NEWSLETTER BARN SWALLOWS CAUGHT BY TIGER FISH ON SCHRODA DAM THE DIAMOND ROUTE

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1 THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER MAY 2014 BARN SWALLOWS CAUGHT BY TIGER FISH ON SCHRODA DAM BY FRANCOIS JACOBS AND GORDON O BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANCOIS JACOBS High Definition video footage shows the amazing ability of these fish in aerial attacks During a recent tiger fish behavioural ecology study on Venetia Mine s Schroda Dam (a small off-channel storage facility) within Mapungubwe National Park, the amazing sight of tiger fish actively jumping and hunting on the water s surface was captured successfully on camera. It was the first time that this type of behaviour by any freshwater fish species had been documented worldwide. Figure 2 shows a sequence of photos capturing one of the successful aerial attacks filmed during the 2014 survey. In (A) the tiger fish just breaching the surface to have a clear view of the swallow, after which in (B) the tiger fish, now at full speed, closes in on its prey, (C) and lunges from the water to capture the swallow (D) by its wing (Ei) (Eii enlargement) and returns back into its home (F). The tiger fish population study was established in 2003 with the support of De Beers, and preliminary results have shown that this population has possibly depleted their available food sources. This has resulted in them adapting to predate on low flying Barn swallows in flight. This natural spectacle recently captured on film confirms the ability of tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus) to identify unusual food sources in possibly unfavourable conditions to ensure their survival. An amazing discovery! Future studies are planned to establish the overall health of this aquatic system, with special interest in fish diversity and abundance. The jumping and hunting behaviour by Tiger fish was first noticed in March A video camera was immediately set up to capture this amazing behaviour. The footage revealed direct aerial strikes, initiated from deep water that was previously not visible (Figure 1). The surface pursuit strategies were less successful than direct aerial strikes initiated from deeper areas. FIGURE 2 FIGURE 1 A follow-up survey to Schroda Dam in April 2014, set out to recapture this unique behaviour with a professional film crew. During the filming a total of eight successful attacks and 17 unsuccessful attacks were documented of which most were captured on film (Figure 2). The African tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus, the world s first documented fresh water species predating on Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) in full flight at Venetia s Schroda Dam. 1

2 SMALL MAMMALS OF TELPERION AND EZEMVELO NATURE RESERVE BY DUNCAN MACFADYEN The Rock Elephant Shrew is the most abundant species of insectivore on Ezemvelo and Telperion, frequenting the red sandstone outcrops Ezemvelo Nature Reserve in the Bankenveld grasslands The Grey Climbing Mouse uses its prehensile tail to climb grass stalks to reach the seeds Surprisingly high species richness was recorded in areas previously used for agriculture activities at certain times of the year, according to a recent study on Telperion and Ezemvelo Nature Reserve in the Bankenveld grasslands. The study investigated small mammal species richness, abundance and community. Small mammals, as important indicators of a healthy system, provide early warning signs to management of potential problems which ultimately affect the triple bottom line. The species richness of small mammal fauna in an area indicates ecosystem integrity. Eighteen species, including pioneer species such as Multimammate Mouse Mastomys sp. and Four-striped Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio were recorded during this study. Small mammals (= adults < 2kg) comprise quite a large percentage (> 60%) of all terrestrial mammal species in southern Africa, and occur in relatively large numbers, and in certain cases a single species can number 200/ha. These animals have an important direct and indirect influence on ecosystem functioning. Results from the study indicate species richness was highest in the untransformed Rocky Highveld Grassland community, a community characterized by Protea welwitchii, and historically unsuitable for agriculture due to its rocky nature. Ten species were recorded in this community during this study, including Namaqua Rock Rat Micaelamys namaquensis and Rock Elephant Shrew Elephantulus myurus, both species which dominated the rocky outcrops at the study site. The tiny Grey Climbing Mouse Dendromus melanotis and sand-soil affiliated Bushveld Gerbil Gerbilliscus leucogaster were also regularly recorded, the former preferring areas with long, dense grass. Dry savanna specialists such as Fat Mouse Steatomys pratensis were also represented within this community structure. The Degraded Grassland community has a surprisingly high species richness recorded. A possible explanation for this is the cover provided by bush encroacher, Bankrupt Bush. This community was dominated by Grey Climbing Mouse in winter; however a poor community structure in summer was recorded. These areas are important refugia for small mammals in the winter months when the biomass in surrounding areas is reduced through grazing. The smallest species recorded, the Pygmy Mouse Mus minutoides and Bushveld Gerbil G. leucogaster were also recorded in reasonable numbers in the community. The Rocky Open Shrub had the highest abundance recorded, although species richness was low. The community structure largely consisted of two species, Namaqua Rock Rat M. namaquensis and Rock Elephant Shrew E. myurus. As South African grasslands are being transformed, it is important to understand the complexities of these environments. In totality, this study provides the ground work for future studies, and will be effective baseline data on small mammal abundance, diversity and richness in this veld type. Monitoring changes in small mammal communities over time will provide managers insights into the effects of land changes at all levels. The Pygmy Mouse was the smallest species recorded with average weight of 6g 2

