This was done by SOME residents of Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve (though many drive with real care) and visitors to the area, this in spite of publicity in the press and emails from this body they could not slow down for a mere 100metres.

an idea of size, this is a little one

The toads are not small a least the size of an orange, is it not to much to ask just to drive slowly and look out for one or 2 nights of the year? They are also easily visible as a shiny white rectangle in the car headlights.

And this one was only a baby

I will close off with a curse to the guilty parties “May the miggies of a 1000 summers infest your home this summer, with no leopard toads to eat them”

Remember “LEAD SA” put yourself out for others

30 AUGUST 2010

Setting the facts straight on arum lilies and frogs

The City of Cape Town’s Environmental Resource Management (ERM) Department has noted that inaccurate information is circulating about the sale of arum lilies, and the protection of two of the Cape’s amphibians, the arum lily frog and micro frog.

A campaign urging residents not to purchase arum lilies from vendors at the side of the road seems to be gaining momentum whilst spreading inaccurate information about arum lilies and frogs. This misleading information has also gone viral, and is being spread via e-mail and social networking tools. It is important that the public understand the facts about these frogs, before making a decision on whether or not to purchase the flowers.

The ERM Department, in conjunction with CapeNature and the South African National Biodiversity Institute would therefore like to highlight the facts.

The information being circulated refers to the ‘arum lily micro frog’ which does not exist. There are, however, two different species of frog, namely the micro frog (Microbatrachella capensis) and the arum lily frog (Hyperolius horstockii). The micro frog is smaller than a fingernail, while the arum lily frog is somewhat larger, growing to about 40 mm in length. It has been reported that the ‘arum lily micro frog’ is in danger because of the sale of arum lilies, but this is not at all correct for either of the frog species.

The supposed threat to these frogs’ habitat has been cited as one of the main reasons why the public should not buy arum lilies. However, no frog species breeds in the flowers of arum lilies. While the arum lily frog occasionally uses the flowers for shelter, it is not dependant on them. Arum lily frogs breed in wetlands and not in the flowers of the arums. The micro frog is ground-dwelling, breeding in temporary pools, and it does not climb into any flowers.

Arum lily frogs are very pale and they hide their bright orange feet and legs under their bodies during the day. In this way, the frog is able to use a white background as camouflage against predators and this background is sometimes the white arum flower. They do not use the pollen of the flowers to camouflage themselves, as has been suggested.

While arum lily frogs are only found in the Western Cape (and a small area of the Eastern Cape), they are not classified as threatened in the 2004 Red Data book. However, it is true that the species is becoming increasingly rare as their habitat is lost to urban development.

While the illegal harvesting of arum lilies will not lead to the extinction of arum lily frogs, the sale of illegally harvested flora at traffic lights is cause for concern. If left unchecked, other illegally harvested plants such as proteas, ericas, and various bulb species may be seen at traffic lights in the future.

The City does not wish to deter the public from purchasing flowers from hawkers – as long as they are legal retailers. All roving vendors and intersection traders selling flowers are illegal. However, traders selling flowers in demarcated trading bays are legal, and regulated by the City. The City encourages the public to report illegal trading on 021 596 1400/1424.

“The ERM Department is always grateful when residents spread its messages because the need for awareness is so great. Unfortunately, this message has become lost in translation, and we hope that the correct information, as it appears above, will spread in the same manner,” said the City’s Biodiversity Co-ordinator, Clifford Dorse.

The ERM Department is currently updating its pamphlets on frogs and lilies, and will distribute them widely in an attempt to ensure that the public receives the correct information.

End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Clifford Dorse, Biodiversity Co-ordinator, Biodiversity Management Branch, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 514 4159 or Cell: 083 440 1751

Dr John Measey, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Tel: 021 799 8860

Harsh reality - Pretty but Bad for the Vlei

“We desperately need to cut our reed-beds & will have to do so manually, as the reed harvester machine has been out of action most of the year & we do not know when it can be repaired. However, our staff requires wetsuits to carry out this task, as they do not have any gear suitable for spending long periods of time standing in the water & we do not have sufficient budget to purchase waders or wetsuits.

