Proposed Walter Sisulu Urban Wildlife Reserve - Eco Assessments
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Proposed Walter Sisulu Urban
Wildlife Reserve
May 2006
Gauteng's last mountain wildlife ecosystem is heing decimated by urban
development. The envisaged resenrc ertending from the Walter Sisulu
National Botanical Gardens along the Roodepootl Ridge, will protect
endangered fauna and flora and create a unique urban wildlife sanctuary within
the metropolitan area. Broad-based support is needed for this initiative.
Summary:
A unique opportunity exists for the creation of South Africa's first truly urban wildlife
reserve. Linked to the Cradle of Humankind Wold Heritage S,le, the envisaged
Walter Sisulu Urban Wildlife Reserve (WSUWR) would be within easy reach of
Gauteng residents and international visitors to Johannesburg.
As a rare and undeveloped mountain ecosystem offering visitors the opportunity to
see "big game" - in addition to existing attractions such as the Witpoortjie falls,
botanical gardens, and black eagles - the WSUWR could become one of Gauteng's
premier tourist attractions. Central Park in New York and Kenya's Nairobi Game
Reserve are world renowned examples of urban ecosystem areas that have been
reserved for recreational and tourism use.
The ecological integrity of lhe Wafter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens & Nature
Reserve (WSNBG) and remaining natural habitat along the Roodepoort-Krugersdorp
Ridge is under critical threat from the continued expansion of residential property
development and unregulated human activity.
On-going habitat loss and degradation of remaining natural areas in the Mogale-
Muldersdrift municipal region is rapidly undermining the long-term survival of a
number of indigenous plant and animal species - some of which are now considered
to be extremely rare in the Gauteng province.
Fauna and flora threatened by human impact and urban expansion include inter-alia:
black eagle, caracal, black-backed jackal, grey rhebok, duiker, porcupine, half-
collared kingfisher (near threatened), Roodepoort copper butterfly (endangered),
silver sugarbush (Protea roupelliae), Aloe peglerae (endangered), as well as several
threatened Orchids (Habernana spp). At least 7 other "red data" plant and
invertebrate species known to occur in the area are also under threat.
South Africa is a signatory ot lhe lntemational Convention on Biodiversity (lCB) and
has its own Biodiversity Act which aims to protect our species diversity. Ourconstitution also requires that sensitive ecological areas should be protected by
Government. Currently, only 4% of the 'Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld' (SANBI 2004)
vegetation type is formally conserved in Gauteng. This falls far short of the proposed
national target of 24%.
Unless urgent action is taken to mitigate human impacts and halt the current trend of
habitat loss, these species will ultimately disappear from this area forever. Gauteng's
-
citizens as well as future generations - stand to lose an important part of their
natural heritage and to be further deprived of desperately needed "open space."
ln-line with South Africa's national and international obligations to protect sensitive
and threatened habitats, the development of an lntegrated Environmental
Management and Development Plan, will be an essential first step in the
implementation of a comprehensive strategy for the long-term protection and
rehabilitation of remaining natural habitat. lt will also serve as a plan for the
establishment of the greater area as a wildlife reserve of international repute.
The Roodepoort-Krugersdorp Ridge: A priceless urban ecosystem on
the brink of collapse
The Roodepoort-Krugersdorp ridge, spanning the boundary between the
Johannesburg and Mogale City municipal districts, harbors an exceptionally species-
rich "transitional" vegetation type comprising elements of both bushveld and highveld
grassland. Less than 4o/o of all Gauteng's Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld is afforded
any protection and it is disappearing at an alarming rate.
Possibly South Africa's largest remaining stand of Protea roupelliae (Silvet
sugarbush) outside of the Drakensberg occurs on the southern slopes of the ridge.
Populations elsewhere in Gauteng are so small that they are no longer viable and the
protection of lhis P.roupelliae population and its "gene-pool" is a conservation priority.
The more abundant Protea caffra, occurs in a large band across the ridge slopes.
