|
Verloren Valei Nature Reserve
Water sustains life., Verloren Valei Nature Reserve was proclaimed to manage and protect this precious and
sensitive ecosystems that store and produce crystal clear water. The numerous pockets of high altitude mountain
sponges are the source of the most reliable permanent river in Mpumalanga namely the Crocodile. This river flows
through Mpumalanga and into Mozambique. The reserve is declared as a RAMSAR site, recognizing wetlands of
international importance.
Verloren Valei nature reserve covers an area of 5 891 hectares, 14 kilometres north of Dullstroom. The relative
high rainfall of this area contributes to the lovely clear streams and high altitude wetlands.
The frequent summer mists which drift across the hillsides may hide the reserve from view resulting in the
reserve's name which means 'lost valley'.
Numerous flowering plants and a rich variety of rare birds make the reserve a treasure house of biodiversity.
Ground orchids are abundant and other spectacular plants includes various species of Watsonia , Gladiolus,
Aloes, Crocosmia , Diarama and Nerine. These interesting species are to be found within the flowering peak
between November and January.
The birdlife includes the endangered Wattled Crane, Blue Crane , Yellow-breasted Pipit, Greywing- and
Redwing Francolin , Stanley Bustard, Secretary bird and the elusive Cape Eagle Owl.
A project to save the wattle crane from becoming extinct in South Africa was started in 1995 on Verloren Valei
by the South African crane working group. Wattle crane second eggs are collected and incubated in an incubator.
The week old chicks are then reared in a specially designed facility on the reserve. The chicks are raised in
isolation and the people who look after them must wear crane suites at all times so that the birds can not
imprint on humans. The birds are released in to the wild when they are about 6 months old. With this project
we hope to boost the numbers of wattle cranes in the current declining population. Funds for this project are
obtained from sponsors.
Small anteilope includes the rare Oribi as well as the Grey Rhebuck and Mountain Reed buck Duiker and Steenbok.
Predators include the brown Hyena , Caracal , Serval, Bblack-backed jackal , Side-striped jackal , Cape claw
less and Spotted necked otters. MTPA has recently reintroduced Zebra, Black wildebeest and
Blesbok.
Butterflies of all kinds are attracted by the masses of indigenous flowers during the short summer months.
The biggest attractions to this special nature reserve are the cranes, the flowers and sweet water. The cranes are
world wide symbols of longevity and they inhabit the healthiest environments, the numerous flower species give colour
to life and the water gives life.
Visitors to the reserve are allowed by prior arrangement only. A tourist route is laid out and groups visiting the
reserve are taken on a guided tour on this route.
|
|
|
Home
