WESSA December newsletter
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Successful field trip with Hannes Marais
A great day out in the open learning about wetlands—and more. A group of 14 had the privilege of spending most of Saturday 5th November 2022 in the company of wetland ecologist Hannes Marais. Although the forecast was dire, the … Read More
What is a wetland? An ecologist explains
Jon Sweetman, Penn State Wetlands are areas of land that are covered by water, or have flooded or waterlogged soils. They can have water on them either permanently or for just part of the year. Whether it’s year-round or seasonal, … Read More
Common—but oh so beautiful
The African Yellow Pansy butterfly is one of the most commonly seen lepidoptera at Verloren Valei, but that should not distract us from its intrinsic beauty. The African Yellow Pansy or Geel Gesiggie (Junonia hierta cebrene) is a common and … Read More
Verloren Valei pays tribute to Magaduza Makuwa
Mr Makuwa leaves behind a proud legacy of service to conservation in the Steenkampsberg. At a function on 26 August 2022, Verloren Valei bade farewell to Magaduza Makuwa, who has retired after 42 years on the reserve, where he served … Read More
Escarpment Bird Club: Summer 2022 programme
The Escarpment Bird Club, a corporate members of Friends of Verloren Valei, has announced its programme for Summer 2022. Download the full programme. Download the programme for an event on 17 September 2022.
The three (white) sisters of Verloren Valei
Three white Disa orchids are Verloren Valei specials, although infrequently seen. By Gerrit van Ede There are three Disas found on Verloren Valei that are basically white with some spots. While they are specials on the Reserve, they are not … Read More
An elusive skolly
Infrequently observed at Verloren Valei, the Basuto Skolly or Basuto magpie has a somewhat disreputable reputation, as its name implies. By Justin Bode Thestor basutus, Basuto Skolly or Basoetoe Skollie, is the most widely distributed species in its genus. While … Read More
South African media treat fire as foe – its ecosystem benefits get lost in the blaze
Izak Smit, University of Pretoria; Dian Spear, University of Cape Town; Marina Joubert, Stellenbosch University, and Nicola van Wilgen-Bredenkamp, Stellenbosch University Fire can destroy infrastructure and livelihoods, and claim lives. Yet fire is inevitable and has helped to shape ecosystems … Read More