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Sustaining Nature’s Diversity
Issue 6, August 2021
BIODIVERSITY &
ENVIRONMENT
AFRICA
SPECIAL ISSUE
LOWVELD
BIRDING
HEALTH & WELLBEING
SLOW FOOD
13 benefits of
fermentation
GET IT ONLINE
biodiversitynature.com biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 1
IN THIS
Cover image: Cape Glossy Starling ISSUE
Photo: Warren Schmidt 3 VIEWPOINT
BIRDING
© 2021 Biodiversity & Environment Africa / YamakuwiTek (Pty) Ltd. All
4 - Lowveld Birding
rights reserved. Opinions and views expressed within this publication do
not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publication, or business. The
editors and publisher do not accept any liability whatsoever regarding
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strive to ensure that information is verified and accurate. Copyright
remains with authors/contributors.
MISSION
Biodiversity & Environment Africa (publication) strives to present
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issues from across the African continent. We aim to disseminate
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VISIT US: biodiversitynature.com
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Biodiversity & Environment Africa is published monthly as an independent
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17 HEALTH & WELLBEING
- Slow Food -13 Benefits of
– Technical & Environmental Services. Fermented Foods
FOLLOW US
@biodiversitynature 20 ABOUT
2 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.com
VIEWPOINT
Frenetically
at Ease
conservation and environmental
issues to a society bombarded by
information. Issue 3 dealt with
food security and the recent
events in KwaZulu-Natal
highlighted just how reliant we
have become on supermarkets
for our daily bread, with
unbelievably long queues and
limitations on what you could
A s I write this piece in the early
hours before dawn, my mind is
space tourism. Elon Musk’s
Space-X is also firmly in the
buy. In Issue 4, my viewpoint title
was “Global instability is a
racing. Ideas and thoughts are market, and Jeff Bezos was serious threat to biodiversity
bouncing around like a ping-pong another billionaire who casually conservation”. This statement
ball being smacked frenetically popped into space in July. holds equally true for regional
around the table. The month of Against this backdrop, I read of instability. Few people would
July in South Africa has been a numerous workers in London have been thinking about
trying period for South Africa’s who are sleeping on the street conservation and environmental
democracy. The jailing of former because they can’t afford to pay issues when trying to protect
President, Jacob Zuma, initiated rent. These are people who wake their belongings from hoards of
protest action which quickly up each day and go into the looters! And in Issue 5, we
spiralled out of control and office or construction site and looked at canned lion hunting. To
caught the authorities off-guard. work a full eight-hour shift, yet take a break from all these
KwaZulu-Natal and parts of have no option but to sleep on a serious worldly issues, and
Gauteng exploded into chaos, makeshift cardboard mattress without having the cash to book
violence and looting. In addition, exposed to the elements. a seat on the next space odyssey
the SARS Covid-19 virus hit its Sometimes you can’t help but to view our blue planet from
crest of the third wave, with wonder if you are living in a afar, sit back and enjoy a scenic
health facilities pushed to their world of sheer madness. The birding trip through the lowveld
limits and prompting another disparity between the rich and region of South Africa, and be
level four lockdown, restricting the poor is incredible. frenetically at ease.
travel between provinces and I’m all for technology and Biodiversity & Environment
further stifling economic innovation, but it seems to come Africa has also undergone
recovery. Yet again, many staff in at a great cost to our sense of substantial changes during June
hospitality and restaurants were humanity. As a species we seem and July. As a result, we were
forced to take unpaid leave. to be so focused on the future unable to produce the June and
Yet, despite the chaos, the world that we are not living in the July issues, as time was taken up
continued spinning on its axis present. The net result is millions with the complete revamp of the
around the sun. I’ve often of struggling and desperate website. Hopefully these changes
marvelled at the extreme people, economically torn away will make navigating and reading
paradoxes we observe daily. from nature, desperately trying our online content an even more
Whilst chaos engulfed South to maintain a living in the urban rewarding and pleasurable
Africa, entrepreneur Richard jungle. Yet the urbanites are experience.
