Newcastle’s wetlands and rare species under threat from human neglect

Newcastle is known for its picturesque mountain views and its vast landscapes. However, very few understand the magnitude of the beauty within Newcastle’s borders. This includes the rare wildlife species and wetlands found within the town and its immediate surroundings.

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Such is the nature of the natural world surrounding Newcastle residents, that one forgets that the failing infrastructure in town not only poses a health risk to the people of the town, but the very natural order of the ecosystems in and around Newcastle.

In a discussion with Newcastillian News, Angus Burns, the lead for area-based conservation at WWF South Africa, described the extensive wetlands within the Newcastle Municipality’s jurisdiction. “It’s challenging to quantify them because there are thousands of wetlands across all areas of Newcastle, from the mountainous regions to the riverbanks,” he explained.

It should be noted that, according to Forestry South Africa, wetlands are essential to water security and they come in various shapes and sizes, from seeps and springs at higher altitudes to middle catchment marshes, lakes and flood plains and the lower catchment estuaries. They play an important role in the water cycle, aiding in flood prevention, water purification, and water regulation, as well as being rich in biodiversity and important recreational areas.

Forestry South Africa further pointed out that 50% of South Africa’s wetlands have sadly been lost because of human influence, with only a fraction of what remains being conserved.

Considering this, Burns explained, “There are thousands of wetlands in the Newcastle area, and they perform an important function when comes to water purification, and if they are polluted, they will not be able to perform their functions properly. In many ways, wetlands can be compared to a kidney, as they take in water that could have impurities and then releases it after cleaning it.”

With sewage pollution being a cause of concern in Newcastle, Burns stated that if sewage was pumped into wetlands, it would result in an excess of nutrients that the wetlands could not process properly, especially when considering the chemicals and toxins that stream into these areas with the raw sewage. “Failing infrastructure causes several issues in wetlands, one just has to look at what happened at Amcor Dam with the reeds growing to problematic levels due to the sewage being pumped into the water.” He further added that sewage also contributed to wetlands’ oxygen levels being depleted, making it harder for the wetlands and the ecosystems which rely on it to survive.

When looking at the rare species and animals in Newcastle that depend on wetlands and the region’s natural surroundings, Burns highlighted there were scores, which included everything from rare and endangered species of antelope to birds, such as the Southern Bald Ibis, which has been classified as vulnerable due to their low numbers in the country.

Adding to this, a field officer for the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Bradley Gibbons explained that when looking at vulnerable and endangered animals in the Newcastle area, there was the Grey Crowned Crane, which can be seen along the D96 (Vulintaba Road).

“These beautiful and rare birds are not being considered by coal companies who want to mine in the area,” stated Gibbons.

Moreover, Gibbons highlighted that the endangered Secretary Bird can also be found in Newcastle, alongside Black Eagles and Cape Vultures which are located in Newcastle’s mountainous areas.

In the Ncandu Forest, just outside of Newcastle, Gibbons explained there is also the Bush Blackcap bird, which is given the status of vulnerable due to their low numbers. Oribis, who have very low numbers in South Africa, can also be found in Newcastle, with Gibbons explaining that poaching, hunting and coal mines were affecting these birds’ existence even further.

Building on this, Gibbons further pointed out that Blue Cranes and the Ground Hornbill which have vulnerable status in South Africa can also be found in Newcastle, in the Normandien area, as well as the Memel area. “Considering this, I was really upset with the establishment of the coal mine in Normandien, as this now impacts the Blue Crane’s habitats in the area, as well as their numbers,” said Gibbons.

Additionally, Gibbons added that the Rough Headed Golden Mole is also found in Newcastle.

This remarkable animal has been given the status of vulnerable due to their low numbers, with humans often targeting and killing them, not realising the important role these animals play in the world. It should be stressed that these moles target insects and if not for them, more creepy crawlies would find their way into residents’ homes.

“Many people think that these moles are the same as what they find burrowing in their yards. But, these are predominately mole-rats and people should rather refrain from attempting to kill these animals, as they might see the number of Rough Headed Golden Moles drop even further,” stressed Gibbons, who agreed with Burns that pollution and coal mining were putting immense strain on rare species and their natural habitats.

Furthermore, Gibbons highlighted that while immense focus was being placed on the different species of wildlife, it was important to consider their habitats, as highlighted by Burns. According to Gibbons some of the most well-known but forgotten natural habitats included the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland, vegetation type, and the Ncandu Forest.

As Newcastle boasts scores of different rare wildlife such as duikers and more, Burns said it was essential to take action to protect the local wetlands and their ecosystems, and the animals living in the area.

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He said, “It is also important to remember that the water we rely on comes from the catchment areas which forms an important part of the wetlands, rivers and ecosystems that rely on these areas This means that in order for us to be healthy humans, we must not separate ourselves from nature as our very well-being is linked to the environment around us.”  

Considering the above, what are your thoughts on the threat the local environment and water supply face due to human error? Share your views in the comment section below.

Comments 1

  1. Rene says:

    If you look at the amount of rubbish that is dumped along the D96,bottles garden and construction rubbish there is not going to be much of nature left in a couple of months.They can just as well start mining the area It turning into a dump yard anyway.

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