This common but attractive butterfly has a distinct seasonal variation on its underside. Byblia ilithyia, Spotted Joker or Leliegrasvegter is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, the brush-footed butterflies. They are so named because, in adults, the front legs are … Read more
Jeremy Dobson reports on a misty, wet summer’s day expedition to Verloren Valei. Group photo in the rain after the walk (Photograph: Jeremy Dobson) A field trip to Verloren Valei is usually conducted annually. This year’s event, set down for … Read more
A group of lucky people explored a part of the reserve few members of the public get to see. Steve Vincent reports back. Map showing the blocks into which the reserve is divided. These blocks are burned in rotation each … Read more
Some practical tips to identifying an often confusing plant. Gladioli are some of the most striking flora found at Verloren Valei, but this large genus can be tricky to identify. The genus Gladiolus belongs to the family of Irises or … Read more
This butterfly’s curious name hints at the way in which the sexes are differentiated. (L) Male Zebra Blue species (upper side) (Photograph: Justin Bode); ® Female Zebra Blue (upper side) (Photograph: Steve Woodhall) The Leptotes genus is represented by five … Read more
The Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Canine Conservation Unit recently showed their worth during a joint security operation in the Western and Northern Cape to address the illegal plant trade, writes Eleanor Momberg. Reaper and Shadi (left) and Mufasa and Cat (right) searching vehicles … Read more
Matt Pretorius, Project Manager: Wildlife & Infrastructure descripes a new initiative to help ensure that the impact on birds of the shift towards wind energy is reduced as much as possible. Editor’s note: It is one of the great ironies … Read more
Globally, we are losing wetlands at a fearsome pace, and failing to protect adquately those that remain, according to a recent study. All the more reason to redouble our efforts at Verloren Valei and its sister Ramsar sites at Middelpunt … Read more
Jacquie van der Westhuizen, Drakensberg field officer for the African Crane Conservation Programme, EWT and ICF partnership describes a conservation drama and looks for the silver lining. Left: This was the X-ray taken showing her broken leg just under the … Read more
The latest Regional Red Data Book indicates that while conditions have improved for Wattled Cranes, the Blue Crane’s status has slipped. By James van den Heever On the plus front, the latest Regional Red Data Book of endangered species lists … Read more
