Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal South Africa - Management Plan - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
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Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Management Plan
Prepared by
KwaZulu-Natal Biodiversity Stewardship Programme
Citation
Johnson, I., Stainbank, M. and Stainbank, P. (2018). Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve Management Plan. Version 1.0.
AUTHORISATION
This Management Plan for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve is approved:
TITLE NAME SIGNATURE AND DATE
KwaZulu-Natal MEC:
Economic Development,
Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Recommended:
TITLE NAME SIGNATURE AND DATE
Chief Executive Officer:
EKZNW
Chairperson:
EKZNW, Biodiversity Conservation
Operations Management Committee
Chairperson:
People and Conservation Operations
Committee
Management Authority
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I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUTHORISATION I
TABLE OF CONTENTS II
LIST OF TABLES III
LIST OF FIGURES III
ABBREVIATIONS IV
1) BACKGROUND 1
1.1 Purpose of the plan 1
1.2 Structure of the plan 2
1.3 Alignment with METT 4
1.3 Introduction 4
1.4 The values of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve 5
1.5 Adaptive management 7
2) DESCRIPTION OF INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE AND ITS CONTEXT 9
2.1 The legislative basis for the management of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve 9
2.2 The regional and local planning context of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve 10
2.3 The history of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve 12
2.4 Ecological context of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve 14
2.6 Socio-economic context 20
2.7 Operational management within Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve 23
2.8 Summary of management issues, challenges and opportunities 24
3) STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 26
3.1 Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve vision 26
3.2 Objectives and strategic outcomes 26
4) ZONATION PLAN 28
4.1 Conceptual development guidelines 28
5) ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE 29
6) OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 30
6.1 Legal compliance and law enforcement 30
6.2 Buffer zone protection and regional management 31
6.3 Visitor management and tourism development 34
6.4 Conservation management 34
6.5 Operational management 39
7) MONITORING AND REPORTING 41
7.1 Annual monitoring 41
7.2 Annual protected area management plan implementation review 43
8) INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE’S ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION 44
8.1 Implementation of the management plan 44
8.2 Responsibilities in implementing the protected area management plan 45
8.3 Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve’s resource requirements 45
REFERENCES 46
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
APPENDIX B: LIST OF STATUTES TO WHICH THE INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE IS SUBJECT
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II
APPENDIX C: COPY OF INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE SG DIAGRAM AND PROCLAMATION (PENDING).
APPENDIX D:VEGETATION TYPES AND SPECIES LISTS
APPENDIX D1: KZN VEGETATION TYPES occurring within Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve, their conservation
status and protection.
APPENDIX D2: PLANT SPECIES LIST for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve
APPENDIX D3: GENERAL FAUNA LIST: Invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
APPENDIX D4: BIRD LIST
APPENDIX E: PRO FORMA ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Land ownership of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ....................................................................... 9
Table 2. Vegetation types of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and their contribution to systematic
biodiversity planning conservation targets. ............................................................................................. 17
Table 3. List of alien invasive plants species found on Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ............................ 19
Table 4. Management challenges, issues and opportunities ................................................................... 24
Table 5. Objectives and strategic outcomes for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ...................................... 27
Table 6. Framework for legal compliance and law enforcement, and buffer zone protection and
regional management. ............................................................................................................................. 32
Table 7. Framework for visitor management, tourism development and conservation management. .. 36
Table 8. Framework for operational management. ................................................................................. 40
Table 9. Annual monitoring schedule for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ................................................ 42
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Structure of the Management Plan. ............................................................................................ 3
Figure 2. Regional location of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. .................................................................... 5
Figure 3. The adaptive management cycle (Management Strategy Evaluation, 2009). ............................. 8
Figure 4. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and its constituent properties. .................................................. 10
Figure 5. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve in the context of uMgungundlovu DM Critical Biodiversity Areas
Map. ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 6. Mean monthly rainfall and temperature data for the major Bioreseource units of
Ingwehumbe............................................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 7. Map showing topography of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and its surrounds. ........................ 15
Figure 8. Map showing the geology of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. .................................................... 16
Figure 9. Map showing the vegetation types of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ...................................... 17
Figure 10. Local municipality within which Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve falls ....................................... 21
Figure 11. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserveinfrastructure of rodas, bush camp and recreational cycle
tracks.. ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 12. Zonation plan for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. .................................................................... 28
Figure 13. Organisational structure for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. ................................................... 30
Figure 14. Process for the implementation of the Management Plans. .................................................. 44
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III
ABBREVIATIONS
Amafa Amafa aKwaZulu-Natali (KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Heritage Agency)
BCOMM Ezemvelo Biodiversity Conservation Operations Management Meeting
BP Business Plan
CCA Community Conservation Area
CDP Concept Development Plan
CEO Chief Executive Officer
CRMP Cultural Resource Management Plan
CMS Co-management Structure
DAEARD KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development
DCO District Conservation Officer
DEA National Department of Environmental Affairs
DWA National Department of Water Affairs
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMF Environmental Management Framework
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EWT Endangered Wildlife Trust
Ezemvelo Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife
FPA Fire Protection Association in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (No.1 of 1998)
GIS Geographical Information System
IDP Municipal Integrated Development Plan
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature
MCM National Department of Marine and Coastal Management
MEC Member of the Executive Council
MOA Memorandum of Agreement
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NEMA National Environmental Management Act
NPAES National Protected Area Expansion Strategy
NSBA National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment
OIC Officer in Charge
PA Protected Area
SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency
SDF Municipal Spatial Development Framework
SMME Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises
SMP Strategic Management Plan
SWOT Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
WWF Word Wildlife Fund
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IV
1) BACKGROUND
1.1 Purpose of the plan
Management plans for biodiversity stewardship sites are strategic
documents that provide the framework for the development and operation
of biodiversity stewardship sites. Biodiversity stewardship offers varying
levels of formal protection of land with nature reserves being the highest
level of protection and a recognised protected area in terms of the National
Environmental: Management Protected Areas Act, No. 57 of 2003. Because
of the importance of its biodiversity and ecological functions, Ingwehumbe
Nature Reserve qualified to be declared as a nature reserve in terms of the
Act.
