the art and coordinate the children's drawings. Ricardo, our project manager, and a talented musician, brought the marimbas with him to teach the students a few notes. The night before, we had dropped some fish nets in the Buffeljags River. We went to the river in the morning to see what we could find and discovered some beautiful freshwater shrimp, as well as some small catfish (aliens), and tilapia (alien). We took the fish to the school grounds for a short time to show the children to see what was found in the river. They were ecstatic to see the fish. The students were divided into two groups and rotated so that each group experienced art, music and science (SASS). For the art project, the students created drawings that depicted nature and its protection. The drawings turned out beautifully, and the groups were very proud of their work. They displayed it for photographs to be taken. The marimbas were also well received and sounded beautiful. To educate the children about ecology, Twakkie spoke to the groups of students about the fish found in the area, with a focus on the redfin fish. Twakkie showed them a picture of a redfin fish from his book and told them to keep an eye out for it and to protect it. We later played games with the children and spoke about macroinvertebrates as a follow-up to the miniSASS assessment that we had previously completed. In our discussions, we told the students about four groups of macroinvertebrates, two of which are very tolerant of pollution (worms and leaches) and two of which are more sensitive (stoneflies and mayflies). The group had to pick one group and discuss the importance of keeping the river clean. Following the discussion, each group gave us a presentation on how to keep the river clean and to protect the macro invertebrates. The children enjoyed it and learnt a lot. After all that was said and done, the visit went so well and the students got a special treat at the end. We also had help from a volunteer, Tayla, who had joined us for the day and was a great help. Thank you so much. Thank you also to our funder, the Table Mountain fund. MiniSASS in Barrydale As a follow up from the Mural Project, we planned a miniSASS assessment with the community kids from Net vir Pret After Care Centre. Peter Takelo granted us permission during the April school holidays and assisted us in organizing the miniSASS and logistics. In Barrydale, we met with Peter Takelo at the BF Oosthuizen Primary School, where Net vir Pret puts together a school holiday program. We went down to the river with 26 kids and their supervisors for the miniSASS assessment. We demonstrated the sampling techniques to the students, and they had the opportunity to examine the various macroinvertebrates that we found. We divided the students into two groups and later moved around to see what was collected in each sample. We managed to pick up a small critically endangered Tradouw redfin in the SASS net which was very special, and we carefully returned it safely to the river. We had to calculate the river's score after all the excitement of identifying the samples. They were very interested in learning what the Huis river's score was. We counted along with them and came to a score of 5.2 in a sandy stream, indicating that the river was moderately modified. We went on to explain what they needed to do to safeguard the river system and we also all helped to pick up the litter that we could see in the river.
It was another successful environmental education outing, and we hope that the children learnt a lot
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The high altitude and access course took place in January, 2022. The training was led by Dion Tromp from Hi Angle Access and Rescue. Thank you to the South African National Biodiversity Institute for funding this training. Dion Tromp owns his own company and specialises in training courses for high altitude teams and focuses on high angle wilderness safety, and rescue training. In our case, allowing our teams to safely conduct alien clearing, while on ropes at height. Dion provides very important training to institutions, such as the SA Air Force and Working on Fire. We are grateful that he provided this specialised training to our alien clearing teams as he really is the best in the business. Dion is so calm and always has a smile on his face and it was lovely for the team to spend his Birthday with him. They all sang for him to celebrate with him. The purpose of the course. This course was designed for people who need to perform a task at height. In this case, our team needs to do alien clearing, in natural environments, such as on steeps slopes or vertical, mountain rock faces. When I walked into the shed with Linda, the conservancy's administrator, and saw our guys hanging on the ropes, we got goose bumps. We were impressed with this specialized training and how well Dion works with the trainees. The high angle training consisted of introduction to the course and theory as well as practical. The trainees learned how to inspect their equipment and perform the job as safely as possible. The participants also learned to rig simple anchors, ascent and descend. They mastered edge transition without high directional help, rope to rope transfers, maneuver through a re-anchor and maneuver through a deviation. The practical was done in our office shed and the rest in the Tradouw Pass. While doing the practical assessment in the Tradouw Pass, the ropes were tied to Dion’s car. The car was used as an anchor, and the trainees were able to do their exercise on the ropes. The training introduced a variety of rope access techniques, chosen specifically to improve the rescuer's ability to move through a static rope system. The trainees work at height, navigating rope obstacles and inspecting their equipment. We could see how interesting the training was, even our project manager, Ricardo, and quality control officer, Twakkie, tuned in to observe and familiarize themselves with the high-altitude training. When asked, the participants stated that they enjoyed the training, that it was challenging, and that they looked forward to each day. The training overall went well, so much so that we now have a very competent high-altitude team who are taking on the challenges of this important clearing work. Getting to work... We spoke with the Contractor (Marthinus Pick) who worked with the high-altitude team after the training. Marthinus Pick posed some questions to the team, such as the difficulties and high points of the high-altitude clearing. So, we turned it into a type of SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and threats). High- points (Strengths) They placed a high value on a sense of belonging to a group. When they work with the equipment and employ the proper methods, they feel good about it. They value the experience and the sense of accomplishment that comes with a successful day's work. They are also grateful because they are experiencing something that they had never considered doing before. Because the team had just returned from training and everything was still fresh, it was simple to apply the knowledge to the task. Challenges (Weakness) The terrain was challenging for them to navigate. It was also challenging to finish the task with enthusiasm and optimism. They expressed some difficulties adjusting from the clean, man made shed-structure that they had in the training to the realities of open rock faces where everything is a little more difficult to predict.The team did their best to apply the knowledge that they had gained from the training and the tasks that were assigned to them. Responsibilities (Opportunities) The team understands that they are each responsible for their own safety, as well as the safety of their team mates. They stated that they must ensure that their equipment is operational and that everything is in working order, and that it must be managed and monitored. Communication is also an important factor, and the team is aware that they must be able to communicate with one another on a regular basis to ensure that everything is still in order. Obtaining all of these skills presents great opportunities for each member to grow and perhaps move on to even greater things in life. This training has then opened them up to many new opportunities. What they believe can be improved (Threats) There are ways to improve by providing additional equipment for each member of the team so that more individuals can be on ropes at all times. It was noted that more attention must be paid to securing the anker because it causes the work to slow down if it is not in the proper place. As a team,there is a need to always plan carefully and follow through on what is agreed in the planning. Regardless of the obstacles, we are proud of the high altitude team's work thus far and look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the near future.