3 CARIBOU KEPT A LOW PROFILE BY MEGAN HAZELL, SENIOR WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, AMEC ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE CARIBOU CONSERVATION From left to right: Peter Okitiquo (Attawapiskat First Nation Elder), Megan Hazel (Senior Wildlife Biologist AMEC) and Jon Pleizier (Terrestrial Biologist - AMEC) during the survey In 2014, caribou abundance was low near the Victor Mine in Canada, with only 1 group of 4 caribou spotted during the late winter survey in March Winter surveys have been undertaken regularly for the Victor Mine followup monitoring commitments since February Caribou distribution and abundance within the study area varies from year to year. This year s survey results are in contrast to the more than 100 caribou observed in February 2013, demonstrating the variability observed from year to year. Satellite collar data indicates that caribou wintered in excess of 200 km west of the mine study area suggesting that many animals were not in proximity to the mine during the past winter. However, in 2014 records of moose, wolves and other furbearers including Wolverine were frequent. The first recorded sighting of a Wolverine, a federally and provincially protected species, occurred north-east of the Victor mine. Both a senior scientist from the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada (WCS), Dr. Justina Ray, and an Elder from the Attawapiskat First Nation, Peter Okitiquo, successfully joined us as part of the survey team in December and March respectively. Caribou serve as an important barometer of the health of the northern landscapes in which they live. In northern Ontario, there is limited information on the status of the herds or populations. WCS is working to compare scientific information about where caribou were once found in Ontario, with data on human-caused disturbances, such as wildfires, logging, roads, and tourism infrastructure. The aim of their project is to determine what level and types of disturbance caribou can tolerate. Source: WCS ( wcs.org/canadanew/wildlife/ Caribou.aspx) 3

4 NEW ARRIVAL TO EZEMVELO The Ezemvelo Nature Reserve recently became home to a serval which was found by FreeMe in Johannesburg. BY MAROTI TAU EZEMVELO BEELD HOLIDAY SHOW BY ROMANO BEZUIDENHOUT The Diamond Route took part in Beeld s annual Holiday Show, held from February 2014 in Midrand at the Gallagher Convention Centre. The serval released on Ezemvelo Nature Reserve was kept for five months at FreeMe after it had fallen in a hole as a youngster and was abandoned by its mother The serval was kept in an enclosure for two weeks to familiarise it with the surroundings. Very quiet and shy, it was fed each night, and closely monitored by Ezemvelo s staff. On the night of releasing it, Maroti Tau and Ewann Ströh waited until dark, they placed some food at the entrance and opened the gate. The serval ignored the food, and slowly moved through the gate and upon realising it was free, suddenly jumped up and sped out into the wilds. Hamba kahle friend! Often referred to as the cat of spare parts, this unusual, but beautiful cat is among the feline family s most successful. It has a small, delicate head and extremely large ears set on an elongated neck, long slim legs (hind legs longer than front), long slender body and a short tail. The ears are black on the back with a distinctive white spot, and the tail has black rings and a black tip. Serval are found in well-watered savannah long-grass environments, and are associated with reed beds and other riparian vegetation types. They occupy a variety of habitat all associated with water sources. The serval s sensitive hearing allows it to locate small mammals moving through the grass or underground, and to hunt its prey sometimes without seeing it until the final pounce. It also has the ability to leap vertically and catch prey such as birds, right out of the air. They do this by clapping with their front paws together and striking with a downward blow. Primary prey for the serval includes rodents, birds, reptiles, fish, frogs and insects. Ezemvelo hopes this elusive cat settles into its new home. Making off into the wilderness The Holiday Show is one of the biggest leisure shows and offers a large variety of holiday destination ideas and everything and anything to do with making your holiday perfect and received more than visitors over the three days. The Diamond Route stand enjoyed wide coverage on Beeld s social media platforms and the team handed out information brochures, Diamond Route t-shirts, tiger s eyes (which were especially popular), postcards, bookmarks and other Diamond Route branded products. And the winner is... From left to right: Otto Landman receiving his prize from De Beers Romano Bezuidenhout The main draw cards were our competitions with Big Hole family vouchers, South African Wild Gems books, a Thomas Sabo lucky charm sponsored by the Jewel Box and a 0.21 carat diamond to the value of R3 500 as prizes. Otto Landman was the lucky winner of the first prize, a copy of South Africa s Wild Gems & the diamond. 4