This too is becoming increasingly threatened by uncontrolled development along
Gauteng's ridges. Other plants under threat include the endangered Aloe peglerae,
several species of Orchids (Habemaria spp) and at least 5 other'red data'species.
The Krugersdorp-Roodepoort ridge is unique in that it is perhaps the last relatively
intact wildlife ecosystem in the Gauteng metropolitan area.
Black eagles continue to use this area as a feeding and nesting site, despite its urban
location, and have now become a major attraction for visitors to the WSNBG. The
area also provides refuge for caracal and grey rhebok rare and sensitive species
-
not normally occurring in close proximity to human habitation. Other mammals such
as black-backed jackal, grey duiker, porcupine, Jameson's red rock rabbit, rock
dassie, baboon and vervet monkey are - remarkably - also still found here, as are a
large variety of smaller mammals, birds (230 species recorded at WSNBG), reptiles,
amphibians and insects.
The survival of all these species is inextricably linked to the condition and extent of
remaining natural habitat in this area.
Since 1996, approximately 24o/o ol lhe natural habitat between the R28 and the
Crocodile River has been lost to residential development. Only 30% (308ha) iscurrently protected within the WSNBG and nature reserve. Approximately 650ha is
still unprotected and under direct threat from cunent and proposed development (see
map).
Should this unprotected area continue to be degraded by uncontrolled human activity
- and further shrink in size - it is highly likely that many of these species (including the
black eagles) will completely disappear, as the area will simply be too small to
sustain them.
The degradation of this area has serious implications not only for biodiversity, but
also for regional evolutionary, hydrological, pollination and wildlife dispersal
processes.
Aside from the threat of on-going habitat loss, human activities are placing great
pressure on this flora and fauna. Much of the area - including portions of the
WSNBG - is subject to the highly detrimental impact of humans, off-road vehicles as
well as feral domestic cats and dogs.
Soil erosion, dumping, littering, "braaing," shooting, trapping and chasing of wildlife,
cutting of vegetation, collection of firewood and uncontrolled veld burning - continues
unabated. These activities make it extremely difficult or impossible for the more
sensitive plant and animal species to survive and reproduce successfully.
An Urban Wildlife Reserve: a unique solution and opportunity
Urgent action is needed to halt this habitat loss trend and mitigate human impacts.
This can only be achieved by protecting remaining habitat from further development,
preventing negative human impacts and rehabilitating already degraded areas.
The establishment of a fenced wildlife reserve area (see map), encompassing as
much remaining natural habitat as possible, is a practical means of ensuring that the
area will be afforded adequate long{erm protection from adverse human impacts.
This will also create a unique opportunity for the complete rehabilitation of the area
towards its optimum ecological condition through, inter-alia, the reintroduction of
those larger wildlife species that have long since disappeared from the region.
Zebra, eland, kudu, blesbok, black wildebeest, springbok, klipspringer and even
white rhino are examples of species known to have occurred here in the past that
could potentially be supported by this habitat.
The feasibility of re-establishing a wide range of large mammals would depend to a
large extent on habitat variation, size of the area (the larger the better) and linkages
to other habitats by means of 'wildlife conidors.' The creation of tunnels and / or a
'land bridge' will allow wildlife to move freely into habitats located to the west of the
R28. This will help to improve the wildlife 'carrying capacity' of that portion of the
envisaged reserve lying to the east of the R28 (up to 850ha) and the feasibility of
sustaining a larger number of wild animals there.
The establishment of an urban wildlife reserve, linked to adjacent natural areas to the
west of the R28 and including the Cradle of Humankind conservancy area (7km to
the north-west), will be a first for South Africa. Equivalent to New York's Central Park
and Kenya's Nairobi Game Reserve, lhe Walter Sisulu Urban Wildlife Rese/ye could
become an internationally renowned tourism attraction as well as a model for other
3urban areas in South Africa. lt will essentially bring South Africa's wildlife heritage
within practical access range of Gautengs' citizens, including previously
disadvantaged communities.
The development of an integrated plan for the protection and wise future
management of remaining natural habitat - in accordance with the envisaged urban
wildlife reserve concept - will be required as an important first step.
