BIRD'S EYE VIEW - SAFE HAVEN - eThekwini Municipality
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VOLUME 16. 2013 / 14 SAFE HAVEN Claire Hodgkinson recounts the story of saving orphaned baboons and keeping Durban’s Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife alive. BIRD’S EYE VIEW David Allan reveals the frightening decline in waterbirds in Durban Bay over the last 14 years.
A museum about the earth, its history and life on earth, both past and present.
(Photo: Charles Krebs – www.krebsmicro.com)
thola
VOLUME 16 . 2013 / 14
3 Comments Page Letter from
4 Director’s Report the Editor
8 Pigeon Valley
10
13
SANBI Collaboration
Library Department
welcome
Thola first emerged as the Museum’s popular magazine in 2011. At that time,
14 Mammalogy Department I’d just finished serving a stint as ‘acting-director’ of the Museum. Well this year
I drew a similar, but much less onerous, sentence as your ‘acting-editor’. As you
20 SAASTEC Conference 2013 will read elsewhere in this edition, our regular editor, Kirstin Williams, was on
22 Special Report: CROW a sabbatical completing her PhD and Allison Ruiters, our Director, asked me to
steer Thola through to publication. I’ve edited the Museum’s scientific journal
26 Palaeontology Department Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates since I joined the Museum as long
ago as 1996, so I’ve some experience with the pleasure and pain of the task. As
30 Exhibitions Department a popular product, Thola has been more fun to work with than the Novitates but
35 Wind Repowering Project its multi-faceted nature has rendered it equally challenging.
In the pages that follow, there are the usual departmental report-backs, packed
38 Herpetology Department with evidence of exciting progress on many fronts, and we welcome no less than
five new staff appointments, all involving young and dynamic individuals. Perhaps
44 Entomology Department
most thrilling is the landmark announcement of the Museum’s new mobile facility:
48 Education Department GO-WILD! As in the past, some of our like-minded collaborators weigh in with
stories of shared interest. Crispin Hemson exposes us to one of our City’s gems of
54 Conservancies a nature reserve. Martin Clement describes the City’s new partnership with the
South African National Biodiversity Institute. Ginny Stone extolls our hosting of a
58 Ornithology Department
major science-centre symposium. Claire Hodgkinson reveals the heroic work of
64 Events her centre for the rehabilitation of wildlife. Craig Richards shares his insights into
the interaction between wind-energy and the environment. Finally, Paulo Candotti
65 Museum Diary spells out some ground-breaking advances in sustainable, community-based
conservation initiatives that are happening right in our own backyard.
Hope you enjoy these varied offerings. I know I did!
David Allan
Thola Magazine is published by: david.allan@durban.gov.za
The Durban Natural Science Museum
P. O. Box 4085, Durban, South Africa 4001
165 Anton Lembede Street, Durban, South Africa 4001
Tel: +27 31 311 2256. Fax: +27 31 311 2242 VOLUME 16. 2013 / 14
Director: Allison Ruiters
Editor: David Allan
SAFE HAVEN
Design and Layout: Science™ Claire Hodgkinson recounts the story
of saving orphaned baboons and
keeping Durban’s Centre for the
Rehabilitation of Wildlife alive.
The editors wish to extend a special thanks to Emil von Maltitz
for donating his photographic expertise All material is copyright protected and may not be reproduced
either in whole or in part without the prior written permission of
Durban Natural Science Museum Trust the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in the magazine
Thola is a non-profit educational magazine and any financial do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editor, who
contributions to the Durban Natural Science Trust are welcomed. reserve the right to amend articles. Whilst every care has been
taken to ensure accuracy of information, the publisher and editor
Mr. David R. Bennett (Chairman) BIRD’S cannot be held responsible for any errors or views expressed.
Mr. David G. Allan (Secretary/Treasurer), Mrs. Nicky F. Armstrong,
Mrs. Marilyn N. Bodasing, Mr. B. Themba T. Mathe
EYE VIEW
David Allan reveals the frightening
Readers are invited to express their views to the editor.
© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.
decline in waterbirds in Durban Bay
over the last 14 years.
SELECT YOUR
WEAPON.
YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU.
Form a conservancy with like-minded people in your area to control
invasive alien plant life and maintain your local environment.
A conservancy is a voluntary, co-operative initiative to help owners and residents provide environmental management and
promote stewardship of our natural resources at a community level. All conservancies are registered with our provincial
conservation authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
The first urban conservancy was established in 1991 with the Everton Conservancy in Gillitts. Twenty one years later, we now
have a proud record of voluntary environmental work with over 40 other urban conservancies in and around eThekwini.
We hold regular bi-annual workshops to empower our residents with valuable knowledge and information and use many of
our local experts for advice. Contact Jean Lindsay on 082 550 4427 or email her at lindsayjd@mweb.co.za
Private Bag X 3, Congella 4013
KWAZULU-NATAL
CONSERVANCIES
ASSOCIATION
3
Visitor’s comments
inbox
Tell us what’s on your mind, we’d love to hear from you. Send your news, views and
suggestions to David Allan at david.allan@durban.gov.za
Ekuphakameni Primary School Limpopo Junior Chess Team Jessica Broom B. D. Yerakiah
05-09-2013 18-12-2013 03-07-2013 18-12-2013
‘Noma Khoza’s presentation ‘The guides did a great job with ‘Really enjoyed it! Schools should ‘The museum contains great
to my learners was brilliant! the large groups of children. come here. Very educational, I artifacts of prehistoric
Thanx lots.’ Love it!’ loved the whole experience. Will information. The tour guide was
be back soon!’ quite informative. This building
Belinda Upfold Salomi Kirsten and it’s contents is an amazing
28-06-2013 29-06-2013 Karyn Muruyan heritage site.’
‘Very enjoyable and educational. ‘Awesome experience for my 06-09-2013
An asset to Durban.’ 11-year-old son. Good attraction ‘It was very educational and M. Potgieter
for Durban. Friendly staff helped everything so beautiful and life- 04-09-2013
Ruth Rhodes to make the experience good as like. Will come back very soon, ‘I was really impressed. Displays
12-01-2013 well. Thanks.’ would love to learn more.’ were top-class.’
