Editor's note

Another packed edition which as always focusses on our local Kloof/Upper Highway flora and fauna, highlighting the incredible biodiversity on our doorstep.

It’s always a pleasure to introduce guest authors/researchers particularly when their work is so relevant to our area, and this is the case with researcher Jonah Gula who has followed up on his talk to the conservancy last year with an article on his research on Woolly-necked Storks. Jonah’s findings are still at a preliminary stage so I am sure there will be more to follow up on.

This edition will be published shortly before the first week of September which is celebrated as Arbor Week so Richard Boon’s article on the White-pear (Apodytes dimidiata) is very timeous. The tree flowers profusely in summer and again hikers in Krantzkloof can’t avoid noticing the spectacular display this tree produces.

As usual Arend Hoogervorst challenges our environmental conscience with his opinion column reminding us of the importance of Waste Management, Minimisation, Recycling, and Composting. Arend’s makes a very compelling case for all of us as individuals to make a difference.

The theme for our regular species writers turned out to be another serious challenge but one which I think they enjoyed. The brief was to describe how “vision impacts on the lives of species and how vision has shaped their behaviour”. Steve Woodhall, Marlies Craig, Pat McKrill, Nicolette Forbes and Jeanne Tarrant have all produced must-read articles from which I am sure every reader will learn something new. Do you know how some birds can see and hunt underwater?

I am very pleased that Prof Neil Crouch has once again agreed to share his amazing knowledge of local flora with his article on the Hyacinthaceae of Krantzkloof and this article will have special meaning to those that hike the reserve. Neil even managed to link his article to the theme for the species writers!

Our Eco-Impi interview for this edition features Nick Evans who exudes passion for reptiles but with a very strong sense of understanding of the role humans play in the survival or demise of the species. We have featured numerous articles by Nick in previous editions so our readers will be familiar with his work and his style but in this edition the spotlight is on him and not his reptiles.

I do wish to express sincere thanks to all the authors for donating their precious time and sharing their knowledge with our readers. Thanks also to our Graphics Editor, Jo Sobey who assembles all the stories into a user friendly and stunning layout.

Paolo Candotti
July 2024