Bokbaai Nature Reserve

Western Cape, South Africa

Protected Area Management Plan

2023-2033
Management plan template prepared by:
CapeNature

Management plan prepared by:

Joshua Gericke, Olivia Brunings, Jonathan Coleville, Callan Cohen, Mark Berry, Marius Burger, Kimberley Perry, &
Robyn Morton of Delta Ecology (Pty) Ltd

Acknowledgments:
Dalton Gibbs

Cover image:
Joshua Gericke

Recommended citation:
Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan. Version 1.0, 2022.

Management plan format:

CapeNature, version August 2019

Protected area management plan format has The development of this revised management plan
been developed by CapeNature with input from format has been funded by the Table Mountain Fund.
external partners and industry stakeholders
AUTHORISATION
This Protected Area Management Plan for the Bokbaai Nature Reserve was drafted and recommended by the Mapula
Trust as the management authority.

Supported by:

Name and Title Signature and Date

CapeNature
Name of CapeNature signatory
Title of CapeNature signatory

Recommended and adopted by:

Name and Title Signature and Date

Management Authority
Mapula Trust

Approved by:

Name and Title Signature and Date

Mr Anton Bredell
Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs
and Development Planning

Review Date: November 2032

Contents
1. BACKGROUND TO THE MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................... 7

1.1 Purpose of the Plan...................................................................................................................... 7

1.2 Structure of the Plan .................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Adaptive Management ................................................................................................................ 9
1.4 Guiding Legislation..................................................................................................................... 10
1.4.1 National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA) ........................................................... 10
1.4.2 Other Key Legislation ......................................................................................................................................... 11
1.4.3 Declaration Status of Bokbaai Nature Reserve .................................................................................................. 15

2. BOKBAAI NATURE RESERVE OVERVIEW .................................................................................. 16

2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 16

2.2 Property History ........................................................................................................................ 17
2.3 Property Details ......................................................................................................................... 18

3. STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK .............................................................................. 19

3.1 Purpose ..................................................................................................................................... 19

3.2 Vision ........................................................................................................................................ 19
3.3 Administrative Structure ............................................................................................................ 20
3.3.1 The Managing Authority .................................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.2 Oversight Authority............................................................................................................................................ 20
3.4 Zonation Plan ............................................................................................................................ 20

4. LANDSCAPE CONTEXT .............................................................................................................. 23

4.1 Ecological Context...................................................................................................................... 23

4.1.1 Climate ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.1.2 Topography, Geology and Hydrology ................................................................................................................ 24
4.1.3 Vegetation ......................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.1.4 Existing Infrastructure and Disturbed Areas ...................................................................................................... 30
4.2 Regional and Local Planning Context .......................................................................................... 33
4.2.1 The Protected Area Expansion Strategy and Implementation Plan ................................................................... 33
4.2.2 The Strategic Development Framework and Integrated Development Plan ..................................................... 34
4.3 Socio-economic Context ............................................................................................................. 37

5. KEY FEATURES OF CONSERVATION VALUE .............................................................................. 38

5.1 Biodiversity................................................................................................................................ 38
5.2 Unique Ecosystems .................................................................................................................... 38
5.3 Ecosystem Services .................................................................................................................... 39
5.4 Cultural and Heritage ................................................................................................................. 39

6. MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES – EXISTING THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES ............................... 40

 6.1 Alien Invasive Species ................................................................................................................ 40
6.2 Natural Fire Cycles ..................................................................................................................... 42
6.3 Maintenance of the Veld Mosaic ................................................................................................ 42
6.4 Rehabilitation and Infrastructure Rationalisation ....................................................................... 44
6.5 Climate Change .......................................................................................................................... 45
6.6 Security and Compliance ............................................................................................................ 46
6.7 Environmental and Heritage Education ...................................................................................... 46
6.8 Research and Monitoring ........................................................................................................... 47
6.9 Equipment, Resources and Infrastructure Needs ........................................................................ 47

7. AIMS, MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS ..................................... 48

8. OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES............................................................................ 56

8.1 Management Units .................................................................................................................... 56

8.2 Biodiversity and Ecological Components .................................................................................... 57
8.2.1 Biodiversity Knowledge Management and Sharing ........................................................................................... 57
8.2.2 Research and Field Surveys ................................................................................................................................ 57
8.2.3 Biomonitoring .................................................................................................................................................... 62
8.2.4 Vegetation Management................................................................................................................................... 67
8.2.5 Aquatic and Riparian Systems ........................................................................................................................... 72
8.2.6 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................................... 72
8.2.7 Species of Special Concern ................................................................................................................................. 75
8.2.8 Illegal Harvesting ............................................................................................................................................... 76
8.2.9 Rehabilitation and Restoration .......................................................................................................................... 76
8.3 Sustainable Utilisation of Natural Resources .............................................................................. 81
8.3.1 Environmental Education................................................................................................................................... 81
8.4 Socio-economic Development .................................................................................................... 83
8.5 Heritage Features ...................................................................................................................... 83
8.5.1 Management Tasks ........................................................................................................................................... 85
8.6 Management Authority Effectiveness and Sustainability ............................................................ 85
8.6.1 Legal Compliance ............................................................................................................................................... 85
8.6.2 Infrastructure and Equipment............................................................................................................................ 86
8.6.3 Financial Management ...................................................................................................................................... 87
8.6.4 Signage, Access Control and Security ................................................................................................................ 87
8.6.5 Firefighting......................................................................................................................................................... 89

9. IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN .......................................................... 94

9.1 Five-year Costing Plan ................................................................................................................ 94

9.2 Planning, Reporting and Revision ............................................................................................... 95
9.2.1 Annual Report .................................................................................................................................................... 95
9.2.2 Management Plan Updates ............................................................................................................................... 95
9.2.3 Annual Plan of Operation .................................................................................................................................. 95
9.2.4 Five-yearly Management Audit ......................................................................................................................... 95

10. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 96

APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................ 98

APPENDIX A – List of statutes to which the Nature Reserve is subject ................................................ 98

APPENDIX B - Copy of Bokbaai Nature Reserve and Heritage declarations ......................................... 99
APPENDIX C - Zonation Categories....................................................................................................103
APPENDIX D - Annual Plan of Operation 2023 ...................................................................................107
APPENDIX E - Lists of potential SCC within the Bokbaai Nature Reserve. ...........................................133
List of Tables
Table 2-1 Property Details of the Bokbaai Nature Reserve ......................................................................................18
Table 3-1: Guide to CapeNature Conservation Management Zones .......................................................................22
Table 5-1: Key features of conservation value in the Bokbaai NR (WCPAES – CapeNature 2021)...........................38
Table 7-1: Biodiversity and ecological components objectives and deliverables.....................................................50
Table 7-2 Sustainable utilisation of natural resources objectives and deliverables .................................................53
Table 7-3 Socio-economic and heritage objectives and deliverables ......................................................................53
Table 7-4 Management authority effectiveness and sustainability objectives and deliverables .............................54
Table 8-1: Biodiversity Knowledge Management and Sharing Tasks .......................................................................57
Table 8-2: Research and Field Survey Tasks .............................................................................................................62
Table 8-3: Biomonitoring Tasks ................................................................................................................................66
Table 8-4: Typical fire frequency per vegetation type (pers. com. Dalton Gibbs) ....................................................70
Table 8-5: Prescribed ecological burn plan for Bokbaai NR management blocks ....................................................71
Table 8-6: Summary of key vegetation management tasks .....................................................................................72
Table 8-7: Key Wildlife Management Tasks .............................................................................................................75
Table 8-8: Summary of rehabilitation and restoration tasks ....................................................................................81
Table 8-9: Environmental Education Tasks ..............................................................................................................83
Table 8-10: Heritage Tasks .......................................................................................................................................85
Table 8-11: Legal Compliance Tasks.........................................................................................................................86
Table 8-12: Infrastructure and Equipment Tasks .....................................................................................................87
Table 8-13: Signage, Access Control and Security Tasks ..........................................................................................88
Table 8-14: Summary of Firefighting Preparedness Tasks .......................................................................................93
Table 9-1 Estimated annual management cost breakdown for a five-year period. .................................................94

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

List of Figures
Figure 1-1 The adaptive management cycle ..............................................................................................................9
Figure 2-1 Regional Location of Bokbaai Nature Reserve ........................................................................................17
Figure 3-1: Zonation map of Bokbaai Nature Reserve .............................................................................................23
Figure 4-1: Climate and Weather for Bokbaai Nature Reserve ................................................................................24
Figure 4-2: Topography and Geology of Bokbaai Nature Reserve. The western extreme is underlain by the
Tygerberg Formation overlain by marine-derived alkaline sands. The majority of reserve is underlain by the
Sandveld Formation overlain by neutral to acidic sands..........................................................................................25
Figure 4-3: Watercourses according the NGI, NFEPA and NWM5 watercourse layers. Only the Bokrivier, a small
portion of an unnamed ephemeral drainage line and one wetland in the southeast of the reserve are indicated.
.................................................................................................................................................................................26
Figure 4-4: Watercourses delineated during the field assessment. .........................................................................27
Figure 4-5: Vegetation types found on Bokbaai Nature Reserve. ............................................................................29
Figure 4-6: Modified map of the main vegetation units on Bokkerivier Farm (Helme, 2017). While the demarcations
on the map are not definitive, they give a broad indication of the primary vegetation units. ................................29
Figure 4-7: Locations of infrastructure and previously disturbed areas across the reserve. ...................................31
Figure 4-8: A closer view of the main infrastructure node. .....................................................................................32
Figure 4-9: Southern Black Korhaan listed as Vulnerable, on top of the newly planted toilet block at the camp site.
This is a good indication that the habitat established within the infrastructure node is and will be of value. ........33
Figure 4-10: Local Spatial Development context for West Coast Municipality (WCD-SDF, 2020) ...........................36
Figure 6-1: A view up the Bok River gorge. Note the bright green vegetation is largely Acacia cyclops..................41
Figure 6-2: A large Manitoka within the environmental education camp. ..............................................................42
Figure 6-3: A uniform wall of thicket in the south-eastern parts of the reserve, in need of disturbance to maintain
the veld mosaic. .......................................................................................................................................................44
Figure 8-1: Bokbaai NR numbered management blocks. .........................................................................................56
Figure 8-3: A photograph of Psoralea cf glaucena in one of the two wetland patches, growing through the Cynodon
dactylon (kweek grass) on the road verge. ..............................................................................................................59
Figure 8-4: Map indicating the two very small wetlands where Psoralea cf glaucena was recorded......................60
Figure 8-5: Locations for fixed point photography sites. .........................................................................................65
Figure 8-6: Cape Clapper Lark (Holger Teichmann - https://ebird.org/species/caclar1) on the left and Karoo Scrub
Robin (Holger Teichmann - https://ebird.org/species/kasrob2) on the right. .........................................................66
Figure 8-7: General locations of the majority alien invasive vegetation in the reserve. ..........................................69
Figure 8-8: Only one fire has occurred in recent record, in early 2015, impacting management blocks 1, 2 and 3.
.................................................................................................................................................................................71
Figure 8-9: Beehive locations in the reserve. ...........................................................................................................75
Figure 8-10: Management objectives for internal roads and tracks. .......................................................................77
Figure 8-11: Closer view of the roads in and around the infrastructure node. ........................................................78
Figure 8-12: Vegetation within the old field (left) with vegetation more representative of the area along the edge
to the right. ..............................................................................................................................................................80
Figure 8-13: Aerial view of Bokkerivier farmstead overlooking Bokbaai (Winter & Baumann, 2017). ....................84
Figure 8-14: Existing and proposed firebreaks within the reserve. ..........................................................................91
Figure 8-15: Existing and proposed firebreaks around the main infrastructure node. ............................................92
Abbreviations
APO Annual Plan of Operation
CBA Critical Biodiversity Area
CFR Cape Floristic Region
CMA Catchment Management Authority
CR Critically Endangered
DEA & DP Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
DEA National Department of Environmental Affairs
DoA Department of Agriculture Western Cape
DWA National Department of Water Affairs
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EN Endangered
ESA Ecological Support Area
FEPA Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area
FPA Fire Protection Association
IDP Integrated Development Plan (Municipal)
KPA Key Performance Areas
LC Least Concern
LM Local Municipality
LT Least Threatened
MA Management Authority
MCA Mountain Catchment Area
MEC Member of the Executive Council
MOA Memorandum of Agreement
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NEM:BA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
NEM:PAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act
NEMA National Environmental Management Act
NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area
NPAES National Protected Area Expansion Strategy
NR Nature Reserve
PAES Protected Area Expansion Strategy
PAMP Protected Area Management Plan
PBSAP Western Cape Provincial Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
NR Nature Reserve
SCC Species of Conservation Concern
SDF Spatial Development Framework
SMP Strategic Management Plan
SPLUMA Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act
SDF Municipal Spatial Development Framework
VU Vulnerable
WCBSP Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan
WCD West Coast District
WCPAES Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy
WWF - SA World Wide Fund for Nature – South Africa
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN
1. Background to the Management Plan
1.1 Purpose of the Plan
Management plans for privately owned protected areas are strategic documents that provide the framework for
reserve development and operation. They inform management at all levels, from the landowner and reserve staff
through to those responsible for management oversight within CapeNature. The development and use of a
management plan creates continuity within the management structure thereby facilitating the achievement of
set goals and objectives. The general objective of a management plan is to ensure the protection, conservation
and management of the protected area concerned in a manner consistent with the objectives of the National
Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No.57 of 2003) (NEM:PAA). A protected area management
plan indicates where reserve management intends to focus its efforts in the next ten years. The management plan
thus provides the long-term operational framework for the prioritised allocation of resources. The Bokbaai Nature
Reserve (NR) is part of the Dassen Coastal Complex for which a protected area management plan was developed
in 2019 (CapeNature, 2019). This management plan gives a broad overview of the complex in its entirety, yet
management plans specific to each property and respective management authority within the complex are
required. Each individual management plan should be in line with the broader aims and objectives for the complex
as this will ensure management continuity within this protected landscape.

The purpose of the management plan for Bokbaai NR is to:

• Align Bokbaai NR management objectives with the management plan developed for the broader Dassen
Coastal Complex.
• Provide the primary strategic tool for the management of Bokbaai NR in terms of biodiversity, natural and
cultural historic heritage.
• Inform the need for specific programmes and operational procedures.
• Provide for capacity building, forward thinking, and continuity of management.
• Enable the landowner (Mapula Trust) to develop and manage Bokbaai NR in a manner that protects its values
and the purpose for which it has been established.

Within the above context, the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act also requires that protected
area managing authorities also produce an invasive species control plan. Invasive species management has
therefore been addressed within this management plan at the level required to effectively manage invasive species
and satisfy this legislative requirement.
1.2 Structure of the Plan
Section 1: Background. Provides an overview of the guiding principles, aims and objectives for the
management plan.

Section 2: NR Overview. Establishes the context of the biodiversity stewardship site, providing the basis
for the strategic management framework that follows.

Section 3: Strategic Management Framework. Lays out the management authority’s high-level strategic
decisions that guide the operational management of the reserve.
Includes the:
Purpose. Defines the purpose of the management plan.
Vision. Defines the vision held for the protected area.
Administrative structure. Defines the power of the Management Authority and the
relationship with CapeNature.
Zonation plan. Illustrates the different zones within the NR, as well as future developments.

Section 4: Landscape Context. Gives the ecological, as well as socio-economic context of the NR within its
broader surrounds.

Section 5: Key Conservation Features. Provides an overview of key features of conservation value in the
protected area.

Section 6: Management Priorities. Provides an overview of the most significant threats to ecosystem
conservation in the protected area noted during fieldwork and explores opportunities to
contribute to the broader conservation effort. These factors will help to determine the
management objectives.

Section 7: Aims, Management Objectives under Key Performance Areas (KPAs). Defines the management
objectives for the next 10 years and provides clear KPAs that enable measurement of progress
toward achieving each objective.

Section 8: Operational Management Guidelines. Sets out the management guidelines for managing the
reserve.

Section 9: Implementing the Strategic Management Plan. Describes how the Management Plan and the
Annual Plan of Operation (APO), guides the operational implementation of management
objectives laid out in this document.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

1.3 Adaptive Management
The preparation of this management plan has been undertaken based on the guiding principles of adaptive
management, which is a structured, iterative process in which decisions are made using the best available
information, with the aim of continuously obtaining better information through ongoing research and
performance monitoring (Figure 1-1). Adaptive management allows relevant information to be incorporated into
the decision making and management process as, and when, it becomes available. In this way, decision making
is aimed at achieving the best outcome based on current understanding, whilst accruing the information needed
to improve future management. Adaptive management can lead to revision of a part or, if necessary, the entire
management plan. Instead of waiting until a project is completed to determine whether the intervention was
successful, adaptive management enables the managing body to ‘change direction’ when it becomes evident that
management activities are not having the desired outcome.