First Aid level 1 The first aid training was conducted by Verity Arendse from Coalition Training and Skills Development. The training took place in late October 2021 and was funded by the the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment. What is First Aid? First aid is the provision of immediate assistance or care to a person who has become suddenly ill or injured. It is the care given by a person as soon as possible after an accident or illness, and a first aider is someone who has completed a training course in administering first aid at work and has a first aid certificate. Some content of the training The first aid training included theory as well as practical. The participants were made aware of the functions of the body for them to comprehend the body and how it functions. The instructor went into detail about the brain and heart (blood and circulation). The participants were educated on the various types of injuries that can occur and how to treat these injuries safely. CPR was performed as part of the practical assessment, with participants performing CPR on a doll. They also practiced bandaging a fracture or an injury. These drills also prepared them to remain calm if a colleague is injured or in trouble, to calm them down, and to communicate calmly to the injured as well as the rest of the team that may be stressed after an injury. Myths During the training, they also addressed some myths that are prevalent and should be avoided when treating an injury. For example, applying butter to a burn can make it difficult for the doctor to treat the burn and increase the risk of infection. It’s better to not apply butter at all. Cold water or ice is always preferable for a burn injury. When we believe these myths, we can exacerbate the situation. The participants worked through these myths throughout the training to understand what needs to be done and what one should not do during an injury. Food Yolanda Cupido and Adriana Miggels (contractors) made delicious food for the participants. The participants enjoyed the delicious food and looked forward to it as they attended the training each day. The First Aid training went very well, and you could see from afar that the participants enjoyed it. We were happy as we always are with the quality of training and the way our workers are being accommodated. Well done to all our participant that attended and did well in the training and are now trained first aiders! Herbicide Applicator Herbicide training was also conducted by Verity Arendse under Coalition Training and Skills development. The training took place in October 2021 and was funded by the the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment. What is Herbicide? Herbicide is a mixture of a chemical designed to safely control unwanted weeds and invasive. The type of herbicide and the way that it is applied is crucial for the success of the product aswell as the health and safety of those using it. Content of the training? Care must be taken when using herbicide as desired plants could be harmed through negligent use of herbicide. And this was focused on as the participants were made aware of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and colorants. The participants worked through plants listed as alien invasive species and the categories that they fall under such as category 1, category 2 and category 3. The participants discussed the difference between selective herbicides and non-selective herbicide. A selective herbicide affects some plants and not others and non-selective herbicides are toxic to all plants, for example, glyphosate. The participants needed to be aware of the right equipment for the herbicide application. The participants were taught how to mix the herbicide and the safety measures for applying the herbicide. Storage of herbicide During the practical, participants were shown the herbicide room at the conservancy office, where they could see the herbicide storage, read the stickers on the herbicide, and see the door with danger stickers on it. Aside from learning and discussing herbicide storage, the trainees were also made aware of herbicide transportation. The team discussed how the herbicide should be transported safely, as well as the extra-legal obligations associated with transporting the herbicide. The facilitator also went over some of the dangers of working with herbicides. Outdoors Following some theoretical work, the team went outside to conduct their practical. They went over the theory that they had learned, such as the Personal Protectove Equipment (PPE) that is required. They mixed the herbicide, according to the proper measurement that they had learnt, and they had the proper spray bottles and/or Knapjack to do the job. They enjoyed the training as the facilitator made jokes and made them laugh. We are now overjoyed to have our trained herbicide applicators, and we are confident that they will do us proud and keep themselves and the environment safe. Congratulations to everyone who took part. Health and safety in forestry
The instructor for health and safety was Lee-Roy Dirks, under Coalition Training and Skills Development. The health and safety training happened in December 2021 and was funded by the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment. Toolbox Talks During health and safety training it was important to speak about the toolbox talks. These talks are health and safety briefs in the workplaces. The talks are used to address terrain, weather, or any other changing conditions in the veld. If there is an emergency, there is more clarity on what needs to be done and assurance that issues have been addressed to avoid accidents. PPE There are risks and hazards in forestry operations and some accidents can be fatal. Some accidents can be caused by machinery like chainsaws, others can be caused by adverse weather conditions. The health and safety representative is responsible for advising the team on how to be safe in dangerous situations. PPE (Personal protective equipment) is very important when working in forestry operations. The PPE is dependent on the kind of work a person does. For example, a chainsaw operator must wear gloves and an herbicide operator must wear a mask. Induction The team discussed how important worker induction is in forestry operations, in terms of safe working procedures. Induction covers a variety of topics, including emergency procedures, forestry hazards, hazard reporting, issue resolution processes, and more. At a later stage, safe working practices and procedures were discussed. Another important topic that was discussed was machine safety. The training went well, and we were glad that we could train another team of health and safety representatives. Over the last few months, we have hosted six different training courses that are essential to ensure that our teams work safely and effectively in the field. Over the next few weeks, we will share a blog a week for the different types of training that we have completed, starting with chainsaw and brushcutter training. These skills are important for alien clearing and fire break maintenance chainsaw TRAININGThe chainsaw and brush cutter training took place in late November and over 20 trainees attended. This training was funded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. The week that the training took place was rainy and a bit chilly. While they were busy with chainsaw training, the trainees made jokes and laughed, while sharing stories in the field. Working with a chainsaw is a valuable skill to have, but it can be difficult at times and dangerous so there was always a serious element to every part of this training. However, these young men and women were eager to complete the course and obtain their qualification. Every trainee was geared up for this challenge. What is a chainsaw? A chainsaw is a power- driven cutting tool with a teeth set on a chain which moves around the edge of a blade. A chainsaw is a heavy machine that poses safety risks due to its external blades and cutting components; therefore, participants must pass the practical section of the course with a perfect score. Within the content of the work, the participants learned about the parts (external components) of the chainsaw. Facilitators The chainsaw training was led by Lesley Dick and Thembalethu Kamsela from Coalition Training and Skills Development. The participants wanted to know how to use a chainsaw as well as the safety procedures and requirements during the felling operation. Lesley went through the theory and assisted with the practical aspects and Themba also supported with theory and was mostly involved in the practical assessment. A chat with Themba, revealed that he was excited about the team who were committed to get the chainsaw qualification. “I’ll work with them when they do their practical’s, they’re still young and fit.’’ Content of the training Exhaust fumes and white finger disease were among the health risks discussed with the participants. White finger disease is a syndrome that affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, joints, and connective tissue of the hand, wrist, and arm. Employees who use handheld or hand guided power tools for more than a few hours per day are at risk of vibration white finger. The facilitator further discussed the consequences of an operator not wearing proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). The participants learned about transporting the chainsaw and the dangers of reactive forces. They were made aware of tree felling and the important aspects of it, for example, felling direction, felling quality and preparing for felling. They also learned about the maintenance of the chainsaws. The Protective Clothing The facilitators made it a point that the team, had all the right PPE to do the practical application. The following PPE is required when operating a chainsaw.