This proposed process will be coordinated by the consultants in close consultation
with private landowners, local / provincial authorities, NGO's and other interested and
affected parties. lf ultimately adopted as policy by all stakeholders, the future
development and management of the area will be entirely governed by the plan.
The plan will primarily aim to balance the need for the effective conservation of the
area with the need for it to be used sustainably for the benefit of the community.
As follows are some of the possible objectives:
1. To ensure the lonq-term survival of local fauna and flora.
The long-term survival of the entire wildlife ecosystem will be achieved
through the protection of remaining habitat from further degradation and the
supplementation of critically low populations (e.9. grey rhebok and caracal)
with new individuals to boost population viability.
To rehabilitate the area towards its optimum ecoloqical and economic
potential.
lnvasive alien vegetation will be replaced over time with indigenous plant
species, thus improving overall biodiversity and wildlife "carrying capacity."
Wildlife known to have occurred in this region in the past will be re-introduced,
subject to feasibility studies to establish species combinations and stocking
levels.
To ensure continued and sustainable use of the reserve area bv local
communities.
There is a huge demand for open recreational space in Gauteng. The
reserve has the potential to greatly contribute towards recreational and other
needs provided that such activities and facilities are properly planned and
regulated and that they do not undermine conservation and sustainability
objectives. Possible activities and facilities may include: walking trails, 4X4
/
route, game viewing birding hides, environmental education center,
wilderness leadership camp, tourist lodge, team building, adventure sports,
and scientific research.
4. To promote the lonqterm viabilitv of WSNBG as a nationallv imoortant
heritaqe asset and tourism resource.
The WSNBG, as a relatively small and sensitive area, has a limited visitor
carrying capacity. On the one hand there is a need to encourage increasing
numbers of people to enjoy its facilities, while on the other, visitor impacts are
substantial and ways must be found to minimize and reduce these impacts.
By spreading people out over a larger area, this growth can be maintained -
without compromising the ecological or aesthetic integrity of the core area.
5. To complv with South Africa's national and international oblioations to protect
endanqered and threatened habitats.
4The proposed reserve will protect sensitive habitats as well as threatened
fauna and flora, thus furthering South Africa's goals of meeting the nation's
obligations in terms of the CBD - Biodiversity Treaty.
Anticipated benefits of proposed initiative:
.1. The long-term viability of the WSNBG and Roodepoort-Krugersdorp Ridge
wildlife ecosystem will be ensured, as well as the continued survival of
threatened plants and animals.
* Continued community use of the area will be ensured through appropriate
and carefully planned and managed activities.
* The development and management of the reserve will create employment
opportunities for the community, including disadvantaged sectors.
* The region will be internationally marketed, thus directly stimulating the local
economy and increasing investment in the area. This will result in the
creation of addition enterprises and service industries providing further
employment opportunities.
Accessability:
The majority of South Africans do not have real access to natural wildlife
heritage, which should be an inherent right available to every South African.
The reasons for the lack of such access are two-fold.
1 . Most such facilities where wildlife and nature can be enjoyed are
located far from the cities in which much of the population resides.
Therefore cost is a prohibitive factor.
2. The maintenance costs of such nature reserye facilities are high,
resulting in unaffordable entrance fees which are out of reach of the
majority of the community.
The Proposed Sisulu Urban reserve is aimed at filling this role in society and
hopefully leading the way for similar facilities around the country.
The proposed reserve will be located with easy access to city dwellers of
Gauteng, with a subsidized entrance fee structure, which would make the
reserye accessible to the broader community. lt will provide a nature
sanctuary stocked with wild animals within the city limits where people can
escape the pressures of city living and enjoy natural surroundings and see
wild animals of their own country.