Adaptive management enables landowners and managers to:

• Learn through experience;
• Plan to manage complexity in a changing environment towards predetermined outcomes;
• Continuously refine management processes to ensure the best possible management outcome;
• Monitor management effectiveness and adapt management actions based on tangible indicators;
• Efficiently adopt best practices and new innovations in biodiversity conservation management;
• Consult and engage with stakeholders;
• Demonstrate that management is appropriate and effective.

Figure 1-1 The adaptive management cycle

Management of protected areas requires a holistic yet strategic approach as there are numerous factors outside
of the management bodies’ control that could influence the conditions of an ecosystem. The benefit of using

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

adaptive management for protected areas is that it provides a step-by-step process and follows a logical framework
that works towards a predetermined goal. The management interventions are continually monitored to determine
the progress made towards the desired outcome.

1.4 Guiding Legislation

1.4.1 National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA)

There is a large body of legislation that is relevant to the management of nature reserves, but the primary
legislation guiding the management of protected areas is the National Environmental Management: Protected
Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003 – NEMPAA 2003 or ‘The Act’).

The Act establishes the legal basis for the creation and administration of protected areas in South Africa, as its
objectives include provisions “for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of
South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes” (NEMPAA 2003). The Act sets out the mechanisms
for the declaration of protected areas and the requirements for their management.

In the Western Cape, CapeNature is the Provincial Conservation Authority that facilitates the establishment of
protected areas on private land and thereafter guides the management of the protected areas.

A detailed list of relevant legislation is provided in Appendix A. Landowners should familiarise themselves with
the purpose and contents of the statutes and their subsequent amendments and regulations.

1.4.1.1 Purpose of Declaring Protected Areas

According to S17 of NEMPAA, the purpose of declaring an area as a protected area are:
i) to protect ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural
landscapes and seascapes in a system of protected areas;
ii) to preserve the ecological integrity of those areas;
iii) to conserve biodiversity in those areas;
iv) to protect areas representative of all ecosystems, habitats and species naturally occurring in South Africa;
v) to protect South Africa’s threatened or rare species;
vi) to protect an area which is vulnerable or ecologically sensitive;
vii) to assist in ensuring the sustained supply of environmental goods and services;
viii) to provide for the sustainable use of natural and biological resources;
ix) to create or augment destinations for nature-based tourism;
x) to manage the interrelationship between natural environmental biodiversity, human settlement and
economic development;
xi) generally, to contribute to human, social, cultural, spiritual, and economic development; or
xii) to rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of endangered and
vulnerable species.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

1.4.2 Other Key Legislation
The majority of legislation in South Africa could be applicable within Bokbaai NR and cannot be covered here in
full. The provisions of several key acts and regulations should be noted however as these apply commonly to
reserve management activities. It is recommended that the managing authority familiarise themselves with these
legislative instruments as per the sections below. Additional acts and regulations that may be of significance to
the reserve are listed in Appendix A.

Development Activities

The National Environment Management Act (NEMA – Act 107 of 1998) provides a framework for all other
environmental legislation in South Africa, and the other national environmental acts are considered Specific
Environmental Management Acts (SEMAs), promulgated in terms of the NEMA. The NEMA furthermore defines
the requirements and procedures for securing Environmental Authorisation via the Basic Assessment and full
Environmental Impact Assessment processes. Activities, with thresholds where applicable, that require
Environmental Authorisation are listed in Listing Notices 1, 2 and 3 (GNR 327, 325 and 324 of 2017, respectively),
while GNR 326 of 2017 regulates the Environmental Impact Assessment process. These regulations are updated
regularly and the latest regulations should always be kept on file.

While all generally applicable listed activities may apply to future development activities at Bokbaai Nature
Reserve, those applicable to specifically to Protected Areas (mainly in Listing Notice 3), to the Coastal Zone (e.g.
Listing Notice 1, Activities 15, 18, 52, 55 and Listing Notice 2, Activity 26), and to the clearance of indigenous
vegetation (Listing Notice 1, Activity 27; Listing Notice 2, Activity 15; Listing Notice 3, Activity 12). If in doubt as to
whether an activity requires Environmental Authorisation, it is best to submit an environmental checklist to the
Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning who administer the NEMA in the Western Cape.

See also the sections below relating to coastal management and water use, which may be relevant to development
activities.

Floral and Faunal Management

Section 73 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA – Act 10 of 2004) requires that
landowners control listed alien invasive vegetation on their land, so as to minimise harm to biodiversity and
prevent spread to neighbouring properties. The NEMBA further makes provision for both administrative and
statutory enforcement measures should alien invasive species be allowed to proliferate. Section 76 (1), which
pertains to invasive species control plans of organs of state indicates that: “The managing authority of a protected
area preparing a management plan for the area in terms of the Protected Areas Act must incorporate into the
management plan an invasive species control and eradication strategy.” It is unclear whether this provision can
be applied to protected area managing authorities that are not an organ of state, but it is an essential part of
protected area management and will therefore be included in this PAMP.

The NEMBA also lists certain species of plants and animals which are protected. These lists overlap to a large
degree with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) lists and give effect to South
Africa’s obligations under the Convention. Operations involving protected species may require authorisation in
terms of the NEMBA. The species in question are unlikely to feature in the management of Bokbaai NR, but it is

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

recommended that reserve management become familiar with the NEMBA lists and any restrictions or
authorisations that may apply. The lists and regulations may be updated from time to time and could possibly
apply in the future.

A wider list of species (including many indigenous and certain alien invasive frogs, toads, reptiles and birds) is
protected in terms of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance (19 of 1974). This includes the
requirement for permits to hunt or transport a wide variety of faunal and floral species. Any species relocations
or population control should be discussed with CapeNature (who administer the Ordinance) to determine
whether permits are required.

Fire

The Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998) requires that a landowner install reasonable fire breaks on the edge
of their property and undertake reasonable firefighting effort should a wildfire start on their property, unless
otherwise stipulated in an agreement with neighbouring landowners drafted as part of the establishment of a Fire
Protection Association. Failure to do so may result in the landowner being liable for neighbouring landowners’
costs due to damages by the fire or incurred on while fighting such a fire. It is highly recommended that Bokbaai
NR maintain membership of the applicable Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association that is active in this
area.

Heritage

Heritage resources are primarily governed by the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999 – NHRA) and
this is the act under which the historical infrastructure node within the nature reserve has been declared as a
Provincial Heritage Site (Grade II) with registration number 9/2/060/0022. It was originally declared as a National
Monument in 1971 in terms of the National Monuments Act (Act 28 of 1969) which was later repealed by the
NHRA.

Restoration or maintenance activities may require authorisation from Heritage Western Cape. Restrictions on
construction and maintenance methodologies designed to conserve the heritage value of the heritage buildings
and resources on site may be expected.

Security/Enforcement

While education and other soft approaches to visitor management should be the primary means of ensuring that
visitor behaviour is in line with relevant legislation and does not undermine implementation of the management
plan, there may be instances where more decisive action is appropriate and necessary. In such a situation it is
essential to understand the extent and limits of the power granted to a land/property owner in terms of the
Criminal Procedures Act (Act 51 of 1977 – ‘the CPA’).

The CPA makes provision for any private individual to make an arrest anywhere and at any time for any offence
listed in terms of Schedule 1 of the CPA. This schedule contains 25 serious offences such as murder, assault,
robbery, kidnapping, arson, breaking and entering, malicious damage to property and theft, along with conspiracy,
incitement or attempt to commit any such offence. The CPA further makes provision for a private individual to
make an arrest for any offence on or in respect of any property (land or any other asset) that they own, lawfully

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

occupy or are in charge of. This is further extended to anyone authorised by such a person for this purpose. In the
context of Bokbaai NR, this provision bestows all representatives of the Mapula Trust and anyone else authorised
thereby with broad powers of arrest. These powers are further extended to include search and seizure of stolen
goods, or goods that are unlawfully possessed, such as illicit drugs, on the premises concerned.

Arrest, search and seizure are actions that are fraught with potential legal pitfalls however, and it is extremely
important that any person empowered or instructed to undertake such actions on behalf of the Mapula Trust be
adequately trained and familiar with the appropriate procedures indicated in the CPA, including informing the
suspect of their rights and the appropriate use of force to affect an arrest. Affecting an arrest or undertaking a
search wrongfully or in an incorrect manner may result in criminal charges for the arrestor and may result in
liability or additional charges for the Mapula Trust. It is therefore important that the Mapula Trust put clear
safeguards in place if these powers are exercised or delegated to nature reserve staff. These could include
limitations (e.g. only attempt arrests under specific circumstances, and refrain from search and seizure) or
procedures (e.g. staff require authorisation from Mapula Trust to exercise powers of arrest, search or seizure).

Coastal Management

The National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (NEMICMA, Act 24 of 2008) is in
place to ensure the coastal environment is protected and maintained and that development in the coastal zone
is socially and economically justifiable and ecologically sustainable. To this end, it ensures that the coastal zone is
managed in such a way as to protect the ecological integrity, natural character and the economic, social and
aesthetic value of coastal public property, and to ensure the protection of people, property and economic
activities from risks arising from dynamic coastal processes and sea-level rise.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve falls under the definition of a “Coastal Protected Area”, which means that the entire
nature reserve forms part of the “Coastal Zone” and is therefore governed by the NEMICMA. The landowner must
become familiar with the requirements of the NEMICMA, particularly the sections pertaining to public access to
the coastal zone, the National Estuary Management Protocol, the Coastal Management Programme and those
pertaining to land-use in the coastal zone.

Waste

According to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA - Act 59 of 2008) the generation of
waste must be avoided and where such generation cannot be avoided the toxicity and amounts of waste that are
generated should be minimised. Waste should be reduced, re-used, recycled and recovered where possible.
Waste must be stored in an appropriate location and containers approved by the municipality. Waste must be
sorted in such a way as to prevent leaking, spillage and the general pollution of the environment. The NEMWA
stipulates requirements for the safe storage of waste including permit requirements for particular volumes of
waste of different classes. Mapula Trust must ensure that:
• Waste must be reduced, re-used and/or recycled as far as possible,
• Waste generated on site is stored as per the NEMWA and its regulations,
• Allowable quantities of each waste class are not exceeded,
• Waste is taken to landfill facilities that are licenced to accept the relevant waste class.

Water use

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

The National Water Act (NWA – Act 36 of 1998) governs all use of water, including conventional consumptive uses
such as abstraction for consumption or irrigation, along with less obvious non-consumptive uses such as irrigation
with treated effluent (which is a regulated activity), discharging water containing waste (e.g. outflow of the onsite
Waste Water Treatment Works) or altering the “bed, banks, characteristics” or “flow” of a watercourse. Its
regulations go so far as to define a regulated zone of 500 m around wetlands and of 100 m around drainage lines
within which the latter uses require a water use authorisation. All proposed water uses, be they consumptive or
non-consumptive, should be assessed to determine whether authorisation is required before proceeding with
their implementation.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

1.4.3 Declaration Status of Bokbaai Nature Reserve
The privately-owned farm Bokkerivier, was declared, according to Section 23 of the NEM:PAA, as the Bokbaai
Nature Reserve on the 26 March 2019.

The cluster of historical buildings within the farm was declared a National Monument according to Section 10(1)
of the National Monuments Act (Act No. 28 of 1969) in 1971 When the National Monuments Act was repealed by
the SAHRA in 1999, the heritage classification was changed to Provincial Heritage Site (Grade II).

Declaration Type Declaration Date: Government Gazette Notice:

Nature Reserve 26th of March 2019 Gazette No. 8070 of 2019

19th of November 1971 Gazette No. 3309 of 1971

Provincial Heritage Site (Grade II)

See Appendix B – Copy of Bokbaai Nature Reserve and Heritage Declaration Notices.

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2. Bokbaai Nature Reserve Overview
2.1 Introduction
Bokbaai NR is situated on the West Coast of South Africa, in the Western Cape Province (Figure 2-1). The reserve
is located approximately 4 km south of Grotto Bay and 35 km southwest of Malmesbury, on the farm Bokkerivier
No. 733 within the Swartland Local Municipality. The farm is accessed via an existing road leading off the R27. The
reserve is approximately 1077,5 ha in extent and consists primarily of natural vegetation with limited
infrastructure. The infrastructure within the reserve consists of an environmental education centre, a homestead,
cottage, staff and researchers’ accommodation, a storage room, campsite, and ablution facilities.

According to the SANBI 2018 National Vegetation Map, the natural vegetation type of the property consists mainly
of Atlantis Sand Fynbos with some areas of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Langebaan Dune Strandveld also
present. Atlantis Sand Fynbos is classified as Endangered (EN) and narrowly distributed with evidence of ongoing
biotic disruption from invasive species and overgrazing (SANBI 2022), while Cape Flats Dune Strandveld is
Endangered (EN) and narrowly distributed with high rates of habitat loss , and evidence of ongoing biotic
disruption from invasive species (SANBI 2022), and Langebaan Dune Strandveld is of Endangered (EN) and
narrowly distributed with evidence of ongoing biotic disruption from invasive species and overgrazing (SANBI
2022)

The Bokbaai NR lies between the Atlantic Ocean and CapeNature’s Ganzekraal Conservation Area. It forms part of
the Dassen Coastal Complex for which CapeNature recently developed a Protected Area Management Plan. The
farm Bokkerivier was proclaimed as a protected area as it is a Provincial Heritage Site (Grade II), containing
threatened ecosystems. Furthermore, it forms part of the strategic landscape of the Dassen Coastal Complex
which “supports the largest remaining intact and ecologically viable examples of several threatened lowland
ecosystems” (CapeNature, 2019) including intact terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, important fauna
and flora habitats, and a rich history with onsite heritage features.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

 Locality Map: Bokbaai
Nature Reserve Farm
Portion 733

Bokbaai Nature
Reserve

Figure 2-1 Regional Location of Bokbaai Nature Reserve

2.2 Property History

Farm Bokkerivier No. 733 has a rich history stretching as far back as pre-colonial times. This land was originally
used for pasture by the indigenous Koina herders, and as hunting grounds by the Sonqua hunter gatherers. Beach
rangers also used to gather fish and other seafood from along the shores of Bokbaai. Evidence of these pre-
colonial activities have been found in the form of human remains, shell middens and artefacts such as pieces of
clay pots, stone tools, arrowheads, and ostrich shell beads (Winter & Baumann, 2017).

The written history of this region starts in approximately 1652 when it was used as a maritime replenishment
station with agreements existing between the Dutch East India Company and the indigenous occupants of the
land (Winter and Baumann, 2017). This land was later divided into sections, with one of these sections being the
farm of Bokkerivier. This farm was used for the raising of cattle and later rented out to the Van Reenen brothers,
who were long established contracted butchers and used this land for grazing and burned lime. They also
established the Bokbaai farmstead. The homestead, a long outbuilding, the structure referred to as the old “jail,”
and a cottage located on the property were built in late 18th to early 19th century, while the stables were built
in the 20th century (Winter & Baumann, 2017).

The largescale development that accompanied the colonisation of Cape Town required significant amounts of
building lime which was obtained by burning seashells. Robben Island was the original source of seashells for
lime production and when this source was depleted, Bokbaai became the new supplier (Winter & Baumann,
2017). Lime production took place on the Bokkerivier farm from 1811 to 1827. Many buildings in Cape Town

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

including the Company Gardens were likely built using Bokkerivier lime. In 1819, a large ship, the Isabella, which
was used for the transport of wheat, was wrecked and historic accounts indicate that Bokbaai was the location
of this wreckage (Winter & Baumann, 2017).

From 1846 this farm was transferred into private ownership and was kept in the Duckitt family from 1870 to
2001, who kept sheep, but otherwise acted to conserve the land. In the 1970’s an attempt was made by the
National Party to declare the farm part of a Coloured Group Area. However, due to the growing
acknowledgement of the farm’s blend of architectural and natural beauty as well as its mysterious history, it was
declared a National Monument and thus exempt from this act (this was not without a significant public political
debate however) (Winter & Baumann, 2017). Bokkerivier was acquired by a German developer in 2001 and after
his death in 2010 the property was placed on the market again. The Mapula Trust purchased the Bokkerivier
farm in 2015. With its remarkable history and biodiversity, this property was seen as the ideal site for
conservation and the establishment of an environmental education centre which was developed in 2017.

2.3 Property Details

Bokbaai NR is located on Farm Bokkerivier No. 733 which is owned by the Mapula Trust. CapeNature has a
Protected Area Management Agreement with Mapula Trust for the integrated management of the nature reserve.
The property details are shown in Error! Reference source not found. below.