Outcomes of the Training When the trainees completed this specific training, they needed to be familiar with chainsaw parts and basic mechanics. They must be able to ensure safety when using a chainsaw. They had to be able to start and prepare the chainsaw and be able to fell trees using standard techniques. The importance of cleaning the chainsaw after use was also discussed. Lesley always emphasized the importance of keeping the chainsaw clean because chainsaws emit oil and grease. When the machine is turned off and cold, the oil gets stuck between the chain, guide bar, and sprocket and can shorten its life span; therefore, it must be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Routine maintenance, and knowing when to service chainsaw, or change chains or adjusting the tension of a chain was also covered. Other outcomes from the training were that trainees must be able to communicate with the right chainsaw linguistic to ensure safety during operation. The chainsaw course went very well, and the participants reaped the benefit of working hard to pass the course. They are now qualified chainsaw operators. We have great confidence in them, as they are now officially competent. brushcutter TRAININGThe brush cutter training was also coordinated by Coalition Training and Skills Development and funded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Brushcutter training is vitally important for fire break maintenance. Siyabulela Xaki was the person in charge of the training and the participants completed theory and practical components. Siyabulela was good with the trainees. He made jokes at times but when it was time to work, it was time to work! What is a brush cutter? A brush cutter is a powered garden or agricultural tool used to trim weeds, small trees, and other foliage that a lawn mower or rotary mower cannot reach. For specific applications, various blades or trimmer heads can be attached to the machine, which is powered by a unit held close to the body. A brush cutter is classified as a heavy machine which poses safety risks due to their external blades and cutting components and it is therefore mandatory for the trainees to pass the practical 100% to ensure the facilitator that the participants will not be at risk when operating the specific machinery. Like the chainsaw training, the brush cutter was divided into two sections which was the theory and the practical. With the theory, we covered all the parts of the bush cutter, the dangers, and the disease that you might get when not using the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Safety First Safety is very important. PPE was one of the most important safety measures. PPE consists of a safety helmet, eye protection, leg protection, footwear, ear protection and gloves or mitts. Siyabulela made sure that every participant had PPE and was wearing their PPE when operating the brush cutter. Before starting the participants needed to go through the parts of the brush cutter, see if all is in good order and record if something is not and ensure that the brush cutter is safe to use. While operating a brush cutter the students were taught that a safe distance between two operators is 15 meters and Siyabulela made sure of this rule. The trainees were also shown how the refuelling works with the brush cutter and how to do so safely. The practical application was done at strawberry hill farm, and the participants learned how to switch on and off the brush cutter and operate it. They learned how to use the choke and the handles. They practiced how to change the brush cutter blades and nylon string. An interesting part for the trainees was to learn which blade is used for which vegetation. When the participants did the practical assessment, the operation switched from cutting grass to cutting younger trees (alien trees), and a different, stronger blade was used, instead of the nylon. Siyabulela joked that the one trainee did not want to give the others a chance to use the brush cutter. Everyone laughed because they knew how much fun cutting could be, once you have mastered the brush cutter. The brush cutter training went very well as well. We were overjoyed and had no reason to complain. We are grateful to Coalition Training and the funder, SANBI, for helping us to master this important skill. Thank you. Before the SASS training We gave ourselves nicknames like Piet-my-vrou, FreshwaterFreak, and Porifera when we first started studying for our SASS training. We used the Kahoot! educational game app (which requires nicknames for the games) to study for SASS as we got pumped up, supported one another, and committed to the upcoming training. We tried for a long time to do this training, and now we're here. We were ecstatic because, if we worked hard, we would be accredited and able to conduct SASS on a regular basis and record the results. Thank you to the Table Mountain Fund for funding this training. SASS (South African Scoring System) is a quick bio evaluation technique. It is based on a single component, benthic macroinvertebrates. Each taxon is assigned a tolerance or sensitivity score, which is then added together to provide a total score. Dickens and Graham SASS is performed to determine the health of the river (Dickens and Graham, 2002). Dickens and Grahams (2002) explains that Bentic macroinvertebrates are what we use for the assessment because they are visible to the naked eye and thus easier to identify. SASS is an appropriate tool for assessing the ecological state of our aquatic ecosystems. To assess emerging problems and set goals for emerging problems. To predict changes within the ecosystem, it is necessary to assess the effects of developments and contribute to the establishment of the ecological reserve. SASS must be performed in low/moderate flow conditions and not in flood conditions. It is also not possible in wetlands or other lentic habitats. The method works best with high biotope diversity, including riffles or rapids. These are some of the protocols from the paper that we needed to be familiar with throughout the training. The freshwater gurus The SASS 5 assessment is included in our GASPP (Grootvadersbosch Species Protection Program) project. During GASPP we are assisted by two freshwater ecologists from Cape Nature one is a fish expert and the other a SASS guru. Jeanne Gouws is the SASS master and the person who usually assists us with SASS but she is busy all over the Western Cape, so we wanted to have people in our organization that are accredited to do this work. The team had previously assisted with SASS under the supervision of Jeanne Gouws (Freshwater ecologist), so we had a few basic theories but now we had to become the gurus. Helen Dallas, who works under the Freshwater Research Center, provided the SASS training. Helen Dallas (Executive Director and Researcher) has over 30 years of experience in Southern African research projects for aquatic ecosystem ecology, conservation, and management. Helen played a key role in the development of aquatic biomonitoring protocols and databases in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia. The training was a combination of theory (lectures) that provided us with a foundation, as well as fieldwork. We practiced sampling methods and protocols, as well as identifications, in the field. The theory was founded on Dickens and Graham's (2002) paper, which we had to be very familiar with. For the sampling, we needed to be completely familiar with the SASS 5 protocol. And we'd need to be able to conduct a full SASS assessment in the river. What we were up to for the 2 days. Helen did the welcome and introductions in the morning on November 23rd, followed by a biomonitoring introduction. We then moved on to SASS VERSION 5, where Helen provided an overview of the sampling method (the practical application). We then moved on to the introduction of aquatic invertebrates, after which we went out to the field to do some sampling. We also had the opportunity to do field sampling on November 24th, and we did individual SASS sampling and practiced field identifications. We dealt with the SASS scores from the fieldwork. Helen also guided us through the FBIS System (The Freshwater Biodiversity Information system). Sampling During the training, Helen went through the sampling methods steps. As a result, when we arrived at our locations, we had to thoroughly inspect it. You can examine the various biotopes to see if there is enough variety, biodiversity, and biotopes to sample. Stones, vegetation, sand/gravel, and mud (GSM) are the biotopes that must be sampled. Helen would ask us which biotope we wanted to sample first during our one-on-one sampling sessions. One would than start to by sampling the rocky biotope. You will then have time to examine your stones and ensure that they are diverse, and you will be able to sample where there are riffles and rapids, in and out of the current, and where the water is fast or slow. You can then check to see if you have both stones in current (SIC) as well as stones out of current (SOOC) at that location. One must kick stones in current for 2 minutes and if there are large bedrock than sampling may last over 5 minutes. Stones out of current should be kicked for one minute. The sampling of the stones in current and out of should be combined when one is ready to identify. There are two types of vegetation: marginal vegetation and aquatic vegetation. Marginal vegetation is overhanging vegetation, but it is necessary to sample both marginal vegetation in current (MVegIC) and marginal vegetation out of current (MVegOOC). MVegIC is sampled over 2 meters in total, while MVegOOC is sampled over 1 meter. One minute of sand/gravel/mud (GSM) sampling is required. This sample is taken in such a way that it can be taken anywhere there is sand, gravel, or mud. You can sample gravel or sand if there is no mud, and vice versa. Visual observation is also required, which entails taking one minute throughout the sampling process to hand-pick any specimens that may have been overlooked. The SASS VERSION 5 score sheet. The SASS 5 score sheet includes the macroinvertebrate taxon as well as the sensitivity scores. The sheet also includes the relevant date, site code, river name, and site description. The HANNA meter is used to record the temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen. On the SASS score sheet, you must also write down the coordinates. Coordinates are important, and it can help you if you do it first when you arrive at a site. You can make a note of your riparian and instream disturbances. The sheet also includes a rating that you must complete, which consists of numbers 0-5 and is for the person sampling to rate each of the biotope’s samples in terms of biodiversity as well as how much of the biotope was on the site to be sampled. Visual observation is also required, which entails taking one minute throughout the sampling process to hand-pick any specimens that may have been overlooked. The identification takes 15 minutes in total. The way in which you estimate the abundances is 1=1 which means that you have found one of that specific species. A = 2-10 species and B=10-100, C= 100-1000 species and D=>1000. FBIS (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System). FBIS is a program that can be used to record SASS DATA. FBIS is a tool that serves as a community platform for the inventory and maintenance of freshwater biodiversity data, with the goal of assisting in the assessment of long-term changes in river biodiversity and ecosystem conditions in South Africa. Accreditation We are currently preparing and practicing for our accreditation. Making certain that we are confident and prepared to provide high-quality data. What stood out for the trainees. This training taught some of the trainees that the higher you go up the mountain, the greater the variety and sensitivity of your macroinvertebrates. Invertebrates that are less sensitive and more tolerant to things like pollution can be found in more impacted areas. The interesting macro-invertebrate species stood out for some of the trainees as well. The macroinvertebrates are small and look the same sometimes but it’s interesting work and fascinating to learn this important skill. We also took with us the incredible fact that there are incredible tools available for conservation planning such as SASS 5, miniSASS (that we can conduct with school learners and community members). This is meaningful data that we will share with the landowners so that they are also aware of what is going on within the rivers. Great work! We are having a wonderful adventure with this work, and we are excited to share our findings in the future.