This management plan informs management at all levels, from the
management authority through to support staff within partner organisations.
The purpose of the management plan is to:
• Provide the primary strategic tool for management of Ingwehumbe
Nature Reserve, informing the need for specific programmes and
operational procedures.
• Provide for capacity building, future thinking and continuity of
management.
• Enable the landowner to develop and manage Ingwehumbe Nature
Reserve in such a way that its values and the purpose for which it has
been established are protected.
• Ensure the effective management of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve in
accordance with relevant provincial, national and international norms
and standards.
• The plan outlines the implementation of the conditions laid out in the
Protected Area Management Agreement for Ingwehumbe Nature
Reserve, which are to:
o Preserve the ecological integrity (including vulnerable and
ecologically sensitive areas) of the nature reserve.
o Conserve the biodiversity of the nature reserve.
o Protect areas representative of all ecosystems, habitats and
species naturally occurring there.
o Protect threatened or rare species.
o Assist in ensuring the sustained supply of environmental
goods and services provided by the nature reserve.
o Provide for the sustainable use of natural and biological
resources.
o Create or augment destinations for nature-based tourism.
o Manage the interrelationship between the natural
environment, human settlement and economic development.
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1
1.2 Structure of the plan
Section 1: Provides an introduction and background to the management
plan and Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
Section 2: Establishes the context of the Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve,
providing the basis for the strategic and operational
management frameworks that follow.
Section 3: Sets out the vision and objectives for the biodiversity
stewardship site.
Section 4: Sets out the zonation of the biodiversity stewardship site,
outlining the land uses in particular zones.
Section 5: Describes the administrative structure that has been
established to assist in managing Ingwehumbe Nature
Reserve.
Section 6: Sets out the management targets that must be achieved in
managing the nature reserve.
Section 7: Sets out the monitoring measures required to determine if
management targets are being met.
Section 8: Describes the components that must be included in the
annual plan of operation.
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2
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONTEXT
Introduction
Management issues,
Description and challenges and
context opportunities
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Vision
Objectives
Key performance
areas
Strategic
outcomes
Zonation
plan
Adaptive management
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Administrative
framework
Management Guiding principles
activity
Management
targets
Monitoring and
reporting
Annual plan of
operation
Figure 1. Structure of the Management Plan.
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3
1.3 Alignment with MET T
Management effectiveness is defined by the IUCN’s World Commission on
Protected Areas (WCPAs) as the assessment of how well a protected area is
being managed – primarily the extent to which it is protecting values and
achieving goals and objectives (Hockings, Stolton & Dudley 2000; Hockings et
al. 2006). The assessment of management effectiveness using the
Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT-SA Version 3, 2015) is not a
management performance assessment but is intended to identify areas in
which management effectiveness can be improved within a protected area
and within the organisation managing the protected area.
As far as possible, this management plan has been aligned with the METT,
which focuses on six elements of protected area management:
1. Understanding the context of existing values and threats.
2. Protected area planning and design.
3. The allocation of resources to the protected area.
4. The processes that are implemented in managing a protected area.
5. The outputs of management actions.
6. The outcomes or impacts of management actions.
It must be understood that not all aspects of the METT will be relevant to
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve but that the METT is able to identify areas in
which to focus management activities in an effort to address deficiencies and
improve management. It thus provides a baseline upon which future
management effectiveness can be measured and improved.
1.3 Introduction
The Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve (1031.059ha) is located in the south-east
corner of the Pietermaritzburg and midlands region of the KwaZulu-Natal
Midlands, approximately 15km south east of the village of Eston in KwaZulu-
Natal, in a predominantly sugar cane growing area (Fig.2). The nature reserve
is characterised by a variety of different vegetation types including the
Critically Endangered KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld, Moist Coast
Hinterland Grassland, Eastern Valley Bushveld, KZN Hinterland Thornveld and
Eastern Scarp Forest that support large numbers of threatened and endemic
species. The Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve provides an important example of
these habitat types within the region. It falls within the Mkhambathini Local
Municipality and the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. This region also
forms part of one of the oldest conservancies, namely the Beaumont Eston
Conservancy. This site will play a very important role in the conservation of
vegetation types, especially the Critically Endangered KZN Sandstone
Sourveld, as well as a large number of threatened and endemic plant and
animal species.
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4
Figure 2. Regional location of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
1.4 The values of Ingwehumbe Nature Reser ve
The values of a place are those remarkable attributes that exemplify it, which
led to it being identified as a priority for the Biodiversity Stewardship
Programme and to be proclaimed as a nature reserve. The values are
important in planning and management, as they are the aspects of the place
that must be protected. The values of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve include:
Natural values • Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve contains a large
variety of vegetation types, including the Critically
Endangered KZN Sandstone Sourveld, Moist Coast
Hinterland Grassland, Eastern Valley Bushveld,
KZN Hinterland Thornveld and Eastern Scarp
Forest. Of note is the abrupt contrast from
sandstone grassland to Valley Bushveld habitat.
• Sense of space, beauty, views and vistas of the
area.