5 EXCITING BIRD RESEARCH AT ORAPA BY KAY SOOPU, ORAPA ALL PHOTOGRAPHS: MIKE SOROCZYNSKI Makgadikgadi Pan supports over water birds Birdlife Botswana and Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) have collaborated to launch a three year project to facilitate the monitoring of biodiversity in the Makgadikgadi Wetland System, using Orapa Game Park as a demonstration site. The project will facilitate and provide robust scientific data to aid management decisions on the conservation of birds and other species. This project applies not only in the Orapa Game Park and the Makgadikgadi Wetland Systems but also the entire country. At the launching ceremony, OLDM Environmental Manager, Tumelo Ntlhayakgosi, pointed out that the pans have protected areas whose buffer zones typically comprise multiple land uses, ranging from livestock grazing, arable farming, veldt products harvesting, settlements, critical wildlife dispersal corridors as well as mining. Motshereganyi Kootsositse, the Birdlife Botswana Project Manager, said Great White Pelican Makgadikgadi Pan supports over water birds on a regular basis, and large numbers of birds migrate to the pans each year in varying numbers depending on the extent of annual flooding and related habitat availability. An interesting initiative complementing sustainable development efforts is the expansion of Orapa Game Park, from the current ha to ha. This Curlew Sandpiper extension will allow the diverse fauna and flora as well as other endangered animal species, to flourish within a sanctuary environment, says OLDM General Manager, Dr Adrian Gale. The Diamond Route has a long and mutually beneficial relationship with BirdLife South Africa and looks forward to an equally long relationship with Birdlife Botswana. 5

6 INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN HUMANS AND WILDLIFE BY EMILY TAYLOR ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is piloting an Urban Conservation Project in Gauteng with the support of E Oppenheimer & Son, focusing on the urban ecology principles of interdependence between people and wildlife in urban areas. Resident Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) in the Modderfontein Reserve, east of Johannesburg. The reserve is an excellent and accessible site for birding in Gauteng. The reserve boasts these and other raptors such as African Fish Eagle and Jackal Buzzard. PHOTOGRAPHER: EMILY TAYLOR Long-crested Eagle PHOTOGRAPHER: G E K C O Black-backed Jackal A Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) caught on camera in the Greater Kyalami Conservancy (GEKCO). This area is under threat of extensive development, yet is currently a haven for a variety of wildlife species including Porcupine, Hedgehog, Giant Bullfrog and Secretary Bird, to name but a few. There are many significant threats to wildlife populations and species diversity in urban areas. The development of a city with its road networks, service infrastructure and tall buildings fragments animal habitats, resulting in lower genetic diversity as well as availability of food for many species. Alteration to, or destruction of, landscape features and aquatic habitats can have grave ramifications for wildlife refuge areas, foraging sites, as well as the flight paths and feeding patterns of bats and birds. The primary output of the Urban Conservation Project will be the development of a support platform to help facilitate the public s enjoyment of the rich array of wildlife and ecosystems within Gauteng s urban areas. In addition, it will also provide advice and assistance to urban residents that may come into conflict with wildlife in and around our cities, in an environmentally sustainable way. A series of accessible toolkits or booklets will be created in consultation with experts to provide the public with the knowledge and good practices proficiency, such as indigenous gardening and methods of pest control that are not destructive to wildlife species. The project will also include various education campaigns aimed at encouraging public participation in urban conservation. The initiatives will focus on issues like responsible waste removal, water saving and minimising unsustainable development practices. All this to create a more accommodating environment for both humans and wildlife. For more information, please contact Emily Taylor emilyt@ewt.org.za. PHOTOGRAPHER: TYRONE MCKENDRY Giant Bullfrog The Giant Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) is classified as Near Threatened by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). In Gauteng, it is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and road mortality. 6

