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
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
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.
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
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
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
Recently published research shows that sustained and targeted efforts in conservation can reverse adverse trends – no doubt aided by nature’s astonishing power to regenerate itself, given half a chance. Cranes are a subject close to the heart of Friends … Read more
The renowned orchid expert shared his knowledge with a mostly young group. Doug McMurtry, one of South Africa’s leading orchid experts, kindly agreed to lead a field trip to Verloren Valei on 26 February 2022. Accompanied by fellow expert, Shane … Read more
Work by Steve Johnson and his team at the School of Life Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal expands our knowledge of how this plant is pollinated. Streptocarpus dunnii is associated with mistbelt grasslands, and grows on Verloren Valei, so … Read more
They will gain valuable experience and bolster the resources reserve management can call on. Sbongile Moyana obtained an Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation 2019 at the University of Mpumalanga. She grew up in Kwamhlanga, Mpumalanga. Although she didn’t know much … Read more
