SABI Magazine SABI Magazine June July 2017 | Page 37

Research populations at Vergelegen. These have grown rapidly in number and species diversity, thanks to an extensive programme of clearing invasive alien vegetation and facilitating land rehabilitation. To help monitor the post-clearing ecosystem recovery, Vergelegen conducts monthly bird counts, identifies wild flowers and (using infra-red camera systems) monitors wildlife movement. Species such as the Cape leopard, caracal, grey rhebok and spotted genet are regularly viewed on the footage, reports Jacques van Rensburg, Vergelegen’s environmental project manager. Largest conservation The farm’s alien vegetation control programme is believed to be the largest private conservation undertaking in the country. Since the programme was launched in 2004, 2000 hectares of a planned total of 2200 hectares have been cleared, says Tooth. “This project has not only created at least 230 jobs and many opportunities for worker training, it has supported a habitat for numerous species of mammals, birds, amphibians and insects to thrive.” In recognition of its commitment to conserving the Cape’s biodiversity for future generations, Vergelegen was the first local wine farm to receive championship status in the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (2005). It also received a Mail & Guardian Greening the Future award. Some of the farm’s habitats and inhabitants that are exciting the scientific community include: œ œ Mammals: Animals include numerous antelope species, Cape leopard, caracal, honey badgers, snake weasels, silver foxes and spotted genet; œ œ Bontebok: Once considered the rarest antelope in the world, these thrive at Vergelegen and now number 34 animals. eventually vines become uneconomical and must be uprooted. œ œ Birds: The estate has recorded at least 145 bird species, with frequent sightings of Verreaux eagles, fish eagles and malachite sunbirds. Secretary birds and blue cranes breed on the farm and visitors include steppe buzzards from Russia and yellow-billed kites from North Africa; œ œ Plants: At least 279 plant species have been recorded on the farm, including 22 on the Red Data List; œ œ Wetlands: Eighty hectares of rehabilitated wetlands host Wachendorfia, Watsonia and Aristea, varieties of Ericas and endemic Leucodendrons. œ œ Lourens River: This is the only South African river that is a protected area, and 10 kilometres (of a total 20 km) run through the estate. œ œ Vineyards: A pioneering project to eradicate leaf roll virus began in 1999. Leaf roll virus diminishes the quality and volume of South African harvests and œ œ Cape Leopard Trust (CLT): The estate makes up a portion of the CLT’s Boland Project study area, which stretches over 3000km². œ œ Renosterveld: Some 140 hectares of rehabilitated land is renosterveld, of which only 4% remains in South Africa. “The size and variety of Vergelegen’s plant, fauna and bird populations are proof that land degradation and threatened extinction can be reversed,” says Tooth. “It has been a rich journey of discovery working with scientists and environmental experts. We are happy to share our learnings with farmers, educators and other stakeholders who want to learn more about sustainable farming and investing in the land for future generations.” Pioneering for You NL MHI Initial MHIL Wilo Specialize in supply of: • • • • • Jayline Wilo Pumps SA (Pty) Ltd Johannesburg +27 11 608 2780 Western Cape +27 21 948 6104 Easten Cape +27 41 399 9551 Free State +27 51 432 1388 +2711 608 2780 Horizontal split case pumps KZN www.wilo.co.za Pressure boosting pumps Drainage Pumps Borehole Pumps and Motors End Suction centrifugal pumps QFN SPU