African Wildlife and Environment Issue 67

FRIENDS & CLUBS

The Rietvlei Dam was built in 1930, due to an increase in the population living in the capital and the associated need for drinking water. The Reserve, as we know it today, was originally created to protect the catchment area of the dam as well as its surrounding fountains. The area was properly proclaimed as a Nature Reserve in 1948. The Reserve provides habitat to large numbers of game. These include impressive numbers of plains game, including eland, red hartebeest, blesbok, plains zebra, springbok and black wildebeest, as well as waterbuck. The buffalo herd numbers almost 70,

The Friends of Rietvlei are a group of volunteers, from all walks of life, who dedicate themselves to the conservation of the fauna and flora in the Reserve, as well as the sound management of the Reserve. The Friends assist the management of the Reserve with the planning and executing of different projects to add value to and maintain the Reserve. Furthermore, the FOR aim to 1) foster and promote public awareness of, and respect for, the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, 2) inform the public about the diversity of flora and fauna which is found here, 3) protect the Rietvlei Nature Reserve against degradation, 4) create awareness

Cheetah collaring (Photograph: Terry Finney)

with a good breeding season having adding more calves to the herd. The Reserve is fortunate in having a healthy population of white rhino, as well as six cheetahs, with the one female and her three cubs being seen quite regularly. Furthermore, smaller carnivores like black-backed jackal are sighted regularly and serval and brown hyaena have also been spotted on occasion. Birdlife is prolific with up to 400 species found here. Friends of Rietvlei TheRietvlei NatureReserve is supportedby individuals from the community via a Non-Profit Organisation called The Friends of Rietvlei (FOR). The organisation was established in 1993 and it operates under the auspices of WESSA (Wildlife & Environmental Society of South Africa).

about the historical, cultural and archaeological importance of the area and 5) participate in formal planning activities, where proposed or approved developments may impact on the Rietvlei Nature Reserve or its surrounds. The FOR continuously act on behalf of the community against any planned development in or around the Reserve which may have a negative influence on the fauna & flora of the Reserve. Also of concern are developments posing a threat to the water catchment areas, which will eventually have a direct negative influence on the water sources of the City of Tshwane. Achievements In the 24 years since its inception, the Friends of Rietvlei group can be proud of numerous

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