Samango photographed on Mountainlands

Camera trap photo of samango monkey

When you least expect it, someone comes along with evidence to solve a mystery. That is what happened with samango monkeys (Cercopithecus albogularis) on Mountainlands Nature Reserve.

Like author Emma Orczy’s elusive character the Scarlet pimpernel, no one was quite sure if they occurred there. And if someone claimed to have seen one, there was always the chance that it may have been a vervet monkey (Cerceopithecus aethiops).

Samangos differ from vervet monkeys in several ways. They are generally larger with longer and darker fur and have grey faces with black arms.  Vervets have black faces, silver grey body hair, a white tail tip and their lower limbs are black.

Samango monkey from Sodwana Bay, Northern Kwazulu-Natal

Vervet monkeys

Thanks to the camera traps that were placed on the reserve by NGO Panthera for their leopard survey there is now proof of samangos occurring on Mountainlands. One ventured from the forest canopy in Hyslop’s Creek in the southwest of the reserve onto the ground and luckily passed in front of a set of camera traps. When downloading the photos, Matthew Rogan from Panthera immediately identified it and shared the photos with us.

This brings the number of primates that occur on Mountainlands to five, namely the thick-tailed bushbaby also called the large-eared greater galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus), lesser bushbaby or mohol bushbaby (Galago moholi), chacma baboon (Papio cynocephalus ursinus), vervet and somango monkeys.

Chacma baboon selfie taken by a camera trap

The samango (from the Zulu name iNsimango) is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and represents the southernmost extent of arboreal guneons on the continent. Two species are recognised: Cercopithecus albogularis is distributed from Ethiopia to South Africa, the South and East Democratic Republic of the Congo and Northwest Angola. Cercopithecus mitus occurs from the Congo-Oubangui River system to the East African Rift Valley, Northern Angola and North Western Zambia.*

C. albogularis occurs in the eastern regions of southern Africa. Three distinct genetic entities or subspecies are recognised namely C. a. schwarzi, C.a labiatus and C.a. erythrachus.

C. a. schwarzi is distributed in the northern Escarpment (Pilgrims Rest, Mariepskop, Magoebaskloof) area. A recent study argues that the Soutpansberg population should also be classified as C. a schwarzi instead of the current classification of C. a. erythrachus due to certain similarities.*

The distribution of C. a. labiatus and C. a. erythrachus coincides with the distribution of Indian Ocean coastal belt, Scarp and Afromontane forests. The two subspecies do not overlap in distribution.*

The southern limit of the habitat of C. a. labiatus is the Pirie forest in the Eastern Cape, stretching north-eastwards to the Kwazulu-Natal midlands. Samangos are not found in the large evergreen Tzitzikamma and Knysna forests, which poses the question why did they not radiate further south? This could relate to the forest history in southern Africa which is a subject in itself.

C .a.  erythrachus is found in the Afromontane forests of Eastern Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province and Northern Kwazulu-Natal. It is likely that the one photographed by the camera traps may be this subspecies. However, only more colour photos and field research will conclusively identify it.

Although their range seems large, Afromontane and Indian Ocean coast belt forests in South Africa are also fragmented and small and under threat from land-use pressure, among other things. This leads to further fragmentation which may impact the habitat of the species. Nationally, the species is listed as “Vulnerable” (considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild) in the Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa.

We are glad the forests on Mountainlands Nature Reserve are a safe haven for these monkeys and we hope to photograph more of them in future.

*Dalton DL, Linden B, Wimberger K, Nupen LJ, Tordiffe ASW, Taylor PJ, et al. (2015) New Insights into Samango Monkey Speciation in South Africa. PLos ONE 10(3): e0117003. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117003

Stroll along

Trying to sneak up on two Secretary Birds (Sagiatarius serpentarius) out on a stroll in the grasslands is no easy task as they zig-zag at a steady pace and can cross valleys on the wing.  But that is what you have to do if you have only a cell phone or small camera with you to take pictures with.  Finding them is easier as they are harassed by others birds that give away their position – not that these majestic birds of prey pay any attention to that!

