Invasive species marginalising the indigenous at Korsman
Dozens of species including birds, plants, frogs and the actual grasslands in Korsman Bird Sanctuary, are under threat by fast-growing reeds and bulrushes.
“Korsman Bird Sanctuary is under ecological threat from reed and bulrush encroachment – and needs urgent intervention by Ekurhuleni,” said Jane Trembath, chairperson of the Korsman Conservancy; which cares for the sanctuary.
“Grassland is already threatened in Gauteng and these reeds and bulrushes are endangering it here now.
“It also pushes out many species, as they can’t operate in or feed off these plants; that reduces the biodiversity in the sanctuary.”
Trembath said some birds thrive amongst the reeds, as they nest there.
Because of this, she’ll aim to have only 50 per cent of the waterborne reeds and bulrush removed, to reach a balance.
Trembath said Phragmites australis (common reed) and Typha capensis (bulrush), were planted in the area in the 1950s.
“Reeds became a problem in the 1980s, when Nature Conservation advised that a control plan must be implemented,” Trembath said.
“Reed growth now covers almost 25 per cent of the water and has encroached on the shore.”
The Westdene resident said the reeds are best controlled, by spraying specific herbicides onto them.
This falls under the metro’s responsibilities, as it owns the land.
“The Ekurhuleni Environmental: Wetlands team has been hampered by a lack of equipment,” Trembath explained.
“Although there’s been some efficacy, the gains are eroded without follow-up; and the extent of the plants in 2016, is almost back to 2013 levels.
“Until Wetlands is properly resourced with Kilo Max herbicide, an additional working hose and waders for the operators, the spraying is ineffective and the reeds continue encroaching.”
Trembath said the desired outcome is:
• 100 per cent of shore reeds and bulrushes removed
• 50 per cent of water reeds and bulrushes removed.
The metro was asked for comment, but none was received at the time of going to print.
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