Table 2-1 Property Details of the Bokbaai Nature Reserve

Landowner & Management Authority
Landowner Mapula Trust
Contact Person Michael Byron
Contact Details – 021 689 6103
Telephone Number
Contact Details – [email protected]
Email Address
Property Details
Property Description Farm Bokkerivier No. 733, in the Swartland Municipality, Division of Malmesbury,
Western Cape Province, measuring 1077,5173 ha in extent; Held by Deed of Transfer
No. T24425/2015. SG Code: C04600000000073300000.

District Municipality West Coast

Local Municipality Swartland

Total Conservation 1077,5173 ha

Area

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3. Strategic Management Framework
The strategic management framework is aimed at providing the basis for the protection, development, and
operation of the protected area over a ten-year period. It consists of the vision, purpose, administrative structure,
and zonation of Bokbaai Nature Reserve. It has been prepared collaboratively through a process involving the
landowner (Mapula Trust), site manager, and CapeNature.

3.1 Purpose
The purpose is the foundation on which all future management actions are based and is in line with the key
ecological attributes of the reserve, the overall management philosophy of the management authority and the
objectives of the NEM:PAA. The priority focal areas for the Dassen Coastal Complex include the protection of
lowland Fynbos mosaics, natural wetlands, and historic structures. These features will therefore be included as
priorities in the management of the Bokbaai NR.

The purpose of the Bokbaai Nature Reserve within its jurisdiction is:
i) to protect ecologically viable areas representative of critically endangered Atlantis Sand Fynbos,
endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and endangered Langebaan Dune Strandveld, thereby contributing
to conserving South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and the achievement of
conservation targets required in terms of international obligations;
ii) to preserve the ecological integrity of the area within Bokbaai Nature Reserve ;
iii) to conserve biodiversity in the area within Bokbaai Nature Reserve;
iv) to protected rare or threatened species within Bokbaai Nature Reserve;
v) to rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of threatened species;
vi) to protect the cultural and historic resources of the region;
vii) to contribute to landscape continuity and prevent future habitat fragmentation;
viii) to provide opportunities for nature-based tourism and/or environmental education;
ix) generally, to contribute to environmental, human, social, cultural, and spiritual development.

3.2 Vision
The vision statement for the Bokbaai PNR below describes the desired long-term, over-arching outcome that
results from the effective management of the reserve.

Vision:
A near-pristine natural environment with intact, high-quality terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal habitats in which
native biodiversity thrives, where ecological resilience is promoted under changing environmental conditions, and
where the unique beauty and cultural heritage of the area is preserved to educate and inspire underprivilege
youth.
3.3 Administrative Structure
It is important that all reserve management plans clearly define the roles and responsibilities for management
and the mechanisms by which the various role-players may exercise their responsibilities. This promotes cohesion
and minimises potential for conflict. The roles and responsibilities for the Bokbaai NR are as follows.

3.3.1 The Managing Authority

The landowner, Mapula Trust, is the managing authority responsible for implementation of this management plan.
Mapula Trust commits to the allocation of budget and the application of effort, as far as is reasonably possible, to
implement the management measures indicated in this plan. This may include appointment of a reserve staff
and/or contracted implementing agents to enact defined portions of the management plan or to implement the
plan in full, along with the provision of tools, equipment, consumables and other resources. It will also entail
setting priorities, providing daily tasks and ensuring that tasks are completed as per the management plan.

The Mapula Trust is responsible for submitting a progress report annually to the oversight authority that details
progress made in implementing this management plan, along with any challenges, setbacks or new concerns
encountered. The Mapula Trust is furthermore responsible for submission of this management plan for entry into
the Government Gazette and subsequent updating of the management plan subject to the provisions of Section
3.3.2 below.

3.3.2 Oversight Authority

CapeNature will be responsible for ensuring that the approved management plan is in line with the purpose and
requirements for a nature reserve as stipulated in the NEM:PAA and its regulations, along with relevant provincial
legislation, policies or plans which have been adopted by the Western Cape Government. CapeNature will
furthermore oversee the management of the nature reserve to ensure that it is in line with the approved
management plan. Mechanisms for oversight may include scheduled site inspections, review of annual progress
reports and auditing by means of appropriate management effectiveness review methods. CapeNature will
furthermore review any updates to this management plan proposed by the managing authority and approve or
reject these changes and may make recommendations where necessary.

3.4 Zonation Plan

CapeNature’s protected area zonation categories provides a standardised framework for managing land use
across protected areas. It allows for reserves to be divided into various use zones, each with a different purpose,
based on a sensitivity analysis. The most sensitive areas may be designated “wilderness” or “primitive” zones
which may allow for very little or no development. Previously disturbed areas such as historically ploughed fields
may be designated as “Low Intensity” or even “High Intensity” development zones which would allow for a variety
of activities. These activities may include development of visitor infrastructure, harvesting of resources or other
activities that maximise the human benefit derived from the reserve.

CapeNature’s zonation categories (Table 3-1) were developed through an internal workshop process completed
in September 2010. Existing protected area zoning categories worldwide were examined to develop a simple and
powerful scheme that provides for the required range of visitor experience, access, and conservation

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management. The zonation categories is a core component of any protected area management plan as it provides
a spatial context for achieving the vision and objectives set for the protected area.

The purpose of the zonation plan for Bokbaai Nature Reserve is to utilise the CapeNature zoning categories to
align land-use with the vision for the protected area. The zonation plan therefore needs to cater for:

➢ Conservation and rehabilitation of terrestrial, freshwater and coastal habitats, with emphasis on the most
threatened species and ecosystems;
➢ Maximising climate change resilience;
➢ Providing room for rational development of facilities for reserve management and environmental education;
➢ Providing facilities for nature-based environmental education activities;
➢ Providing reasonable access to the coast for existing user groups and to the reserve generally for
management purposes.

Much of the Bokbaai NR consists of near-pristine Endangered or Critically Endangered habitat. The Critically
Endangered Atlantis Sand Fynbos habitat is concentrated in the eastern half of the reserve. The western half is
dominated by ecotonal strandveld between the Endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and the Least Threatened
Langebaan Dune Strandveld. Large areas of the reserve exhibit a mosaic of fynbos and strandveld vegetation types
and this is likely to be associated with high species diversity. See Helme, et al. 2016 and 2017.

Existing infrastructure is tightly clustered around the historical buildings in the southwest, with outlying
infrastructure and previously disturbed areas (such as the dam, borehole, water treatment plant, public parking
areas and a historically ploughed field) largely confined to the western half of the reserve. The primary access
road to the main infrastructure node and to the coast (which was historically proclaimed as a public road or Farm
Access Servitude) is also situated in the west. Apart from sand tracks and the boundary fence, the only
infrastructure present in the eastern parts of the reserve is a disused concrete reservoir.

All parts of the reserve should be considered sensitive to a certain degree given the uniqueness and conservation
status of the dominant ecosystems and the heritage value present. It is possible however to define areas of greater
or lesser sensitivity. The eastern half of the reserve exhibits a higher degree of sensitivity. The western half is less
sensitive, but remains sensitive and important on a national scale. The main and outlying infrastructure nodes,
along with the previously ploughed field, would be considered the least sensitive due to the degree of disturbance
and transformation. The outlying infrastructure and ploughed field are however couched within areas of high
sensitivity and due regard must be taken to minimise impact on the surrounding habitat. The main infrastructure
node lies partially within the active coastal zone, which is highly sensitive, and much of the infrastructure within
the node has very high heritage value that must be maintained.

Given the scale of the site, the presence of management tracks, fences and similar infrastructure, the most
sensitive area in the eastern half of the reserve cannot be considered a wilderness area. However, given that the
infrastructure is minimal and that the habitat is of such high quality, it has been designated as “Primitive”. The
western half of the reserve, which contains the majority of the infrastructure and is dominated by relatively less
sensitive vegetation has been designated as a “Nature Access” zone. This allows for a higher degree of visitor
access (including for coastal access along the public road), infrastructure for environmental education activities
and a greater density of internal roads for accessing outlying reserve infrastructure (such as the borehole and

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water treatment plant), while still ensuring minimal habitat disturbance and allowing for significant focus on
rehabilitation and conservation.

The main and outlying infrastructure nodes have been designated as Low-Intensity Development zones, allowing
for construction and retention of the infrastructure necessary for environmental education and reserve
management activities. Restoration of natural vegetation between roads and buildings, albeit in an orderly,
landscaped fashion is nonetheless required, along with retention/enhancement of heritage value where possible.
Although the dam and the historically ploughed field could be considered infrastructure and therefore suitable
sites for development of reserve facilities, they are not situated in opportune locations for development. No
infrastructure is planned for either site, outside of that allowed by the “Nature Access” zonation of the
surrounding area. The dam is also effectively an excavated portion of a natural wetland and therefore lies within
a particularly sensitive habitat feature. Consequently they have not been separated from the surrounding area
and have been included in the “Nature Access” zone. The zone boundaries were defined along existing roads or
tracks as far as possible for the sake of practicality.

The zonation map (Figure 3-1) and Table 3-1 illustrate the different zones within the reserve and provide
descriptions of these zones. More detailed descriptive information is provided in Appendix C. The factors that
were taken into account in assessing the reserve sensitivity and defining the zonation categories are clarified in
more detail in the descriptive sections that follow.

Table 3-1: Guide to CapeNature Conservation Management Zones

Zonation Category Explanation
Wilderness/ Wilderness Declared Areas with pristine landscape, sensitive areas or threatened ecosystems. Very limited access.
Primitive Areas providing natural landscape, solitude and limited access. Normally a buffer area to
wilderness zones.
Nature Access Providing easy access to natural landscape. Includes areas with roads and trails, and access to
popular viewing sites and other sites of interest.
Development – Low Intensity Area with existing degraded footprint. Providing primarily self- catering accommodation and
camping, environmental education facilities.
Development – High Intensity Area extensively degraded. Providing low and/or higher density accommodation, and maybe some
conveniences such as shops and restaurants.
Development – Management Location of infrastructure and facilities for reserve administration and management.
Development - Production Commercial or subsistence farming (applicable to privately owned and managed nature reserves).
Development – Private areas Private dwellings and surrounds (only applicable to privately owned and managed nature reserve).
Species/Habitat/Cultural Protection Areas for protection of species or habitats of special conservation concern.
Cultural, Species / Habitat, Visual Special management overlays for areas requiring specific management interventions within the
Natural Resource Access Species / Habitat / Cultural Protection Zone.

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 Bokbaai NR Zonation

Figure 3-1: Zonation map of Bokbaai Nature Reserve

4. Landscape Context
4.1 Ecological Context
This section describes the ecological components and drivers that influence biodiversity and ecological processes
at Bokbaai Nature Reserve.

4.1.1 Climate
The Bokbaai NR experiences a temperate, Mediterranean climate characterised by warm, dry summers and cool,
wet winters. The climate of Bokbaai NR is influenced by its location along the West Coast of South Africa. The
reserve is set on a peninsula that extents approximately 2 km into the Atlantic Ocean where the cold upwelled
water of the Benguela current has a moderating effect on the temperatures, with the peninsula being 3 to 5 °C
cooler than areas inland of the R27. Maximum temperatures in the NR are experienced in February with mean
daily temperatures of 21°C, while minimum temperatures are usually experienced in July with mean daily
temperatures of 11.7 °C (Schulze, 2009). During the winter months the northerly and north westerly winds that
predominate bring rain, while in the summer southerly and south westerly winds are most common. The south-
easterly winds push water away from the coastline via Eckman transport, causing Central Water from a depth of
over 1000m depth to upwell (Andrews & Hutchings1980). The majority of the rainfall occurs from May to August,

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reaching a peak in June and July with a mean rainfall of above 66 mm, while February tends to be the driest month
with a mean rainfall of 5 mm (Schulze, 2009). The mean annual rainfall of between 400 and 500 mm is typical of
the West Coast region. Refer to Figure 4-1.

The Bokbaai NR is located in the Dassenberg climate corridor. A study on climate adaptations in the Cape Floristic
Region (CFR) indicated that this Climate Adaption Corridor had the highest rating in terms of predicted “severity
of change” (Pence, 2009). Climate change is expected to pose a significant threat to species in the CFR. The
Western Cape is expected to become hotter and drier and experience more intense storms and floods, a higher
frequency of fires, and more frequent drought events (Pence, 2009). It is therefore of high importance to conserve
the ecological functioning of the Bokbaai NR to the highest degree possible to maximise climate change resilience.

Figure 4-1: Climate and Weather for Bokbaai Nature Reserve

4.1.2 Topography, Geology and Hydrology

The Bokbaai NR ranges in altitude from sea level to approximately 95 m above mean sea level, with the area gently
sloping in an easterly direction. Most of the reserve has a slope of 0 - 3%, while some sections have a slightly
steeper slope of 3 - 10%. The dune plumes that occur in the south-eastern part of the property rise to
approximately 60 m above mean sea level and are the most prominent topological feature of this landscape,
extending south within the Ganzekraal Conservation Area. The soil in the Bokbaai NR consists predominantly of
grey regic sands derived from and underlain by quaternary quartz sand of the Springfontein Formation. Limestone
and calcrete of the Langebaan Formation occur occasionally in this region, and coastal outcrops of the
Malmesbury Group and Quaternary calcareous coastal dune sand of the Witzand Formation may also be present.
The soils in the Bokbaai NR are classified as having a high erodibility and are sandy and excessively drained.
Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan
The eastern outcrop of the reserve falls within a groundwater strategic water source area, where the coarse sands
allow for aquifer recharge. The non-perennial Bok River originates within the reserve and the outflow of this river
is located just south of the Bokbaai NR’s southern boundary. Several small perched depression wetlands are also
present in the reserve and these features, along with the Bok River add substantially to the variety of habitats
available within the reserve.

The general topography, geology, and hydrology of the Bokbaai NR can be seen in Figure 4-2, 4-3 and 4-4.

Topography and Geology

Map: Bokbaai Nature
Reserve Farm Portion 733

Bokbaai NR

Figure 4-2: Topography and Geology of Bokbaai Nature Reserve. The western extreme is underlain by
the Tygerberg Formation overlain by marine-derived alkaline sands. The majority of reserve is
underlain by the Sandveld Formation overlain by neutral to acidic sands.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

 Bokbaai NR
Watercourses

Figure 4-3: Watercourses according the NGI, NFEPA and NWM5 watercourse layers. Only the
Bokrivier, a small portion of an unnamed ephemeral drainage line and one wetland in the southeast
of the reserve are indicated.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Figure 4-4: Watercourses delineated during the field assessment.

4.1.3 Vegetation
The Bokbaai NR is considered to be part of both the Southwest Fynbos and the West Strandveld Bioregions, within
the Fynbos Biome (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). The reserve is located within the CFR, which is the smallest of six
floral kingdoms in the world and is internationally renowned for its species rich flora containing an estimated 9
000 species of vascular plants, of which almost 69% are endemic. Many of the lowland habitats in the CFR are
threatened due to agriculture, urbanisation, groundwater abstraction and alien plant encroachments (De Villiers
et al., 2016). Many range-restricted rare endemic species are therefore facing imminent threat of extinction, as
their habitat is reduced and fragmented (De Villiers et al., 2016).

According to the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Version 2018, there are three primary vegetation types present
within the Bokbaai NR (Figure 4-5). These are: Atlantis Sand Fynbos, Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Langebaan
Dune Strandveld. A botanical assessment conducted for the reserve by Nick Helme (2017) revealed a modified
distribution of these vegetation types when compared to the SANBI (2018) National Vegetation Map (NVM)
(Figure 4-6). Atlantis Sand Fynbos currently occupies the eastern section of the reserve, with a large proportion
of the reserve currently containing a mosaic of Atlantis Sand Fynbos and Dune Strandveld in which pockets of
each vegetation type are found (Helme et al. 2016). Apart from a wildfire in early 2015 that burnt approximately
140 ha in the western half of the reserve, the vegetation in the Bokbaai NR has not been burnt for at least 30
years (as far as can be ascertained by satellite imagery). As a result, the Atlantis Sand Fynbos, which is fire adapted
and generally burns every 10-15 years, is considered senescent and due for a burn. As most of the reserve consists
of a mosaic of Fynbos and Strandveld vegetation, a large proportion of the vegetation on this reserve will need to
be burnt relatively soon.

