GEORGE NEWS - Wildlife corridors in the Wilderness area are under immense pressure and are being gradually destroyed as a result of development and alien invasive vegetation, but ongoing efforts of the Touw River Conservancy (TRC) and Wilderness and Lakes Environmental Action Forum (Waleaf) to turn the tide around are bearing fruit.

For one, a new by-law was passed by George Municipality in 2023 to limit the fencing of properties in the rural landscape in order to reduce the blocking of corridors and restriction of wildlife movement. 

This by-law was a direct result of Waleaf continually lobbying the municipality.

Speaking at a meeting hosted by SaveWild last week, Waleaf chairperson Melissa Dalton said the by-law determines that a property owner may not fence the entire perimeter of their property, only around the development footprint. 

"Unfortunately this is not retrospective, so existing fences can stay, but there are ways in which a fence can be changed, like putting gaps in it to keep passages open for wildlife. This is a very big win for us."

Furthermore, Waleaf's engagement with the municipality also led to the local authority considering the formalisation and protection of wildlife corridors in the rural area between Wilderness and Sedgefield so that these eventually can be protected by law.

Dalton said this is a process and that the TRC identified and mapped the various corridors in 2022. The corridors run from Wilderness to Sedgefield and from the coast to the mountain. The TRC is currently refining the corridors on the map, following which GIS mapping will be done. 

The next step will be to set up a protective mechanism. This would require promulgating legislation, which the municipality is willing to do. This will make provision for establishing protected conservation servitudes over the particular sections of properties (smallholdings) that fall within identified corridors.

 "There will be some sort of incentive considered for the property owners, such as rates rebates, if possible, and funding for clearing initiatives within these corridors in or to restore biodiversity. 

"For the law to be promulgated, a basis of research is needed. In this regard, the TRC is talking to Nelson Mandela University Sustainability Unit and a needs analysis for that research has already being created by Town Planning and Environment.

"We want to get buy-in from property owners. There would be a memorandum of understanding with each involved owner. Finding funding for restoration will be a collaborative effort between George Municipality and various local conservation bodies that will also be the management authorities for the corridors."

Dalton as the project manager and driver of the Precious Tree Project (NPO) also reported on progress being made with the rehabilitation of three major corridors in Hoekwil, Dieprivier and Wilderness Heights.

Wildlife corridors provide a safe passageway and shelter during bad weather, a habitat for foraging on various cover types and vital water resources. This all feeds genetic variability which is necessary for the long-term survival of many species.

Dr Zanri Strydom, a specialist in seabirds and manager of Dunefields, a private nature reserve, shared what one landowner can achieve for conservation on private property. 

Strydom talked about various conservation activities that they initiate and implement to help build back biodiversity in the landscape. Several research studies are underway at Dunefields that provide insight into the wildlife roaming freely on Paradise Ridge.

"With Dunefields having dropped their fences and being a dog-free zone, we have seen a great influx of wildlife compared to before," said Strydom.

She also shared activities that landowners can implement on their properties which do not need expertise or permits, only energy and passion. 

"The owners and managers of Dunefields strive to keep it as a safe haven for all wildlife in the landscape, and they hope to inspire other landowners to adopt the same approach."

The meeting at Fairy Knowe Hotel was held on Wednesday 22 May to coincide with International Biodiversity Day.

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