Kameelhoek Ecological Summary
Image Credit · Eye Poetry Photography
Before the development of Kameelhoek, the territory was largely exposed to historical livestock farming practices in the early 20th century. As a result, large areas of natural habitat became fragmented through the erection of livestock fencing, kraals (animal holding pens) and the irregular placement of watering holes and artificial infrastructure. Natural ecosystems were subject to varying degrees of human induced pressures with some areas enduring different forms of farming practice and exploitation.
More recently, Kameelhoek has become a site of renovation and ecosystem rejuvenation. The beauty of the natural landscape has resurfaced during clean-up and rehabilitation operations. Ongoing management efforts have stimulated the restoration of ecosystem functioning, along with the improvement of natural habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Many of these species are now able to increase their population numbers as a newly adopted management approach pursues the stabilisation of natural ecosystems.
The Kameelhoek territory includes 10 440 ha of land characterised by the Savanna biome. Within its boundaries the area associates with the Kimberley Thornveld (SVk4) and Vaalbos Rocky Shrubland (SVk5) vegetation types. Lower lying areas within the territory open to a more azonal vegetation type known as the Highveld Salt Pans (AZi10) (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). The territory is home to a variety of different plant and animal species occupying and thriving within the available plant communities. Kameelhoek is divided into three major plant communities known as the Schmidtia pappophoroides–Vachellia erioloba Open Woodland, the Digitaria eriantha–Tarchonanthus camphoratus Rocky Hills and the Enneapogon desvauxii–Geigeria burkei Grassland (Muller & O’Donoghue 2018). Examples of the main plant communities can be seen in Figures 1 to 3.
Figure 1. Schmidtia pappophoroides–Vachellia erioloba · Open Woodland
Figure 2. Digitaria eriantha–Tarchonanthus camphoratus · Rocky Hills
Figure 3. Enneapogon desvauxii–Geigeria burkei · Grassland
There are many specially protected species of fauna and flora on Kameelhoek which are protected under the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act No. 9 of 2009. These species all form part of a larger interconnected system of living organisms and associated habitat conserved within the Kameelhoek boundaries.
Specially protected species are organisms whose population status are considered near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The list below includes a few examples of specially protected species inhabiting Kameelhoek.
ANIMALS
Aardvark (Antbear); Orycteropus afer
Aardwolf; Proteles cristatus
African wild cat; Felis lybica
Bat-eared fox; Otocyon megalotis
Brown hyena; Hyeana brunnea
Hartmann's Mountain zebra; Equus zebra hartmannae
Small Spotted Cat (Black-Footed Cat); Felis nigripes
Southern African hedgehog; Atelerix frontalis
BIRDS
White-headed Vulture; Aegypius occipitalis
Lapped-faced Vulture; Aegypius tracheliotus
Cape Vulture; Gyps coprotheres
Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk; Melierax canorus
Pygmy Falcon; Polihierax semitorquatus
Secretary bird; Sagittarius serpentarius
Spotted Eagle Owl; Bubo africanus
Rufous-cheeked Nightjar; Caprimulgus rufigena
Kori Bustard; Ardeotis kori
Jackal Buzzard; Buteo rufofuscus
Martial Eagle; Polemaetus bellicosus
Tawny Eagle; Aquila rapax
Black-chested Snake Eagle; Circaetus pectoralis
REPTILES
Tent tortoise; Psammobates tentorius
Giant Bullfrog; Pyxicephalus adspersus
PLANTS
Cancer bush; Lessertia frutescens (important medicinal plant)
Devil’s Claw; Harpagophytum procumbens (protected medicinal plant)
The number and variety of protected or specially protected species naturally occurring on Kameelhoek makes it an important ecosystem for nature custodians to protect and manage. The overall ecosystem health and vegetation productivity can support a large number and variety of living organisms in comparison to many of the unprotected surrounding farmland and rural properties (Muller & O’Donoghue 2018).
Unique Landscape Features
Kameelhoek incorporates a variety of different landscape features which enhances its ability to support a diversity of different plant and animal species. Some areas are rocky and mountainous (Digitaria eriantha–Tarchonanthus camphoratus Rocky Hills) whereas others include a mosaic of dense shrubby thickets and open woodland (Schmidtia pappophoroides–Vachellia erioloba Open Woodland). Other features are characterised by flat open grassland suited for species preferring wide open spaces (Enneapogon desvauxii–Geigeria burkei Grassland).
Kameelhoek is also home to a unique Camelthorn Woodland situated in the south-western corner of the territory. The Camelthorn Woodland makes up approximately 460 ha (hectares) and consists of an uncommon collective of very large variably distributed Camelthorn (Vachellia erioloba) trees. The name of the property is most likely derived from this very special section of the territory, namely “Kameelhoek”. The name is directly translated as “Camel-corner” from the language Afrikaans and refers to the Camelthorn tree corner located within its boundaries. The Camelthorn Woodland is unique and special in a sense that the tree population was able to grow and develop relatively unhindered and protected from human-induced disturbance over time.
Unique Developments
SMALL MAMMALS
Populations of smaller and more sensitive mammals such as meerkat, bat-eared foxes and aardwolf have become more prominent since the commencement of clean-up and rehabilitation operations.
SPECIALLY PROTECTED BIRDS
Populations of specially protected birds thrive under more stabilised environmental conditions. These birds include, Secretary birds, Kori Bustards, Vultures, Eagles, Kites and Falcons. Overall, increasing birdlife on Kameelhoek highlights improving ecosystem health.
THE ROGUE HORSE NAMED ZEB
One of the original inhabitants of Kameelhoek is Zeb. Zeb is a wild horse which has lived most of his life wild and untamed on the property. Initially, Zeb was part of a herd of horses historically introduced but neglected for many years. This herd of horses were able to survive without human support and have, as a result adapted to survive on their own in the wild. During early stages of the property development, Kameelhoek management sought out to capture the herd of wild horses to ensure the care and health they need.
Zeb simply refused to be captured and pursued a life of freedom among the wild. Many attempts have been made to capture Zeb, but his persistence and ability to escape human confines have earned him the right to establish his own borders. Presently, Zeb has adopted a herd of mountain zebra as his family and roams across Kameelhoek on his own terms. He is healthy, fit and has a strong personality.
Kameelhoek management efforts
Kameelhoek management has prioritised active conservation and veld management principles in order to effectively manage, conserve and rehabilitate natural ecosystems. Their approach to remove and rebuild improved infrastructure will not only enhance ecosystem management, but also assist in reducing environmental impacts.