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Atlantis Sand Fynbos is considered Endangered (EN) and is indicated by the RLE 2022 to occur across most of the
reserve. Less than 49% of the original extent of this vegetation type remains and less than 4.6% of it is protected.
Bokbaai NR would contribute approximately 1022.44 ha (1.5%) of this vegetation type’s original extent. This
amounts to approximately 5% of the land area required to reach a conservation target of 30% of its original extent
(Rouget et al., 2004). Nick Helm’s ground-truthed vegetation map indicates less of this vegetation type, amounting
to approximately half the area indicated by the NVM. This vegetation type is species rich containing numerous
threatened and endemic plant species and commonly occurs on acidic, moderately undulating to flat sandy plains.
Atlantis Sand Fynbos is characterised by dense, moderately tall, ericoid shrubland with periodic emergent, tall
sclerophyllous shrubs and an open, short restioid stratum. Restioid and proteoid fynbos species are dominant,
while asteraceous fynbos and patches of ericaceous Fynbos occur in seepages (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

Cape Flats Dune Strandveld is classified as Endangered with less than 50% of its original total extent remaining,
and less than 19% conserved (conservation target = 24%) (Rouget et al., 2004; DEA, 2011). This vegetation type is
characterised by flat to slightly undulating (dune field) landscapes covered by tall, evergreen, hard-leaved
shrubland with abundant grasses and annual herbs in shrubland gaps (Rebelo et al., 2006). Langebaan Dune
Strandveld is considered Endangered with 86% of its original extent is remaining and 52,8% is conserved
(conservation target = 24%) (Rouget et al., 2004; DEA, 2011). This vegetation type is characterised by flat to slightly
undulating old coastal dune systems with stabilised inland duneveld. This duneveld supports closed, evergreen,
sclerophyllous shrubland, up to 2 m tall, while prominent annual herbaceous flora grows in gaps and forms
spectacular floral displays, especially after good rain in late winter. The latter two vegetation types are both
moderately species rich, containing relatively few threatened and localised plant species.

Strandveld vegetation typically burns once in 20 to 30 years (CapeNature, 2019). It tends to provide higher
nutrient availability than fynbos, commonly produces fruits and exhibits grazer/browser adaptations such as
thorns. These are indications that, compared to fynbos, the Strandveld vegetation types are adapted to support
more substantial concentrations of game animals. The vegetation types are also more prone to thicket dominance
in the absence of sufficient browsing, despite frequent fire. The loss of large herbivores from much of the West
Coast has further coincided with a decline of at least eight species Scarabaeus dung beetles, several of which may
be extinct (Harrison et al., 2003). The majority of the dung beetle species’ distributions coincide with the presence
of strandveld. This decline is another strong indication that large herbivores were once a significant feature of the
strandveld vegetation types.

The two strandveld vegetation types that occur in this area have an interesting relationship with the adjacent
Atlantis Sand Fynbos. Strandveld and fynbos have a broad, almost imperceptible grading into each other. This
relationship is evident in the Bokbaai NR with the majority of the area being made up of a mosaic of Dune
Strandveld and Sand Fynbos. From a fire management perspective, this could mean that these areas are adapted
to sporadic fire but not at the same frequency as the adjacent Fynbos.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

 South African Vegetation Map:
Bokbaai Nature Reserve Farm
Portion 733

Bokbaai NR

Figure 4-5: Vegetation types found on Bokbaai Nature Reserve.

Figure 4-6: Modified map of the main vegetation units on Bokkerivier Farm (Helme, 2017). While the
demarcations on the map are not definitive, they give a broad indication of the primary vegetation
units.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

4.1.4 Existing Infrastructure and Disturbed Areas
The Bokbaai NR, like most reserves, is not a blank slate and has a range of existing infrastructure and historical
disturbance zones. The infrastructure noted during the field assessment prior to the drafting of this plan included:
➢ A perimeter fence;
➢ Roads and tracks;
➢ A main infrastructure node containing:
o Four historical buildings in various stages of restoration and repurposing for use as a
museum/environmental education centre, environmental education accommodation units (mainly for
camp leaders, etc.) and operational/storage buildings;
o Boys and girls camp sites separated by a toilet block. The latter is constructed partially underground,
covered by soil and locally indigenous vegetation;
o An old, but not historical, farmhouse which presently serves as headquarters and accommodation for
the security staff on site;
o A waste water treatment works (presently under construction) for treatment of sewage by means of
artificial reedbeds. The intention is for liquids to evaporate and solids to be removed periodically by truck;
➢ A borehole and solar powered pump station;
➢ A potable water treatment plant;
➢ The dam;
➢ A previously ploughed field that has partially revegetated passively;
➢ Two unused concrete reservoirs;
➢ Two parking areas (partially outside of the reserve boundary) used by fisherman when accessing the coast;
➢ A nutrient enriched, grass-dominated area surrounded by a partial screen of Lycium ferocissimum which
appears to be a historical outspan area.

The locations of these infrastructure and disturbance areas are indicated in Figure 4-7 and Figure 4-8 below. Note
that the boundary road, fence and outer firebreak are aligned with each other, but deviate markedly from the
actual cadastral boundary, sometimes falling within and sometimes outside of the cadastral boundary. The
northernmost corner of the fence lies more than 110 m outside of the actual boundary line. Another portion of
the fenceline in the southeast corner of the reserve has been shifted up to almost 300 m inside the boundary to
avoid crossing a dune field for practical reasons.

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 Bokbaai NR existing
Infrastructure

Figure 4-7: Locations of infrastructure and previously disturbed areas across the reserve.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

 Bokbaai NR Existing
Infrastructure

Figure 4-8: A closer view of the main infrastructure node.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Figure 4-9: Southern Black Korhaan listed as Vulnerable, on top of the newly planted toilet block at the
camp site. This is a good indication that the habitat established within the infrastructure node is and
will be of value.

4.2 Regional and Local Planning Context

4.2.1 The Protected Area Expansion Strategy and Implementation Plan
The Protected Area Expansion Strategy and Implementation Plan is a response to the National Protected Area
Expansion Strategy (NPAES) (CapeNature, 2015; DEA, 2016) which calls on provinces to develop implementation
plans in support of the NPAES and in support of provincial conservation efforts and priorities. The NPAES, which
provides a broad national framework for protected area expansion in South Africa, also identifies areas of
importance to be targeted for protected area expansion in each province, as well as mechanisms to achieve this.
The main priority areas in the Western Cape focus on remaining sites of threatened lowland ecosystems, identified
climate change adaption corridors, and gaps of unprotected natural areas between key reserves. Together these
assist in creating a functional protected area network (DEA, 2016). The Bokbaai NR fulfils all these criteria, resulting
in a high conservation value.

The draft Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy (WCPAES, CapeNature 2021) addresses the formal
declaration of priority natural habitats such as Bokbaai, which was previously only declared a National Heritage
Site, as Protected Areas to secure biodiversity and ecosystem services for future generations (CapeNature, 2021).

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

This strategy is aligned with the concepts and goals of the NPAES and ensures the connectivity of protected areas
as well as enabling strategic growth of protected areas. The Bokbaai NR is located adjacent to other strategic
properties and forms part of the Dassen Coastal Complex. By forming part of this complex, the Bokbaai NR is
contributing to the connectivity of the landscape of intact protected environments and will meaningfully
contribute to provincial conservation efforts.

The Dassen Coastal Complex comprises several properties including four provincial nature reserves, a World Wide
Fund for Nature – South Africa (WWF-SA) owned property, the state owned Ganzekraal Conservation Area and
the privately owned and newly declared Bokbaai NR. This complex is situated on the West Coast of South Africa
and supports the largest remaining intact and ecologically viable examples of several threatened lowland
ecosystems, making a substantial contribution to national and international biodiversity targets. Furthermore, it
provides protection for several threatened plants and animals, including seabirds and marine ecosystems. This
complex of protected areas links coastal and inland habitat and acts as a land and climate change refuge for many
species. The declaration and management of this cluster of protected areas will offer several benefits to the wider
area including climate change resilience, water security, conservation of unique natural and cultural historic
heritage, and socio-economic development.

4.2.2 The Strategic Development Framework and Integrated Development Plan

This refers to the Integrated Development Plans (IDP), Spatial Development Frameworks (SDF) and Land Use
Management Systems of the district and local municipalities within which the protected area falls. Bokbaai is
located in the West Coast District (WCD) Municipality which covers an area of approximately 31 099 km2. The
WCD Municipality is made up of 5 Local Municipalities (LM), specifically Matzikama LM, Cederberg LM, Bergrivier
LM, Saldanha Bay LM, and Swartland LM. The Bokbaai NR falls within the Swartland LM. The WCD is mostly rural
in nature with an extensive agricultural industry and several small towns with limited development, such as
Malmsbury, Vredenburg, Saldanha, Moorreesburg, Clanwilliam, Lamberts Bay, and Vredendal. The WCD lies
within one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots, the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) and includes parts of the
Fynbos, Succulent Karoo, and Albany Thicket Biomes.

Since biodiversity is a fundamental component of sustainable development, SDFs and IDPs offer an opportunity
to ensure that biodiversity priorities are incorporated into the planning processes. In turn, the identification of
biodiversity-related projects for the IDPs can support local economic development and poverty alleviation. The
goals and objectives of the Bokbaai NR align well with the objectives of the WCD Municipality and Swartland LM
IDPs in terms of protecting environmental integrity, enhancing economic growth, and promoting the social
wellbeing of residents.

Given that they are situated in such a unique area, the WCD and local municipalities have a responsibility to aid in
the protection of the CFR for present and future generations both locally and internationally, due to its great
value. Development decisions should consider the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP) as well as the
local IDPs and SDFs and give particular attention to threatened, biodiverse ecosystems. Developments should
especially avoid impacting on Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs). CBAs are areas
that are required to meet biodiversity targets for species, ecosystems or ecological processes and infrastructure.
CBAs are areas of high biodiversity and ecological value and need to be kept in a natural or near-natural state,
with no further loss of habitat or species. The main criterion for establishing a nature reserve is that it is located
in a majority Critical Biodiverse Area.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Figure 4-10 shows the range of protected areas recognized in the WCD-SDF as of 2020. The newly declared
Bokbaai NR will be included in the updated WCD-SDF and the municipality will plan development accordingly. The
Swartland Municipality IDPs and SDFs are updated every five years and must indicate the desired patterns of land-
use for the municipality and provide strategic guidance regarding the location and form of development, as well
as conservation, within the municipality. The current IDPs were valid until June 2022 and are in the process of
being updated. The updated IDPs will include Bokbaai NR as a conservation area.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Figure 4-10: Local Spatial Development context for West Coast Municipality (WCD-SDF, 2020)

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

4.3 Socio-economic Context
The Bokbaai NR is situated in the Swartland LM and WCD Municipality in the Western Cape. The WCD Municipality
had a population of approximately 455 881 in 2019 and an annual population growth rate of 2.0%. This Category
C Municipality is expected to undergo continued population growth over the coming years, both from natural
growth and in-migration and is expected to increase by approximately 130 000 people over the next 10 years. In
2018, the district had a total of 118 250 households, 22 190 of which were classified as indigent. The population
density in 2019 was 15 people per square km. The Swartland and Saldanha Bay municipal areas had the highest
concentration of the WCD’s population, with 29.4% and 26.1% of the total population residing in these areas,
respectively.

In terms of education, the matric pass rate in 2018 was 82.0% while the learner retention rate was 68.6% and the
student-teacher ratio was 31:1 in 2020. The most common dwelling type in this district is brick structures with
79.8% of the population living in a dwelling of this type in 2019, while informal dwellings or shacks was the second
most common, housing 10.2% of the population. In 2019, 67.4% of the WCD population was of working age (15
to 64) with an unemployment rate of approximately 10.7%. In the case of the WCD area the GDP contribution per
sector in 2017 was as follows:

➢ Agriculture, forestry & fishing; 20.2%;

➢ Mining & quarrying; 0,2%;
➢ Manufacturing; 20.3%;
➢ Electricity, gas & water; 2.0%;
➢ Construction; 5.0%;
➢ Wholesale & retail trade, catering & accommodation; 15.3%;
➢ Transport, storage & communication; 8.2%;
➢ Finance, insurance, real estate & business services; 11.4%;
➢ Community, social & personal services; 6.1%;
➢ General government; 10.5%.

The Bokbaai NR has a rich history having been used by indigenous tribes for hunting and grazing purposes prior
to colonial settlement. The farm is currently owned by the Mapula Trust, and an education centre has been
established on site. The Bokbaai NR doesn’t border onto any local communities or settlements in this region, and
it is thus unlikely that members of local communities use this natural area for subsistence purposes. However,
there is a road running through the Bokbaai NR and along the coast just south of the Bokbaai NR’s border (but still
in the area that will be protected by management activities) that has recently been declared a public road or
“Farm Access Servitude”. It is well known that this road is used by those who illegally harvest abalone and west
coast rock lobster to gain access to the sea front. This could potentially pose a risk to the safety of wildlife within
the Bokbaai NR. There is also some potential for land invasion as has been seen in nearby reserves such as the
Blouberg Nature Reserve, although the farm is far from major access routes to business centres and services which
mitigates this risk to a degree. These socio-economic aspects will have to be monitored long-term and, as far as
possible, management actions will need to be put in place to assist in preventing these activities from impacting
the reserve negatively.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

5. Key Features of Conservation Value
The key features of conservation value in the Bokbaai NR are those unique attributes that led to it being identified
as a priority for conservation and inclusion in the Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (PAES). These features need
to be taken into consideration in management planning as they are the aspects of the reserve that must be
prioritised for protection.

The key features of conservation value in the Bokbaai NR are outlined in Table 5-1. The Bokbaai NR contains rich
biodiversity features, plant and animal Species of Conservation Concern (SCC), unique ecosystems which provide
ecosystem services of importance in the area and is designated as a Provincial Heritage Site.

Table 5-1: Key features of conservation value in the Bokbaai NR (WCPAES – CapeNature 2021)
Feature of Conservation Value Description
Biodiversity Plant and animal Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) including
confirmed and possible species.
Network of wetlands (including dune-slack wetlands), streams and
seeps, some of which feed the Bok River estuary.
Dune plumes located in the southeast of the NR.
Unique Ecosystems Endangered Atlantis Sand Fynbos, Endangered Cape Flats Dune
Strandveld and Endangered Langebaan Dune Strandveld.
Ecosystem services Coastal intertidal (although not within the NR itself, but still in the area
that will be influenced by management activities) and inshore systems.
Network of wetlands (including dune-slack wetlands), riparian areas
and seeps.
Cultural and heritage The Bokbaai NR is a declared Provincial Heritage Site. The reserve is the
location of structures, burial sites, and shell middens known to be older
than 60 years (pre-1968).

Each feature highlighted in the PAES is described in further detail in the sections that follow:

5.1 Biodiversity
Bokbaai NR is an exceptional property from a biodiversity perspective. The reserve is home to six known plant and
animal SCC, but very few surveys have been undertaken and most species records have originated from ad-hoc
observation and localised Impact Assessment studies. Additional SCC are likely to be added to the list in the coming
years, particularly given the highly threatened nature of vegetation on site. As a case in point, two specimens of
Psoralea cf glaucena were noted during the rudimentary field visit undertaken by the author in preparation for the
drafting of this plan. The specimens may represent an expansion of the known range of the Critically Endangered
species or may be a new species of Psoralea altogether. The known and potential species lists are provided in
Appendix E.

5.2 Unique Ecosystems

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

The reserve’s threatened vegetation types have been noted in preceding chapters. This is however only part of the
overall picture and habitat diversity within each vegetation type is considerable. An array of factors including
hydrology, soils, veld age and proximity to the coast have created a patchwork of niche habitats and sub-habitats.

Hillslope seep, depressional and valley-bottom wetlands are dotted across the reserve. The Bok River in the eastern
parts of the reserve rises from hillslope seep wetlands and flows southward, providing riparian, seasonal stream
and estuarine habitats.

Slope aspect is another significant habitat factor that particularly affects the distribution of many invertebrates.
The reserve generally slopes from the north and east toward the coast to the west and south. However, the ground
undulates considerably and shallow slopes are present with all slope aspects. The banks of the Bok River Gorge
provide steep south and north facing slope aspects.

Vegetation height and composition varies with veld age (since the last fire), but also with changes in soil depth and
chemistry, exposure to coastal winds and salt spray and slope aspect. Vegetation forms within the reserve at the
time of writing vary from sparse, low dune scrub, all the way to dense thicket that resembles low jungle in places.

It is in this varied mosaic of habitat forms that the full biodiversity potential of each vegetation type is realised. It
is extremely important that this habitat mosaic be maintained, and where possible, enhanced.

5.3 Ecosystem Services

The reserve is positioned such that it may provide several ecosystem services. The most significant ecosystem
service is the provision of biodiversity, followed closely by the provision of opportunities for immersive nature
experiences for environmental education. The reserve is situated close to Cape Town, which makes it a reasonably
inexpensive and accessible destination for Cape Town schools for either day trips or short camps. The quality of
the habitat and the degree of isolation lend the reserve to fully immersive wilderness experiences that are
unparalleled in such close proximity to the Mother City.

