CONCERNS over the welfare of the Red Duiker population living in Pigeon Valley in upper Glenwood have been expressed after CROW reported that it had been called out on five separate occasions to assist animals that had been hit by vehicles.
According to Crispin Hemson, convenor of the Friends of Pigeon Valley, several Duiker have established themselves in the reservoir outside the main reserve and others outside the fence. This situation has led to increasing calls for action by the Friends of Pigeon Valley and other residents. The reserve is managed by the Natural Resources Division of the municipality.
He said there was also a much smaller population of perhaps four Blue Duiker, who are generally shy and secretive, but there had been a minimal change in the size of this group.
Recently the municipality, under the direction of Richard Boon of the Biodiversity Unit, conducted a census of the Duikers and counted 39. However, they were not able to count in the parts of the reserve where there is dense undergrowth and the total estimate is between 59 and 66. In addition, it is possible that there are a few more in areas outside the reserve, which have not been identified.
Hemson said this gave a population density of over five Duiker per hectare. A study indicates a density of two Duiker where conditions are very favourable. According to the report, when comparing the results of the census to the study, the study suggests that the reserve is currently overstocked with the species. Overstocking signifies a serious environmental challenge in maintaining the natural balance between wildlife and its immediate environment.’
He said this showed a huge growth on the five Duiker introduced in the 1990s. The report proposes relocating the animals to alternative suitable sites to reduce the Red Duiker population within Pigeon Valley.
Hemson said he was relieved that relocation had been proposed. “We have raised this issue frequently with management for some years, so are looking forward to action to resolve the overcrowding. We had noticed that some Red Duiker resist attempts to get them back inside the reserve, so it seems that some have been responding to the growing population inside,” he said.
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