GREATER CEDERBERG BIODIVERSITY
CORRIDOR:
PROVISION OF BIODIVERSITY PROFILES
FOR MANAGEMENT
A BARRIE LOW, PENNY MUSTART AND
HELGA VAN DER MERWE
APRIL 2004
coastal and environmental consultants
P O Box 370 Rondebosch 7701
Tel/Fax: 021-685 5445 Cell: 082 579 7040 email: coastec@mweb.co.za
VAT reg no: 4580173914
GREATER CEDERBERG BIODIVERSITY
CORRIDOR:
PROVISION OF BIODIVERSITY PROFILES
FOR MANAGEMENT
A BARRIE LOW1, PENNY MUSTART2 AND
HELGA VAN DER MERWE2
PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT, GREATER
CEDERBERG BIODIVERSITY CORRIDOR
APRIL 2004
1
Coastec Coastal & Environmental Consultants
2
Greater Cederberg Biosphere Corridor Steering Committee Member
greater cederberg biodiversity corridor – profiles
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor (GCBC) is a CEPF-funded1 biodiversity
conservation project, one of three such projects planned for the Cape Floristic Kingdom and
adjacent karoo.
Encompassing four subregions - the Northern Sandveld, Cederberg,
Bokkeveld-Nieuwoudtville and Tanqua Karoo - the project, currently in its planning phase,
aims to facilitate the implementation of landscape conservation in this region. One of the
approaches towards the latter is through the development of biodiversity profiles for an
Overview Plan, which is part of the Strategic Management and Business Plan for the region.
This report contributes to the development of a management approach for the region by
providing contextual and biodiversity profiles for the GCBC, together with appropriate
recommendations.
The main content of the report focuses on building biodiversity profiles for the region using
existing CAPE and SKEP data as well as inputs from an expert mapping exercise. The high
biodiversity in the region is driven primarily by major geological and rainfall gradients.
Significant gradients range from the Cederberg westwards to the West Coast, and
eastwards into the Tanqua. The presence of several major perennial and seasonal rivers
also contributes to the ecological diversity of the region.
Much of the region is under-conserved, but conservation planning should be less focussed
on biodiversity, and more on the impacts of human population growth and poverty, the latter
being a key threat to biodiversity.
Several recommendations for research within the region are made.
These include a
management-oriented floristic and vegetation analysis of existing natural systems, reestablishment of animal migration routes, the role and maintenance of ecotonal boundaries,
an investigation into the over-abstraction of groundwater in the Northern Sandveld and a
study of population impacts and the role of poverty on natural systems in the region.
1
CEPF – Critical Ecosystems Project Fund
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CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1
1.1 To provide a general description and background of the GCBC ............... 1
1.2 Biodiversity profile of the GCBC ................................................................... 2
1.3 Conservation status ....................................................................................... 2
1.4 Research required for Action Plan ................................................................ 2
2.
ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS................................................................. 2
3.
LOCATION AND EXTENT ................................................................................. 3
4.
GEOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 3
5.
CLIMATE ........................................................................................................... 8
6.
RIVERS ............................................................................................................ 10
7.
VEGETATION .................................................................................................. 13
8.
LANDUSE ........................................................................................................ 19
9.
CONTEXT ........................................................................................................ 20
9.1 International .................................................................................................. 20
9.2 National ......................................................................................................... 21
9.3 Regional ........................................................................................................ 22
10. GENERAL........................................................................................................ 25
10.1 Flora and vegetation ................................................................................. 25
10.1.1
10.1.2
10.1.3
10.1.4
10.1.5
Northern Sandveld subregion ..........................................................................27
Cederberg subregion ......................................................................................29
Bokkeveld-Nieuwoudtville subregion ...............................................................33
Tanqua Karoo subregion .................................................................................37
Key areas ........................................................................................................39
10.2 Fauna .......................................................................................................... 39
10.2.1
10.2.2
10.2.3
10.2.4
10.2.5
Insects ............................................................................................................41
Fish .................................................................................................................41
Herpetofauna ..................................................................................................46
Birds................................................................................................................47
Mammals ........................................................................................................49
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11. CONSERVATION STATUS ............................................................................. 53
11.1 Conservation status of the Northern Sandveld subregion .................... 53
11.2 Conservation status of the Cederberg subregion .................................. 54
11.3 Conservation status of the Bokkeveld-Nieuwoudtville subregion ........ 55
11.4 Conservation status of Tanqua Karoo subregion .................................. 55
11.5 Conservation areas ................................................................................... 57
12. CONSERVATION PRIORITIES ....................................................................... 60
12.1 Conservation priorities ............................................................................. 60
12.2 Ecological importance .............................................................................. 64
13. RESEARCH PRIORITIES ................................................................................ 66
13.1 Historical aspects ...................................................................................... 66
13.1.1 Landscapes.....................................................................................................66
13.1.2 Fauna ..............................................................................................................66
13.2 Alien vegetation ......................................................................................... 66
13.3 Alien animals ............................................................................................. 67
13.4 Botanical research .................................................................................... 67
13.4.1
13.4.2
13.4.3
13.4.4
Ecotonal boundaries .......................................................................................67
Floristics of region ...........................................................................................68
Vegetation of the region ..................................................................................69
Pollination and dispersal syndromes ...............................................................69
13.5 Conservation priorities ............................................................................. 69
13.5.1 Compatibility of CAPE and SKEP programmes ...............................................69
13.5.2 Conservation status and priority analysis ........................................................69
13.6 Landuse...................................................................................................... 70
13.6.1 Impacts of groundwater abstraction ................................................................70
13.6.2 Off road vehicles and illegal roads ..................................................................70
13.7 Extensions to GCBC boundary ................................................................ 70
13.8 Population .................................................................................................. 70
13.9 Monitoring .................................................................................................. 71
14. CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................... 72
15. REFERENCES................................................................................................. 73
16. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................ 78
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FIGURES
Figure 1.1.
Location and extent
Figure 1.2
CAPE & SKEP boundaries
Figure 1.3
Geology
Figure 1.4
Mean annual precipitation
Figure 1.5
Rivers
Figure 1.6
Vegetation
Figure 2.1
Flora and vegetation hotspots
Figure 2.2
Insect hotspots
Figure 2.3
Fish hotspots
Figure 2.4
Herpetofauna hotpots
Figure 2.5
Bird hotspots
Figure 2.6
Mammal hotpots
Figure 3.1
Statutory conservation areas
Figure 3.2
Private nature reserves and conservancies
Figure 3.3
CAPE irreplaceability
Figure 3.4
SKEP framework for action
Figure 3.5
SKEP geographic priorities
Figure 3.6
Ecological importance
TABLES
Table 1.1
Geology of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor
Table 1.2
Rainfall for the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor
Table 1.3
Vegetation of Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor
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ABBREVIATIONS
CAPE
CAPE ACTION FOR PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
CEPF
CRITICAL ECOSYSTEMS PROJECT FUND
CFR
Cape Floristic Region
CPU
CONSERVATION PLANNING UNIT
GCBC
Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor
PMU
PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT
SANP
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS
SKEP
SUCCULENT KAROO ECOSYSTEM PROGRAMME
TMG
TABLE MOUNTAIN GROUP
WCNCB
WESTERN CAPE NATURE CONSERVATION BOARD
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SECTION 1: BACKGROUND
1.
INTRODUCTION
The Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor (GCBC) is a CEPF-funded2 biodiversity
conservation project, one of three such projects planned for the Cape Floristic Kingdom and
adjacent karoo. A Project Management Unit (PMU) is responsible for implementation with
Mr Jaco Venter as Project Co-ordinator, South African National Parks (SANP) represented
by Mr Conrad Strauss and Mr Jaco Rheede of WCNCB as implementing agent. The project,
currently in its planning phase, aims to facilitate the implementation of landscape
conservation in this region.
One of the approaches towards the latter is through the
development of biodiversity profiles for an Overview Plan, which is part of the Strategic
Management and Business Plan for the region. This report contributes to the development
of a management approach for the region by providing contextual and biodiversity profiles
for the GCBC, together with appropriate recommendations. The following are the key aims
of this project:
1.1
To provide a general description and background of the GCBC
 To provide a succinct description of the main characteristics of the landscape,
including those particular qualities which make the landscape so special, and those
key issues likely to be faced during the next 20 to 25 years
 To establish the main natural and cultural resources, as well as key “environmental
capital or assets” of the area. This will include information relating to its natural
values – plant and animal life, biodiversity, habitats and landscapes; and its cultural
and heritage values – including social and economic issues:

by describing the GCBC region, with specific reference to the four broad subregions: Northern Sandveld, Cederberg, Bokkeveld-Nieuwoudtville, and Tanqua
Karoo

by providing an international, national and regional context for the area

by setting the area within the context of the broader CAPE3 (Cape Action for
People and the Environment) and SKEP4 (Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Plan)
conservation planning initiatives.
2
CEPF – Critical Ecosystems Project Fund
3
CAPE – Cape Action for People and the Environment
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1.2
Biodiversity profile of the GCBC
 To provide an overview of biodiversity in the region
 To determine levels of biodiversity and endemism
 To provide a brief account of the flora of the region
 To provide a brief account of the fauna of the region.
1.3
Conservation status
 To provide an account of the protected areas in the region
 To determine the conservation status of the various vegetation types and systems
within the region
 To prioritise areas for conservation within the region.
1.4
Research required for Action Plan
 To provide a motivated list of priority research which is required for the biodiversity
component of the GCBC
 To provide a motivated list of monitoring actions which are required for the
biodiversity component of the GCBC.
2.
ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Owing to the short time available for the project (six weeks over March and April 2004), it
was assumed that all relevant electronic maps and aerial photographs would be provided by
the client, through the services of the Conservation Planning Unit (CPU). In particular, time
was not sufficient to analyse the conservation status of specific vegetation types and this is
proposed as a priority at the end of the report.
4
SKEP – Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Plan
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3.
LOCATION AND EXTENT
At the time of writing, boundaries5 of the GCBC lie between the mouth of the Verlorenvlei
River on the northern West Coast (west) and Tanqua Karoo (east), and between the
Baviaansberg (south) and Nieuwoudtville (north) (Figure 1.1). The west to east distance is
some 160 km, with over 200 km for south to north. The total area is approximately 1.2
million hectares. In general the boundary does not follow cadastral lines, a point taken up
later in the report, under Recommendations.
The proposed GCBC also falls within the
CAPE (Cape Action for People and the Environment) and SKEP (Succulent Karoo
Ecosystem Programme) project planning domains (see Figure 1.2).
4.
GEOLOGY
The geology of the study area comprises three major zones. The Northern Sandveld is
dominated by unconsolidated Tertiary to Quaternary deposits (calcareous sands and
calcretes, and neutral to acid sands). This area is dotted with inselbergs formed by the
Table Mountain Group (TMG) (Piekenierskloof (conglomerate) and Peninsula (sandstone)
Formations). It is the TMG which also makes up the bulk of the Bokkeveld and Cederberg
mountain ranges (Peninsula and Nardouw Formations), being interspersed with softer
sediments of the Cederberg Formation (shale band). Towards the east, the TMG “plunges”
beneath Bokkeveld Group shales and Witteberg Group sandstones and quartzites, and
sediments of the Karoo Supergroup (chiefly Dwyka and Ecca Formations) (Figure 1.3).
Alluvial deposits occur along the reaches of the bigger rivers, and are particularly prominent
in the Olifants, Doring and Sandveld river systems. Igneous rocks are conspicuous by their
absence, the main exception being Karoo dolerite in the east (Figure 1.3).
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these boundaries are flexible and amendments are recommended towards the end of this report
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The sequence in geological strata is shown in Table 1.1. There is a general increase in age
of geological substrate from west to east.
Table 1.1 Geology of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor
STRATIGRAPHIC NAME
PRIMARY LITHOLOGY
TERTIARY TO QUATERNARY
Sand
MESOZOIC
Karoo dolerite
Dolerite
PALAEOZOIC
KAROO SUPERGROUP
ECCA GROUP
Shale
Volksrust Formation
Shale
Skoorsteenberg Formation
Shale
DWYKA GROUP
Tillite
CAPE SUPERGROUP
WITTEBERG GROUP
Lake Mentz Formation
Shale
Weltered Subgroup
Arenite
BOKKEVELD GROUP
Bidouw Subgroup
Shale
Ceres Subgroup
Shale
TABLE MOUNTAIN GROUP
Nardouw Formation
Arenite
Peninsula Formation
Arenite
Piekenierskloof Formation
Arenite
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Table 1.1 (contd.)