5.4 Cultural and Heritage

The history of Bokbaai is bound together with the history of the Cape Colony. The beautifully restored buildings
that once belonged to the first governor of the Cape Colony provide insights into the architecture and construction
technology of that time period. The buildings, old outspan and the sheltered harbour, surrounded by native
vegetation and the view of Table Mountain across the water allows one to visualise and connect with the way of
life in the new colony. The old slave gaol is an excellent point of departure for providing an understanding of the
plight of the slaves who once dwelt here, of slavery more broadly and of how the Cape Colony and other colonial
conquests across the globe affected the indigenous peoples of the conquered lands.

The heritage value of the site is rivalled by few others in the broader Cape Town area. In terms of the immersive
nature of the site and the shear richness of the heritage value on display, it could be counted with the top heritage
sites of the Western Cape.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

6. Management Priorities – Existing Threats and Opportunities
Bokbaai NR, like all nature reserves, is preferentially exposed to certain threats and opportunities. The array of
threats and opportunities relevant to reserve management are dictated largely by the history and location of the
reserve. It is therefore important to tailor management actions to address the specific array of challenges faced
and to make use of the specific opportunities provided by the reserve. During the March 2022 field assessment
undertaken to inform the drafting of this management plan, management priority areas were noted and are
explained in the sections that follow. Detailed management actions addressing these priority areas, alongside
other routine tasks, are included in the operational management guidelines in Section 8.

6.1 Alien Invasive Species

The vegetation types within Bokbaai NR can be susceptible to invasions from various species namely, Acacia
saligna, Acacia cyclops, Eucalyptus, Leptospermum laevigatum and Briza species (De Villiers et al., 2016). Alien
plant species that are considered high clearance priority for the area are Acacia saligna, Acacia cyclops, Acacia
mearnsii, Eucalyptus species and Pinus species (CapeNature, 2019). The Bokbaai farm and NR management team
has done an excellent job of keeping alien invasive vegetation from colonising the reserve. Alien invasive species
total cover within the reserve boundaries was estimated at less than a quarter of a hectare (less than 0.025%)
during the 2022 site assessment, in contrast with neighbouring CapeNature land which demonstrates substantial
alien invasive species cover in the worst affected areas on the boundary with Bokbaai NR.

The only two alien invasive species noted frequently during fieldwork were Acacia saligna and Acacia cyclops,
both woody alien species. The former species was concentrated around the eastern corner of the reserve adjacent
to the most severely affected CapeNature land, and isolated individuals were found occasionally across the
reserve. The latter species was found mostly in the Bok River gorge, with some also present in the eastern corner
of the reserve (Figure 6-1).

Seedlings of both species were noted in the reserve in various places, including isolated areas, which highlights
their propensity to invade rapidly. While it will not be possible to fully eradicate the two species before this has
taken place on the adjacent CapeNature reserves, it is very important that clearing take place at a rate that
exceeds the rate of viable seed production such that the population contracts over time rather than increasing.
This does appear to have been achieved in recent years, but it should be kept in mind that recruitment of these
species is presently limited but will experience vigorous seed germination post fire. It is therefore important to
undertake clearing as thoroughly as possible to minimise the volume of seed laid down prior to fire. It is also
important to plan for mass clearing of seedlings during the first year or two after both controlled and wildfire.

Several mature Myoporum tenuifolium (Manitoka) were found adjacent to the environmental education camping
area (Figure 6-2). A row of mature Eucalyptus sp. was noted at the dam. No seedlings were noted anywhere in
the reserve, which indicates that the invasive potential of the species present is severely limited. The Manitoka
and Eucalyptus are presently used for shade and wind breaks for environmental education activities and may
therefore be considered part of the environmental education infrastructure.

Three large Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk pine) are present between the historical buildings at Bokbaai and
were originally planted as navigational markers for farmers bringing goods to the boats bound for Table Bay. The
trees are non-invasive and form a key part of the heritage value of the site.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Two sites were noted where European honeybees are being kept. The potential impact of these bees is not well
defined, although recent research suggests that the impact on native bees, particularly various species of solitary
bee, can be substantial.

Figure 6-1: A view up the Bok River gorge. Note the bright green vegetation is largely Acacia cyclops.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Figure 6-2: A large Manitoka within the environmental education camp.

6.2 Natural Fire Cycles

The vegetation types within the Bokbaai NR, particularly Atlantis Sand Fynbos, require fire to function ecologically
and to maintain biodiversity. Many species require smoke and/or heat for seed release and/or germination. Lack
of fire in these vegetation types leads to thicket encroachment (see Figure 6-3 below) and a general state of
senescence in which many plants stop growing significantly and produce large volumes of dry fuel load (De Villiers
et al., 2016). Re-establishing natural fire regimes will be an essential task to preserve and promote biodiversity.

6.3 Maintenance of the Veld Mosaic

Natural succession in both the sand fynbos and strandveld vegetation types, post disturbance, begins with pioneer
species including grasses and various Asteraceae. This is followed by Restios, Proteas, Ericas, Metalasias and other
slower-growing and more robust species. In both vegetation types, but particularly in the strandveld, Sersias and
other thicket species tend to dominate over time, in the absence of disturbance (Figure 6-3). Strandveld thicket
species are also known to ‘invade’ fynbos areas along common boundaries if not held in check by natural
processes. This results in a gradual reduction in vegetation diversity, since the diversity lies largely in the openings
between the thickets. Disturbance is however a natural driving force that re-establishes the veld mosaic and
maintains diversity.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Wetlands are particularly vulnerable to thicket encroachment. Thicket species grow more readily in terrestrial
soils with higher water availability such as along wetland edges. Over time however, the increase in
evapotranspiration can desiccate wetland temporary and dryer seasonal zones, allowing the thicket to encroach
further. Furthermore Psoralea cf glaucena (which has been identified in two of the reserve wetlands during
fieldwork in 2022 that informed this management plan) has been observed by the author to be dependent on
disturbance and, throughout its range, is absent from wetland thicket patches, exiting in grazed or mowed areas
only1. This phenomenon may be observed in the two wetlands where this Psoralea were found where, in both
cases, the plants occurred exclusively along the road edge and did not occur deeper into the encroached wetlands.

Fire is an essential driver of both sand fynbos and strandveld vegetation types as indicated in the previous section.
Excessively long periods between fires can result in species loss. It also burns back thicket species to a degree and
although most adult thicket plants will coppice after fire, seedlings will generally succumb. Reinstating the natural
fire regime will therefore be an essential action for preventing thicket encroachment.

However, fire is not wholly effective in combatting thicket encroachment. Many thicket species burn reluctantly
and tend to survive fire. After fire, they resprout and rapidly come to occupy the area originally occupied. Fire is
therefore a set-back on the path to thicket dominance, but one that is not sufficient to maintain the veld mosaic
indefinitely, particularly in the strandveld. Large herbivores may assist as they are an essential part of the natural
ecosystem that maintain the veld mosaic and promote biodiversity by browsing, and trampling (Hanekom, 2007;
Boshoff et al., 2016). It is highly recommended that appropriate large herbivore species be reintroduced (Radloff
et al., 2010; Boshoff et al., 2016).

1
Note that this is based on the author’s observation and no reference is available. The author managed over 95% of the remaining individual P. glaucena plants as
part of his protected area management experience at the Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve between 2012 and 2017. He has confirmed this observation with several
other ecologists and botanists who have been involved in the study, management and conservation of this species.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Figure 6-3: A uniform wall of thicket in the south-eastern parts of the reserve, in need of disturbance to
maintain the veld mosaic.

6.4 Rehabilitation and Infrastructure Rationalisation

The majority of infrastructure and disturbance sites within the Bokbaai NR relate either to essential infrastructure
that is currently in use, historical infrastructure of heritage value, or both. Some infrastructure and disturbance
sites are no longer used however and provide opportunities to reduce human impact in the landscape through
infrastructure removal and rehabilitation. The following opportunities were noted during fieldwork:

➢ Rationalisation of road infrastructure and closure of unnecessary roads

➢ Rehabilitation/landscaping of unused open ground in the main infrastructure node (already underway)
➢ Rehabilitation of two old parking areas
➢ Typha control at the dam
➢ Removal of old concrete reservoirs
➢ Passive restoration of the historically ploughed field

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

6.5 Climate Change
Climate change can lead to extreme weather events such as increased severity of droughts and storm surges. The
droughts in the Western Cape have led to increased reliance on groundwater. Over abstraction of groundwater
from the Atlantis Aquifer could deplete the water table leading to rivers and wetlands drying out (CapeNature,
2019). Altering the ecosystem functioning of the landscape.

The most disconcerting issue noted during fieldwork was that all wetlands within the reserve were in a state of
slow decline. The outer margins were characterised by dead or dying aquatic vegetation as the various wetland
zones have retreated inward over time. Even the dam exhibits dead and dying marginal vegetation around its
banks and the edges of the inflowing wetland. It has also become choked with Typha capensis due to dropping
water levels as indicated above.

The Bok River estuary was also in a less than desirable state, choked with Typha capensis with virtually no open
water present, despite occupying a similar area. Historical aerial imagery indicates that this change has taken place
approximately between 2010 and 2012. By contrast, every photograph prior to 2010 indicates a largely or fully
open-water portion of the estuary, whether or not the mouth is open to the sea, despite T. capensis being visible
in the upper estuary from the late 1990s.

This change was likely caused by a reduction in average salinity over time in the estuary mouth, which would
otherwise restrict T. capensis to the fresher upper parts of the watercourse. The reduction in saline influence is
typically linked to a reduction in mouth opening events which flush fresh water out of the system and allow
saltwater intrusion into the estuary, particularly at high tide. The frequency of mouth opening events is related to
the relative volume of freshwater input over time. A reduction in freshwater input in an estuary of this type (which
only opens to the sea periodically) is therefore paradoxically associated with lower salinities overall.

While the estuary lies seaward of the reserve boundary and therefore outside of the scope of Bokbaai NR
management, the majority of the catchment falls within the reserve boundary. Additionally, although it is beyond
the scope of Bokbaai NR management to address climate change, it is possible to maximise the resilience of the
estuary and the broader Bok River system by removing any factors that may reduce flow or otherwise have a
negative impact on the estuary.

The Bok River catchment has already been highlighted as a priority for alien clearing due to the relative prevalence
of Acacia cyclops and A. saligna in the catchment. These trees significantly increase the evapotranspiration rate
over the natural vegetation, reducing water availability to the Bok River. They also fix nitrogen in the soil, thereby
increasing the nutrient availability in runoff and groundwater that does enter the Bok River. Increased nutrient
load in the estuary will allow for T. capensis to grow quicker and more densely.

It is unlikely that alien clearing alone will solve the problems at the Bok River estuary, but it will improve climate
change resilience to a limited degree. Given the lack of other potential options to address the climate-related
issues, this intervention should be treated as high priority.

If there is scope to work outside of the Bokbaai NR, it is recommended that the Bok River Estuary be periodically
cleared of T. capensis to maintain clear, open water.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Climate change can lead to increased frequency severity of storm surges (Theron and Rossouw, 2008). This can
lead to infrastructure loss and damage putting the heritage buildings and other infrastructure on Bokbaai NR at
risk. The environmental impacts of storm surges include the alteration of coastlines from erosion or excess
sediment build up and freshwater ecosystems being inundated with salt water (Theron and Rossouw, 2008).
Which can then lead to altering ecosystem functioning.

6.6 Security and Compliance

The Bokbaai NR has several security issues that need to be addressed. Firstly, the public road into the reserve is
regularly used by abalone and west coast rock lobster illegal harvesters who use the coastline around the Bokbaai
NR. This issue does not fall directly within the Bokbaai NR mandate as the offences occur outside of the reserve
boundary and on the public road. In terms of direct action against the offenders, the role of Bokbaai NR staff
should be limited to the provision of information to CapeNature and/or the Department of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries, where possible and useful. Furthermore, given the primary use of the reserve for environmental
education and the regular presence of school children, the risks associated with a confrontation with organised
and potentially violent poachers should be considered excessive and is best left to the authorities.

While direct enforcement is not recommended, structural changes can be put in place that increase the level of
difficulty required for illegal harvesting, thereby deterring some of the illegal harvesting effort. Key interventions
would include deproclamation of the public road, relocation of CapeNature entrance gate to the common road
off the R27, installation of licence plate recognition cameras at the entrance gate and instituting a permitting
system (with or without charge) whereby identification is required, along with a stated reason for entry.
Formalising the parking areas utilised by the illegal harvesting syndicates and removing access to parking areas
out of sight of the main entrance road would also be of value.

Another important aspect to consider in terms of security and compliance is coordination and cooperation with
neighbouring landowners. In this case, the Bokbaai NR is surrounded on all sides by Cape Nature reserve land. The
Mapula Trust has maintained a good relationship with Cape Nature and both parties are in a position to benefit
from opportunities for coordination on security matters. While operations to combat illegal harvesting of abalone
and rock lobster should be left to CapeNature and other government authorities, other issues such as theft, land
invasion and illegal harvesting of plants or terrestrial animals should be discussed when they arise to determine
whether a collaborative approach may be useful.

6.7 Environmental and Heritage Education

Opportunity for environmental and heritage education is listed as a key ecosystem service provided by the
reserve. The Mapula Trust, in partnership with the Nature Connect non-profit organisation (NPO), have made
excellent strides ahead in this regard. This includes restoration of the historical infrastructure and the repurposing
thereof for accommodation, a museum and an environmental education centre. In addition, camp sites, a sewage
treatment plant and a toilet block have been constructed. With infrastructure in place, the reserve in a good
position to begin hosting regular school camps and other educational activities.

Opportunities abound to create impactful education experiences for school children. The environmental
education programmes should make full use of these opportunities by designing activities that showcase the

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

reserve’s diversity and special features. The heritage value of the reserve should also be incorporated into the
programmes.

Environmental education should also not be restricted to school groups. Fishermen also visit the site daily which
creates opportunity for meaningful environmental and heritage education by passive means.

6.8 Research and Monitoring

The Bokbaai NR has not been well studied to date in terms of the fauna and flora present, and the ecological
processes that maintain their habitats. A fair amount of information may be gleaned from research in the
surrounding Ganzekraal CapeNature area which has similar vegetation types and management issues. There will
be many aspects of Bokbaai NR that are unique, and there is a need to understand the components of the
ecosystem and the relationships between them. The research and monitoring priorities for the reserve follow in
order of priority:

➢ Formal confirmation of Psoralea cf glaucena identification & population monitoring

➢ Ad-hoc sightings data collection (formally by trained reserve staff and informally by visitors on iNaturalist)
➢ Ad-hoc events data collection (e.g. estuary mouth opening/closure events)
➢ Monitoring of T. capensis encroachment in the Bok River estuary
➢ Watercourse hydrology monitoring
➢ Bush encroachment monitoring
➢ SCC plant species surveys
➢ SCC Invertebrate surveys, particularly Scarabacae and Lepidoptera
➢ Verification of the possible historical outspan area identified during 2022 fieldwork
➢ Small mammal surveys
➢ Survey Bok River for Galaxius sp
➢ General avifauna surveys
➢ Herpetofauna surveys
➢ Alien invasive species monitoring

An additional priority is the creation of a repository where all relevant research papers and monitoring data is
kept on hand, which can also be provided to the broader scientific community.

6.9 Equipment, Resources and Infrastructure Needs

Discussion with reserve staff indicated that the majority of the tools, infrastructure and resources required for
their current duties were available. Several needs were nevertheless noted that will contribute to efficiency
and/or will be needed for implementation of new management activities in terms of this management plan.
Provision of adequate tools and resources will need to be addressed.

A key equipment need was for an in-field mapping/navigation system. It was noted that reserve staff do not know
where the reserve boundary lies and do not have means to record geographical information or navigate to
specified locations. Furthermore, the new tasks in the management plan will require field staff to be able to
determine the locations of management blocks, SCC plant species and various other elements. This need could
be fulfilled by a GPS, but there are many smartphone-based applications that could fill this gap in a superior

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

manner at little or no cost. This route is therefore advocated, and the selection and provision of smartphone-
based mapping software should be a high priority. For biodiversity monitoring the use of camera traps is
recommended. This will allow for passive collection of species data.

In terms of infrastructure needs, it was noted during fieldwork that the containers being used for storage were
inadequate and that materials and some equipment were stored outside in several locations. There was also no
dedicated workshop space for maintenance activities which were also undertaken outdoors. This arrangement
detracts from the aesthetics of the main infrastructure node and has reduced the degree to which the large
disturbance areas between the buildings can be landscaped/rehabilitated. Provision of an adequate workshop
with a storeroom and enclosed work yard is a high priority.

