www.wildneighbours.co.za

Scurrying mongoose, shy grysbok, an owl at dusk or the bark of a baboon. Our wild neighbours are the birds and small mammals that live amongst us, moving cautious-ly between our gardens and what remains of their natural habitats around Cape Town. This easy-to-read pocket guide is filled with thoughts and suggestions about living in harmony alongside wildlife in our city.

Photographs by Noel Ashton and Liz Hardman wildliving with our

neighboursA Nature Connection Initiative by Belinda Ashton

Text and layout | Belinda AshtonEditing | Karoline HanksPhotographs | Noel Ashton (noelashton.com)and Liz Hardman (natureontheedge.com)Cover photograph | Marco Tonoli Additional photographs | p5 Jacques Kuyler, City of Cape Town; p22 Rute Martin; p63 Aletris Neils, Conservation CATalyst

p10 Jans Canon;

contents

Printing | Trident Press

ISBN | 978-0-620-55959-1© The Nature ConnectionCape Town, South AfricaMobile 072 063 4676envirolink@iafrica.comwww.wildneighbours.co.zaPublished | 2013

Many of us are drawn towards these wild landscapes of our city, where we can spend time exploring the scenic mountain trails, or leaving our footprints alongside the spoor of wild otters on one of our many sandy beaches. For those of us living on the urban edge, our lives are in-fused daily with visual and visceral connections to the natural world, and at any given moment, we can experience a glimpse into this fascinating realm of wild nature that exists on our doorstep.

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Living in the fairest Cape, we are so fortunate to inhabit such a beautiful part of the world, where the unique plant and animal diversity is still very much a part of our lives.

all things wild and wonderful

Since my childhood I have felt a deep connection to this nat-ural environment, and specifi-cally to the birds and small creatures that live alongside us on the Peninsula.This interest has grown in recent years, when so much of all that is wild and free is being threatened by the relentless pressures of urbanisation. Through this booklet I share my interest in urban wildlife, and hope to inspire an aware-ness of our wild neighbours and the enduring narrative of our shared place on earth.

1 Introduction2 A message from IFAW3 All creatures great and small4 The world of wild nature5 Wild lives amongst us6 Living within a wider world7 A city of incredible biodiversity8 Diminishing natural habitats9 Small sanctuaries within our city1011 This land was theirs too12 Adapting to an urban environment13 A challenging life on the urban edge14 Introducing a few wild neighbours28 Birds and wildlife in the garden39 Living alongside wildlife49 Threats to local wildlife58 Connecting with nature

Urban wildlife around the world

all creatures great and small

Our wild neighbours are the birds, small mammals and other creatures that live along-side us in our city, moving cau-tiously between our gardens and what remains of their natural habitats. Many of these creatures are nocturnal and therefore sel-dom seen, often only leaving tell-tale signs as a clue to their night-time activities.

For instance, shallow diggings show where a Cape Porcupine has searched for bulbs, while small tracks leading through the fynbos reveal evidence of a little mongoose on the hunt for insects. Knowing what to look out for opens our eyes to the intricate wonders and workings of the natural world.

the world of wild natureTravelling over the rocky, fyn-bos slopes of Ou Kaapseweg on a trip into town, I invariably catch my breath as I summit the mountain and look out over the immensity of the city below, stretching far towards the horizon, a vast and com-plex network of roads, houses and shopping malls. To the left the imposing peaks of the Table Mountain chain glow in the morning light, ochre rocks offset by the receding shadows as the day slowly warms up, and I am reminded of another world living alongside us in our bustling city.

And this other world is the secretive domain of the little grysbok and inquisitive mon-goose, of nocturnal genets and porcupines. It is a world where the bark of a baboon evokes deep primal mem-ories, and where fish eagles soar the thermals high above the waters of Zandvlei.This other world, the world of wild nature, is inhabited by remnant populations of birds and small mammals that once thrived across the Peninsula, species that now inhabit a twilight zone as they live tenu-ously amongst us on the urban edge of our city.

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The call of a nightjar at dusk, the gurgling of a mountain stream as it tumbles over mossy rocks,

holding onto all that is wild and free...

From the very beginning, we have lived alongside the animals. We have feared them, revered them and de-pended on them throughout time. All that they imbue, the wild and untamed spirits of these wild lives, is deeply and irretrievably entwined within our own complex narrative. Through the animals, we are able to connect more mean-

ingfully with the earth and with our own wild spirits.And through the animals, knowing that they are out there, living their secretive lives far amongst the kloofs and krantze of our mountains, we are reminded and re-assured of our own sense of belonging within the immen-sity of the wider living world.

wild lives amongst us

If you would like to learn more about the plants and small mammals of our city, I recommend a trip to the BIODIVERSITY GARDEN in Green Point, a beautiful space where you can discover the many wonders of our natural heritage.

Cape Town is a city of excep-tional natural beauty, with the urban landscape offset by the rugged coastlines of the Atlan-tic and Indian oceans, and then the vast Table Mountain chain with its deep ravines and forested gullies. Wherever we look, the city is literally surrounded by a natur-al environment that is quite spectacular in its diversity and scenic wonders. And what makes Cape Town even more unique is that we are situated in the heart of the smallest plant kingdom in the world, the Cape Floral King-

dom, which consists of just over 9 000 plants of which around 3 300 are found here. Even more incredible, many of these plants are endemic, meaning they occur nowhere else in the world!Although at first glance our mountains appear unspoiled, the reality is that many of the city's natural habitats are threatened due to invasive alien vegetation and the ever-expanding human footprint.Conserving local ecosystems and the biodiversity they support is one of the more urgent priorities of our time.

All life is inter-connected, each living being depen- dent on others to maintain the ecological balance of

the earth. Plants need pollinators, predators and prey have been intertwined in a dance for survival since the dawn of time.This understanding was held sacred by the ancient people of years long gone by, who understood with implicit knowing that man is one thread in the complex web of life. And that what we do to the web, we ultimately and inevitably do to ourselves.Increasingly we are seeing that how we interact with the world, how we nurture, conserve and protect wilderness and wild nature, reflects intimately in the quality of our own lives.

living within a wider world

Within each of us is a connec-tion to the earth that has evolved over the millions of years since the human jour-ney first began. I sense that one of the reasons why we find such peace and tranquili-ty when we are out in nature, is simply that we are returning to an environment that was once deeply familiar to us. And through this experience, we connect again with a dis-tant memory of having once lived in close harmony with the land, when the birds and animals were our brothers, and we had a deep sense of

belonging to the sun and the moon and the wild land-scapes around us.Out in nature, we lose our-selves within the ebb and flow of the earth's natural cycles; we immerse in the physical sensation of walking, explor-ing, smelling, touching, being present in each moment. The breath of the wind, the gentle call of a dove...These experiences awaken our imaginations and stir our souls, reminding, evoking, taking us back to our deepest connections with the earth and its vast community of life.

a city of incredible biodiversity

For people living in many of the great cities around the world, where age-old ties to the land have all but disappeared, the occasional encounter with urban wildlife offers a thread of connection to a time when we once lived close to nature.From sightings of a coyote in uptown New York, to a fox rum-maging in the wastebin of a London townhouse, as the fields and forests of their nat-ural territories disappear, so more and more animals are finding refuge amongst us, where the year-round availa-bility of food offers respite in a rapidly changing world.

