Umkomaas Nature Reserve overrun

WHAT once was one of the most beautiful hiking trails on the South Coast has since been left to decay and become home to all sorts of trouble, ranging from drugs to prostitution.

The Umkomaas Nature Reserve can be accessed at any time of the day and, more often than not, one comes across a vehicle parked at the reserve with one or both of these activities taking place.

However, drugs and prostitution may no longer be the only concern. The latest problem has its roots deep into the Umkomaas Nature Reserve and it looks as if those roots are multiplying fast.

eThekwini Municipality has time and time again failed to manage and maintain the grounds properly, allowing Chromolaena odorata and its feisty, noxious friend lantana to take over almost every part of the reserve.

Local fundi Geoff Thomassen believes that, if something isn’t done soon, the entire reserve will be overrun – especially since these plants produce an average of 1-million seeds per year.

Both plants apparently came into South Africa in cattle feed which was shipped in from South America in 1947.  Sadly, the plants carry almost no benefit to indigenous species of animals. Aiding in the spread of lantana as well as the protection of it, is the fact that its leaves are poisonous to most animals – apart from birds, which feast on them – and in proper conditions, both plants can grow around three centimetres a day.

Our much-loved nature reserve is, however, not the only affected area in the world, as Australia has also been hard hit by these invasive plants.

Around about 30 different species of insects were introduced over the years in an attempt to curb the rapid growth of lantana. Unfortunately, this did not work and, as a result, some of the insects actually became pests , destroying indigenous plant species. Small lantana-feeding moths were also introduced,  but this too failed to halt the spread of the plant.

Not only have these invasive species of plants got their roots dug deep into the reserve but, the entire reserve has been left to grow out of control, with walkways almost unidentifiable.

This is where eThekwini municipal employees come in.

They can be found on a daily basis casually seated around the table at the picnic area as you enter the nature reserve, as was seen by Mail staff on a recent visit.

Taken over by the eThekwini Municipality years ago, instead of being left in the care of its previous caretakers, the reserve has been left to grow wild and its beauty will soon be lost to all.

Further adding to the sad news is the fact that the building once used by schoolchildren visiting the reserve has almost been destroyed. Entire walls, ceilings, rooftops, toilets and sinks have been wrecked and removed.

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