Field ranger retires after 37 years of service
Jean Senogles, chairman of the Palmiet Nature Reserve's management committee said Johannes Sihlangu had been a phenomenal field ranger.
FOLLOWING his 37-year career as a field ranger at Palmiet Nature Reserve in Westville, Johannes Sihlangu hung up his boots when he retired at the end of last year.
He joined Palmiet Nature Reserve in 1978 and was encouraged by Mike Cottrell to further his education. He then went to Itala Game Reserve in 1980 and to Weenan Nature Reserve in 1982 for training and returned as a qualified field ranger to Palmiet Nature Reserve.
His duties were to patrol the reserve, keep the squatters and dogs out of the reserve, keep paths open and help clear alien invasive plants for the Wildlife Society, which ran the nature reserve back then before the municipality took it over. He finally hung up his ranger boots on 9 June, 2015 when he retired.
These days, Johannes enjoys his time working in his vegetable garden at home.
“I really enjoyed patrolling at Palmiet Nature Reserve, it gave me a sense of authority and being strong,” said Johannes.
He also assisted with tremendous knowledge of local flora and fauna at the reserve, offering his services as a guide along the nature trails for many tours, especially school groups.
His favourite tree is the forest knobwood (zanthoxylum capense), which is usually a small, multi-branched tree about five metres in height. The bark on young branches is smooth with straight dark brown thorns and light to dark grey on older branches and on stems, with straight spines on scattered cone-shaped knobs.
His favourite animal is the blue duicker (‘phiti’) and bird is the purple quested loerie (‘gwala gwala’).
Johannes said Palmiet Narure Reserve is known for its serenity, flora and fauna and therefore urges visitors to appreciate and not interfere with the reserve. “When on a trail and you come across a snake, rather leave it alone. Walk slowly backwards so it won’t feel threatened. Please don’t throw stones at it and expect it to slither away. Snakes that feel threatened will bite. Rather enjoy nature’s beauty,” said Johannes.
He thanked Mike Cottrell for being his mentor and pushing him to achieve his goals.
Jean Senogles, chairman of the Palmiet Nature Reserve’s management committee, said Johannes has been a phenomenal field ranger.
“Johannes has taught us many things, from the Zulu culture to information about local plants. We salute you and wish you well on your retirement,” said Jean.
