Page 46 - State of Biodiversity 2018/19

CAPTURE AND TRANSLOCATION OF RED DUIKER CEPHALOPHUS NATALENSIS FROM PIGEON VALLEY NATURE RESERVE TO UMDONI PARK GOLF COURSE
In 2017, the EPCPD, in collaboration with the Natural Resources Division of Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Department, conducted a Red duiker census at Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve. Counting animals to estimate their population sizes is a basic requirement for management and conservation.The survey was initiated after concerns were raised regarding the possible over population of Red duiker in PigeonValley.This was due to observations of individual animals being forced out of the reserve and road kills being reported.The census outcome revealed that the Red duiker population was estimated at 60 animals with the population density of over five animals per hectare. Comparing the results of this census to similar studies suggested that the reserve was overstocked with the species. Overstocking signifies a serious environmental challenge in maintaining the natural balance between wildlife and its immediate environment. In the case of Red duiker in Pigeon Valley, a possible consequence of overstocking was individual animals being forced out of the reserve and being run over by passing vehicles.
Following the outcome from the survey and negotiation with the Umdoni Park Golf Course, a decision was taken to donate six animals to Umdoni Park. On 18 June 2019, three males and three females where captured and transported from Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve by a competent game capture team to Umdoni Park Golf Course, where they were successfully released.
There are plans to further translocate additional Red duikers to other environmentally suitable municipal nature reserves.
STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2018/2019
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