For a couple of years now a pair has been spotted on Mountainlands. Although they are widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa, Secretary Birds have been recognised as globally threatened with extinction and show a decreasing population trend. Several factors contribute to their threatened status, one of which is the disappearance of their preferred habitat – savanna and grassland. They hunt on foot and stomp on vegetation to flush out their prey, which can be anything from insects, small mammals and reptiles such as lizards and snakes.  Luckily, large parts of Mountainlands Nature Reserve are grasslands and we are glad this offers a safe haven and happy hunting grounds for these long-legged raptors.

Black Eagle sighted

Contributed by Marjorie Nuns of the Barberton Bird Club

On Saturday, 25 April 2015, Sandton Bird Club – taking advantage of the long weekend – joined Barberton Bird Club for a trip into the magnificent 18000 hectare Mountainlands Nature Reserve close to Barberton. To keep things manageable – as there were over 20 of us – we split into two groups. Dave Mourant took charge of the visitors and covered the Wonderscheur area and I covered the Dycedale area with the local bird club members. We arranged to meet for lunch and set off in different directions.

It was a later start than usual – as some of the visitors only left Sandton on Saturday morning and arrived after 8am – but it didn’t make too much difference to Dave’s group as they got off to a cracking start with a great close up sighting of Gurney’s Sugarbird on the Bulembu Road. Thereafter, the birding was pretty slow for both groups but the visitors were more than happy with regular sightings including African Goshawk, Buffstreaked Chat, Cape Batis and Brimstone Canary.

Things started off very slowly with my group as the Dycedale birds in the high lying areas tend to be late risers during the cooler months and only make an appearance when the sun is up and it warms up a little. However, no-one complained because it’s always wonderful just being in this incredible reserve and taking in the fantastic scenery. It was particularly special for me and hubby Andy because we hadn’t visited this side of the reserve for over a year – having been busy counting birds in the Low’s Creek area – and had almost forgotten just how beautiful it is.

After a very quiet morning, things improved considerably in Dycedale at precisely 11h45- at one of our regular stops – when Andy shouted ‘RAPTOR TO THE RIGHT”! And there it was …… we found ourselves gazing at the most magnificent Black Eagle (now called Verreaux’s Eagle) flying quite low and in fairly close proximity giving each and every one of us the most magnificent view of the white on its back, its yellow feet and the yellow on the bill. We couldn’t believe it – we knew what it was immediately but also knew that we were looking at something incredibly unusual because Black Eagles don’t occur around Barberton. According to Dr Dirks, the local boffin, as far as he can recall the last time a Black Eagle was recorded in the Barberton area was about 15 years ago and it was a once off sighting. Prior to this, it was probably around 30 years ago when they occurred mostly in the Nelshoogte area. Barberton Bird Club occasionally hears of a Black Eagle sighting but they have always turned out to be Long Crested Eagles.

When we eventually caught up with Dave’s group at lunch time there was lots of excited chatter from both sides and the visitors thought the reserve was absolutely breathtaking and all of them indicated they were having a great time in the reserve and they all loved Barberton! After an hour or so we continued in different directions with the visitors hoping for a glance of the Black Eagle on the way out. Unfortunately, they weren’t so lucky but what two of the group did see – which was also very exciting – was a sighting of Dassies in the same area!