‘We were very impressed –
fantastic displays, nice new ones Skyset Tours Ebrahim Ahmod Gabriella Broom
and the old ones much improved. 18-07-2013 23-01-2014 03-07-2013
Loved the rhino poaching focus. ‘The Museum is well-organised, ‘Most memorable and ‘Really lovely museum. Will
Just a note that some of the bird self-explanatory and educational. educational place in Durban. definitely come back soon!’
noises were not working.’ Staff are friendly and Learnt a lot.’
accommodating.’
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/14
4 Director’s Report
Director’s Report: Allison Ruiters
“Museums today need to operate
from a position of shared authority, a
concept that pushes beyond the idea
of collaboration and partnership.” - Allison Ruiters
M
useums are presented as Krantzkloof Nature Reserve fitted well into the In May 2013, vast progress was made
places that produce, hold and 2013 IMD theme - Memory + Creativity = in the new Natural Science Museum
disseminate knowledge. At Social Change - which aimed to contribute to development project, with a seminar
the same time our institutions community development, in promoting social facilitated by Imagine Durban and MILE
are all grappling with the challenge of how cohesion and in creating community interest (Municipal Institute of Learning), in which
we can become agents of change; how we and involvement with our museums and the Architectural Services, Skills Development
can become more relevant. Despite the many natural environment. This initiative, borne out and our museum participated. Invited
efforts that are being made, there still of an existing relationship with our Mammalogy external stakeholders included Prof. Michelle
remain many questions around most Department and Kloof Conservancy, then Hamer, Director of Zoological Systematics,
museums’ civic role in addressing the critical prompted the KwaXimba Natural Heritage Day South African National Biodiversity Institute
social needs of our communities. event with KwaXimba Conservancy, which (SANBI), Mr David Kramer, CEO of Sci-
Furthermore, there is a general perception formed part of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Bono Discovery Centre, Johannesburg, and
that science is isolated and accessible to only (PRC) Month programme. This particular Dr Beverley Damonse, Group Executive,
a few members of society. This view is activity was an excellent example of cross Science Advancement at the National
reinforced by the mind-sets and practices of pollination between departments, as well as Research Foundation (NRF). Discussions
most scientists and science-linked institutions with two different communities, ultimately were held in the context of perhaps one
that focus on insular research needs. “bringing the museum to the people”. of the most exciting projects for our City;
Museums today need to operate from a Whilst great strides have been made to the development of the Arts and Cultural
position of shared authority, a concept that expose the insulated world of science to precinct within the CBD on the Centrum
pushes beyond the idea of collaboration our public, a strong statement needs to be site, of which a new Durban Central Library
and partnership, but rather promotes the made that science is part and parcel of the will serve as a central resource centre
stance that all stakeholders involved must be cultural life of a city. Although there are a for residents, and will also help drive the
understood to be authorities who are able to few existing models, there needs to be more economic revitalisation of the CBD area,
offer something of value to the relationship. focus on the development of centralised and be a new attraction for visiting tourists.
We need to let go of positions of actual and “science knowledge campuses”, a unified This has initiated a major move in the urban
perceived privilege and embrace the wisdom network of relevant internal and external redevelopment efforts to revitalize the area
and experiences of co-creators, adding this to City stakeholders working towards achieving and also lends itself to envisaged plans of the
our own areas of expertise, thus providing a similar objectives. These campuses need to creation of a knowledge hub.
new lens through which to consider our work incorporate the elements of science research, There are plans to include within this
and our goals. a science museum / centre, science education knowledge campus a new Natural Science
This authentic, reciprocal engagement and career development, encompassed Museum that will also include a science
needs to be centred on Jacques Rancière’s within the City’s urban planning and centre. The Durban Natural Science
philosophy, where those who know something regeneration framework and economic Museum (DNSM), with a history of 126
engage with those who know something development plan. years, will continue to position itself as a
else. In doing this, we then transform the
knowledge and skills of all collaborators,
as long as we engage in genuine equal Whilst great strides have been made to expose
relationships and conversations, better serving
both institutional and social needs. the insulated world of science to our public, a
Our collaborations with Kloof Conservancy
and KwaXimba Conservancy during this
strong statement needs to be made that science
year are evidence of such partnership. The is part and parcel of the cultural life of a city.
International Museum Day (IMD) activities at
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/14
5
leading institution, both at a national and these programmes have been centred on
international level, in pioneering knowledge the DNSM embracing the knowledge and
and creating awareness of the richness and capabilities of our co-creators, thus adding
benefits of our biodiversity. value to our own areas of expertise.
This is especially important given that, The highlight of our activities to dispel
following the DNSM being identified as one the perception of science being narrow and
of five regional collections hubs in South exclusive was our involvement with Prof.
Africa in the National Audit of Natural History Mpilo Pearl Sithole, Associate Professor at the
Collections conducted by the NRF, we have Community Development Programme at the
just been awarded funding, together with
KZN Museum, of R1 million per annum
over a 3-year period towards upgrading, The DNSM, with a
maintaining and managing our collections,
thus increasing our absorptive capacity for
history of 126 years,
collections from other institutions that may will continue to
fall into disrepair.
A vast amount of work has already gone position itself as a
into the City’s vision of creating a new
Natural Science Museum on the Centrum site
leading institution,
alongside the Central Library. In keeping with both at a national and
the City’s vision, this Precinct envisages “to
create a leading-edge footprint and digital international level, in
gateway in Africa that provides knowledge,
opportunity and experience of culture,
pioneering knowledge
heritage and science”. It is this vision that and creating
informs the mission of the Libraries & Heritage
Department “to provide access to information awareness of the
and knowledge; to develop, interpret and
preserve culture & heritage; to enhance
richness and benefits
the quality of life, promote creativity and of our biodiversity.
