Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
Encyclopedia
Location
The Rietvlei Wetland Reserve is a 663 hectare nature reserve situated in Milnerton, Cape TownCape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. It is managed by the City of Cape Town
City of Cape Town
The City of Cape Town is the metropolitan municipality which governs the city of Cape Town, South Africa and its suburbs and exurbs. As of 2007, it had a population of 3,497,097....
's Environmental Resource Management Department. The Rietvlei Wetland Reserve forms part of the greater 880 hectare Table Bay Nature Reserve
Table Bay Nature Reserve
The Table Bay Nature Reserve is a 880 hectare proposed nature reserve situated in Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa. It consists of the conservation areas including Rietvlei Wetland Reserve, Diep River Fynbos Corridor, Milnerton Lagoon, Zoarvlei Wetlands, Milnerton Racecourse Nature Reserve, as...
.
Background
Rietvlei is considered as the most important area for waterbirds in the region and is recognized as an Important Bird AreaImportant Bird Area
An Important Bird Area is an area recognized as being globally important habitat for the conservation of bird populations. Currently there are about 10,000 IBAs worldwide. The program was developed and sites are identified by BirdLife International...
by BirdLife International
BirdLife International
BirdLife International is a global Partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources...
. Official recognition of its importance to biodiversity by the South African government was first afforded in 1984, when it was established as a Nature Area. This was followed by its declaration as a Protected Natural Environment in 1989, and the establishment of the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve in 1993. The first formal management plan for the reserve was developed in 1994, and this has served to guide management activities to the present.
History
The most obvious and dramatic human-induced modification at Rietvlei was the dredging of the entire north-west section between 1974 and 1976. Seawater was pumped into the pans to facilitate the operation and a vast area was dredged to a depth of 9 meters. The ecological consequences were profound and irreversible. A sizeable portion of Rietvlei's shallow ephemeral pans was changed into a permanent deep-water lake, which resulted in a total change in ecological character for this portion of the system.Visitor facilities
Rietvlei Wetland Reserve offers various user activities, including several types of water sport recreation, bird watching, picnic, fishing and outdoor environmental education opportunities. The Rietvlei Education Centre hosts a range of environmental education programmes and utilises the two bird hides and the short footpath for field excursions.The Milnerton Aquatic Club leases an area of land inside the nature reserve from where they promote windsurf, sail, power- and radio-controlled boating. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB
SANCCOB
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds is an international body dedicated to seabird rehabilitation. The only seabird rehabilitation organization registered with the South African Veterinary Council, the non-profit centre is based at the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve in...
) manages a rehabilitation facility at Rietvlei.
Habitats
A range of natural and semi-natural habitats exist in this fluctuating wetlandCape Lowland Freshwater Wetland
Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetland is a critically endangered vegetation type of the Western Cape, South Africa.-Environment:This type of riparian vegetation and its accompanying ecosystem is found in the Western Cape, South Africa, on freshwater floodplains, along the lower stretches of rivers and...
, which floods in winter and dries out in summer when the estuary mouth closes. These habitats include shallow marine
Marine (ocean)
Marine is an umbrella term. As an adjective it is usually applicable to things relating to the sea or ocean, such as marine biology, marine ecology and marine geology...
waters, estuarine waters, sand/shingle shores, tidal mudflats, saltmarshes, coastal brackish saline lagoons, rivers, streams
STREAMS
In computer networking, STREAMS is the native framework in Unix System V for implementing character devices.STREAMS was designed as a modular architecture for implementing full-duplex I/O between kernel or user space processes and device drivers. Its most frequent uses have been in developing...
and creeks
Stream
A stream is a body of water with a current, confined within a bed and stream banks. Depending on its locale or certain characteristics, a stream may be referred to as a branch, brook, beck, burn, creek, "crick", gill , kill, lick, rill, river, syke, bayou, rivulet, streamage, wash, run or...
, permanent freshwater lakes and permanent and seasonal freshwater marshes and pools.
The Diep estuary
The Diep River flows through the Rietvlei wetland and the Milnerton Lagoon, which together have generally been considered to comprise the Diep estuaryEstuary
An estuary is a partly enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea....
. If the 5 meter contour
Contour line
A contour line of a function of two variables is a curve along which the function has a constant value. In cartography, a contour line joins points of equal elevation above a given level, such as mean sea level...
above mean sea level is used as the estuary
Estuary
An estuary is a partly enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea....
delineation, then the Diep estuary entirely encompasses the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve. The Diep River has its origins in the Riebeek Kasteel Mountains north-east of Malmesbury
Malmesbury
Malmesbury is a market town and civil parish located in the southern Cotswolds in the county of Wiltshire, England. Historically Malmesbury was a centre for learning and home to Malmesbury Abbey...
from where it flows for about 65 kilometers south-west towards Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
before entering the sea at Milnerton, some 5 kilometers north of the Port of Cape Town
Port of Cape Town
The Port of Cape Town is the port of the city of Cape Town, South Africa. It is situated in Table Bay.Because of its position along one of the world's busiest trade routes it is one of the busiest ports in South Africa, handling the largest amount of fresh fruit and second only to Durban as a...
. It has one major tributary, the Mosselbank, which drains the northern slopes of the Durbanville Hills. Other tributaries include the Swart, Groen, Klein, and Riebeeck, with the Klapmuts being a tributary of the Mosselbank. The total size of the catchment is 1,495 km2 or 154,347 hectares.
Birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals
A total of 173 species have been recorded at Rietvlei, of which 102 are waterbirds and 76 are present regularly. Breeding has been confirmed for 23 waterbird species and is suspected for a further 13 species. The high diversity of waterbirds is due to the wide range of wetlandWetland
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorised by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions....
habitats present and the proximity of Rietvlei to the ocean
Ocean
An ocean is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas.More than half of this area is over 3,000...
, which allows both freshwater and coastal species to exploit the system. Fluctuating water-levels are intrinsic to Rietvlei’s biological value. During peak floods, swimming birds of deep, open water abound. Birds of marshy habitats replace these as the water recedes, and wader
Wader
Waders, called shorebirds in North America , are members of the order Charadriiformes, excluding the more marine web-footed seabird groups. The latter are the skuas , gulls , terns , skimmers , and auks...
s exploiting shallow mudflats occur in great abundance just prior to the wetland drying up. Rietvlei has been ranked as the sixth most important coastal wetland in South Africa for waterbirds, and it supports an average of 5,550 birds in summer; during good years, however, numbers are boosted above 15,000. Phoenicopterus minor, a species of global conservation concern, occurs at the site, but not in globally significant numbers.
Updated from South African Biodiversity Database
Indigenous - rare and endangered
- Anthropoides paradiseus (Blue CraneBlue CraneThe Blue Crane , also known as the Stanley Crane and the Paradise Crane, is the national bird of South Africa. It is a tall, ground-dwelling bird, but is fairly small by the standards of the crane family. It is 100–120 cm tall and weighs 4.0–6.2 kg...
