Camera traps uncover biodiversity in Kyalami
KYALAMI – Home to a wide variety of wildlife, the Greater Kyalami area continues to be threatened by unsustainable development, that if not controlled could lead to the disappearance of the many species found there.
According to Tyrone McKendry, a biodiversity specialist for the Greater Kyalami Conservancy (Gekco), and Master in Science focusing on ecological corridors in urban environments at Wits University, the key to ensuring that these species are able to survive in the area which is under constant pressure from development, is to protect the habitat that they need for shelter, food and water.
Mckendry said, “After years of research and mapping in the conservancy, we began seeing patterns forming throughout the conservancy which are in the form of corridors. These areas are spaces which have not yet been developed and still provide large portions of habitat supporting the wildlife in the conservancy.”
Mckendry explained that the corridors in the conservancy were highly variable in size and condition, and many areas have been heavily degraded and transformed from their natural state.
However, by using camera traps, species such as the slender mongoose, yellow mongoose, water mongoose, South African hedgehog, Cape porcupine, scrub hare and jackal have been recorded at multiple points along the corridors including areas which are dominated by invasive trees.
He explained that although it was difficult to pinpoint the key findings from the years of research and mapping in the conservancy, as all data was important for different reasons, the red data species within the conservancy such as the African hedgehog, African grass owl and giant bullfrog were generally regarded as the more important species due to their conservation status.
McKendry added that the conservancy would continue to collect data on biodiversity in the area which would assist in understanding the ecology of the conservancy and what could be done to protect it.
“We are currently looking at establishing green corridors throughout the area with the aim of preserving biodiversity, encouraging outdoor recreational activities, and improving the quality of life of both residents and visitors to Gekco,” he concluded.
Details: www.gekco.co.za; Tyrone Mckendry at biodiversity@gekco.co.za