encourage life-long learning through libraries,
museums, art galleries, science centres,
performing arts and living heritage centres.” University of KwaZulu-Natal, who delivered
Contributing to this mission, and our keynote addresses at both our Annual
reinforcing the philosophy of “those who Magqubu Ntombela – Ian Player Lecture and
know something engaging with those who the 15th Annual Conference of the South
know something else”, was our various African Association of Science & Technology
initiatives within the Education and Exhibition Centres (SAASTEC). Pushing boundaries, by
Departments. Our National Science Week bringing a social scientist within a natural
activities were made possible through funding science environment, dispelled the apparent
received from the Department of Science & notion that science is accessible to only a few,
Technology and was done in collaboration elitist individuals and organizations. Professor
with youth ambassadors from different wards Sithole challenged the distinction between
within eThekwini Municipality. Our “Green “science” and “indigenous knowledge”,
Heroes for a Changing Climate” exhibition and expanded on “science not being owned
was developed to recognize members of exclusively by certain sections of society and
our communities who are doing simple but the globe, but is a feature of every society;
inspiring acts within their everyday lives scientific production is a shared practice”.
to reduce the impact of climate change. The curation and research on our
A “living” extension of this exhibition, a collections by both our voluntary and
permaculture garden at the Research Centre, permanent Research Scientists has resulted in
was developed with the assistance of Durban the continued expansion of our collections,
Botanic Gardens. The Joint Biodiversity as well as re-iterated the need for this
Seminar Series has been developed in fundamental biodiversity research. Leigh
partnership with our sister organizations, Richards’ contribution to the Education
the South African Association for Marine Department’s Volunteer Programme to
Biological Research (SAAMBR) and the Royal include training some of our volunteers in
Society of South Africa, and has seen our field surveys, not only enabled her to continue
audience grow, due to the rotation of these to support the Environmental Planning and
monthly seminars to different venues. All Climate Protection Department’s mandate of
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/14
6 Director’s Report
ABOVE: Busi Gumede, Sindi Nzama and Theshnie
Naidoo of the Education Department.
ABOVE RIGHT: The Museum family at the City Stars
Awards evening.
RIGHT: The concept for the realignment of Soldiers
Way that has yet to be approved by the City Council.
surveying the City’s nature reserves, but also
contributed to the ongoing development of
our enthusiastic volunteers, providing them
with an opportunity to improve their skills and
knowledge in an area quite foreign to most
of them. Assisting Leigh with this programme
and other technical tasks within the
Mammalogy Department, is Zama Mwelase,
the latest addition to our team. Leigh, along
with balancing the Mammal Department’s
many research collaborations, field work,
skills development, ongoing Chiropteran
research and her co-ordination of the GRAP
103 exercise and the NRF Collections Funding
Proposal, also completed her PhD in Biological
Sciences. Truly a proud moment for her, her museum, amongst these a fully functional Betsie Greyling, with the Herpetology and
family and her other family, at the DNSM! Forensics Entomology Laboratory., Palaeontology collections respectively has
Kirstin Williams was awarded a Sabbatical David Allan’s monthly field surveys of enabled these “departments” to grow,
Grant from the NRF, enabling her to take time waterbirds in Durban Bay for the past 14 years supporting the medium-term plans of the
away from her administrative and curatorial has resulted in him, with the assistance of DNSM. Angelo’s meticulous reorganisation
responsibilities to work on the completion of many partners over these years, being able to of the Herpetology collection has resulted
her PhD. The arrival of Natasha Govender, an produce a convincing account of the changing
addition to our team within the Entomology diversity and numbers of waterbirds within
Dept, assured the day-to-day running of this site. It has been David’s dedication to his The curation and
the department during Kirstin’s absence. profession and area of expertise that has driven
The vision and support of the PRC Executive this programme, and resulted in a worthwhile
research on our
Team, namely Mr Guy Redman (Deputy Head monograph being added to the Novitates collections by our
responsible for Libraries & Heritage) and Mr journal publication. David’s continued
Thembinkosi Ngcobo (Head of the PRC Unit), involvement in various wind-energy projects voluntary and
enabled Kirstin and the DNSM to benefit has ensured that expert avifaunal input has
from this funding programme, ensuring been provided to wind-energy developments
permanent research
that we remain at the pinnacle of our ensuring that important precedents are set. scientists has resulted
profession. I am proud to reveal that Kirstin The Ornithology Department welcomed a new
has also completed her PhD, even though technician, Onica Mukhuwana, who served as in the continued
this will only officially be awarded to her in a DST intern in 2012, and was already part of
2015 due to Rhodes University’s graduation the DNSM team.
expansion of our
process. I look forward to the new projects The voluntary assistance of Dr Angelo collections.
and collaborations that this will bring to the Lambiris, and Prof. Mike Cooper and Mrs
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/14
7
ABOVE: The new GO-WILD mobile museum. ABOVE RIGHT: The Museum’s volunteer staff 2014.
in it now being fully data-based, and huge has been the culmination of a project started people that form part of our DNSM family.
progress has been made in producing in 2011, GO-WILD, eThekwini Municipality’s I am truly blessed, humbled and privileged
taxonomically definitive inventories of the first mobile museum. This ambitious to have such a remarkable mix of staff and
collection, which should be complete in the enterprise was made possible through joint volunteers that are always giving of their
near future. Angelo’s resurrection of this funding from the KwaZulu-Natal Department best, going beyond what appears in their
collection has also resulted in a significant of Arts & Culture and the Municipality. This job descriptions, and all with their unique
donation of specimens from Mr Richard initiative has been enhanced by the above strengths, expertise and quirkiness, making
Boycott, as well as a visit to our collection, biodiversity education programme, developed us an exceptional team. This was duly
and loan of specimens, by Dr Mike Bates specifically for this mobile unit and ensuring recognised when we were nominated in
from the National Museum in Bloemfontein. easier accessibility to the DNSM education the 2013 City Stars Awards. Our Exhibitions
Mike and Betsie’s curatorial research programmes for learners, educators and the Department, headed by Dudu Hlatshwayo
work on the Palaeontology collection has community. It has also led to the GO-WILD (who is supported by Immie Mostert and
revealed in our collection a significant branding application being relevant to our Andrew Carter), through their Rotating
holding of type material, with this number entire Education offering. This service to our Exhibitions initiative, secured this accolade for
set to increase as they are in the process of communities will contribute to closing the our institution.
describing several new marine invertebrate gap between science and the public, again
species. The NRF’s Collections Funding will highlighted in the Human Sciences Research
enable the DNSM to provide an honorary Council’s 2013 publication, which found that All our achievements
stipend for continued work on this there still remains a disparity between public
collection, as well as forge a relationship attitudes towards science and science literacy.
