The Boosman shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus boosmani) is a critically endangered shrew found only in a remote afro-montane forest section in the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. It has not been seen since 1980 but in partnership with Cape Nature, the GVB Conservancy assisted in an expedition to find the shrew again. Here is a video summary of the trip.. We took the opportunity to combine our plans with a heli-hack that was planned in the same mountain region. This would allow us to use a helicopter to transport 86 traps into the mountains with all our equipment. The only way to get to the forest is a 15km hike into the mountains through old and tall fynbos of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. The last time the shrew was found, it took several nights to trap them as they are knowns to be trap-shy but with limited time we were hoping to catch them in 3 nights and 4 mornings. We set out 86 traps, 30 traps were put close to the huts and 56 traps were put on the forest edge of the Boosmanbos forest. The traps were baited with peanut butter and oats balls and needed to be checked daily. Our team included experienced small mammal trapping experts, and it was wonderful to watch and learn how to do this safely. We used Sherman traps that were on loan to the expedition (thank you to all who assisted). These traps are excellent for small mammal trapping and allow animals to be safely caught and released without any harm. After 3 nights of not finding the special creatures, we decided to continue to trap and a major logistical adjustment meant that some team members returned home, while a second team returned up the mountain for a further 2 days of trapping. We then had to overcome the formidable logistics of getting everyone down (including, trap gear, and all garbage) which required a fleet of people. Unfortunately, we did not find the special shrew and they remain elusive. We only found 2 small mammal species: Myomyscus verreauxii and Myosorex varius. This is less than what we expected but it has helped us to prepare a second expedition where we will conduct more expensive research on historical records to ensure that we have located the most ideal location and have prepared us for a much longer expedition, where we may have to use 2-3 teams of people to locate this elusive creature. We can’t yet draw any conclusions on its current population status. We hope that this creature is just very shy and not used to anyone being near its secretive home. We are planning new techniques to try and capture it, including camera traps and a longer expedition into deeper forest areas. While we did not achieve our objective, we were able to bio-blitz a range of species which allowed us to better understand this unique mountain forest environment. The information also allows us to think carefully about the implications of long intervals between burns within the fynbos region. The last time this area burnt is in the late 80’s and so it’s important to assess this forest shrew population before another fire. We do not know what the impact will be of a large fire in the area and if the shrew is limited to the forest edge. If so, a very warm burn could impact the population. We suspect it is safely hiding in the fire safety of the deep forest, but we will be doing all we can to understand its current habit better so that we can ensure its survival in this magnificent and secretive place. We look forward to another trip in April 2025! Well done to the team and everyone who trekked up and down the mountain and who helped make it possible from base camp. Cape Nature: Marienne de Villiers, Andrew Turner, Edgar Michaels, Graham Highburg, Dominique Coetzee and Elna Vaaltyn. GVB Conservancy: Ricardo Januarie, Philip Daries, Keith Moodie, Aileen Anderson, Jessi Venter and Ebenezer Figueroa Cliff and Suretha Dorse (authors of the amazing book Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna) (Get a copy now) Logistics and base camp: Darren Blom, Michael Raimondo, Justin du Toit, Nkosekhaya Pinzi, Makoma Mpekwane and now... just for laughs...Some of our Best Images
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We are excited to share the progress of our project, funded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which focuses on protecting a critically endangered freshwater fish population in the Huis River. The project, called Creating a Safe Home in the Huis River for the Tradouw Redfin, is a collaborative effort with the local community of Barrydale to safeguard this unique species and their fragile habitat. The Huis River, which flows through the Western Cape of South Africa, is the last known refuge for a critically endangered population of redfin, Pseudobarbus sp. ‘burchelli Tradouw’, commonly called the Tradouw or Barrydale Redfin. The population in the Tradouw Pass, which is part of the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, appears to be in decline so urgent action is needed to protect these fish who may now be confined to isolated pools above the town of Barrydale, by ensuring their safe haven in the Huis River, we hope to enable the possibility of reestablishing the species in the Tradouw Pass. An essential part of this initiative involves reducing the pressure on the river's water resources. During the summer months, when water is scarce and the fish need it most, low river flows pose a significant threat to the redfin’s survival. To address this, we have been working with local community members to reduce the need for water extraction from the river by providing rainwater storage solutions. Through the generous support of The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), we have distributed rainwater tanks to community members who expressed a need for water and a commitment to help protect the river system. These tanks are designed to collect rainwater during the winter months, which can then be used to meet the community's needs in the drier summer season. By relying on stored rainwater, we reduce the demand on the Huis River, which in turn helps protect the delicate balance of the freshwater ecosystem. This project not only benefits the redfin but also encourages water conservation and sustainable practices within the community. With growing pressure on municipal water supplies, agricultural development, and tourism, every effort to conserve water is vital. The tanks have been distributed to those who have shown a strong commitment to river conservation, and we encourage all members of the Barrydale community to do their part in saving water. Together, we can protect the Tradouw Redfin and ensure a healthy future for the Huis River.
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AuthorGVB Conservancy Staff Archives
December 2024
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