Those communities coming into regular contact with wild-life are becoming increasingly inventive in how they live alongside these animals.Here in the Cape, we have trained monitors working from dawn until dusk keeping the baboons out of urban edge suburbs, while in the United States, electric fencing and a loud firecracker device called a bear-banger, are used to keep bears away.Exploring ways to live in peace with these wild neighbours, helps to nurture and restore harmony between ourselves and the natural world.

urban wildlife around the world

this land was theirs too

And to think that lions once stalked game on the grassy plains of the Cape flats, and leopards crept up on bickering baboons as they chased one another with wild abandon across the lower slopes of Table Mountain. And that deep in the muddy waters of seasonal wetlands hippos wallowed whilst African Fish Eagles called out from trees along the banks. It is almost impossible to vis-ualise this landscape, and it is only when looking up towards the fynbos slopes of Kirsten-bosch and watching the oro-graphic clouds dance across

the tallest peaks, that I can appreciate how truly beautiful it all once was.Today, the accumulative im-pacts from a thriving and ever-expanding metropolis that exerted such pressures on the land have obliterated most wildlife species, and those animals that remain living amongst us are descendants of some of the smaller, more resilient animals that once, a very long time ago, inhabited all of the fairest Cape. The fact that they have sur-vived against such immense adversity is a testament to their adaptive characters.

It is hard to imagine that only a few hundred years ago, our city and its surrounds were literally teeming with wildlife, and that its forests and sheer mountain gorges concealed bird and mammal species that astonished early explorers to the region.

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adapting to an urban environment

Most towns and cities around the world developed in areas that were abundant in wildlife and natural resources, where human endeavour flourished

these life-sustaining gifts from nature.Yet the historical archive has revealed that in almost all instances where small towns gradually expanded to be-come cities, indigenous wild-life was systematically elimin-ated through the intense demands of urbanisation. And certainly here in the Cape, the constraints imposed by a life restricted to the Peninsula, hemmed in on all sides by suburbia, has led over time to unique conservation challen-

through access to

ges, including for example predator–prey imbalances and the loss of genetic diver-sity, our friends the baboons coming foremost to mind.Despite all these pressures however, over eighty species of small mammals still survive amongst us, where the year-round availability of food, water and shelter provide a fairly stable environment in which to live. In recent years, these animals have experienced significant and ongoing changes to their natural habitat, and as much as they have had to adapt to our way of life, we too can make small changes to try and adapt to theirs.

a challenging life on the urban edge

I have much respect for the small animals that live amongst us. Not only are our fynbos mountains covered with nutrient-poor and often indigestible plants, but the extreme weather patterns of dry, hot summers and wet winters make the Peninsula fairly inhos-pitable for even the hardiest of species.

hold waste. Through continu-ally exploiting different food sources and taking advantage of the sanctuary offered by our verdant gardens, the city’s wildlife manage to exist along-side us. But life on the urban edge is not always easy, and most animals are forced to move secretively amongst us, con-tending with road traffic, enclosed properties that have barbed wire and electric fen-cing, predatory domestic pets and, at times, an attitude of general apathy towards all matters wild.

One of the realities of this scenario is that many animals need to cover fairly extensive ranges in their daily search for food, with their territories fre-quently criss-crossing both urban and natural habitats.Most animals survive as they are hardy generalists and able to adapt to the challenges of life in the fynbos, for instance baboons have now learned to feed on shellfish to supple-ment protein in their diet.Others adopt more robust survival tactics, scavenging in roadside bins or foraging for scraps amongst our house-

Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus

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introducing a few wild neighbours

The Peninsula's baboons are famously Africa's southern-most primates and have lived across the mountains of the Cape for thousands of years. In recent times, as our sub-urbs encroach on previously wild areas, baboons have come into increasing contact with people, almost always over food and often to the detriment of the animal.Baboons are highly intelligent animals, with complex social hierarchies dominated by an alpha male.

When a troop becomes accus-tomed to finding food in our suburbs, this leads to many problems – for people the stress of having one’s home raided, and for the animals, the threat of being shot at, poisoned or knocked over by speeding vehicles.Spending quiet time obser-ving baboons in the wild can be a life-changing experience and it is a privilege that they still live alongside us, even though our relationship is tenuous at best.

Visitors to Cape Town are often disappointed by the absence of larger mammals in our national park. This is because in fynbos, the shrubby vegetation type generally supports smaller mammal species who live mainly nocturnal lives, and so it takes a certain amount of time and effort to gradually learn their hidden secrets.

For those who do spend time outdoors exploring nature, the mountains and open areas of the Cape Peninsula reveal a wealth of wildlife diversity – from the shy, diminutive her-bivores like the grysbok who browse selectively within the fynbos; to hardy rodents like striped field mice, Cape Ger-bils and subterranean mole rats; and then the small pre-dators like caracal and genets who use camouflage and stealth to ambush their prey.

The more visible species like baboons are often seen for-aging along the roadside en route to Cape Point, providing great opportunities to observe these fascinating animals going about their daily lives.From the Verreaux Eagles that fly high above Chapman's Peak, to the porcupines and small mongoose that live on the mountains above villages like Kommetjie and Scar-borough, the Peninsula is still a haven for wildlife.

Large-spotted GenetGenetta tigrina

tail tip is dark brown or blacklarger rust brown spots light almost white chinlength +/- 85 110 cm–

tail tip is off-whitesmaller dark spots dark chinlength +/- 86 100 cm–

large-spotted genet small-spotted genet

is it a large or a small-spotted genet?

Cape Grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta

MONGOOSE ENCOUNTER We had returned from a walk at Silver-mine and whilst having tea near the dam, a mongoose suddenly appeared from out of the nearby scrub. After scratching himself and looking around, he sat down and for a while just stared at us, and then the wind stirred the grasses and he dashed off, following a hidden path through the dense undergrowth.

Dashing across our busy roads, foraging in wastebins, scratching amongst the leaf litter in the fynbos searching for grubs and insects, the mongoose is without doubt one of my favourite small mammals. They are very skit-tish and shy little animals, but are active throughout the day,

which makes sightings and chance encounters easier. They have dark, speckled grey bodies with long, bushy tails which are held close to the ground as they move about.Although generally solitary in nature, they are occasionally seen in pairs.

What could be more exciting than having a genet passing by during its evening foraging. They are charismatic animals who will quite happily visit for any opportunistic snacking around the evening fire! Also a nocturnal species, the genet still manages to live amongst us on the Peninsula although less common in recent years.

During the day they rest up in hollows in trees or logs and venture out at night to hunt for rodents, insects and small birds. They are very beautiful animals, with spotted coats and black and rust-coloured ringed tails. Their dark tail tips are diagnostic of this species and assist with their identi-fication.

When you next visit the coast, keep a close lookout for an otter's latrine, which consists of droppings found on rocks near the water's edge. Known as 'scat' the droppings contain bits of crushed crab shells and fish bones.

