Species list

This list is compiled from existing records and studies of species in the wider Ferncliffe area as well as our own observations. It’s a work in progress.

We want to complete comprehensive baseline studies of species in the area, but need funding for this purpose. Would you like to undertake a study, or help with a count? Please get in touch!

Common name Scientific name Historically recorded here First project record Seen by who Last project record Seen by who Conservation status Distribution
Alien species
Bugweed Solanum mauritianum Yes A well-established alien species that has long invaded stream banks and slopes throughout the area. CC/JS The plant remains established and will take years to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Ink-berry Cestrum Laevigatum Yes A well-established alien species that has long invaded stream banks throughout the area. CC/JS (Connor Cullinan/Janine Stephen) 2022: The plant remains established and will take time to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Kahili ginger lily Hedychium gardnerianum Yes Well-established upon project launch in 2021, and at least a decade prior. CC 2022: The plant remains established and will take time to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Lantana Lantana camara Yes A well-established alien species that has choked ravines and open areas. CC/JS 2022: The plant remains established and will take years to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Mauritius thorn Caesalpinia decapetala Yes Well-established upon project launch in 2021, and at least a decade prior. CC 2023: The plant remains established and will take time to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Birds
African Black Duck Anas sparsa Yes An occasional individual is seen on the Top Dam. CC (Connor Cullinan) After the first rains, September 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) From South Africa to Ethiopia, but populations decreasing
African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus Yes 24/03/2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) 23/11/2021 CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata Yes 2021 CC/JS Residents, seen more in winter, but active and regularly seen. CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Yes Two bird calling above the ridge and displaying. September / October 2021 CC/JS Calling from snag near Dell, Feb 2022; seen at the Top Dam for the first time February 2023. CC Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro Yes 06/07/2021 Least Concern (LC)
African Harrier-hawk Polyboroides typus Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
African Hoopoe / Common hoopoe Upupa epops Yes Not a forest bird, seen in neighbouring gardens, 2022. Connor Cullinan 2022 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) Widespread across continents
African Olive Pigeon or Rameron Pigeon Columba arquatrix Yes 08/08/2021 Least Concern (LC)
African Palm-swift Cypsiurus parvus Yes Regular sightings CC/JS Regular sightings CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Widespread across Africa
African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Yes Spring 2021 CC Summer 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Summer 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Africa, Asia, southern Europe
Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina Yes 28/07/2021 Least Concern (LC)
Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica Yes 29/07/2021 Least Concern (LC)
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Least Concern (LC)
Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla Yes 2021 CC/JS 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) From Kenya to South Africa
Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus Yes Resident CC/JS 12/03/2022 JS Least Concern (LC) Southern and eastern Africa
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus Yes Summer migrant, seen November 2021 Connor Cullinan Still present March 2022 Connor Cullinan Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava Yes May 2021 Least Concern (LC)
Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus Yes Resident CC/JS 20/03/2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Southern Africa to Ethiopia
Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera Yes 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus Yes November 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas Yes Seen in Glade in May 2021 Vanessa Stephen Resident in pilot project areas and wider forest. Very vocal in autumn 2023 (May/June) CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata Yes 07/08/2021 Least Concern (LC)
Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris Yes 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) Fairly regular visitor, especially in dry season CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Buff-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura elegans Yes Heard calling in the evenings and sometimes mornings in summer 2021 CC/JS Heard calling in summer 2022/23 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Southern Africa