So, all in all, it was a very exciting with Black Eagles and Dassies being recorded on the same day in exactly the same area. As Dassies are the Black Eagle’s favourite food – and there are lots of other good pickings in the Reserve in the form of birds and small mammals – this suggests these magnificent raptors could be around for while. Dr Dirks also mentioned that Dassies used to occur on the road to Pegglars Bush but that was also about thirty odd years ago. Barberton Bird Club has been visiting the Reserve regularly for the past 10 years but no-one has ever recorded Dassies but we understand that Nico Oosthuizen saw them in the Fourteen Streams area in the early 2000’s or thereabouts

We are not sure when these magnificent eagles arrived in Mountainlands but we have now recorded them in the same area for three consecutive months. Nico and Delia Oosthuizen also reported a single bird some before our first sighting on 25 April 2015 and Mr Oosthuizen Senior recorded a pair on 13 June 2015. We have only recorded a single bird on all three occasions so hopefully this could indicate that there is a nest somewhere because the timing is right as these birds breed from May until July. So, we will continue to scan the high rocky areas and hope to find a nest and spot ‘junior’ in the not too distant future!

We’ll keep you posted!

Recce by Botsoc members

During summer the mountains come alive with a spectacle of colourful flowers. More so with Mountainlands sitting in the Barberton Centre of Plant Endemism (BCPE) and being blessed with several vegetation types, microclimates, altitude levels and summer rainfall.

This is also a good time to admire the plants as more than 2000 species occur in the BCPE. Last week members of the Lowveld branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa went on a recce to work out the route and time schedule for an excursion they plan for their members on Sunday, 9 November 2014. They last visited the reserve in January 2012 and the November visit being earlier in summer will ensure different plants are in bloom.

The route will allow ample time and places to stop and look at plants and there may also be sightings of wildlife.

As Botsoc member Jeanette Curling (left on photo) said: “The environment is so beautiful that even just being out here is worth it”. Fellow Botsoc members and avid photographers John and Sharon McLaren added: “We are in awe and the reserve is beyond our expectations.” The Botanical Society champions the conservation of indigenous plants through various activities and educational programmes. For more information about their activities and how to become a member, visit http://www.botanicalsociety.org.za

BIOBLITZ DELIVERS THRILLING RESULTS

Prof Kevin Balkwill from Wits University with a stick insect keeping him company.

Scientists, students, school children, volunteers and lay experts have once again converged on the reserve for the early summer bioblitz.

Scientists from Wits University, the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the South African Wildlife College (SAWC), Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), Buffelskloof Herbarium, members of the Lepidopterist Society and citizen scientists gave freely of their time and expertise to record the insect and plant species.
The high lying grasslands, valleys, a wetland and perennial stream were surveyed. A dragonfly known as the Boulder Hooktail, Paragomphus cognatus was photographed there for the first time. According to Christopher Willis from SANBI it is a fairly common species that often perches on rocks in rivers. Christopher also photographed a longhorned beetle, Phytoecia (Blepisanis) bohemani Pascoe, 1858 which is endemic to South Africa.

This longhorned beetle Phytoecia (Blepisanis) bohemani Pascoe, 1858 is a South African endemic. Photographed by Christopher Willis.

It was the first bioblitz where SAWC Environmental Monitors collected dung beetles. Eight dung beetle traps were set up in the veld. These consisted of a bucket placed in a hole in the ground, a funnel that guides the beetles into the bucket, and a grid which is placed over the hole on which the dung is placed to lure the beetles. Four traps were set up in open grassland and four in a dense wooded area on the side of a mountain. The traps were inspected every morning at sunrise and every evening at sunset and specimens were collected for identification. The traps were then re-baited to lure beetles again.
Some of the species found were Kheper nigroaeneus, Anacholcos convexus, Neosisyphus infuscatus and Proagoderus rangifer and another few that the monitors took back to SAWC to identify under microscopes. “According to Dr Alan Gardiner different dung beetles are attracted to and utilize different dung types and this would have obvious implications for dungbeetle diversity in a specific area,” said Marilize van der Walt, Research and University Program Officer of the SAWC.
Together with Dr. Alan Gardner and Barberton butterfly expert, Herbert Otto, the SAWC team also collected butterflies during the day to assist in recording species for the Mountainlands species list. Dr. Gardiner found all three rare Barberton butterflies, confirming their continued presence on Mountainlands Nature Reserve. These specials are Jeffry’s Blue (Lepidochrysops jeffryi), Swanepoel’s Blue (L. swanepoeli) and Barbara’s Copper (Aloeides barbarae).
School children from Barberton and Nelspruit had the opportunity to observe the scientists at work and participated in the spotting and catching of insects. This was a fun learning experience for the budding scientists of tomorrow.

