Freshwater fish survey, Chanting Ridge Stewardship Site
CapeNature conducted a mini freshwater fish survey through the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust stewardship project at a site on the Touws River. The survey involved landowners from two properties, the Chanting Ridge stewardship site and Bellair.
Two fyke nets were set overnight. The catch was dominated by alien invasive banded tilapias (Tilapia sparmannii), but indigenous small-scale redfin minnows (Pseudobarbus asper) and chubbyhead barbs (Enteromius anoplus) were also netted. Twenty small mammal traps were also set overnight, and two species were caught and released: four-striped grass mice (Rhabdomys pumilio) and Namaqua rock mice (Micaelamysnamaquensis). Thirty-nine bird species were recorded, including a new range record for African Rock Pipit (Anthus crenatus).
A productive discussion was held about the potential contribution of private landowners to protected area expansion between Anysberg Nature Reserve and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. A knowledge exchange/awareness-raising event for multiple landowners in the area is being planned to discuss the benefits of different private land conservation models and sustainable land use practices.
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