NAMIBIAN
Boland Subgroup
Piketberg Formation
Phyllite
Porterville Formation
Phyllite
KLIPHEUWEL GROUP
Arenite
VANRHYNSDORP GROUP
Gifberg Formation
Schist
Knersvlakte Formation
Shale
5.
CLIMATE
The area displays a typical Mediterranean climate for the central parts (mild, wet winters and
warm summers) (Cowling & Richardson, 1995), but with increasing aridity in its western and
eastern extremities. There is a remarkable range in rainfall with 100 mm pa along the coast
rising to 400 mm pa in the western mountains and over 700 mm in the central Cederberg.
Precipitation continues to decline as one travels eastwards from the Cederberg in to the
Tanqua Karoo where less than 100 mm (desert) is expected (Figure 1.4). The immense
spatial and temporal variation in precipitation is shown in Table 1.2 for Lambert’s Bay,
Algeria and Matjies River Nature Reserve. The difference in 5 versus 20 year means for
Algeria is striking (23 % decline), with at least the central mountainous region having faced
below average rainfall in the period 1998 to 2002.
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6.
RIVERS
The region is crossed by a number of major rivers (Figure 1.5). These include the Doring,
whose source is primarily the Hex River, Swartruggens and Cederberg ranges, together with
most of the southern Tanqua Karoo, and the Olifants, fed chiefly by the Witzenberg and
Cederberg ranges. Both these systems are perennial in good years although the Doring can
become seasonal (pers.obs.). Seasonal rivers – really longitudinal wetlands – occur in the
Northern Sandveld (Verlorenvlei, Langvlei and Jakkals) and tend to be groundwater-fed for
much of the year (Conrad, 2003). They are associated with a network of freshwater seeps –
also groundwater fed - and display a unique flora, much of the latter confined to the
subregion. Seasonality is also pronounced in the east with the Groot-Riet-Matjies complex
displaying low summer flow rates (pers.obs.). The faster-flowing, perennial rivers in general
are more rocky and contain fewer sandy banks, compared with their more seasonal
counterparts. The transition from rocky to sandy substrates, coupled with varying flow rates,
has a major influence on the resident riverine floras (pers.obs.).
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Table 1.2. Spatial and temporal variation in mean annual rainfall (1998 –
2002) from selected sites within the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity
Corridor. 20 year mean in brackets
Lambert’s Bay
Month
Algeria
Matjies River Nature
Reserve
JAN
2
12
3
FEB
4
6
8
MAR
3
9
15
APR
11
36
14
MAY
26
82
27
JUN
12
47
10
JUL
42
162
56
AUG
25
121
38
SEP
27
70
16
OCT
4
12
6
NOV
10
19
10
DEC
6
18
20
TOTAL
173 (167)
697 (909)
221 (N/A)
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7.
VEGETATION
The vegetation of the area in many ways reflects changes in both geology and rainfall.
Some 29 different vegetation types occur in the area (sensu Mucina & Rutherford, in prep.),
with an additional three azonal types (Figure 1.6). Vegetation types fall within three distinct
biomes (Low & Rebelo, 1996) or natural regions: Succulent Karoo, Fynbos and Forest.
Fynbos is well-represented with 17 types, Succulent Karoo with 8, and Forest with one
(Table 1.3). In general there is a striking karoo to fynbos gradient between the Northern
Sandveld and Cederberg, and likewise between the Cederberg and Tanqua Karoo.
However, vegetation types differ substantially along this gradient, with, for example, the
coastal and Tanqua karoo types showing very little similarity. Although variation in geology
and rainfall are prime drivers of vegetation change in the region, several vegetation types
occasionally occur on one substrate.
A good example of this is karoo vegetation on
Witteberg sandstones and quartzites, and of both karoo and fynbos vegetation on coastal
deposits in the west of the study area.
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Table 1.3. Vegetation types in the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor
Biome (Low & Rebelo,
1996)
Vegetation type (Low & Rebelo, 1996)
Vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford, in prep.)
Mountains
FYNBOS
Mountain Fynbos
Altimontane Fynbos
“
Bokkeveld Sandstone Fynbos
“
Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos
“
Graafwater Sandstone Fynbos
“
Northern Shale Band Vegetation*
“
Olifants Sandstone Fynbos
“
Piketberg Sandstone Fynbos
Mountain Fynbos/ Central Renosterveld/ Lowland Succulent
Karoo
Swartruggens Quartzite Fynbos
Mountain Fynbos
Winterhoek Sandstone Fynbos
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Table 1.3 (contd.)
Biome (Low & Rebelo,
1996)
Vegetation type (Low & Rebelo, 1996)
Vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford, in prep.)
Lowlands & valleys
FYNBOS
Mountain Fynbos/ Central Mountain Renosterveld
“
Ceres Alluvium Fynbos
Kouebokkeveld Shale Fynbos
Mountain Fynbos/ Sand Plain Fynbos/ Strandveld Succulent
Karoo
Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos
Mountain Fynbos/ Central Mountain Renosterveld/ Lowland
Succulent karoo
Ceres Shale Renosterveld
Mountain Fynbos/ Upland Succulent Karoo
Nieuwoudtville Shale Renosterveld
Upland Succulent Karoo
Nieuwoudtville-Roggeveld Dolerite Bulb Veld
Mountain Fynbos/ Sand Plain Fynbos/ West Coast Renosterveld
Swartland Shale Renosterveld
Mountain Fynbos/ Lowland Succulent Karoo
Vanrhynsdorp Shale Renosterveld
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Table 1.3 (contd.)
Biome (Low & Rebelo,
1996)
Vegetation type (Low & Rebelo, 1996)
Vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford, in prep.)
Mountains
SUCCULENT KAROO
Mountain Fynbos/ Central Mountain Renosterveld/ Upland
Succulent Karoo/ Lowland Succulent Karoo
Agter-Sederberg Succulent Shrubland
Mountain Fynbos/ Lowland Succulent Karoo
Doringrivier Succulent Karoo
Lowland Succulent Karoo
Kamiesberg Mountains Shrublands
Central Mountain Renosterveld/ Lowland Succulent Karoo
Swartruggens Sandstone Karoo
Lowlands & valleys
Mountain Fynbos
Citrusdal Vygieveld
Lowland Succulent Karoo
Klawer Sandy Shrublands
Strandveld Succulent Karoo
Lamberts Bay Strandveld
Mountain Fynbos/ Strandveld Succulent Karoo
Langebaan Dune Strandveld
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Table 1.3 (contd.)
Biome (Low & Rebelo,
1996)
FOREST
AZONAL
Vegetation type (Low & Rebelo, 1996)
Vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford, in prep.)
Lowland Succulent Karoo
Tanqua Karoo
“
Tanqua Riviere
“
Vanrhynsdorp Gannabos Veld
Afromontane Forest
Southern Afrotemperate Forest
Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetlands
Freshwater Lakes
Cape Seashore Vegetation
* mostly Mountain Fynbos
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8.
LANDUSE
Many small farms exist in the Olifants River Basin and are farmed intensively with welldeveloped private irrigation schemes that abstract water.
Apart from numerous small,
private water schemes, the major scheme comprises the Clanwilliam and Bulshoek dams
which distribute water through a canal system comprising 126 km of main canal and 60 km
distribution canals (DWAF, 1998). Over-abstraction is causing a major decease in flow rates
and levels (pers.obs.) in the Doring River. This is due chiefly to the latter’s basin comprising
many large farms, and a common method of abstracting water is via a series of parallel
bunds6 almost at right angles to the river whereby water and silt is diverted on to the lands.
In the Sandveld, water is abstracted in reasonably large volumes from high-yielding thermal
artesian boreholes (confined aquifers) and also from moderate to low- yielding sub-artesian
boreholes of ambient ground temperature (DWAF, 1998). As is the case with surface water,
the quality of TMS water is clear and non-saline making it suitable for irrigation and domestic
use.
Correspondingly, groundwater extracted from the Bokkeveld Group is potentially
problematic due to higher salinity, and this is echoed in the Karoo aquifers. Thus large-scale
utilisation of the groundwater resource concentrates on the TMG fractured-rock aquifers for
which the main recharge area is in the higher reaches of the Kouebokkeveld mountain range
(DWAF, 1998; GEOSS, 2003).
Historically the Tanqua Karoo was used for the grazing of livestock. Over time, the then lush
plains of the region became severely overstocked and consequently overgrazed for
hundreds of years. This led to the ‘desertified’ state in which it currently can be found (Rubin
& Sachse, 1998; Vlok, 2000). The Tanqua Karoo is still mainly used as agricultural land for
grazing by small stock. However, the region is slowly becoming less populated due to the
harsh prevailing environmental conditions and the poor economics of farming under such
unfavourable conditions.
The agricultural sector provides employment for more than 50% of the people in the GCBC
area. The Upper Olifants River Valley is a major citrus producer, and wine, deciduous fruit,
6
furrows
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Rooibos tea (unique to the area) and potatoes are also becoming increasingly important in
the wider area (Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein 2000).
Dry land agriculture is vulnerable to climate changes, and the success of this sector relies on
adequate water supplies. Thus it is extremely important that conservation of natural
resources (water, vegetation, landscapes) is managed at an integrated level in order to
ensure sustainability of both biodiversity, and agriculturally-derived livelihoods.
Over the past 5 to 10 years there has been a shift away from intensive farming, such as
livestock, towards eco-tourism. This has meant an increase in holiday accommodation and
numbers of visitors to the region. The main axis for this activity appears to have been along
the Op de berg-Wuppertal road, for example at Groot River (Mount Cedar) and Wuppertal
itself, with bed and breakfast establishments springing up throughout the area (pers.obs.).
However, concomitant with this has been an increase in off-road driving and its associated
impacts, an issue which is discussed later in the report.
9.
CONTEXT
9.1
International
The Cape Floristic Region is a global hotspot of biodiversity (Myers et al., 2000; Cowling et
al, 2003), owing to, among other, being the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms as well
as possessing a high concentration of endemic plant species (70% out of 9000 – Goldblatt &
Manning, 2000). It is also an Endemic Bird Area, a Global Ecoregion, and a centre of
diversity and endemism for mammals, other vertebrates and many invertebrate groups
(Cowling et al., 2003).
The high levels of diversity, endemism and the threats faced by the Succulent Karoo Biome
have afforded it status as one of the 25 “world biodiversity hotspots” (Mittermeier et al.
1999). The Succulent Karoo including the Tanqua Karoo is truly unique in that it is the only
global arid system “hotspot”.
The widespread and prolific incidence of indigenous San rock art in the GCBC is a
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noteworthy cultural phenomenon in the area. Coupled with the shell middens along the
Sandveld coastline, makes the region truly remarkable for a culture all but dead today.
9.2
National
The GCBC is one of four such areas recommended for conservation within the CFR, the
others being the Gouritz and Baviaanskloof mega-reserves (Cowling et al., 1999), and the
garden Route Initiative (WCNCB, pers.comm.). Such landscape conservation areas would
extend across climatic and habitat gradients, with a wide altitudinal range to buffer the
effects of envisaged global climate change.
The national importance of the CFR is recognised in the strong role the Western Cape plays
in eco-tourism in the country, for both South Africans and foreigners.
There is a
concentration of conservation areas as seen in the many nature reserves and several
national parks located in the region. The CFR contributes a staggering 9000 plant species
(Manning & Goldblatt, 2000) – probably half of the South African total or some 40% of the
southern African complement (sensu Germishuizen and Meyer, 2003). The Cape Fold Belt
is also one of the more prominent and extensive mountain ranges in the country. The karoo
is the centre for the unprecedented speciation of the Mesembryanthemaceae (Klak et al.
2004; family taxonomy follows that of Germishuizen & Meyer, 2003). Local endemism (i.e.
the restriction of species to extremely small ranges of <50km²) is most pronounced among
bulbs and Mesembryanthemaceae and other succulents (CEPF, 2003).
Despite the relatively high species and habitat diversity in the CFR, approximately 30% has
been transformed by cultivated land with some 1.6% invaded by woody alien vegetation
(Cowling et al., 2003).
Although a respectable 22% is found in reserves, these favour
upland areas, with lowland systems poorly represented (Cowling et al., 2003).