(from left): Bianca van Aarde, Rejoyce Mdhlovu, Louis Loock (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency), Vutomi Mnisi, Theo Loock and Adriaan van Aarde taking stock of the butterfly catch of the day.

Some of the special plants collected, to be included in reference herbariums of Wits are Thorncroftia lotterii and Eulophia chlorantha which are known from only a few locations. In SANBI’s Redlist of South African plants both these species are categorized as vulnerable meaning they face a high risk of extinction due to the transformation of their habitat brought about by, amongst others, illegal mining and competition from alien invasive species.
It will take time to identify all the insect and plant species that have been collected and the results will be consolidated in due course. Due to the rugged terrain and inaccessibility of many areas it is likely that new species may yet be discovered.
The information gathered during this bioblitz will be fed into the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency database for the reserve which will again assist them with executing their conservation and research mandate.
The bioblitz was made possible through the generous support from Crossings Superspar in Nelspruit and the voluntary contribution of the scientists.

Although common, the pincushion cactus, Euphorbia pulvinata, put up a nice display with its tiny flowers.

New owners of Ivory site

Dietmar and Claudia Ley were welcomed as the new owners of the Ivory Lodge site in October this year. Dietmar comes from an IT background and hails from Cologne in Germany while Claudia recently left the world of private equity in Johannesburg.  This beautiful site is located in a horseshoe bend on the river with stunning views of the distant cliffs and the river in the foreground.     

The combination of size, space, climate, silence, wildlife, biological and geological diversity and gin clear streams are what attracted them to Mountainlands. The proximity to Mozambique, the Kruger National Park, Johannesburg and an airport are also a bonus for them. “Mountainlands also offers the opportunity to disappear for days and to discover new aspects of nature in the reserve – this could last our lifetime,” Dietmar added.   

As much as they have been attracted to what Mountainlands has to offer, so will the reserve benefit from their interests.  The Ley’s are nature lovers and Claudia is an avid rock climber. Both are amateur lepidopterists with a passion for butterflies and moths. Dietmar is interested in discovering new species of butterflies and moths on Mountainlands and to expand his work into other insect families. Together, the Ley’s are busy with a four-year butterfly and moth identification project. While they love spending time outdoors, they also have a keen taste for the finer things in life, like good food and fine wine and Dietmar is an avid cook.    

The lepidopterist at work in Mountainlands.

 

The Ley’s view their new property as adding the perfect balance to their portfolio of properties and investments both in South Africa and in France. ”Space and water will become the most valued commodities in the future. Our investment in Mountainlands is also an opportunity to contribute to nature conservation in ways which we still have not fully appreciated,” Claudia says.  

The aspects of the development that had them waxing lyrical were the sensible balance between nature and people, and the passion and focus of the developers.  

“Careful thought went into the design, particularly ensuring balance and privacy between residences. We also liked the sensitivity to preserving purity of the natural landscape in building guidelines and the commitment to limited development. Nico and Delia as developers were a big part of our decision. We soon established a sense of trust towards them and most importantly liked them very much from the beginning.  Nico will deliver us a solid development and Delia will be a fountain of knowledge for us on the origins and civilisations of Mountainlands. They are both also great company around the fire.” Claudia added.   

Claudia and Dietmar look forward to walks, time around the campfire, swimming, day-night expeditions, mountain biking and reading when on Mountainlands. Claudia is also planning to write a book and reckons the reserve will be a perfect environment for this.  

Visit www.mountainlands.co.za for more details on property in the reserve.  

