IUCN Management Category IV (Managed Nature Reserve)

Biogeographical Province 3.11.06 (Cape Sclerophyll)

Geographical Location On the boundary from Hermanus in Cape Province. 34°23'-34°48'S, 19°17'-19°44'E.

Date and History of Establishment 1895. Government Notice 525 of 1895

Area 7,118ha

Land Tenure Government. Administered by the Directorate of Forestry, Department of Environment Affairs.

Altitude 0-40m

Physical Features The area comprises low sand dunes, partly covered with vegetation and partly open drift sands and undeveloped coastline. It borders on the estuaries of the Klein and Uitenkraal Rivers. Soils are pure white, calcareous drift sands with a very low nutrient content. Annual average temperature range minimum: 12°C, maximum: 22°C. Annual rainfall 450-700mm, falling mainly in winter (May-September).

Climate No information

Vegetation Vegetation types consist of Coastal Macchia (Veld Type 47). Characteristic families are Ericaceae, Restionaceae, and Proteaceae. Economically important species: none. Endemic species: endemics which are numerous in the Cape floral kingdom are well represented.

Fauna Common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia, steenbok Raphicerus campestris, bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus, caracal Felis caracal and grysbok Raphicerus melanotis. Endangered species: none.

Cultural Heritage No information

Local Human Population No information

Visitors and Visitor Facilities There is no provision for visitors. Numbers: nil. Potential: undetermined.

Scientific Research and Facilities Drift sand reclamation experiments are undertaken

None

Conservation Value No information

Conservation Management Total

No zoning, all State Forest

A management plan exists for this area.

Management Constraints Control of Acacia cyclops. Control of four-wheel drive recreational vehicles entering the area illegally. Control of drift sands. The area is very sensitive to wind erosion if the vegetation is disturbed.

Staff Two professionals, one technical, two first level supervisors, and 20 labourers

Budget R165,000 per annum (including salaries)

Local Addresses

The Regional Director, Directorate of Forestry, Private Bag X9005, Cape Town, 8000.

References

Walsh, B.N. (1968). Some notes on the incidence and control of drift sands along the Caledon, Bredasdorp and Riversdale coastline of South Africa. Bulletin 44, Department of Forestry, Government Printer, Pretoria.

Policy Memorandum: Walker Bay State Forest. Directorate of Forestry, Cape Town.

Date August 1983