Furthermore, it is possible to further maximise use of the dam for environmental education. Once T. capensis is
under control, the dam will provide an excellent site for constructing a bird hide. The dam is an excellent location
as it is home to black-crowned night herons and other shy waterbirds seldom encountered by school children and
which can generate substantial interest in the natural world. It is also a previously disturbed area (particularly
nearer the adjacent road) which limits potential impact from construction of the hide.

7. Aims, Management Objectives and Key Performance Areas

The objectives that follow give effect to the vision for the Bokbaai NR by clarifying the key components thereof
that must be advanced to achieve the vision.

The aims of Bokbaai NR management are as follows:

1. To preserve and enhance the ecological integrity of the Bokbaai NR

2. To contribute to the ecological integrity of the Dassen Coastal Complex and Climate Corridor by providing
connectivity and continuity, thereby contributing to landscape conservation initiatives that build system
resilience;
3. To conserve biodiversity in the protected area;
4. To protect ecosystems, habitats and species (fauna and flora) that naturally occur in the reserve, with
particular focus on threatened, rare or endemic ecosystems and species;
5. To preferentially protect the portions of the reserve that are most vulnerable and ecologically sensitive;
6. To ensure and enhance the sustained supply of ecological goods and services provided by the reserve;
7. To manage the interrelationship between natural environmental biodiversity, human settlement and
economic development;
8. To preserve the cultural heritage value of the site and to provide opportunity for heritage education and
experiences;
9. To expand knowledge of Bokbaai NR ecosystem components, drivers and interrelationships to inform
management actions at the reserve and to contribute to the body of conservation information available
for the ecosystem types and elements represented at Bokbaai NR;
10. To provide opportunities for research, NGO activities and employment thereby contributing to the local
economy;
11. To influence change at all levels of society, internally and externally, through environmental education,
awareness and the development of conservation stewards.

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Key Performance Areas (KPAs) have been defined to address these aims, which have been further disaggregated
into objectives for each KPA and deliverables for each objective. Tables 7.1-7.4 below set out the KPAs, the
objectives for each KPA and the key deliverables for each objective.

In the Annual Plan of Operations (APO), the objectives below are prioritised in terms of importance and urgency
and detailed management activities are described that will deliver the desired outcomes under each objective.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Table 7-1: Biodiversity and ecological components objectives and deliverables

KPA: Biodiversity and ecological Components

OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE STATEMENT KEY DELIVERABLES

Biodiversity To gather, document and share knowledge on how to  Maintain a prioritised list of key knowledge gaps to be researched.
knowledge achieve management objectives with the reserve  Establish partnerships with academic institutions to close knowledge gaps in a prioritised manner but
management and team to increase management effectiveness, and with making use of opportunities as they become available.
sharing the broader conservation community.  Create and maintain an electronic repository for all research conducted at or relevant to Bokbaai NR. Ensure
that all researchers working on site provide electronic copies of their reports to the reserve.
 Ensure that the management plan is updated in accordance with the latest research during reviews.
 Alert the team to any significant research that may change any element of reserve management.
Research and field To continually increase the level of understanding of  Establish relationships with key research partners.
surveys the ecosystems present within Bokbaai NR, such that  Survey and map all SCC plant species as a baseline for monitoring.
management of these ecosystems may continually  Flesh out all species lists.
improve.  Ensure that management of Bokbaai NR is in line with latest research and continually improves as new
research is conducted.
Biomonitoring To provide a quantitative measure of change in the  Establish a protocol for recording ad-hoc sightings of fauna, flora and ecologically relevant events.
reserve ecosystems over long periods of time such  Monitor hydrology, vegetation condition, SCC presence and populations by appropriate means.
that gradual changes can be managed accordingly.  Ensure that monitoring priorities and protocols are practically implementable by existing field staff with
limited additional training, equipment and distraction from present duties.
 Capacitate field staff to undertake monitoring tasks by providing required equipment and training.
 Ensure that all biomonitoring data generated is stored in a useable, accessible format.
 Establish camera trap monitoring for passive data collection.
Vegetation To conserve the fynbos and strandveld mosaics typical  Map distributions of plant SCC present on the reserve, with population counts/estimates.
management of the vegetation types, ensure effective conservation  Establish a comprehensive floral species list available for research, management and environmental
of the floral biodiversity and improve the ecosystem education.
functioning in Bokbaai NR.  Delineate boundaries of vegetation types on site at least twice within the pamp lifecycle (every 5 years) to
measure any change over time. Alternatively, monitor vegetation type extent over time by appropriate
means, e.g. fixed point photography.
 Re-establish a near-natural fire regime appropriate for each vegetation type.
 Use large game animals to help maintain the veld mosaic.
 Undertake active and passive rehabilitation as per the ‘restoration and rehabilitation’ section below.
 Establish an alien invasive flora eradication programme focussed on weedy alien species currently present
within the reserve.
  Ensure that new alien invasive species within the reserve are noted and addressed appropriately as they
emerge.
 Implement a veld monitoring programme that provides indications of bush encroachment, readiness for
fire, presence and density of alien invasive species and change in SCC numbers and, where relevant,
distribution.
 Ensure that proposed developments and infrastructure are aligned to all relevant legislation including,
NEMA, SEMAs and NWA.
Aquatic and riparian To ensure effective conservation of, improve the  Implement a monitoring programme that provides indications of hydrological supply changes in the aquatic
systems biodiversity and ecosystem function of and reduce systems of the reserve.
climate change impact on aquatic and riparian  Implement an alien invasive species clearing and maintenance programme for all aquatic systems and their
systems within the reserve. catchments, particularly the Bok River and the wetlands that contain Psoralea cf glaucena.
 Survey the Bok River for Galaxias fish species by means of an eDNA sample.
Wildlife To ensure effective conservation of faunal species,  Reintroduce appropriate large herbivores and manage their populations at viable carrying capacity.
populations, and inter-relationships to enhance  Conduct surveys to determine presence of SCC fauna species in a prioritised manner and establish
biodiversity and maintain and improve ecosystem monitoring programmes to determine continued presence.
functioning.  Compile and maintain a complete fauna species list covering mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and
invertebrates, using ad-hoc and survey-related records.
 Remove alien European honeybee hives OR establish a research programme to determine impact of the
hives on native fauna and flora, including native bees.
 Ensure that other potentially invasive fauna species do not become established in the reserve.
Species of special To ensure populations of species of special concern  Identify plant and animal species of special concern present on the reserve by formal survey.
concern grow to meet natural population limits, whereafter  Establish and monitor distribution and population numbers of the identified floral species.
populations are maintained.  Establish and monitor presence of SCC fauna species.
 Identify and implement special management requirements for each species if required.
Illegal harvesting Endeavour to prevent the illegal harvesting of plants  Maintain security measures currently in place as per Signage, Fencing and Security section below.
and animals from the reserve.  Maintain records of illegal harvesting incidents as per the Biomonitoring and Signage, Fencing and Security
Sections.
 Seek assistance from conservation authorities, law enforcement and SAPS in addressing the illegal
harvesting threat at bokbaai NR.

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Rehabilitation and To ensure that all previously disturbed or transformed  Remove unnecessary infrastructure and rehabilitate previously disturbed areas wherever possible within
restoration areas are rehabilitated, apart from those that are the reserve.
required for essential reserve activities and  Use active rehabilitation at the dam by addressing overgrowth of indigenous T. capensis.
infrastructure required by this management plan.  Implement long term monitoring of restoration/rehabilitation sites to determine effectiveness.

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

Table 7-2 Sustainable utilisation of natural resources objectives and deliverables
KPA: Sustainable utilisation of Natural Resources
OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE STATEMENT KEY DELIVERABLES

Environmental education To provide students with an opportunity to learn about  Complete construction of environmental education infrastructure as planned.
the natural environment and grow in a personal  Maintain relationships with partner organisations such that at least 500 children per year
capacity. participate in environmental education programmes at the Bokbaai NR.
 Provide information on the reserve’s natural features and amenities to environmental
educators at partner organisations such that full use is made of the opportunities available in
the reserve.
 Ensure that environmental education infrastructure, activities and operations do not have a
negative impact on any of the conservation objectives of the reserve.
 Ensure that environmental education infrastructure design and construction complies with
development planning requirements.
 Develop trails, bird hides and other appropriate infrastructure to enhance environmental
education opportunities.
 Erect signage at the main infrastructure node to educate fishermen about Bokbaai NR
biodiversity, coastal biodiversity, and conservation.
 Ensure that development adheres to all relevant legislation including NEMA, SEMAs and the
NWA.

Table 7-3 Socio-economic and heritage objectives and deliverables

KPA: Socio-economic and heritage
OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE STATEMENT KEY DELIVERABLES

Socio-economic To work with relevant stakeholders to make a  Where possible, select employees and service providers from communities near to the reserve.
development initiatives meaningful contribution towards the socio-economic  Contribute to employment within the environmental education NGO sector by providing
development needs of local communities. environmental education opportunities of a quality that will sustainably attract international
funding for partner organisations.
Heritage features To locate, document, study and conserve  Partner with an academic institution to confirm the possible outspan identified.
archaeological, paleontological, and cultural heritage  Where possible, support academic institutions in furthering the body of knowledge on
features on the reserve, while contributing to the body Bokbaai’s heritage.
of knowledge on the subject and using the history of

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53
 Bokbaai to educate youth on relevant heritage issues  Ensure that record of all heritage features are kept on site, including location and all significant
and their links to modern life in South Africa. information for use in education programmes and research.
 Conserve the integrity of all archaeological and heritage features on the reserve through
adequate maintenance.

Table 7-4 Management authority effectiveness and sustainability objectives and deliverables
KPA: Management Authority effectiveness and sustainability
OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE STATEMENT KEY DELIVERABLES

Legal compliance To ensure all reserve declaration documentation is in  Submit this plan to CapeNature for approval.
order and ensure that all proposed development  Manage the reserve in compliance with the approved management plan.
within the reserve adheres to all relevant legislation  Train reserve staff on relevant legal obligations and potential pitfalls, and make sure
including NEMA, SEMAs and the NWA. instructions from Mapula Trust on legally complicated actions are clear.
 Ensure that no unlawful activities are undertaken by reserve staff or contractors.
Infrastructure and To maintain infrastructure and equipment in a sound  Encourage and provide opportunity for reserve staff to raise infrastructure and equipment
equipment working condition and to ensure that infrastructure needs.
and equipment are adequate to address the needs of  Ensure that infrastructure is sufficient for operational requirements in accordance with the
field staff in implementing this plan. reserve objectives.
 Ensure that field staff have all equipment and resources required to implement this
management plan.
 Maintain and service infrastructure and equipment such that it is kept in safe working order.
Financial management To ensure that reserve objects are sufficiently funded  Ensure the available annual budget and APO are aligned.
as far as possible.  Ensure that annual budgets are spent as planned.
 Ensure that the Mapula Trust remains in compliance with all relevant financial legal
requirements in terms of South African law, in all transactions and dealings related to Bokbaai
NR.
Signage, access control and To ensure that visitors to the reserve conduct  Ensure the landward perimeter of the reserve is fenced as a clear demarcation of the boundary,
security themselves in a manner that is consistent with the and that the fence remains in excellent condition.
objectives of this management plan and are assured of  Rationalise and maintain signage at the main point of entry alongside the public road notifying
safety during their visit. entrants that they are entering Bokbaai Nature Reserve and providing rules and regulations in
the form of pictograms where possible, but also as text where necessary.

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  Maintain security measures currently in place and ensure that the security measures are
reviewed at least once per year and after any security incident to ensure that they remain
adequate.
 Make a reasonable attempt to de-proclaim the public road such that access to the reserve can
be lawfully managed by the reserve.

Firefighting To ensure that lives and infrastructure are adequately  Maintain membership of the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association.
protected from wildfire, that Mapula Trust is  Maintain adequate firebreaks.
adequately protected from fire-related liability and to  Ensure that reserve field staff are adequately equipped and trained to apply reasonable
ensure that burn frequency does not exceed natural firefighting effort.
limits.

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8. Operational Management Guidelines
This section provides technical guidelines for addressing the management objectives and deliverables outlined in
Section 7 above, thereby informing the Annual Plan of Operation (APO) and the reserve budget. The APO is
attached as Appendix D.

8.1 Management Units

It is useful for planning purposes to divide protected areas into management units such that large scale
management actions including ecological burning and alien clearing can be broken down into manageable portions
and prioritised. In the case of Bokbaai NR, the existing road network, reserve boundary and fire breaks provide
useful boundaries for defining management blocks. Twelve management blocks have been defined ranging in size
from 7 to 232 ha, each with their own characteristics. Most of the management blocks are between 45 and 200 ha
(Figure 8-1). Smaller management blocks include the main infrastructure node and two coastal areas west of the
main access road. The latter coastal blocks exhibit lower-growing coastal vegetation, preferentially impacted by
wind and salt spray to an extent that the growth form is distinct from other management blocks. Although small,
these blocks likely require unique management measures and have therefore been kept separate. The
management blocks for the purposes of this plan are defined on the map below and designated by number.

Bokbaai NR Management Blocks

Figure 8-1: Bokbaai NR numbered management blocks.

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56
8.2 Biodiversity and Ecological Components
8.2.1 Biodiversity Knowledge Management and Sharing
Research, planning and monitoring are of little use if the data and reports produced are not accessible. Making
information accessible to reserve staff, environmental educators and the broader scientific/conservation
management community does not require a complex system in the case of Bokbaai (Figure 8-2).

Given the volume of research and data expected to be generated in the coming years, complex databases are not
required for storage. A basic shareable, cloud-based repository (such as Dropbox or Google Drive) with a simple
file structure where papers, data and projects can be categorised by subject, will be adequate to store and share
relevant information where needed. Folders should be shared with reserve staff, environmental educators and
researchers working on the reserve as required. Alternatively, plans and data may be uploaded to the City of Cape
Town’s Biodiversity Database site for Bokbaai NR. Refer to the Ad-Hoc Sightings section below. It will be essential
to delegate responsibility for maintaining the repository to a single individual.

Sharing information with academics and conservation managers not directly involved with Bokbaai NR should take
place in two ways. Firstly, academics working on the reserve should be encouraged to publish where possible,
ensuring that research is available on online searchable academic databases. Secondly, a basic website for the
reserve indicating, among other things, availability of data, reports/plans and other information with contact
details for the responsible person should be created. A possible alternative would be to make information available
for download from such a website. Either approach is acceptable and results in information generated on site being
available to those who are in a position to use the information for furthering the cause of conservation.

Table 8-1: Biodiversity Knowledge Management and Sharing Tasks

Management Activity Timeframe
Draft and maintain a list of research priorities and make it available to partner institutions. Year 1 – Ongoing
Establish partnerships with academic institutions to pursue research objectives. Year 1 – Ongoing
Create and maintain an electronic repository for all research conducted at or relevant to Bokbaai NR. Ensure Year 1 – 3
that all researchers working on site provide electronic copies of their reports to the reserve to add to the
online repository.
Ensure that the management plan is updated in accordance with the latest research during reviews. Year 5
Alert the field staff to any significant research that may change any element of reserve management. Ongoing

8.2.2 Research and Field Surveys

Bokbaai NR has not been well researched or surveyed and there are many fairly basic knowledge gaps to be filled,
as listed in Section 6 above. Bokbaai NR lacks in-house capacity for research, but the reserve is conveniently located
near to Cape Town and there are many local academic institutions to partner with. The required surveys, including
for addressing each of the present priorities, follow.

8.2.2.1 SCC Species

At least six threatened species have been recorded at the reserve. These include:

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Plants
➢ Babiana nana (EN)
➢ Leucospermum hydrophyllocarpodendron (EN) – Grey-snakeskin pincushion (subspecies to be confirmed)
➢ Psoralea cf glaucena (CR) – Muizenberg fountainbush (species to be confirmed)

Invertebrates
➢ Aloeides thyra (EN) – Red copper butterfly

Birds
➢ Afrotis afra (VU) – Southern black korhaan
➢ Circus maurus (EN) – Black harrier

Of these, Leucospermum hydrophyllocarpodendron and Afrotis afra were confirmed to be present and relatively
common during fieldwork, and appropriate habitat for the other previously recorded species was confirmed. It is
likely however that other SCC species are present but remain undetected. Lists of possible SCC species are attached
in Appendix E. Comprehensive surveys by partner organisations are essential to ensure that all SCC species are
accounted for and can be monitored and managed. The following surveys should be undertaken, in order of priority
as far as possible, to complete the list of SCC species. These surveys will furthermore confirm the presence of the
other previously recorded species and will flesh out the species lists with non-SCC species.