Species values • Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve provides suitable
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5habitat for high numbers of endemic and
threatened plant and animal species.
Ecosystem service • The Mgwahumbe River and its tributaries that
values flow through the property are an important part
of Umkomaas catchment
• The nature reserve is a large tract of functional
natural habitat in a largely transformed
region/landscape
Ecosystem function • Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve has a significant
values altitudinal gradient that facilitates climate change
adaptation.
• Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve has high habitat
heterogeneity including grassland, bushveld,
scarp forest, rivers, wetlands, waterfalls and cliffs.
Socio economic • The large variety of recreational activities include:
values mountain biking fly fishing (indigenous yellow
fish), abseiling, hiking, bird watching, game
viewing, 4x4 track, botanical walks, river lodge.
Cultural and historic • A long history of people with strong ties to the
values land.
Consistent with Section 17 of the Protected Areas Act, the purpose of
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve is to:
• Protect an ecologically viable, representative area of KZN Sandstone
Sourveld, Eastern Scarp Forest, Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland,
KZN Hinterland Thorn veld and Eastern Valley Bushveld and its
associated biodiversity in efforts to achieve provincial and national
protected area targets.
• Protect the ecological integrity and functioning of ecosystems and
water resources of the region.
• Protect the biodiversity of the area, in particular threatened, rare and
endemic species.
• Contribute towards the ecological functioning of the Mgwahumbe
River catchment and its associated water resources through the
sustained supply of environmental goods and services.
• Provide a destination for nature-based tourism that contributes to
economic development in the region.
• Ensure the sustainable use of natural resources including by hunting.
1.4.1 Protection of the values
The protected area’s values, in particular those that underlie the functioning
of its ecosystems and the protection of its rare and threatened species, will
be given the highest degree of protection to ensure the persistence of these
systems predominantly unaltered by human activity.
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61.4.2 Ecosystem-based management
Decision-making associated with the protection of the reserve’s ecosystems
will be scientifically based on internationally accepted principles and
concepts of conservation biology. The protected area ecosystems will be
managed with minimal interference to natural processes. Specific
management may be desirable, when the structure or function of a habitat
or ecosystem has been significantly altered by human induced impacts or
previous management. Specific management will only be considered when
this option is the best alternative available to restore ecological integrity.
Where directed management is required, it will be based on scientific
research, and will employ techniques that emulate natural processes as
closely as possible.
1.5 Adaptive management
The preparation of this management plan has been undertaken based on the
guiding principles of adaptive management, which is a structured, iterative
process in which decisions are made using the best available information,
with the aim of obtaining better information through monitoring of
performance (Fig.3). In this way, decision making is aimed at achieving the
best outcome based on current understanding, whilst accruing the
information needed to improve future management. Adaptive management
can lead to revision of a part or if necessary the whole management plan.
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7Figure 3. The adaptive management cycle (Management Strategy Evaluation, 2009).
Adaptive management enables landowners and managers to:
i) Learn through experience.
ii) Take account of, and respond to, changing factors that affect
the biodiversity stewardship site.
iii) Develop or refine management processes.
iv) Adopt best practices and new innovations in biodiversity
conservation management.
v) Demonstrate that management is appropriate and effective.
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82) DESCRIPTION OF INGWEHUMBE NATURE RESERVE AND ITS
CONTEXT
2.1 The legislative basis for the management of Ingwehumbe
Nature Reser ve
There is a large body of legislation that is relevant to the management of
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve, but the primary legislation guiding the
management of protected areas is the National Environmental Management:
Protected Areas Act (No.57 of 2003).
The Protected Areas Act establishes the legal basis for the creation and
administration of protected areas in South Africa, as its objectives include
provisions “for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas
representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural
landscapes”. The Act sets out the mechanisms for the declaration of
protected areas and the requirements for their management.
A detailed list of relevant legislation is provided in Appendix B. Landowners
should familiarise themselves with the purpose and contents of the statutes
and their subsequent amendments and regulations.
2.1.1 Proclamation status of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve
Nature Reserve status was recommended for the Ingwehumbe site by the
KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Review Panel on 4 Feb 2013 and approved by
the KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Working Group on 7 Feb 2013, following a
site assessment on 28 November 2012. The landowners of the properties
comprising Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve have committed to proclaiming the
site as a nature reserve in terms of Section 23 of the National Environmental
Management: Protected Areas Act (No.57 of 2003). A copy of the gazette
notice, proclaiming Ingwehumbe as a nature reserve will be provided in
Appendix C.
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve has been surveyed over the properties or parts
thereof listed below (Fig.4).
Table 1. Land ownership of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
Landowner Registration Property Known name Title Deed SG diagram Size (ha)
number description number
Electprops 39 96/10742/07 16734 Wingfield / T32354/1996 SG1631/1995 551.1185
Pty Ltd Kwagumbi
Malcolm IT 1084/01 17426 Priscilla Vale T57133/2002 SG1367/2001 858.4511
Stainbank
Family Trust
Virginia Trust IT 1085/01 1/17425 Virginia Port. 1 T57134/2002 SG1366/2001 364.7704
Virginia Trust IT 1085/01 16732 Ngangeza T57134/2002 SG1516/1995 110.3643
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9Figure 4. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and its constituent properties.
2.1.2 Invasive species control in terms of the Biodiversity Act
In terms of Section 76 of the National Environmental Management:
Biodiversity Act (No.10 of 2004), the management authority of a protected
area must incorporate an invasive species control plan in the protected area
management plan. This is addressed in Sections 3 and 4 below.
