Two years ago, I moved with my husband and soon-to-be-born baby to a 4-ha smallholding on the edge of Napier. The previous owners had farmed goats here and what remained of the veld areas on this property appeared to be quite ‘hammered’ by the goats and I had little hope that there would be much left.
Archive for category: Species
Microhabitats in Overberg Renosterveld
The Renosterveld of South Africa’s Overberg region is one of the most species diverse Mediterranean type shrublands.
Another new species for the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust
How many plant species are there in the world? At present according to RBG Kew’s ‘State of the World’s Plants’ report there are about 391,000 species of vascular plants. Around 361,000 of these are flowering plants.
Black Harrier Research
In a pro-active partnership with WWF and landowners, the ORCT is securing Important Bird Areas to preserve for all species. This will have a positive impact on the breeding of the Black Harrier.
Larks of the Overberg
When spending time in the Overberg wheat-belt, one is surrounded by the wonderful sound of non-stop bird calls – with some of the most significant ones being our lovely larks. We have four species in the area
Moraeas of Overberg Renosterveld
Renosterveld vegetation is known for its diversity of geophytes and in the Overberg genus Moraea is well represented. Sadly, owing to habitat loss many Moraea species here are at the brink of extinction.
Of Newies and Dwarf Chameleons
My voice reached a high falsetto squeak on the very edge of hysteria. This was the third evening of a field trip, which included about 50 rares, most of them entirely new to us. We were exhausted both mentally and physically.
Rodents of the Renosterveld: A Research Update
One of the key aims at the heart of the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust has always been the pursuit of greater knowledge about this Critically Endangered, little known and highly misunderstood vegetation type.
Life in miniature: Exploring the secret world of lichens at Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve
Last month we were lucky enough to receive a visit from lichen expert Professor Volkmar Wirth from Germany. Prof Wirth opened our eyes to the extraordinary diversity of lichen species to be found within the reserve, finding about 30 species in a relatively short space of time.
Watercourse Restoration Project is in full swing
The Watercourse Restoration Project is in full swing with surveys of priority watercourses within the Overberg wheatbelt. Spectacular renosterveld remnants have been incredibly productive with...