It is the philosophy of the proposed reserve that if conservation of
natural resources is to have bearing on the lives of South African
people then it must be accessible to every citizen.The success of this project relies heavily upon the support of the community. To demonstrate your support in writing, or for more information on this project please send correspondence to: The Sisulu Reserve Working Group P.O. Box 2194 Wilro Park 1731 Fax: 011 958 1752 Or Email: info@sisulugarden.co.za This proposal was conceptualized and developed by: Arthur Albertson Consulting (Pty) Ltd. Andrew Hankey (SANBI) David Dlamini (SANBI) Holgate & Associates
Mark Custers
From: Andrew Hankey
Sent: Monday, March 26,20L8 3:37 ?M
To: Mark Custers
Subject: FW: Proteadalxl Application for Amendment : Draft Amendment Report
Attachments: image002jpg; image003jpg; Comments on Ammendment application 2018.pdf
Mark
Please confirm you did receive the email below.
Thanks
Regards
Andrew
From: Andrew Hankey
Sent: Thursday,22 March 2018 15:38
To:'Mark Custers'
Cc: 'Arthur Albertson' ; 'Tony de Castro' ; 'PCA'
; Gerald Draper (drapergerald@gmail.com)
Subject: RE: Proteadalxl Application for Amendment : Draft Amendment Report
Dear Mark
PIease see attached comments
Thanks
Kind regards
Andrew
Andrew Ha nkey
Specialist Horiiculturist/ Assistant Curator
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
End of Malcolm rd, Poortview, Roodepoort,
Gauteng, South Africa.
Website: http://www.sanbi"orglsardens/walter-sisulu
Facebook: httos://www.facebook.com/wsnbg
*IIFJSSEI
South Afilcan I'latlonal BlodlveBtty lfistltute
WALTER SISULU
National Botanical Garden
From: Mark Custers [mailto:mark@ecoassessments.co.za]
Sent: Monday, 25 February 2018 07:04
To:'PCA'
Cc: Andrew Hankey ; 'Arthur Albertson' ; 'Tony de Castro't*.$pJgs!
South Afrlcan National Biodiversity lnstitute
WALTER SISULU
National Botanical Garden
Mr M. Custers l9 March 201 8
Eco Assessments cc
PO Box 441037
I,INDFN
2104
Tel.01l 782 3428
Fax: 086 649 9140
Cc Mr C. Willis - Chief Director: Conservation Gardens & Tourism Division, SANBI.
Mr T. Mutshinyalo - Director: Conservation Gardens & Tourism Division, SANBI.
Mrs X. Mokoena - Curator: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, SANBI
RE: APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT (PART 2) TO ESTABLISH & DEVELOP A
MIXED USE - TOWNSHIP OROTEADAL Xl) ON PORTION 216 (A PORTION OF
PORTION 214) OF THE FARM PAARDEPLAATS 177IO (MOGALE LOCAL
MUNICIPALITY)
Dear Mr. Mark Custers
The management of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (WSNBG) of the South African
National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), wish to herewith register the following comments in
respect ofthe above proposed amendment application.
Notwithstanding comments and inputs made by this office with respect to t}re same application prior
to the issuance ofthe RoD d^ted 1110312011 which may still have relevance and should be read
together with this submission; please find below comments on the proposed amendments as detailed
in the above mentioned report.
1. Albertina Sisulu Orchid - Brachycorythis conica subsp. tannaalensis (Cr)
A relaxation ofthe 200m ecological corridor on the north east ofthe site and or 50m buffer
on the eastem boundary of the site would compromise important Pro tea caflra wooded
grassland which is the preferred habitat ofthe Critically Endangered Albertina Sisulu orchid
(Brachycorythis conica subsp. transvaalensis). The species has become extremely rare on a
global scale, with the population in the adjacent Proteadal areas representing the last known
viable population, with over 100 individuals remaining. As such the area under amendment
application comprises potential habitat or potential recruitment habitat for the species.
Notwithstanding the edge effect which is likely to negatively impact on sunounding habitat
quality for the species (read with 4. Below).