Branson was marvelling at the yearning to feel the green grass
splendour of Earth as he under their feet and taste an VIEWPOINT WRITTEN BY:
embarked on his space organically grown apple, worms Warren Schmidt
adventure with Virgin Galactic, and all. Warren Schmidt holds a Master of Science
steering the way forward for In previous issues I’ve alluded to degree in Ecological Sciences awarded by the
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He
space tourism. According to an these socio-economic disparities has three decades of experience in ecology,
article published in the New York and the potential fallout. In Issue conservation science,
Times, booking a seat on one of 1 I reviewed the impact of invasion biology and
these space trips will set you Covid-19 on ecotourism. In Issue herpetology. He has worked
back around US$250 000. And of 2 I looked at information as a journalist, magazine
editor, and lecturer, and has
course, Virgin Galactic is not the overload and the challenges of presented talks, seminars,
only company offering future communicating important and lectures.
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 3
BIRDING
T he lowveld is a landscape
of subtle extremes as you
navigate through river valleys
and up steep hillsides. It is an
area of rich and varied plant
life invigorated by a sub-
tropical climate. The lowveld,
as the name suggests, is the
large swathe of land found
east of the escarpment and
includes the majestic Kruger
National Park. It stretches out
onto the endless
Mozambique plain and curves
around the Lebombo
Mountains into the northern
parts of KwaZulu-Natal. It was
the playground of Jock of the
Bushveld and many writers
have written about epic
adventures and interactions
with wildlife. The contrasting
landscapes have provided
inspiration for many artists
who have encapsulated the
views to canvas – from
silhouetted acacia sunsets to
Birding rocky outcrops.
The Kruger National Park and
many of the surrounding
game reserves and lodges
through the attract millions of visitors
annually, with many wanting
to catch site of the famous
Lowveld “Big 5”. The wetlands, forests
and savannas are also a
wonderland for avid birders,
where one could tick off over
200 species on a good day. In
this feature article we take
you up close to some of this
region’s amazing birds.
Text and photos by Warren Schmidt
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis.
Cattle Eg
4 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.com
BIRDING
Egrets, herons and storks
A group of usually large
unmistakable birds with long
stilt-like legs and often
associated with wetlands. Many
species feed on invertebrates
and small vertebrates with some
specialising in amphibians and
fish. Others are granivores.
As dusk engulfs the light, flocks
of Cattle Egrets settle in for the
night in shrubs around reedbeds.
These flocks can consist of
dozens of individuals.
During the day they forage
alongside grazing mammals,
catching insects and frogs
flushed from the disturbed Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis.
vegetation. Herons are superb
predators with spear-like bills
used to catch fish, tadpoles, and
aquatic insects around water.
The Green-backed Heron can
remain motionless for long
periods and then rapidly strike
out at unwary prey. Herons
construct large flat nests made
from sticks and reeds and often
placed above water or up in
trees. The Saddle-billed Stork
with its bizarre red and black bill
is a sight to remember as it
moves along shallow rivers.
Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis.
Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis settling in at their roost site for the night.
grets Bubulcus ibis.
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 5
BIRDING
A Grey Heron Ardea cinerea on her nest.
A Green-backed Heron Butorides striata patiently hunting at the water’s edge.
6 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.com
BIRDING
The majestic Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis at a lowveld river.
Ducks and Geese Male and female white-faced quieter backwaters. Egyptian
ducks look identical but there is and Spur-winged Geese are also
Waterways attract around marked sexual dimorphism in commonly found in the lowveld.
10-14 different species of duck Ducks and geese are superbly
and geese. One of the most the other species. Yellow-billed
prevalent are the White-faced and African Black Ducks are less adapted to floating along water
Ducks which congregate around common but still often seen and ducking down to grab
feeding spots in large flocks. around ponds, dams, and aquatic plants and the
occasional invertebrate.
White-faced Ducks Dendrocygna viduata.
