In continuing efforts to conserve the savanna biome, the conservation team has been conducting follow-up surveys and rehabilitation at savanna biome sites previously rehabilitated over the past three years.
The rehabilitation process involves the active control of encroaching species, such as raisin bushes (Grewia spp.), which, if not actively managed, can outcompete other vegetation types. This can cause reduced grazing capacity and availability and negatively impact the overall health and balance of the ecosystem.
Considering the immense and unusual rainfall this year, it was expected that some of the previously rehabilitated sites may display a faster rate of coppice and new growth of encroaching species, which may result in follow-up rehabilitation being necessary to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes in those areas. Manual follow-up clearing at those sites has been underway by the conservation interns.
The rehabilitation of these previously cleared sites will continue until sufficiently maintained, following which new rehabilitation sites will be chosen for future conservation biome rehabilitation on the reserve.
Words by Tess Woollgar. Images courtesy of Tess Woollgar.