For many years, the conservancy's chairman was John Moodie, and the vice chairman was Keith Moodie. Both great men who have been a part of the conservancy since its inception, bringing with them a wealth of conservation and agricultural knowledge. They have both invested significantly in valley conservation as well as community upliftment in the Grootvadersbosch area. We wrote a memorable blog about John Moodie, who stepped down as chairman of the conservancy in 2021. There have recently been changes to the conservancy committee which we summarise in this blog. The Chairman Keith Moodie is the new Chairman of the Conservancy's Committee. He was a founding member of the conservancy in 1992, along with John Moodie and Chris Maartens and has remained active in it ever since. Keith took over as chairman of the conservancy after retiring from farming about a year ago. Keith recently retired from farming after 40 years in the dairy industry. There were always difficult questions in the agriculture sector. Keith mentions that things are changing all the time, and one of the reasons he decided to retire from farming was that he was not doing justice to the new questions that were coming up. He said that it mainly happens when one gets older. Normally, a young mind is not shy to ask the questions but as one gets older, things start to change. Although, his sharp mind and exceptional fitness, drawn from years of trail running, is inspirational for any young mind, he decided it was time for a change. He has extensive knowledge of agriculture, conservation, and the conservancy, and now that he is no longer actively farming, he has more time to devote to the conservancy, which is why he was eager to accept the challenge. Keith would like to make a positive contribution towards the conservancy. He is determined to keep the conservancy's momentum going and is confident that the staff, committee, and farmers will cooperate. He is excited to serve as a conduit for the ideas and concerns of the conservancy's staff, farmers, and committee members, and he hopes to make a positive contribution to conservation. He considers himself to be a positive person, but when I asked him to talk about himself, he hesitated. He tells me that he lives by a mantra that he also used in his farming: "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Keith is a successful and respected farmer, which he attributes, in part, to sticking to the principled task of keeping the main thing, the main thing. This piece of wisdom touched me. In ones career, one can easily do many things but one must never lose focus on the main goal. This is a true life-lesson for a conservation student whose mind is constantly wondering and, occasionally, wanders away from the main focus. Keith admits that it is necessary to maintain focus and avoid distractions, while also maintaining the momentum. Sometimes we think, “oh well, everything is fine” but we do not keep pushing on and challenging ourselves to achieve the main goal. There is not really anything that Keith wants to change within the conservancy, but he mentioned that conservation and stewardship of the environment is a very dynamic thing. One must stay flexible to change. For example, if something has been done in a certain way last year, it does not mean that we cannot do it differently this year or next year. Keith also states that one must be adaptable and face challenges as they arise. Being opened to change and taking risks is important, but one must also know where to draw the line and how to calculate the risks. We must understand that things around us are going to change. There will be challenges. Consistent funding is probably one of those challenges and that is why Keith feels that we must be creative and look for other sources of funding. We are appreciative for the funding that we have had up till today, but we cannot rely on that funding alone. Keith raises another challenge, the younger generation, who are taking over the farms and managing the farms, should be brought in a bit closer to what’s going on. There is also the challenge of getting the family members of the farmers involved in more social activities. We can attract them with walks in the forest and even the general workers and their kids, they need to know what’s going on. Being able to appreciate and enjoy the area that we live in. During last year's lockdown, people discovered that there is a lot of fun to be had outside and in this area. As people became aware of how beautiful and unique the valley truly is, new opportunities arise. “There are many conservancies that still battle with these issues, and we have come a long way.” says Keith. “We can look back at the last 20-30 years and look at the last 5 years and this area looks so much better, and we can be proud of what we achieved in many areas, including controlling the wattle infestation." Keith has also looked at ariel photos over the years and notes, with pride, that the rivers are more consistent with less wattle. "It doesn’t dry up like it used to, which is something very good". The interface between agriculture and conservation is vital. The conservancy is reliant on donations and contributions from government and agriculture. In the case of agriculture, consumers want to know more than ever where their food comes from and how it impacts on the environment. Agriculture and conservation must both work hand-in-hand to provide answers to the questions that many consumers now have about how their food is produced. There will always be conflict and disagreements, which is just a bridge that must be crossed. However, as conservationists, we must collaborate with agriculture because the agriculture-conservation interface is critical. We need to keep the main thing the main thing. As a conservancy, we are excited to have Keith assisting us in navigating these new challenges and helping us keep our focus on the right things. The Vice Chairman Adrian Fortuin has been appointed as our new vice chairman. A conversation with him reveals that he is a compassionate and helpful person who always feels the need to assist, whether it is with staff or community members. Adrian considers compassion to be his greatest strength because he cares deeply about the environment. As I listened to his calm voice, I was immediately moved by the compassion he was expressing. Whether Adrian is hiking, diving, or snorkeling he really just loves being in and exploring nature. Adrian accepted the position as the vice chairman because he would love to see a better relationship between agriculture and conservation. He also believes that there is mutual benefit between agriculture and conservation, which is one of the reasons he became involved and agreed to be the Vice Chairman of the conservancy. Adrian works for Cape Nature and is the local Conservation Manager at the Grootvadersbosch nature reserve, Cape Nature. He sees it as a win-win scenario for both the conservancy and Cape Nature. Adrian explained to me that he would like to contribute to the conservancy by coming up with new ideas, such as improving the income streams for the trails. The trails are an important part of both the conservancy and the nature reserve. Adrian explains that he believes that a challenge that we face is implementing new ideas, new ways of thinking, and taking on new opportunities and activities. Some ideas may work, while others may not, but we must test and see what will work and what will not. This supports the work of Young (2009) who notes that a person learns from trial and error if they occasionally try new strategies. Adrian admits, just like Keith, that risks must be taken. Adrian also mentioned that there are great opportunities to explore. He also mentioned Keith’s suggestion of more social get togethers. A get together with more family day activities, with landowners. This will showcase what we do, for example SASS and maybe do a miniSASS with the families or community members, it would be nice to do more hands on activities and to get experts in and showcase these projects to our members. Adrian is worried about the aliens high up in the catchment areas. The inaccessible areas and he is worried that not enough has been done in these areas. Although he applauds the conservancy for the work already being done but we need to keep going and not lose hope because we can beat the aliens if we continue with it. When I asked Adrian how he planned to keep the other committee members motivated, he replied, "Sometimes you don't have all the answers, but you can show up, be present and support the other members whenever it is needed.” Being present is another important life lesson for a young, wandering mind. He knows that he can always draw on the wealth of knowledge of previous committee members and is grateful to be able to go have a cup of coffee with the previous chairman, John Moodie, knowing that John has a wealth of knowledge and is willing to offer advice whenever necessary. Adrian and Keith are both passionate about the environment and eager to take the conservancy to new heights. They are both committed and determined to bring their wealth of knowledge and expertise to the conservancy, and we are grateful for their time, effort, and commitment. And we owe them our gratitude for their time. We know that with their support, we will be able to keep focused on the main thing- the conservation of our precious Grootvadersbosch valley to benefit nature and people. References