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 7
BIRDING
Raptors Game birds
The lowveld is a bird-of-prey Another famous raptor is the The Helmeted Guineafowl is one
stronghold that attracts many iconic African Fish Eagle with its of the most commonly seen birds
raptor enthusiasts from around characteristic call as it flies over in the savanna. They often gather
the world. The vultures are a waterbodies. These birds are around roadside verges where
well-known and often despised excellent at catching fish by they feed on insects and seeds.
group, but they form an swooping down and grabbing The Spurfowls and Francolins are
important ecological role in the them in their sharp talons. closely related and can be
lowveld system. Unfortunately, Brown and Black-chested Snake mistaken for the sandgrouse. The
vulture numbers are decreasing Eagles have excellent eyesight, as Natal Spurfowl is another
due to poisoning and accidental do most raptors, and keep a terrestrial bird often seen next to
collisions with infrastructure sharp eye out for any snake or the road. These birds are
such as powerlines. The big lizard scuttling through the cryptically coloured and easily
eagles are also taking strain with undergrowth. The smaller overlooked when they remain
the conservation status of Sparrow-hawks and Kites are just motionless. Spurfowls have
several species being elevated as efficient in capturing small double spurs on the legs of male
into a higher threat category. The rodents, birds and insects. birds which sets them apart from
Secretary Bird, Martial Eagle and Raptors are characterised by the francolins. These spurs are
Bateleur were all recently up- their sharp bills used for piercing used in territorial fights and may
listed to globally Endangered and tearing apart prey as well as assist during mating by latching
(see Biodiversity & Environment the sharp talons used to catch, onto the female.
Africa Issue 1, January 2021). impale, and hold their prey.
Natal Spurfowls Pternistes
natalensis are commonly seen
foraging alongside roads.
The Helmeted Guineafowl
Numida meleagris is a very
common bird of the savanna.
Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi is a small and slender
eagle.
The characteristic casque of
the Helmeted Guineafowl.
The wetlands
Many dams and rivers in the
lowveld are seasonal and dry up
over winter, but the summer
rains fill depressions creating
numerous pans. Flooding is
common, and at certain times
dams and rivers overflow their
banks. The wetlands attract
thousands of birds where they
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus are impressive lowveld forage and nest. An entire
raptors but sadly their numbers are declining. magazine could be devoted just
to wetland birds. The Black Crake
8 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.com
BIRDING
scuttles effortlessly between Emerald-spotted Wood Dove is Bird (or Grey Loerie), is a
reeds and over floating another savanna dove with common resident and like the
vegetation. Nearby, the African iridescent wing coverts. Perhaps parrots, it is a frugivore feeding
Jacana with its rufous brown the most attractive savanna on various seeds and fruits.
plumage, white neck and species is the lemon-green
exaggerated toes, runs African Green-Pigeon with its
effortlessly over floating weeds. contrasting bright yellow legs
On more open sand and mud and red feet. Sandgrouse are a
banks, Three-banded Plovers are species of the central arid
often seen running up and down regions but one species, the
after small invertebrates. Double-banded Sandgrouse is
found in the lowveld and easily
mistaken for a francolin or
spurfowl.
Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus
cryptoxanthus feeding on the flowers
of a coral tree.
The Black Crake Amaurornis
flavirostra actively scurries
over floating vegetation.
A pair of African Mourning Doves
Streptopelia decipiens.
Grey Go-away birds Corythaixoides
concolor are commonly seen around
rest camps and picnic spots where
Laughing Dove Streptopelia they become very tame.
senegalensis.
Another well-known bird of the Parrots and louries Owls and nightjars
wetlands – the African Jacana
Actophilornis africanus. The Brown-headed Parrot is Evening time in the savanna is a
found throughout the lowveld, magical time when a range of
Doves, pigeons and but a second species, the grey- nocturnal and secretive animals
sandgrouse headed parrot, occurs in the far emerge. These include the
northern regions, being leopard, hyenas, jackal, civets
associated with mopane and genets. Many birds return to
Doves and pigeons are known to their favoured roosts, but this is
most people because of their savanna. Brown-headed Parrots
are frugivores feeding on a wide the time when the owls and
strong association with urban nightjars take flight. During the
environments. In the savanna range of seeds, nuts, fruits and
flowers. They use their dexterous day, nightjars are a superb
there are other species not often example of cryptic camouflage,
seen in the central urban areas. blending invisibly against their
One such species is the African background. At night they hunt
Mourning Dove with its orange- and are often seen absorbing
rimmed eyes. These doves are heat from the road surface. Their
frequently seen perched in nocturnal calls are one of the
riverine forest around campsites bushveld’s distinctive calls.