7 HISTORICAL INCIDENCE OF THE LARGER MAMMALS IN THE FREE STATE PROVINCE (SOUTH AFRICA) AND LESOTHO FINAL HURDLE FOR GAME FARM MANAGEMENT COURSE BY BERNADETTE VISSER A comprehensive perspective of the larger mammal species that occurred on these landscapes In this book, authors André Boshoff and Graham Kerley attempt to establish the occurrence and estimate the distributions of 54 larger mammal species in the Free State and Lesotho. It addresses the early historical period, i.e. from the 1820s (when the first written records were made and a progressive increase in human populations commenced) to the 1920s (before large-scale translocations of game animals were undertaken by landowners). The information in the book indicates that in the Free State Province 16, or 17, larger mammal species were exterminated, five nearly exterminated, and three, or four, underwent a marked reduction in range and/or numbers, during the early historical period defined above. In Lesotho, over the same period, 14, or 15, larger mammal species were exterminated and three, and perhaps five, species underwent a marked reduction in range and/or numbers. The book also deals with a number of related topics, namely, the potential historical distribution of the larger herbivores in relation to bioregion, some interesting distribution patterns, changes in the status of the larger species since the early 1800s, and observations on movements and migrations of some of the larger ungulates. The book was published in 2013 by the Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth. More information is available at: or at ace@nmmu.ac.za or at From left to right: Hercules du Preez, Esmaralda Langeveldt, Leandrie Ludik, Chantelle van Rooyen and Niel Blomerus with Charles Hall from De Beers The Northern Cape Nature Academy, a national training institution 40 km outside Kimberley at Good Hope Private Nature Reserve, in conjunction with De Beers, last year hosted a Game Farm Management Course. Participating students did remarkably well and their final test, a conservation management plan, was of an exceptionally high standard. In addition, the students also participated in and enjoyed practical experiences on the various Diamond Route properties around Kimberley. Four students completed the course while a fifth student withdrew after accepting a job offer. The remaining students were speedily snapped up by the tourism industry and now work at either a tourism lodge or a game farm. The Nature Academy, with the help of Summative Solutions, applied for accreditation with CATHSSETA for four modules on game farm management: Game Capture and Removal Operations; Implement a Nature Conservation Plan; Control Damage-causing Animals; and Maintain Roads, Paths and Tracks. They recently received news that these modules were approved in principle and that CATHSSETA is due to visit the campus on 3 June to evaluate the infrastructure and training manuals before final approval should be made. The Nature Academy plans to enroll between 10 and 12 students for training next year and then to gradually increase student numbers. They also intend involving more role players, like De Beers, in the project. The goal is to augment the scope of the course to practical on-the-job experience on game farms from 7 to 14 days. Thereby further enhancing this unique experience. For more information, please contact Bernadette at , or bernadette.ncna@gmail.com or chantelle.ncna@gmail.com 7