) (VulnerableVulnerable speciesOn 30 January 2010, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identified 9694 Vulnerable species, subspecies and varieties, stocks and sub-populations.-References:...
) (VU) - Circus ranivorus (African Marsh-Harrier) (VulnerableVulnerable speciesOn 30 January 2010, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identified 9694 Vulnerable species, subspecies and varieties, stocks and sub-populations.-References:...
) (VU)
Indigenous
- Acrocephalus gracilirostris (Lesser Swamp-WarblerLesser Swamp-warblerThe Lesser Swamp Warbler or Cape Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus gracilirostris, is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It is a resident breeder in Africa from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Chad and Ethiopia south to South Africa...
) - Actitis hypoleucos (Common SandpiperCommon SandpiperThe Common Sandpiper is a small Palearctic wader. This bird and its American sister species, the Spotted Sandpiper , make up the genus Actitis. They are parapatric and replace each other geographically; stray birds of either species may settle down with breeders of the other and hybridize...
) - Alcedo cristata (Malachite KingfisherMalachite KingfisherThe Malachite Kingfisher is a river kingfisher which is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara. It is largely resident except for seasonal climate related movements....
) - Alopochen aegyptiacus (Egyptian GooseEgyptian GooseThe Egyptian Goose is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. It is in the shelduck subfamily Tadorninae, and is the only extant member of the genus Alopochen...
) - Anas capensis (Cape TealCape TealThe Cape Teal is a 44-46 cm long dabbling duck of open wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa.This species is essentially non-migratory, although it moves opportunistically with the rains. Like many southern ducks, the sexes are similar. It is very pale and mainly grey, with a browner back and pink...
) - Anas erythrorhyncha (Red-billed TealRed-billed TealThe Red-billed Teal, Anas erythrorhyncha, is a dabbling duck which is an abundant resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa typically south of 10° S. This duck is not migratory, but will fly great distances to find suitable waters...
) - Anas hottentota (Hottentot TealHottentot TealThe Hottentot Teal is a species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas. It is migratory resident in eastern and southern Africa, from Sudan and Ethiopia west to Niger and Nigeria and south to South Africa and Namibia. In west Africa and Madagascar it is sedentary.The Hottentot Teal breed year round,...
) - Anas smithii (Cape ShovelerCape ShovelerThe Cape Shoveler Anas smithii formerly known as Cape Shoveller is a species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas. It is resident in South Africa, and uncommon further north in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zambia.This 51–53 cm long duck is non-migratory,...
) - Anas sparsa (African Black DuckAfrican Black DuckThe African Black Duck is a species of duck of the genus Anas. It is genetically closest to the mallard group , but shows some peculiarities in its behavior and plumage; it is accordingly placed in the subgenus Melananas pending further research.The African Black Duck is an...
) - Anas undulata (Yellow-billed DuckYellow-billed DuckThe Yellow-billed Duck, Anas undulata, is a 51–58 cm long dabbling duck which is an abundant resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa.This duck is not migratory, but will wander in the dry season to find suitable waters...
) - Anhinga rufa (African DarterAfrican DarterThe African Darter , sometimes called the Snakebird, is a water bird of sub-Saharan Africa.-Taxonomy:The African Darter is a member of the darter family, Anhingidae, and is closely related to American , Oriental , and Australian Darters.-Description:The male is mainly glossy...
) - Apus affinis (Little SwiftLittle SwiftThe Little Swift , is a small bird, superficially similar to a Barn Swallow or House Martin. It is, however, completely unrelated to those passerine species, since swifts are in the order Apodiformes. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles...
) - Ardea cinerea (Grey HeronGrey HeronThe Grey Heron , is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions...
) - Ardea goliath (Goliath HeronGoliath HeronThe Goliath Heron is a very large wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa, with smaller numbers in Southwest and South Asia.-Description:This is the world's largest heron...
) - Ardea melanocephala (Black-headed HeronBlack-headed HeronThe Black-headed Heron is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, common throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It is mainly resident but some west African birds move further north in the rainy season....
) - Ardea purpurea (Purple HeronPurple HeronThe Purple Heron is a wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, breeding in Africa, central and southern Europe, and southern and eastern Asia. The European populations are migratory, wintering in tropical Africa; the more northerly Asian populations also migrate further south within Asia...
) - Bostrychia hagedash (Hadeda Ibis)
- Bradypterus baboecala (Little Rush-Warbler)
- Bubulcus ibis (Cattle EgretCattle EgretThe Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Bubulcus, although some authorities regard its two subspecies as full species, the Western Cattle Egret and the Eastern Cattle Egret...
) - Burhinus vermiculatus (Water Thick-kneeWater Thick-kneeThe Water Thick-knee is a species of bird in the Burhinidae family.It is found in Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia,...
, Water Dikkop) - Calidris alba (SanderlingSanderlingThe Sanderling is a small wader. It is a circumpolar Arctic breeder, and is a long-distance migrant, wintering south to South America, South Europe, Africa, and Australia...
) - Calidris canutus (Red KnotRed KnotThe Red Knot, Calidris canutus , is a medium sized shorebird which breeds in tundra and the Arctic Cordillera in the far north of Canada, Europe, and Russia. It is a large member of the Calidris sandpipers, second only to the Great Knot...
) - Calidris ferruginea (Curlew SandpiperCurlew SandpiperThe Curlew Sandpiper is a small wader that breeds on the tundra of Arctic Siberia. It is strongly migratory, wintering mainly in Africa, but also in south and southeast Asia and in Australasia...
) - Calidris melanotos (Pectoral SandpiperPectoral SandpiperThe Pectoral Sandpiper, Calidris melanotos, is a small wader. It is sometimes separated with the "stint" sandpipers in Erolia. This may or may not represent a good monophyletic group, depending on the placement of the phylogenetically enigmatic Curlew Sandpiper , the type species of Erolia...
) - Calidris minuta (Little StintLittle StintThe Little Stint, Calidris minuta , is a very small wader. It breeds in arctic Europe and Asia, and is a long-distance migrant, wintering south to Africa and south Asia...
) - Cercotrichas coryphoeus (Karoo Scrub-RobinKaroo Scrub-robinThe Karoo Scrub-robin or Karoo Robin is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It is found in Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Its natural habitats are dry shrubland and Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation....
) - Ceryle rudis (Pied KingfisherPied KingfisherThe Pied Kingfisher is a water kingfisher and is found widely distributed across Africa and Asia. Their black and white plumage, crest and the habit of hovering over clear lakes and rivers before diving for fish makes it distinctive. Males have a double band across the breast while females have a...
) - Charadrius hiaticula (Common Ringed Plover)
- Charadrius marginatus (White-fronted PloverWhite-fronted PloverThe White-fronted Plover or White-fronted Sandplover, Charadrius marginatus, is a small wader. This plover is resident in much of Africa south of the Sahara on rocky, sandy or muddy coasts and large inland rivers and lakes....
