A group of citizen scientists from in and around Stellenbosch gathered in Onder Papegaaiberg on Saturday morning (1 August) for the first BioBlitz event.

The event was organised by the Friends of Papegaaiberg and the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Science (NITheCS), with the aim of investigating the state of animal and plant life within the Papegaaiberg Nature Reserve.

The group, which met at Flamingo Park in Onder Papegaaiberg, was led by Professor Ruan Veldtman, an ecologist at Sanbi and part of NITheCS, with support from members of the newly formed Friends of Papegaaiberg.

Entry to the reserve was possible thanks to the support of the Onder Papegaaiberg Neighbourhood Watch.

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Database needed

“Before the Covid-19 lockdown, around 4 000 sightings were made in the reserve,” explained Karin Coetzee, chairperson of the Friends of Papegaaiberg. “That was the last time people entered the reserve; since then it has become too dangerous.”

Veldtman encouraged those involved to enjoy the morning in the reserve and take photos of everything that is alive, to be logged to the iNaturalist app.

“Papegaaiberg Nature Reserve is very special and it is important that we build a database of all living species in the reserve through events such as the BioBlitz,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this is a reserve in name only. Nothing is being done to preserve and protect this natural treasure. That is why it is important that citizen scientists, through their input, build the species list and thus apply pressure on the authorities to secure the reserve for everyone.”

Troubled times

Eikestadnuus previously reported on residents’ dissatisfaction with the condition and safety of the nature reserve. More than 50 residents handed over a petition to Stellenbosch municipal manager Geraldine Mettler and an online petition was launched that has been signed by more than 9 000 supporters.

Leaders of the group also met with Anton Bredell, provincial minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, in October 2023 to raise their concerns.

The natural area, which was proclaimed a nature reserve in 2016, borders Kayamandi and Onder Papegaaiberg, with numerous walking trails leading to these residential areas.

Some of the residents’ complaints around the safety and security of the reserve include that the area serves as an access route and hideout for criminals, free roaming and pasture of farm animals is common practise, and that hunting is done with wild dogs.

During Saturday’s BioBlitz, two groups of boys with dogs, on- and off- leash, walked through the reserve. When asked where they were heading, the group said they were on their way to the animal welfare centre in Devon Valley to get food for their dogs.

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Wildlife has gone

Coetzee said the animal life previously seen in the reserve has disappeared. “There were bucks, rabbits and guinea fowls, but these animals are no longer sighted and we have sadly found traps that have been set, presumably to catch these wild animals,” she pointed out.

“Alien vegetation is also taking over and a controlled burn is needed to rid the reserve of invasive species. As residents, we are applying the pressures on authorities for action, but this has not been forthcoming.”

The establishment of the Friends of Papegaaiberg and the BioBlitz project aims to create a database of all species and revitalise the nature reserve so that it may be a safe natural environment that can be used by all.

“The safeguarding of the reserve will cost millions, so we will need to get private funders and sponsors to make that dream a reality,” Coetzee said. “We also need private knowledge to ensure that that natural site is protected as it deserves.”

During the BioBlitz on Saturday around 220 observations of various flora and fauna were logged by participants, a nod to the success of the first event.

The following BioBlitz at the nature reserve will be held on Saturday 22 August.

This will be followed by a public lecture by Veldtman on the first two BioBlitz events at the Roadhouse Cinema at the Neelsie Student Centre at 16:00 on Monday 24 August.

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