Burchell’s Coucal Centropus burchellii Yes 2021, in Canthium creeper Connor Cullinan May 2023, appears to be a garden resident. One seen foraging (?) under the house eaves. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) South Africa, Mozambique, southern Botswana and Zimbabwe
Bush Blackcap Sylvia nigricapillus Yes 03/08/2023 Connor Cullinan We have only had the one sighting to date last year, of a pair and possibly a third bird in the primary forest. CC/JS Vulnerable (VU) Eastern South Africa and ESwatini
Cape Batis Batis capensis Yes March 2021 CC/JS Resident in Pilot Project areas as well as wider forest CC/JS Least Concern (LC) South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique
Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra Yes 25/08/2021 Least Concern (LC)
Cape White-eye Zosterops virens Yes 24/08/2021 Least Concern (LC)
Chorister Robin-chat Cossypha dichroa Yes 07/08/2021 Least Concern (LC) Endemic to South Africa and Swaziland
Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris Yes 2021 CC/JS Autumn 2023. Seen regularly in forest and on Halleria lucida trees in pilot areas CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Common Fiscal Lanius collaris Yes Least Concern (LC)
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Yes 2022 CC (Connor Cullinan) 2022 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) Wide range
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Yes Seen regularly near firebreak Connor Cullinan 21/08/2021 JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus Yes 08/06/2021 Near Threatened (NT)
Dark-backed Weaver (Forest Weaver) Ploceus bicolor Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Seen relatively regularly in top forest and on the edge of the Glade CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor Yes March 2022. Common residents. CC/JS Seen year round 2022. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Southern Africa
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Yes 2021 CC/JS Geese attempting to raise goslings on Top Dam in September 2022 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC)
Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis Yes Calling, from 2021 CC/JS Seen June 2023, also heard calling fairly regularly in autumn 2023 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Forest Buzzard Buteo trizonatus Yes In 2015/2016 by Connor and myself Near Threatened (NT)
Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris Yes 2022 Connor Cullinan Only seen once or twice so far, very different to seven years ago before the wattles were replaced by gum Connor Cullinan Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura Yes 29/07/2021 Least Concern (LC)
Green Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula 2023 in primary forest CC Repeated sightings of male collecting dog fur in April 2024 CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Grey Cuckooshrike Ceblepyris caesia / Coracina caesia Yes Seen near the stonemason's cottage in December 2022 Connor Cullinan December 2022 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 10/08/2022 CC (Connor Cullinan) The same individual has since been seen a few times at both the Top and Lower Dams (last seen September 2022). CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Yes 2021 CC/JS Regular visitor to garden and pilot sites, nests seen, often perch on snags. CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas Yes Summer 2021 CC/JS Summer 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Knysna Turaco Tauraco corythaix Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Fairly regular visitors to the pilot sites, especially when Quinine/loquart/guava trees fruiting. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Endemic to South Africa
Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor Yes 2021. Seen in Allophylus next to house. CC/JS September 2023 KZN Midlands Birding Club Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica Yes 2021 built half nest under house eaves CC/JS Summer 2022, completed nest, three offspring. Returned 2023/204, one successful brood, nest collapsed or destroyed by monkeys at second attempt CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala Heard in 2022 CC/JS Heard and seen in 2023/24 summer at Lower Dam CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Much of Sub-Saharan Africa
Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis Yes March 2021 CC/JS (Connor Cullinan/Janine Stephen) April 2024 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Natal Francolin Pternistis natalensis Yes 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) January 2023. CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) Eastern South Africa to Zambia
