​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)
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Logistics and base camp: Darren Blom, Michael Raimondo, Justin du Toit, Nkosekhaya Pinzi, Makoma Mpekwane

Our Grootvadersbosch Dwarf Chameleon records are accumulating!
 
Krystal Tolley visited our valley during this year's Silver Mountain Music Festival, where she gave a fascinating talk about the chameleon species and talked more about her book (link below if you want to check it out!). She was also here to do some further surveys and recordings of her chameleon findings and took beautiful photographs of the extraordinary petite species.

The data results indicate that Dr. Tolley found male and female individuals as well as juveniles, thus we can assume that their population is steadily growing thus we need to continue in protecting our Afromontane Forest region here in the valley!  

All images were taken by Krystal Tolley.

​If you want to support her and buy her Chameleon book then please visit here. 

REFERENCES:
Tolley, K.A. 2022. Bradypodion venustum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022. Available at: ​https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/214766876/214766885 

​Prof Krystal Tolley, a Research Leader at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), has been conducting research on a member of the Dwarf chameleon family and has spent a long time trying to describe and name this elusive reptile. Krystal has been looking for a chameleon that resembles the Knysna dwarf chameleon but was suspected to be a different species yet to be described. Krystal visited Grootvadersbosch in October 2020 to once again look for them. The GVB Conservancy and Cape Nature staff assisted her in finding a few specimens. We wrote a blog about Krystal’s visit and the unique experience we had learning about the special chameleons in our forest. 

​This chameleon has been a mystery for several decades and it has been a long process to officially describe it. Between early 1990s and around 2018, only three records were in existence. This is because they are difficult to locate and prefer to stay high in the canopy or out of sight. Krystal needed to collect enough genetic material to determine if it really was a new species. After a long wait and much searching, they had collected enough material to describe the chameleon. 

The elusive species has been present in our forests for hundreds of years but has gone unnamed due to a lack of information. Krystal has now given it a name: Bradypodion venustum sp.nov (Common name: Grootvadersbosch Dwarf Chameleon) Bradypodion means "slow-footed" in Greek, and the specific epithet venustum is a Latin adjective that means "attractive," and it refers to the new species' colourful flanks, which perfectly describes our good-looking chameleon.

Chameleons are truly wonderful and iconic creatures that are only found on the African continent. We are thrilled to finally have a scientific name for our very own African reptile. The paper that describes the species is published in the African Journal of Herpetology (Krystal et al, 2022).  This new Grootvadersbosch species is a specialist of Afromontane Forest at the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. Although there are a few populations of Bradypodion species that occur in fynbos and afromontane forest, it appears that this species is a specialist for forest environments. One is most likely to encounter it from the months of July to August, but it is a tricky species to view as it usually spends its time high in the canopy. To date, this chameleon has only been found in mature indigenous forest within the Grootvadersbosch Reserve. Although, the true range of the species is not yet fully understood. This species is presumed to have the smallest extent of occurrence and distribution size of any chameleon in South Africa. This seems to be a common problem with people that find themselves in our little piece of Eden- they just don’t want to move anywhere else!
 
The new paper also describes two other new species of Bradypodion: Bradypodion barbatulum sp. Nov and Bradypodion baviaanense sp. nov.  The addition of these three new species means that the genus now contains 20 species, making it the third most species-rich chameleon genus on the African continent, after Trioceros and Kinyongia. "Furthermore, the richness of the Cape Fold Mountains is increased substantially, from five to eight species.”  (Krystal et al, 2022).  Well done, Krystal! The long journey to finally name these chameleons has included many nights mountain and forest excursions, sample collections, data analysis and examinations. We are very proud to have contributed (in a small way) to this process and to have assisted Krystal in her research to describe Bradypodion venustum sp.nov. We loved joining in the fun and excitement to officially christen the Grootvadersbosch Dwarf Chameleon.

​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
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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
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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.
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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).
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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
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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).
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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).

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.

Our conservation student, Emma Prain, has compiled an impressive species list that is invaluable to understanding and documenting the range of species in our area. This list is a work in progress and we welcome feedback and comment on it. Thank you, Emma, for all the hard work.

We are aware that species lists can be misused so we would like this to be mainly available to our landowners who have access to the password. However, if you are a local expert or interested visitor and would like access to the list to give feedback or use while you are in the area, please drop an email to [email protected] with your contact details and reason why you would like access and someone will get back to you.    

We recently had a visit from a team of researchers from the Grootbos Foundation. The aim of this field trip was to collect tissue samples of Southern Dainty Frog (Cacosternum australis).The Grootvadersbosch area is the paratype (specimen aiding in defining taxonomy of a species) locality from the study that originally described this species (see Channing et al., 2013).

Top: The Striped stream frog (Strongylopus fasciatus) are agile jumpers. Clicking stream frogs  make a short, hollow tapping sound that can be quite monotonous. Their calls remind me of lots of people snapping their fingers in succession. We found this species at two sites (Strawberry Hill Farm and near Honeywood dam entrance). They can call from both slightly elevated positions and tucked away in grass patches. Calls are high-pitched, piercing chirps that remind me of a wheel that needs some grease.

​Middle and Bottom: The Clicking stream frog (Strongylopus grayii) is a common species. Interestingly, we found two colour variants  within the area. The common variant (middle) was found at Strawberry Hill Farm dam. Calling from the muddy sides of the water body from sparse grasses, whereas  the other variant (bottom) was found in a rocky river stream in Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

The common platanna (Xenopus laevis) predominantly occurs in water. Their powerful back legs have sharp claws that allow them to tear their prey apart like leopards, grabbing small animals with their mouths and tearing it with an overhead back kick. Back legs also aid this animal in burying itself under the soil whilst under water to escape predation or lay in wait for prey.

Thanks to Paula Strauss  and Michael Fabricius for sharing their findings and we look forward to welcoming them back to the area for more interesting discoveries.