) - Charadrius pallidus (Chestnut-banded PloverChestnut-banded PloverThe Chestnut-banded Plover is a species of bird in the Charadriidae family.It is found in Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe....
) - Charadrius pecuarius (Kittlitz's PloverKittlitz's PloverThe Kittlitz’s Plover is a small plover found in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and the Nile delta. Some birds, especially in coastal areas, are resident, other populations are migratory or nomadic.-Description:...
) - Charadrius tricollaris (Three-banded PloverThree-banded PloverThe Three-banded Plover or Three-banded Sandplover, Charadrius tricollaris, is a small wader. This plover is resident in much of eastern and southern Africa and Madagascar, mainly on inland rivers, pools and lakes. Its nest is a bare scrape on shingle.The adult Three-banded Plover is 18 cm in...
) - Chlidonias leucopterus (White-winged TernWhite-winged TernThe White-winged Tern, or White-winged Black Tern, Chlidonias leucopterus, is a small tern generally found in or near bodies of fresh water across from Southeastern Europe east to Australia....
) - Columba guinea (Speckled PigeonSpeckled PigeonThe Speckled Pigeon or Rock Pigeon is a pigeon which is a resident breeding bird in much of Africa south of the Sahara. It is a common and widespread species in open habitats over a good deal of its range, although there are sizeable gaps in its distribution.This species builds a large stick nest...
) - Corvus albus (Pied CrowPied CrowThe Pied Crow is a widely distributed African bird species in the crow genus.Structurally, the Pied Crow is better thought of as a small crow-sized Raven, especially as it can hybridise with the Somali Crow where their ranges meet in the Horn of Africa...
) - Egretta alba (Great EgretGreat EgretThe Great Egret , also known as the Great White Egret or Common Egret, White Heron, or Great White Heron, is a large, widely-distributed egret. Distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world, in southern Europe it is rather localized...
) - Egretta garzetta (Little EgretLittle EgretThe Little Egret is a small white heron. It is the Old World counterpart to the very similar New World Snowy Egret.-Subspecies:Depending on authority, two or three subspecies of Little Egret are currently accepted....
) - Egretta intermedia (Yellow-billed Egret)
- Elanus caeruleus (Black-shouldered KiteBlack-shouldered KiteThe Black-shouldered Kite or Australian Black-shouldered Kite is a small raptor found in open habitat throughout Australia and resembles similar species found in Eurasia and North America, which have in the past also been named as Black-shouldered Kites...
) - Estrilda astrild (Common WaxbillCommon WaxbillThe Common Waxbill , also known as the St Helena Waxbill, is a small passerine bird belonging to the estrildid finch family. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa but has been introduced to many other regions of the world and now has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 10,000,000 km²...
) - Euplectes orix (Southern Red BishopSouthern Red BishopThe Southern Red Bishop or Red Bishop is a small passerine bird belonging to the bishop and widowbird genus Euplectes in the weaver family Ploceidae. It is common in wetlands and grassland in Africa south of the Equator. North of the Equator, it is replaced by the Northern Red Bishop or Orange...
) - Falco rupicolus (Rock Kestrel)
- Fulica cristata (Red-knobbed CootRed-knobbed CootThe Red-knobbed Coot or Crested Coot, , is a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae.It is a resident breeder across much of Africa and in southernmost Spain on freshwater lakes and ponds. It builds a nest of dead reeds near the water's edge or more commonly afloat, laying about 8...
) - Gallinago nigripennis (African SnipeAfrican SnipeThe African Snipe, Gallinago nigripennis, also known as the Ethiopian Snipe, is a small stocky wader. It breeds in eastern and southern Africa in wet mountain moorland and swamps at altitudes of 1700 - 4000m. When not breeding it disperses widely, including into coastal lowlands.-Description:This...
, Ethiopian Snipe) - Gallinula chloropus (Common MoorhenCommon MoorhenThe Common Moorhen is a bird in the Rallidae family with an almost worldwide distribution. The North and South American Committees of the AOU and the IOC have voted on or before July 2011 to split the American forms into a new species Common Gallinule, however, no other committee has voted to...
) - Haematopus moquini (African Black OystercatcherAfrican Black OystercatcherThe African Oystercatcher or African Black Oystercatcher, is a large wader which is a resident breeder on the rocky coasts and islands of southern Africa...
) - Haliaeetus vocifer (African Fish-Eagle)
- Himantopus himantopus (Black-winged StiltBlack-winged StiltThe Black-winged Stilt or Common Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family . Opinions differ as to whether the birds treated under the scientific name H. himantopus ought to be treated as a single species and if not, how many species to recognize...
) - Hirundo albigularis (White-throated SwallowWhite-throated SwallowThe White-throated Swallow is a small bird in the swallow family. It is a common species, found in southern Africa, which has benefited from the increased nesting opportunities presented by the construction of bridges and dams....
) - Hirundo rustica (Barn SwallowBarn SwallowThe Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts, a long, deeply forked tail and curved, pointed wings. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas...
) - Larus cirrocephalus (Grey-headed GullGrey-headed GullThe Grey-headed Gull is a small gull which breeds patchily in South America and Africa south of the Sahara. It is not truly migratory, but is more widespread in winter. This species has occurred as a rare vagrant to North America and Spain. It is also known as the Grey-hooded Gull...
) - Larus dominicanus (Kelp GullKelp GullThe Kelp Gull , also known as the Dominican Gull, breeds on coasts and islands through much of the southern hemisphere. The race L. d. vetula occurs around southern Africa, and nominate L. d...
) - Larus hartlaubii (Hartlaub's GullHartlaub's GullThe Hartlaub's Gull or King Gull, is a small gull, which is a non-migratory breeding resident endemic to the Atlantic Ocean coastline of South Africa and Namibia. Although it is predominantly coastal or estuarine, it is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from land...
) - Limosa lapponica (Bar-tailed GodwitBar-tailed GodwitThe Bar-tailed Godwit is a large wader in the family Scolopacidae, which breeds on Arctic coasts and tundra mainly in the Old World, and winters on coasts in temperate and tropical regions of the Old World...
) - Macronyx capensis (Cape LongclawCape LongclawThe Cape Longclaw or Orange-throated Longclaw, Macronyx capensis, is a passerine bird in the family Motacillidae, which comprises the longclaws, pipits and wagtails. It occurs in Southern Africa in Zimbabwe and southern and eastern South Africa. This species is found in coastal and mountain...
) - Megaceryle maximus (Giant KingfisherGiant KingfisherThe Giant Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher in Africa, where it is a resident breeding bird over most of the continent south of the Sahara Desert other than the arid southwest....
) - Merops apiaster (European Bee-eaterEuropean Bee-eaterThe European Bee-eater, Merops apiaster, is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family Meropidae. It breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. It is strongly migratory, wintering in tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka...
) - Milvus migrans (Black KiteBlack KiteThe Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors. Unlike others of the group, they are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. Their...