in the Kruger National Park. The Around 10 species of owl can be
found in the lowveld, from the
Brown-headed Parrot. large Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl to the
diminutive African Barred and
feet to manipulate food items to Pearl-spotted Owlets. Owls are
their bill. They have powerful nocturnal predators feeding on
beaks which can open hard invertebrates, rodents, and in the
encased seeds and strip fruit. case of the Pel’s Fishing Owl,
They are partial to flowers like taking fish and frogs. Owl pellets
the red blossoms of the flaming (regurgitated fur and bone
Related to pigeons and doves,
coral tree. Parrots nest inside fragments) are often seen
hollow tree cavities. Attracted to
the Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus
around favourite trees or
is the only sandgrouse of the lowveld.
rest camps, the all-grey Go-away buildings.
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 9
BIRDING
Hornbills
A trip to the lowveld would not
be complete without seeing the
hornbills. The most sought-after
is the massive Southern Ground
Hornbill. It is a large black bird
with a fleshy red face and crop.
Their clumsy marching gait can
be deceiving though, as these
birds are voracious predators.
Snakes, lizards, tortoises, small
birds, and rodents are not safe
when these birds patrol along
the ground. Ground hornbills
have been observed with several
prey items hanging from their
beaks.
Yellow- and Red-billed Hornbills
are a common sight around
campsites where they can
become very tame. They forage
in trees, shrubs and on the
ground. Hornbills are
omnivorous, feeding on fruits
and various invertebrates.
A Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum.
Kingfishers, bee-eaters and
rollers
The lowveld is home to some
spectacularly colourful birds of
which the rollers and kingfishers
stand out. The Lilac-breasted
Roller is an efficient aerial This Giant Kingfisher Megacerle Red-billed Hornbill
predator catching insects in flight maximus has just caught its prey Tockus erythrorhynchus.
and sometimes small lizards on from a lowveld river.
the ground. The brilliant blue is
notable during flight. Several
other rollers are found in the
region, some like the European
and Broad-billed Rollers are
seasonal migrants. The Bee-
eaters are another colourful
group which feed on bees and
wasps. They construct their nest The black and white Pied
sites into the side of earth banks. Kingfisher Ceryle rudis.
The rivers and wetlands attract a
diversity of kingfishers, including
the Giant Kingfisher and the
black and white Pied Kingfisher.
The smaller kingfishers have
brightly contrasting colours of
bright blue and purple. As the
common name suggests, these
birds catch and feed on fish of
various sizes and the Giant
Kingfisher can take exceptionally
large prey. The Brown-hooded An iconic savanna bird, the
Kingfisher is a generalist, feeding beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller
Yellow-billed Hornbill
on insects, frogs, and lizards. Coracias caudatus.
Tockus leucomelas.
10 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.comBIRDING
Drongos, Orioles and others
The lowveld trees and riverine
bush create a paradise for
hundreds of smaller birds. Many
often go unnoticed as they scurry
inside thick vegetation which
affords them protection. Others
forage along the ground raking
leaves and debris aside to get at
small invertebrates, including
spiders and grubs. The Chin- Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus
spotted Batis is a small, attractive tricolor.
The Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus
bird which often calls from the is often observed foraging through fallen
branches of shrubs and flutters leaf litter for invertebrate prey.
between thickets. The Fork-tailed
Drongo perches on exposed
branches and keeps a watchful
eye out for insect prey, either
hawking insects when in flight or
pouncing on prey on the ground.
Black-headed Orioles are often
seen around flowers, especially
aloes during winter.
Some of the other common
Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis Southern Black Flycatcher.
lowveld residents include the
Dark-capped Bulbul, Southern pammelaina.
Black Tits and the similar-looking
Southern Black Flycatchers.
Wagtails are distinctive around
lawns and gardens and the
African Pied Wagtail is often
found in the vicinity of rivers and
streams.
The thrushes are numerous and
have a strong preference for
riverine forests and thick bush
clumps where they scavenge African Pied Wagtail Motacilla Southern Black Tit Parus niger.
through leaf-litter for aguimp.
invertebrates. The Kurrichane
Thrush and Groundscraper
Thrush are two common species
in the lowveld.
Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus. Chinspot Batis Batis molitor.
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 11The starlings The lowveld region has at least eight different starlings. In the hills leading to the escarpment, Red-winged Starlings are found, and the Violet-backed Starlings are seasonal migrants visiting the lowveld in summer. The blue glossy starlings are the ones that can easily confuse visitors to this region as they all look very similar. Identification is also affected by lighting as different iridescent shades highlight under shade, cloud, or sun. Meve’s Starling is found more in the northern parts and has a characteristic long tail. Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus. Burchell’s Starling is one of the Greater Blue-eared Starling 12 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.com
Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens. Burchell’s Starling Lamprotornis australis is
the largest of the glossy starlings.
larger species and also has a often attracted to rest camps and feed on external parasites, loose
relatively long tail. The greenish picnic spots and are therefore skin, and other flaking bits. They
blue and dark facial line running easy to observe. Wherever big can be a nuisance to wounded
through the eye differentiate the game roam, the Red and Yellow- animals as they peck at the
Greater Blue-eared Starling from billed Oxpeckers will occur. They exposed flesh.
the Cape Glossy Starling which have feet suitably adapted to
tends to have a more bluish clinging on the sides of giraffe,
gloss. The glossy starlings are zebra, and antelope where they
Cape Glossy Starling
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 13A Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus on the side of an impala. Red-billed Oxpecker. 14 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.com
Sunbirds
The sunbirds are a group of small
dainty birds with scimitar shaped
bills used to extract nectar from
flowers. They are important
pollinators of many plants.
A Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis at her nest.
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 15BIRDING Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus cryptoxanthus feeding on the flowers of a coral tree. 16 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.com
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Slow Food
13 health benefits
of fermented foods
1. Fermented foods support your
friendly gut bacteria known
as the microbiome -and also:
2. Enhance digestive function
and bowel regularity
3. Fight against pathogens
F ermentation enhances certain
foods both in terms of taste,
Across various categories –from
pickled vegetables to health drinks
more effectively thanks to their
anti-microbial properties, which
preservation, and nutrient density. and dairy products –fermented aids our immune system
Fermented foods offer a plethora foods have re-emerged as a popular
4. Boost the nutritional value
of distinct textures, flavours, and comeback from older times.
aromas, and have been part of of foods
everyday life since the early Life Before Fridges 5. Are ‘happy mood ’ foods
ancestors of various traditional
cultures. This age-old process is “Historically, food was fermented 6. Support memory,
achieved through controlled as a means of preservation. Unique concentration, & help clear
microbial and enzymatic activity. compounds produced during brain fog
In this final article on fermented fermentation, such as antimicrobial 7. Help to improve bone health
foods, we explore an interesting peptides and lactic acid, inhibit
range of culinary crafts which the growth of pathogenic 8.
- Promote cardio-metabolic health
remind one of slower days. The microorganisms and prevent food 9. Help regulate blood sugar
necessary time is taken along from spoiling. However, humans and help improve weight
gradual stages where friendly quickly realized that fermentation
microorganisms, yeasts, and also had benefits beyond management
bacteria create the chemical preservation. It could improve the 10. Boost immunity and reduce
breakdown of nutrients, emitting tastes and textures of food and inflammation
heat and leading to effervescence. made it burst with nutrient density.
11. Regulate cell growth
Fermentation carries a range of Integrative and functional 12. Keep your skin healthy
health-giving benefits as a result of medicine practitioner, Dr Chris from within
containing vitally important Kresser, takes us right back through
nutritional elements such as anthropological research around the 13. Protect against damaging
digestive enzymes, omega-3 fatty earliest consumption of fermented effects of toxins.
acids, probiotics, and vitamin B. foods. Gene-mapping studies show
Kimchi Sauerkraut
>>>>>>>>>>>> continue to page 18
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 17HEALTH & WELLBEING
Beneficial bacteria (lactobacillus) living in the honey stomach of a bee are added to the nectar, as is the
enzyme invertase via the bees salivary glands. Due to honey’s high sugar content, it is easily fermented into
alcoholic ‘honey-wine’, otherwise known as mead.
