Lesotho’s water woes hold lessons for wetlands everywhere
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A fascinating and in-depth report by Ground Up looks at the factors influencing the long-term viability of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project reveals that vigorous conservation of wetlands is vital. Katse Dam (Photograph: Wikipedia) As everybody knows, the Witwatersrand is … Read More

Reptile survey results
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The first herpetological survey of Verloren Valei will provide a useful baseline for future work. Pitfall and funnel trap array as installed in Coleochloa setifera – Cheilanthes multifida grassland on Verloren Valei Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa (Photograph: P.R. … Read More

A snaring concern
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Lourens Leeuwner, Senior Conservation Manager: Business and Wildlife writes about the growing threat from the bushmeat trade – a problem that Verloren Valei also faces. Reprinted by permission from Conservation Conversations, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s magazine. Read the original article. … Read More

How is South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, doing?
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Christie Craig, Endangered Wildlife Trust/International Crane Foundation, Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology reports back on recent research. Blue crane (Photograph: Endangered Wildlife Trust) In an ever-changing world, conservation scientists face the daunting task of keeping pace with the shifting dynamics … Read More

The Natal Silverline challenge
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This charming butterfly is rarely recorded on Verloren Valei—who will be next to sight it? Natal Silverline (underside) (Photograph: © Justin Bode) Cigaritis natalensis, Natal Silverline/ Natal Bar(Skitterblou streepvlerkie) is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. Cigaritis (Silverlines) is a … Read More

Beneath the (butterfly) veil
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Butterflies have a reputation for sweetness and light, and are often used as emblems of a benign nature. Not so fast, says butterfly guru, Steve Woodhall. Euchrysops malathana — members of Euchrysops typically have a mutualistic relationship with ants (Photograph: … Read More

Our tractor appeal is live – please spread the news
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A tractor is the most suitable vehicle for transporting equipment, water tanks and people over this kind of terrain The Friends of Verloren Valei executive committee is committed to raising the necessary funds to purchase a second-hand tractor, desperately needed … Read More