The Tanqua Karoo region of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor is located in the
Succulent Karoo Biome, and is regarded as one of the global “hotspots” (Myers et al., 1999).
It is special not only in terms of species richness and endemism but also in the uniqueness
of the constituent species and the habitats in which they are found. The defined area of the
biome is 100 251 km2, yet it contains over 5000 species, more than 50 % of which are
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endemic (Milton et al., 1997). These figures are the highest for any region with semi-arid
vegetation in the world (Cilliers et al., 2002).
The indigenous fish communities of the Olifants-Doring River System are of high national
importance. Of the 10 fish species, 8 are endemic, and all are threatened with extinction.
This is the richest proportional occurrence of endemic fish species south of the Zambezi.
Unfortunately the Succulent Karoo Biome’s systems are increasingly threatened by the
combined effects of overgrazing, agricultural expansion, open cast mining, unscrupulous
collecting of threatened endemics, alien plant invasions and many other factors (Cilliers et
al., 2002; CEPF, 2003).
9.3
Regional
Located in the northern and north-western extremity of the CFR, the GCBC is representative
of the typical Mediterranean type climate with mild, wet winters, and warm to hot, dry
summers (Cowling & Richardson, 1995). Adjacent arid areas along the West Coast and in
the Tanqua all reflect lower rainfall, karroid climatic patterns.
There is a major transition in rock types from the coast, inland and into the Tanqua region.
Unlike most of the TMG, which is extensively folded along its length, folding is rare in this
region. Thus a peculiar feature of the Cederberg landscape is the presence of large, flat
plains and plateaus (Taylor 1996).
A prominent feature of the central GCBC geology is the presence of the Cederberg
Formation shale band.
This is a distinct feature in the landscape of the Cederberg
mountains, forming a narrow green band (“die trap” or “the step”) which contrasts sharply
with the bare, rocky quartzites above (Nardouw) and below (Peninsula Formation). The red
and brown colouration of the Nardouw is a distinct feature of the Cederberg landscape
(Taylor 1996).
Typical weathering patterns of the Nardouw sandstone outcrops can be
found in the vicinity of the famous Stadsaal Caves in the Matjies River Nature Reserve.
The characteristic sloping, “stepped” landscape of this area east of the Op de berg-
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Wuppertal road is formed by alternating bands of shale and sandstone in the Bokkeveld
Group (Lechmere-Oertel 1998).
The northern-most vegetation for the CFR occurs on the northern limit of the Cape
Supergroup.
It spans a gradient from mesic mountain fynbos to desert conditions,
encompassing two biomes, Fynbos and Succulent Karoo (Low & Rebelo, 1996).
The
gradual transition from fynbos to succulent karoo in the Matjies River Nature Reserve area
corresponds to a gradient of increasing aridity from west to east (Lechmere-Oertel, 1998).
This gradient extends further into the Tanqua Karoo, where the occurrence of shale and
dolerite in the Karoo Supergroup combined with an increase in aridity provides ideal
conditions for karoo vegetation.
The perennial Olifants River arises in the fynbos-clad mountains of the Agter Witzenberg
plateau and flows in a northerly direction. It has a highly seasonal flow regime which drains
an area consisting almost entirely of sandstones and quartzites of the Table Mountain
Group. As a result, the water is clear and fresh, until its confluence with the Doring River,
when water turbidity and salinity increases.
The Doring River arises on the northern slopes of the Hex River mountains and, in turn, is
fed by the Swartruggens and Cederberg Ranges, and Tanqua Karoo plains, as it flows in a
north-westerly direction through the dry Ceres-Karoo region. Unlike its mountain sources,
the water of the Tanqua plains contains higher silt loads and concentrations of salt. Apart
from one or two smaller dams, for example at Brakfontein, just upstream of Elandsfontein,
the Doring is not impounded. Because of this, it retains a high ecological quality for much of
its length.
Unlike their inland counterparts on higher ground, and hence experiencing
greater rainfall, much of the riverine and wetland systems of the coastal lowlands relies on
groundwater from the TMG aquifer system (sensu GEOSS, 2003; SRK, 2003).
One of the most remarkable features of the region is the presence of Khoisan paintings in
the Cederberg and edge of the Tanqua Karoo. These are believed to be as old as 8000
years (Deacon, 2002), with the most well known of these located at the Stadsaal Cave area
in the Matjies River Nature Reserve (southern Cederberg). Those in the Elandsbaai cave on
the West Coast date back to more than 3 500 years ago, and it is possible that some
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paintings in the Cederberg are as much as twenty thousand years old (Slingsby, 1995). It is
also important to note that Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve and some of the farms in the
Bokkeveld have paintings. This extra-ordinary heritage is of global significance, and worthy
of a high conservation rating. At least 2000 paintings have been recorded to date in the
broader Cederberg area (A. Manhire, pers.comm.). They depict many scenes of wildlife, in
particular eland and elephant, which once flourished in the region. From the time of the
settlement of Europeans at the Cape in the 17th Century, many place names convey the
presence of wildlife since locally extinct due to hunting and impacts from the colonists.
Examples include the Olifants River, Leeuvlak se Kloof and Elandsbaai. Even the Khoisan
names for the region are evocative and include: Matzikamma (place of water), Krakadouw
(stony pass) and Tanqua (place of the San).
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SECTION 2: BIODIVERSITY PROFILE
10.
GENERAL
Although no prior biodiversity analysis has been undertaken for the GCBC, the major westeast gradients in geology and rainfall produce a landscape of great variety. Both the CFR
and Tanqua Karoo components of the GCBC comprise a collection of unique ecosystems
which contribute to the exceptionally high species diversity and endemism in the region.
10.1
Flora and vegetation
There is no overall floristic analysis for the GCBC, although certain parts, such as the
Cederberg (Mustart et al., 1993; Taylor, 1996), Northern Sandveld rivers (Low & Pond, 2003)
and Cederberg-Tanqua transition (Low, unpub.) have received some attention. The central
Cederberg mountains account for some 1800 species (Taylor, 1996; SaSFlora7, 2004), and
nearly 1200 for the Cederberg-Tanqua area (Bushmanskloof Nature Reserve to Groot
River), of which 33 are threatened (SaSFlora, 2004). Three species inventories from the
Bokkeveld Plateau (Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve (Snijman & Perry, 1987);
Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve - supplied by Wessel Pretorius) and Op de Berg, Matzikamma
- supplied by Nick Helme) give a combined species total of 891 (68 Red Data) (SaSFlora,
2004).
In the Northern Sandveld 190 species were recorded from sandstone and sand habitats
along the courses of three rivers (Verlorenvlei, Langvlei, Jakkals) studied between
Elandsbaai and Lambert’s Bay (Low & Pond, 2003). By comparison the rivers and their
associated wetlands displayed a total number of 205 species (Low & Pond, 2003), but with
low Red Data species numbers. Ten species were new records for the Cape flora. Analysis
of floras from the region indicates four broad groupings: Blaauwberg to Langebaan; Inland
Sandveld; Sandstone Lowland; and Saldanha to Lambert’s Bay.
The inland sandstone
7
SaSFlora is a site and species database catering mainly for the fynbos and karoo floras. It currently
houses some 14000 species entries from about 1150 sites. Species lists are largely derived from
fieldwork by Coastec, and through accessing relevant published and unpublished lists.
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floras were shown to be distinct from those at the coast, emphasising the need for the
GCBC to substantially increase its coastal component, providing a better representivity of the
western region's flora. The riverine floras also showed major differences in the region, with
four broad groupings: Inland Mountains; Elandsbaai to Lambert’s Bay; West Coast Vleis;
West Coast Rivers. Again this indicates the need to expand the coastal boundary of the
GCBC to include the rivers between Elandsbaai and Lambert’s Bay, and even as far afield
as the Olifants River mouth.
Although flora and vegetation research in the ecotone between the Cederberg and Tanqua
Karoo is in a preliminary stage, early results indicate a fairly rich flora, with major species
turnovers along sharp environmental gradients (Low, unpub.). The succulent karoo flora
from the Tanqua Karoo National Park (Francine Ruben, pers.comm.), Matjies River Nature
Reserve (Lechmere-Oertel, 1998; Low, unpub.) and Zuurfontein Farm (Low, unpub.) totals
some 616 species with 12 on the Red Data list. What is remarkable about the latter two
sites is that, although they lie adjacent to each other, they display an exceptional species
turnover of 33%, based on a combined flora of 455 species!
The riverine flora of the Cederberg-Tanqua region compares with that of the Sandveld in
terms of species numbers (171) with a comparably low Red Data complement (SaSFlora,
2004). Montane and lowland river floras are quite distinct (Low, unpub.), with Sandveld
rivers being more akin to longitudinal wetland systems (Low & Pond, 2003).
Correspondingly rivers flowing out of the eastern parts of the Cederberg tend to be more
sluggish and seasonal, even ceasing flow altogether in summer. Their floras thus differ from
those of the central mountain rivers, due both to the reduced flows as well as increase in
sandy banks (pers.obs.).
The uncovering of new species is not only confined to the Succulent Karoo, with Aloe
kouebokkeveldensis (Van Jaarsveld et al., in prep.) being a recent discovery in the Thee
River catchment. This species appears to be a local endemic, and is interesting in that, as a
stout leaf succulent shrub, it occurs in fynbos as opposed to karoo.
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10.1.1 Northern Sandveld subregion
The “Sandveld” part of the GCBC comprises the lowlands between the coast and the
foothills of the Olifantsrivierberge. In it are several vegetation types on a range of soils
ranging from alkaline coastal sands to acidic sands and soils further inland.
i Lamberts Bay Strandveld (after Boucher, in prep.)
Table Mountain Group sandstones and conglomerates locally form a rocky coastline and
occur as sporadic outcrops in the area. Soils range from Tertiary to Quaternary white to pale
red calcareous aeolian sands, to sandy loams of the hillocky veld. Local white sand of
Pleistocene origin forms unstable blow-out dunes north of the mouth of Verlorenvlei at
Elandsbaai. Recent calcareous sands of marine origin also line the coastal strip.
The vegetation comprises a mixture of dense 1.5 m tall evergreen sclerophyllous (including
Lycium cinereum kraaldoring and Salvia lanceolata rooisalie), fleshy-leaved (including
Chrysanthemoides monilifera bietou, Didelta carnosa kusslaaibos, Tetragonia fruticosa
kinkelbossie and Zygophyllum morgsana slaaibos) and succulent (Cotyledon orbiculata
varkoor, Euphorbia caput-medusae vingerpol and Ruschia caroli beesvygie,) shrubs. There
is a dense understorey of grasses (the brittle Cladoraphis cyperoides steekriet and Ehrharta
calycina rooigras) in lightly grazed areas, but where the veld has been degraded by grazing,
dwarf shrubs and annuals dominate.
Salt-laden on-shore winds stunt shrubs along the
coast. The area has been exposed to 2000 years of stock farming.
ii. Langebaan Dune Strandveld (after Boucher, in prep.)
This vegetation occurs in a narrow coastal strip south of Elandsbaai, in which patches of
Lambert’s Bay Strandveld intrude. The soils are deep Tertiary and Quaternary calcareous
sands of marine origin.
Vegetation comprises a 1.0-2.0 m tall sclerophyllous shrubland
(including Eriocephalus racemosus kapokbos and Lebeckia multiflorum) with a prominent
annual herbaceous flora in the gaps.
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Bush clumps of dune thicket shrubs (Euclea racemosa seeghwarrie, Rhus laevigata
duinetaaibos) occur in patches in both the above strandveld vegetation types (sensu Low &
Rebelo, 1996).
iii. Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos after Rebelo & Boucher, in prep.)
This form of sand fynbos occurs inland of the strandveld, though species mixing is found
between these vegetation types, resulting in a complex mosaic. The soils are deep, acidic
Tertiary to Quaternary sands, generally pale yellow to reddish-brown in colour.
The
vegetation comprises a matrix of 1 m high Restionaceae (Thamnochortus spicigerus dekriet
and Willdenowia incurvata sonkwasriet) interspersed with numerous low shrubs (Metalasia
densa blombos and Wiborgia obcordata) and an occasional upper layer, 2.0 –3.0 m high, of
thicket clumps.
To date 40 endemic species have been recorded (e.g. Albuca
clanwilliamigloria and Leucospermum arenarium Redelinghuys pincushion).