2.2 The regional and local planning context of Ingwehumbe
Nature Reser ve
2.2.1 Regional and local planning framework
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve falls within uMgungundlovu District
Municipality and the Mkhambathini Local Municipality, which set the
regional and local planning frameworks. The status of the reserve is reflected
in the land use planning schemes. Almost the entire area of Ingwehumbe
Nature Reserve is classified as CBA Irreplaceable Terrestrial and CBA Optimal
Terrestrial according to uMgungundlovu District Municipality’s Critical
Biodiversity Areas Map (Fig.5).
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10Figure 5. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve in the context of uMgungundlovu DM Critical Biodiversity
Areas Map.
According to the Environmental Management Framework for the
uMgungundlovu District Municipality (INR 2017) as a declared Nature
Reserve (Protected Area) the sensitivity level is very high and activities that
would result in transformation or net loss of critical biodiversity elements
should not be undertaken in this zone. Activities that are compatible with
biodiversity management objectives and that would result in a nett increase
in biodiversity should be supported. (p36) Maintain, enhance, and where
possible, protect areas of high biodiversity value through sustainable
development planning and land use management practices that promote
biodiversity patterns and processes across a more connected and biodiverse
landscape. (p38)
The uMgungundlovu District Municipal IDP recognises good tourism potential
as a major strength identifies the farming area between Camperdown and
Ezimwini (including the existing protected areas within Mkhambathini
Municipality - Mpushini Protected Reserve, Camperdown Nature Reserve,
Killarney Isle and Gwahumbe Game Reserve and Mid Illovo, Eston,
Manderston and Tala Game Reserve Area) as an agri eco-tourism and food
production area.
The Mkhambathini IDP (2016-2021 p99) states that he remaining
undisturbed land should be protected wherever possible since it provides
habitats for various species. The maintaining of indigenous habitats will assist
towards augmenting biodiversity in the area.
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112.2.2 Protected areas expansion
A long term goal is to expand the reserve as the opportunities arise by
identifying areas adjacent to Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve for possible
expansion of the conservation area. The following properties have expressed
interest in becoming recognised conservation areas Skiddaw, Scawfell,
Gwahumbe Farm, Gwahumbe Game and Spa, Hope Valley, Giggleswick and
Buckawbrau. These properties need to be engaged by the KZN Biodiversity
Stewardship Programme.
2.3 The history of Ingwehumbe Nature Reser ve
Origin of the name “Ingwehumbe” (Neil Hampson pers. comm. 2017)
“The name of the valley came to my attention about in 1990 as for years I
had been trying to find out the meaning of the word Gwahumbe as it was
spelt on the road signs and in all references. An old African man came to the
farm one morning and asked permission to bless the spirits of his family at a
site near to what we call the Waterfall. He told me that he had grown up in
the valley and as a small boy herded the cattle along the river. He said his
grandparents always warned them not to herd the cattle near the “Ingwe
Hhumbe”. Ingwe meaning leopard and humbe meaning caves - “Leopard
Caves”. So at last after many years the true name became known to me. It
really made sense and ironically leopard are seen on regular occasions in the
valley. In fact spoor of a leopard and cub were recorded by my ranger on the
18/3/2016”.
History of the Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and surrounds
Historically, this region once formed part of the ancient elephant trail as they
moved between their winter-feeding grounds in the mangrove swamps of
what is now Durban, to their summer habitat, the nearby Byrne Valley. This
trail was later utilised by Boer Pioneers as a wagon route from the Cape to
Durban.
The area was settled by the Stainbank and Gurney families in the 1870s.
Agriculture at the turn of the last century consisted of tobacco growing for
which a factory was built in the Gwahumbe Valley.
The following notes on the history of the area were provided by Neil
Hampson, a local resident whose family has lived in the area for many years.
“Herewith a short resume of what I know and what I was told by my father
Garnet Hampson who was one of the first managers to be employed by Willy
Pearce the owner of the then Illovo Sugar Mill.
• All cane was hauled by oxen on coco pan trucks on rails laid out for
harvesting and then transferred to a narrow gauge trucks to be hauled down
to the mill at Illovo. Some 500 head of oxen were grazed down the
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12Gwahumbe Valley and also Hall’s Farm which is now Tala Reserve. My folks
were engaged in 1938 and I have a picture of them sitting in a mule drawn
trap close to where the old tobacco factory was. The tobacco was of a very
high standard and won many top awards at the Royal Show in
Pietermaritzburg.
• I personally broke down the last Illovo dip tank in the valley in 1980 which
was made of imported pig iron, a very strong type of cast iron.
• Col. Montgomery was bequeathed the land, Ismont Farm by Queen Victoria
for his services rendered to her Majesty in the British Fusiliers. He built his
double story home to resemble a fort, complete with gun turrets and meter
thick stone walls. The house has been occupied until 3 years ago when a
freak hurricane destroyed it. Istere Montgomery and 2 daughters less than 3
years old lie buried at the top of Mount Langford on the farm Ismont. The
dates on the graves are 1860.
• The valley, prior to the arrival of Lantana was open Savannah, grasslands.
• I am open to correction but my certificate of Natural Heritage Site No 1 is I
think one of four or five registered in the Valley and signed by Mandela.
• I have known the valley since a young boy of about 12 and spent many
holidays with pellet guns, bare foot, swimming and exploring and doing what
all boys dreamt of in those days. It has been an honour and privilege to have
been able to conserve the part I have and my dream is that one day the entire
16 kilometers will become a Natural Heritage site in its entirety.”
Botanical collecting history of the area
It is related that the Durban Herbarium was stocked in the late 1800’s from
the valley. It was a hard day’s ride from Durban and many, many specimens
of plants were sourced from this precious valley and I understand went on to
the London Herbarium (most likely Kew). (Related to Neil Hampson by Neville
Power of Arden Farm, Mid-Illovo, whose family name goes back to
Powerscourt i.e. above the valley).
