Protecting the Kyalami environment
KYALAMI - The Greater Kyalami Conservancy held its annual meeting at the Beaulieu College pavilion.
Jessica Artingstall, a masters student in zoology at the University of the Witswatersrand gave a presentation entitled, The Goldilocks Effect, prickly South African Hedgehogs, which focused on the life patterns of the Southern African hedgehog.
Her studies revealed that the hedgehog population in South Africa had declined by 31 percent in recent years and the ways the animals had been able to adapt to the rapidly urbanising environment of Johannesburg.
Biodiversity co-ordinator Tyrone McKendry also gave a talk on his findings of the area’s fauna and flora. The area is known for its rich equestrian life, and Margie Donde gave a report on the importance of equestrian activities and culture in the area.
The conservancy extends from the Diepsloot area to Kyalami Estates. Established in 2006, the conservancy’s aims have been to protect and conserve the biodiversity of the greater Kyalami area against threats such as development and alien vegetation.