within the past year
with the DST’s Palaeosciences Strategy team Congratulations are again in order in this are again testament to
to engage interns. department, as Theshnie was also awarded
Our Education Department has been her PhD. Well done – we are proud of you! the amazing team of
enriched with the addition of two new staff In terms of the National Heritage Resources
members, Theshnie Naidoo and Sindi Nzama, Act, No. 25 of 1999, heritage resources have
people that form part
to add to the good work already being done lasting spiritual value in their own right and of our DNSM family.
by Busi Gumede, who is to be commended for provide reference to historical moments in the
maintaining this department single-handed construction of South African society. Since
for over a year, with the competent assistance they are valuable, finite, non-renewable and This co-creation within the DNSM, in
of our volunteers, Zamo Shazi and Deron irreplaceable, they must be carefully managed relation to our custodianship of collections
Dlamini. The achievement of a complete to ensure their survival in the places where and the knowledge that we derive and
Education team enabled the DNSM to host a they are located. Every generation has a moral share from these assets, feeds into the
hugely successful SAASTEC Conference, with responsibility to act as trustee of the national long-term sustainable development plan
the assistance of partner departments and heritage for succeeding generations and of our communities and City. In doing this,
organisations within the Municipality, as well the government has a political mandate to we are further entrenching our institution
as further develop the Biodiversity Curriculum manage heritage resources in the interest of as a relevant agent of change, protecting
Programme, which now includes Educator its citizens. It is in light of this sentiment that the environment, driving social equity and
Skills Development, Gallery Education the GRAP 103 project was started in 2013 in promoting economic prosperity, so that we
Programme, KwaZuzulwazi Programme the DNSM, Local History Museum and the inspire our citizens to develop a relationship
development and Facilitator Training. Durban Art Gallery. with science, ultimately creating access to
Definitely the highlight of this department’s All our achievements within the past year lifelong learning so that they are personally
work, and indeed for the Museum generally, are again testament to the amazing team of empowered and confident.
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/14
8 Pigeon Valley
NATURALLY
RESERVED
FOR YOU
Crispin Hemson of the Friends of Pigeon Valley, sings
the praises of Durban’s urban reserves for bringing a
delightful and rich biodiversity to our doorsteps.
D
urban residents often fail to realise found here in large numbers, as is the Natal understorey plant, buckweed (Isoglossa
the richness and complexity that loquat (Oxyanthus pyriformis). One tree, a woodii), dies back, revealing the shy blue
our urban reserves offer. They are Cryptocarya, has yet to be clearly identified, duiker. While the blue vervet monkeys and
rich both in the number of species and may be a hybrid or possibly a species banded mongooses are evident in large
– trees, shrubs, birds, butterflies, mammals, typically found far from here. A recent survey troops, so are other mammals. A hot day in
reptiles and insects – and in their diversity. has identified no less than 109 locally spring brings out the hordes of alates (flying
Pigeon Valley, the small reserve on the Berea indigenous tree species. For purposes of ants or izinhlwabusi); which attract flocks of
(co-ordinates 29.86444°S 30.98861°E), barely comparison, the equivalent number for the birds, as the slender mongoose hides quietly
11 ha in extent, is a case in point. There are British Isles is 33. in the grass, ready to partake in the feast.
larger reserves, such as Burman Bush to the The visitor who walks along the leaf-strewn Adjoining the reserve is a reservoir
north and Stainbank to the west, but Pigeon trails may encounter unexpected delights. managed by eThekwini Water, adding an
Valley is a jewel of a reserve. The number of bird species recorded in the
The reserve slopes down towards the east, reserve is 145. Most notable perhaps is the
as is typical on the Berea, but it is unusual in Spotted Ground-Thrush, an endangered Reserves play an
also having north-facing and south-facing species typically present from April to August,
slopes. The south-facing slopes have tall trees often detected by the rustle of leaves as it
educational role as a
such as fluted milkwood (Chryophyllum pushes them aside in search of food. Green place where people
viridolium) and relatively little undergrowth, Twinspots were recorded as breeding in the
while the north-facing side has thorny thickets reserve in 2013-2014, while the stern call of can learn about the
and trees like the coast monkey-orange the Black Sparrowhawk is regularly heard.
(Srychnos gerrardii). Perhaps for the same The attentive observer may see the Buff-
complexities of life
reason it has different habitats, and is notable spotted Flufftail, whose strange hooting can around them.
for having two very rare tree species. The be heard on damp evenings, or the deep
majestic Natal elm (Celtis mildbraedii, or yellow of the Dark-backed Weaver (in
uZinhlu) is Afrikaans, Bos Musikant), with its strangely area of coastal grassland and thus another
attractive squeaky-gate song. In the habitat. The interface between the two
background there is the constant hooting of areas is often rich in birdlife.
a Tambourine Dove, shy beauty of the forest. Pigeon Valley brings together the
Dotted around the reserve are the red management of the reserve, which falls
duikers, while every few years the prevailing under the Natural Resources division of the
LEFT: A KwaZulu dwarf chameleon
(Photo: Adrian Armstrong) thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/149
eThekwini Metro, and Friends of Pigeon LEFT: A tall Natal elm (Celtis mildbraedii) shows its striking buttressing. (Photo: Richard Boon)
TOP RIGHT: The author talks to youth delegates to the COP17 summit on climate change about Pigeon Valley.
Valley, a network of local residents linked to MIDDLE: A cautious blue duiker. RIGHT: An African Goshawk on the watch for prey. (Photo: Hugh Chittenden)
WESSA, who support the management
through reporting of problems and assistance
with alien clearing. They are well placed to tourism, attracting visitors with a strong an urban reserve where there is effective
address the invasive plant problems in the interest in accessible urban reserves. collaboration between local government and
areas around the reserve. The presence of Increasingly the reserves play an civil society.
volunteers plays a role in enhancing security educational role as a place where people can For the average visitor, though, reserves
and provides a rapid response to such learn about the complexities of life around simply provide an opportunity to enjoy the
matters as a tree falling onto a fence that them. The Friends have worked with peace and diversity that restore the soul and
may otherwise be missed. different groups of visitors to Pigeon Valley, bring a sense of connection to nature.
