Our Kogelberg Biosphere is a truly exceptional place to call home. There are very few places on earth where you can experience nature so profoundly in your day-to-day life – and none of the others offer a bond with the particular plants, animals, and insects found in the Kogelberg. 

As residents we have learned to take our environment into consideration in everything we do. This is why we try to live sustainably – to keep our surroundings as green as possible and preserve that special connection to the nature around us. 

These guidelines will help make sure you’re being a good neighbour to the faunal friends that share our habitat: 

TIP #1: Break down the walls! 

Because there are no hard borders separating our Biosphere villages and the surrounding veld, wild animals rarely differentiate between what is your home and what is theirs. 

Man-made obstructions severely restrict their natural movement, which changes their behaviour and can cause a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. 

Do not restrict the movement of wildlife by erecting unnecessary boundaries, like solid walls, and only fence properties where it is absolutely needed. First prize is always unfenced gardens, since they create a wildlife corridor for our beautiful creatures to move through whenever they please without bothering us. 

TIP #2: Keep them wild 

We love our wildlife precisely because they are wild. In order to keep it that way, do not remove them from their environment or encourage them to come settle in your garden. 

Attracting wildlife to the urban area removes them from their ecological role in nature. Birds, for example, are important pollinators and seed dispersers in nature. If they start feeding on domestic seed in your garden, these processes are disrupted. 

When you encounter potentially dangerous animals, like snakes, always deal with them in a sensitive manner. Snakes form a key link in the food chain as both predator and prey. Do not kill or hurt them – instead call a local snake catcher to remove snakes from your home.  

You can find your nearest accredited snake catcher here or on the African Snakebite Institute website.

TIP #3: Close the buffet 

An easy meal can be very enticing, so avoid any potential ‘snacks’ that may lure wildlife to your property. This means not using bird feeders or leaving pet food outside, which could also attract baboons to the urban area. 

Baboon troops are known to frequent the area and feeding them is a prohibited and a punishable offence. Be sure to use baboon-proof locking devices on your bin.  

Remember, wild animals do not need to be fed. It may make you feel good, but it could lead to dependency and behavioural problems that could become a death sentence down the line. 

TIP #4: Slow down & keep your distance 

Wild animals are beautiful, but are also best appreciated from a respectful distance. This means not approaching them, since it can be interpreted as a threat and may cause an animal to act in self-defence. 

When walking your dogs, always keep them on a lead. This ensures the safety of both your pets and the wildlife who can be hurt by them. This is particularly important when you are near marine birds – and especially during breeding season when they are vulnerable and extra protective. 

Also keep in mind that nature moves at a different pace from us. Drive slowly and keep an eye out for wildlife on the roads – especially at night, since many of our creatures are nocturnal. 

TIP #5: Don’t be afraid of the dark 

Artificial light blurs the difference between night and day. Animals and plants have circadian rhythms that are genetically adapted to the cycle of the sun and the seasons. When these rhythms are disrupted by light pollution, the effects can be deadly – even for diurnal (non-nocturnal) animals. 

For example: 

• Frogs: The glare from artificial lights can affect our wetlands and negatively impact the growth of frogs. It affects their life cycles, such as delaying metamorphosis of tadpoles. 

• Birds: Migratory birds fly at night and use the moon and starlight to navigate. Artificial light will interfere with their flight (e.g. cause them to collide into transmission lines). 

• Mammals: For small nocturnal mammals, artificial light increases the risk of being killed by predators, and affects their food consumption. 

When installing outdoor lights, look for ones that are shielded and shine down instead of upwards or outwards to the street or your neighbours. Use motion sensors and timers so your lights are off when not needed. Also be sure to close curtains and blinds at night to keep indoor light from bothering animals. 

TIP #6: Know your emergency plan 

Wildfires are an obvious risk to our wildlife, but snares, poisoning and other cruel and invasive practices also threaten animals in our area. That’s why we need the community’s help to come to the aid of wildlife that need extra help or care. 

Once our Wildlife Rescue & Rehab Centre has been permitted, there will be a team of trained volunteer Wildlife First Responders that are ready to help care for sick or injured wildlife and provide emergency treatment at the centre.

In the meantime, if you encounter an animal that needs care, reach out to Michelle Watson (073 314 0674) or Corlie Hugo (082 380 9071). 

To make sure you’re properly prepared in case of emergency, keep this contact list on hand.

Images: LoveGreen Communications and Corlie Hugo

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