Reed Cutter Cutting

That leads me to this request – please could any of our Friends and the community who have wetsuits they are willing to part with, please donate these for our staff / volunteers to use? We need these urgently! I am looking at a minimum of four wetsuits – 2 large & 2 medium (male-size) wetsuits preferably please. We would greatly appreciate any help in this regard – If anybody kindly has a wetsuit for us they may drop it off at Rondevlei’s entrance, with their contact details please, so that I may thank them afterwards.

Reed Harvester afloat

Many thanks & waiting earnestly for a response!

Kind regards
Tamaryn”

So you thought the party is over after the World Cup has finished? Think again!

All neighbours in and around the Vlei are warmly invited to join us for a Bush Pub evening of socialising, music, dancing and fun.

When: Friday; 10th September from 5 PM to midnight.

Where: Rondevlei Nature Reserve at the Lapa Outdoor Area (next to nursery).

Why: Meet your neighbours for a friendly chat and support the fundraising efforts of your local Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei (FoZR) team.

What else: Soup & bread, snacks and a variety of drinks are available (cool-drinks and wine, mixers, whisky, brandy, beer).

How much: Adults R 20 (includes a free glass of gluhwein or grape juice) and Kids – your donation.

Note: ALL proceeds from sales go to FoZR for environmental protection and education programmes.

Regards
–
Dee (Chairperson FOZR)

email: fozrchair@gmail.com

Chairperson’s Report Back: Dee Cranswick

PORTFOLIOS 2009/10
Chair / Legal – Dee Cranswick
Vice-chair – Lee H. Watson (and Minutes)
Treasurer – Ingrid Baigrie
Membership & Projects Susanne Dittke
Secretary Communications (Media, Editor, Website/Digital Media) – Laurianne Claase
Fundraising – Colleen McDowell
Activities – Neil Major
Reserve Liaison – Asieff Khan

CONTACT INFORMATION LEGAL & TAX STATUS
Name: Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei (FoZR)
Contact Person: Dee Cranswick
Street Address: c/o Rondevlei Nature Reserve Fishermans Walk Zeekoevlei
Postal Address: 15 Peninsula Road Zeekoevlei 7941
Telephone: 021 7056103
Fax: 086 6722324
Email: deecrans@netactive.co.za
NPO: 062-491

Section 18A tax status In application
Banking Details: Nedbank, Claremont Branch No: 104609 Savings Account No: 2046663500
Accountants: M Hyslop CA (SA)

Purpose:
The FRIENDS OF ZEEKOEVLEI AND RONDEVLEI group is an apolitical, community-based organization that aims to promote local environmental interests. Its focus is to assist local authorities with the protection of our unique biodiversity, especially the much-threatened sand plain fynbos, through creating public awareness and assisting with efforts to eradicate alien invasive species.

Objectives:
To promote the conservation of the Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei Nature Reserve by forming active teams of members to carry out various duties under the guidance of the Reserve Manager/Curator, such as:

1. identifying and mapping alien plants and eradicating them
2. helping in soil erosion control
3. listing and monitoring natural populations of indigenous species
4. helping to plan, construct and maintain nature trails
5. producing information brochures and field guides
6. conducting outings in the Reserve for parties of scholars, students, scientists or visitors
7. setting up or contributing to information, interpretative and environmental education centres, and a field museum
8. the generation of funds from the creation and sale of, – inter alia, posters, postcards, dry flower arrangements and by any other means
9. the propagation of plants from seed or cuttings, obtained from the Reserve for sale to the public, for planting in the Reserve and surrounding areas.
10. To embark upon any projects consistent with the objectives of the Reserves

Current Membership: 2008/2009: 29 families, 5 single memberships

Annual Membership Fees:
Individual (includes Pensioner/ Student) – R45
Family – R60
Corporate –R500
Anyone who endorses the objectives and constitution of the Friends is welcome to join the Friends. If holding / elected to any party political office or holding a position (volunteer or paid) within any political organization, he/she is not eligible to hold an office-bearer position within the FRIENDS OF ZEEKOEVLEI AND RONDEVLEI Executive

