IUCN Management Category IV (Managed Nature Reserve)

Biogeographical Province 3.11.06 (Cape Sclerophyll)

Geographical Location 5km from Tulbagh in Cape Province. 32°35'-33°25'S, 18°55'-19°14'E.

Date and History of Establishment 1913. Government Notice 235 of 1913 and Government Notice 2121 of 1981.

Area 81,188ha

Land Tenure 30,369ha (37%) Government, Department of Environment Affairs and 50,819ha (63%) private, but managed in terms of the Mountain Catchment Areas Act 63 of 1970.

Altitude 200-2,077m (Groot Winterhoek)

Physical Features The area is scenically beautiful with dominating sandstone mountains of the Cape folded belt, which are very rocky with some steep cliffs and narrow kloofs. Tributaries of the Berg and Olifants Rivers flow through the area. Soils are highly leached acid sands with small pockets of sandy loams. Annual average temperature range minimum: 6°C, maximum: 19°C. Annual rainfall 400mm (valleys) to 2,000mm (high peaks), falling mainly in winter (May-September).

Climate No information

Vegetation Vegetation types consist of Macchia (Veld Type 69), False Macchia (Veld Type 70), and Knysna Forest (Veld Type 4). The entire area can be classified as mountain fynbos with the exception of small relict forest patches. Characteristic families are Ericaceae, Restionaceae and Proteaceae. Economically important species: various Proteaceae, Ericaceae and Restionaceae, and other species which are harvested for the flower trade. Endemic species: endemics which are numerous in the Cape floral kingdom are well represented.

Fauna Rock hyrax Procavia capensis, grey rhebok Pelea capreolus, klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus, chacma baboon Papio ursinus, caracal Felis caracal, and grysbok Raphicerus melanotis. Endangered mammals: leopard Panthera pardus (T), Cape gerbil Tatera afra, Cape spiny mouse Acomys subspinosus, Verreaux's mouse Praomys verreauxii, and spectacled dormouse Graphiurus ocularis; amphibians: ghost frog Heleophryne rosei; reptiles: geometric tortoise Psammobates geometricus (V) and armadillo lizard Cordylus cataphractus; fish: Clanwilliam yellowfish Barbus capensis (R) and Clanwilliam redfin Barbus calidus (R); birds: Victorin's warbler Bradypterus victorini, peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus (V), forest buzzard Buteo oreophilus, and protea canary Serinus leucopterus.

Cultural Heritage No information

Local Human Population No information

Visitors and Visitor Facilities Facilities are limited to access points and hiking trails. Numbers: 1,000 per annum. Potential: undetermined.

Scientific Research and Facilities Resource inventory and monitoring activities ongoing by management and research staff.

None of site, but the area is served by the Jonkershoek Forestry Research Station, Stellenbosch.

Conservation Value No information

Conservation Management Total

State Forest (30,369ha), private land (50,819ha)

A management plan exists for this area.

Management Constraints Proper control of wild fires lacking. Invasive plant species such as Pinus pinaster, P. radiata, Hakea sericea, Acacia mearnsii, and A. longifolia need to be controlled.

Staff One professional, one technical, one first level supervisor, and 20 labourers

Budget R186,250 per annum (including salaries)

Local Addresses

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

References

Policy Memorandum: Groot Winterhoek Mountain Catchment Area. Directorate of Forestry, Cape Town

Date August 1983