SCC surveys will require academic assistance. Survey methodologies vary from group to group and from taxon to
taxon and may be complex. The following prioritised research/survey list should be provided to academic partner
organisations such as CREW (plants), lepsoc (butterflies), the University of Cape Town, and conservation
departments at the University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University and the Cape Peninsula University of
Technology. It is likely that all listed surveys and projects could be completed adequately within the five years by
students under supervision.

Psoralea cf glaucena
This species, thought to be Psoralea glaucena (CR), but which may be an entirely new species, is the highest priority
in terms of research (Figure 8-3). It is therefore addressed separately from the other SCC plant species.

1. Collect a sample during spring (flowering season) and confirm whether the species is P. glaucena. Use the
following procedure:
a. Fill a small bottle with water and take to the sampling site.
b. Take several general photographs of the stems, leaves, flowers and overall growth form.
c. Select a stem with two flowers or two stems with one flower each.
d. Neatly trim the stem/stems using secateurs or a large pair of scissors.
e. Place the stem/stems in the bottle to keep the sample fresh.
f. Transport the sample immediately to a SANBI taxonomist at the Compton Herbarium at the Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens ([email protected]) for identification and provide photographs for
additional information. A photograph of one of the plants is provided below, along with a map of indicating
the two locations, for reference when sampling (Figure 8-4). If the species is confirmed to be a new or
threatened species, implement task 2 below.

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2. Undertake a botanical survey of all wetlands on the reserve to determine whether any additional populations
exist. Surveys may take the form of a simple search. All additional locations should be marked by GPS (a
smartphone may be sufficient) either using a point (for small areas) or by walking the outer boundary of larger
patches, if located.

Sampling and surveys of the other wetlands to locate any additional populations should ideally be conducted by a
botanist or vegetation ecologist but could be undertaken by reserve staff who have familiarised themselves with
the species and the sampling protocol. Alternatively, SANBI, Bolus Herbarium staff at the University of Cape Town
([email protected]) or the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) would most likely be
willing to assist.

Figure 8-2: A photograph of Psoralea cf glaucena in one of the two wetland patches, growing through
the Cynodon dactylon (kweek grass) on the road verge.

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Figure 8-3: Map indicating the two very small wetlands where Psoralea cf glaucena was recorded.

Baseline SCC plant surveys

While some preliminary plant surveys and ad-hoc records have provided some information on the plant species of
the reserve, knowledge of the reserve flora is far from complete. Having the CoCT biodiversity branch assist with
biodiversity monitoring would be beneficial. SCC surveys as indicated below would generate sufficient information
to effectively manage the SCC species present on site. Key tasks include:

➢ General “bioblitz” type surveys to determine whether any additional SCC species are present. These will need
to be undertaken during all four seasons at least once per season.
➢ Mapping of known SCC plant species to determine distribution and, where the population is less than 30
individuals or patches, the location of each individual or patch.

Baseline SCC Invertebrate Research

The only data that is presently available on invertebrates within the Bokbaai NR are a few ad-hoc Lepidoptera
records. Nonetheless, one endangered butterfly species has been recorded. It is likely given the location,
vegetation condition, limited distribution of many invertebrate species and the presence of one SCC species that
others will be found in more comprehensive surveys. The following projects are essential to inform management.

➢ Baseline Lepidoptera survey by sweep netting.

➢ Baseline Scrabacae survey by pitfall trap and active capture.

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➢ Other invertebrate surveys recommended by an entomologist.
➢ Provision of management recommendations for any SCC species confirmed.

Baseline SCC Mammal Surveys

At present, only ad-hoc sighting information is available for mammals. No formal surveys have been conducted.
The following surveys are recommended.

➢ Small mammal survey by Sherman trap array – ideally using 40 traps over a period of 8 days with appropriate
baits.
➢ Camera trap survey for predators and other medium or large mammal species, using at least 10 camera traps
over a period of at least one year.
➢ Provision of management recommendations for any SCC species confirmed.

Bok River Fish Survey

Galaxias zebratus is widespread in the Western Cape but is in the process of being divided into a ‘species complex’.
The Silverstroom river at Silverstroomstrand a few kilometres south of the Bok River known to house Galaxias cf
zebratus which may be a new species or subspecies within the species complex. It is likely that the same, or an
additional species may be present in the Bok River which provides suitable habitat for the genus. It is recommended
that the eDNA method be used. This method involves analysis of sloughed DNA from species present in the system
to generate a species list. Sample analysis is moderately costly but can replace lengthy and even more costly field
surveys while providing more comprehensive results. A single sample near the mouth of the river would be
sufficient to produce a species list for the river and determine whether any Galaxias species are present and if so
which species these are. It is also the only method that can be practically attempted presently, given that the open-
water portions of the river are choked with vegetation.

Seasonal Avifaunal Surveys

At present, available avifaunal data is limited to ad-hoc sightings. It is worthwhile confirming the presence and
degree of dependence of SCC birds on the reserve and fleshing out the avifaunal species list more generally as a
by-product. Recommended surveys include:

➢ Confirmation of whether Black Harrier are present, whether they breed on the site and if so, the location of
ground nesting sites.
➢ General bird surveys in all four seasons to determine presence of additional SCCs and flesh out the general
species list.
➢ Provision of management recommendations for any SCC species confirmed, including Black Harrier and Black
Khorhaan.
➢ Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP) to map the distribution and relative abundance of birds in southern
Africa. Western Cape bird clubs can assist with this.

Herpetofauna Surveys
No amphibian SCC species are thought to be present at the site, although four SCC reptiles have been identified
that are quite likely present. No amphibian-specific surveys need to be undertaken, but amphibians caught as by-
catch during reptile, small mammal and invertebrate surveys should be recorded. Note that these surveys are less

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important than other surveys as reptile populations will respond well to good veld management and are unlikely
to require specific management measures. Reptiles should be sampled as follows.

➢ Undertake Scelotes survey by active searching in leaf litter and mole hills. At least two full days searching effort
by an experienced specialist should be included.
➢ Undertake a baseline reptile survey involving trap arrays in a variety of habitats. Ideally 15 trap arrays
consisting of pitfalls, funnel traps and drift fences should be employed over a period of two to four days, in
the summer when reptiles are most active.
➢ Management recommendations should be made where relevant.

8.2.2.2 Research and Survey Tasks

Table 8-2: Research and Field Survey Tasks
Management Activity Timeframe
Send a specimen of Psoralea cf glaucena to SANBI for formal identification. Year 1
Survey wetlands to determine baseline distribution and population of Psoralea cf glaucena. Year 1-2
Arrange a “bioblitz” survey with CREW to determine presence SCC species and improve general species list. Year 1-2
Arrange baseline Lepidoptera survey by sweep netting during early summer (October/November). Year 2-4
Arrange baseline Scarabacae survey by pitfall trap and active capture. Year 2-4
Arrange baseline potential SCC-focussed small mammal survey by Sherman trap array. Year 3-5
Arrange baseline mammal SCC-focussed camera trap survey. Year 4-8
Arrange Bok River fish survey by eDNA Year 3-6
Arrange avifaunal baseline surveys in four seasons Year 4-8
Arrange Scelotes active search survey Year 3-6
Arrange herpetofaunal baseline survey by trap arrays Year 4-7

8.2.3 Biomonitoring
Most ecological changes tend to take place over long periods of time. It is therefore difficult to notice or provide
evidence of either degradation or improvement over time without a robust, long term monitoring programme in
place. At the Bokbaai NR, monitoring capacity is limited in terms of staff time and scientific training. It is therefore
important that any vegetation monitoring that take place be simple and of low cost but must produce data that
can be analysed or interpreted by subject matter experts at a later date to advise on management. The
biomonitoring programmes that follow should be implemented.

8.2.3.1 Ad-Hoc Sighting and Events Records

Ad hoc sighting records are unlikely to provide useful information over a short period of time. Over years or decades
however, ad hoc sighting records can become a robust, statistically significant datasets. It is therefore important
that a platform be available to reserve staff to record such sightings.

The City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Database (www.biodiversity.co.za) is an online database designed for this
purpose. Although initiated by the City’s Biodiversity Branch, the database is not limited to the City and a Bokbaai
NR site already exists. Reserve staff and environmental educators should be granted access to the database for the
purpose of adding ad-hoc sightings.

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The usefulness of the data accumulated over time depends greatly on the capacity of the people logging the
sightings to correctly identify the species at hand. Ideally, all staff that are provided access to the database should
take part in the City’s Observer Standards training programme. Alternatively, field guides should be made available
to staff to learn at their own pace in the course of their duties, with all sightings vetted by an appropriately trained
observer.

The database calendar is also designed to log other events observations. Documents describing the event may be
uploaded, along with maps or geographical data files. All events that could potentially be of relevance to reserve
ecology should be recorded here. This includes, but is not limited to:

➢ Wildfires and ecological burns.

➢ Estuary mouth opening and closing events.
➢ Illegal harvesting, fence theft and other security-related incidents.
➢ Species reintroductions.

For the general public to contribute to ad-hoc sighting the use of the iNaturalist app is recommended as it is easily
accessible and user friendly.

8.2.3.2 Hydrology
Given the apparent drying of the watercourses within Bokbaai NR, it is essential to monitor local hydrological
changes to inform the need for management actions such as relocation of SCC plant species. Hydrology should be
monitored by means of the following two methods.

➢ Install a basic rain gauge at staff accommodation and record rainfall weekly in a logbook to be entered into a
spreadsheet once per annum and uploaded to the data repository.
➢ Construct and install a water level measuring rod in the dam marked at 10cm intervals. Take a reading once
per month and record it in a logbook. Enter the readings once per annum into a spreadsheet and upload to
the data repository.
➢ Delineate all watercourses once in ten years in accordance with the DWAF (2008) standard methodology to
determine whether the watercourse extents have changed. Upload GIS files (.shp, .kmz or similar), individual
extent maps (for each wetland) for the year of study, overlay maps using the 2022 extent as a baseline, and
an spreadsheet containing wetland areas for each wetland in each year of study.

8.2.3.3 Vegetation Condition

While it would be ideal to install vegetation monitoring plots or transects with regular botanical surveys at key
locations across the reserve, it is not presently feasible due to manpower, budgetary and capacity constraints.
While the data generated by such detailed monitoring would be of scientific relevance, there is little to be gained
from this approach for management purposes over simpler monitoring methodologies. The following simpler
methodologies should be employed.

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Fixed-point Photography

Repeat photography is a common and highly effective mechanism for monitoring not only species composition,
but also vegetation height, structure and signs of disturbance and senescence. It allows for a rapid appraisal by an
expert of fire readiness, thicket encroachment and the appropriateness of game stocking rates which is the primary
purpose of vegetation monitoring at Bokbaai NR. The photographs can furthermore be analysed formally to provide
more detailed information at a later stage if needed. Furthermore, once set up and properly equipped, the reserve
can conduct a fixed-point photography survey once per year in a few hours with no specialist equipment or advice
required.

One fixed point photography site has been designated within each management block to monitor general changes
in the vegetation. Additional photographs have been designated at key rehabilitation/management areas such as
the old, ploughed field, the Bok River Estuary (primarily to monitor T. capensis encroachment) and the dam,
bringing the total to 14 sites. Refer to Figure 8-4. Set up each site and the required equipment as follows:

➢ Purchase the following materials:

o Concrete (approximately 0.064 m2/site)
o Galvanised, stainless steel or aluminium square tubing – approximately 50 x 50 x 600 mm – one per site
o Two wooden batons (approx. 44 x 44 mm) at 1.6 and 2 m long
o Black and fluorescent orange spray paint
o A roll of masking tape
o A stencil with large numbers plus a stencil with a 20 mm long arrow or triangle shape (either purchased or
made from plastic/cardboard sheeting)
o ‘Hammerite’ or similar anti-rust paint (if galvanised steel is used) – colour of choice
o A basic digital camera with a 35 mm lens or equivalent
o A compass
➢ Cut the square tubing into 600 mm sections. If galvanised steel tubing is used, coat the tube liberally in anti-
rust paint.
➢ Cut the two batons to length as indicated. Tape off 10 cm sections from one end of the baton. Paint the 2.5 m
long baton black spray paint. Allow paint to dry fully. Remove the tape from previously taped sections and
cover the painted sections with tape. Paint the pole with fluorescent orange spray paint. Allow to dry fully.
Remove the tape. Stencil a ‘0.5’ onto the middle of the orange section nearest to 0.5 m from the ground.
Stencil an arrow/triangle shape above or below the numbering, with the point indicating where the 0.5 m
mark lies. Do the same for 1 m and 1.5 m. Allow to dry fully before use.
➢ At each site, dig a hole by hand of approximately 400 mm square. Insert the 600 mm long tube into the
concrete such that only 200 mm protrudes directly upwards. Mix and pour concrete into the hole such that
the concrete base lies just 10 cm below the surface. Cover the concrete base with sand while wet for aesthetic
purposes.
➢ Once the concrete is dry, chose a sunny day that is not overly windy and visit the fixed-point photography
sites. Two people are required for the task. Take photos in accordance with the following procedure:
o Person 1: Take the long, spray-painted pole. Pace out 10 m on a direct northerly compass bearing (magnetic
north) from the concrete base. Hold the pole vertically at the point paced out. Be sure that the numbering
faces the camera.

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 o Person 2: Place the pole in the square tube that protrudes vertically from the concrete base. Place the
camera on top of the pole and take the photograph.
o Repeat such that photographs are taken facing north, south, east and west at each site.

Fixed point photography should be undertaken once per season (all four seasons) during the first year and every
third year thereafter.

Bokbaai NR Fixed Point

Photography Sites

Figure 8-4: Locations for fixed point photography sites.

Indicator Bird Species

Thicket encroachment monitoring by fixed point photograph as indicated above is somewhat subjective. Having a
secondary measure of encroachment, linked to actual ecosystem changes caused by thicket encroachment, would
be ideal. Several bird species are sensitive to habitat structure and their departure can indicate excessive thicket.
It is recommended that the following two species (Figure 8-6) are monitored:

➢ Mirafra apiata– Cape clapper lark – prefers Atlantis Sand Fynbos

➢ Cercotrichas coryphaeus - Karoo scrub robin – prefers Strandveld

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These two species were selected due to their observed responses to bush encroachment recorded within nearby
City of Cape Town nature reserves.

Monitoring should take the form of a monthly strip count. The count should be undertaken during a slow drive (no
more than 20 km/h) from the main infrastructure node (at a designated start point, such as the ranger’s office)
along the perimeter road as far as the beach near the Bok River estuary. Count each sighting of either of these two
species during the drive. Note that these two species should only be counted during the monthly one-way strip
count and no further data should be added outside of the monthly count. Staff tasked with this count should be
equipped with at least one pair of 8x40 binoculars or similar.

Figure 8-5: Cape Clapper Lark (Holger Teichmann - https://ebird.org/species/caclar1) on the left and
Karoo Scrub Robin (Holger Teichmann - https://ebird.org/species/kasrob2) on the right.

8.2.3.4 SCC Monitoring

➢ EN and CR plant species – confirm the presence of each known individual once per annum by means of an
active search.
➢ EN and CR animal species (excluding vagrant species) – confirm presence of the species by means of an active
search if no ad hoc sightings have taken place for 12 months – request specialist assistance if required.
➢ Other threatened species – confirm presence of the species by active search if no ad hoc sightings have taken
place for five years – request specialist assistance if required.

8.2.3.5 Deliverables
The key deliverables due over the five-year planning period for biomonitoring are summarised below in Table 8-2.

Table 8-3: Biomonitoring Tasks

Management Activity Timeframe
Provide staff with the computer resources, profiles and training required to log ad-hoc Year 1 - Ongoing
sightings and events on the Biodiversity Database and initiate protocol.
Install rain gauge at the main infrastructure node and water level measuring rod at the dam. Initiate in year 1. Continue
Begin weekly rainfall and monthly dam water level monitoring. weekly and monthly monitoring
thereafter.

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 Install fixed point photography bases and take baseline photographs in each season for one Initiate in year 1. Continue
year. Continue quarterly photography each year thereafter. quarterly monitoring thereafter
once in every three years.
Monitor indicator bird species by strip count. Capacitate staff by providing binoculars, bird Initiate in year 1. Continue with
books and a map of the route. monthly count thereafter.
Initiate annual monitoring of EN and CR plant species individuals/clumps one year after Year 3
‘Bioblitz’ is conducted.

8.2.4 Vegetation Management

Maintaining and improving the health of the naturally occurring vegetation types and their associated fauna and
flora communities is the foundation of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in the Bokbaai NR. Management
measures addressing the key vegetation-related issues raised in Section 6 above are provided in the sections that
follow.

8.2.4.1 Thicket Management by Large Herbivore

Timeous reintroduction of large herbivores is the single most important vegetation management intervention
indicated in this management plan. While reintroduction and management of the animals is addressed under the
fauna section below, ensuring their effectiveness in maintaining the veld mosaic is a vegetation management
concern.