A recent joint initiative is a tree labelling promoting a space that reveals far
project sponsored by one of the Friends, more than can easily be
Doug Kirton. This project started at Pigeon grasped in a classroom.
Valley but is moving to other reserves and For young people
parks of the city. The aim is to encourage working on environmental
the conservation and understanding of the issues, these reserves are a
trees of the city. While young people are valuable context to explore.
increasingly distanced from nature there The reserves also provide access
is also a strong desire amongst them to for scientific research. Some of the
explore and to connect with nature reserves, such as Pigeon Valley,
around them. harbour individual plants that may differ in
Recent work by the Friends has included their genetic makeup from those of the
building up databases of trees, butterflies, same species elsewhere. For this
birds and mammals. The aim of this work is, reason, we do not favour planting trees
in part, to improve the monitoring of our from outside the area in the reserves.
biodiversity so that we can respond to threats This approach, combining a high
more effectively. It also serves to reveal to the standard of management with ample
public the richness of this natural diversity. information to sustain the most demanding BELOW: A Green Twinspot
The reserves play an important role in of visitors, demonstrates what is possible in (Photo: Hugh Chittenden)
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/1410 SANBI Collaboration
ONE
BIG
STEP
FOR
BIODIVERSITY
The eThekwini Municipality and the South African National Biodiversity Institute
(SANBI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen biodiversity
collaboration between the two organisations. Martin Clement, Curator of the
Durban Botanic Gardens, further elaborates on this beneficial union.
e Thekwini’s Integrated Development
Plan (IDP) is a transformational tool
for achieving the eThekwini
Municipality’s commitment to developing a
“caring and liveable city”. This includes the
SANBI, as mandated by the
National Environmental Management
Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), has in place
a number of internationally esteemed
programmes in research, gardens,
i. Making the Case for Biodiversity
eThekwini and SANBI have acknowledged
the need for increased investment in
biodiversity conservation, particularly within
the development context. Political decision-
long-term sustainability of Durban’s natural conservation, education and training, makers are seen as key to this initiative and
resource base, which requires appropriate and many are being strengthened by its the message regarding managing biodiversity
research; the regulation and management of partnerships with other organisations. and ecosystem services will address the
development; the development of relevant Given the mandates, collaboration is a social, political and economic development
policy; and the implementation of a critical base upon which to plan and paradigm of the Government of South Africa.
monitoring programme of key biodiversity implement land policy objectives,
indicators. To achieve this, the eThekwini mainstreaming, information exchange, ii. Biodiversity Management Plans for
Municipality has initiated several programmes resource sharing, research, education Ecosystems (BMPE)
in key areas such as education, awareness, and capacity development to achieve This collaborative area will address norms
incentives, green economy, town-planning the conservation and sustainable use and standards for Biodiversity Management
mechanisms and public-private partnerships. of biodiversity. Plans for Ecosystems (BMPE) that have been
Critical to the achievement of these aims is The eThekwini-SANBI Memorandum of requested by the Department of
eThekwini’s collaboration at a local, Understanding (MoU) addresses the Environmental Affairs (DEA) in terms of the
provincial, national and international level. following areas of collaboration: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/1411
The loneliest tree in the world
Wood’s cycad (Encephalartos woodii) is endemic to Ongoye Forest in KwaZulu-Natal. It is one of the
rarest plants in the world, being extinct in the wild with all specimens being clones of the single
remaining type. The specific and common name both honour John Medley Wood, curator of the
Durban Botanic Garden and director of the Natal Government Herbarium of South Africa, who
discovered the plant in 1895. Cycads evolved 240 million years ago and are the ancestors of flowering
plants. Like all other cycads, Wood’s cycad is dioecious (meaning that there are male and female
plants). Wood’s male specimen is the only representative of the species ever found. Luckily, the plant
regularly forms side-shoots at the base of the stem which are cultivated. By sending these stems to
other botanical gardens worldwide, the survival of this unique prehistoric plant species is ensured.
LEFT: Christo Swart, Deputy Head of Parks, arrangements and developing new
Recreation & Culture, representing the office of
the City Manager of eThekwini Municipality,
mechanisms for possible national uptake as
with Carmel Mbizvo, Head of Biodiversity part of the protected area expansion
Research, Policy and Knowledge Management, toolbox. This includes potential
SANBI, following the signing of the
Memorandum of Understating on Biodiversity
development of new incentives.
Collaboration between eThekwini and SANBI
(photo: Jody Fuchs). vii. Threatened Species
One of the objectives of species this important area, and which is
conservation or range expansion projects is obstructing political support for a fair and
to improve the body of knowledge on focal equitable global climate policy regime that
iii. Green Economics
species in South Africa and the Southern will protect biodiversity. South Africa is a
Further work is required on the economic
African Development Community (SADC). key world region that could contribute
benefits of healthy natural systems that
eThekwini Municipality and SANBI will share these necessary insights.
remain poorly understood and
any available and relevant knowledge
communicated to the private and public
pursuant to species conservation and trade- ix. Botanical Gardens
sectors. Green-economy initiatives will
policy issues. Botanic gardens in South Africa focus on
include industries derived from biodiversity,
core areas of biodiversity, education,
for example: ecotourism and game farming,
heritage, research, horticultural excellence
catchment rehabilitation and alien clearing. eThekwini and SANBI and green innovation. Both parties are
iv. Municipal Property Rates have acknowledged responsible for managing, maintaining and
Strengthening legislative and fiscal developing botanical gardens, and potential
frameworks for ensuring the protection of the need for increased areas for collaboration between SANBI’s
National Botanical Gardens and the Durban
biodiversity in local governments includes investment in Botanic Gardens include: garden-, estate-,
the need to develop or amend national
guidelines for the inclusion of biodiversity biodiversity data- and collections-management;
considerations in municipal property rates interpretation; capacity building and skills
policies and valuations. conservation, development; curriculum-based
environmental education work; joint
v. Climate Change Communication
particularly within the publications; commercialisation; fund-
Addressing climate-change issues remains a development context. raising; support for Mozambican botanical
strong area of collaboration for both SANBI gardens; links with museums; and
and eThekwini Municipality. This includes biodiversity research.