Later, in the 1950’s, the area was again an important collecting site for
botanists who contributed to the impressive plant species list (Appendix D).
1
Attempts to trace this number have so far been unsuccessful
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132.4 Ecological context of Ingwehumbe Nature Reser ve
2.4.1 Climate and weather
The Ingwehumbe area has relatively mild seasonal climatic patterns. Mean
annual rainfall ranges from 738mm in the valley to 956mm at the higher
altitudes, and occurs mostly during the spring and summer seasons, but with
some rain in winter. Mist is common and adds additional moisture. Winters
are generally very stable climatically and characterised by cold dry
conditions. Some frost does occur.
Figure 6. Mean monthly rainfall and temperature data for the major Bioreseource units of
Ingwehumbe.
2.4.2 Topography
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve altitudes range from higher lying areas of up to
845m above mean sea level, dropping rapidly down cliffs and steep slopes to
the valley bottom along the course of the Mgwahumbe River to 291m asl., a
total of 554m Fig.7). The topography of the area has an impact on
management activities carried out on the reserve. Access to the valley
bottom is difficult with the access road being steep and eroded in some
areas. Only high clearance vehicles are used, with 4X4 vehicles required in
some places. Due to the steep nature of the terrain appropriate drainage of
roads and carefully planned burning regimes are important to prevent
erosion.
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14Figure 7. Map showing topography of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and its surrounds.
2.4.3 Geology and soils
The higher altitude plateau areas have shallow, nutrient-poor sandy soils
derived from Ordovician Natal Group sandstones, with the dominant soil
types being Inanda, Kranskop, Nomanci, Griffin and Hutton, which have a low
susceptibility to erosion. The slopes and valley bottom are underlain by the
sediments of the Karoo Supergroup with the mudstones, and the dominant
soil types are Glenrosa and Mispah (Fig.8). These areas are highly susceptible
to erosion
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15Figure 8. Map showing the geology of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
2.4.4 Hydrology
The large Mgwahumbe River, a major tributary of the Lovu River flows along
the valley bottom of the reserve. Two perennial streams feed this river from
the north. The water quality of the river is dependent on agricultural
practices upstream, but is currently in good condition. The Gwahambe Clear
Water project is working from river source. There are no major NFEPA
wetlands within the nature reserve, but numerous smaller wetlands are
present.
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162.4.5 Vegetation
Five vegetation types are represented in the Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve
(Table 2 & Fig.9)
Table 2. Vegetation types of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and their contribution to systematic
biodiversity planning conservation targets.
Provincial % contribution
Vegetation type Hectares
target (ha) to target
KZN Sandstone Sourveld 276 44918 0.62
Eastern Scarp Forest 220 7010 3.17
Moist Coast Hinterland
Grassland 5 109388 0.00
KZN Hinterland Thornveld 159 38135 0.42
Eastern Valley Bushveld 371 78438 0.48
Total 1031
Figure 9. Map showing the vegetation types of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
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17KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld (Critically Endangered) occurs in
KwaZulu-Natal on elevated sandstone plateaus from Mapumulo near
Kranskop in the north to St Faiths near Port Shepstone in the south, between
500-1100m. It is a short, species rich grassland with scattered low shrubs and
geoxylic suffrutices on flat or rolling plateau tops and steep slopes. This
vegetation type is classified as critically endangered by EzemveloKZNWildlife
and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Mucina and Rutherford
2006, Jewitt 2011). It is noteworthy that the contribution of Ingwehumbe
more than doubles the current protected extent.
Eastern Scarp Forest occurs from near the Kei Mouth to southern
Mpumalanga and from a biodiversity perspective is probably the most
important forest type in South Africa (Boon, 2010). Biogeographically and in
terms of biodiversity this is probably the most valuable forest type in South
Africa with many endemic taxa.
Eastern Valley Bushveld is found in the deeply incised valleys of rivers
between 100 and 1000m asl. In the Eastern Cape and KZN. Semi deciduous
savanna woodlands in a mosaic with thickets, often succulent and dominated
by species of Euphorbia and Aloe
KZN Hinterland Thornveld is found scattered immediately above eastern
valley bushveld between 450 and 900m asl in river valleys. Open thornveld
dominated by Acacia species on undulating plains on the upper reaches of
river valleys.
2.4.7 Fire regime
Current fire management is concentrated on maintaining the grasslands,
where biennial block burning is more feasible than fire breaks. Perimeter
breaks are burnt on perimeter of grasslands. The occurrence of wildfires is
not as bad as in the past. The river, streams and forests act as natural
barriers. Fire management agreements need to be put in place with
neighbours to ensure that burning is cost effective and in line with
management objectives e.g. burning of reserve boundary.
Uncontrolled fires in the Bushveld on steep slopes could result in erosion.
2.4.8 Invasive species
There are currently very high levels of Lantana camara, and to a lesser extent
Chromolaena odorata and Solanum mauritianum, on the steep slopes of the
river valley. Small patches of Canna indica and an exotic Plectranthus sp. are
present in the grasslands above the valley. Some Sesbania punicea is also
present.
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18Table 3. List of alien invasive plants species found on Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
Common name Scientific name CARA category
Lantana Lantana camara 1
Triffid weed Chromolaena odorata 1
Bugweed Solanum mauritianum 1
Indian shot Canna indica 1
Wattle Acacia mearnsii 1
Red Sesbania Sesbania punicea 1b
In terms of the NEM: Biodiversity Act (No.10 of 2004) and the Conservation
of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA – No.43 of 1983), landowners are
required to control and eradicate listed invasive alien species on their land.