Olive bushshrike Chlorophoneus olivaceus Yes May 2021 Vanessa Stephen September 2023 with KZN Midlands Bird Club. Seen & heard in 2024. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi
Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea Yes March 2021 CC/JS June 2023. There are resident birds dueting and gathering spiderwebs CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus Yes March 2021 CC/JS December 2022. They are active in the Glade CC/JS Least Concern (LC) South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus Yes Around house 2021 CC/JS 10/12/2022 JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Purple-crested Turaco Tauraco porphyreolophus Yes A regular visitor. CC/JS 21/11/2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 21/08/2022 Connor Cullinan Seen a few times following this in August / September, but not more recently. CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) Wide range
Red-backed Mannikin Spermestes bicolor nigriceps (Lonchura nigriceps) Yes Resident in garden or immediate surrounds CC/JS (Connor Cullinan/Janine Stephen) March 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Summer 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Summer migrant from central Africa
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Yes March 2021 CC/JS A common resident on the forest margin. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus Yes 2021 CC/JS February 2023 JS Least Concern (LC)
Southern Boubou Laniarius major Yes 17/07/2021 Least Concern (LC)
Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris manoensis Yes 28/07/2021 Least Concern (LC) Endemic to South Africa and southern border of Namibia
Striated Heron (Green-backed Heron) Butorides striata 11/12/2021 Connor Cullinan Individual in reeds for some months until water level rose considerably. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Wide range
Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris Yes Groups regularly seen and heard around the Glade and in riverine areas. Connor Cullinan 15/03/2022 Connor Cullinan and David Johnson Least Concern (LC) Southern Africa to Kenya and Ethiopia
Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Yes Least Concern (LC) Much of Sub-Saharan Africa
White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala Yes 27/07/2021 Least Concern (LC)
White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata Yes May 2021 Vanessa Stephen 2023 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC)
African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Calling regularly summer 2023/2024 CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Invertebrates
African Leaf Butterfly Junonia tugela tugela Yes 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) January 2023 CC/JS Forest Edges, KZN Midlands to Swaziland, Mpumalanga, Limpopo
Bark Mantids Tarachodidiae Yes
Black-haired Bush Brown Bicyclus safitza safitza Yes Summer 2021 Connor Cullinan February 2023 Steve Woodhall & Mark Liptrot Least Concern (LC) KZN north into Limpopo.
Brownish keeled millipede Rhopaloskelus terreus Endemic to KwaZulu-Natal
Bush Beauty / Forest Beauty Paralethe dendrophilus Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan February 2023 Steve Woodhall & Mark Liptrot Forest edge, Eastern Cape, KZN, into Limpopo. SA & Swaziland only.
Citrus Swallowtail Papilio demodocus Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Common in the forest margins CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Much of Sub-Saharan Africa
Club-horned wasp Sapygina undulata Yes 24/11/2023 Alan Manson 24 November 2023 Alan Manson
CMR Blister Beetle Hycleus oculatus Yes Summer 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) Around March 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Common Bush Blue / Bush Bronze Cacyreus lingeus Yes February 2023 Steve Woodhall & Mark Liptrot February 2023 Steve Woodhall & Mark Liptrot Least Concern (LC) Afromontane, lowland and riverine forest edges. Sub-Saharan Africa
Creamstriped Owl Cyligramma latona 04/04/2022 Connor Cullinan 04/04/2022 CC (Connor Cullinan) Least Concern (LC) Widespread across Africa
Dingaan’s Slender Spined millipede Spinotarsus dingaanus Endemic. Only recorded in Ferncliffe Nature Reserve
Double-banded Carpenter Bee Xylocopa caffra Yes 27/01/2022 Connor Cullinan 2024 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) West to southern Africa
Eastern Goldspotted Sylph Metisella metis Yes 05/02/2023 Steve Woodhall Seen around Cussonia Place site and other more open areas CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Cape & KZN, Mozambique, Swaziland
Eastern Whipspider Damon annulatipes Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan March 2024. Seen regularly in farm buildings Janine Stephen
Gaudy Commodore Precis octavia sesamus Yes 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) 2022 CC/JS Eastern Cape northwards.