Zolkafli, U.K., Zakaria, N., Yahya, Z., Ali, A.S., Akashah, F.W., Othman, M. and Hock, Y.K., 2012. Risks in conservation projects. Journal of Design+ Built, 5(1). Young, H.P., 2009. Learning by trial and error. Games and economic behavior, 65(2), pp.626-643. The infestation of the shot hole borer beetle has spread to multiple places in Western Cape and poses a threat to indigenous trees throughout South Africa. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is a tiny beetle that feeds on living trees. It's difficult to see the beetle. The females are black in color and (1.8-2.5) mm long and males also small but brown and wingless. The males are 1.5-1.7 mm and are less common than females. The beetle needs breeding and feeding space and enters a tree through the bark, creating breeding and feeding lines, with a layer of spores of the fusarium fungus. The shot hole borer beetle has a symbiotic relationship with this fungus because it is the beetle's primary food source. To reproduce and eat fusarium fungus, the beetle digs tunnels deep within the infected tree. The beetle does not kill the tree but the fungus (Fusarium Euwallacea) does. The fungus spreads from the tunnel into the tree, obstructing the vascular system of the tree. This fungus is the main causes of tree wilting. The Shot Hole borer beetle is native to Southeast Asia. It arrived in South Africa in 2017 and has caused some environmental damage. It reproduces in both exotic and native tree species. Outside of its native habitat it appears to be much more aggressive. The symptoms of infected trees differ from one tree species to another, and there are numerous signs that a tree is infected. Some of these indicators could be sawdust collecting on the bark and around the base of the tree. Certain tree species may experience leaking of liquid and gum from beetle holes. Most people will not notice the problem until the tree dies. As a result, the wood from the dead infested tree must be processed to kill the beetle inside; otherwise, the surviving beetles will move to nearby trees and spread the infection. You have a few options for dealing with the dead wood. If possible, solarizing an infested wood pile and burn the wood right away. Alternatively, one can also chip the wood. We can't completely stop the infestation of shot hole borers, but we can treat and manage it to lessen its impact and spread. If you grow trees and observe tree wilting, try to determine whether the symptoms are caused by Shot Hole Borer. If a tree is heavily infested, it should be cut down and destroyed. If the main stem is unaffected, infested branches can be removed. Dump wood at a designated dumping site or inquire with the municipality. If you chip the wood finer than 5cm, you can make compost or burn it on-site. Note that some beetles will flee if the wood becomes hot or there is smoke so make sure to contain the burn area and burn at a high enough temperature. As we approach the festive season when we all like to make braais at our holiday destination, please do your part and DO NOT MOVE FIREWOOD around, especially if you live in an infested area. We recommend that you rather buy invasive firewood at your local holiday destination and thereby supporting the local rural economies and helping to reduce the spread of invasive vegetation and the shot hole borer beetle. Make sure that the wood that you buy is invasive and that it is locally obtained.
Note: All guests houses in the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, including Cape Nature, do not allow external firewood to be brought in. Let us do everything we can to protect our forests and control the Shot Hole beetle infestation. References https://greenpop.org/polyphagous-shot-hole-borer-beetle/ https://www.fabinet.up.ac.za/pshb https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/crops/field-crops/protecting-south-africas-trees-from-the-shot-hole-borer/ The fynbos biome is fire driven which is why frequent fires can occur. The GVB Conservancy includes mountain fynbos, semi forested areas and lowland fynbos which is found south of the Langeberg mountain range. In the conservancy, we have had to deal with many fires which have shaped our perspective on fire, and we have learnt so much about the risks and how to manage them. Fires can start from powerlines, lighting, even falling rocks so one must always be prepared. This blog shares some of what we have learnt about fire and fire management. Fire, a disturbance or a prerequisite Fires are very important but can be an unwelcome interruption in people’s livelihoods, both socially and economical (Pereira et al., 2012). Fire can destroy vegetation, buildings, and crops or endanger human lives (Cowling and Richardson,1995). Depending on where and how they burn, fires can be either harmful or beneficial (Hardesty et al.,2005). Why fires are important in the natural environment? Fynbos Fire is necessary in fynbos ecosystem (Manning, 2007) (Pyne,1990). It is a natural and normal process in fynbos and some of the lifecycles in this biome are shaped by fire. (Cowling and Richardson,1995). Fynbos is a fire adapted vegetation and if regular fires do not occur most fynbos types would get dominated by woody shrubs and trees (Manning, 2007). They say fire is the engine that drives the fynbos cycle, and periodic fires are not only an integral, but an essential aspect of fynbos ecosystem (Manning, 2007). Fynbos has more fires than any other type of heathland on the planet. This is due to the severe flammability of the dried, frequently intricated branches, bushes, and restoids, and it is not common to come across strands of fynbos vegetation that are older than 20 years (Manning, 2007). Without fire in fynbos, there is a chance that the fynbos plants do not produce offspring, resulting in biodiversity loss. If fire is being excluded from fynbos for too long many of the landscapes would become densely infested with limited species of forest/thicket shrubs or trees (Cowling and Richardson,1995). Different vegetation types experience different fire regimes depending on the source of ignition (e.g. lightning), the fuel load (the amount and arrangement of flammable vegetation) and the climatic conditions. Most fynbos communities burn every 12 to 15 years. This frequency is determined by the rate at which the fynbos grows, or the way fuel loads accumulate after the previous fire. (Cowling and Richardson,1995). Alien Vegetation Goliath Highburg (Oom Twakkie) mentioned that alien invasion is a larger fire threat than fynbos. This is because the wood of alien trees is hard and burns for much longer, while fynbos burns out quicker. In the long run, the removal of invasive plants will greatly reduce your risk of destructive fires. The veld ages across Grootvadersbosch differ and depend on the natural vegetation and land use. Veld that is older and has more woody material will have more fuel load and will therefore be more likely to burn and will burn for longer with more intensity. Renosterveld Renosterveld is at elevated risk of extinction. With 4% of renosterveld remaining in the Overberg, management of these areas is so important and proper management is needed to control some of the threats that renosterveld is facing. (Curtis.,2013). The following rules apply for ecological prescribed burns in renosterveld, described by the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust, (Curtis.,2013).
