Ecological Management Plan

Over the course of October & November I am busy with a Conservation Management Plan for Sondela Nature Reserve.

A Conservation Management Plan is a five year setup up for the overall improvement of the Ecology of a wildlife reserve. It incorporates all the major areas that influence biodiversity on a Game farm. Such factors include Water Management, Invasive Plant Management, Fire Management, Game Counts for Carrying Capacity, Soil Erosion, Infrastructure Maintenance, Maintenance of Paths & Tracks as well as Road Networks, Resources Management & the impact of tourists.

My areas of the plan that I am covering are the Invasive Plant Management, Fire Management, Maintenance of Paths & Tracks, & Resources Management.

Invasive Plant Management focuses on the Alien/Invader Plant species we have on Sondela. Plants such as Inkberry, Bankrotbos, Sekelbos, Melkbos, Vaalboom, Sweetbos & Queen of the Night. The idea of the management of Invasive plants is to identify the role the play on Sondela, what effect they have on the environment, the effect they have on animals, where they are located on the farm & how they can be controlled. The importance of the management plan is to work out an effective strategy over a five year period that will assist in controlling the plants so that they dont completely overrun the farm.

Fire Management focuses on the effect of fire on Sondela as well as the methods we are taking into consideration to ensure that fires don't cause damage on the farm. Things that need to be taken into account are where the major fire danger areas are, areas that have burnt in recent times, areas where high amounts of combustible material are & the location of infrastructure. This information is very helpful in the set up of fir breaks that need to be cut out & maintained.





Maintenance of Paths & Tracks focuses on the constant repair, development & maintenance of the bicycle & walking trails on Sondela. This is a major factor considering Sondela hosts three major events throughout the course of the year, the Uithourit, the bicycle race & the Sondela fun run. Maintenance of paths & tracks can ensure that injuries to personnel as well as animals such as horse don't get hurt. The walking trails also afford guests the opportunity to spot some of the game that we have on Sondela. Maintenance plans worked out over a period of five years can ensure that the trails are always in pristine condition & the chances of serious accidents can be radically reduced.