, Yellow-billed KiteYellow-billed KiteThe Yellow-billed Kite is the Afrotropic counterpart of the Black Kite , of which it is most often considered a subspecies. However, recent DNA studies suggest that the Yellow-billed Kite differs significantly from Black Kites in the Eurasian clade, and should be considered as a separate,...
) - Motacilla capensis (Cape WagtailCape WagtailThe Cape Wagtail is a small passerine bird in the family Motacillidae, which includes the wagtails, pipits and longclaws....
) - Netta erythrophthalma (Southern PochardSouthern PochardThe Southern Pochard is a duck.There are two subspecies, the South American Pochard N. e. erythrophthalma and the African Pochard N. e...
) - Numenius arquata (Eurasian CurlewEurasian CurlewThe Eurasian Curlew, Numenius arquata, is a wader in the large family Scolopacidae. It is one of the most widespread of the curlews, breeding across temperate Europe and Asia...
) - Numenius phaeopus (Common Whimbrel)
- Nycticorax nycticorax (Black-crowned Night-Heron)
- Oxyura maccoa (Maccoa DuckMaccoa DuckThe Maccoa Duck is a small long African stiff-tailed duck.Adult males have a chestnut body, a blue bill and a black head...
) - Pelecanus onocrotalus (Great White Pelican)
- Phalacrocorax africanus (Reed Cormorant)
- Phalacrocorax capensis (Cape CormorantCape CormorantThe Cape Cormorant or Cape Shag, Phalacrocorax capensis, is a bird endemic to the southwestern coasts of Africa.It breeds from Namibia south to southern Cape Province. In the nonbreeding season, it may be found as far north as the mouth of the Congo, and also extends up the east coast of South...
) - Phalacrocorax coronatus (Crowned CormorantCrowned CormorantThe Crowned Cormorant, Microcarbo coronatus, is a small cormorant that is endemic to the waters of the cold Benguela Current of southern Africa. It is an exclusively coastal species and is always found at least 10 km away from land...
) - Phalacrocorax lucidus (White-breasted CormorantWhite-breasted CormorantThe White-breasted Cormorant is a member of the cormorant family Phalacrocoracidae. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Great Cormorant, in which case it is referred to as Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus. However some authorities The White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus) is a...
) - Philomachus pugnax (RuffRuffThe Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird that breeds in marshes and wet meadows across northern Eurasia. This highly gregarious sandpiper is migratory and sometimes forms huge flocks in its winter grounds, which include southern and western Europe, Africa, southern Asia and Australia...
) - Phoenicopterus minor (Lesser FlamingoLesser FlamingoThe Lesser Flamingo is a species in the flamingo family of birds that resides in Africa and in southern Asia...
) - Phoenicopterus ruber (Greater FlamingoGreater FlamingoThe Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family. It is found in parts of Africa, southern Asia , and southern Europe...
) - Platalea alba (African SpoonbillAfrican SpoonbillThe African Spoonbill is a long-legged wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. The species is widespread across Africa and Madagascar, including Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It lives in marshy wetlands with some open shallow water and...
) - Plectropterus gambensis (Spur-winged GooseSpur-winged GooseThe Spur-winged Goose is a large bird in the family Anatidae, related to the geese and the shelducks, but distinct from both of these in a number of anatomical features, and therefore treated in its own subfamily, the Plectropterinae...
) - Plegadis falcinellus (Glossy IbisGlossy IbisThe Glossy Ibis is a wading bird in the ibis family Threskiornithidae.This is the most widespread ibis species, breeding in scattered sites in warm regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas...
) - Podiceps cristatus (Great Crested GrebeGreat Crested GrebeThe Great Crested Grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds.- Description :The Great Crested Grebe is long with a wingspan. It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater. The adults are unmistakable in summer with head and neck decorations...
) - Podiceps nigricollis (Black-necked GrebeBlack-necked GrebeThe Black-necked Grebe, Podiceps nigricollis, known in North America as the Eared Grebe, is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It occurs on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.-Taxonomy:There are three subspecies:*P. n...
) - Porphyrio madagascariensis (African Purple Swamphen)
- Pternistis capensis (Cape Spurfowl)
- Recurvirostra avosetta (Pied AvocetPied AvocetThe Pied Avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta, is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. They breed in temperate Europe and western and Central Asia. It is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia...
) - Rostratula benghalensis (Greater Painted-snipe)
- Sterna balaenarum (Damara TernDamara TernThe Damara Tern is a species of tern in the Sternidae family.It breeds in western South Africa, Namibia and Angola...
) - Sterna bergii (Swift Tern)
- Sterna caspia (Caspian TernCaspian TernThe Caspian Tern is a species of tern, with a subcosmopolitan but scattered distribution. Despite its extensive range, it is monotypic of its genus, and has no subspecies accepted either...
) - Sterna hirundo (Common TernCommon TernThe Common Tern is a seabird of the tern family Sternidae. This bird has a circumpolar distribution, breeding in temperate and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and east and central North America. It is strongly migratory, wintering in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. It is sometimes...
) - Sterna sandvicensis (Sandwich Tern)
- Sterna vittata (Antarctic TernAntarctic TernThe Antarctic Tern is a typical tern. It ranges throughout the southern oceans. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Arctic Tern, but is stockier, and the wing tips are grey instead of blackish in flight...
) - Streptopelia senegalensis (Laughing DoveLaughing DoveThe Laughing Dove is a small pigeon which is a resident breeding bird in the tropics in Africa south of the Sahara, the Middle East and southern Asia east to India. In India it is also known as the Little Brown Dove...
) - Tachybaptus ruficollis (Little GrebeLittle GrebeThe Little Grebe , also known as Dabchick, member of the grebe family of water birds. At 23 to 29 cm in length it is the smallest European member of its family. It is commonly found in open bodies of water across most of its range.-Description:The Little Grebe is a small water bird with a pointed...
) - Tadorna cana (South African Shelduck)
- Thalassornis leuconotus (White-backed DuckWhite-backed DuckThe White-backed Duck is a waterbird of the family Anatidae. It is distinct from all other ducks, but most closely related to the whistling ducks in the subfamily Dendrocygninae, though also showing some similarities to the stiff-tailed ducks in the subfamily Oxyurinae...
) - Threskiornis aethiopicus (African Sacred Ibis)
- Tringa glareola (Wood SandpiperWood SandpiperThe Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola, is a small wader. This Eurasian species is the smallest of the shanks, which are mid-sized long-legged waders of the family Scolopacidae.- Description and systematics :...
) - Tringa nebularia (Common Greenshank)
- Tringa stagnatilis (Marsh SandpiperMarsh SandpiperThe Marsh Sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis, is a small wader. It is a rather small shank, and breeds in open grassy steppe and taiga wetlands from easternmost Europe to central Asia....
) - Vanellus armatus (Blacksmith LapwingBlacksmith LapwingThe Blacksmith Lapwing or Blacksmith Plover occurs commonly from Kenya through central Tanzania to southern and southwestern Africa...
