SABI Magazine SABI Magazine June July 2017 | Page 36

Research
Pushing the
boundaries of science
at Vergelegen Estate
A
n historic wine estate in Somerset West
might not appear to be synonymous with
cut ting-edge scientific discoveries, but on
Ear th Day 317-year-old Vergelegen celebrated
over a decade of hosting field researchers
under taking ground-breaking work.
Earth Day has been celebrated
since 1970 and 2017’s campaign
theme is environmental and
climate literacy. Education is
the foundation of progress,
and the organisers want to
make more people aware of
climate change and to empower
them with knowledge about
environmental protection.
Local and international scientists
visiting the estate have already
investigated subjects as diverse
as Argentinian ants, Nguni cattle,
frogs, grasshoppers, bontebok,
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alien plant management
water quality.
and
Following recent fires, researchers
have also found Vergelegen to
be an ideal site to investigate the
post-fire recruitment of natural
and alien plants; how Proteaceae
compete after fire - and when
and how insects return to
these burnt areas.
Numerous
scientific
papers
have been published in local
and
international
journals
and
research
findings
are
implemented into Vergelegen’s
environmental management plan
where applicable.
Heritage
Vergelegen MD Don Tooth
explains that Anglo American
acquired the estate in 1987 as
a showcase of the best of South
African heritage, culture and
environment, to be shared with
the nation. As part of this initiative,
a Centre of Learning Excellence
was established.
Representatives of six Western
Cape tertiary institutions, plus
overseas universities such as
Bristol and Marburg, have
undertaken field research on
the farm. Four doctorates and
seven masters’ degrees had been
completed by 2016.
Vergelegen MD Don Tooth
Interest from the scientific
community has been supported by
the burgeoning animal and plant