Cornubia development: Habitat destruction, wildlife at risk

WITH construction crews hard at work on final touch-ups of the Cornubia housing development, north of Durban, a local NPO has raised concerns over the threat it (the development) poses to wildlife in the area. While much has been made of the development catering for 24 000 new homes, Steve Smit from Monkey Helpline said there has been a total disregard for the habitat of a number of animals, including a troop of 25 monkeys, roaming the 120 hectare estate. 

Speaking to Northglen News last week, Smit said he was disturbed by the lack of concern shown by developers. 

“We received a call from a lady in an office block across the road from the development who saw a pack of about five dogs attacking a monkey. When we arrived, we were shocked by what we saw. Habitat destruction as far as the eye can see. Most of the natural vegetation on this land has been destroyed including a number of trees the monkeys use for travel and safety. 

“The little strip of vegetation bordering the road is not suitable and now the troop runs the risk of crossing wide open spaces and being vulnerable to predation. Profit drives all of this and the people who are developing the land don’t care about the animals. Now a pack of dogs is hunting the remaining few as they scatter amongst the strip of brambles and bush lying scarred and desolate land. If nothing is done this troop is doomed,” he said.

The troop have now taken to foraging in the Mt Edgecombe DSW dump site.

A DSW worker who did not want to be named said the troop often sits near his office and looked through the trash for food.

“I’ve started feeding them to help out. The pack of dogs has often chased them and I think they see this as a safe place. The SPCA have also been out here to monitor the situation,” he said. 

The troop of monkeys however aren’t the only animals at risk and Smit was quick to point that out. 

“There’s hundreds of species of birds that used to nest here, rodents, snakes, mongooses and duikers that are also at risk. Now the devastation is complete and the remnants of remaining bush are bulldozed in preparation for the new development. The municipality hasn’t given any thought to building a green belt to help the animals who are at risk,” he said. 

Thabo Mofokeng, eThekwini Municipality spokesman however said a green zone within Cornubia was a priority. 

“We are extremely concerned with environmental issues and a green belt is very much a part of the process of the long term development,” he said. When quizzed about the short term prospects, Mofokeng, said he would ask project leaders about the specific challenges facing the animals. 

However there has been no response as to what the challenges may be despite repeated attempts.