Editor's note

In this edition we welcome well known conservationist Nick Evans to our panel of writers. Nick has built a reputation based on his passion for amphibians and reptiles and will write for us on one specific species in each issue of the magazine. He starts off his contribution with an article on the fascinating chameleons of KZN. Nick is also an outstanding photographer so in addition to the wealth of practical information he will provide we can also look forward to some great photography.

The Kloof Conservancy has a tradition of supporting UKZN research dating back to the pioneering PhD work of Dr Craig Widdows on Large Spotted Genets and support for Dr Shane McPherson’s Crowned Eagle research and other researchers. In this issue we are excited to include an article on mongoose from PhD candidate Jarryd Streicher who is researching the ecology of Mongoose. Jarryd has been working with a team of Kloof Conservancy members and some other residents in the area as part of his research which is ongoing. This article covers his work to date and provides a fascinating insight to the movement of mongoose. Jarryd is also doing research on Caracal in the Kloof area and we hope to have an article on that work in a future edition.

Steve Woodhall and Pat McKrill continue to explore the impact of climate change on butterflies and reptiles respectively and we welcome back Dr Marlies Craig who has written for us on the insect species to watch out for after the good rains we had in late spring. As usual Robin Lamplough takes a historical perspective to our environment and has highlighted some highly relevant information on the first known descriptions of Krantzkloof and specifically those of Wilhelm Posselt. Arend Hoogervorst once again makes us think through our own actions and our impact on the environment. If the questions he asks make us feel uncomfortable then you should know that they are meant to do just that!

Our Eco-Impi interview for this issue is with Simon Maphumulo who is well known to many of our members. Most members however may not be fully aware of Simon’s background and involvement in conservation in his home area of Kwa-Ximba near Cato Ridge. The article explores not only Simon’s passion for conservation and his desire to make a difference but also highlights the disparities that still exist in terms of the environmental justice in previously disadvantaged areas as well as the enormous challenges faced in such areas.

Unfortunately, our “bird” author Dave Rimmer was unable to provide an article for this issue due to travel commitments, but we look forward to having him back on board in the next edition.

I trust you will enjoy this edition and as always, your feedback will be most welcome.

Paolo Candotti