with a large proportion of these plants recorded on
GPS for future monitoring. The day’s activities usually
include a welcome and introduction by representatives
from CapeNature and Bushmans Kloof, planting of cedar seeds by the local scholars (which are later transported to the Bushmans Kloof nursery for nurturing)
and the ceremonial planting of trees in the grove behind Heuningvlei. This is then followed by planting of
the cedar saplings in the surrounding wilderness area.
Morning refreshments and afternoon lunch has traditionally been sponsored by Bushmans Kloof. Particularly special as of the 2013 event was the inclusion of the
Riel Dance by a group of local teenagers who entertain
volunteers and guests alike with a touch of local culture.
Following the devastating fires in January and February
of 2013, one of the worst fire seasons in the recorded
history of fires in the Cederberg, the Cedar Tree Project
has become even more important. In that year (2013),
three different fires raged through the Cederberg over
several days, destroying over 30% of the Cederberg
Wilderness Area, including all the Cedar trees planted
Conophytum obcordellum (Knopies, Waterblasies)
is a very broad-ranging species of succulents occurring in the Cedarberg. This autumn flowering
species is typically nocturnal in its flowering.
A map depicting the areas of the Cederberg Wilderness Area burnt from 2009-2014. Data presented
includes the total number of hectares and percentage of the reserve burnt during successive years
(data and map supplied by CapeNature Scientific
Services).
Historical Threats
Anthropogenic (human-induced)
Historical reports show that the species was previously very abundant within the Cederberg. The first
and most severe exploitation for timber occurred in
the late Eighteenth Century after Europeans settled
in the area. In 1879 alone more than 7 000 trees
were cut down for use as telephone poles. It is suspected that harvesting alone caused an 80-90%
reduction in the original population.
Fire
Although timber harvesting has been banned for
the last 110 years, research is still showing a decline (as much as 94% in some areas) in the natural populations. This decline has been attributed to
too-frequent and intense fires.
Predation
In areas already impacted by fires, an increase in
seed predation (from rodents and baboons) is limiting the recovery by natural regeneration.
The Cederberg is sanctuary to many ancient Bushman rock art sites.