that the first hominids developed substantial amounts of Enterobacter the air colonise the starter, kick-
specialised cell receptors designed and Pseudomonas.” starting the fermentation process.
to interact with metabolites While sourdough does not contain
produced by lactic acid bacteria that Similar to Sauerkraut is a dish called active probiotic cultures, it has
was found abundantly in fermented Kimchi, which is a word used to other health benefits brought about
food. describe a variety of salted and by fermentation, including a lower
fermented vegetables that originate glycemic index than quick-rise
Traditional Cultures from Korea. Kimchi is typically bread made with commercial yeast.
made up of cabbage, radishes, chili, Consuming carbohydrates that have
Just about every culture throughout pepper, garlic, onion, ginger, and a lower glycemic index is beneficial
the world heralds a selection of salt. It sometimes also includes for weight management and for
fermented foods. The earliest additional ingredients such as preventing insulin resistance and
intentionally fermented drink seems sesame seeds, apple, and pear. diabetes.
to date back to 7000BC China, made Kimchi is colonised by lactic acid-
up of rice, honey, and fruit. With producing Leuconostoc bacteria. Kefir & Yoghurt
the arrival of agriculture, people Quite similar to traditional Greek
began to ferment a variety of Sourdough Bread or Bulgarian yoghurt, or African
foods, from grains to fish and meat, Not all bread has a bad rep. Up sour milk known as amazi, Kefir is
such as salami. “Bulgaria is often until the take over of commercially slightly effervescent and sour and
credited with introducing yogurt to manufactured breads founded on is fermented with kefir “grains,” a
the world; ancient nomadic people industrial yeast and quick-rising live culture made up of proteins,
in the region stored raw milk in agents which came to monopolise lipids, sugars, bacteria, and yeast.
animal skins, where it underwent our food supply chains, our great The bacteria and yeast feed off the
fermentation. The Japanese grandparents made their own nutrients in the “grains,” creating
are famous for miso fermented home-made sourdough based a symbiotic microbial culture.
bean curd, and natto, a pungent soundly upon the old methods of Kefir can be made from cow, goat,
fermented soybean dish. The fermentation. Unfortunately, the or sheep milk. It contains yeasts
Koreans have kimchi, and Icelanders transition away from traditional such as Kluyveromyces lactis and
have hárkarl, a fermented shark fermented sourdough bread to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a
dish”, describes Dr Kesser. quick-rise bread made with instant variety of Lactobacillus species,
yeast left us with processed bread, including Lactobacillus kefiri.
to many, still part of their staple
Most Loved Foods diet, bringing into effect digestive For more on Kefir, download our
problems and providing such April issue.
Kimchi & Sauerkraut little nutrients that bread today
Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage is fortified and
dish that originated in the 4th misleadingly
century BC in northern China and labelled as
may have been introduced to nutritious and full
Europe by the Mongols. Sauerkraut of fibre.
can be made with a starter culture Sourdough bread
or it can be wild-fermented, which production begins
means using the naturally occurring with the creation
yeast on the vegetables to activate of a sourdough
fermentation. Kesser identifies starter, which is
the amazing micro-biodiversity a combination of
of good bacteria arised herein: flour and water
“When made with a starter culture, mixed together
sauerkraut tends to be high in and left open
Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, and on the counter
Pediococcus organisms. In contrast, for several days.
wild-fermented sauerkraut is more Yeast and lactic
variable in composition, containing acid bacteria in
>>>>>>>>>>>> continue to page 15
18 AUGUST 2021 | biodiversitynature.comHEALTH & WELLBEING
Komagataeibacter xylinus and the imparting chocolate with much of
yeast, Zygosaccharomyces bailii”. its cherished flavours and aromas.
