24/02/2026
Over the last month our branch took part of two big conservation activities with some of our members being actively part of these initiatives.
1. Annual nocturnal fauna survey
The annual nocturnal fauna survey at the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve was conducted on 05 February 2025 as part of the Gauteng Protected Areas Monitoring Programme. Predetermined transects were driven after sunset during the summer monitoring window (October–March), with all nocturnal mammal and bird sightings recorded, including species, time, location, distance, habitat, and behaviour. A total of seven species of nocturnal mammals and five nocturnal bird species were documented. The survey was undertaken in collaboration with members of Gauteng Department of Environment Biodiversity Management Scientific Services, Resource Management South, Biodiversity Stewardship, interns and students, and members of the Heidelberg branch of the South African Hunters Association (SA Hunters). The data contributes to long-term distribution and population trend assessments and informs reserve-level management and conservation decision-making.
2. Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC)
The Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC) census was conducted on 14 February at the registered pans between Heidelberg and Nigel along the R42 during the mid-summer monitoring window. Counts were conducted in accordance with CWAC methodology, with total adult and juvenile numbers recorded for each species. A total of 24 species were recorded at Flamingo Pan, 11 species at De Beer’s Pan, and 12 species at Jurassic Pan. The data contribute to national long-term waterbird population trend analysis and to the assessment of wetland importance. The census was undertaken in collaboration with the Stewardship Unit, members of the Heidelberg branch of the South African Hunters’ Association (SA Hunters), and volunteers.