key policy reports such as the ad hoc viii. Climate Change Adaptation
Technical Expert Group report for the The mutually beneficial relationship x. Research
Convention on Biological Diversity. There is between societal adaptation via the use of As both Parties manage natural
scope to build on this, especially as the natural resources – also known as conservation areas, with their associated
second national communication exercise “ecosystem-based adaptation” – provides biodiversity, there is scope for collaborative
moves to implementation through the DEA opportunities to research, document, research projects to survey the fauna and
Policy Framework for Biodiversity and formalise and communicate these co- flora in these areas to monitor the health of
Climate Change Response. An opportunity benefits more widely, especially through the these biomes. Knowledge of the Red-Listed
exists for collaboration in preparation for development of well-monitored pilot species that occur in the municipal area is
the third national communication report. projects; as is the need to detect and important for informing biodiversity
attribute ongoing changes in natural planning. SANBI is dependent on the
vi. Protected Area Expansion ecosystems to climate-change drivers. This network of 11 institutions carrying out
eThekwini Municipality will be trialling is especially important in light of the high research on animal taxonomy for input into
innovative protected-area management degree of uncertainty that still remains in projects such as SABIF, SAEoL and SAIBOL.
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/1412 Collaboration
Knowledge of the Red Listed species that occur in the municipal area is
important for informing biodiversity planning.
xi. Collections Management • Development of appropriate co- xiii. Biodiversity Planning
As both Parties manage natural conservation management agreements/arrangements eThekwini Municipality has produced a
areas with their associated biodiversity and which incorporate collaborative mapping fine-scale Systematic Conservation Plan
hold important plant and animal collections: and monitoring of IAS and, in particular, (SCP) in order to identify and prioritise areas
• The Parties can explore mechanisms for of IAS within the eThekwini Municipal for the conservation of biodiversity and the
collaboration in curation of collections to Area (EMA); ecosystem services they provide. The
promote potential synergies and best • Setting priorities of important IAS or IAS Municipality has worked closely with
practice; and populations to be targeted for eradication; Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in terms of a
MoU and the Municipality’s plan will
• The Parties can facilitate access to such • Sharing of relevant IAS data and general
replace the provincial plan for its
collections for staff and students from information including best practices for IAS
jurisdictional area. Furthermore, the
both Institutions. control and IAS locality data;
Municipality plans to develop biodiversity
• Developing pilot IAS control projects; and sector and bioregional plans.
xii. Invasive Alien Species – SANBI’s Early
Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) • Working together to develop and distribute There is a justifiable fear amongst
Programme IAS education and awareness tools or practitioners that plans, in themselves, serve
Collaboration between SANBI and the hosting informative workshops, only the planning process, and are never
eThekwini Municipality with regards to presentations, etc. effectively put into operation. The
control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is In addition to the above, it is recognised that Municipality’s longstanding work in the field
expected to take place in a number of ways, both Parties play a significant role in of environmental planning lends itself to
including the following: developing, promoting and supporting green effective implementation through integration
• Collective strategy development, or at least job opportunities, and that successful IAS at all levels and types of municipal planning
integration of relevant strategies and action control programmes are likely to form the and decision-making, and by proactive
plans, as well as collective input into current foundation of many green job projects within initiatives such as land acquisition and a drive
and appropriate legislation and regulations; the EMA. for ‘green jobs’.Library Department 13
MATERIAL
MATTERS
Librarian, Lumka Ludwaba, reports on categories, catalogues, collections,
compilations and committees.
D
uring the course of 2013, all the Library Committee meetings have been
Museum library holdings published revived and take place every quarter. The
before 1900 were formally Library Committee forms an advisory board
categorised as ‘rare’ material. A and comprises representative staff from the
total of 481 of these items were barcoded, library, the curators, and the education and
listed and submitted. This was in line with the exhibition departments. The purpose of the
Generally Recognised Accounting Practices committee is threefold: 1) review and make
(GRAP 103) issued by the South African recommendations on planning for library
Treasury relevant to the accounting of natural resources; 2) review the performance of the
heritage collections. One of the oldest books library in supporting museum activities; and
in the GRAP 103 list is ‘The Aurelian: or 3) consult and advise on the library budget.
natural history of English insects; namely, Miriam Natalwalla was appointed
ABOVE: Lumka Ludwaba and Mariam Natalwalla
moths and butterflies’ written by Moses Departmental Senior Librarian. This led to
examine new journals in the Museum library.
Harris and published in 1766. changes in reporting lines, with the BELOW: One of the oldest book in the Museum
departmental librarians reporting to the library, The Aurelian.
A process currently Senior Librarian who reports in turn to the
District Manager.
underway is to ensure A keen youngster, Mondli Ngcongo, was and a popular magazine, Thola, which are
hosted by the Museum library for work- sent to exchange partners annually. In return
that all the materials integrated learning. He spent a busy eight the library receives free copies of a variety of
in the Library weeks at the library learning a range of
tasks. He assisted with the onerous GRAP
valuable publications from its exchange
partners. In the absence of a Library
collection are 103 process, as well as with sorting the Assistant, a post that remains vacant, the
reprints on birds. Museum volunteers assisted with the mailing
correctly categorised. The Museum exchanges publications with of material to exchange partners.
many international and local partners. It also A process currently underway is to ensure
Unfortunately there was a delay during publishes a formal scientific journal, the that all the materials in the Library collection
2013 with the renewal of subscriptions due to Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates, are correctly categorised. In addition to
the challenges encountered with internal typical print material, such as books and
processes. Happily, the journals were renewed journals, these items include
just before the end of the financial year and photographic slides, photographs, video
the first issue for 2013 was received in July. cassettes, DVDs, posters, pamphlets
The Journal of Museum Education and and reprints. Once this cataloguing task
Curator: the Museum Journal are two new is complete, staff will be able to check
additions to the journal subscription list. the Museum’s entire library collection,
There were also challenges with acquiring as well as the full eThekwini libraries’
books and DVDs during 2013 due to collection, from their desktops. On
modifications to internal processes, and completion of this process a full stock-
only 24 books and four DVDs were take will be conducted. This will be
acquired. These processes have now been followed by the compilation of a
rectified and we look forward to more manual detailing how to search the
acquisitions during 2014. library’s database.