Kefir To enhance flavour, one can add
fruit juices and spices to the For more on chocolate as a
kombucha. A similar drink called fermented food, download our May
Jun kombucha utilises green tea and issue of B & E Africa in PDF format.
honey for SCOBY fermentation. The
honey offers additional prebiotic
benefits, that feed the friendly
bacteria. When to avoid fermented
Interestingly, kombucha is believed foods temporarily
to have originated in China, Russia,
or Eastern Europe around 220 Kesser advises that although
BC. While beverages labelled as fermented foods are healthy,
Cheese “kombucha” are widely available nutrient-dense add-ons to most
Cheese is a fermented milk product in grocery stores today, these diets, there are however two health
produced through the coagulation processed, sugary drinks are yet situations in which it may be best to
of the milk protein casein. During again, a far cry from traditional avoid fermented foods temporarily:
cheese production, the milk is kombucha. SO, be discerning if you histamine sensitivity or intolerance;
acidified by means of microbes such want the real thing! and mould illness or chronic
as lactic acid-producing bacteria, inflammatory response syndrome.
and enzymes such as rennet are How about Wine?
used to coagulate the milk. Once Natural wine may contain some
the dairy solids have separated, lactic acid-producing bacteria,
they are often pressed into a form such as Pediococcus pentosaceus.
and go through an aging process Most commercial wines filter
that promotes the growth of various out all bacteria, including any
moulds. The origin of the milk, residual beneficial bacteria, and
types of bacteria and mould, and are frequently a source of other
the environment in which cheese unsavoury additives.
is processed and aged all come
together to influence the aroma, ...and Beer?
flavour, texture, and colour of the Beer is currently the most widely Kombucha
cheese. While probiotic starter consumed fermented beverage in
cultures are used to start up cheese the world. It is produced by steeping
production, these bacteria often do a starch source, such as cereal
not survive the long aging process. grains, in water and fermenting the
In some cheeses, such as Gouda liquid with yeast. Before grains are
and cheddar, only small amounts of ready to be fermented into beer,
probiotic bacteria survive the aging they must be malted. Malting allows
process and are found to be present the cereal grain to germinate,
in the final product. releasing enzymes that break down
the complex carbohydrates in grains
Historical accounts of cheese into simple sugars. The simple
making are found throughout sugars feed the yeast, which results References:
Europe before Roman times. in alcohol. Most beer is fermented
Today’s industrialized cheeses made with brewer’s yeast and hops, the -https://chriskresser.com
with pasteurized milk, commercial aromatic and bitter flowers of the -https://www.foodnavigator.com/
starters, and genetically modified Humulus lupulus plant. Article/2018/05/04/There-is-a-mega-
enzymes, that most people in the
Western world eat today, are a Chocolate trend-around-fermentation-The-rising-
far cry from the exquisite artisan Chocolate is made from the star-of-fermented-foods
cheeses made with raw milk fermented seeds of the Theobroma -https://www.vc4hw.com/chronic-
and traditionally crafted through cacao tree native to the Amazon
fermenting and aging processes rainforest. After the cacao pods are inflammatory-response-syndrome-cirs.
over extended periods. harvested, the seed and pulp are html
allowed to spontaneously ferment. -https://dobbernationloves.com/food-
Kombucha As listed once again by Kesser,
Many people have heard about or the microbes that ferment cocoa drink/fermented-honey/
used raw, un-sifted apple cider include the bacteria Lactobacillus https://www.perfectbee.com
vinegar on salads, or taken it fermentum and Acetobacter
with warm water first thing in the pasteurianus and four yeast species:
morning to detox and help boost S. cerevisiae; Hortaea thailandica;
digestive health and alkalinity. Hanseniaspora opuntiae; and Recommended Reading:
But kombucha is quite a different Pichia kudriavzevii. While the
fermented product in its own drying and roasting of fermented Wild Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz
league. Kombucha is a fermented, cocoa beans may likely kill off
slightly alcoholic, effervescent many of these microbes, there are
beverage made with black or green still various bioactive microbial
tea and sugar. The tea and sugar compounds which stay behind,
mixtures provide a fermentation
medium for a rubbery disk-shaped Nicolette’s background in sociology lead her to the complementary
symbiotic culture of bacteria and
yeast, also known as a “SCOBY” health field where she is a registered Therapeutic Reflexologist &
or the “mother”. (Recall this term Meridian Therapist. 17 years of being in practice has shown her how
“with the mother” when looking natural therapies and sound nutrition can play a definite vital role in
at murky bottles of apple cider supporting the healing process by bringing about balance and
vinegar?). Kesser explains how the harmony. Outside of the therapy room, Nicolette has come to
“extra-terrestrial-looking SCOBY appreciate that: “ ‘Wellbeing’, in all senses of the word, individually,
is actually a biofilm consisting of societally, and globally, now and for the future, is inextricably tied in
numerous microbes, including the with nature. We can not fully care for ourselves and one another
acetic acid-producing bacterium without living in synergy with the natural world.”
