The Heraut reported in November 2016 about the giant bullfrogs that emerged in the puddles on Stasie Street after heavy storms hit the area.
Photographers used the photo opportunities the colony of these frogs presented.
In 2021, after another heavy rainfall, the giant bullfrogs re-emerged, and the community shared the same excitement.
According to the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), the giant bullfrog is listed as a ‘near threatened’ (NT) species in SA. The giant bullfrog’s NT status means special permits are required to handle or relocate the species.
It also means a specialist giant bullfrog study must be done when a proposed development or manmade disturbance will threaten a giant bullfrog population and/or habitat.
The habitat of the giant bullfrogs of Heidelberg based on Stasie Street was under threat due to an industrial development proposed by the Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM) in Ext 24, the exact habitat area of these frogs.
The EWT commented on their Facebook page that the largest giant bullfrog population, in diversity and numbers, is in Gauteng and has declined by more than 90% since the 1970s.
Conservationists and Heidelberg residents were against the development and wanted to protect the species‘ habitat at all times.
With the help of residents, nature conservationists and community news, opposition to the development was widely distributed. The Heraut interviewed Hester van Rensburg, a resident close to the area, on June 12.
Van Rensburg told the Heraut that she learnt about the development in December 2023 by coincidence when browsing a Facebook page for Rensburg residents. She said she remembers looking at the frogs as she grew up.
Her parents stayed in Heidelberg for over 50 years and always took her and the family to look at them. When she read about the proposed development, she immediately acted and contacted the Department of Rural Development.
Van Rensburg contributed to drawing up petitions against the development and attended several meetings with the LLM to discuss the issue.
News about the proposed development that would threaten the habitat of the giant bullfrogs spread, and several media houses reported on it. On March 1, the LLM held an urgent meeting at the Heidelberg Town Hall to discuss objections and concerns about the proposed development in Ext 24 and the lodgment of an environmental impact assessment of the breeding area.
Heidelberg residents voiced their opposition and fear that the development could lead to the frog’s extinction and affect the already poor service delivery in the Rensburg area.
On June 10, the National Council of SPCAs shared the good news on their Facebook page that Heidelberg’s bullfrog battle had been won.
“It took time and effort, but we stood together as a community to save our frogs. I am grateful to everyone who helped in fighting the battle. It was a team effort, and we can celebrate together,” Van Rensburg said.
It is not clear yet where the proposed development will be, but it will not be in the habitat area of the endangered giant bullfrogs. The Wildlife Protection Unit stated: “Our Wildlife Protection Unit celebrates a significant win for protecting indigenous species in Heidelberg.
“In December 2023, our Wildlife Protection Unit received a complaint about a proposed development on an open space near the British American Tobacco factory on Stasie Street. This area, home to protected giant and African bullfrogs, was at risk due to a lapsed environmental authorisation dating back to 2006.
“Understanding the high conservation value of these species, we immediately contacted the LLM to clarify the status and impact of the environmental impact assessment for the development. Despite initial resistance and outdated authorisation being used to justify the project, we persisted in our advocacy for these vulnerable creatures.
“Our commitment led to substantial community involvement and lobbying efforts, culminating in a collaborative meeting in March 2024. During this meeting, attended by community members and various stakeholders, the LLM confirmed that the proposed development would not occur on the land inhabited by the bullfrogs. Additionally, there was clarification that the wetland area, vital for the bullfrogs, lies outside the demarcated development zone.
“This outcome represents a significant victory, underscoring the power of community action and the importance of protecting our natural heritage. The bullfrog habitat will remain undisturbed, ensuring these species continue to thrive in their natural environment. We thank everyone who supported us in this endeavour, proving that, together, we can make a difference for wildlife.”
• Hester van Rensburg passed away suddenly on June 18.
A tribute article for her will follow in our next publication.
