New Protected Environment Declared in South Africa

A visit to Dullstroom and its surrounding grasslands is on the bucket list of many birders in South Africa and internationally. This beautiful area contains many “specials” such as Wattle Crane, Blue Crane, White-winged Flufftail, Yellow-breasted Pipit and many others. The presence of these iconic species is one of the reasons why BirdLife South Africa recognises this area as the Steenkampsberg Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Even if you are not after these iconic species, this area is unique and has an aura that makes a birding trip to Dullstroom unforgettable.

This area is also of great conservation value for many other reasons. For example, it is an important water catchment area. Lakenvlei, a wetland in the area, is a peatland which helps with the storing and purification of water. The peatland also holds large amounts of carbon, and therefore minimises some of the impacts of climate change. The tourism and agricultural activities in the area also provide jobs for hundreds of people. The Greater Lakenvlei Protected Environment falls within the well-known Dullstroom tourism hub that provides a large number of local tourism-related jobs connected to the scenic beauty and outdoor activities in the area.

http://www.birdlife.org/africa/news/new-protected-environment-declared-south-africa-0

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