CARA categorises such plants on the following basis:
Category 1: Plants that may not be grown and must be eradicated.
Category 2: Plant species with commercial value, which may only be
grown with a permit under controlled circumstances.
Category 3: Plants which have amenity value and which may be grown,
but not planted, propagated or imported.
While weed control is active in the proposed nature reserve area using
chemicals, inaccessibility of the very steep river banks is a huge challenge.
Biocontrol agents need to be investigated as a method of control for these
species. Lantana biocontrol has been tried but the agent is adversely affected
by cold temperatures.
2.4.9 Plant species
The Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve area has been well collected by many KZN
botanists over a long period and more than 600 species have been recorded
(Appendix D2). These include five Endangered species, 11 Vulnerable species,
6 Near Threatened species, 11 Declining species and two Rare species. There
are 16 KZN endemics and 82 SA endemics. There is also an unconfirmed
report of the Critically Endangered Brachystelma natalense.
2.4.10 Mammalian fauna
A variety of antelope including Oribi (Endangered), Bushbuck, Grey Duiker,
Blue Duiker (Vulnerable) , Kudu, Eland and Common Reedbuck occur on
Ingwehumbe. Leopard tracks, serval, caracal, cape clawless otter, aardwolf,
black-backed jackal, genet, aardvark, water & white tailed mongoose, striped
weasel, honey badger, grey and slender mongoose, cane rats, bushpig and
warthog have also been recorded (Appendix D3).
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192.4.11 Avifauna
Over 180 bird species have been recorded in this area. These range from
forest species such as the trumpeter hornbill and narina trogon, waterfowl, a
variety of raptors of which the Crowned Eagle is recorded to have bred in the
valley for over twenty five years and Southern ground hornbill. Of particular
note is Southern Ground Hornbill (Endangered) which bred on a ledge above
the Ingwehumbe NR gorge until recently when the nesting site collapsed.A
bird list from the neighbouring similar habitat Gwahumbe Game Reserve is
included in Appendix D to note the species likely to be found on
Ingwehumbe.
2.4.12 Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians)
The following reptiles and amphibians are found on Ingwehumbe Nature
Reserve: African Rock Python, Berg adder, Black mamba, Green mamba,
Boomslang, Southern Brown Egg Eater Snake, Bush Squeaker, Flap Neck
Chameleon, Bushveld Rain Frog, Common River Frog (Appendix D3).
2.4.13 Invertebrates
A list of Invertebrates from EKZNW is included in Appendix D3. A number of
the millipedes and molluscs are threatened and / or KZN endemics.
2.6 Socio-economic context
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20Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve falls within the uMgungundlovu District
Municipality and the Mkhambathini Local Municipality (Fig.10) which set the
regional and local planning frameworks.
Figure 10. Local municipality within which Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve falls
The uMgungundlovu District Municipality 2015/16 Integrated Development
Plan (IDP) highlights the good tourism potential and abundant water
resources of the area. This emphasizes the importance of natural sites such
as Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve, which can ameliorate degradation upstream
and continue to provide important ecosystem goods and services
downstream.
The uMgungundlovu District Municipality EMP (2017) highlights tourism
attraction as a strength and the importance of biodiversity conservation and
the revenue generated by tourism associated with conservation as a key
opportunity. Threats to the Mkhambathini Local Municipality outlined in a
SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis include
growing pressure to protect sensitive vegetation such as Ngongoni and Valley
Bushveld and that there is an increasing burden to protect the rivers and
wetlands with limited resources available at the municipality. The official
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21protection of such natural vegetation and riparian zones in a declared nature
reserve such as Ingwehumbe will assist the Mkambathini Local Municipality
in achieving its targets
The Mkhambathini Integrated Development Plan (2016 to 20121) comments
on unemployment, inequitable access to land and poor environmental
quality in the municipal precincts. These issues may include impacts on the
boundary of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve and within the site and influence
management of the nature reserve.
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222.7 Operational management within Ingwehumbe Nature
Reserve
2.7.1 Infrastructure
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve has minimal infrastructure other than access
roads, a rustic river bush camp and recreational cycle tracks around the
periphery (Fig.11).
Figure 11. Ingwehumbe Nature Reserveinfrastructure of rodas, bush camp and recreational cycle
tracks..
2.7.2 Operational management
The predominant land use on the site is natural and recreational, including
mountain bike trails and fly-fishing, There are currently no agricultural
production activities taking place within the Nature Reserve boundaries with
the exception of a small areas of sugarcane that were not surveyed out. A
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23non-commercial herd of 50 head of Nguni cattle graze in the reserve, and
there are approximately 40 community cattle in the valley bottom
Routine road maintenance, alien plant control, and burning of firebreaks are
carried out regularly.
Warthog and bushpig control is practised in order to maintain appropriate
population levels.
Limited hunting takes place.
2.8 Summary of management issues , challenges and
opportunities
The following section summarises the key management issues and challenges
outlined in the descriptive sections above, which must be addressed through
the management plan. The issues and challenges have been grouped under
key performance areas, which flow through the strategic and operational
management frameworks that follow (Table 4).
Table 4. Management challenges, issues and opportunities
Key Issue that must be addressed Opportunities
performance
area
Raise awareness in the region about the
importance of the reserve, its ecology
and species.
Contribute towards the income generation
of the nature reserve.
