New book on Maputaland’s sand forest
A book has been published on the sand forests of Maputaland
THE sand forest of False Bay near Hluhluwe covers the smallest area of all forest types, but a big spotlight has recently been shone on it with the publication of a book dedicated to this, the most underrated forest type in South Africa.
At first glance, the sand forest may appear unimpressive, but on closer inspection its unique qualities and characteristics unfold.
After 23 years of passionately exploring the country’s sand forests in his spare time, Dr Francois du Randt, a medical doctor in Hluhluwe, has published a book dedicated to this little-known forest type.
PHOTO: iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
His book, The Sand Forest of Maputaland, entails 400 pages of beautifully photographed and detailed information on a wide range of topics relating to the sand forest, including vegetation, animals, butterflies and insects.
‘Du Randt has done a wonderful job in highlighting a particularly special part of our world heritage site, which renowned horticulturalist Geoff Nichols agrees is one of the finest examples of its type in the world,’ said iSimangaliso media officer, Debbie Cooper.
‘As a conservation record of the False Bay section of iSimangaliso, as well as the rest of the Maputaland region, it is superb.’
False Bay’s sand forest is home to many species of both flora and fauna, including Lebombo wattle trees, rare indigenous cacti and orchids, and red duiker, suni, hyena and leopard.
It is also a well known birding area for species such as the African Broadbill and Neergaard’s Sunbird.
The Sand Forest of Maputaland can be purchased through SANBI.
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