, Blacksmith Plover) - Vidua macroura (Pin-tailed WhydahPin-tailed WhydahThe Pin-tailed Whydah, Vidua macroura, is a small songbird. It is a resident breeding bird in most of Africa south of the Sahara Desert.This whydah is found in many open habitats including open woodland, scrub and cultivation....
)
Alien
- Anas platyrhynchos (MallardMallardThe Mallard , or Wild Duck , is a dabbling duck which breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand and Australia....
) - Columba livia (Feral PigeonFeral PigeonFeral pigeons , also called city doves, flying rats, city pigeons or street pigeons, are derived from domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild. The domestic pigeon was originally bred from the wild Rock Pigeon, which naturally inhabits sea-cliffs and mountains. All three types readily...
, Rock Dove) - Numida meleagris (Helmeted GuineafowlHelmeted GuineafowlThe Helmeted Guineafowl is the best known of the guineafowl bird family, Numididae, and the only member of the genus Numida...
)
Updated from South African Biodiversity Database
- Amietia fuscigula (Cape River FrogCape River FrogThe Cape River Frog is a species of frog in the Pyxicephalidae family. It was formerly placed in the Ranidae family...
) - Amietophrynus pantherinus (August Toad, Panther Toad, Snoring Toad, Western Leopard ToadWestern Leopard ToadThe Western Leopard Toad is a species of toad in the Bufonidae family.The species is endemic to the areas of Cape Town and the eastern coastline of the South-western Cape, South Africa...
) - Strongylopus grayii (Clicking Stream Frog)
- Strongylopus grayii grayii (Clicking Stream Frog)
- Tomopterna delalandii (Cape Sand Frog)
- Xenopus laevis (Common Platanna)
Updated from South African Biodiversity Database
- Acontias meleagrisAcontias meleagrisAcontias meleagris, the Cape Legless Skink, is a species of skink found in the southern Cape of South Africa. It has no limbs, like most members of the subfamily Acontinae....
(Cape Legless Skink) - Afrogecko porphyreus (Marbled Leaf-toed GeckoMarbled Leaf-toed GeckoThe Marbled Leaf-toed Gecko is a flat, medium-sized gecko that is indigenous to the Western Cape Province of South Africa....
, Marbled Leaftoed Gecko) - Bradypodion pumilum (Cape Dwarf ChameleonCape Dwarf ChameleonThe Cape Dwarf Chameleon , is a chameleon native to the South African province of the Western Cape where it is restricted to the region around Cape Town. As with most chameleons, its tongue is twice the length of its body and it can be shot out of its mouth using a special muscle in the jaw...
) - Chersina angulataChersina angulataThe Bowsprit tortoise , also known as the Angulate tortoise or Rooipens, is a species of tortoise found in dry areas and scrub forest in South Africa. This tortoise in the only known member of the genus Chersina....
(Angulate Tortoise) - Lycodonomorphus rufulusLycodonomorphus rufulusLycodonomorphus rufulus is a species of non-venomous, South African, colubrid snake.This gentle, harmless snake is by far the most common water snake in southern Africa. It can be found from Cape Town in the south, along the wet east coast of South Africa and inland as far as Gauteng, Lesotho and...
(Common Brown Water Snake) - Meroles knoxii (Knox's Desert Lizard)
- Naja nivea (Cape CobraCape CobraThe Cape Cobra or yellow cobra is a moderately sized, highly venomous cobra inhabiting a wide variety of biomes across Southern Africa...
) - Pelomedusa subrufa (Marsh Terrapin)
- Pseudaspis cana (Mole SnakeMole snakeThe mole snake is a species of snake in the family Pseudaspididae. It is native to much of southern Africa, and is the only member of the genus Pseudaspis. A study showed that P. cana are caught and consumed by the honey badger, among other species...
) - Scelotes bipes (Silvery Dwarf Burrowing Skink)
- Trachylepis capensisTrachylepis capensisThe Cape Skink is a species of skink in the subfamily Lygosominae. It is indigenous to Southern Africa and is often seen in suburban gardens where it tames easily.-Naming:...
(Cape Skink) - Trachylepis homalocephalaTrachylepis homalocephalaThe Red-sided Skink is a small, slender species of skink in the subfamily Lygosominae. It is indigenous to Southern Africa, where it typically occurs in coastal thicket and leaf litter along the South African coast - from Cape Town, eastwards along the coast as far as Mozambique...
(Red-sided Skink, Redsided Skink) - Typhlosaurus caecus (Cuvier's Blind Legless Skink)
Updated from South African Biodiversity Database
Indigenous
- Aonyx capensis (Cape Clawless Otter)
- Felis caracal (CaracalCaracalThe caracal is a fiercely territorial medium-sized cat ranging over Western Asia, South Asia and Africa.The word caracal comes from the Turkish word "karakulak", meaning "black ear". In North India and Pakistan, the caracal is locally known as syahgosh or shyahgosh, which is a Persian term...
) - Galerella pulverulenta (Small Grey Mongoose)
- Herpestes ichneumon (Large Grey Mongoose)
- Hystrix africaeaustralis (PorcupinePorcupinePorcupines are rodents with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that defend or camouflage them from predators. They are indigenous to the Americas, southern Asia, and Africa. Porcupines are the third largest of the rodents, behind the capybara and the beaver. Most porcupines are about long, with...
) - Mus minutoides (African Pygmy MouseAfrican Pygmy MouseThe African Pygmy Mouse, is possibly the smallest of all rodents and one of the smallest mammals. It is widespread within sub-Saharan Africa, and is kept as a pet in other parts of the world...
) - Myosorex varius (Forest ShrewForest ShrewThe Forest Shrew is a species of mammal in the Soricidae family. It is found in Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, dry savanna, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, and temperate grassland.-References:* Baxter, R. 2004. . Downloaded on 30 July...
) - Raphicerus campestris (SteenbokSteenbokThe Steenbok, Raphicerus campestris, is a common small antelope of southern and eastern Africa. It is sometimes known as the Steinbuck or Steinbok.- Description :...
) - Raphicerus melanotis (Cape Grysbok)
Alien
- Canis lupus familiaris (Domestic dog)
- Felis silvestris catus (Domestic cat)
Invertebrates and fish
ZooplanktonZooplankton
Zooplankton are heterotrophic plankton. Plankton are organisms drifting in oceans, seas, and bodies of fresh water. The word "zooplankton" is derived from the Greek zoon , meaning "animal", and , meaning "wanderer" or "drifter"...
multiply rapidly after winter flooding and disappear in summer as the water dries up. In the estuary
Estuary
An estuary is a partly enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea....
there is a range of salinities, resulting in a diverse community of zooplankton
Zooplankton
Zooplankton are heterotrophic plankton. Plankton are organisms drifting in oceans, seas, and bodies of fresh water. The word "zooplankton" is derived from the Greek zoon , meaning "animal", and , meaning "wanderer" or "drifter"...