Cape Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis

Cape Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis

Often my only experience of the shy grysbok is following its tracks leading through sandy patches of coastal fynbos.Small middens of 1 cm-long droppings are also a tell-tale sign of their whereabouts.Amazingly they live quite close to our suburbs, emerging at

dusk to feed on leaves and young shoots amongst the fynbos. They are quite a small antelope and are easy to identify as they have a dis-tinctive hunched posture and a reddish-brown coat with noticeable white flecks. The males have short, spiky horns.

GRYSBOK ENCOUNTER It was early one evening and by chance I looked out the window and saw a Cape Grysbok grazing amongst the wild figs at the back of the house. As I watched, he moved delicately through the long grasses, his russet coat gleaming in the sunlight. Grysbok are timid animals, always on the alert, but they are also extremely tenacious, living alongside us on the urban edge and contending with the myriad threats imposed by modern-day life in the suburbs.

A ramble along the False Bay or Atlantic coastlines will often reveal signs of otters living in our midst. Inhabiting musky-smelling holts in dense vege-tation beyond the highwater mark, the otters emerge at dawn and in the early evening to hunt for crabs, octopus and fish. Their droppings have a noticeably pungent odour and are found near both their fresh and salt water habitats.

As their name suggests they do not have claws on their five fingers and toes and this assists with identifying their spoor across a sandy beach. Occasionally otters are haras-sed by dogs or get caught up in discarded fishing nets, but they generally live fairly suc-cessfully on the Peninsula. It is always exhilarating watch-ing otters out at sea hunting from their ocean larder!

Rock Hyrax (Dassie)Procavia capensis

It is not unusual to be sitting on a rocky outcrop admiring the view when suddenly a harsh bark echoes from the rocks below this is the alarm–

call of the dassie, who has probably spotted a bird of prey hovering above. Found across the Peninsula, dassies live in colonies of usually one male to a group of females and are active throughout the day, feeding on grass and leaves. Soft pads on their feet help them move with great agility amongst the rocks and crevices of their mountain homes. Of interest is the fact that they can even climb trees to get to ripe shoots and berries.

Little striped field mice, identifiable with the four dark stripes along their backs, have a wide distribution and often find refuge amongst the dense foliage in our gardens, where they feed on seeds, plants and insects. Watching these little rodents going about their daily lives, dashing through the summer grasses, offers a fleeting window into the world of wild nature.

Not many people realise that the beautiful quill products on display in shops around the country have been made using quills from porcupines that have been killed. By refusing to purchase quill products, you can help put an end to this exploitative trade.

Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis

If you hear an unusual rattling sound outside at night, you could have a porcupine visitor in your garden! Africa's largest rodent lives fairly successfully on the Peninsula, lying low in burrows during the day and emerging at night to feast on roots and bulbs. With their striking black and

white quills and spiny head-crests, porcupines are very attractive animals that lead monogamous lives, producing only between two to three off-spring a year. Being nocturnal as well as near-sighted, they are espe-cially vulnerable to speeding vehicles.

Caracal Felis caracal

Working to conserve wildlife and wild places in an increasingly fragmented world...

It is wonderful to know that one can still catch a glimpse of a predator like the caracal out hunting in the early evening.Although not common on the Peninsula, they do continue to live alongside us and are occasionally seen by people walking on the mountains. They also sometimes venture into the suburbs adjoining the urban edge searching for food

or merely passing through.Caracal are generally solitary animals, and the absence of larger predators as competi-tors over their preferred prey of dassies and rodents, plays a role in their continued survi-val on the Peninsula.They have distinctive black ear tufts, with a russet coat and white underbelly, and their tails are visibly short.

The tracks of the Water Mongoose are often all you will see of this rather elusive species. They live on the coast and near inland waterways where they feed in the shallows on small fish, frogs and crabs. With their coarse coats and shaggy tails, they are quite distinctive from the smaller Cape grey mongoose.

One can still catch a glimpse of a magni-ficent Verreaux’s Eagle as it soars above Noordhoek peak or hunts for dassies near the upper cable station on Table Mountain. Their numbers have declined in recent years, with only one known breeding pair left in our mountains.

Large mounds of excavated sand are evi-dence of a Cape Dune Molerat, who have formidable incisors that are used to feed on subterranean bulbs and tubers. I have watched in amazement as an entire half-metre high spiky plant was pulled under-ground by one of these sizeable rodents!

Once hunted to extinction on the Peninsula, Klipspringers have now been reintroduced into their former range on Table Mountain and in the Cape of Good Hope reserve, where they can occasionally be seen standing on some steep outcrop or jumping with agility amongst the rocks.

species estimate for the Peninsula –

3350 plants 60 reptiles364 birds 27 amphibians83 mammals 8 freshwater fish

Invertebrates (not known)

nature encounters

I had an opportunity to encounter a Honey Badger at the SPCA’s Wildlife Unit, a fierce and feisty carnivore that occurs on the outskirts of our city. As generalists they have a varied diet that includes snakes and small rodents, and a penchant for honey that brings them into hostile and often fatal contact with bee keepers.

Although not abundant on the Peninsula, one can still catch sight of the small, slender Cape Fox, which lives in hidden dens amongst rocks on the mountains. Emerging at night to hunt for insects and rodents, they are easy to identify with their russet coats and long, bushy tails.

Of the thirteen species of tortoise found in South Africa, eight occur in the Western Cape, making us what is known as a ‘tor-toise hotspot’. The rarest and most threatened of them all is the Geometric Tortoise which is endemic to the Renoster-veld of the southwestern Cape.

a porcupine’s menu

Porcupines enjoy eating a wide range of bulb species including for example -

arum lily

gladiolus

iris

They seem less partial to plants like agapanthus, can-delabra, clivia and wild garlic.

freesia

babiana

ixia

signs of the Cape Porcupine

The little mongooses that are fre-quently seen scurrying across the busy roads on the urban edge are usually fleet of foot and therefore not easy to observe for long. These photos will help you to iden-tify their tracks and droppings so that you can confirm your sighting and also work out where they have foraged amongst the fynbos.

Looking closely at their spoor, we can see that although they have five toes, each with a sharp claw, only four toes are visible when they move across soft sand. Also of interest is that the tracks from the hind foot register over the front tracks.

Their droppings are quite thin and elongated, filled with bits of fur and remnants of insects enjoyed during a recent meal.(To see more detailed images, I re-commend Chris and Tilde Stuart’s informative book ‘Tracks & Signs’)

One of Cape Town's nocturnal residents is the Cape Porcupine, which inhabits concealed bur-rows and rock shelters all along our mountains, venturing out under the cover of darkness to dine on geophytes and other delicacies in the fynbos biome.

Signs of porcupine activity are often evident along well-worn paths, where their num-erous shallow diggings reveal their night-time activities.

Discarded half-eaten bulbs and tubers are another calling card of this fascinating animal, who has a reputation for leaving partially-eaten vegetables, to the dismay and frustration of crop farmers across the country.

Another sign to look out for is their droppings, noticeably short pellets that are clustered to-gether and comprise remnants of fibrous plant matter.

And of course, it is always exciting coming across a porcu-pine quill on the mountains, a sign of a healthy functioning ecosystem on our doorstep!

who has passed this way...