8 THE FASCINATING WORLD OF ARCHAEOLOGY BY ENIRETA MAKANZA, NAMDEB ENVIRONMENTAL SECTION In February of this year, a potential Early Stone Age grave was identified by Namdeb s environmental team. This discovery was made near an existing archaeological site at Sendelingsdrif in the Orange River Mining Licence Area. Human remains were discovered at a depth of around one metre and under a layer of large stones. The grave was carefully fenced off to protect it until research and excavation could be done properly. The Orange River Mines area is known for its exceptional evidence of our past history as humans have lived in this part of the country for thousands of years. The evidence for their occupation can be seen in the archaeological artefacts/ sites which include Stone Age tools, stone circles and historic graves. ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION AT SENDELINGSDRIF Cracking the habitat code of the critically endangered Juttadinteria albata succulent BY LINEEKELA NAUYOMA The participants in the restoration ecology heap experiment. From left to right: Joyce Katjrua, Liezl Maritz, Elizabeth Nakathingo, Alfues Shekunyenge (MSc student, University of Namibia), Sivanus Kaulwa, Hireeka Nauyoma (MSc student, University of Namibia), Cherilee Fortuin, Ursula Witbooi and Ferdinand Mwapopi. Absent: Dr Cornelis van der Waal (Gobabeb Research and Training Centre) To protect the archaeology in this area, baseline site assessments are done prior to any mining activities. Archaeological sites are identified, as in this case, and incorporated into an environmentally sensitive area map, ultimately used in mine planning. To date, Namdeb has ring-fenced several archaeological sites in the Orange River Mines area, notably a stone circle, petroglyphs and historic graves. Ring-fenced archaeological sites in the Orange River Mines area The snow white flowers in the Sendelingsdrif area, Juttadinteria albata, are very rare and occur exclusively in a small area centered on Namdeb s new Sendelingsdrif mine. So small and vulnerable is the population of this species that it has been accorded the highest Critically Endangered conservation status in the red data book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a status paralleled by species such as the black rhino. Namdeb s mining operations at Sendelingsdrif will inevitably strip away areas of Juttadinteria albata habitat in the on-going search for diamonds. Following mine closure the mining areas will be restored to allow plants and animals to thrive again but recreating the habitat for Juttadinteria albata will not be easy. Although it is able to germinate in a greenhouse, it seems that Juttadinteria albata has very specific growth requirements in nature, which may be the reason for its small distribution range. To assist with the successful restoration of the Juttadinteria albata population at Sendelingsdrif, an experiment was initiated in January 2013 on site by Namdeb. This initiative is supported by the University of Namibia and Gobabeb Research and Training Centre. This so called heap experiment consists of twelve heaps (5m in diameter) spaced about 15m apart. It is made up of a mixture of waste materials that will be similar to the materials eventually used for back-filling mined areas. The main objective of this experiment is to understand which slope angle, aspect and amount of rockiness Juttadinteria albata prefers in order to recreate its habitat during restoration and in addition to choosing spots best for transplantation or the sowing of seeds. To see the beautiful white flowers of Juttadinteria albata where once there were excavations, will be a great victory for responsible mining. 8

9 CALLING CREATIVE MINDS SHARE YOUR IMAGINATION The Diamond Route is looking for your caption inspired by any of the four photos that appear on the side. The Diamond Route places advertising that promotes the fun visitors have on the properties and feature the two-, four and eight-legged residents who live on the Diamond Route properties. The campaign was conceived by Ebony & Ivory Advertising and seeks to give personality to the elements that make up all the Diamond Route properties. The campaign also challenges the preconceived ideas we have about the creatures that share our lands with us and to encourage those who care about the consequences of mining, particularly diamond mining. Go find out more and write an inspired line that comes to mind when you look at each of the four photos. It could be your line used in future advertisements! The best caption for each photo will be awarded the recently published South Africa s Wild Gems by Erwin and Nicoleen Niemand and Duncan MacFadyen. Send your entries, with the photo numbers, to the editor Engela Slabber at engelajm@gmail.com before 30 June 2014 to win one of these amazing books. Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4 9

10 Come meet some of the folk living next door to our miners ZSSA Corporate Award 2011 Eco-Logic Award 2011 SANParks Kudu Award 2010 Nedbank Capital Green Mining Award E+I Photos by Erwin & Nicoleen Niemand 10