Identification of appropriate activities that Existing MTB, hiking, 4x4 trail,
may be developed to encourage Mdolwana/Wingfield bush
Tourism
visitors to the nature reserve. camp, bird watching, fishing
development
(catch and release) botanical
and visitor
walks, nature clubs.
management
Identification of infrastructure required to Road access and maintenance of
support visitor activities within the cycle and hiking trails and of
nature reserve. bush camp
Provision of opportunities for schools and Infrequent day trips walking on
groups to use the reserve for trails
environmental education.
Environmental education Not at present
Development of specific management If needed in conjunction with
measures for rare and endangered EKZNW
species such as Oribi and Southern
Ground Hornbills that occur within the
Conservation nature reserve.
management Management of introduced game species NA
Livestock management. Limited numbers not likely to
increase due to limited
carrying capacity. Rangeland
condition assessment and
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24Key Issue that must be addressed Opportunities
performance
area
stocking rates may be carried
out.
Control of infestations of invasive plant Chemical and biocontrol. Identify
species listed in terms of the accessible areas that can be
Biodiversity Act and infestations of controlled in planned manner
indigenous problem plant species within financial constraints.
including bush encroachment Investigation biological control
agents. Opportunities for
working for water programme.
Herbicide assistance through
stewardship.
Control of bush encroachment Current control by chemical and
fire
Development of a fire management regime As per Fire Protection Association
that adopts an ecological approach to
burning whilst ensuring adequate
levels of safety.
Erosion control and rehabilitation As required
Administrative structure, formation of Malcolm Stainbank Landowner,
management authority, multiple Pete Stainbank Landowner and
landowners directors of Wingfield Nature
Reserve current landowners. A
management authority needs
to be a legally constituted
entity and to be assigned.
Operational (Landowners association)
management
Staff training and capacity Ongoing training of staff in
conjunction with farm
activities e.g. chemicals, alien
control, conservancy field
rangers training. Revision
important.
Maintenance of infrastructure Ongoing as required
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253) STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
The following strategic framework is aimed at providing the basis for the
protection, development and operation of the biodiversity stewardship site
over the next five years and has been prepared collaboratively through a
process involving the landowner, the biodiversity stewardship facilitator and
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
The vision describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection
and development of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve. The objectives and
strategic outcomes that follow are intended to provide the basis for the
achievement of the vision. The objectives provide a broad description of the
goals for each key performance area. The strategic outcomes, which flow
from the objectives, set out what is needed to achieve the objectives, based
on the management challenges, issues and opportunities described in
Section 2 above.
3.1 Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve vision
The ecological value of the Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve extends beyond its
immediate surrounds, where it fulfils an important role in regional
conservation and the provision of ecosystem services. The natural beauty,
ecological value, habitat and species diversity and the presence of high
numbers of threatened and endemic species, make the reserve an important
biodiversity asset to the province. Its successful conservation relies on its
protection, the management of its resources and infrastructure, and the
support of its neighbours and the community living in their surrounds.
3.2 Objectives and strategic outcomes
An objective has been identified for each of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve key
performance areas, which follow from the management challenges, issues
and opportunities, and relate to the important functions and activities
necessary to protect, develop and manage it effectively. The objectives have
then been translated into strategic outcomes, which form the basis for the
management activities and targets set out in the operational management
framework, described in Section 6 below. Table 5 sets out the key
performance areas, the objective for each key performance area and the
strategic outcomes, required to realise the objectives.
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26Table 5. Objectives and strategic outcomes for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
Key performance area Objective Strategic outcome
Legal compliance and law Appropriate legal protection of the Nature Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve complies with the requirements of the PA act
enforcement Reserve
There is adequate control and law enforcement within the site. Use of SAPS, conservancy, Farmwatch, tribal
Control of illegal activities e.g. plant harvesting authority and Community Police Forum
and poaching
Control of alien species and protection of alien
free areas .
Buffer zone protection and Explore opportunities to consolidate the Capture of buffer zone considerations in local and regional plans.
regional management protection of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve’s Cooperate with neighbouring biodiversity stewardship sites, where there is an alignment of biodiversity
boundaries and its surrounds. conservation goals and objectives.
Visitor management Develop opportunities for ecotourism activities Investigate and implement appropriate ecotourism opportunities.
that afford revenue and cost-recovery to the
nature reserve.
Conservation management Protect the ecosystem functioning, ecological Critical ecological processes and functions are maintained within the nature reserve.
integrity, habitat and species of the nature Rare and threatened species management is undertaken using the best available scientific knowledge.
reserve through active interventions based on Fire management is undertaken based on ecological principles and the recommendations of studies undertaken
principles of adaptive management. for the site.
Protect and manage the threatened, rare, Adequate fire safety within the nature reserve is ensured.
vulnerable and endemic species to ensure their Game management is undertaken based on ecological principles and best management practices that seek to
continued survival. optimise the game species mix and numbers.
Invasive alien plant species control measures are implemented in the nature reserve in a planned and systematic
manner.
Operational management Infrastructure maintenance: Well maintained roads, trail network and bush camp
Adequate finances are provided for the An annual budget is provided for the maintenance of the reserve
protection of the reserve.
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274) ZONATION PLAN
The purpose of the zonation of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve is to control the
intensity and type of use within it, in efforts to ensure the overriding goals of
production and biodiversity conservation are met. On this basis, within some
zones, the permissible intensity of use will be relatively higher than in others.
Figure 12. Zonation plan for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
4.1 Conceptual development guidelines
4.1.1 Limited use zone
This zone is designated for areas in which activities are to be limited to low-
impact ecotourism uses and conservation management interventions. Motor
vehicle access into parts of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve, for management
purposes is allowed in this zone, together with visitor access to the camp.