For me, the thrill of living in our city is the knowledge that there are wild creatures inhabiting the most unexpected places, so know-ing what to look out for will greatly enhance your chance of seeing one of our elusive wild neighbours go about their daily lives.

a visiting Cape Grey Mongoose

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As a consequence of this co-habitation, quite a few species undergo adaptive changes in their natural behaviour and it is not uncommon for example to see just a tail tip protruding from a wastebin as a mon-goose scratches for scraps in the backyard.Gardens that are filled with a variety of plants attract hun-dreds of insects which in turn provide a nourishing food source for lizards, geckos, small snakes and birds.

Our flowering plants also attract night-time visitors like moths, who in turn attract bats, thereby sustaining the intricate web of life.Whilst one does not want to actively encourage animals to forage regularly in our gar-dens, in light of the pressures imposed by increasing urbani-sation, it is reassuring to know that we can create a garden habitat that makes life for these small creatures just a little easier.

As our suburbs continue to expand and natural habitats diminish, birds and small creatures are learning to take advantage of man-made environments and inner city spaces, where they find refuge in our gardens amongst the trees and nectar-rich flowers.

planting for birds and wildlife

A good starting point when deciding to landscape your garden for wildlife is to take a close look around your neigh-bourhood to see which trees and plants are thriving, as the physical environment in which we live can have a direct im-pact on the plants we select.For instance a fierce south-easter gusting through our garden might destroy a fragile plant, whilst certain species prefer alkaline to acid soils.Birds and small creatures are

drawn to overgrown gardens that offer dense undergrowth, which means planting a fairly diverse range of trees, plants and shrubs that grow to create different layers within the garden landscape. By increasing wild habitats through planting waterwise, indigenous plants that are left to grow with minimal distur-bance, we are creating an optimal environment for our wild neighbours.

A great way to extend your garden oasis is to keep as much of the land as wild as possible. This would involve planting a mixed selection of indigenous plants and creating interesting spaces like raised beds and rockeries and leaving piles of rotting logs and leaf litter gathering under the trees. Wildlife thrive in these wild, unkempt spaces! 29

WILDLIFE IN THE GARDEN

cultivating garden sanctuaries

An effective way to reduce pest infestations in your garden is through the age-old tradition of companion planting. This involves planting a selection of herbs, such as chives and garlic, and plants like the colourful marigold, amongst your existing plants, as these act as natural insect repellents.

a healthy garden ecosystem

We can actively choose to keep our gardens free of harmful poisons and pesti-cides, and let nature main-tain a natural balance.Insidious chemicals harm not only our own health, but they also kill the beneficial organ-isms in our garden and impact negatively on the many birds and small creatures who live alongside us.The most effective way to prevent diseases and pests from proliferating is to main-

Our gardens can become our own personal sanctuaries, where we can find quiet time for reflection and enjoy the many beautiful birds, butterflies and other insects that are attracted to our indigenous plants and water features.

tain a healthy garden eco-system, using natural com-post and mulch to nourish and sustain the foundation of your garden, its soil.Encouraging garden preda-tors such as frogs, mantids, ladybugs and birds; plant pollinators such as bees, moths and butterflies; and then ants, our garden care-takers; all helps to nurture and support a self-sustaining balance in the garden eco-system.

When we live with consideration alongside local

wildlife, collectively this can help create ecologically-

sensitive suburbs around Cape Town, which will

reflect an ethos of care and compassion towards our

wild neighbours.

Planting need not cost a fortune. By using the stem cuttings from existing plants such as aloes and pelargoniums, you can propa-gate as many plants as you wish, thereby increasing the density of foliage in your beds and rockeries.

bees, bugs & other garden helpers

There are many creatures that play a role in the garden eco-system, from earthworms who break down organic matter and increase the fertility of the soil, to the honey bees who flit amongst our flowers, pollina-ting as they go along.Little ladybugs with their stri-king colouration are drawn to

When you leave areas of your lawn uncut, the longer grass will provide habitat for insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, who in turn are food for birds and other small creatures.

flowers like daisies, and feed on aphids and mites, as do lacewings and praying man-tises, who grace our gardens with their distinctive ‘prayer-like’ gait. By planting pollen or nectar-bearing flowers, we create a haven for the bene-ficial insects who help main-tain the health of our gardens.

KITCHEN STAPLES TO THE RESCUE – a range of natural concoc-tions can be used to deter garden pests, for example crushed garlic left to soak in vegetable oil can be sprayed on leaves or at the base of plants. Visit www.wildneighbours.co.za for more ideas.

Our gardens are small wildlife sanc-tuaries waiting to proliferate and flourish. Shade, shelter, food and water the philosophy behind a wildlife garden is providing the raw materials for nature to provide for itself, without requiring long-term maintenance or supervision.

–

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a handful of seedsFor many of us, the birds and small creatures in our garden are often the only contact we have with nature and sharing our garden with these wild lives provides a chance for us to connect with the wider living world. If you are wanting to feed your wild neighbours, it is always best to do so as unobtrusively as possible, in other words, to try and keep it natural. For example, flowering and fruiting plants attract birds whilst carefully placed seed stations provide a ready meal during lean times of seasonal change.

trills and chirruping in your backyard...

Installing a birdbath

Providing a nesting box

Plant for wildlife

Leaving dead leaves and decaying wood

Dense undergrowth

provides a reliable source of water for birds, which is especially welcome during our long and hot summers. Remember that birds are constantly alert to danger, so optimally it should not be placed near dense foliage that could conceal a predator.

creates a wonderful opportunity to observe a bird’s breeding cycle. Just ensure that your nesting box is not in direct sunlight, as the chicks could overheat and die.

by including seasonal nectar-rich flowers as well as shrubs with seeds and berries. Ask your indigenous nursery for advice on which plants are optimal for attracting birds. Growing creepers and climbers against walls provides nesting sites for birds.

creates a habitat for worms and insects, which become a valuable part of the garden food chain.

provides safe nesting sites for birds such as robins and thrushes, as well as hideaway areas forcreatures such as lizards and skinks.

ideas for creating a wildlife garden

keeping things wild

Creating a pond opens up a whole new world in the garden ecosystem. Ponds with shallow sloping edges that give way to deeper areas and then a sandy bottom, with lots of water plants to pro-vide shelter, create an optimal habitat for our aquatic wild neighbours. And what better way to end the day than to be treated to a wild chorus of frogs croaking from the garden pond!

backyard sancturaries

waking up to a chorus of birdsong

keeping a nature journal

A great way to become more aware of your wild neighbours is through keeping a journal of your daily sightings. The differ-ent species, behaviours and sounds, can all be recorded in a dedicated wildlife journal.As we write about the chang-ing seasons or the ebb and flow of our gardens at differ-ent times of the day, we are

also keeping a valuable arch-ive that can be referred to later when we are planting or landscaping new beds.The process of writing each day also helps to focus our thoughts and emotions, so that we experience nature more profoundly, and nurture a deeper appreciation for the earth.