This is the area where good winter to spring displays of annuals (Arctotis spp. and Gazania
spp.) and geophytes (Babiana spp. and Lachenalia spp.) are to be seen.
About 55% of this vegetation type is transformed for cash crops and pasture, with nothing
formally conserved. Of major impact is the potato industry which not only has led to the
almost exponential removal, over the last 15 years, of natural veld, but has also led to the
irrevocable destruction of several local ecosystems through non-sustainable use of
groundwater (Conrad et al., 2003; GEOSS, 2003; Low & Pond, 2003.
iv. Graafwater Sandstone Fynbos (after Rebelo & Boucher, in prep.)
This vegetation type grows on acidic lithosols formed from Table Mountain Group
sandstone, in a variety of habitats ranging from exposed rocky sandstone areas to fireprotected rocky hills and cliffs.
The vegetation comprises low scrub (Ischyrolepis
gaudichaudianus (= Restio gaudichaudianus), Passerina truncata (=P.glomerata) and
Zygophyllum spinosum) with tall emergent fynbos shrubs such as Leucadendron pubescens
grey conebush and Protea laurifolia louriersuikerbos) dominating.
Forest species which
grow on the outcrops and occasional cliffs include Heeria argentea kliphout, Olea europaea
subsp. Africana wild olive and Podocarpus elongatus Breede River yellowwood. Although
Heeria is not recorded from this area (Compton Herbarium collection), it is common and
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represents a major extension in “official” distribution of some kms 50 from Pakhuis Pass in
the east (sensu Low & Pond, 2003).
Endemic species to date recorded from the area amount to five.
About 25% of this
vegetation type has been transformed by agriculture, and nothing is under any formal
conservation status.
v. Wadrif Saltpan
Saltpans and salt marshes are ecologically very harsh environments, although the plants
and animals found in this environment are well adapted to salt-induced stress, and generate
high productivity. Saltpans and marshes throughout South Africa are endangered as they
are often regarded as wastelands to be grazed, filled in and developed. Damming of rivers
leads to reduced water flow, often leading to the loss of marshes, whilst pollution also takes
its toll.
Since such disturbances could be detrimental to the plants, birds, crustaceans
insects and fish in the system, they should be avoided (O’Callaghan, 1990).
The Wadrif saltpan is a classic example of this habitat type but has been severely
perturbated by over-abstraction of groundwater in its upper reaches (GEOSS, 2003). This
had not only led to a lowering in groundwater levels but also a decline in fresh water, with a
concomitant loss of fresh water habitat locally (GEOSS, 2003; Low & Pond, 2003).
10.1.2 Cederberg subregion
The Cederberg and Gifberg floras are situated at the drier, north-western extremity of the
Cape Floristic Region and thus are important in that they link the wetter southern fynbos
areas as well as the dry succulent karoo shrublands to the north and east.
In a study of the northern Cederberg area Taylor (1996) found that the flora comprised many
shrubby Asteraceae (13.4% of the flora) and species of Iridaceae (7.8%). The area is well
known for the Rutaceae of which Agathosma betulina bergboegoe has great economic
value, as does the endemic Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) which is commercially cultivated in
the area.
i Piketberg Sandstone Fynbos (after Rebelo, in prep.)
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This fynbos shrubland is confined to the Piketberg mountains, and grows predominantly on
Table Mountain sandstone-derived soils. The varied habitats support numerous different
plant communities ranging from ericaceous fynbos on the uppermost moist slopes (Erica
phillipsii and Protea recondita skaamroos) to proteoid fynbos on mid slopes (Leucospermum
calligerum luisiebossie, Protea laurifolia louriersuikerbos and Willdenowia arescens) and dry
asteraceous fynbos on the lower slopes (Eriocephalus africanus kapokbos and Euryops
speciossimus harpuisbos.
Forty endemic species have been recorded. About 12% of this vegetation type has been
transformed, with 4% formally conserved.
ii Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos (after Rebelo & Boucher, in prep.)
The soils are mostly Table Mountain sandstone-derived acidic lithosols.
Apart from the
Tanqua Karoo, this vegetation is the most extensive type within the GCBC. The northernmost communities have been described by Taylor (1996), who recognised some about 26
plant communities.
Habitats and communities range from high altitude peaks on which ericaceous fynbos
occurs, through high altitude winter-wet seeps over deep sands (Cannomois parviflora and
Leucadendron concavum Pakhuis conebush), to dry proteoid fynbos on lower pediment
slopes (Phylica rigidifolia hardebos and Protea laurifolia louriersuikerbos), and xeric
asteraceous fynbos on rocky, sandy areas (Diosma acmaeophylla ribbokboegoe and
Euryops wageneri Sederberghaarpuis).
Afromontane forest patches occur in moist, sheltered kloofs and valleys and are dominated
by species such as Cunonia capensis rooiels, Ilex mitis Cape holly and Maytenus acuminata
silky bark. Riverine components form medium to tall closed scrub in which Brachylaena
neriifolia waterwitels, Metrosideros angustifolia smalblad, Morella serrata waxberry and Erica
caffra waterheide tend to dominate. The wetter more open lower riverbanks and stream
edges are generally colonised by Prionium serratum palmiet and Elegia capensis, with
Isolepis digitata one of the few species to establish itself in the high energy midstream
habitat.
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There are 240 endemic species recorded, well known species including the snow protea
Protea cryophila, a ground-hugging species with large, white flowerheads which occurs
uniquely on the upper slopes of a only few of the highest Cederberg peaks, and the
Clanwilliam cedar, Widdringtonia cedarbergensis, an endangered, high altitude conifer.
About 20% of this vegetation type is formally conserved, and 14% transformed.
iii Olifants Sandstone Fynbos (Boucher & Rebelo, in prep.)
This tree and shrub matrix occurs in Table Mountain sandstone derived soils in the western
Cederberg area adjacent to the Olifants River. It comprises a combination of communities
where bare rock is dominant, and where there is little accumulation of sand. Species include
Leucadendron
pubescens
grey
conebush,
Pelargonium
alternans,
Protea
glabra
kaaingsuikerbos and Rhus dissecta rosyntjiebos.
About 24% of this vegetation type is formally conserved, with about 5% transformed.
iv Winterhoek Sandstone Fynbos (Rebelo, in prep).
This vegetation type occurs in the south of the study area and is found predominantly on
Table Mountain sandstone-derived lithosols.
It comprises a closed restioland in deeper
moister sands, with low sparse shrubs which become denser as cover of the Restionaceae
decreases in the drier areas.
There are numerous habitats ranging from high altitude
Altimontane Fynbos to waboom (Protea nitida) veld on lower slopes. Low (1981) provides a
general account of the ecology of the Winterhoek area, describing nine broad plant
communities and listing some 140 species in a provisional checklist for the area. To date 75
endemic species have been recorded from this type. The Groot Winterhoek Wilderness
area is home to a riverine near endemic, Ixianthes retzioides waterbossie, which is almost
confined to the Twenty Four Rivers system, but does venture into the southern Cederberg.
Some 27% of this vegetation type is conserved, and 4 % transformed.
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v Swartruggens Sandstone Karoo (after Lechmere-Oertel, in prep.
This vegetation type occurs chiefly on Witteberg Group sandstones and quartzites in the
east of the region. Arid fynbos grades easily into this type where rainfall recedes to below
about 250 mm pa. Plant cover is sparse, and is characterised by patches of dwarf leafsucculent
or
fleshy-leaved
shrubs
(including
Ruschia
spp.
and
several
other
Mesembryanthemaceae, and Tylecodon spp.), and stem-succulent plants (Euphorbia spp.).
Grasses (e.g. Stipagrostis namaquensis) are common, and in the more mesic sites restioids
occur (e.g. Willdenowia incurvata sonkwasriet).
vi Swartruggens Quartzite Fynbos (after Rebelo & Boucher, in prep.)
This vegetation type occurs on the Swartruggens mountains and inland from north of
Wuppertal to Karoopoort, on sandy soils derived from Witteberg Group sandstones and
quartzites.
This diverse type of fynbos incorporates many structural forms of fynbos:
restioid, ericoid and a tall, although sparse, upper proteoid stratum.
Dominant species
include Cannomois taylorii Cederberg thatching reed, Phylica rigidifolia hardebos, Protea
laurifolia louriersuikerbos, Leucadendron loranthifolium botterpitjie and Vexatorella amoena
Swartruggens vexator.
There are 14 endemic species recorded.
About 8% of this vegetation type is formally conserved, and little of the area is transformed.
vii Agter-Sederberg Succulent Shrubland (pers.obs. and after Lechmere-Oertel, 1998)
This type is found predominantly on the Bokkeveld shales between the Cederberg and
Tanqua, often juxtaposed with Swartruggens Sandstone Karoo. The Doring, Biedouw and
Tra-Tra Rivers are flanked by this vegetation type for some distance. Much of the vegetation
is
dominated
Euphorbiaceae,
by
succulent
with
shrubs,
elements
renosterbos being prominent.
of
particularly
renosterveld,
the
Mesembryanthemaceae
notably
Elytropappus
and
rhinocerotis
Large areas have been severely degraded due to
overgrazing, with a concomitant loss of grassiness. The vegetation grades very easily into
Ceres Shale Renosterveld in the moister areas in the south, but there are abrupt transitions
on the sharp boundaries with sandstones and quartzites of the Nardouw Formation and
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Witteberg Group, in general supporting Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos and Swartruggens
Quartzite Fynbos respectively. A “classic” transition of moist to arid vegetation occurs in the
Matjies River Nature Reserve, along the ecotone between the southern Cederberg and
Tanqua Karoo. Here Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos gives way to a narrow band of Agter
Sederberg Succulent Shrubland, which in turn transforms to Swartruggens Quartzite Fynbos
on the higher-lying Witteberg ridges and rocky slabs in the Reserve. At the extreme arid end
of the spectrum, Swartruggens Sandstone Karroo is found in the east of the Reserve, where
it abuts the Doring River. This transition is echoed elsewhere along the eastern margins of
the Cederberg, where both geology and rainfall dictate vegetation change.
Deciduous
shrubs from the Asteraceae, stem-succulent species from Euphorbia and leaf- and stemsucculent members of Aizoaceae and Crassulaceae dominate the vegetation. Heuweltjies
are quite common.
viii Citrusdal Vygieveld
No description available.
ix Ceres Alluvial Fynbos (after Boucher & Rebelo, in prep)
This grassy shrubland with emergent proteoids occurs on the fringes of the Koue Bokkeveld
valleys.
The soils are a sandy-silt alluvium with small cobbles embedded, overlying
Bokkeveld shales. Typical species include the grasses Cymbopogon marginatus turpentine
grass and Hyparrhenia hirta thatch grass, and the proteoids Leucadendron salignum
geelbos and Protea repens suikerbos.
Small asteraceous shrubs are represented by
Elytropappus rhinocerotis renosterbos and Stoebe spp. No endemic species have been
recorded, mainly because the vegetation is little studied. The area is largely modified (46%)
through agriculture for fruit or pasture. Little (<1%) is conserved.
10.1.3 Bokkeveld-Nieuwoudtville subregion
The varied vegetation types in this region follow a pattern largely dictated by the underlying
geology, and also according to a rainfall gradient which decreases from west to east. This
northern extremity of the CFR comprises the following vegetation types:
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i Bokkeveld Sandstone Fynbos (after Rebelo, in prep.)
This vegetation occurs on the Bokkeveld escarpment, including the Koebee and
Matzikamma mountains, on Table Mountain sandstone derived lithosols. Species in this
shrubland include Leucadendron procerum langbeentjie, Leucospermum praemorsum
Nardouwluisiesbos and Paranomus bracteolaris haakbos. There are 110 endemic species
recorded.
However, this vegetation is very poorly studied.
About 10% of the area is
transformed, mainly for rooibos tea, with less than 1% formally conserved. Several nature
reserves, including Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve (473 species – SaSFlora, 2004), are found
in the area.
ii Nieuwoudtville Shale Renosterveld (after Skowno et al., in prep.)
This vegetation type occurs on Dwyka tillite-derived soils with a well developed clay E
horizon (leading to seasonal water-logging of soils) in places. The transition to fynbos on
associated Table Mountain sandstone sediments in the west, is abrupt.
The drab renosterbos Elytropappus rhinocerotis often characterises renosterveld (Manning &
Goldblatt, 1997).