. The invertebrate
Invertebrate
An invertebrate is an animal without a backbone. The group includes 97% of all animal species – all animals except those in the chordate subphylum Vertebrata .Invertebrates form a paraphyletic group...
fauna is a vital food source for birds and fish, the most abundant fish in the wetland being Liza richardsonii.
Updated from South African Biodiversity Database
Indigenous
- Anguilla mossambica steinitzi (Longfin eel)
- Caffrogobius nudiceps (Barehead goby)
- Galaxias zebratus (Cape Galaxia)
- Lithognathus lithognathus (White steenbrasWhite steenbrasThe white steenbras is a species of fish in the Sparidae family. It is endemic to South Africa.-Source:* Skelton, P. 1996. . Downloaded on 4 August 2007....
) - Liza richardsonii (Southern mullet)
- Mugil cephalus (Flathead mulletFlathead mulletThe flathead mullet, Mugil cephalus, is a mullet of the genus Mugil, found in coastal tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Its length is typically 30 to 75 centimeters...
) - Rhabdosargus globiceps (White stumpnose)
Alien
- Cyprinus carpio (CarpCarpCarp are various species of oily freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae, a very large group of fish native to Europe and Asia. The cypriniformes are traditionally grouped with the Characiformes, Siluriformes and Gymnotiformes to create the superorder Ostariophysi, since these groups have certain...
) - Gambusia affinis (Mosquito Fish)
Plant communities
Five distinctive wetland plant communities occur: perennial wetland, reed-marsh, sedge-marsh, open pans and sedge pans. The perennial wetland is characterized by scant aquatic vegetation, dominated by Ruppia, PotamogetonPotamogeton
Potamogeton is a genus of aquatic, mostly freshwater, plants of the family Potamogetonaceae. Most are known by the common name pondweed, although many unrelated plants may be called pondweed, such as Canadian pondweed...
and Enteromorpha
Enteromorpha
Enteromorpha is an outdated sea-plant taxon. Genetic analysis has resulted in the genus Enteromorpha being merged with the genus Ulva, commonly known as Sea lettuce....
. The reed-marsh is dominated by Phragmites
Phragmites
Phragmites, the Common reed, is a large perennial grass found in wetlands throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world. Phragmites australis is sometimes regarded as the sole species of the genus Phragmites, though some botanists divide Phragmites australis into three or four species...
, invaded in places by Typha
Typha
Typha is a genus of about eleven species of monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Typhaceae. The genus has a largely Northern Hemisphere distribution, but is essentially cosmopolitan, being found in a variety of wetland habitats...
. The sedge-marsh is dominated by Bolboschoenus
Bolboschoenus
Bolboschoenus is a genus of plants in the sedge family....
and Juncus
Juncus
Juncus is a genus in the plant family Juncaceae. It consists of some 200 to 300 or more species of grassy plants commonly called rushes...
. The open pans are sparsely covered in macrophytes, consisting mainly of Limosella
Limosella
Limosella is a genus of flowering plants known as mudworts. These are annual, largely aquatic plants, found in muddy areas worldwide.Selected species:*Limosella acaulis - Owyhee mudwort*Limosella aquatica - water mudwort...
and Salicornia, and the sedge pans are dominated by Bolboschoenus
Bolboschoenus
Bolboschoenus is a genus of plants in the sedge family....
in summer and Aponogeton
Aponogeton
Aponogeton is a genus of 45 - 50 species of flowering plants, the only genus of the family Aponogetonaceae. The Aponogetonaceae is considered to be allied to the Potamogetonaceae - Najadaceae complex of families....
and Spiloxene
Spiloxene
Spiloxene is a genus of about 25 plant species belonging to the Hypoxidaceae family. Most Spiloxene species are native to South Africa, with four native to Australia and New Zealand. The rootstock is a corm, leaves are linear to ovate, and flowers are star or funnel shaped.-References:Manning,...
in winter.
Updated from South African Biodiversity Database
Indigenous
- Alternanthera sessilisAlternanthera sessilisAlternanthera sessilis is an aquatic plant known by several common names, including sessile joyweed and dwarf copperleaf. It is used as an aquarium plant.The plant occurs around the world....
- Amellus tenuifolius
- Ammophila arenariaAmmophila arenariaAmmophila arenaria is a species of grass known by the common names European Marram Grass and European Beachgrass. It is one of two species of the genus Ammophila . It is native to the coastlines of Europe and North Africa where it grows in the sands of beach dunes. It is a perennial grass forming...
- Arctotheca populifolia
- Arctotis hirsuta
- Arctotis stoechadifoliaArctotis stoechadifoliaArctotis stoechadifolia is a species of South African daisy known by several common names, including silver arctotis, kusgousblom, and blue-eyed African daisy...
- Athanasia dentata
- Atriplex semibaccataAtriplex semibaccataAtriplex semibaccata is native to Australia commonly found in coastal regions from Victoria to Cardwell in Queensland. It has a prostrate growing ground cover plant in the Amaranthaceae family that grows to around 180 cm wide and flowers year round...
~ - Bolboschoenus maritimusBolboschoenus maritimusBolboschoenus maritimus is a species of flowering plant from family Cyperaceae. Common names for this species include sea clubrush, cosmopolitan bulrush, alkali bulrush, saltmarsh bulrush, and bayonet grass...
- Brunsvigia orientalis (Candelabera Flower)
- Carissa macrocarpaCarissa macrocarpaCarissa macrocarpa , is a shrub native to South Africa, where it is commonly called the Large Num-Num. In Zulu, as well as in the Bantu tribes of Uganda, it is called amatungulu. In Afrikaans the fruit is called Noem-Noem.C. macrocarpa deals well with salt-laden winds, making it a good choice for...
- Carpobrotus acinaciformis
- Carpobrotus edulis
- Ceratophyllum demersumCeratophyllum demersumCeratophyllum demersum is a species of Ceratophyllum. It is a submerged, free-floating aquatic plant, native to North America but nowadays having a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate and tropical regions...
~ - Chasmanthe aethiopica (Suurkanol)
- Chrysanthemoides incana
- Chrysanthemoides moniliferaChrysanthemoides moniliferaChrysanthemoides monilifera...
(Bitoubos) - Cladoraphis cyperoides
- Conicosia pugioniformisConicosia pugioniformisConicosia pugioniformis is a species of succulent plant in the ice plant family known by the common names narrow-leaved iceplant and pigroot. It is native to South Africa and it is known on other continents as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed...
~ - Cynanchum africanum
- Cynodon dactylonCynodon dactylonCynodon dactylon , also known as Dūrvā Grass, Bermuda Grass, Dubo, Dog's Tooth Grass, Bahama Grass, Devil's Grass, Couch Grass, Indian Doab, Arugampul, Grama, and Scutch Grass, is a grass native to north and east Africa, Asia and Australia and southern Europe...
(couch grass, kweekgras, kweek) - Cynosurus echinatusCynosurus echinatusCynosurus echinatus is a species of grass known by the common names bristly dogtail grass and hedgehog dogtail. It is native to southern Europe, and it is known in the Americas and Australia as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed. An herbicide-resistant strain can be found growing as...