Activities in Financial Year ending Feb 2010
The 2009/10 year was almost exclusively dedicated to the ZeekoeFees, which took almost 6 months of dedicated effort and planning from a very conscientious committee

Fundraising

1. Entertainment on the day was carried by the Barley Corn Club with help from fisher folk, fusion games, stall holders etc.
2. Hipathon attracted about 30 people (b) Green Homes and recyclable sachets
3. Mostly as a result of the sponsors, we managed to come in at a profit
   • PETCO recycling; Rose Foundation, Poly Styrene packaging Council, coke canners, mark Dittke, Woolworths, many local sponsors for gifts and giveaways
4. Nursery raised some profit

Raising money:

1. DG Murray Trust application made but not successful

Activities:

1. Wn Cape Leopard Toad Project
2. Talks and Walks
3. Rehabilitation group
4. Opening Weir
5. FoZR site and electronic newsletters
6. Watchdog activities
7. Vlei Talk – published quarterly, ZCA funds printing
8. Nursery
9. Bird Ringing

Ramsar follow up:

Joanne Jackson Head: Project and Partnership Development Environmental Resource Management Department reports that she had been in contact with the SA Ramsar representative at the national Department of Environmental Affairs. It had been proposed that the representative visit the site to discuss matters relating to an application. Thereafter, council process for the necessary approvals would be embarked upon.

(Note: Ramsar: The Convention on Wetlands: Intergovernmental treaty adopted in Ramsar (Iran), 1971
Came into force in 1975.
Only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem.
‘Its mission is the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.’
RAMSAR list: List of wetlands of international importance March 2009 – more than 1 830 wetlands, (< 170 million ha) included in the Ramsar List. Benefits: International conservation status, Financial and technical assistance offered to Ramsar sites to implement wetland conservation and wise use projects.)

EXPENDITURE 2009/10 ie ends Feb 2010:

1. R10,000 in reserve for Cash Flow and Legal expenses
2. R5 400 to Rondevlei Nature Reserve to help fund an Assistant Environmental Education Officer (AEEO)
3. Ostriches – was R2 500 but only 4 so R2 000 for 2010/11
4. R500 for WESSA membership
5. Van Blommenstein R3 300 clearing and cleaning
6. Rondevlei Pruning Saws R1 895

What we plan to spend money on in the future

1. AEEO
2. Van Blommenstein worker – Litter clean-up and alien plant removal, cutting down trees, planting indigenous plants; if FoZR fund one worker, Rondevlei Nature Reserve will supply another worker
3. Pruning saws – One saw for each team; assists with combating alien vegetation clearing
4. Wessa

New Projects:

1. Follow up on Dredging Zvlei? Where we are: EIA completed and RoD issued – dredging with conditions permitted – but on hold coz funding. Millions. Perhaps FoZR can get copy RoD and ask for a time frame to implement (coz the RoD will expire)
2. Dumping sewerage – Dune – taking up this issue again – letter to mayor – legal action
3. Speed bumps – and Culvert – engineering dept – but not high priority. 3 otters been hit there over years
4. Guttural toad – Awareness campaign – residents need to put toads in bucket and phone so we know if this is leopard or otherwise. Leaflet drop
5. One more young calf – boma ready and not sure whether male or female – may need boma help
6. Commilina bengelensis– Pushes seeds in ground so need a huge sustained effort – is all over W-n Cape – Need bio-control. FoZR can ask Plant Protection Institute at Sanbi. Strategy required. Meanwhile, perhaps we can ask residents to manage own areas and pay for spray?
7. Midges Probably variable reasons ie fish population and environmental effects – is something City scientific services need to deal with – but is probably linked to need to do dredging etc ie symptom. We will ask City to set up public meeting to explain midges management
8. Erf 259 – Council tried to do land swop – they can’t find money. Apparently the developers now want to put up 4 houses. Most of site shouldn’t be developed coz contains endangered vegetation type. If conservation, it is attached to existing conservation area and won’t be more expensive to manage. But City hasn’t got money to acquire land. So we have to perhaps get clear guidance from City re what they plan to do. Part of FBEP etc.
9. Proclaiming full conservation boundaries – FBEP – need to support at Public Meetings on 18th May – Pelican Park and Rondevlei – we need to draw up management plan for FBEP – we need support for the boundaries and that we want it proclaimed.
10. Princess Vlei shopping Centre – they have to go back thru public participation process coz RoD is about to lapse. Environmentally – shouldn’t have a shopping centre but if there has to be a development – then the developers must pay so that we can manage the balance of the area environmentally well
11. Need to follow up on registration for protection under the Primary Aquifer Underwater Act of 1998? Candace Haskins – scientist City dealing with Catchment Management