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/1414 Mammalogy Department
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/1415
The Mammal Collection boasts yet another
series of type specimens in the form of
Myosorex meesteri (Meester’s forest shrew).
LEIGH RICHARDS
WILD NEW
DISCOVERIES
Leigh Richards, Curator of Mammals, reports on the comings and
goings of people and other creatures in her department.
I
t was another bumper year for the the Limpopo Valley, Soutpansberg use patterns on the abundance of serval
Mammal Department. In 2013 we foothills and North-west Zimbabwe. (For within the KZN Midlands. This medium-
accessioned no fewer than 350 more on the bats of the Soutpansberg sized cat is currently listed as Near
specimens. We received a sizeable read Taylor et al. (2013) Diversity of Threatened within South Africa, owing to
donation from Prof. Peter Taylor, former bats in the Soutpansberg and Blouberg the dependence of the species on ever-
Curator of Mammals, comprising Mountains of northern South Africa: dwindling wetland habitats. The donated
approximately 250 small mammals complementarity of acoustic and non- animals were casualties discovered
collected from the Limpopo Province, acoustic survey methods. South African during the course of survey work in the
particularly the biologically diverse Journal of Wildlife Research 43: 12–26.) Midlands. Dr Ramesh’s on-going research
Soutpansberg area. Most of the will undoubtedly provide valuable
collected material emanated from UNDER THREAT data to support the conservation and
various post-graduate student projects Other notable acquisitions included the management of the species.
supervised by Prof. Taylor. donation of three serval specimens by
Amongst the donated material were Dr Tharmalingam Ramesh, a postdoctoral NEW SHREW
100 bat specimens that included several fellow based at the University of The mammal collection boasts yet
individuals of the newly described KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg another series of type specimens in the
Smither’s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus Campus. Dr Ramesh has utilised several form of the newly described Meester’s
smithersi). This newly described species methods, including camera-trap data, to forest shrew (Myosorex meesteri).
of horse-shoe bat is known only from assess the influence of changing land- Using genetic and morphological data,
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/1416 Mammalogy Department
African Serval
(Leptailurus serval)
TOTAL LENGTH: Male: 960–1205 mm;
Female: 970–1230 mm
Weight: Male: 8.5–13.5 kg
Female: 8.5–11.5 kg
DIET: Nocturnal hunter, feeding
mostly on rodents,
especially vlei rats and
multimammate mice. ABOVE: Meester’s forest shrew – Myosorex meesteri. (Photo: Julian Kerbis, www.planet-mammiferes.org)
Shrews, reptiles and birds RIGHT: Hipposideros ruber. FAR RIGHT: Hipposideros caffer. (Photos: Ara Monadjem)
are also taken. Birds can be
captured in mid-air flight.
BREEDING: Gestation takes
approximately
2.5 months, with young
(1–4 kittens) typically the team of scientists led by Prof. Taylor, TALKING HEADS
born in the summer found that shrew populations from Mount In July my MSc students and I attended the
months. Females tend to
give birth in clumps of
Gorongoza in Mozambique and the Eastern 2013 symposium of the Zoological Society
vegetation in grasslands Highlands of Zimbabwe were clearly of southern Africa (ZSSA), co-hosted by the
or in underbrush. distinguished from other Myosorex species University of Venda and the University of
Habitat and Servals have a wide found within southern African. Myosorex Limpopo. The conference was held at the
distribution: distribution range meesteri, named after J.A.J. Meester, beautiful Tshipise Resort located north of
throughout Africa, yet
are absent from the drier
evolved as a separate species approximately the majestic Soutpansberg. The theme of
regions of the continent. 2 million years ago. Relative to other the conference was “Biodiversity Value
Estimated home ranges
southern African species this shrew has a and Changes”.
for males within KZN are
15–30 km 2. smaller cranium and has a minute fourth I presented a paper on “The utility of
upper singular-cusped tooth that is encircled geometric morphometric data in delimiting
LIFESPAN: Estimated to live up to
23 years in the wild. by the adjacent teeth. taxa within the Afrotropical Hipposideros
caffer-ruber complex (Chiroptera:
Hipposideridae)”. The systematic
Mammal specimens relationships amongst bats belonging to
donated within the H. caffer-ruber complex have often
been questioned due to the existence of
recent months have morphologically similar cryptic species and
difficulties in delimiting species. Genetic
included a large studies have begun to clarify the
male bushbuck, blue evolutionary patterns within this species
complex and have revealed cryptic lineages
duikers, scrub hare within the species H. caffer and H. ruber.
My preliminary research, based on cranial
and a bushbaby. morphological data, supported the
recognition of cryptic lineages within the
ANIMAL RE-HAB H. caffer-ruber complex and revealed
The department forged a new partnership lineage-specific morphological traits that
with the Centre for the Rehabilitation of can be used in taxonomic diagnoses.
Wildlife (CROW). Regarded as the first My students, Sylvana Reddy and Tarin
rehabilitation centre established in South Ramsaroop, both presented papers on the
Africa, CROW has been in existence for over morphological diversity of Afrotropical bats
30 years. The organisation is dedicated to within the Molossidae (free-tailed bats)
the rescue, rehabilitation and release of all family. Tarin was awarded third place for
indigenous wildlife found in KwaZulu-Natal. the student oral presentations – certainly a
Animals that unfortunately succumb to proud moment for her supervisor!
their injuries are donated to the Museum, During the course of the conference I
Citation: Skinner JD, Chimimba CT (2005) ensuring that they retain a long-lasting value also attended the ZSSA AGM and was
The mammals of the southern African
to science. Mammal specimens donated elected to serve as a ZSSA Council
subregion. 3rd Edition. Cambridge University
Press, Cambridge (and references therein). within recent months have included a large member during 2014-2015. I have been
(Photo: Jiri Bohdal, www.naturfoto.cz) male bushbuck, blue duikers, scrub hare and tasked with managing the archives of
a bushbaby. the organisation.
thola: VOLUME 16. 2013/1417
within the Municipality, many remain largely
under-sampled.