Other shrubs in this vegetation type, 0.5 – 2.0 m in height, include
Eriocephalus purpureus kapokbos, Pentzia incana skaapkaroo and Wiborgia tetraptera. In
undisturbed sites annual flowers seldom make good spring displays, and the richness of
geophyte species is generally not evident. The wonderful display of annuals (e.g. Cotula
nudicaulis witeendekos and Nemesia cheiranthus kappieblommetjie) and geophytes (e.g.
Ixia rapunculoides bloukalossie and Romulea spp.) in the Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve
is a consequence of deliberately managed, heavy grazing by sheep (this mimics the grazing
of large populations of antelope, especially springbuck) which has opened up the vegetation
(Manning & Goldblatt, 1997).
Endemic species recorded to date number 14 (undoubtedly there are more). About 48% of
this vegetation type has been transformed by agriculture, and the remaining portions are
threatened by fire, overgrazing and alien plants (e.g. Medicago polymorpha and various alien
grasses). Other than the Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve, none of this vegetation type is
formally conserved.
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iii Nieuwoudtville-Roggeveld Dolerite Renosterveld (after Manning & Goldblatt, 1997;
Skowno et al., in prep.)
The heavy reddish-brown clay of these doleritic soils supports a herbland dominated by
bulbous plants and spring annuals (Diascia cardiosepala stomphorinkies and Nemesia
leipoldtii karooleeubekkie,) with scattered shrubs (e.g. Diospyros austro-africana kritikom
and Rhus undulata koeniebos) on dolerite koppies. There are many unique and spectacular
plants, such as the famous red Bulbinella latifolia var. doleritica rooikatstert, the large red,
rare Romulea monadelpha karoosatynblom, and the striking yellow and chocolate, also a
rare species, Hesperantha vaginata harlekynaandblom (Snijman & Perry 1987).
Many
geophytes are able to survive by wedging their corms and bulbs between rocks, where they
are sheltered from predation by molerats, porcupines, francolin and guineafowl.
Local endemism is high; to date 14 endemic plants are recorded and undoubtedly there are
more.
The above two vegetation types (shale and dolerite renosterveld) give body to the region’s
being designated “bulb capital of the world”. Each type shares top place for having the
highest known concentration of bulbous species (40% of the flora) in the world. There are
two notable seasonal displays of flowering geophytes: in autumn to early winter there are
often displays of Amaryllidaceae and Oxalidaceae, and in spring displays comprise a wider
diversity of families (Iridaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Asphodelaceae). The physical differences
between the proximity of the heavy doleritic clays and the adjacent tillites appear to have
fostered the speciation that is so unique to these areas.
iv Vanrhynsdorp Gannabosveld (after Schmiedel, in prep.)
This vegetation occurs on the plains between Vredendal and Vanrhynsdorp to the foot of the
Matzikamma and Gifberg mountains. The soils are moderately deep sandy-loams, slightly
acid to alkaline, with a high stone content due to alluvial deposits on duripan crusts. The
vegetation is open, comprising erect to sprawling dwarf shrubs up to 0.3 m tall. The
numerous succulent-leaved species include Drosanthemum spp. as well as many other
Mesembryanthemaceae.
Asteraceae include Arctotis hirsuta gousblom, Osteospermum
pinnata jakkalsbossie and Ursinia pygmaea. Displays of annuals and geophytes can be
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spectacular in spring after good winter rains.
The endemic taxa have not yet been identified.
Overgrazing leads to the spread of exotic, annual weedy species (Atriplex lindleyi subsp.
Inflata and Bromus pectinatus hooigras). Extensive open-cast gypsum mines have led to
degradation in the area.
Efforts to rehabilitate these excavations have not been very
successful due to lack of viable topsoil to overlay on the restored areas coupled with limited
precipitation.
v Vanrhynsdorp Shale Renosterveld (after Rebelo & Helme, in prep.)
This medium-tall shrubland occurs on shale-derived soil in an area below the sandstone
cliffs of the Bokkeveld escarpment and Matzikamma mountains. Species include Berkheya
fruticosa
vaaldisseldoring,
Dodonaea
Elytropappus rhinocerotis renosterbos.
viscosa
subsp.
angustifolia
sandolien
and
Boulder screes and kloofs may harbour
Afromontane forest species such as Diospyros glabra bloubessiebos, Heeria argentea
kliphout and Podocarpus elongatus Breede River yellowwood.
Most of this vegetation type has been transformed, and about 4% is formally conserved
vi Klawer Sandy Shrublands (after Boucher & Mucina, in prep.)
This shrubland is found on the plains and valleys along the lower Olifants River and areas
surrounding the town of Klawer. The soils are moderately deep, well-drained, yellow to red
sands. Heuweltjies are occasionally present. Vegetation is a mid-dense shrubland with
Montinia caryophyllacea peperbos dominating, together with a prominent understorey of
Cladoraphis spinosa doringgras, as well as other grasses (e.g. Ehrharta brevifolia and
Karroochloa schismoides).
Other shrubs include the legumes (Lebeckia multiflora and
Wiborgia obcordata), Asteraceae (Helichrysum marmarolepis and Leysera gnaphalodes
teringteebossie) and geophytes (Haemanthus pubescens subsp. leopoldtii poeierkwas and
Trachyandra zebrina).
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vii Doring Succulent Karoo
No description available.
10.1.4 Tanqua Karoo subregion
The flora of the Succulent Karoo is dramatically diverse (Milton et al. 1997). Accordingly, it
has been ranked eleventh among the world’s 25 hotspots. It is also the most varied of the
world’s arid and semi-arid ecosystems (Mittermeier et al. 1999). Some of this diversity is
distributed among the dominant vegetation types in the Tanqua Karoo and in the karroid
parts of the Agterpakhuis/Biedouw valley.
The landscape is dissected by the valleys of the Tanqua and Doring Rivers, which are, for
the most part characterised by very sparse, dwarf (<.30 m) shrubland succulents on shallow
soils, and grass and ephemerals on sandy alluvium (Milton et al. 1997). The shrubland is
dominated by Mesembryanthemaceae, and seasonally by annuals and geophytes (Barnes
1998).
The dominant perennial succulent taxa in these valleys and on the surrounding
mountain slopes include species in an assortment of unrelated genera from Aloe, Augea,
Euphorbia, Cephalophyllum, Crassula, Hereroa, Pleiospilos, Psilocaulon, Rhinephyllum,
Ruschia, Sceletium, Sphalmanthus, Tetragonia and others, whilst non-succulent elements
include Acacia karroo soetdoring, Galenia, Hermannia, Lycium, Osteospermum, Pteronia,
Salsola, Stipagrostis, Tamarix and Zygophyllum (Milton et al. 1997; Barnes 1998; Dennis
Moss Partnership Inc. 2001).
The present sparse vegetation cover in large areas of the Tanqua Karoo is probably an
artefact of 200 to 300 years of intensive livestock grazing coupled with low rainfall (on
average less than 150 mm pa) (Barnes, 1998).
The relative abundance of many non-
palatable, winter-growing perennial species (e.g. Ruschia spinosa and Zygophyllum
microcarpum) in certain areas supports this hypothesis (Vlok, 2000).
Although the Tanqua Karoo is not as rich as many of the other Succulent Karoo centres of
endemism, it is home to a number of endemic species including Braunsia stayneri,
Conophytum bicarinatum, Didymaotus lapidiformis and Lithops comptonii (Mittermeier et al.
1999; Vlok, 2000). Two rare local endemics, Braunsia stayneri and Tanquana archeri occur
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on the farm Vaalkloof in the southern Tanqua/Ceres Karoo (Coetzee, 1998). However, what
is important is that the vegetation of the Tanqua basin exhibits a clear north-south
distribution pattern, linking the flora of Namaqualand and the Richtersveld with that of the
Little Karoo. This pattern is especially apparent in drought-tolerant species belonging to a
variety of unrelated families. It is therefore a likely and important dispersal route for endemic
plant taxa (Vlok, 2000).
The annual spring floral displays, especially in the Agterpakhuis/Biedouw valley, area attract
considerable attention. The variety of beautiful colours combined with a rugged landscape
contributes to the charm of the area. In addition to the visual spectacle, this region is also
home to a number of localised endemic plant species. The extraordinary levels of diversity
and endemism were illustrated with the recent discovery of a number of possible new
species in the region (Cilliers et al. 2002). This area is especially important for biodiversity
conservation because of the range of ecotones between Succulent Karoo and Fynbos.
Ecotones often contain highly specialised plant taxa and allow for movement and speciation,
especially in times of climatic change.
i Tanqua Karoo (after Mucina, in prep.)
The Tanqua Karoo vegetation covers a large area in a basin encompassing the valleys of
the Tanqua and Doring rivers, and is located between the Cederberg and Swartruggens
mountains to the west, the Roggeveld escarpment in the east, and to the north the elevated
plains of the Hantam Karoo.
The geology comprises Permian Dwyka tillites and Ecca
shales, with embedded dolerites and kimberlites, as well as occasional calcrete outcrops.
The Tanqua Karoo is a very dry form of succulent karoo, and often resembles a desert. The
sparse
vegetation
comprises
many
leaf-succulents
(Ruschia
spp.,
and
other
Mesembryanthemaceae), stem succulents (Euphorbia hamata olifantsmelkbos and Hoodia
gordonii muishondghaap), dwarf shrubs (Galenia spp. and Zygophyllum spp.) and geophytes
(Ornithogalum xanthochlorum slangkop).
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ii Tanqua Riviere (after Mucina & Manning, in prep.)
This vegetation type occurs on the alluvial floors and drainage lines of the Tanqua and
Doring Rivers and their tributaries. They have been filled with recent sediments coming
mostly from the eroded Karoo Sequence strata, and the resultant soils are sodic, and loamy
to sandy.
The sparse shrublands (50% cover) comprise middle-sized shrubs (Lycium
cinereum kraaldoring, Othonna pteroniodes and Salsola spp.), with Acacia karroo soetdoring
thicket in places. Occasional rainfall in early winter results in localised spring displays of
annuals and geophytes along washes.
Notable species include Lapeirousia plicata
blousterretjie, Moraea speciosa and Tritonia florentiae.
10.1.5 Key areas
Figure 2.1 indicates several of the flora and vegetation “hotspots” found in the region, and is
largely the result of the inputs of Nick Helme. These areas were determined on the basis of
high numbers of certain plant groups, e.g. succulence, presence of rare and/or endemic
species and other special features, such as upland-lowland gradients and important
ecological processes. The axis defined by the central spine of mountains extending from the
Bokkeveld to the Cederberg/Swartruggens mountains is clearly apparent. The Olifantsberge
to the west also enjoys priority as do those around the Heerenloggement area in the northwest. Apart from the ranges immediately adjacent to the Cederberg, the Tanqua Karoo, and
even the Tanqua Karoo National Park (see Figure 3.1). achieves little significance. The
Northern Sandveld also has low prominence, and along, with the karoo areas, this must be
placed formally at the door of inadequate information.
10.2
Fauna
Fynbos, the major vegetation type in the CFR, grows on nutrient poor soils, thus cannot
support the substantial food requirements of many large animals (Cowling & Richardson,
1995). However the karroid areas are traditionally home to large herds of antelope and in
the more recent past have provided grazing for the sheep industry (Milton & Dean, 1996;
Vlok, 2000).
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10.2.1 Insects
Important areas for insects were supplied by Dr Mike Picker of the Zoology Department,
University of Cape Town, and are shown in Figure 2.2. Many of the identified areas for the
general region occur outside the GCBC boundary, with focus on the central mountains,
Tanqua Karoo and northern Bokkeveld Plateau. This probably indicates a lack of knowledge
and incomplete datasets for the study area. However, there is some attention paid to the
Northern Sandveld with the Elandsbaai-Lambert’s Bay coastline receiving importance. The
lower Verlorenvlei systems also receives priority ranking.
Although all of the other south-western mountain ranges of the Cape Fold Belt have
Colophon representatives, none has been found in the Cederberg (WCNCB, pers.comm.).
The Tanqua Karoo is home to a newly described order of insects (M. Picker, pers.comm.),
with South Africa hosting some 20 species. This confers on the region a high conservation
significance for insects. Northern parts of the Bokkeveld Plateau and Tanqua Karoo are rich
in montane, aquatic and arid-adapted species. There is a high level of endemism and good
representation of Gondwanan taxa.
