Ferncliffe Forest, a haven for endangered plants and animals, is shrinking as development eats at its fringes.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (03 September 2024) – Ferncliffe Forest, a precious mistbelt forest in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is under threat from invasive alien plants. Now a farm on its borders is at risk of becoming residential housing.
Ferncliffe Forest is small, but highly important, both biologically and ecologically, falling within the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Biodiversity Hotspot.
This biodiversity hotspot is home to a variety of endangered species and provides essential ecosystem services to the nearby city of Pietermaritzburg. But a tide of alien plants is threatening the ecosystem’s survival.
To preserve and save this natural gem, the Ferncliffe Forest Wilding NPO invites donors to increase the size of the endangered eastern mistbelt forest habitat by 5.1 hectares (12.5 acres).
“We need just R1.5 million (US$ 82,575) to augment an existing donation of R2.5 million to secure a parcel of land for long-term rewilding and conservation. The land, a former farm, Glengarriff, adjoins the proposed Ferncliffe Protected Environment,” the NPO explained.
According to Ferncliffe Forest Wilding NPO, three endangered vegetation types are found within the forest’s borders. It forms part of an irreplaceable Critical Biodiversity Area, as determined by a KZN Biodiversity Stewardship site assessment in 2021.
The forest provides the city of Pietermaritzburg with ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, water catchment and air quality improvement.
To protect the forest and expand its habitat, Ferncliffe Forest Wilding is urgently seeking donations to purchase the threatened plot of land.
By contributing to their fundraising efforts, you can help preserve this vital ecosystem and ensure the long-term survival of its unique flora and fauna.
To donate or for more information visit https://ferncliffe.org/support/save-land/
Sources: Ferncliff Forest Wilding
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