Together we are making a difference
Forest Rehabilitation
We are committed to the rehabilitation and protection of our rare sand forest and its many animal species. Please support our efforts.
The world’s natural ecosystems are being degraded at an unprecedented rate, and it is no longer enough to merely protect what is left – nature must be restored. Preserving our environment is paramount, as KwaZulu-Natal has already lost 33% of its indigenous forest.
At Suni-Ridge Forest Sanctuary our rare sand forest habitat has been renewed, enhanced and protected. It now supports rare trees and plants, numerous IUCN Red List mammals, hundreds of insect and butterfly species, 26 bat species, over 350 bird species and much more. Rare (Red Data) species we protect include:
- Suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus)
- Tonga red squirrel (Paraxerus palliatus)
- Four-toed elephant shrew (Petrodromus tetradactylus)
- …and many more
Renewal
Returning the land to nature
Where it began
In 1993 our urgent intention was to protect this ecologically sensitive land, which is part of the catchment for the False Bay lake (see Water Catchment Forum). It was at risk of once again being deforested for monoculture farming or planted with alien blue gum trees. The property held a small section of sand forest that would become our seed pool for regenerating biodiversity. It had to be protected!
So began our quest to restore a unique forest. The property was in a neglected agricultural area near the iSimangaliso World Heritage Site at False Bay, Zululand, on the north-east coast of South Africa.
We initially thought it would be a “weekend getaway”, but it soon became a life task of effort, dedication and patience as we set about returning the area to nature and rehabilitating the land.
Nature lends a hand
We planted many trees, but once nature was given a chance it also helped renew the forest, with seeds dispersed by wind, birds, bats and animals. Biodiversity flooded back into the renewed habitat.
Where there were once hundreds of snares and abandoned pineapple fields, there is now a flourishing diversity of life. Tiny saplings we watched grow over the years are now a towering forest canopy.
Today it is amazing to observe the recovery of the land and its biodiversity. Suni-Ridge Forest Sanctuary now includes over 350 bird species and numerous mammals such as wildebeest, nyala, zebra, impala, grey duiker, reedbuck, various mongoose species and cats including leopard. There are also 26 bat species.
Our rare (Red Data) species, which could be threatened with extinction if not protected, include many butterflies and insects, various birds, the leopard tortoise, rock python, red duiker, suni antelope, pangolin, aardvark, Tonga red squirrel and several cat species including leopard. There are also many rare trees, some found only in sand forest. It has been a miracle to watch nature renew herself through the gradual process of restoration.
Protection
Snares out, aliens out
Poaching
Our first task was to remove the numerous snares in the forest. The neglected property had become a “poacher’s paradise”, where animals cruelly caught in wire nooses were sold illegally in the surrounding area as bush meat (read more about Protecting Wildlife).
Once the snares were removed, we chose not to introduce domestic animals, as this would have slowed re-vegetation. No wild species had survived at this stage – not even a footprint, apart from those of a lonely grey duiker. The ground was left fallow to recover. Gradually tiny saplings sprang up and, given the chance, nature began to heal the scars.
Alien vegetation
We also had to begin removing alien plants. Year after year this has remained an ongoing challenge, as invasive plants return and invade the indigenous vegetation. We are currently eradicating notorious plants such as:
- Potato creeper (Solanum seaforthianum)
- Triffid weed (Chromolaena odorata)
- Queen of the night cactus (Cereus jamacaru)
- Guava (Psidium guajava)
Removing invasive plants is part of our ongoing management plan for the sanctuary. This work is done by rural workers who appreciate the job opportunity – please support it.
Enhancing
Rebuilding the canopy
Originally only a small, badly impacted section of the property was sand forest. Many trees had been removed – we found huge holes where giant trunks had been torn out for timber. Luckily, some beautiful ancient giants survived the agricultural onslaught.
Since then many trees, shrubs and the diverse undergrowth of bushveld vegetation have been restored. The trees we nurtured have taken root through natural succession into the surrounding forest, and we transplanted young saplings to help enhance biodiversity. Today the forest is once again a towering canopy.
Some of our trees, such as the Maputaland ordeal tree, are rare and protected species. Water runoff from the land has also been prevented, protecting part of the lake’s catchment.
With thanks to the experts
Over the years we have drawn on the expertise of many professional organisations and specialists, including KZN Wildlife; botanists the late Tony Pooley, the late Wally Menne, Dr Francois du Randt and Theodorus Mostert; and zoologists Dr Craig Widdows, Clynton Gregory and others who kindly advised and supported us.
We are grateful to each and every one. Their kind advice and our patience have borne fruit.
Mission statement
Suni-Ridge Forest Sanctuary
Registered as Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park Environmental Rehabilitation Centre NPO
Whereas the inhabitants of Suni-Ridge and the surrounding region share a set of common natural resources and depend upon these resources for their quality of life, and being mindful that the long-term survival of man depends on ensuring that natural life-support systems continue to operate at optimum levels, it was and is therefore agreed that an Environmental Rehabilitation Centre be established…
Read the full mission statement
Help us keep the forest growing
Suni-Ridge Forest Sanctuary now supports a rich and diverse ecosystem. Your support keeps the snares out, the alien plants down and the canopy growing.