SA’s grasslands face several threats
This exercise simulates a real-life conservation situation, giving students some practical grounding for their future careers.
According to Jenny Grice, a Melville Koppies volunteer, South African grasslands are under threat.
“Thousands of years ago, grasslands managed themselves – regular fires often caused by lightning strikes on dried-out winter grass helped keep the grasslands from being taken over by forests and maintained their plant, animal and bird diversity,” said Grice.
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However, urbanisation, the expansion of agriculture and timber, and the encroachment by invasive alien plants are new threats to grasslands’ existence.
“Grasslands are important components of the ecosystem. They act as a sponge to catch rainwater runoff, ensuring streams and rivers continue running throughout the year,” said Grice.
“They support a vast range of plants, animals and birds. Many plants that grow in grasslands are used medicinally by a large percentage of the SA population.”
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Every year, third-year Wits students visit Melville Koppies to assess the grass load and check the wind speed and temperature before the Melville Koppies conservation team burns the area.
This exercise simulates a real-life conservation situation, giving students some practical grounding for their future careers.
More details: wendavid@mweb.co.za, 079 532 0083, or www.mk.org.za #melvillekoppies