Ghost-like keeled millipede Gnomeskelus larvatus Endemic. Only recorded in Ferncliffe Nature Reserve
Green-veined Emperor Charaxes candiope Yes February 2023 Mark Liptrot February 2023 on a LepsocSA visit Steve Woodhall & Mark Liptrot Least Concern (LC) Coastal, riverine, lowland and Afromontane forest in Southern Africa
Hilda Hopper Nototettigometra patruelis 16/01/2024 Alan Manson Alan Manson
Kraus’s slender spined millipede Spinotarsus krausi Endemic. Only recorded in Ferncliffe Nature Reserve
Mocker Swallowtail Papilio dardanus cenea Yes 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) Regularly; 2024 CC/JS Widespread
Obscure keeled millipede Gnomeskelus retrusus Endemic. Only recorded in Ferncliffe Nature Reserve
Pearl Emperor Charaxes varanes varanes Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan February 2023 and regularly to date Steve Woodhall & Mark Liptrot; others Eastern Cape up to Limpopo
Pietermaritzburg keeled millipede Rhopaloskelus pietermaritzburgensis Endemic. Only recorded in Ferncliffe Nature Reserve
Quekett’s Cannibal Snail Natalina quekettiana Data Deficient (DD) Endemic to KwaZulu-Natal
Stalk-eyed Fly Diasemopsis obstans 04/09/2023 Alan Manson 04/09/2023 Alan Manson
Wahlberg’s Emperor Moth Nudaurelia wahlbergi Yes 2016
Mammals
African Marsh Rat Dasymys incomtus Near Threatened (NT) Largely endemic to KwaZulu-Natal.
Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus Yes 27/06/2021 Least Concern (LC) Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa
Bushpig Potamochoerus larvatus Yes 02/07/2021 Least Concern (LC) Eastern and southern Africa
Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis Yes 20/05/2021 Least Concern (LC) Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa
Common or Grey Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia Least Concern (LC) Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa
Dark-footed Forest Shrew Myosorex cafer Yes 2016 Vulnerable (VU) Endemic to KZN and the Eastern Cape (EWT)
Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio Yes Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Geoffroy’s Horse-shoe Bat Rhinolophus clivosus Least Concern (LC)
Large spotted genet Genetta tigrina Yes Least Concern (LC)
Leopard Panthera pardus Leopard is on the species list for the area, but it's uncertain when one was last seen anywhere near the Reserve or Pilot Project area. Vulnerable (VU) Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa
Rock dassie / Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis Yes September 2021 Biodiversity survey visit Resident in the 1980/1990s in the Pilot Project Area, but disease left none. Saw a lone adult in February 2023 on trail to Boulder Dam. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Widespread across Africa in rocky habitat
Schreiber’s Long-fingered Bat Miniopterus schreibersii natalensis Near Threatened (NT)
Slender Mongoose (Black-tipped Mongoose) Herpestes sanguineus 20/08/2022 JS Just one sighting to date Least Concern (LC) Widespread across Africa
Temminck’s Hairy Bat Myotis tricolor Least Concern (LC) Sub-saharan, east and (rarely) west and central Africa
Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops Yes At least one troop visits the pilot area regularly. CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Wahlberg’s epauletted fruit bat Epomophorus wahlbergi Yes 01/07/2021 Least Concern (LC)
Water Mongoose Atilax palundinosus Yes Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Plants
Aparagus Fern Asparagus plumosus Yes 2021 CC/JS Common in shady pilot project areas CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Wide range
Bugweed Solanum mauritianum Yes A well-established alien species that has long invaded stream banks and slopes throughout the area. CC/JS The plant remains established and will take years to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Canary Creeper Senecio tamoides Yes 2021 CC/JS A common creeper here, spreads rapidly in cleared areas. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe
Cape Beech Rapanea melanophloeos Yes 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) January 2023. We are planting this tree. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Western Cape to central Africa
Cape Chestnut Calodendrum capense Yes Summer 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) We've seen trees in flower high on the ridge; none in pilot project areas to date CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Western Cape to Ethiopia
Cat’s Whiskers Clerodendrum glabrum Yes 2022 Allister Starke Widespread at Ferncliffe; growing in and around the pilot site, especially where there isn't deep shade CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Cheesewood Pittosporum viridiflorum Yes September 2022 Connor Cullinan 2024 (Sapling) CC/JS Across Sub-Saharan Africa
Common Forest Grape Rhoicissus tomentosa Yes March 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) A climber often seen in the pilot project areas and forest. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Western Cape to Tanzania
Cross-berry Grewia occidentalis Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan The trees grow in various locations at Ferncliffe. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Wide range
False Assegai Measa lanceolata Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan A few established trees grow in the pilot site areas. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga
Forest Cabbage-tree Cussonia sphaerocephala Yes 2021 CC/JS Many mature individuals on the ridge and some in the pilot areas. Seedlings present. CC/JS SA endemic (Eastern Cape to Mpumalanga)
Forest Croton Croton sylvaticus Yes 2021 CC/JS Mature and young individuals present in pilot sites and mature forest CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to tropical Africa
Forest Elder Nuxia floribunda Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to central Africa
Forest Fig Ficus craterostoma Eastern Cape to Tropical Africa
Forest Gardenia Gardenia thunbergia Yes 2021, tree planted by Wildlands or UKZN project CC/JS No other individuals found as yet, but we are planting a few. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique.