What finer way to greet a new day than to awaken to the live-ly chattering of a robin! Watching the small birds in our garden offers a daily win-dow into the world of wild nature, and whether we are drawn to birds because we enjoy listening to their trills, songs and melodies or per-haps observing the beha-vioural characteristics of the different species, without doubt the birds in our neigh-bourhood bring much joy and pleasure to many of us.From a conservation pers-pective, I am always amazed at how well birds have adap-

ted to city life, flitting continu-ally between the diverse habi-tats of our gardens and the open spaces on the urban edge. Because they can move so widely and freely, many species thrive in the suburbs, and overgrown indigenous gardens can be assured of daily visits from our avian neighbours.We can each support the well-being of our garden birds by ensuring that as much as possible, they and their habitats remain undisturbed and that we always respect the fight-or-flight boundaries of their natural lives.

When gardening to attract birds the type of plants we select will influence the variety of species that visit each day. For instance proteas, ericas and salvias, and the beautiful wild dagga, will attract sunbirds, while fruiting shrubs will be visited by bulbuls and seeding plants by sparrows. And the wild camphor bush provides ideal nesting material and not to mention a wonderful scent in the garden! I recommend a trip to the indigenous nursery at Kirstenbosch for more tips on what to plant for birds or visit my website at www.wildneighbours.co.za

NATURE NOTES - observe the different behaviours, for example that the boubou 'skulks' in the undergrowth; or listen to the diverse bird calls, perhaps the dawn song of the robin or the harmonious duet of a pair of Bokmakieries.

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What better way to listen out for our wild neighbours than to sit quietly outside at night. You might hear the alarm call of a dikkop as a nocturnal hunter ventures too close to its nest or perhaps the clicking of a Cape River Frog from some hidden pond.....all threads within the tapestry of nature’s web.

seasonal changeAs spring gives way to summer and as the autumn leaves announce the coming of the winter, so the changing of the seasons offer us a chance to im-merse in the rhythms of the earth, and to bear witness to the continuity and abundance of our natural world.Spending time observing the changes in our garden as the year progresses, leads to a profound sense of being part of the greater whole.

The warping night air having brought the boom of an owl’s voice into her darkened room... Richard Wilbur

an owl at dusk

Seeing an owl outlined against the night sky, or watching as it flies silently with such grace and stealth, hunting on the wing in the dark of night is an exhilara-ting experience and surely one of the wonders of nature. Here in our city, we have a few species living amongst us, inclu-ding Spotted and Cape Eagle Owls and the smaller, more elusive Wood Owl. In recent years owls have had to contend with many pressures including a rapid decline in their natural habitat, and we can each make a difference to help these majestic birds by not using chemicals or putting out rat poison to control rodents.

Installing an owl box is a great way to help conserve owls in the neighbourhood. These arti-ficial breeding boxes provide vital nesting sites for owls, which is especially important when trees have been re-moved in the area.

Each day I experience small in-sights watching the birds going about their daily lives in our garden, the most profound being that their lives are so busy, so filled with song and activity, yet how little they impact on the earth, how much they give to the world through their joyful being yet how little they take in return...

Our spring and summer months are heralded by the arrival of baby birds and small creatures in the garden ecosystem. During this period, it is not unusual to find young hatchlings seemingly abandoned, yet in most instances the parents are a short distance away, perhaps feeding, so often it is best to leave the bird or animal alone. If you feel that the creature is in need of assistance, call the SPCA Wildlife Unit for advice - (021) 700 4158

Amazed at the vivid colour of an Orange-breasted Sunbird as it alights on a branch in the salvia bush, or watching a pair of Cape Sugarbirds feeding amongst the proteas, clinging to the plant stems as the south-easter rages around them, I am reminded of the privilege of sharing our gardens with these fascinating birds, who are endemic to the fynbos biome and therefore occur nowhere else.

The Peninsula’s small mammals spend a lot of time exploring, sniffing, scouting around, climbing up, crawling under, or merely venturing out in search of delectable titbits, be they bugs in our gardens or birds’ eggs on the mountainside. Almost all wildlife encounters occur around the availability of food. When we realise this simple and rather endear-ing fact, it makes living alongside them so much easier!

In her charming book 'Mah-langeni' Kobie Kruger wrote about how the local baboons would sleep in the nearby jackalberry trees, chattering and bickering each evening as they settled down for the night. Anyone who has spent time watching baboons in the wild can well imagine this scene, and will agree that they are immensely fascinating ani-mals, quick to learn and also quick to take advantage of any situation where the reward is a

tasty bite to eat! The unique situation in Cape Town, where just over 500 baboons in 16 troops are man-aged within a limited geogra-phical area, means that we have to be constantly vigilant about protecting baboons from the increasing pressures of urbanisation. Without doubt, life in the Cape would be infinitely poorer if we could no longer hear baboons barking deep in our moun-tains.

our friends the baboons

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LIVING ALONGSIDE WILDLIFE

We all have stories to tell of the many creatures great and small that share our world, from the frustration of having the new veggie patch decima-ted by aphids, to the thrill of

Wherever we live, be it in the heart of suburbia or out on the urban edge, at times our paths will cross with our wild neighbours and how we react to these encounters is deter-mined to a large degree by our attitudes and an awareness of

hearing a spotted eagle owl calling at dusk.

Pigeons roosting near the front door; striped field mice scamp-ering in the backyard; a golden mole tunneling across the lawn; or that swarm of wasps building a nest amongst the lavender.

the fact that they too are living out their lives, as we are.In context of the immense pressures we exert daily on the natural world, our wild neighbours in the city often require our particular consi-deration, especially when we live in such close proximity to one another.With a positive attitude, col-lectively we can aspire to create a city that wherever possible, lives in harmony with nature.

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genets occasionally venture intogardens or even homes searching

for scraps and tasty morsels....

When we take proper care of our waste bins, we protect wildlife from harmful expo-sure to our refuse, such as foods that contain additives which can impact negatively

on an animal's health. Small animals are also vulnerable to the effects of ingesting food packaging, or perhaps even cutting themselves on our tins and broken glass bottles.

A few tips to help manage your household waste –

If you live in close proximity to a troop of baboons, ensure your home has a baboon-proof wheelie-bin.

Fasten your wheelie-bin to a pole or fence using a piece of rope or chain and make sure the lid is locked.

Do not leave packets filled with food lying near the bin.

If we change our behaviours, they will be forced to change theirs...

Can we co-exist in harmony alongside our wild neighbours? We can, but it requires a decision to live mindfully, to be conscious of our ecological footprint, and to remember that these are wild animals living wild lives in an increasingly fragmented world. 43

BARRIERS – such as shade cloth over fruiting trees or flower beds; chicken wire placed around tree trunks; and wire mesh dug at least 30 cm below ground to protect veggie gardens from night-time visitors like porcupines.

– such as fluttering flags or strips of foil hung from branches in a tree.

can be used to discourage certain species; for instance, a concoction of garlic and castor oil will help deter mole rats whilst cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil can help rid your home of pesky rodents.

SIGHT DETERRENTS

REPELLENTS & TASTE AVERSIONS

a few questions about living near wildlife

Will a wild animal attack me? Most wild animals have no vested interest in attacking us. If they do exhibit aggression such as spitting or snarling, it is usually when they are feeling threatened. It is important to remember that most wild animals are unpre-dictable and it is best to keep a respectful distance from them.

Do wild animals carry disease? Some of them do, for instance rabies; it is always advisable to avoid direct contact with a wild animal or to use heavy-duty gloves if you do need to handle them.

