In line with the WNHA’s mandate of conserving the natural heritage of the area, and in line with the recognition given by a considerable number of international and local conservation organizations, the green heritage section makes all information on the extensive fauna and flora in the area available to the public.
The wetland is registered as a South African Natural Heritage Site (220). The Grassland Biosphere Reserve is a conservation priority site. Much of the fauna and flora that historically occurred in the area is still intact. Such fauna and flora is of special importance, as it includes a host of species – birds, mammals, reptiles, plants – that are endemic to South Africa.
Wetland
The large wetland straddles the north-western side of town and has an area of 700 ha and is one of the larger reed marshes in South Africa and it supports an interesting and quite diverse wetland fauna and flora.
Fauna
45 dragonfly species that have, so far, been recorded in the Wakkerstroom district. The damselfly, Africallagma sapphirinum Sapphire Bluet is endemic to the eastern highveld and occurs on streams, pans and dams around Wakkerstroom. There has been no formal inventory done on the butterflies in the Wakkerstroom district.
90 species of reptiles and amphibians recorded thus far in the district. One of the most impressive of them is the large lizard Cordylus giganteus Giant Girdled Lizard. It is endemic to the eastern highveld and is listed in the Red Data Book. More commonly found in the grasslands west of Wakkerstroom. Snakes and frogs are also locally found.
68 mammal species have been recorded in the district. One of the more commonly seen species is Suricata suricatta, the Suricate.
Arachnids including scorpions and spiders are also abound.
Birds
350 bird species listed for this area, and some 300 already found within the Wakkerstroom Pintad.
Some endemic birds of the district: Rudd’s Lark , Botha’s Lark , Yellow-breasted Pipit , Blue Korhaan, Buff-streaked chat and Southern Bald Ibis.
A visit to Wakkerstroom in the company of a BirdLife South Africa trained guide, will give you the opportunity of seeing the endemic species which are restricted to Southern Africa’s high altitude grasslands.
Flora
202 species of trees and woody plants have, so far, been recorded in the Wakkerstroom district. The Bowkeria citrina Yellow Shell-flower Bush, is endemic to the Wakkerstroom area and is found especially around KwaMandlagampisi and along the Luneburg Road. It is also listed in the Red Data Book for plants.
1250 non-woody plant species have, so far, been recorded in the Wakkerstroom district. Geranium wakkerstroomiamum, the Wakkerstroom Geranium, is endemic to the eastern.
102 species of orchids in the Wakkerstroom district as a whole. All of these are endemic to South Africa.
Grasslands and Veld Types
Six veld types occur in the district. The main one is veld type 57 ( North-eastern Sandy Highveld)
120 grass species occur in the district and about 13 of these are very common and found in all the veld types in the area.
Reference : Tarboton W & M, Wakkerstroom bird and nature guide, June 2004
: Bird Club, Wakkerstroom
: Dr Jeanne Tarrant
Manager: Threatened Amphibian Programme EWT