|
Wildcliff Nature Reserve
Dedicated to
plant and wildlife conservation in South Africa's Cape Floral Kingdom
Wetlands
on Wildcliff
 On Wildcliff, wetlands constitute a relatively
small proportion of the terrain. Yet their unique flora and fauna make
them worthy of study. We have not yet properly mapped the wetlands, but
we can identify three locations of natural wetlands on the reserve.
These are:
- Misty Meadow wetland: riparian
wetland in a former pasture, next to the Wildcliff entry road and the
river, approx 0.5 ha (meadow, wetland flora and kikuyu grass, approx 1m
at deepest except in rainy season when it can get flooded). Approximate
coordinates:
- Talari wetland, north and west of
Talari house, approx 0.1 ha (meadow, wetland flora, approx 0.5m at
deepest).
- Hidden Valley wetland, riparian
wetland above Ena's falls, extending west alongside the stream in
Hidden Valley, approx 2-3 ha, but not really known as unexplored
(mountain fynbos surrounds the stream, approx 1-2 m at deepest).
The
locations of these wetlands in Wildcliff are shown in rough outline
below.
|
In
addition to the natural wetlands, three dams have been built: Rain Frog
Dam, the Middle Dam, and the Island Pond. Rain Frog Dam lies
below an amphitheatre of rich fynbos, and has abundant amphibian life.
The Island Pond, constructed in 2007, is making headway as a habitat
for frogs, fish and birds.
Links & References
Books
- Wetlands of South Africa, by G.I. Cowen, ed. 1995. Also available for download.
|