10.2.2 Fish
Indigenous freshwater fish species are a priority group for conservation within both the
Succulent Karoo and Cape Floristic Region. Practically all the perennial (and some of the
non-perennial) rivers in the area must be considered critically important endemic fish
habitats worthy of conservation (Cilliers et al., 2002). Ten indigenous species have been
recorded in the Olifants/Doring Rivers and their tributaries, of which eight are endemic.
These include the Clanwilliam redfin Barbus calidus, Clanwilliam sandfish Labeo seeberi,
Clanwilliam yellowfish Labeobarbus capensis, Clanwilliam sawfin Barbus serra, Barnard’s
rock catfish Austroglanis barnardi, Clanwilliam rock catfish Austroglanis gilli, Twee River
redfin Barbus erubescens and fiery redfin Pseudobarbus phlegethon. Research by Ernst
Schwartz at the University of Stellenbosch indicates there might be more greater numbers of
taxa present than are currently confirmed (WCNCB, pers.comm.).
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All are threatened with extinction (Impson et al., 2002). Populations of the Clanwilliam rock
catfish and the spotted rock catfish (A.barnardi) are highly fragmented, a situation
exacerbated by exotic predators, man-made dams and habitat changes (Bills, 1999).
In fact it has been the introduction of alien fish, dating back to the 1930’s which has been the
most serious problem for the Olifants/Doring River endemic fish.
Among these
introductions, the genus Micropterus spp. bass seems to inflict the greatest damage.
M.dolomieu small mouth bass is considered to be the greatest threat as it moves actively up
into headwater streams where it preys on all species of indigenous fish (Bills, 1999).
Fortunately there are several areas along the Doring River which act as refugia for
indigenous fish populations, including sections of the tributaries of the Oorlogskloof, Koebee,
Biedouw, Matjies, Breekkrans, Tra-Tra and Driekrans Rivers, as well as the Doring River
between De Mond and Elandsvlei. Sites of conservation concern on the mainstream Doring
include the Bos-Doring confluence and Oudrif. There are, however, several sections along
the Doring which are insufficiently known and where structured surveying and rehabilitation,
especially alien fish eradication, need to be implemented to ensure successful conservation
management of the Doring River’s unique fish diversity.
A source of major concern in some rivers of the Olifants System is citrus and deciduous fruit
development, with reduced flow rates (irrigation) and nutrient-loading (Impson, pers.comm.).
Habitat destruction, for example through bulldozing of river banks, is also a key factor
(Impson, pers.comm.). Since only a small proportion of fish occur in formally conserved
areas, the importance of the private sector in fish conservation is critical. The health of
catchments and habitats in this ecologically unique area needs to be monitored and retained
in good condition where possible.
A further source of concern is in the northern Sandveld area where unsustainable rates of
groundwater extraction threaten the existence of pool refugia in the non-perennial
Verlorenvlei River.
Here several species of indigenous fish (including a possible new
species of redfin minnow) survive during the dry summer season. (Dean Impson, pers.
comm.).
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A comprehensive fish conservation plan for the area has been drawn up by Impson et al
(1999). Areas of critical importance for conservation have been highlighted, and site specific
recommendations for fish restoration have been detailed (Impson et al., 1999, Impson,
pers.comm.). These include the eradication of alien fish using weirs and selective poisons,
restocking of juveniles and the restoration of habitats.
Important areas for the occurrence and conservation of fish are shown in Figure 2.3. These
were supplied by Dean Impson of the WCNCB and highlight major stretches of the larger
rivers in the area. Of key importance are the upper Doring (Groot, Riet and Doring between
the Groot River and Elandsfontein), the lower Doring, upstream and downstream of the
confluence with the Koebee, the Koebee-Oorlogskloof tributary, several streams arising on
the western slopes of the Cederberg Mountains, and the Verlorenvlei River in the Northern
Sandveld. For conservation of the endemic and threatened fish species to be effective, the
whole of these reaches needs to be formally protected and astutely managed. Curtailment
of current unsustainable levels of groundwater abstraction in the northern Sandveld requires
urgent implementation.
Abrahams (2002) recommends the following actions, which should improve the conservation
of the indigenous fish fauna of in the Doring River system:

further in-depth studies (distribution, conservation status and the contribution of
mainstream indigenous populations to tributary recruitment and vice versa) of
indigenous and alien fish fauna in the perennial tributaries and mainstreams of the
Doring River system,

prioritising river sections for purchase of land and/or establishment of conservancies,

prioritising river sections for eradication of alien fish species,

prioritising river sections for eradication of alien vegetation,

education of farm workers, landowners and anglers,

reducing the political and economic pressure for the construction of major dams on
the Doring River and its tributaries.
The effective conservation of indigenous fish is an important part of the overall objective of
attaining conservation in the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor.
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10.2.3 Herpetofauna
The Succulent Karoo has a rich reptile fauna, of which many taxa are endemic to South
Africa and have restricted distribution ranges. Several southern African endemics, which are
generally uncommon, have localised populations in the area. These include the common
long-tailed seps Tetradactylus tetradactylus and shortlegged seps T.seps , and the slender
thread snake Leptotphylops gracilior (Barnes, 1998). The area is also home to a number of
rare and vulnerable species including the armadillo girdled lizard Cordylus cataphractus,
black spitting cobra Naja nigricollis woodi, Fisk’s house snake Lamprophis fiskii, Mclachlan’s
girdled lizard Cordylus mclachlani and the Namaqua plated lizard Gerrhosaurus typicus.
Mclachlan’s girdled lizard has a highly restricted range and occurs in the region, whilst the
red adder Bitis rubida (first described in 1997) occurs quite extensively in the GCBC and
through to the Little Karoo. The southern speckled padloper Homopus signatus cafer and
possibly the dwarf girdled lizard Cordylus minor (restricted distribution) also occur in the area
(Branch 1988a & b; Baard, 1994; Barnes, 1998: Cilliers et al., 2002).
Amphibian diversity in the area is low, possibly due to the aridity of the region (Cilliers et al.,
2002). A number of widespread species are however resident in the area including the Cape
river frog Afrana fuscigula, Cape sand frog Tomopterna delalandii (recorded along the Groot
River), common caco Cacosternum boettgeri, common platanna Xenopus laevis and the
karoo toad Bufo gariepensis (Passmore & Carruthers 1995; Cilliers et al. 2002).
Although little information is available on the fynbos parts of the GCBC, the expert mapping
(Andrew Turner and Atherton de Villiers of the WCNCB) indicates most of the area is
important for a number of species (Figure 2.4). Of significance are the areas outside the
proposed boundary and this provides incentive for increasing the latter locally. Key areas
are the Northern Sandveld (extend northwards), Bokkeveld Plateau (wider), Olifantsberge
complex (extend west of Clanwilliam, and into the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area. Data
on the Tanqua Karoo appears to be lacking and this should be a priority for research in the
region.
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10.2.4 Birds
Fynbos areas do not have a particularly high diversity of birds (Cowling & Richardson, 1995);
however the six species that are endemic to fynbos are found in the GCBC area. These are
the Cape rock jumper Chaetops frenatus, Cape sugarbird Promerops cafer, Cape siskin
Serinus tottus, orange breasted sunbird Nectarinia violacea, protea canary Serinus
leucopterus and Victorin’s warbler Bradypterus victorini. Large striking birds include the
African harrier Circus maurus and Verreaux’s (black) eagle Aquila verreauxii.
Typical coastal birds include the African black oystercatcher Haematopus moquini, kelp gull
Larus dominicanus and, offshore, Cape gannet Morus capensis. Verlorenvlei hosts a rich
diversity of birds (177 species) in the vlei and surrounding strandveld vegetation. Red Data
Book species include the white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus, lesser Phoenicopterus minor
and greater (Phoenicopterus ruber flamingo, and the chestnut banded plover Charadrius
pallidus. The area also receives its fair share of migrants, including the European bee-eater
Merops apiaster and yellow billed kite Milvus migrans parasitus. The ephemeral Wadrif
saltpan supports about 76 species, of which most are migrants (Sinclair, 1988; Petersen &
Tripp, 1995).
The karroid vegetation of the Tanqua and Doring River systems supports many bird
assemblages restricted to the Namib-Karoo biome, as well a number of other arid zone
“specials” (Barnes, 1998). Parts of this region are incorporated into the Important Bird Area
SA 101 (Cederberg-Koue Bokkeveld Complex) (Barnes, 1998). A wide assortment of bird
species might be encountered in the karoo, including fairy flycatcher Stenostira scita, pririt
batis Batis pririt, South African shelduck Tadorna cana (a South African endemic), the rare
tractrac chat Cercomela tractrac, Verreaux’s (black) eagle Aquila verreauxii, the scarce and
elusive cinnamon breasted warbler Euryptila subcinnamomea, Layard’s titbabbler Parisoma
layardi and the ever-present karoo prinia Prinia hypoxantha (Cilliers et al., 2002). The newly
described karoo longbilled lark Certhilauda subcoronata occurs in rocky parts of the region
(Barnes, 1998, Cilliers et al., 2002).
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Important areas are recorded in Figure 2.5 by Kevin Shaw of WCNCB and Callan Cohen of
the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute, University of Cape Town. The central Cederberg forms a key
area, as does the Tanqua and more distant Karoo. The upper parts of the Doring River are
prominent in the assessment as is Verlorenvlei (detailed in text, above) and the Olifants
River estuary, some distance to the north of the proposed boundary on the West Coast.
10.2.5 Mammals
Large mammals including elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus (Berg River), eland and red
hartebeest, were recorded in the area before the arrival of European settlers (Cowling &
Richardson, 1995; Low et al., in prep), but were soon eliminated.
However, smaller
mammals requiring shorter ranges are still found, including antelope species such as grey
rhebuck Pelea capreolus (the largest antelope remaining “naturally” in the area), klipspringer
Oreotragus oreotragus, duiker Sylvicapra grimmia, steenbuck Rhaphicerus campestris and
grysbuck R. melanotis.
A number of private nature reserves have re-stocked their land with antelope such as
springbuck Antidorcas marsupialis and the endangered Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra
zebra, both which would have occurred historically in the area (Cilliers et al., 2002).
Other less visible mammals include aardvark Orycteropus afer, Cape clawless otter Aonyx
capensis, honey badger Mellivora capensis and porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis, and as
well as smaller species such as the Cape rock elephant shrew Elephantulus edwardii and
the spectacled dormouse Graphiurus ocularis.
A number of bat and smaller mammal species also occur in the region. Uncommon or rare
bat species possibly occurring in the area include Eptesicus melkorum Melk’s house bat and
Myotis lesueri Leseur’s wing-gland bat. Bats are especially important since they can serve
as indicator species of ecosystem health and global climate change (Cilliers et al., 2002).
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The threatened Cape gerbil Tatera afra, Cape spiny mouse Acomys subspinosus and
Verreaux’s mouse Praomys verreauxii all occur within the (Cederberg-Koue Bokkeveld part
of the GCBC (sensu Barnes, 1998). Their ranges may in all probability extend into the
karroid vegetation of the Tanqua Karoo. The only known locality for Chrysochloris zyli, a
golden mole, is of a specimen from Lambert’s Bay (WCNCB, pers.comm.).
The leopard Panthera pardus is the area’s largest predator and is afforded protection
through a conservation programme which extends beyond reserve areas to private property
(Cilliers et al., 2002; Dennis Moss Partnership Inc. 2001). Both the leopard and aardwolf are
threatened species and protection measures such as these are crucial for their survival.
Smaller predators include African wild cat Felis lybica, caracal Felis caracal, aardwolf
Proteles cristatus, Cape fox Vulpes chama and small grey mongoose Galerella pulverulenta.
It is even possible that the secretive small spotted or black-footed cat Felis nigripes might
also occur in the region.
The omnivore, Otocyon megalotis bat-eared fox, common
throughout the area, particularly in agricultural lands, is often encountered in road kills.
Historically lion, at least brown hyena, and probably spotted hyena and African wild dog were
also part of the formal mammalian carnivore spectrum occurring in the area, with the
possibility of the occasional cheetah (WCNCB, pers.comm.).
Figure 2.6 provides an indication of the important mammal areas for the region. Captured by
Guy Palmer of the WCNCB, the localities follow the main rivers closely and are not merely
“hotspots” but also represent corridors for movement (refer to Fig.2.6). For many of the
carnivores, in addition to the riverine links, montane valleys and ridges also serve as
functional corridors (WCNCB, pers.comm.). Of interest is that the three major Northern
Sandveld rivers – Verlorenvlei, Langvlei and Jakkals – are all significant.