biodiversitynature.com | AUGUST 2021 19changing, dynamic world. It is critical enigmatic but no less interesting
that people receive reliable creatures call this continent home.
information about biodiversity, Nurturing an appreciation and spiritual
conservation, and environmental connection to these plants, animals
issues. Just as important, communities and landscapes is critical to ensuring
need to understand why biodiversity is their long-term survival. It is the
important in their daily lives and why continent’s youth that needs to be
environmental issues are personally uplifted and guided to do this.
relevant to their health and wellbeing. Environmental education and resource
Given the levels of poverty across management are essential skills that
Africa, the challenges may seem should be taught at every stage of a
insurmountable, but can be overcome child’s education, from pre-school to
strategically with foresight, dedication tertiary level. B & E Africa strives to be
and consistency. a communications channel bridging
Traditional knowledge and the gap between academic research
consumption of natural resources findings and translating scientific
must be integrated into sustainable literature into a format that anyone
biodiversity management strategies can appreciate and understand.
and communities need to see, and B & E Africa will cover a range of
experience first-hand, the benefits of topics and carry out interviews with
biodiversity. The benefits of ecosystem scientists, researchers, businesses, and
services need to be demonstrated politicians across the African continent
clearly and practically. Africa must also and further afield. Some of the topics
be cautious of international and covered include:
corporate investments which lead to • Biodiversity (focus on diversity and
environmental destruction and conservation of plants and animals)
biodiversity loss for short-term profit. • Biosecurity (the prevention of
Such short-term financial gain and pathogens and invasive species)
profits cannot be allowed to overrun • Climate change (global climate
ABOUT long-term sustainable goals and
biodiversity conservation objectives.
As humans, we yield immense power
change)
• Community upliftment
(environmental benefits to
US. over the natural world, but we have a
moral and ethical responsibility to
leave a legacy of natural wonder to the
communities, tourism,
bioprospecting)
• Conservation (endangered species,
generations that follow, so that they trade, poaching and conservation
Biodiversity & Environment Africa is a too can experience the majestic roar of issues)
fully digital, website-based platform lions, the trumpeting of elephants, and • Economy (financial economics and
- freely available to readers globally. the humble dung beetle in the African the environment)
Publications and resources are available savanna. • Ecotourism (safari and game lodges,
as downloadable PDFs, as well as It may seem idealistic to aim for ecotherapy, tourism, birding and
regular online blog posts. It is our hope environmental sustainability and hunting)
to make information available as far conservation of biodiversity when • Environmental management
and wide as possible. In keeping with many regions of Africa are suffering (landscaping, environmental scoping
its environmental ethos, printing and from prolonged civil conflict, disease and impact assessments)
distribution is effectively reduced, and poverty, but these challenges can • Invasive species (spotlight on
therefore striving towards a low carbon be overcome. It will however take invasive animals and plants)
footprint and minimal use of natural dedication and resolve from • Legislation (environmental law and
resources. politicians, and more importantly, legislation)
The primary objective of B & E Africa Africa’s citizens. Thousands of game • Marine resources (fisheries and
is to interpret and disseminate often guards, wardens and environmental recreation)
complex academic research and activists have lost their lives protecting • Recycling (waste management)
environmental policies in a digestible biodiversity and natural assets across • Resource management (agriculture,
and easy to understand format. The Africa. This alone goes to show that forestry and mining)
website, www.biodiversitynature.com the will to protect is there. We owe it • Sustainability (development and
and blog articles therein, can easily be to these fallen heroes to ensure that resource management)
viewed in alternative languages by right their sacrifice will not be in vain. • Technology (GIS, satellites and other
clicking and using Google translate. Africa is custodian to some of the technology used in environmental
Never has environmental world’s most unique landscapes, management)
communications been as important and plants, and animals. Elephant, rhino, • Water (water resource management
pertinent as it is in today’s rapidly gorillas and a plethora of less & wetlands)
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