Forest Knobwood Zanthoxylum davyi Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Not at all common. A few individuals in the lower Dell area CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Forest Natal-mahogany Trichilia dregeana Only one tree seen to date in riverine forest. Connor Cullinan and Sachin Daorsamy We have planted individuals in pilot areas. Also, very old and tall individual found in October 2024. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to tropical Africa
Forest-peach Rawsonia lucida Yes 2021 Allister Starke An understory tree present in the indigenous forest but not in the pilot site CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Sub-Saharan Africa
Forest Waterberry Syzygium gerrardii We are planting some individuals in the pilot areas. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to tropical Africa
Green Flower Tree / Poison Olive Peddiea africana Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan & David Johnson One tree in the pilot area; others in forest. A few seedlings. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to tropical Africa
Henkel’s Yellowwood Podocarpus henkelii Yes 2021. We are planting this species. CC/JS Most felled in colonial times, a few planted or recruited since. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) South African endemic, most abundant in Eastern Cape and KZN
Honeysuckle-tree Turraea floribunda 2022 - we planted an individual CC/JS Planted a second tree near the first (above wetland slope) CC/JS Least Concern (LC) From the eastern Cape north to Sudan
Horsewood / Perdepis Clausena anisata Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan A few individuals grow in the pilot project areas and seedlings are present CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to Tropical Africa
Ink-berry Cestrum Laevigatum Yes A well-established alien species that has long invaded stream banks throughout the area. CC/JS (Connor Cullinan/Janine Stephen) 2022: The plant remains established and will take time to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Kahili ginger lily Hedychium gardnerianum Yes Well-established upon project launch in 2021, and at least a decade prior. CC 2022: The plant remains established and will take time to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Lantana Lantana camara Yes A well-established alien species that has choked ravines and open areas. CC/JS 2022: The plant remains established and will take years to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Large-leaved dragon tree Dracaena aletriformis Yes 2021 CC/JS Growing copiously in undisturbed forest areas and here and there in pilot sites CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo
Lemonwood Xymalos monospora Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Some lovely individuals near Bat Cave and on slopes. Few young trees. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Not endemic to SA. From Eastern Cape to Limpopo
Mauritius thorn Caesalpinia decapetala Yes Well-established upon project launch in 2021, and at least a decade prior. CC 2023: The plant remains established and will take time to eradicate. CC/JS Alien to South Africa
Natal milkplum Englerophytum natalense Yes 2022 Allister Starke Largely an understory tree in the indigenous forest; not present in the pilot site CC/JS Least Concern (LC) East and Southern Africa
Paintbrush lily or Snake lily Scadoxus puniceus Yes 03/04/2021 Least Concern (LC) Southern and eastern Africa
Pigeonwood Trema orientalis Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan and Sachin Daorsamy A few saplings and adults in pilot areas; we are planting this species. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to tropical Africa & Asia
Pompon Tree Dais cotinifolia Yes 2021 CC/JS No trees found higher up the slopes as yet. We won't plant more in 2023. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe
Quinine tree Rauvolfia caffra Yes 2021 CC/JS Enormous individuals grow in the Dell stream Pilot Project area CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to tropical Africa
Real Yellowwood Podocarpus latifolius Yes 2021. A few scattered individuals survived colonial felling. CC/JS There are some mature individuals on the ridge. We are planting this species. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Western Cape to Tanzania
Red Currant Searsia chirindensis Yes March 2021 CC (Connor Cullinan) The tree appears to be relatively common in the area. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Widespread, Western Cape to central Africa
Simple-leaved False-currant Allophylus dregeanus Yes 2021 CC/JS A well-represented understorey tree in the pilot project areas CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to KZN mistbelt and coast
Sneezewood Ptaeroxylon obliquum We are planting this species. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Eastern Cape to tropical Africa
Stinkwood / Black Stinkwood Ocotea bullata None found as yet. The project will plant some individuals. CC/JS 01/01/2023 CC/JS Endangered (EN) SA endemic. Western Cape to Limpopo
Tree Fuchsia Halleria lucida Yes 2021. CC/JS A common tree in the pilot project areas, growing fairly large. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Western Cape to tropical Africa
White Ironwood Vepris lanceolata Yes 2021 at Top Dam CC/JS Although there are not many adults, we are seeing a good few seedlings in 2024 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Southern & Eastern Africa
White Pear Apodytes dimidiata Yes 2021 CC/JS 2022 CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Western Cape to Ethiopia
White Stinkwood Celtis africana Yes 2021 CC/JS Mature and younger individuals are present in pilot project and mature forest sites CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Evergreen forest from the Western Cape to Ethiopia
Wild Mulberry Trimeria grandifolia Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan Only a few specimens seen. We are planting this species CC/JS Least Concern (LC) South Africa & Mozambique
Wild Peach Kiggelaria africana Yes Not seen in forest yet by ourselves n/a We are planting some individuals in a suitable pilot sites. (1st: March 2023) CC/JS Least Concern (LC)
Wild Plum Harpephyllum caffrum Yes 19/05/2021
Reptiles & Amphibians
Boomslang Dispholidus typus Least Concern (LC)
Cape Centipede Eater Aparallactus capensis 05/05/2021 Connor Cullinan As above, one sighting only Connor Cullinan Much of Southern Africa and the DRC
Cape skink Trachylepis capensis Least Concern (LC)
Cape Wolf Snake Lycophidion capense Yes March 2023 Connor Cullinan Seen in the house on one occasion to date. Connor Cullinan Least Concern (LC) Southern Africa
Common Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus capensis Yes 2021 Connor Cullinan These are common residents around the house. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Widespread across Africa
Gutteral Toad Sclerophrys gutturalis Yes May 2021 Least Concern (LC)
Midlands Dwarf Chameleon Complex Bradypodion melanocephalum Yes 2022 Connor Cullinan 2022 Connor Cullinan Near Threatened (NT) Endemic to KZN and the Eastern Cape
Natal Forest Tree Frog Leptopelis natalensis Yes 29/05/2021 Least Concern (LC) Endemic to KwaZulu-Natal and the northeastern part of the Eastern Cape.
Puff adder Bitis arietans Yes 15/06/2021 Least Concern (LC) Widespread across Africa
Red-lipped Snake / Herald Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia Yes 02/03/2021 Connor Cullinan A young individual tried to enter the house mid 2023. We've seen them in a water meter, a watering can, and a rockery. CC/JS Least Concern (LC) Southern Africa from South Africa to around the Zambezi
Water Lily Reed Frog Hyperolius pusillus Yes Summer 2021 Connor Cullinan and Frank Gaude December 2022 Kirsty Kyle / Connor Cullinan Least Concern (LC) Widespread across eastern Africa south of Somalia