Will my fruit trees attract wildlife? Yes, remember that a baboon can smell a ripe apple from a few kilometres away!

How do I prevent birds flying into my window? Reduce the reflection by keeping the glass a little dirty or attach stickers to the glass surface as a deterrent.

Can bird baths lead to drownings? They can, so it helps to place a small stone or log in the water so that the creature can climb out before it gets waterlogged.

Is my dog safe around baboons? Yes, unless the baboon has been cornered and is acting in self-defence.

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tackling wildlife problems

When a bird or small animal becomes a nuisance on your property, I suggest that before taking any action to remove it, first try to establish the reason why it is choosing to take up residence in your home. By identifying the source of the problem, be it food or shelter, one can then explore ethical solutions to dealing with it. An animal will often leave of its own accord if we seal access points and remove any food

As our suburbs displace natural habitats, so our properties offer increasing refuge to many small creatures. This can lead to various levels of human wildlife conflict, including for instance damage to our properties, health risks associated with the spread of disease, or the fear of being injured.

–

that could be causing the problem. Often when an animal is forcibly removed and the source of the problem per-sists, another individual will move in to take its place.Using force and resorting to lethal traps or poison fre-quently leads to a lot of unnecessary suffering.Through learning about re-solving wildlife conflict, we can strive to live in peace with our wild neighbours.

If the animal is in the process of eating food, for instance when a baboon has grabbed a loaf of bread or a piece of fruit, it is advisable either to leave it alone to finish eating, or if possible, and safe, remove the food source so that the animal has no reason to linger.

what to do when wildlife comes calling

Invariably they are drawn to our homes because of the food temptations we provide, yet sadly many people react with aggression and intoler-ance to these visits, and will often hurt an animal without stopping to understand their own role in the situation.Most importantly, we need to remember that if we leave food lying around, animals or other small creatures will at some stage pay us a visit. In almost all instances, they have no intention of harming us, so if we remain calm and keep a respectful distance, they will soon move on.

Most wild animals are opportunistic foragers who will sniff out any available food, be it meat and biscuits left outside in a dog bowl or the guinea fowl’s chicks on the open plot next door.

In situations where we are feeling vulnerable, it often helps to make a noise or to raise a stick above your head to show that we are not afraid, or perhaps use the hose to spray the animal – many animals don't like water and will run away.At all times make sure that the animal has a visible escape route so that it does not feel trapped.Unless you are familiar with the species, it is advisable not to attempt to catch it yourself, rather phone a wildlife expert who will assist in capturing and relocating it.

Speaking from personal exper-ience, it can be very distres-sing coming across an injured animal, especially when their injuries have been inflicted as a result of some human influ-ence, be it electric fences, speeding cars, poisoning or an attack by a dog. If you are concerned that an animal has been injured or is in distress, the first step is to make contact with someone who is in a position to help (see the numbers below). If appropriate and safe, then use garden gloves to gently

catch the animal, place it in an aerated box that is lined with an old towel or blanket and leave it to quieten down until help arrives.Always make sure that your hands are well protected as handling wild animals can be dangerous and you want to avoid being scratched or bitten. If you find an injured snake, it is advisable not to touch or handle it. Although snakes will often only attack if provoked or threatened, it is not worth taking the risk.

finding an injured bird or animal

Saving just one animal won’t make a difference to the world, but it will make a world of difference to just that one animal...

SPCA Wildlife Unit – (021) 700 4158 | 083 3261604 (a/h)

living near baboons

During lean times of seasonal change on the mountains, this incentive makes a trip into our suburbs in search of food a risky but worthwhile venture. A baboon will almost definitely return to a home that offers an easy meal, be it food left in our wheelie-bins, grain thrown to the guinea fowl, or an open win-dow that provides access to the kitchen. For those of us living on the urban edge, it is important to remember that when we live

Baboons are opportunistic animals who have adapted well to our wasteful lifestyles. A baboon living in the wild expends a lot of energy foraging for food in the nutrient-poor fynbos, whereas a loaf of bread provides enough calories for an entire day.

irresponsibly by not taking care of our refuse or leaving windows open, this encoura-ges habituation. Baboons that lose their fear of humans can become dangerous, in that they will attempt to take food at all costs, including raiding our homes and cars. Repeat raiders are then ear-marked for euthanasia. This can be prevented if we live considerately alongside baboons – they too are mak-ing the most of their lives.

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only use a baboon-proof wheelie bin

lock my wheelie-bin with two small padlocks

keep my wheelie-bin tied to a pole or in the garage

keep my doors and win-dows closed if baboons are in the area

have burglar bars on my windows so that I can keep them open during summer

I do...

put seeds out for the birds

leave dog food outside

grow fruit trees or have an unclosed vegetable garden

have an open compost heap

keep food visible on the kitchen counter

let my dogs attack or anta-gonise baboons

try to remove food from a baboon

I don't...

It is understandable to get a fright if you suddenly find baboons in your home. It is important to remember though that one needs to try and keep the upper hand in these situations, so foremost one should try not to panic. Ensure that the animals have a visible exit route like an open door or window. Using your voice, assertively coerce them outside. Once they are in the garden, you can use water from the hose to frighten them away.

Baboon Hotline - 071 588 6540

THREATS TO LOCAL WILDLIFE

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In Cape Town we are very for-tunate that our city has within its midst a vast and estab-lished national park, which affords the park land and local wildlife a degree of protection from urban development and human impacts.Our city has also implemented a proactive biodiversity strate-gy that works to monitor and protect the threatened natural habitats of the Peninsula, thereby safeguarding the diverse plant and animal species they support.

But for all these measures, life in the city can be fraught with danger and many of the crea-tures that live alongside us have to adapt continually to this life in the fast lane. Threats range from our preda-tory domestic pets and ever-increasing road traffic, to pollution and on-going habitat loss due to our suburbs expanding into previously untouched areas. All these issues impact daily on the lives and well-being of our wild neighbours.

encountering snakes

As a number of snakes eat mice, you will need to dis-courage mice from making your home their home. Food sources such as birdseed, pet food and grains in cupboards should be tightly sealed in metal, mice-proof containers.

Snakes love to rest-up in compost heaps, wood stacks or piles of leaf litter, so these should be kept and main-tained as far away from your house as possible.

To avoid potentially harmful encounters with snakes, it is advisable to wear boots and thick gloves when gardening in rockeries or dense vegetation.

If you are concerned about the presence of a snake in your garden, contact a snake expert to catch and release it into the national park.

When walking in nature, it is always advisable to wear long pants and sturdy boots, and to keep an eye on the path so as to avoid potential encounters with snakes. And of course if you do see a snake, it is best to keep well away from it and to ensure that your dog is on a leash so that it cannot attack or harass it.

Snakes play an important role in the healthy functioning of eco-systems, feeding on insects and rodents, yet sadly many snakes are killed each year through fear or ignorance, resulting in the loss of vital links in the natural food chain.

For assistance with snakes call the SPCA Wildlife Unit(021) 700 4158/9

Snakes in the garden

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cats on the prowla daily threat to our local wildlife

Add to this scenario the fact that many home owners keep cats, and the threats to our wildlife increase dramatically.The instinctive hunting and killing behaviour of cats who are usually allowed to roam unsupervised, accounts for the death of thousands of birds, lizards, mice and other small creatures each year. Often these animals are not killed immediately and suffer severe wounds and then a lingering death.