- Cyperus textilis
- Dasispermum suffruticosum
- Didelta carnosa~
- Ehrharta longiflora
- Ehrharta villosa~
- Euclea racemosaEuclea racemosaEuclea racemosa is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that is indigenous to the coastal areas of South Africa....
- Ferraria crispaFerraria crispaFerraria crispa is a species of monocotyledonous flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is native to South Africa. In Australia it is commonly referred to as Black Flag....
- Ficinia indica
- Ficus natalensisFicus natalensisFicus natalensis is a tree in the Moraceae family. It is commonly known as the Natal Fig. These trees are distributed from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa to east Africa.- References :...
~ - Gladiolus griseus
- Grielum grandiflorum
- Helichrysum niveum
- Helichrysum patulum
- Hermannia pinnata
- Hermannia procumbens~
- Indigofera complicata
- Ischyrolepis eleocharis
- Juncus kraussiiJuncus kraussiiJuncus kraussii is a species of rush known by the common name Jointed Rush. It is native to temperate coastlines and estuaries of Australia flowering year round.-External links:*...
~ - Kedrostis nana~
- Lavatera arboreaLavatera arboreaLavatera arborea , the Tree Mallow, is a species of mallow native to the coasts of western Europe and the Mediterranean region, from the British Isles south to Algeria and Libya, and east to Greece.- Description :It is a shrubby annual, biennial or perennial plant growing to 0.5–2 m tall...
- Lemna minorLemna minorLemna minor is a species of Lemna with a subcosmopolitan distribution, native throughout most of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, occurring everywhere that freshwater ponds and slow-moving streams occur, except for arctic and subarctic climates...
- Limonium equisetinum
- Limonium scabrum~
- Lolium multiflorumLolium multiflorumLolium multiflorum is a ryegrass native to temperate Europe, although the precise location of its origin is unknown....
(Italian ryegrass, annual ryegrass) - Lolium rigidum
- Ludwigia adscendens diffusa
- Lycium ferocissimumLycium ferocissimumLycium ferocissimum is a shrub in the nightshade family . The species is native to Cape Province and Orange Free State in South Africa and has become naturalised in Australia and New Zealand. It is listed on the Noxious Weed List for Australian States and Territories and is a declared noxious weed...
- Lythrum salicaria
- Malva parvifloraMalva parvifloraMalva parviflora is an annual or perennial herb that is native to Northern Africa, Europe and Asia and is widely naturalised elsewhere. Common names include cheeseweed, cheeseweed mallow, Egyptian mallow, least mallow, little mallow, mallow, marshmallow, small-flowered mallow, small-flowered...
~ - Metalasia muricata
- Moraea flaccida
- Moraea miniata
- Morella cordifolia
- Myoporum tenuifolium (Manatoka)
- Nylandtia spinosa (Skilpadbessie Bos, Tortoise Berry Bush)
- Olea capensisOlea capensisOlea capensis, the Black Ironwood tree, is an African tree species belonging to the olive family . Olea capensis is widespread in Africa. It is found almost throughout Africa south of the Sahara desert from the east in Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan, south to the tip of South Africa, and west to...
~ - Olea europaea africana
- Othonna coronopifolia
- Passerina ericoidesPasserina ericoidesPasserina ericoides is a threatened species of plant in the Thymelaeaceae family. It is indigenous to the coastal areas in and around the city of Cape Town, South Africa....
- Pelargonium gibbosum
- Persicaria lapathifolia
- Phragmites australis
- Phylica ericoides~
- Pistia stratiotes
- Plantago coronopusPlantago coronopusPlantago coronopus is a species of Plantago sometimes grown as a leaf vegetable...
- Plecostachys serpyllifolia
- Psoralea repens
- Rhus crenataRhus crenataRhus crenata is a species of Rhus native to South Africa, where it occurs in frost-free and light frost areas....
(Blink Taaibos, Turkeyberry) - Rhus glaucaRhus glaucaRhus glauca is a small tree or bush that is commonly found along the coastline of southern Africa. Although commonest near the coast, it is also found inland among fynbos vegetation....
(Blou Taaibos) - Rhus laevigataRhus laevigataRhus laevigata is a small, bushy, evergreen tree that occurs in fynbos and coastal shrub in South Africa. It looks very similar to its close relative Rhus glauca but has larger leaflets.-References:...
- Rhus lanceaRhus lanceaRhus lancea L.f. , commonly known as Karee in Hlokoshiyne Umhlakotshane Mokalaabata , is an evergreen, frost hardy, drought resistant tree, which can reach up to 8 metres in height with a 5 metre spread...
- Rhus lucidaRhus lucidaRhus lucida, Varnished Kuni-Rhus Blinktaaibos . This small tree has a distribution along the West Coast of South Africa from Saldanha Bay around the Cape and up the East Coast almost until the Mozambique border...
~ - Romulea tabularis
- Rumex crispus
- Rumex lativalvis
- Ruschia macowanii
- Ruschia tumidula
- Salicornia meyeriana
- Salvia africana-luteaSalvia africana-luteaSalvia africana-lutea is a shrubby evergreen perennial native to coastal sand dunes and hills on the coast of the Cape Province in South Africa. It has numerous woody stems growing to more than 1 m in height and width, with sparse grey-green leaves...
- Sarcocornia capensis
- Sarcocornia natalensis~
- Sarcocornia pillansii~
- Schoenoplectus scirpoides
- Senecio burchellii
- Senecio halimifolius (Tabakbos)
- Sideroxylon inermeSideroxylon inermeSideroxylon inerme is a Southern African coastal tree, with dense foliage, black berries and small, dainty white flowers. The tree's formal name means "Iron-wood" in Greek, referring to its very hard timber....
~ - Sparaxis bulbifera
- Sporobolus virginicusSporobolus virginicusSporobolus virginicus, known by numerous common names including Marine Couch, Sand Couch, Coastal Rat-tail Grass, Salt Couch Grass, Saltwater Couch and Nioaka, is a coastal non-bunching tussock grass with a wide distribution.-Description:It is a perennial tussock grass from 10 to 50 centimetres in...
- Stenotaphrum secundatum (Buffalo Grass)
- Tetragonia decumbensTetragonia decumbensTetragonia decumbens, commonly known as Sea Spinach, is a coastal shrub native to southern Africa.-Description:It grows as a trailing undershrub with thick, pale, furry stems, and thick, oval leaves one to six centimetres line and five to thirty millimetres wide...
- Tetragonia fruticosa
- Tetragonia spicata
- Thamnochortus spicigerus
- Thinopyrum distichum
- Trachyandra filiformis
- Triglochin bulbosa
- Typha capensis (Bulrush, Papkuil)
- Xanthium strumariumXanthium strumariumXanthium strumarium is a species of annual plants belonging to the Asteraceae family...
- Zantedeschia aethiopicaZantedeschia aethiopicaZantedeschia aethiopica ; syn. Calla aethiopica L., Richardia africana Kunth, Richardia aethiopica Spreng., Colocasia aethiopica Spreng...