In addition,
conservation priorities are spread fairly evenly across the whole of the proposed area. To
accommodate the Sandveld rivers, an extension of the proposed boundary to the north
(Lambert’s Bay would be required. Likewise, possible extensions into the Groot Winterhoek
might be desirable, with an additional link into the Hantam-Roggeveld ranges.
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SECTION 3: CONSERVATION STATUS AND PRIORITIES
11.
CONSERVATION STATUS
11.1
Conservation status of the Northern Sandveld subregion
Apart from the existing nature reserves, Mosselbaai Nature Reserve (near Elandsbaai),
Verlorenvlei, and Rocherpan (currently outside the GCBC domain, though could be included
at a later stage), the area has a low conservation status. The threat of habitat loss is high,
with Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos having at
least 50% ploughed for agriculture (potatoes,
rooibos). Since the CAPE conservation target for this vegetation type recommends that at
least 50% should be conserved, it follows that all remaining natural vegetation areas should
be under some form of protection or compatible land-use such as low carrying capacity
grazing (Holmes, 2003). A study by Heydenrych (1993) indicated that the rate of centrepivot cultivation increased during the 1990’s partly in response to the increase in fallow
requirement time for the seed potato crop, and that this was having a negative impact on
rare species in the area.
J.Rheede, pers.comm.).
This trend continues to date (GEOSS, 2003; Holmes 2003,
Due to the low rainfall trend of recent years, large areas are
currently being ploughed for dry land cultivation of rooibos.
In the event of continued
drought seasons, the area will have little natural vegetation remaining, with resultant wind
erosion in the fallow lands. The situation requires urgent attention.
The coastal area has long been recognised as requiring priority conservation measures.
Fifteen years ago Jackelman & Moll (1989) recommended that the Wadrif saltpan to
Verlorenvlei area be considered for priority conservation.
Moll et al. (1989) urged the
conservation authorities to take urgent and immediate steps to freeze future agricultural
expansion pending an ecological survey.
Jeffery (1997) identified the area between
Elandsbaai and Dwarskersbos as the longest relatively undisturbed portion of sandy beach
on the West Coast and recommended that urgent conservation measures be implemented
to conserve it and prevent future degradation.
The strandveld vegetation is prone to
damage from excessive trampling and off-road vehicles, activities which should be curtailed
for the maintenance of ecological integrity (Holmes 2003). Recent findings by Low & Pond
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(2003) indicate irrevocable damage to much of the Northern Sandveld ecosystem,
particularly that of groundwater-fed wetlands and streamlines.
11.2
Conservation status of the Cederberg subregion
Mountainous fynbos areas in the study area in general are adequately conserved within the
CFR. For the GCBC, the Cederberg Wilderness Area, Matjies River Nature Reserve, as well
as several private nature reserves (e.g. Bushmanskloof and Kagga Kamma) and several
Conservancies (Biedouw, Cederberg, Sneeuberg), together constitute a fairly high
conservation status in the area.
However, the Piketberg mountain has a negligible
conservation status and this is a possible cause for future action, perhaps through the
establishment of conservancies.
Pressures on this environment include incorrect fire regimes (inappropriate season; short
inter-fire intervals), overgrazing in certain areas (e.g. by goats), alien invasive species,
especially in the riverine areas (Acacia spp. and Sesbania punicea in the Olifants river;
Nerium oleander oleander in the rivers in the dry eastern areas).
The proclaimed Cederberg and Kouebokkeveld Mountain Catchment Areas drain into the
Olifants Doring River System, hence appropriate management for a vigorous cover of
indigenous vegetation is important.
The Clanwilliam and Bulshoek dams provide water for irrigation schemes north of
Clanwilliam. River sections are often pumped dry during mid-summer resulting in serious
environmental degradation. The availability of water holds the key to the settlement of
emergent or small farmers (Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein, 2000). Management of water
demand is a high priority in the context of the area’s reliance on agriculture.
Recent studies for DWAF (GEOSS, 2003) seek to understand the impacts of current
groundwater use in the Sandveld area in order to ensure ongoing sustainable development.
This study has found that portions of the Sandveld, in particular the Lambert’s Bay area, but
also further south, are over-allocated, leading to deteriorating groundwater levels and/or
water quality. This has resulted in ecological stress and irrevocable damage in the area
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(Low & Pond, 2003; Julian Conrad, pers.comm.).
Strong recommendations are made
including: cessation of illegal use of groundwater; preventing further expansion of agricultural
use of ground water; no groundwater irrigation mid-November to mid-February; and
implementation of awareness campaigns.
These findings and recommendations are of
great consequence to the future management and utilisation of the GCBC, especially in the
Sandveld corridor area. Details of this report will require urgent attention when it becomes
officially available.
Regarding conservation of rock art sites, the policy of WCNCB with regard to Wilderness
Areas is not to advertise rock art sites, but to allow visitors to discover them for themselves.
However, sites in the Matjies River Nature Reserve and elsewhere on private property are
open to the public (Deacon, 1994).
11.3
Conservation status of the Bokkeveld-Nieuwoudtville subregion
Formal conservation areas in this subregion include the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, a
provincial nature reserve, and a local municipal reserve just outside Nieuwoudtville namely
the Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve. Considering this subregion is known as the “Bulb
capital of the world” and it is the northern finger of the CFR it is most definitely not
sufficiently protected.
The Gifberg and Maskam areas are largely unconserved, apart from one newly proclaimed
private nature reserve of some 400 ha. The establishment of two conservancies is currently
being negotiated.
11.4
Conservation status of Tanqua Karoo subregion
The vegetation of the Tanqua Karoo is for the most part in a degraded state, the plains
having been subjected to 200 to 300 years of intensive grazing) and accordingly has a very
low carrying capacity (Landbou-ontwikkelingsinstituut vir die Winterreënvalgebied, 1990).
Even so, with sufficient rest and ‘good’ rainfall, the vegetation might be able to recover to a
certain degree in some areas. Seen in this light, the current level of biodiversity protection is
wholly inadequate. However, the current land-use trends (the change from sheep to game
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and/or private nature reserves) should further aid the recovery process (Cilliers, et al., 2002).
The vegetation on the koppies and on foothills of mountain ranges surrounding the
Ceres/Tanqua Karoo basin is generally in a more natural state than that of the plains, often
exhibiting
higher
species
diversity
(Landbou-ontwikkelingsinstituut
vir
die
Winterreënvalgebied, 1990; Milton et al. 1997). The extent of truly non-natural vegetation in
the Tanqua Karoo is minimal since any form of intensive agriculture is severely curtailed by
the lack of available water while invasive alien plants are at present largely confined to the
watercourses. However, large areas have been heavily grazed, thereby reducing the natural
plant cover substantially (Rubin & Sachse, 1998; Vlok, 2000).
Much of the vegetation of the Agterpakhuis/Biedouw area is in a natural to semi-natural
state, the impacts of severe overgrazing being less extensive than in the Tanqua Karoo.
However, in certain areas (such as the Hartsvlakte), feral donkeys are actively degrading
karroid veld.
These parts have a low carrying capacity, with the latter likely to have
decreased even further due to the historic effects of overgrazing (Cilliers et al.’ 2002).
Again, with sufficient rest, removal of feral animals and a number of years of ‘good’ rainfall,
the vegetation might be able to improve in many areas. The current land-use trends (the
change from sheep and goats to game and/or private nature reserves) should further aid the
recovery process in this area.
The extent of truly transformed vegetation in the
Agterpakhuis/Biedouw area is largely restricted to areas close to the Tra-Tra and Doring
Rivers since intensive agriculture is curtailed by the lack of available water and the rivers are
the areas most affected by invasive alien plants (Landbou-ontwikkelingsinstituut vir die
Winterreënvalgebied, 1991).
The Tanqua Karoo National Park is an extensive protected area (currently >70 000ha) in the
Tanqua Karoo area that is quite representative of the eastern part of the GCBC. Although
not as rich as many of the other Succulent Karoo centres of endemism, the Tanqua Karoo
has 28 endemics, six of which have been recorded by Rubin & Sachse (1998) in the Tanqua
Karoo National Park (Vlok, 2000). Other protected areas include conservancies proclaimed
within the Western Cape Province.
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Conservation opportunities in the region should focus on the establishment of more
provincial and private nature reserves, conservancies, private wilderness areas (which will
enjoy similar protection to state-owned wilderness areas) and the expansion of the Tanqua
Karoo National Park. Whilst focus should be on conservation areas which will be ensured
relative long-term security, a major conservation challenge in this area is to ensure the
ongoing and effective management of existing conservancies and to expand their
boundaries. Other challenges include co-ordination of effective alien clearing operations,
specialist research groups, tourism (especially excursions to observe the spring wild flowers
and birds, 4x4 trails and filming) and possible re-introduction of mammals such as Cape
Mountain Zebra into areas where donkeys have been removed.
11.5
Conservation areas
Statutory conservation areas are shown in Figure 3.1, with private nature reserves and
conservancies appearing in Figure 3.2. Formal conservation in this region is not high and
this has been echoed in the poor protected status of most of the vegetation types discussed
above. Key areas are the Cederberg Wilderness Area (Cederberg and Matjies River Nature
Reserves) and Tanqua National Park). Conservancies add substantially to the area under
some degree of protection within the central GCBC, but not to the Tanqua Karoo nor
Northern Sandveld.
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12.
CONSERVATION PRIORITIES
Two regional studies provide a good indication for conservation priorities and ecological
importance within the GCBC.
12.1
Conservation priorities
The CAPE project (Cowling et al., 1999) (Figure 3.3) shows the region in question to
possess irreplaceability values of 0 – 20%. Exceptions are the northern Swartland, which is
not a priority conservation issue for the GCBC, and localised places in the Northern
Sandveld (Verlorenvlei), and parts of the eastern and southern Cederberg, and northern
Bokkeveld plateau. Corridor linkages and ecological processes, very often tracking major
rivers in the region - are depicted by thin lines which stretch across the GCBC landscape.
The SKEP process, although having adopted a different methodology (sensu Driver, 2003),
nevertheless examines conservation options relative to vulnerability (Figure 3.4). Very few
sites have high vulnerability and few options (high conservation priority). A major exception
is the Doring River corridor and sections of the Bokkeveld mountain range spanning the
Oorlogskloof-Koebee River system. Parts of the Doring River above the confluence with the
Koebee also rate highly, as do stretches of the Olifants River near its confluence with the
Doring and onwards to its outlet to the sea.
Two of SKEP’s geographic priority centres (Figure 3.5) concern the GCBC. These are the
Knersvlakte and Bokkeveld-Hantam-Roggeveld. Both are key links from the northern and
north-eastern parts of the study area and provide several options for possible extensions to
the plains west of the Bokkeveld Plateau as well as developing a linkage across the Tanqua
Karoo, to the Hantam-Roggeveld range.
Ironically, SKEP ignores the Succulent Karoo vegetation along the coast in the west of the
GCBC, although it has been taken up in the CAPE planning process.
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Figure 3.5. SKEP geographic priorities relative to the GCBC.
Proposed_cederberg_boundary_gw.shp
Skep_geographic_priorities_gw.shp
Bokkeveld-Hantam-Roggeveld
Bushmanland Inselbergs
Central Breede River Valley
Central Little Karoo
Central Namaqualand Coast
Greater Richtersveld
Knersvlakte
Namaqualand Uplands
Sperrgebiet
N
0
300
600
900 Kilometers
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12.2
Ecological importance
The CAPE layers (Cowling et al., 1999) have provided good guidelines for conservation
planning in the CFR, albeit at a relatively coarse level.
However there are several
weaknesses of this model, not the least of all being the poor irreplaceability status afforded
the Northern Sandveld, despite the latter’s proven ecological importance and heavy impacts
from farming (Heydenrych, 1993). To provide a fair reflection of ecological importance (EI),
an EI model for the TMG aquifer was developed (SRK, 2003; Low, 2003) in which an
assessment was undertaken for the natural vegetation (sensu Mucina & Rutherford, in prep.)
on all TMG formations.