Controlled burning also known as Prescribed burn Prescribed burning or controlled burning is a management tool used in terms of resource management objectives (DiTomaso et.,al 2006)( Fernandez and Botelho, 2003). It’s ignited by a person and confined to a specific area (Teie and Pool, 2009).The objective of a prescribed fire is to establish and maintain plant life conditions (Teie and Pool, 2009). A prescribed burn needs to be managed carefully (Teie and Pool, 2009). Before one starts a burn, it is important that you have infrastructure in place such as firefighting equipment, water, firebreaks, and manpower plus up to date weather forecasts (Bothma and du Toit.,2016). Prepare well. A fair amount of planning goes into the controlled burning of areas. This includes:
How to prepare for fire and avoid uncontrolled burns? Firebreaks Firebreaks are frequently included in a management plan to prevent a fire hazard. A firebreak is usually a natural barrier used to put out flames and create a working control line (Teie, 2003). A word with Goliath Highburg (Oom Twakkie) who is responsible for fire management in the conservancy, and he says the following: ‘‘Firebreaks are advantageous, I would advise when constructing a firebreak, make it ankle high, so that it doesn’t cause erosion'', which will have a bad environmental impact later and that’s one of the disadvantages of firebreaks. Other negative effects that can be caused by firebreaks include soil becoming more acidic, compared to grassland soil for example and other aspects such as lower nitrogen count in the soil (O’connor., et.al 2004). Every landowner on whose land a wildfire may originate, burn, or spread must create and maintain a firebreak on his or her side of the boundary between his or her land and any adjoining land, according to Section 12 of the National Wild and Forest Fire Act. The purpose of the firebreak will determine the type of construction that should be used. The aim of the fire breaks could be to (Teie and Pool.,2009):
Planning to burn. A plan should be prepared for even the simplest burn. If it's a low-risk burn, a checklist may suffice, but if it's a higher-risk burn, you'll need to think carefully about the place and put your plan in writing. You can create a burning plan if you want to do a large, controlled burn (Teie and Pool.,2009). Some of the questions that one must think about and answer prior to burning include: 1. How much manpower do you have?. The amount of labour depends on the size of your burn and the risk of runaway fires. Most importantly the bakkie sakkie will require a driver and an operator. In addition, several experienced persons (6-10) on the ground to light and extinguish the fires. 2. What equipment do you have for undertaking the burn? You will need a bakkie sakkie (water tank on the back of your vehicle), drip torches with petrol/diesel mix. Spray backpacks, beaters, rakes, have enough food, drink and first aid kits available for the fire team. 3. Is your team wearing the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Head protection, such as a hard hat, and leather or other robust material boots are types of PPE. Eye protection (goggles) is necessary and a balaclava for the face. Leather gloves should be available. Fire-retardant and acid-resistant overalls and fire-retardant endurance pants are needed, along with headlamps and torches. 4) Where are the water refilling points? Consider the location of your dams and water tanks for both routine and emergency filling for the bakkie sakkie. Ensure that you have access to water stations so that you can ensure a safe rotation for the bakkies sakkie, ensuring that the fire line is never without backup from water tankers. 5) Do you have the necessary burn permits? A permit from your local fire protection association is required. A maps of the region that you want to burn is usually included. Have you gathered the information you'll need to make your burning plan? Have you prepared the necessary background to inform your burning plan?.
6) Are you looking for help from a working on fire, FPA, Cape nature, or the conservancy with your burn? If you are part of a protected area, or are a stewardship site, you may be able to get help with your controlled burn. 7) What is the burn's ignition point, and which wind direction will you need to light it? Before continuing with the rest of the burn, look at your veld and consider your ignition point, as well as where your danger zones are and how you'll burn them to be safe. Why join the FPA. A FPA (Fire Protection Association) is there to protect, Prevent, manage, and extinguish veld fires. A FPA develops a fire management strategy and plan for the area; establish rules and regulations, provides training, appoints a fire protection officer and can take action to suppress unwanted fires. Benefits of being a member of the FPA are 1) in civil actions the landowner is not automatically assumed negligent if a fire leaves their property and 2) the landowner may be exempt from making firebreaks on all their property boundaries. The fire protection officer has important duties. At the conservancy Goliath Highburg is the fire officer and the duties that he performs are to control firefighting activities, enforce rules and regulations of the FPA, inspect members land for compliance and to provide fire protection training. All GVB conservancy members must also be a member of a local FPA . We hope that this information will help you prepare for the fire season ahead. Lets hope that it is a fire free season! References Botha, N., 2020. Agriculture vs. conservation: how Grootvadersbosch Conservancy finds the common ground. South African Geographical Journal, 102(3), pp.372-388. Cowling, R.M. and Richardson, D.M., 1995. Fynbos: South Africa's unique floral kingdom. Fernwood Press. Manning,J., 2007. Field guide to Fynbos Curtis, O.E., 2013. Management of critically endangered renosterveld fragments in the Overberg, South Africa. DiTomaso, J.M., Brooks, M.L., Allen, E.B., Minnich, R., Rice, P.M. and Kyser, G.B., 2006. Control of invasive weeds with prescribed burning. Weed technology, 20(2), pp.535-548. Fernandes, P.M. and Botelho, H.S., 2003. A review of prescribed burning effectiveness in fire hazard reduction. International Journal of wildland fire, 12(2), pp.117-128. Hardesty, J., Myers, R. and Fulks, W., 2005, January. Fire, ecosystems, and people: a preliminary assessment of fire as a global conservation issue. In The George Wright Forum (Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 78-87). George Wright Society. Kraaij, T. and van Wilgen, B.W., 2014. Drivers, ecology, and management of fire in fynbos. Fynbos: Ecology, evolution, and conservation of a megadiverse region, pp.47-72. O'connor, T.G., Uys, R.G. and Mills, A.J., 2004. Ecological effects of firebreaks in the montane grasslands of the southern Drakensberg, South Africa. African Journal of Range and Forage Science, 21(1), pp.1-9. Parker, D., 2016. Game Ranch Management, J. du P. Bothma & JG du Toit (Eds.): book review. African Journal of Wildlife Research, 46(2), p.144. Pereira, Paulo, Pranas Mierauskas, Xavier Úbeda, Jorge Mataix-Solera, and Artemi Cerda. "Fire in protected areas-the effect of protection and importance of fire management." Environmental Pyne, S.J., 1990. Fire conservancy: The origins of wildland fire protection in British India, America, and Australia. In Fire in the Tropical Biota (pp. 319-336). