Download BARN SWALLOWS CAUGHT BY TIGER FISH ON SCHRODA DAM

THE DIAMOND ROUTE
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2014
www.diamondroute.com
BARN SWALLOWS CAUGHT
BY TIGER FISH ON SCHRODA DAM
BY FRANCOIS JACOBS AND GORDON O’BRIEN
PHO T OGR A PHER : F R A NC OIS JAC OB S
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).
High Definition video footage shows the amazing
ability of these fish in aerial attacks
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.
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.
The jumping and hunting behaviour by Tiger fish was first noticed
in March 2011. 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
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.
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).
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THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
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.
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.
Gerbil G. leucogaster were also recorded
in reasonable numbers in the 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,
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
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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
THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
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 2014.
Winter surveys have been undertaken
regularly for the Victor Mine followup monitoring commitments since
February 2005. 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.
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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 (http://programs.
wcs.org/canadanew/Wildlife/
Caribou.aspx)
THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
NEW ARRIVAL
TO EZEMVELO
BEELD
HOLIDAY
SHOW
The Ezemvelo Nature Reserve recently became home to a serval
which was found by FreeMe in Johannesburg.
The Diamond Route took part in
Beeld’s annual Holiday Show, held
from 14-16 February 2014 in Midrand
at the Gallagher Convention Centre.
BY MAROTI TAU
EZEMVELO
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 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.
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.
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 22 000 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.
Ezemvelo hopes this elusive cat settles
into its new home.
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.
BY ROMANO BEZUIDENHOUT
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.
Making off into the wilderness
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THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
EXCITING
BIRD RESEARCH
AT ORAPA
BY KAY SOOPU, ORAPA
A L L PHO T OGR A PHS : MIK E S OROC Z Y NSK I
Makgadikgadi Pan supports over 20 000 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
Curlew Sandpiper
Makgadikgadi Pan supports over 20 000
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.
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.
An interesting initiative complementing
sustainable development efforts is the
expansion of Orapa Game Park, from
the current 12 210ha to 48 964ha. This
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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.
THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
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.
PHO T OGR A PHER : GEKC 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.
PHO T OGR A PHER : EMILY TAY L OR
Long-crested Eagle
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 – [email protected].
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PHO T OGR A PHER : T Y RONE MCK ENDRY
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.
THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
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).
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 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 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 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 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.
The book was published in 2013 by the Centre for African
Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University, Port Elizabeth. More information is available at:
http://ace.nmmu.ac.za/home or at [email protected] or at
041 504 2316.
For more information, please contact Bernadette at
083 660 1148, or email [email protected] or
[email protected]
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THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
THE FASCINATING
WORLD OF
ARCHAEOLOGY
BY ENIRETA MAKANZA, NAMDEB ENVIRONMENTAL
SECTION
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
AT SENDELINGSDRIF
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Ring-fenced archaeological sites in the Orange
River Mines area
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.
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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.
THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
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!
Picture 1
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
[email protected] before 30 June 2014
to win one of these amazing books.
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
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THE DIAMOND ROUTE NEWSLETTER
Come meet some of the folk
living next door to our miners.
E+I 19528 © Photos by Erwin & Nicoleen Niemand
2013 ZSSA Corporate Award
2011 Eco-Logic Award
2011 SANParks Kudu Award
2010 Nedbank Capital Green
Mining Award
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