A Beacon of Hope for Conservation in KwaZulu-Natal

Monitor at Ntsikeni Nature Reserve as of 1st December 2022.

With Dalu’s appointment, there is hope for significant progress towards conservation at the reserve. He will work closely with BirdLife South Africa’s White-winged Flufftail Project Manager on trialling methods to show the White-winged Flufftail to the public at the reserve, assist with biosecurity enforcement, and provide additional support to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife with the management of the wetland within the reserve. Additionally, he will be involved as a bird guide to all birders visiting Ntsikeni Nature Reserve and play an important role in the lodge.

Nestled in the lush hills of KwaZulu-Natal, Ntsikeni Nature Reserve is a unique and biodiverse ecosystem that is home to a wealth of plant and animal species, including the critically endangered White-winged Flufftail. However, despite its ecological significance, the reserve has been facing several challenges that have hindered its effective conservation.

One of the biggest issues at the reserve has been severe understaffing and underfunding, resulting in annual uncontrolled fires, poor law enforcement, and invasive alien species encroachment. Moreover, the lack of infrastructure and marketing support has hampered tourism, which could potentially contribute to the reserve’s funding and conservation efforts.

However, there is hope for the future of Ntsikeni Nature Reserve. BirdLife South Africa, a partner of BirdLife International, has developed an action plan for the reserve and established working relationships with local traditional organizations, Ezemvelo Wildlife, and surrounding farmers to prioritize the conservation of the White-winged Flufftail.

Recognizing the importance of Ntsikeni’s biodiversity and the need for urgent action, BirdLife Sani and BirdLife eThekwini KZN stepped in with significant donations. The two organizations donated R25,000 each including a further R3 000 from BirdLife eThekwini KZN which they raised from book sales at the last BirdLife KZN Forum to support the employment of an on-site manager, with BirdLife South Africa aiming to contract Dalu Ngcobo for an initial 12-month period. Dalu, who has previously acted in this role with the support of Malcolm and Gail Gemmell, has been appointed as a Community Bird Guide and Environmental

The donation and appointment of Dalu is a gamechanger, generating much-needed momentum for further funding and action towards conserving the vital wetland. It is hoped that this seed funding backed with a workable action plan with all-round support will go a long way in changing the longterm future of the reserve. BirdLife South Africa is committed to providing regular updates on Dalu’s involvement and progress towards conservation efforts at Ntsikeni Nature Reserve.

In conclusion, Ntsikeni Nature Reserve is a critical site for the conservation of several endangered species, and the recent donations and appointment of Dalu Ngcobo are significant steps towards addressing the challenges facing the reserve. By working together and taking action, we can make a real difference in the protection and preservation of the natural world.

Tony Coetzer Chair|BirdLife Sani and Treasurer|BirdLife KZN Forum

Africa’s Ntsikeni Project has proudly sponsored by:

Flyer reproduced by kind permission of BLSA