Responsible pet owners who care about the welfare of wildlife in their garden can reduce the impacts of cat predation by keeping their animals indoors as much as possible and keeping a close eye on them when they do go outside. This is especially important when free-ranging cats spend time in neigh-bouring gardens, upsetting people who actively encour-age small creatures to feel welcome on their properties.

In recent years, habitat loss and land fragmentation due to development have increased significantly in our city and this has had a considerable impact on birds and small mammals.

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Should I attach a bell to my cat’s collar?

Do well-fed cats still hunt?

Do creatures that escape attack survive?

How do I teach my cat to stay indoors?

Is it cruel to keep my cat indoors?

I suggest placing two bells on your cat’s collar as this combined noise will alert a bird to your cat’s presence; unfortunately this system does not benefit reptiles or insects. Make sure you use a quick-release collar, should it get caught on something.

Sadly yes, cats kill impulsively even when they are not hungry. Cats that roam at night and prey on nocturnal creatures have often had their evening meal and hunt through an instinctive urge which is independent of their need to eat. Birds are especially vulnerable at dawn and dusk, and during the spring breeding season.

They might survive the attack and limp away but often later die of shock. Bacteria in cats’ mouths can also lead to fatal infection in victims who have been bitten.

This is easier to do with kittens who are impressionable and more receptive to being trained. Older cats who are set in their ways need to be coaxed gently over time. Start by bringing your cat in for increasingly longer periods and creating a more welcoming indoor environment for it, for instance placing a perch near a window where it will enjoy sunning itself and looking outside.

A well-fed cat that is allowed to roam under supervision can enjoy a long, happy life. Cats are exposed to many dangers when they wander at will, including being hit by cars or attacked by dogs.

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taking to the trail with our dogs

questions about cats and wildlife

If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. (Chief Seattle)

Dogs in the Table Mountain National Park To ensure responsible dog walking, an Activity Permit is needed in those areas of the park that allow access to dogs. Find out more at www.sanparks.org

It is always invigorating head-ing off along a mountain trail with one’s dog close at heel.Indeed our experiences and physical well-being in nature are often enhanced by the companionship of our dogs, and especially today when safety on the mountains is such a concern. We must remember though that this privilege comes with the responsibility of ensuring that your pets are kept on a leash, or if roaming free, to en-

sure that they do not chase or disturb local wildlife. Sometimes even obedient dogs, if following a scent trail or merely excited to be out and about, forget their training and will harass or even attack a wild animal.One should also remember that many people wish to enjoy the solace of our moun-tains and nature areas, and the sound of barking dogs can impact negatively on the quality of their experience.

Most small mammals spend a lot of time searching for food and our gardens and water features offer rich rewards for these wild neighbours. One of the problems though is that many of our walls, especially the solid vibracrete walls with electric fencing or razor wire on top, create a significant barrier to this free-flow or sea-sonal movement.

Can I suggest that when erect-ing a fence around your pro-perty, first ask around to find out what wildlife live in the neighbourhood and then see if there is any way to modify your fence to accommodate them. For instance, gaps near the base of a fence enable creatures like toads to move freely between a garden and their breeding ponds.

our garden walls, barriers to free flow

navigating our busy roads at night

driving with caution

In Cape Town we live along-side the vast Table Mountain chain which in certain areas has open access to the public and therefore no fences.Some of our main thorough-fares meander through the mountain landscape, which means that we are continually driving through wildlife habi-tats. Many small animals regularly cross these busy roads, for example Ou Kaap-seweg which bisects the Silvermine valley.At night time, when most nocturnal creatures venture out to forage for food, they

become disorientated by the noise and bright lights of our vehicles, often standing mes-merised in the middle of the road, and becoming vulner-able to being knocked over.Animals are also attracted to our roads, for instance snakes enjoy the warm surface whilst birds might take a dust bath on the verge, and this increas-es their risk of being hit.Many animals are killed on our roads each year and this can be prevented if we drive with consideration, especially at night.

A road sign along the picturesque Boyes Drive above Muizenberg is a reminder that we share our city with wild lives. We need to take special care when driving along mountain passes or on roads near the urban edge, especially at night when nocturnal animals like porcupine are out and about foraging for food.

poisons are not the solution

When people deliberately lay poison bait for wildlife, they often inadvertently kill other creatures within the food chain as well, contributing over time to diminishing bio-diversity and a more fragile ecosystem. There are many ethical solutions to dealing with unwelcome wild neigh-

bours, it just takes time and a little patience dealing with the problem. When we resort to poisoning, we create a lot of unnecessary suffering for wildlife – life is challenging enough without these addi-tional pressures. See more information on tackling wild-life problems on page 44.

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Although the fynbos across our mountains is dependent on fire to stimulate new growth, problems arise when an area is repeatedly exposed to fire, as it affects longer-term plant regeneration. We can help prevent this by not throwing burning cigarettes out of our car windows and making sure that we extinguish our fires when we have finished braaing.

Birds and small creatures are often vulnerable to our litter. Discarded cigarette butts and plastic bags degrade the integrity of our nature areas, and can also inadvertently be swallowed by animals like baboons and seals. Broken glass bottles and rusted tins can be trodden on. Sadly many people pollute open areas without giving a second thought to the consequence of their actions.

picking up litter

traps create suffering

a life in captivity

Across the world, millions of birds, reptiles and mammals are caught each year to supply the exotic pet trade, experiencing immense trauma as they are taken from their natural habitats and shipped

.Wild animals have very specific needs and it requires a huge amount of work, knowledge and commitment to ensure that they are cared for adequately.

in cramped contain-ers to some foreign destination

Of interest, in South Africa, one may not keep any wild animals in captivity without a permit. Visit capenature.co.za to learn more.

For thousands of years, trap-ping wild animals was a way of life, a means to supply food for the table or to trade in skins. Those days are long gone and today, we have a much deeper awareness of animal suffer-ing, and the knowledge that our collective impacts over time have contributed to the demise of many millions of creatures. And yet, for all the information at our fingertips,

trapping and snaring is still used to deal with human– wildlife conflict, and the dead-ly trapping devices that are used so carelessly across our country continue to inflict suffering on many of the wild animals who share our planet home. Although many farmers are proactively exploring non-lethal alternatives, the use of baiting and traps is still pre-valent.

Each year around August, the beautiful Western Leopard Toad migrates from our gardens to nearby breeding ponds, crossing busy roads and facing the threat of being killed. Find out more about toad breeding areas and how you can help conserve this fascinating species www.toadnuts.ning.com–

preventing fires

choosing a life of simplicity

In bygone years, our rever-ence for the earth was intri-cately woven within the fabric of everyday living; we lived consciously, knowing that our lives depended on the land and the natural resources that sustained all life. From the air we breathe, the diverse foods we eat, the clear water on-tap in our homes. When we choose to lead a

more simple life, taking smallsteps to disentangle from the subliminal hold of consumer-orientated modern times, we find ourselves more in touch with the wider living world and the ebb and flow of the earth's cycles. And this in turn leads to a more settled, harmonious sense of being, becoming over time an enduring life philo-sophy of holistic living.