The Mammal Department has in recent
years partnered with eThekwini’s
Environmental Planning and Climate
Protection Department (EPCPD) and
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) to
undertake small mammal surveys of the
Municipal reserves.
In 2013 three reserves were surveyed:
Bluff Nature Reserve, Kenneth Stainbank
Nature Reserve and Treasure Beach Nature
Reserve. I was assisted by five Museum
volunteers (see below) and Rohan Boer, an
MSc student registered with the University
of Groningen in the Netherlands. Rohan
GOING BATTY in Acta Chiropterologica. Mount Nimba collected ticks from various small mammals
Most of the year was dedicated towards represents one of the most biologically to screen them for Borrelia bacterium which
finalising my doctoral thesis which was diverse habitats for hipposiderid bats in is known to cause Lyme’s disease in humans.
submitted for examination in November. I West Africa. Research efforts have focused Our surveys resulted in the collection of 30
did, however, manage to devote some on a better understanding of the voucher specimens belonging to six different
time to other research projects. distribution and evolutionary relationships small mammal species. We added two new
My collaborative research work on of the taxa occurring within the region. occurrence records: the least dwarf shrew
the bats of West Africa culminated My research on the biogeographic (Suncus infinitesimus) for Treasure Beach
in another publication: Monadjem A., distribution of KZN small mammals through Nature Reserve, and pygmy mouse (Mus
Richards L., Taylor P.J., et al. (2013) Diversity field-based surveys continued in 2013. The minutoides) for Kenneth Stainbank Nature
of Hipposideridae in the Mount Nimba focus of 2013 was directed towards the Reserve. A small mammal survey of Giba
massif, West Africa, and the taxonomic eThekwini Municipal area. Of the Gorge Environmental Precinct in Hillcrest is
status of Hipposideros lamottei, published approximately 30 recognised nature reserves scheduled for January 2014.
VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS
SMANGELE SHABALALA Leroy Nala Nompumelelo Dlova Hlengiwe Hadebe Kwazi Ntombela
I have worked as a I was afforded the chance I have been working as a I completed my National I joined the field survey
volunteer in the Mammal to assist the Curator of volunteer in the Mammal Diploma in Chemical group that worked in
Department since Mammals with research Department since March Engineering at various reserves in
February 2011. I am on the distribution of 2013. I assist the mammal Mongosuthu University of eThekwini. The part that I
currently studying small mammals within technical assistant with the Technology. I have been a enjoyed the most was
towards my BSc in Life eThekwini. It was a great day-to-day activities in the volunteer since March finding out that I had
Sciences. I was privileged experience and I gained department. I was given 2013. I accompanied the captured something in the
to be part of the field new insights into small the opportunity to be part Curator of Mammals on live-trap that I had set.
survey team. During the mammal biodiversity and of the team that surveyed three field surveys and Small mammal surveys
field surveys, I learnt the important role that three natural areas within learnt a great deal during certainly teach you
everything from how to these animals play in eThekwini. I gained this time. The most perseverance. If at first
capture the animals to ecosystems. valuable training in the interesting part of the you don’t succeed, try and
processing and collecting capture of small mammals, surveys was learning try again!
important research their identification and the how to process the study
samples used in a wide processing of voucher specimens.
variety of studies. specimens.18 Mammalogy Department
GOODBYE ...
It was with heavy hearts that we bid farewell
to mammal technical assistant, Sindisiwe
Nzama. Sindisiwe left the department at the
end of June 2013 to take up her position as
one of the two new Museum Education
Officers. During her relatively short tenure
with the department Sindisiwe oversaw the
accessioning of an astounding 310 small
mammal specimens. She assisted with various
outreach activities and several small mammal
surveys within KZN. We hope her time spent
in the Mammal Department will serve her
well in her new career.
AND HELLO!
Zamawelase Mwelase was appointed as the
new technical assistant in the Mammal
Department and commenced her duties on 1
THE WORLD
January 2014. Zama worked as an intern at
the South African Sugar Research Institute
(SASRI) during 2012–2013. She obtained her
BSc from UKZN. We welcome her as the
newest member to our team. ACCORDING TO GRAP
The Department also welcomed the arrival
of a new volunteer, Nompumelelo Dlova. Leigh Richards, Curator of Mammals,
Mpumi, as she is affectionately known, is
from Mthatha and holds a National Diploma explains how heritage assets of the Durban
in Information Technology (Business
Applications) from Walter Sisulu University.
Natural Science Museum were inventoried
She commenced work in March 2013 and has according to GRAP 103.
been trained by Smangele Shabalala, another
volunteer in the department since 2011.
Both were instrumental in getting the
I
ichthyology collection fully inventoried and
data-based (read more in the article on n July 2008, the South African Treasury Museums (LHM), geared up to conduct full-
GRAP103). They have also completed an issued the Generally Recognised scale inventories of their collections in
audit of the Pringle Collection that contains Accounting Practices (GRAP 103) for the compliance with GRAP 103 guidelines. The
2000 mammal specimens on permanent loan accounting of natural heritage months of May to August 2013 saw a flurry
from the KwaZulu- collections. GRAP 103 applies to all of activity with Museum departmental staff
Natal Museum. institutions operating under the Public industriously cataloguing, data-basing and
Finance Management Act (PFMA) or the verifying their heritage assets. All efforts
Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) were supported and supervised by the
and requires the recognition, valuation, and Finance Department supporting the Parks,
disclosure of all heritage assets of an Recreation and Culture (PRC) Unit.
organisation. Heritage assets are regarded as
items “that have cultural, environmental,
Welcome to
Zamawelase
historical, natural, scientific, technological or
The months of May
Mwelase.
artistic significance and are held indefinitely to August saw a
for the benefit of present and future
generations” (Accounting Guideline: GRAP flurry of activity
103, Heritage Assets. South African National
Treasury). In this respect, heritage assets may
with departmental
include artworks, rare books, artefacts, and staff industriously
biological specimens held by libraries,
galleries, and museums. cataloguing, data-
GRAP 103 came into effect on
1 April 2012. The Durban Natural Science
basing and verifying
Museum (DNSM) and its sister institutions the their heritage assets.
Durban Art Gallery (DAG) and Local HistoryYou can also read