Based upon a number of categories including size and
transformation of vegetation type, importance values from CAPE and SKEP, and ecological
processes and corridors, ecological importance values were determined for all remaining
natural vegetation within the TMG aquifer study area. The model recognises several centres
of importance occurring within the GCBC (Figure 3.6). These are the Northern Sandveld,
the Bokkeveld Plateau, the Swartruggens mountains, the Kouebokkeveld-Great Karoo
connection, the middle and lower Olifants River valley, the lower Doring River valley. The
marked importance of the Northern Sandveld is indicated in an overall rating of between 40
– 60 and 60 – 80%. This is also reflected in the Cederberg Mountains, with the Tanqua
Karoo rating relatively low (20 – 40%).
This is probably a product of vegetation type
intactness and large size. However riverine corridors in the Tanqua enjoy a value of 40 –
60%.
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SECTION 4: RESEARCH PRIORITIES AND MONITORING
13.
RESEARCH PRIORITIES
13.1
Historical aspects
13.1.1 Landscapes
An investigation is necessary into what the Tanqua Karoo area looked like in the past before
severe overgrazing changed the natural vegetation of the area. What are the consequences
of this overgrazing and could the area be rehabilitated to a better state? If so, what realistic
rehabilitation methods could be used, what would be the costs and over what time-span?
These vegetation changes would have to be constantly monitored in order to determine how
effective the rehabilitation techniques used were in re-establishing successional and climax
stages of vegetation.
13.1.2 Fauna
Fauna species that historically occurred in the region have to be investigated. One of the
aims of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor is to re-establish movement corridors,
north to south along the Cederberg and Bokkeveld mountains and east to west between the
Cederberg and the Tanqua Karoo on the one hand, and with the West Coast on the other.
This research will ensure that species re-introduced to the area would be able to survive in
the habitats provided and historical migration patterns would hopefully return to the region.
13.2
Alien vegetation
Alien vegetation, especially along watercourses, is a huge problem in many areas of the both
the karoo and fynbos parts of the region. Since the Karoo areas are synonymous with
conditions of very low precipitation and limited available water, the alien vegetation has a
major effect on the water available to the region in the form of run-off along rivers, as well as
groundwater. In the Northern Sandveld, low rainfall and high abstraction levels conflict with
one another, and are compounded by the presence of alien vegetation. What effect does
alien vegetation have on the region? If it is removed, (a) What are the advantages for
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conservation for example, for indigenous fish species in the rivers and for riverine
vegetation? (b) Are there positive effects for rehabilitation of severely degraded natural
areas as a result of increasing ground water levels? (c) What impact might this have on
other water users downstream of the rivers (natural as well as agricultural systems)? (d)
What is the effect of the current low run-off rate on the estuarine vegetation of the Olifants
River estuary? And on the smaller, seasonal rivers of the Northern Sandveld?
13.3
Alien animals
Key species to be targeted include feral donkeys and alien fish. These are both problem
animals within the GCBC and require further research (WCNCB, pers.comm.).
13.4
Botanical research
13.4.1 Ecotonal boundaries
Botanical research, especially in the transition zone between the Fynbos and the Succulent
Karoo biomes is necessary in order to better understand the processes that drive the
ecosystems in this region. This might provide an idea of flora species migration along northsouth gradients of the Cederberg and Bokkeveld Mountains, and from east to west with the
shifting of boundaries between the Fynbos and the Succulent Karoo biomes. The movement
of plant species will be of critical importance as climate change scenarios predict extensive
change and species survival will depend on the ability of the species to migrate and/or
evolve within the changing climatic conditions (Midgley et al., 2002).
The maintenance of intact, well conserved interfaces between these two biomes within the
GCBC is of critical importance in order to facilitate species migrations during the predicted
increased aridity of globally induced climate change. Research into the determinants of the
fynbos / succulent karoo boundary. This is important in order to understand and predict the
effects of globally induced climate change. The research could form part of post-graduate
research programmes at academic institutions (Universities and Technikons).
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13.4.2 Floristics of region
As part of the Succulent Karoo Biome, the Tanqua Karoo was included in the SKEP planning
domain. However, it was not identified as one of the final nine priority areas in the Succulent
Karoo as it was thought to have received enough emphasis in the CAPE programme as
being identified as an important part of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor.
However, there is largely a lack of knowledge about flora, fauna, ecological patterns and
processes in the region. This became evident in the various SKEP workshops held in the
region (Cilliers et al., 2002; CEPF, 2003). Research has been limited to localities where
interesting discoveries have been made, usually by chance.
More research has been
undertaken in the Western Cape portion of the subregion than in the Northern Cape (Cilliers
et al., 2002).
This could be due to the proximity of Cape Town to the CFR, as most
researchers are based there. Likewise, the flora of the CFR part of the GCBC is not wellunderstood, with very few floristic studies having been completed here.
As a good knowledge of the flora of a region is essential for detailed floristic analysis and
therefore conservation planning (Anon, 2000; Low, 2000; Low et al., in prep.), it is therefore
recommended that the floristics of the GCBC region be determined through collation of
current species inventories – both published and unpublished - and sampling of those areas
which are under-collected. This will provide the basis for determining the botanical capital
for the region and for conducting a floristic analysis of the region to determine sites of high
diversity and similarity/dissimilarity, the latter crucial in conservation planning (e.g. Low,
2000). The use of local floras as surrogates for habitat quality and distinctiveness has met
with good results in a number of studies (e.g. Low, 2000; Low & Pond, 2003; Low & Pond, in
prep.) Such data would also be critical in identifying endemic and rare species in the
respective subregions. Gathering of floristic data should be supplemented by a study to
determine fine-scale plant community distribution – another important adjunct to astute
conservation planning.
It is also recommended that a flora working group be established for the region, and that
landowners be encouraged to become part of such a network. The Cederberg Conservation
Group (Botanical Society), which conducts annual collecting fieldtrips in the Cederberg,
should be a key player in this process.
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13.4.3 Vegetation of the region
A detailed vegetation map of the region is essential for proper management. The new
vegetation map is too coarse for management at a scale of 1:10 000 to 1:50 000. It also
requires fine -tuning along some of its boundaries, for example in the fynbos-karoo interface
in the east. There might also be several new additions to the map, for example the recent
discovery of renosterveld in the Kouebokkeveld Valley (Low & Pond, in prep.).
13.4.4 Pollination and dispersal syndromes
Continued research into pollination and dispersal syndromes in the varied vegetation types.
Such knowledge is important for understanding the effectiveness of biodiversity corridor
conservation. It is also of importance for areas which are fragmented, and where habitat
transformation and damage has occurred, such as in the Sandveld. It is also important for
climate-induced changes in ecotonal areas. Certain pollinators are crucial to maintaining key
ecological processes; the loss of such pollinators as a result of the factors mentioned above
can thus have negative implications for ecological sustainability.
13.5
Conservation priorities
13.5.1 Compatibility of CAPE and SKEP programmes
It would be crucial to ensure that where SKEP and CAPE research projects in the area
overlap, they should interlink in terms of both planning domains as well as biodiversity
conservation.
Models such as that developed by Low (2003) and which transcend the
traditional SKEP/CAPE boundaries and approaches could be employed for the GCBC.
13.5.2 Conservation status and priority analysis
As part of the current project, the CPU has undertaken to analyse the conservation status
and “security” of the vegetation types within the GCBC.
This approach enables the
determination of those vegetation types which are under-conserved and those which might
ensure adequate, yet “non-secure” conservation status, e.g. conservancies which have no
long-term (statutory) tenure. Relatively “secure” areas would be those under National Park,
Provincial or Local Authority jurisdiction.
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13.6
Landuse
13.6.1 Impacts of groundwater abstraction
Much of the Northern Sandveld riverine and wetland ecosystem is irrevocably destroyed due
to over-abstraction of groundwater (Conrad, 2003; Harding, 2003; Low & Pond, 2003). A
study is urgently required to establish the extent of such impact, whether these ecosystems
can be rehabilitated and how.
Well planned hydrogeological studies are required for
sustainable exploitation of the ground water resource in this subregion (Hay 1998).
13.6.2 Off road vehicles and illegal roads
The increase of illegal off road vehicle (ORV) activity throughout the CFR is cause for
concern and requires urgent and effective intervention. It is strongly recommended that the
extent of such activity is established for the region and which are legal operations.
A
monitoring programme needs to be established which will examine the impact of both legal
and illegal operations. Where these are illegal, they should be shut down; where these are
legal, yet cause irreparable damage to the environment, they also need to be discontinued or
at least appropriate mitigatory measures set in place.
13.7
Extensions to GCBC boundary
The boundary of the GCBC as used in this report has not been established wholly on the
basis of ecological determinants.
The GCBC boundary should primarily be guided by
ecosystem features e.g. a river, base of mountain range, edge of major vegetation type,
inclusion of key ecotonal area). In particular those areas essentially omitted from the current
boundary, and which have inadequate protection status elsewhere, e.g. the Piketberg and
Northern Sandveld, need to be included in the GCBC.
A study to determine a more
appropriate and ecologically defendable boundary for the GCBC should be considered as a
top priority.
13.8
Population
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing the protection and effective conservation of natural
systems today, is the that of population growth and poverty. Future population scenarios
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need to be determined for the GCBC region so that pre-emptive action can be taken in “softcentres” which are more susceptible to use and abuse. A model for this approach is being
developed for the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (Gaiatek, in prep.).
A ring of
poverty surrounds the Cederberg, and poverty levels are also marked in the Northern
Sandveld (sensu national census, 1999). Effective conservation measures, i.e. those which
include local communities in an all-embracing, participative conservation model, need to be
developed which cater for projected population increases as well as dealing with poverty.
Such an approach needs to go beyond basic economic empowerment, involving local
communities in conservation planning from the start; i.e. building upon the platform already
laid within the CAPE and SKEP programmes. This is the current of the GCBC and needs to
be fostered and expanded.
13.9
Monitoring
Monitoring of the various research projects being conducted on the biodiversity component
of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor would need to be undertaken. This would
ensure projects stayed focussed and that answers necessary for effective biodiversity
management were provided to the management team. Depending upon which projects are
tackled, each should have monitoring as a basis from which to review research success and
future direction. Key initiatives would be the effect of alien clearing, ORV activity, harvesting
of indigenous species such as boegoe, groundwater abstraction in the Olifants-Doring
system and Northern Sandveld areas, and impacts of local communities and visitors to the
region.
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14.
CONCLUSIONS
This report provides a summary of available biodiversity and related information for the
proposed GCBC region. As with many studies of this nature, this information is incomplete
and is unashamedly dominated by accounts of the flora and vegetation, and to a certain
extent fish. Nevertheless the work reported here has demonstrated there is a wealth of
conservation planning in the region, but that this requires a certain degree of “fine tuning. In
particular, a uniform conservation approach needs to be employed.
Much of the approach has been based upon “hotspots” and special areas. It is suggested
that while this approach provides focus it can also compromise broader conservation ideals.
For example conservation based on size and quality of areas tends to exclude small
fragments which might have great rarity but which are too resource-demanding for effective
conservation. It is strongly recommended that less focus be placed upon “hotspots” and a
more holistic approach to conservation planning be adopted.
Conservation planning and research in both the CAPE and SKEP planning domains is
focussed heavily on biodiversity and its protection (sensu Cowling et al., 1999; Cilliers et al.,
2002).
Very little attention is being paid to the socio-economic aspects, as population
increase and poverty are the key issues facing conservation today. This is the approach
being taken in the planning and implementation of the GCBC initiative (Jaco Venter,
pers.comm.) and deserves encouragement. That is why we strongly recommend a process
which examines future population trends and responses in the region and links this with
conservation planning.
Prioritisation of research and management objectives should form a cornerstone of the
GCBC approach, and this can be achieved through development of a prioritisation
framework with researchers and managers working in the region.
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15.
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16.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Glynnis Barodien of the Conservation Planning Unit provided much of the expert and related
information, as well as useful comment on the project
We are indebted to Fabio Venturi, also of the CPU, for preparing the figures used in the text
Dr Tony Rebelo of the National Botanical Institute (NBI) and Dr Laco Mucina of the Botany
Department, Stellenbosch University generously provided unpublished copy of various
vegetation descriptions for the new NBI vegetation map of southern Africa
Useful comment was provided by several members of the WCNCB
Julian Conrad of GEOSS provided useful discussions on the groundwater situation in the
Northern Sandveld
Jaco Venter was always on hand to guide the project and to act in a liaisory capacity.
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