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. Raitt, G.R., 2005. Themeda triandra renosterveld in the Heidelberg district (Doctoral dissertation, Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University). Research, Engineering and Management 59, no. 1 (2012): 52-62. Southern Cape fire protection 2019. Teie, W.C., 2003. Fire manager's handbook on veld and forest fires: strategy, tactics and safety. South African Institute of Forestry. Teie, W.C. and Pool, C., 2009. Fire manager’s handbook on veld and forest fires. Strategy, tactics and safety-2nd Edition. Menlo Park: Southern African Institute of Forestry. A few weeks ago, the Conservancy staff attended the annual fynbos forum which was hosted online. Our manager, Aileen Anderson, was presenting at the conference and so we were all able to participate in the on line conference. During the conference, Intaba environmental services gave an informative presentation about their nursery, and what caught our attention was the palmiet plant (Prionium serratum) and how they rehabilitate unnaturally degraded riverbanks. We found the fynbos forum, especially the rehabilitation aspects, to be very interesting. We are currently in the process of relocating and establishing a new nursery at the new offices. As the nursery is established, we will apply new concepts and methods to cultivate trees and vegetation for our restoration activities. As part of the fynbos forum, Twakkie and Zaniel went on a fieldtrip to Intaba environmental services (Tulbagh) This allowed us to experience and engage more with the team We came away with so much knowledge that we can now apply and put into practice within the conservancy. Most importantly, the cultivation and use of palmiet which we will discuss in this blog. Characteristics of Prionium serratum (Palmiet) The leaves remain encircle (Boucher, 2004) which means that the stems of the palmiet plant branch, and the remains of the previous stems protect the plant from injury during floods, when rocks and stones migrate down rivers and can smash the stems (Boucher, 2004). The plant has dense stems that seem to be a grouping of separate plants but are really interconnected stems, usually originating from one initial plant through vegetative reproduction. The grey- green, shaped pointed leaves can be 1.2 meters long and 30-40 meters wide, crowed together in rossetes at the end of the stems (Boucher, 2004) (September to February) (Boucher, 2004). Palmiet usually grows about 2 m high and is found from Western Cape to Kwazulu Natal in marshy areas, streams, rivers, and riverbanks and large dense strands http://pza.sanbi.org/prionium-serratum. Palmiet grows in swamps and riverbanks, whereas palmiet wetlands are wetlands where palmiet grows and qualify as ecosystems that reduce floodwater erosive damage. The many benefits of palmiet in the ecosystem Palmiet is a fascinating plant that acts as an ecosystem architect (Rebelo, 2019). The plant is excellent in providing habitat for fish, birds, and insects (Boucher, 2004). Palmiet stabilizes riverbanks from erosion http://pza.sanbi.org/prionium-serratum. Palmiet wetlands have built up layers of peat and organic material with high layers of carbon content Palmiet wetland conservation | Farmer's Weekly (farmersweekly.co.za). Palmiet wetlands can improve water quality because the thick layers of palmiet act as a pure carbon filter for the water. The leaves of the palmiet act as a sieve, retaining chemicals and bacteria in the wetland. The plant has a thick root that keeps the plant from being ripped out during heavy rains. The flatness of palmiet allows the water to slow down. Palmiet wetlands act as a giant sponge, collecting water during the rainy season and releasing it during the dry season. Wetlands also slow surface flow, allowing groundwater aquifers to recharge. Rapid population growth and expansion of human activities is increasing the amount of waste and pollution (Naidoo,2005) and is endangering wetlands. Changes to wetlands can have far-reaching consequences (Boucher, 2004). Palmiet (Prionium serratum) is declining in some habitats because of degradation, of habitat from overgrazing and frequent fires http://pza.sanbi.org/prionium-serratum. Other threats to wetland or palmiet wetlands may be additional water abstraction as well as pollution and invasive alien plant infestation (Branch,1984) (Rebelo, 2019). The removal of palmiet leads to the damage of wetlands. The absence of palmiet causes greater flood damage, more severe erosion, and dam silting. If palmiet is removed, water may become contaminated because of the filter provided by the thick layer of palmiet that is no longer present. If palmiet is taken out of rivers, open water bodies will result in high evaporation and water loss. The absence of Palmiet results in greater flood damage, severe erosion and silting up of dams Palmiet wetland conservation | Farmer's Weekly (farmersweekly.co.za). It is a myth that palmiet clogs rivers and impedes water flow. Palmiet is said to clog streams by filling them in their natural state. This assumption may be based on the tendency of immersed stems, anchored on the riverbank's borders to bend outwards into the channels as water levels fall during dry spells (Boucher, 2004). It may therefore appear as if palmiet is invading the rivers, even though the stems will normally fold back against the banks when water levels rise and flow velocities increase (Boucher, 2004). The best time to propagate this plant is during the winter months. The plant can be reproduced and developed from divisions, and because it is a semi-aquatic plant, it requires a moderately damp environment to thrive. http://pza.sanbi.org/prionium-serratum. This plant can be planted and nurtured in our nurseries. In terms of healthy wetlands, the conservancy runs an initiative that involves alien removal along rivers to improve the quality and quantity of water. Other monitoring programs include river monitoring as part of GASPP (Grootvadersbosch Aquatic Species Protection Project), which includes the SASS (South African Scoring System) and fish monitoring. This monitoring study also allows us to investigate other features of the rivers, such as water quality, pH, and temperature etc. We can all work together to promote awareness and maintain our wetlands. Palmiet is a crucial species to protect in our rivers systems. We can work together to raise awareness and communicate the wonders of this wetland plant. Please leave a comment if you have any other thoughts or suggestions. References
Boucher, C. and Withers, M., 2004. Palmiet. Veld & Flora, 90(1), pp.26-28. Branch, GM & Day, J.A., 1984. Ecology of southern African estuaries: part XIII: the Palmiet River estuary in the south-western Cape. African Zoology, 19(2), pp.63-77. http://pza.sanbi.org/prionium-serratum Naidoo, K., 2005. The Anthropogenic impacts of Urbanization and Industrialisation on the Water quality, Ecology and Health status of the Palmiet River catchment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (Doctoral dissertation). Palmiet wetland conservation | Farmer's Weekly (farmersweekly.co.za) Rebelo, A.J., Morris, C., Meire, P. and Esler, K.J., 2019. Ecosystem services provided by South African palmiet wetlands: A case for investment in strategic water source areas. Ecological Indicators, 101, pp.71-80. Other names: Pofadder, Imbululu Classification: very dangerous Snakes are fascinating reptiles that are sometimes unnecessarily feared by field, forestry, and other outdoor workers. Puff adders are widely distributed throughout South Africa and northern Africa (African Snakebite Institute), and we are delighted to have a number of these beautiful creatures in and around the conservancy. These short, stubby snakes have V-shaped patterns on their bodies and a triangular head that is unique from the rest of their bodies (Umbono training, 2014). Puff adders have a large body and use camouflage to hide. A puff adder's life is mostly spent in camouflage mode (African snakebite institute). On the ground, puff adders move slowly, although they will climb small plants to get sunlight (Marais, 1999). They are “ambush hunters” who will coil up into a striking position and wait for prey to