Page 32 - State of Biodiversity 2023-2024

utilizing the same methodology as in 2022/2023 where seven observers used the established hiking trails as transects over two days to estimate the number of Red Duiker. About 17 Red Duiker were sighted and recorded. Therefore, a slight decrease in the numbers of Red Duiker from 19 to 17 was noted. As Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve is in an urban area, the movement and behaviour of the animals in the reserve can be affected. Red Duiker and other animals such as the Banded Mongoose are at a high risk of being killed while crossing roads. Wildlife can move in and out of the reserve freely as the fence is damaged in some areas. During the survey the observers were able to witness Red Duiker moving in and out of the reserve. It has been challenging to keep an accurate record of all the road kills in the last year due to the possibility of the public collecting carcasses to use of meat and other uses. According to the reserve management there have been very few issues of stray dogs hunting small mammals in the last year.
Figure 3: Injured Red Duiker, knocked by car. Photo: Sam Ntshangase
Based on the numbers of Red Duiker counted it is evident that the population in Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve is slightly decreasing because of some challenges such as road kills and poaching. So, there is a need for management interventions to deal with issues such as fence maintenance and more patrols to find snares. Annual surveys must be conducted to ensure that data on the number of Red Duiker is available, so that it is possible to compare population trends over time, to inform management decision making.
Figure 4: Three Banded mongoose killed, while crossing the road into the reserve. Photo: Sam Ntshangase
Figure 5: Injured Red Duiker being collected by C.R.O.W to undergo rehabilitation. Photo: Sam Ntshangase
30 STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2023/2024