Other

1. Need new committee members
2. Should there be an increase in subs? Yes after World cup
   • Individual (includes Pensioner/ Student) – R60.00
   • Family – R100
   • Corporate –R500

Finance Overview 2010
28 February 2010:
As per attached Annual Financial Statement

Dee Cranswick
Chair FoZR
June 2010

Whilst it is not apparent where these are in the Zeekoevlei area, our toads do move.

You can assist (these toads are really endangered) by the following

1) Most importantly drive slowly on Peninsula Rd, Victoria Rd, Fisherman’s Walk

2) Ask your guests to drive slowly on these roads.

3) If you see a toad crossing the road note the direction it is going, pick it up and place on the side of the road it was going too.

4) Trust me they are not slimey, poisonous, or vicious.

Quinton Davids of Boat Rd and myself are involved in the group and if you would like to join us in the study please contact us

Ron Keytel (Keytel@iafrica.com), 021705 4333, 084 450 8450

Venue: Rondevlei Auditorium at 8pm.

The talk is by Michael Farquhar (Curator of the Two Oceans Aquarium) on Life in the Kelp Forest.

Apparently if you see someone selling arum lillies you must call City Law Enforcement on (021) 596 1400/1424

Please Dont kill Arum Lily Frogs

It is the start of Arum Lily season. A tiny endangered Arum Lily Micro Frog breeds inside the water and dew held in the cup of these Lilies. We are desperate to curtail the gross destruction of Lilies. Please don’t buy Lilies sold at traffic intersections. Maybe I should have done a bit more research Please note the following According to the CapeNature, the City’s Environmental Resource Department and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, this frog does not exist. There are, however, two different species of frog, namely the micro frog (Microbatrachella capensis) and the arum lily frog (Hyperolius horstockii). The micro frog is smaller than a fingernail, while the arum lily frog is somewhat larger, growing to about 40 mm in length. Furthermore, no frog species breeds in the flowers of arum lilies. While the arum lily frog occasionally uses the flowers for shelter, it is not dependent on them. Arum lily frogs breed in wetlands and not in the flowers of the arums. The micro frog is ground-dwelling, breeding in temporary pools, and it does not climb into any flowers.

Would you please do a tiny bit, and just FWD this by email to everyone you can? Maybe I should have done a bit more research Please note the following “While the illegal harvesting of arum lilies will not lead to the extinction of arum lily frogs, the sale of illegally harvested flora at traffic lights is cause for concern. If left unchecked, other illegally harvested plants such as proteas, ericas, and various bulb species may be seen at traffic lights in the future. Care must therefore be taken to buy from legally compliant retailers. All roving vendors and intersection traders selling flowers are illegal. However, traders selling flowers in demarcated trading bays are legal, and regulated by the City. The City encourages the public to report illegal trading on 021 596 1400/1424.

Yours sincerely
FOBPOS
FRIENDS OF THE BAKKERSHOOGTE PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
Address – Suite 222, Private Bag X34, Somerset West 7129
Fax number – 086 691 1942
email address – fobpos@gmail.com

UPDATE: Thanks to Reinee who provided more information on the Arum Lily and the micro frog – visit this link to get the facts: http://www.urbansprout.co.za/arum_lilies_pick_them_at_your_peril

Another Update: Moondance has learned his lesson and will check out anything he posts in the future because he now looks like a horses a%$3. Sorry folks I was a bit hasty and sent out misinformation though the lily and its environment must be protected and preserved, I guess it was the cute factor of having seen the little frogs with their orange socks snuggled up inside the lillies at the bottom of my garden that did it, the photos I took myself. Yikes I hate admitting I was dumb!