Dietmar and Claudia love spending time in southern France when they are not in South Africa.

Getting down to earth

Steven (8) and Michaela (9) Schormann just love their outings to Mountainlands. Mom and dad, Mark and Helen Schormann, are owners in Waterbuck Ridge, one of the private lodge sites on Mountainlands.

A floral affair

In December, Mountainlands puts on a floral jacket to celebrate the joy of summer. The grasslands are speckled with an abundance of flowers waving like smiling faces in the sun. The varieties are many, but the pink watsoniias are a highlight due to their magnificent colourful display against the backdrop of the waving grasslands. 

Be on the lookout for the following plants that will be flowering: Agapanthus inapertus, Pelargonium luridum, Hemizygia pretoriae, Bauhinia galpinii and Kniphofia multiflora, to name but a few of the more general ones. 

Is it Watsoniia or Gladiolus? 

How does one distinguish between a Watsoniia and Gladiolus from the Iridacea family? Jo Onderstall, a plant specialist and journalist who has published several books٭ on flowers of the Lowveld gave the following advice: 

“There’s apparently no really short answer for the laymen, but one botanist in Pretoria gave me a tip and so far it has worked for me. 

The tip of the pistil of Gladiolus is divided into three segments. So is the pistil of the Watsoniia, but each of the three segments is again divided into two – the detailed botanical description says deeply lobed. By the way, when looking at flowers in the veldt, it is always advisable to carry a small hand lens in your pocket! It’s amazingly useful and has helped me to see wee little blooms in all their glory – especially aspects like petal texture.” – Jo Onderstall. 

Watsoniia

Bauhinia galpinii

٭Mrs. Onderstall’s books – a welcome addition to any library: 

1984: Transvaal Lowveld and Escarpment: Wild Flower Guide no 4: Botanical Society. (English edition out of print for many years – Afrikaans still available from Botanical Society) 

1986: Sappi Wild Flower Guide: Mpumalanga and Northern Province: Dynamic Ad. (English only – can be ordered through Exclusive Books or from Jacana).

Bird survey progressing

The Barberton Bird Club is in the fourth year of a bird survey in the reserve. Their knowledge contributed significantly to understanding the species variety and the data will contribute to the management plan of the reserve.  To date more than 300 bird species have been identified.

“The highlight of the year so far is the recent welcome rains which we are hoping will bring the wetland areas alive and produce even more interesting species.  For the past couple of months it’s been a bit dry so this change in the weather could make things even more exciting. A couple of young, energetic and extremely capable Nelspruit birders are also assisting with the project and we are extremely pleased that people from further a field are beginning to realize what a gem of a nature reserve we are monitoring.” Marjorie Nuns says.

 The survey takes place every second Sunday of every month.  Club members meet at Barberton Pick & Pay Centre early in the morning and cover designated areas within the reserve.  People who are interested in joining the club or that would like to go along on a Sunday birding trip in the reserve are welcome to make arrangements with: Marjorie Nuns on Tel: (013) 712-7449.

Andy and Marjorie Nuns of the Barberton Bird Club, in action on Mountainlands.

Lion thrill

The king of the beasts unexpectedly paid a visit to Mountainlands in September. It was speculated that it crossed into South Africa from Swaziland and crawled under the reserve’s fence where its tracks were spotted. Lions are not considered for introduction to the reserve as crawling through a slight ditch poses no challenge for a skilled animal. The visitor caused quite a stir and staff were extra careful in going about their duties. Although the game rangers tracked it several times, the animal was only spotted once outside the reserve on the R40 road.

The local media kept tabs on any news with regards to its movements and reported enthusiastically on its whereabouts. Lion tracks were seen on a farm next to the Badplaas road several weeks later. However, these big cats are very adaptable and can cover long distances over a short period of time. Due to their tawny coats they also blend well into the natural environment.

Although it is thought to have left the reserve, the location of this regal animal is uncertain at this stage.