Page 38 - 25 Reasons

By Yvonne Grimbeek
proposed ground-breaking study on the
population ecology of serval (Leptailurus
Aserval) in the Mpumalanga coalfields
aims to investigate the conservation potential of
Anglo American’s Coal South Africa business’
Isibonelo Colliery.
Rehabilitated landscapes can play an
important role in conservation and biodiversity,
and this research can act as a powerful case
study for similar landscapes globally.
Pilot studies thus far have shown Isibonelo
Colliery is home to a surprisingly large number
of animal species, including otter, water
mongoose, bush pig, porcupine, spotted genet,
common duiker and even the near-threatened
brown hyena. Serval, a mid-sized wildcat
species, seems to be particularly abundant on
rehabilitated land in the area.
In north Africa, the serval is known to appear
in Morocco and has been reintroduced in
Tunisia, but is feared to be extinct in Algeria.
The animals inhabit semi-arid areas and cork
oak forests close to the Mediterranean Sea, but
avoid rainforests and arid areas.
These cats are widespread in southern Africa.
They prefer areas with cover, especially
riparian areas such as reedbeds and wetlands.
However, they often occur in tall grass areas in
proximity to water bodies, and seem to tolerate
agricultural and industrial landscapes that
provide enough cover.
In South Africa, servals have been recorded in
the Free State, the eastern Northern Cape and
in southern North West. In Namibia, they are
present in the Khaudum and Mudumu national
parks. Together with the African Institute for
Conservation Ecology and Genetics, the
Isibonelo mine has embarked on a five-year
research project that will see carnivore and
wetland specialists investigate the existence of
this serval and other mammal species in these
modified landscapes. The study will include an Population ecology will be investigated with the help of 50 camera traps
estimation of the site’s serval population,
feeding ecology and spatial ecology.
Population ecology will be investigated with WILDLIFE
the aid of 50 camera traps and spatial ecology
with the aid of high-resolution GPS collars. To
date, 148 pictures of serval have been recorded
on the mine’s 2 000-hectare site – suggesting FLOURISHES ON THE
that serval seem to be fairly common, says Roze
Reiners, a rehabilitation superintendent at Anglo
American’s Coal South Africa business.
The study, which will be registered as a COALFIELDS
project with the Mpumalanga Tourism and
Parks Agency, will be overseen by Dr Lourens
Swanepoel, a senior researcher at the University
of Venda. Field work will be conducted by the mine. Reiners says the high population of
student ecologists from the University of Venda serval indicates that there is a sustainable food
and the University of the Free State. source for the species. Serval primarily feed on
“While research and public perception rats and mice, and do not pose a threat to
generally focus on mining’s negative impact on livestock, as many farmers mistakenly believe.
fauna and flora, scientists globally are starting to “The value of modified industrial landscapes is
understand how unused and rehabilitated slowly emerging as a theme in academic and
landscapes can create unique environments that conservation circles,” says Reiners.
have an important role to play in conservation,” “We believe that this study will greatly
says Reiners. improve our knowledge about the conservation
The serval research will initially focus on A serval pictured at Anglo American’s Coal value of modified industrial landscapes for
selected portions of mine property. Later the South Africa business’ Isibonelo Colliery, a various species, and that these should be
study will expand to agricultural areas around rehabilitated site considered in future conservation planning.”
38 ANGLO AMERICAN 25 REASONS TO BELIEVE