approach (African snake bite institute). This snake is very active after sunset and comes out of vegetation towards the road to bake in the sun. This often means that they are, sadly, often driven over by vehicles (Marais, 1999). They usually feed on rats and mice as well as other small land mammals, including, ground birds, lizards, toads. The puff adder follows the scent of its prey with its flashing tongue, with sensors, and then catches its prey (Marais, 1999). Reproduction Puff adders give birth to approximately 20-40 snakes, usually after summer. The hatchlings are approximately 15-20 cm long and are born in a fine membranous sac, from which they break shortly after birth (African snake bite institute).Go to https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/ -for more intresting reading on puff adders and other snake species. Threats to these lovely beasts Habitat loss is one of the factors that place puff adders in jeopardy. This includes, fragmentation, degradation of land, as well as agricultural expansion. Alien vegetation is not a direct threat to puff adders, but alien vegetation increases the risk of wildfires which can pose a threat to snakes. Alien vegetation does therefore impact these creatures (Branch, 2014). Twakkie, are knowledgably quality controller at the conservancy, is of the opinion that snakes are generally feared because their venom has the potential to kill humans. However, snakes seldom actually strike and therefore their danger is exaggerated Snakes are also often killed because of urban legends or superstitions that vary in different cultures and religions. Superstitions about snakes I am a coloured, Baptised Christian from the Knysna area. In my religion, snakes are associated with the devil, and it is said that the snake was a traitor, associated with evil, and sent by the devil in the days of Adam and Eve. When I asked other employees about some myths they know about or believe in their faith or culture, Twakkie said that in the bible it states that a snake will bite your heels and the man will knock his head. Twakkie also revealed that he is aware of a legend in which Satan is depicted as a serpent. Another employee, Linda, who works as the administrator in the conservancy, says there's a myth that if you find one snake in your house, you'll find more because snakes travel in pairs. I also asked Ndukwenthle, who is from Swaziland and works on one of the farms in the conservancy. He said that some people in his culture eat snakes and use snakes for black magic. He said some people believe that you should kill them before they kill your child. Apparently, it is believed that snakes can smell fresh milk and that children are usually around milk and so they might get bitten by snakes. With all these superstitions associated with snakes, we need to work extra hard to protect them. As a conservancy, it is our job to conserve our biodiversity and establish a sustainable environment in terms of conservation. Here is some useful information to help better understand snakes, the real risks they pose and how to treat a bite if it does occur. Snakes are not aggressive unless provoked People do not see puffadders because of their camouflage, and as a result, the puffadder is responsible for at least 60% of snake bites in South Africa. There is a myth which states that snakes are always aggressive which is not true. Snakes aren't hostile, and they don't pursue humans. When they are disturbed, most snakes flee (Strydom and Schoeman, 2016). Snakes will not chase you, contrary to popular belief. If you happen to come across a snake, don't try to kill it. Stand stationary; snakes will not attack you. It is best to retain a safe distance of at least 5 meters or more (Umbondo training, 2014). If you see a snake, don't try to kill it; instead, keep a watch on it and call the appropriate authorities if it needs to be removed (Marais, 1999). Furthermore, treat all creatures with respect by leaving a dead snake alone. Sometimes snakes will pretend to be dead and may then become aggressive if provoked or prodded. Understanding venom and snake bites In South Africa, many snakebites occur during the summer months, from January to May. Puff adder or rhombic Night adder bites account for over 90% of snake bites in South Africa (Strydom and Schoeman, 2016). The most common types of venom found in snakes are cytotoxic, neurotoxic, and hemotoxic venom. Each of these different venoms attacks a different organ or system in the body and its useful to understand the differences. Cytotoxic venom destroys cells and affects tissue and blood cells. Severe pain and swelling around the bite region are possible side effects of cytotoxic venom. Some of the snakes with this venom is puff adders (Bitis arientans), Gaboon viper(Bitis gabonica), horned adder(Bitis caudalis), Rhombic night adder(Causus rhombeatus). The nervous system gets poisoned by neurotoxins. Paralysis, convulsions, or rapid muscle twitching are all symptoms of neurotoxic venom, which can also cause trouble breathing and other respiratory problems. Some snakes with this venom are the berg adder (Bitis atropos), Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), Green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps), Cape cobra (Naja nivea). Swelling, internal bleeding, and haemorrhaging necrosis are symptoms of hemotoxic venom. This is caused by poisoning of the circulatory system or bloodstream (Umbono training, 2014). Some snakes that have this venom is Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). The Cytotoxic Venom from a puff Added will not cause immediate death Puff adder venom is extremely cytotoxic, attacking blood tissues and cells. Serious pain, significant swelling, and occasionally blistering at the bite site are all indicators of being bitten. (Marais, 1999). Polyvalent antivenom is effective and should be used as soon as possible (African snakebite institute). Fatalities are uncommon (African snake bite institute) since the puff adder is usually straightforward to identify and treat with antivenom. Most of the victims are bitten on the lower leg. If victims are not treated or if treatment is unsuccessful, the poison takes longer to function and can take up to 24 hours or more before they die. It is unusual for the victim to die in a short amount of time (Marais, 1999), because puff adders have a cytotoxic venom that takes time to work (Marais, 1999) (Strydom and Schoeman, 2016). When bitten by a puff adder, what signs and symptoms may you expect? Inflammation and swelling in the bitten regions, as well as a change in skin colour (Strydom and Schoeman, 2016). Excessive swelling is the most common cause of fatal bites. Antidote should be provided in extreme circumstances (Strydom and Schoeman, 2016). Because most bites occur on the lower leg or ankle, wearing boots, long pants, and leg protection are effective measures to avoid being bitten. Keep your eyes open and don't put your hand in a place where you won't be able to see. Large rocks should be walked on, not over. If you are bitten, stay calm, and try to and identify the snake. Identification of the snake will help to ensure the right anti-venom is administrated. Go to the doctor or local clinic right away as anti-venom is required (Strydom and Schoeman, 2016). First aid procedures for a puff adder snake bite
References
Branch, W.R., 2014. Conservation status, diversity, endemism, hotspots and threats. Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Suricata, 1, pp.22-50. https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/ Marais.,J Slange & Slangbyte in Suider-Afrika .,1999 ,Kaapstad Nielsen, A., Fatalities, Attacks, Teeth, and Fangs. Strydom and Schoeman, Fransmanshoek Conservancy.,2016., Season, S., Compliance Management. |
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