To begin this journey of con-necting with nature, I encour-age you to stand quietly for a while and, in the stillness of the moment, slowly observe the world around you. Breathe deeply, drawing in the rich smells of the earth. Listen to the different bird calls or the sound of water from a nearby stream. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot, feeling the dry soil beneath your feet. You are in the moment, walking

the same earth as all those who have come before you. Look across the landscape and observe the tiny tracks leading through the grass, or the hidden nest with its bits of lichen and broken twigs. Feel the wind against your skin. Through this sensory journey we connect, for a short while, with the timeless processes that sustain and nourish all life on earth.

We can all play a role in the healthy functioning of our natural world simply by maintaining a garden or backyard that is filled with a rich variety of indigenous shrubs and plants; in so doing our homes become holistic living environments that additionally support local biodiversity.

A nature experience provides a chance to restore calm and well-being amidst the pressures of modern life. Out in nature, we are encouraged to touch the earth and connect the dots to the stars in a wider universe, to rise with the call of the birds and with an open heart, observe the dawn of another day.

Here are a few organisations working in Cape Town –

Wildlife & Environment Society – wessa.org.zaTable Mountain National Park – sanparks.orgMammalMap – mammalmap.adu.org.zaCape Bird Club – capebirdclub.org.zaCCT Environmental Resource Directory – capetown.gov.za

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed,

it's the only thing that ever has. (Margaret Mead)

a childhood in nature

When you become attuned to the world of wild nature, every day has the potential for small discoveries and adventures. There is just so much to see and experience and the more receptive one becomes, the more integrated we feel within the broader web of life. Here are a few stories from around Cape Town –

Whilst photographing a Cloud Cisticola next to the picnic sites on the road to the Strandfontein Water Treatment Ponds, I flushed a Cape grysbok that bounded towards the reedy lake edge for cover. Cape grey mongooses were seen on several occasions at the moats between the ponds. (Christian Boix)

I’ve never seen porcupines in the wild and was very pleased the other night when the two dogs I saw running down the road in front of my house turned out to be two big porcupines. I live in upper Oranjezicht in a townhouse estate and they must have taken up residence close by. ( Lauren Ruiz)

Despite two disastrous sewerage spills into the Silvermine wetlands, our otter family survived, and the female was seen with three small pups! (Evanne Rothwell)

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Spending time outdoors in nature creates important opportunities to witness in other lives the same needs as our own, of seeking food and shelter, and the kin-ship of others. It also offers a chance to observe wild lives from eyes leveled to their height, so that at eye-level you are amongst them, in the moment, and you follow the trail of ants or become the small bird, which you wish to know better.

encounters with local wildlife

Nature provides a wonderful playground for young children and without doubt, children who regularly spend time outdoors climbing trees, ex-ploring woodlands or rivers, getting tired and dirty, are happier, healthier children.Often children just need a little bit of encouragement to venture outdoors, especially when the habit of computers or watching television is a big part of their lives. Through actively assisting your child to encounter the

many wonders of nature, you are helping to instill the values of awe and reverence and the deeper message that we are each part of something far greater than the self – all valuable life lessons for a growing child.Carefree exploration out in nature, or maybe getting involved in beach and river clean-ups, increases a child’s understanding of the natural world and the broader impera-tive to conserve wild places – and the gift of nature is free!

A long way from home....when children collect snakes or other small creatures to hand-rear at home, they are effectively removing that creature from its natural habitat and completely altering the rhythm of its life. Whilst there is the thought that this helps nurture awareness of wild lives, it is also a parent’s respon-sibility to ensure that the creatures are well cared for. And this means keeping an eye on the health of the creature, making sure it is fed an appropriate diet and that it is being kept in conditions that best emulate its natural environment.

Note to young naturalists When collecting geckos or insects to observe them, remember to return the creatures to the exact spot where you found it. And always handle frogs and tadpoles with care and return them to the water after a brief observation.

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I was very thrilled to see a caracal yesterday evening at the start of my mountain walk on Blackhill. (Linda Keuning )

If we are to ensure that local wildlife survive on the Peninsula so that our children and their children can one day experience the privilege of living near wild animals, we need to commit to the concept of living more mind-fully of our wild neighbours and to bear in mind that so much of what we do in our lives, even a trip to the local mall or buying pesticides for our homes, has ripple ramifications across our natural world. Let us remember that genera-tions to come will experience an echo of all that we create, mani-fest and strive for today.

a legacy of mindful living

A vast selection of wildlife books are available to enlight-en and inform us, ranging from anecdotal accounts to illustrated field guides. Here are a few publications that I can recommend –

Mountains in the Sea by John YeldMammals of the southern African Subregion by Reay SmithersTable Mountain by Anton Pauw and Steven JohnsonBeast or Blessing by Jenni TrethowanScatalog by Kevin MurrayTracks and Tracking by Louis LiebenbergCreatures of the South by Wally PetersenA Fynbos Year by Michael Fraser and Liz McMahonWatching whales and dolphins by Noel Ashton

Remember to leave only your footprints behind...

visiting our local nature reserves

Apart from the spectacular Table Mountain chain which is managed by the Table Moun-tain National Park, the City of Cape Town manages over 20 nature reserves, where local residents can escape the rush and stress of modern life and

enjoy some quiet and solitude surrounded by nature. These wild spaces also pro-vide vital habitats and natural corridors for local birds and wildlife, who all too often are hemmed in by our roads and homes, our shops and malls.

Listed below are a few local nature reserves -

Rondevlei Nature Reserve near ZeekoevleiEdith Stephens Wetland Park in PhilippiTygerberg Nature Reserve near WelgemoedRietvlei Nature Reserve in TableviewWolfgat Nature Reserve on the coast near Mitchell’s Plain

To see a more comprehensive list, visit www.capetown.gov.za

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There are many ways to engage daily with nature, from spending

time walking outdoors to sitting quietly in the garden, listening to

the birds. The key is to find an activity that resonates with you, so

that you regularly experience this window into our natural world

that thrives in symbiotic harmony around us.

Belinda Ashton has years of experience working for the oceans and natural environment in Cape Town. She published Cape Envirolink and was involved in baboon conservation. Through the Nature Connection, she works to inspire a more integrated connection with the natural world. (www.thenatureconnection.co.za)A Wild Neighbours signboard

at Rondevlei Nature Reserve

conserving all that is wild and free

Through my experiences of living alongside and working with wildlife, I have learned that equipped with knowledge and a positive attitude, we can co-exist peacefully with our wild neighbours. The key of course is tolerance and res-pect, and always to remember that these are wild animals, who lead wild lives in remote and wild places. Here on the Peninsula, life alongside our houses and cars, our pets and shopping malls and an ever-shrinking

natural environment is not always easy for wildlife and often it is for us to stand aside and with empathy, offer the right of way – they too are making the most of their lives.Increasingly around the world, as habitats are reduced and species decline, our living world is becoming smaller, more fragile; and here in Cape Town, we have a unique oppor-tunity to live with kindness and consideration for the elusive wild neighbours who still live alongside us.

Not to hurt the creatures brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission, to be of service to them wherever they require it.

(Saint Francis of Assisi)