Controlled camping is allowed. Low level management infrastructure such as
patrolling observation points will also be allowed in this zone. The objective
of this zone is to enable access and usage of the nature reserve whilst
limiting the impacts of this.
4.1.2 Moderate use zone
This zone covers areas that encompass key zones for the development of
management infrastructure and relatively high levels of visitor usage.
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28Furthermore, this zone is designated for areas of relatively high vehicle usage
such as for visitors travelling to and from the main lodge/s within the nature
reserve. The objective of this zone is to accommodate lodge-style
developments and to enable the development of operational management
infrastructure such as stores, maintenance areas and staff housing within the
nature reserve.
Permissible activities for these two zones:
• Development of lodges.
• Development of roads infrastructure in compliance with
environmental law requirements.
• Maintenance of the main access roads through the nature reserve.
• Development of the nature reserve’s park management facilities
comprising infrastructure such as entrances, staff housing, offices,
workshops and storehouses.
• Grazing of livestock, at stocking rates at or below the commercial
stocking rate.
Non-permissible activities:
• Introduction of non-indigenous grasses, trees or shrubs for
landscaping purposes.
• Ploughing of land.
5) ADMINISTRATIVE ST RUCTURE
A recommended organisational structure for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve is
set out in Figure 13. The figure identifies the role of the site’s landowners
and their staff together with key partners such as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
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29Landowners
Management
Authority
Shared team: management
Ingwehumbe Nature programmes such as alien plant
Reserve Land clearing, burning, erosion control
Management Association and law enforcement.
Existing farm
labour
Management Advisory
Forum:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife NGO partners Other governmental
partners
District Conservation Botanical Society of SA Department of
Unit Agriculture
Biodiversity Endangered Wildlife Working for Water
Stewardship Unit Trust
Eco-advice Unit Working on Fire
Figure 13. Organisational structure for Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve.
6) OPERATIONAL MANAG EMENT FRAMEWORK
This section translates the strategic framework described in Section 3 above
into management activities and targets, which will be used to inform annual
plans of operation and the resources required to implement them. The
management targets will form the basis for monitoring of performance in
implementing the plan and are thus measurable.
6.1 Legal compliance and law enforcement
Through the landowners of the biodiversity stewardship site, the
management authority has been mandated to enforce laws related to the
conservation of the site, which prohibit particular activities. In fulfilling this
role, the managers of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve will adhere to the
following guiding principles:
• All reasonable efforts must be made to ensure the effective
conservation of biodiversity within and on the boundaries of the
nature reserve.
• Law enforcement efforts should be coordinated with the relevant
authorities including the South African Police Service in addressing
offences and breaches of the law.
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30• Law enforcement at the site will be undertaken through surveillance,
monitoring and appropriate reaction in the event of an offence.
6.2 Buffer zone protection and regional management
In order to safeguard the biodiversity within the nature reserve and
to counter any threatening processes or edge effects, appropriate
land uses in the surrounds of the reserve should be encouraged.
Actions may also be taken to secure the boundaries of the reserve
through protected area expansion mechanisms and local planning
tools. In ensuring the protection of its biodiversity, the following
guiding principles will be adopted in terms of buffer zone protection
and regional management:
• Appropriate actions must be taken to manage threatening
processes and edge effects on the nature reserve’s boundaries
and beyond them.
• The reserve’s managers will endeavour to assist the local and
district municipalities in determining appropriate land uses and
development strategies in the areas surrounding the nature
reserve.
The operational requirements for law enforcement, and buffer zone
protection and regional management are set out in Table 6 below.
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31Table 6. Framework for legal compliance and law enforcement, and buffer zone protection and regional management.
Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Landowner Partner
responsibility responsibility
NATURE RESERVE DECLARATION
Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve Declaration of the site in terms of correct title deed Legal protection of Ingwehumbe Nature Reserve ▪ No declaration of Year 1 Completion and EKZNW to ensure
is a legally declared nature information and Surveyor General diagrams as a in terms of the Protected Areas Act. Title deed Ingwehumbe Nature signature of legal signature of legal
Reserve.
reserve. Nature Reserve in terms of the Protected Areas Act. endorsement must be achieved. documents documents by MEC
▪ No title deed
endorsement on
declared properties
LAW ENFORCEMENT
There is adequate law Develop an integrated security strategy for the nature Creation of cooperative structures with law ▪ Frequent recovery of Development of Support to
reserve, which ensures collaboration with all relevant enforcement officials (SAPS EKZNW and private snares.
enforcement within the
institutions. security companies, Mid -Illovo community
Year 1 strategy landowner
nature reserve. ▪ Arson fires.
police forum).
▪ Recorded losses of game
species.
Ensure that staff are equipped and trained to Regular patrols covering the full extent of the Implementation of a Prosecution of
undertake patrols within the nature reserve for law nature reserve. ▪ Recorded losses of known
enforcement purposes. rare and endangered Year 1- system of patrols Individuals caught
Prosecution of any offender caught committing committing an
species. ongoing
Implement a programme of patrols of the nature an offence.
offence
reserve and its boundaries.
BUFFER ZONE, PROTECTED AREA EXPANSION AND REGIONAL MANAGEMENT
Status of the reserve Ensure that the Nature Reserve status of Ingwehumbe Engagement with
Retention of existing compatible land uses, such Land uses that lead to land Engagement with
reflected in land use is included in the development of local and district as game and livestock farming, in the areas transformation, municipalities in municipalities in
around the reserve. fragmentation and loss of
Ongoing developing local and
planning schemes municipality IDPs, SDFs and LUMS in an effort to ensure developing local and
habitat. regional plans.
compatible land uses in the areas around the nature regional plans.
reserve.
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