- Zygophyllum morgsana
Alien
- Acacia cyclopsAcacia cyclopsAcacia cyclops, commonly known as red-eyed wattle or western coastal wattle, is a coastal shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae...
(Rooikrans) - Acacia salignaAcacia salignaAcacia saligna, commonly known by various names including coojong, golden wreath wattle, orange wattle, blue-leafed wattle, Western Australian golden wattle, and, in Africa, Port Jackson willow, is a small tree in the family Fabaceae...
(Port JacksonPort JacksonPort Jackson, containing Sydney Harbour, is the natural harbour of Sydney, Australia. It is known for its beauty, and in particular, as the location of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge...
) - Avena sativa
- Azolla filiculoidesAzolla filiculoidesAzolla filiculoides is a species of Azolla, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Americas as well as most of the old world including Asia and Australia....
(Red Water Fern) - Commelina benghalensisCommelina benghalensisCommelina benghalensis, commonly known as the Benghal dayflower or tropical spiderwort, is a perennial herb native to tropical Asia and Africa. It has been widely introduced to areas outside its native range, including to the neotropics, Hawaii, the West Indies and to both coasts of North America...
(Blouselblommetjie) - Cortaderia selloana (Pampas GrassPampas GrassCortaderia selloana, commonly known as pampas grass, is a tall grass native to southern South America, including the pampas after which it is named, and Patagonia....
) - Eichhornia crassipesEichhornia crassipesEichhornia crassipes, commonly known as Common Water Hyacinth, is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin, and is often considered a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range.-Ecology:...
(Water HyacinthWater hyacinthThe seven species of water hyacinth comprise the genus Eichhornia. Water hyacinth are a free-floating perennial aquatic plant native to tropical and sub-tropical South America. With broad, thick, glossy, ovate leaves, water hyacinth may rise above the surface of the water as much as 1 meter in...
) - Eucalyptus lehmannii
- Lolium perenneLolium perenneLolium perenne, common name Perennial Ryegrass, is a grass from the family Poaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa, but is widely cultivated and naturalised around the world.-Description:...
- Paspalum vaginatum
- Pennisetum clandestinumPennisetum clandestinumThe tropical grass species Pennisetum clandestinum is known by several common names, most often kikuyu grass, as it is native to the region of East Africa that is home to the Kĩkũyũ tribe. Because of its rapid growth and aggressive nature, it is categorised as a noxious weed in some regions...
(Kikuyu grass) - Schinus terebinthifolius
Threats
The effects of the nearby Century City Development on Blouvlei, which used to support a large heronryHeronry
A heronry is a breeding ground for herons, sometimes called a heron rookery.- Asia :* Kaggaladu Heronry is in Karnataka state of India...
holding 12 breeding species, is cause for considerable concern. Most of these birds used to forage at Rietvlei and would contribute substantially to the large numbers of birds occurring here. The effects on this breeding area will probably result in fewer birds visiting the Rietvlei area. Other threats to the wetland
Wetland
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorised by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions....
include siltation
Siltation
Siltation is the pollution of water by fine particulate terrestrial clastic material, with a particle size dominated by silt or clay. It refers both to the increased concentration of suspended sediments, and to the increased accumulation of fine sediments on bottoms where they are undesirable...
, which results from erosion
Erosion
Erosion is when materials are removed from the surface and changed into something else. It only works by hydraulic actions and transport of solids in the natural environment, and leads to the deposition of these materials elsewhere...
, and pollution
Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light...
and eutrophication
Eutrophication
Eutrophication or more precisely hypertrophication, is the movement of a body of water′s trophic status in the direction of increasing plant biomass, by the addition of artificial or natural substances, such as nitrates and phosphates, through fertilizers or sewage, to an aquatic system...
from fertilizers, pesticides, sewage works, stormwater
Stormwater
Stormwater is water that originates during precipitation events. It may also be used to apply to water that originates with snowmelt that enters the stormwater system...
run-off and livestock manure
Manure
Manure is organic matter used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Manures contribute to the fertility of the soil by adding organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are trapped by bacteria in the soil...
. Petroleum
Petroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
factories and suburban areas on the margin of the system also pose problems. Vast areas of the mudflats and salt marsh
Salt marsh
A salt marsh is an environment in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and salt water or brackish water, it is dominated by dense stands of halophytic plants such as herbs, grasses, or low shrubs. These plants are terrestrial in origin and are essential to the stability of the salt marsh...
have been smothered by thick mats of non-native grasses, notably Paspalum vaginatum, resulting in habitat loss for waders, the most diverse and abundant community of waterbirds at Rietvlei. Other non-native species, including stands of Acacia saligna
Acacia saligna
Acacia saligna, commonly known by various names including coojong, golden wreath wattle, orange wattle, blue-leafed wattle, Western Australian golden wattle, and, in Africa, Port Jackson willow, is a small tree in the family Fabaceae...
, are being cleared from large areas around the margin of the wetland
Wetland
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorised by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions....
.
See also
- Diep RiverDiep RiverDiep River, drains the area between the Kasteel Mountain and the northern slopes of the Durbanville Hills, in Western Cape, province South Africa....
- Cape TownCape TownCape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
- City of Cape TownCity of Cape TownThe City of Cape Town is the metropolitan municipality which governs the city of Cape Town, South Africa and its suburbs and exurbs. As of 2007, it had a population of 3,497,097....
- Biodiversity of Cape TownBiodiversity of Cape Town- Floristic region :The city of Cape Town lies within the Cape Floristic Kingdom . - Vegetation types :...
- Diep River Fynbos CorridorDiep River Fynbos CorridorThe Diep River Fynbos Corridor is a proposed nature reserve located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is partly owned by the City of Cape Town and partly under private ownership. The Diep River runs south into the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve and the corridor is planned to extend nort-west towards the...
- Milnerton Racecourse Nature ReserveMilnerton Racecourse Nature Reserve- Location :The Milnerton Racecourse Nature Reserve, formerly also known as Royal Ascot Conservation Area, is situated in Royal Ascot, Cape Town, South Africa...
- List of nature reserves in Cape Town
- Cape Lowland Freshwater WetlandCape Lowland Freshwater WetlandCape Lowland Freshwater Wetland is a critically endangered vegetation type of the Western Cape, South Africa.-Environment:This type of riparian vegetation and its accompanying ecosystem is found in the Western Cape, South Africa, on freshwater floodplains, along the lower stretches of rivers and...
External links
- City of Cape Town Nature Reserves
- City of Cape Town - Environmental Resource Management Department
- Friends of Rietvlei
- SANCCOB
- Milnerton Aquatic Club
- BirdLife site fact sheet - Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
- Open Green Map - Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
- ekapa ioisa - North Reserves - Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
- Birds in Reserves Project - Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
- Southern African Birding - Birding Spot Wiki - Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
- South African Biodiversity - Rietvlei Wetland Reserve