South African National Biodiversity lnstitute
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
P.O.Box 2194, Wilro Park, 1731 , South Africa
Tel: (011) 958-1750. Fax: (011) 958-1752
Email: hankey@sanbi.org . Website: www.sanbi.org2. Critically endangered ecosystem The site forms part of a critically endangered ecosystem viz. Roodepoort Reef Mountain Bushveld (GP8), of which only 12Yo is listed as formerly conserved. Relaxation ofthe buffer zone as requested would potentially result in further degradation and loss of more habitat into this ecosystem. (Threatened tenestrial ecosystems for South Africa, 201 1). 3. CPlan 3.3 The site is listed in CPlan as ecological support areas adjacent to irreplaceable areas, the applicant should recognize their role in the collective conservation effort, which falls to every one ofus as South African citizens, and should accommodate the sensitivity ofthe site and adjacent sites into the development layout. 4. Importance of buffer areas The GDARD imposed buffer areas (as per RoD 1l/0312011) are intended to protect adjacent natural areas from the deleterious effect ofthe urban edge. The relaxation ofthe buffer would effectively transfer the edge effect further into the neighbouring natural areas. The comments in the Ecogard report in this regard are noted, however the fact that edge effect impact does occur adjacent to anthropogenic affected areas is not in dispute. 5. Conservation of critical biomass Loss of potential hunting territory for resident and breeding raptors, small predators and mammalian species: Conservation of sufficient biomass for the sustainable breeding and survival of prey base species ofall ofthe above is necessary for their long-term survival. The areals in question comprise part ofa greater whole in-tact ecological system, this system is systematically being nibbled away by individual development applications without due regard for the sustainability ofthe ecology. The collective impact ofsuch erosion ofthe ecological units results in a reduction in total ecological biomass, function and carrying capacity. Such development as proposed would deleteriously impact on the total critical biomass of the ridge system. 6. Cumulative effect: The greater area is currently being subjected to rapid urbanization. It is a requirement for the "cumulative effecf' on the environment to be assessed in terms ofthe National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998. Section 24 subsection 7 (b), as well as mitigation measures to keep such effects to a minimum. We are of the belief that the impact ofthe cumulative effect would not be acceptable in terms ofthe particular location ofthe development, as the development would be surrounded by undeveloped open space. 7. Sense of place The greater area is particularly rich in biodiversity and forms part ofan important linkage corridor between the Cradle of Human Kind World Heritage Site (COWHS) - Kingskloof - Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (WSNBG) - Little Falls - Kloofendal & the Noordheuwel ridge system. This key ridge system is a significant natural feature and urban open space. The proposed development (bordered on 3 sides by natural areas) does not therefore bode well towards sensible cohesive planning of urban open space and urban infill densification, especially with regard to sensitive environments. As such allowed development should be in keeping with the confines already defined by the GDARD RoD (rv0312011).
8. Mogale City SDF (Spatial Development Framework) Mogale City's SDF refers to the area in question as " mountains and ridges", development applications in these areas should be in keeping with low impact activities, which can draw benefit from the local environment and sense ofplace. The applicant should not be allowed to expand their environmental footprint beyond the already relaxed allowances provided for in the RoD. (Ref: MCLM SDF 2011) 9. GDARD Ridges Policy The site is located inside ofthe area designated as a Class 3a ridge in terms ofthe above mentioned policy. Development should have therefore be kept in line with the 5% ecological footprint as outlined therein. This minimum has already been relaxed to allow a 60% footprint as per the RoD (l l/03/201l), the applicant should not be allowed to further expand their environmental footprint beyond the already relaxed limits. 10. Envirogard report The Evirogard report has recognized that connectivity to the north, south and East ofthe site is "very good". Any development which is not in keeping with low environmental impact will have a detrimental effect on the local ecological connectivity ofthe ridge system. This is especially relevant to this site due to the site being bordered on all sides by natural habitat with the exception only of the R28 on one boundary; furthermore proximity to the storm water underpass which provides effective connectivity on either side ofthe R28. 11. Conclusion Ifthe applicant wishes to have the conditions set out in the RoD (l 1/03/2011) altered or changed in any substantive manner, then this should constitute a new application. I wish to thank you for the opportunity to provide comments in this regard, Kindly yours Andrew Hankey Assistant Curator Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
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