Stocking rates and population levels are the primary factors determining impact on vegetation. Stock levels of
between 6 and 12 ha per large stock unit (LSU) are typically advocated for stocking of strandveld vegetation types
with domestic livestock, such that browse and graze are not negatively impacted. The habitat quality objectives for
a stock farm and for a nature reserve differ however, and different areas of veld differ in their response to grazing
and browsing. It is therefore recommended that a low stocking density be used initially, at approximately 10% of
the lower rate indicated for domestic stocking. This works out to be approximately 1 LSU per 60 ha, or 17 LSU for
the entire Bokbaai NR. Total stocking numbers should increase proportionally if the animals will be allowed to roam
across the adjacent CapeNature land, and initial stocking rates should be defined by availability and by CapeNature.
Thereafter, animal numbers should be allowed to increase naturally until such time as the desired veld mosaic is
reached. It is recommend that Bokbaai NR engage with CapeNature and make use of their game stocking tool to
ensure appropriate stocking rates.

The desired veld mosaic is between 50 and 80% open veld, and therefore between 20 and 50% thicket. Once the
20% thicket threshold is reached, the herd should be halved to allow the vegetation to recover. Should the 50%
thicket threshold be reached, additional stocking should be considered, unless animal numbers are increasing
quickly. Thicket cover should be estimated during management plan audits once in five years, based on aerial
imagery, fixed-point photography and estimation during visual inspection of the site. Recommendations should be
given on stocking rates during each audit.

8.2.4.2 Alien Invasive Flora

Bokbaai NR has been well maintained over the last decade in terms of alien invasive species and most of the reserve
is in the maintenance phase. Only two areas require significant follow-up clearing, falling within management
blocks 7, 9, 10 and 12. These areas are highlighted in Figure 8-6 below. Although these areas are where most of

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the work should be done, the other management blocks (blocks 1 to 6, block 8 and block 11) should be considered
the highest priority since preventing reinvasion of clear areas is of utmost importance, followed by clearing of the
invaded management blocks. The two focus species are Acacia saligna and Acacia cyclops. The proposed clearing
actions are as follows:

➢ First undertake a full inspection of each block (1 to 6, 8 and 11) by road and then on foot to locate any
individual or isolated woody alien invasive species. Mark each individual and group of specimens by creating
a GPS point. Remove each individual specimen or any small groups that can be handled at the time and note
larger groups for later follow-up. Ensure follow-up within 30 days. Repeat the full inspection annually.
➢ Second, undertake an inspection of the remaining blocks and clear all lightly invaded areas within each block
as per the point above. Once lightly invaded areas have been cleared, continue with clearing of the more
significantly invaded areas within the Bok River gorge and near the eastern fence. Repeat inspections and
clearing once per quarter in these areas, until no woody invasive vegetation has been noted on inspections
for two consecutive quarters. Inspect and clear annually thereafter.
➢ Should there be a wildfire or ecological burn, inspect the burnt area once per month and clear all Acacia
seedlings. Continue until no seedlings are located for two consecutive months. Inspect once per quarter
thereafter. If no seedlings are located after two consecutive quarterly inspections, continue with annual
inspections.

Clearing methods for the two Acacia species depend on the size of the trees encountered. Seedlings should be
pulled out by hand, with the roots. Saplings should likewise be removed in totality using a “tree popper” tool. Larger
trees should be cut approximately 10 cm above the ground level. Acacia saligna will also require herbicide stump
treatment when cut to prevent regrowth. This will require a 3% mixture of herbicide containing tryclophyr as the
active ingredient. Once the stump is cut, the herbicide must be applied to the cut stump by spray bottle or paint
brush such that the cut end of the bark and outer layers are completely covered, ideally within 3 minutes after
cutting, before the stump becomes sealed.

In block 4, the main infrastructure node, the Manitoka sp. should be phased out. Alternative, locally indigenous
species for windbreaks and screens, such as Lycium ferocissimum (as frequently used to screen outspan areas
historically) should be planted alongside the existing screens as soon as possible, and the Manitoka sp. should be
cut back as the indigenous shrubs grow. The Eucalyptus sp. at the dam are to be phased out similarly with trees
that provide shade for environmental education groups. While the vegetation types present are not associated
with any indigenous tree species, extralimital but nationally indigenous trees such as Searsia lancea or Searsia
lucida may be used. The historically planted Araucaria heterophylla at the main infrastructure node form part of
the historical infrastructure and should not be removed.

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Figure 8-6: General locations of the majority alien invasive vegetation in the reserve.

8.2.4.3 Prescribed Ecological Burning

The importance of re-establishing a natural or near-natural fire regime cannot be overstated. The role of fire in
preserving biodiversity of these ecosystems, particularly the Atlantis Sand Fynbos vegetation type, includes
stimulating seed release and germination of many species by application of heat and smoke, improving soil nutrient
load and chemistry, and limiting thicket encroachment. Natural or optimal fire frequencies are a somewhat
controversial topic, partly due to difficulty in identifying the natural or desired state of the vegetation. In general
this is defined as the fire frequency that results in the highest overall species diversity, which usually requires
natural or prescribed fire once the vegetation has become senescent. The controversy is compounded by the
variation in time required to reach a senescent state between sites of the same vegetation type with changes in
rainfall, slope, aspect, soil characteristics, wind and presence of game animals.

Estimates of natural fire frequency for sand fynbos vegetation types are typically in the 8-to-25-year range although
estimates vary (Esler et al. 2014). The relationship between strandveld and the fire regimes of the neighbouring
vegetation types is poorly understood, although natural historical fire frequencies are generally estimated to have
been between 50 and 200 years (Rebelo et al. 2006). In conflict with this estimate, some strandveld sites have been
observed to enter a clearly senescent state within 20 to 30 years of fire absence. Furthermore, in the absence of
browsing and trampling by large herbivores however, thicket elements within the Strandveld tend to become
dominant more rapidly than under natural conditions, with almost complete loss of the natural veld mosaic due to

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thicket dominance having been observed within certain City of Cape Town nature reserves after 30 to 50 years of
fire absence (pers. com. Dalton Gibbs). The City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Management Branch presently uses
fire as a tool to combat thicket encroachment in the absence of large herbivores and this approach has been
successful.

The City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Management Branch presently manages large tracts of Atlantis Sand Fynbos
and the majority of the remaining Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and their recommended fire frequencies, based on
experience and observation to date are provided in Table 8-3.

Table 8-4: Typical fire frequency per vegetation type (pers. com. Dalton Gibbs)
Vegetation Type Fire Frequency
Atlantis Sand Fynbos 10 to 15 years
Dune Strandveld vegetation types 20 to 30 years
Succulent Dune Strandveld vegetation types May not require burning, but do not prevent fire

Given the limited available comment in the literature as to the appropriate fire regimes for these specific vegetation
types and given the wide degree of variation between sites, it is recommended that the decision to undertake an
ecological burn be taken on advice from specialists with specific experience in the management of these two
vegetation types. Such specialists may fortunately be found within the management staff of the adjacent
CapeNature reserves and within the nearby City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Management Branch, along with a
handful of Cape Town-based consultants. It is recommended that the auditor appointed for the 5-yearly audits
have personal experience managing one or both of these vegetation types and that opinions from other specialists
within CapeNature and/or the City of Cape Town be acquired before a decision is made to proceed with ecological
burns. The final decision as to whether a proposed block burn is warranted rests with CapeNature.

Each block should burn individually with a maximum of three blocks burnt each year, but the number of blocks
burnt in each year may be reduced further if resources are not available, to a minimum of one block burn per year.
Blocks 10 and 12 contain the majority of the Atlantis Sand Fynbos and the two should not burn in the same year.

A burn schedule is provided in Table 8-4 below that includes dates for each ecological block burn for three burn
cycles for each block. The plan is based on the current veld age (since last burn or severe disturbance event – see
Figure 8-7 below), the vegetation type(s), the burn years of the adjacent blocks and the likely available budget. The
plan should be implemented in its present form initially but must be updated should the veld age be reset by a
wildfire, or should an external auditor indicate that a change is required due to the condition of the veld. The areas
indicated as predominantly Atlantis Sand Fynbos have been given burn frequencies of between 10 and 15 years,
while Strandveld areas have been given intervals of 20 to 30 years. Areas dominated by a mixture of both
vegetation types has been given fire intervals of between 15 and 20 years.

Ecological burning should take place between December and March. A burn plan must be drafted for each
ecological burn well ahead of time (at least 3 months before) detailing the ignition point and method, the fire
breaks to be prepared, weather parameters required, the firefighting resources required and their deployment,
along with contingency plans in case of emergency. Burn planning and operations must be overseen by a qualified
Incident Commander of Grade Five or better class.

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Table 8-5: Prescribed ecological burn plan for Bokbaai NR management blocks
Block Veld Age Priority Burn Years (approx.)
1 Mostly 30+ years old. Some (~15%) is 7 years old 10 2027/28 2052/53 2077/78
2 30+ 8 2026/27 2051/52 2076/77
3 50% 30+ years old and 50% 7 years old 11 2027/28 2052/53 2077/78
4 1 year old (disturbed infrastructure block) 12 Do not burn - infrastructure risk
5 30+ 7 2025/26 2050/51 2075/76
6 30+ 6 2025/26 2050/51 2075/76
7 30+ 3 2023/24 2040/41 2075/76
8 30+ 4 2024/25 2040/41 2075/76
9 30+ 5 2024/25 2049/50 2075/76
10 30+ 2 2023/24 2036/37 2075/76
11 30+ 9 2026/27 2051/52 2075/76
12 30+ 1 2022/23 2035/36 2075/76

Cape Nature Fires Map:

Bokbaai Nature Reserve
Farm Portion 733

Bokbaai NR

Figure 8-7: Only one fire has occurred in recent record, in early 2015, impacting management blocks 1, 2
and 3.

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8.2.4.4 Management Tasks
The key tasks in terms of vegetation management are summarised as follows:

Table 8-6: Summary of key vegetation management tasks

Management Activity Timeframe
Stock large game as per Fauna Management section below, to reduce thicket encroachment and promote Year 2-4
habitat diversity.
Inspect and clear blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 11 of all woody alien invasive species. Repeat annually. Annually from
year 1
Inspect and clear blocks 7, 9, 10 and 12, beginning with the lightly invaded areas, followed by more densely Initiate in year 1
invaded areas. Repeat quarterly until two consecutive inspections fail to locate woody alien invasive species. and continue.
Thereafter proceed with annual inspections/clearing for maintenance.
In the event of a wildfire or ecological burn, initiate monthly inspections and clearing until no seedlings are Ongoing
located for two consecutive inspections. Thereafter inspect quarterly until no seedlings have been located
for two consecutive inspections. Thereafter proceed with annual inspections/clearing.
Plant indigenous and locally endemic, non-invasive windbreak/shade species in strategic locations to replace Year 1 - ongoing
alien species at the camp site and at the dam. Remove alien trees when function is filled by indigenous
species/
Initiate and continue prescribed ecological burn regime in accordance with Table 8-4. Adjust schedule based Year 1
on vegetation assessments during audits and in the event of wildfire.

8.2.5 Aquatic and Riparian Systems

In terms of Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation administrative areas, the Bokbaai NR lies in
the Berg River catchment, which is part of the Berg-Olifants Water Management Area. It does not drain to the Berg
River, but has a range of small wetland systems, the most substantial of which is the Bok River. Two of the smallest
wetlands contain the SCC Psoralea cf glaucena specimens and should be considered highly sensitive systems. All
of the wetlands (and the dam) are fed by shallow, localised aquifers, perched on calcrete. Abstraction from these
shallow, localised aquifers must be avoided. It is unlikely that the existing borehole impacts the shallow aquifers
however as it abstracts water from the main aquifer at far greater depth.

The wetland systems are threatened by:

➢ Climate change – reduced rainfall and resulting desiccation.

➢ Thicket encroachment – due to a lack of disturbance.
➢ Woody alien invasive species – which increase evapotranspiration rates in catchments, thereby reducing water
availability.
➢ Developments on the reserve.

These threats are addressed by the activities indicated in the sections above and no additional, specific
management measures are required.

8.2.6 Wildlife
The wildlife inventory at Bokbaai NR is presently very limited and improvement is addressed under the research
and monitoring sections above. An interesting observation during fieldwork was the apparent dominance of

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Raphicerus campestris (steenbok) and to a degree Sylvicapra grimmia (common duiker), which are associated with
open vegetation, over Raphicerus melanotis (Cape grysbok) which is associated with thicket. This is indicative that
the thicket encroachment observed has occurred relatively recently and that under past conditions, the vegetation
exhibited substantially less thicket. This further highlights the need to address thicket encroachment.

8.2.6.1 Reintroduction of Large Herbivores

The only intervention in terms of wildlife planned presently is the reintroduction of large fauna species. Large
herbivore species recorded in the coastal lowlands of this area at the time of European settlement included African
elephant (Loxodonta), an extinct subspecies of black rhino (Diceros bicornis), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus
amphibius), eland (Taurotragus oryx), Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra), ostrich (Struthio camelus
australis), red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) and grey rhebok (Pelea capreolus) (Radloff 2008).
Bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and blue antelope (Hippotragus leucophaeus)
now extinct, which were also common in the Cape at the time were restricted to the coastal lowlands east of
Kogelberg (Radloff 2008) and should be considered extralimital in the context of the Bokbaai NR.

Ostrich is already present within the reserve but have limited ability to combat thicket encroachment. Given the
relatively low prevalence of grass in the reserve, browsers or mixed grazers/browsers such as elephant, black rhino,
eland and (to some degree) red hartebeest would likely fair best in terms of diet, particularly initially. The reserve
is insufficient in scale for elephant but would be sufficient for black rhino, eland and/or red hartebeest, particularly
if allowed to roam across the adjacent CapeNature reserves as well.

The habitat is somewhat marginal for Cape mountain zebra due to their high grazing requirements, but they have
been introduced successfully to similar habitat at Koeberg Nature Reserve. There is presently a low prevalence of
grass in the reserve, but strandveld grazing is known to improve after the habitat is opened up, and zebra would
do considerably better if introduced a few years after other larger fauna. The farm does however fall just outside
the accepted natural distribution range in terms of the gazetted Birss et al., (2018) Biodiversity Management Plan
for Cape mountain zebra and in terms of the plan, introduction would not be allowed at Bokbaai NR. This should
however be confirmed with CapeNature.

Black rhino would be the most effective species to reintroduce given their great bulk and ability to open thicket
habitats, along with their preference for coarse or woody browse (Bothma & du Toit, 2010). Rhino are not presently
a practical possibility however, as the capacity is not available to defend these against the scourge of poaching. A
dedicated team of armed guards would be required at all times, particularly given the presence of abalone
poachers in the area who would likely take advantage of a chance at acquiring lucrative rhino horn. The subspecies
of black rhino historically present are also extinct, so it would only be possible introduce a close proxy.

Of the other possible species, eland have been shown to thrive in strandveld and even low nutrient fynbos
vegetation types (particularly in combination) and have been highly effective at combatting thicket encroachment
in Rondevlei, Blouberg and other nature reserves on the coastal plain. Given their bulk, they are likely to be the
most effective of the remaining potential species and their reintroduction is a top priority.

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Red hartebeest are mixed feeders who favour graze over browse. Habitat would be suitable for them and would
improve further as eland or rhino open up the veld and grazing improves. Their reintroduction would therefore be
a secondary priority and should follow introduction of eland by at least three years.

Eland are equivalent to 0.98 animals per LSU, while red hartebeest are equivalent to approximately 2.7 animals per
LSU. As such, it is recommended that first stocking of Bokbaai NR should include approximately 10 red hartebeest
(3.7 LSU) and 13 or 14 eland (13.3 LSU). These values may be scaled up accordingly should the animals be allowed
to roam across Ganzekraal Nature Reserve. The stocking density at which the population is maintained should be
determined during the 5-yearly management audits, based on the nature of veld mosaic as per the vegetation
management section above.

A key consideration before reintroducing larger game would be adequate fencing as required by the Game Trans-
location and Utilization Policy for the Western Cape (GTUP). Current Bokbaai NR fencing is low and does not present
a barrier to large game, although it demarcates the landward boundary adequately. One option is to upgrade this
fence to the required 2.4 m high game fencing. An alternative and preferable option would be to ensure that
continuous game fencing is in place around Gaanzekraal, and to allow game to roam across both reserves. In both
cases however, entrance gates across the public road may be necessary. Gates across a public road, as part of a
private fence, are lawful in terms of Section 21 of the Fencing Act (31 of 1963) unless specifically prohibited by the
relevant roads authority, but must be unlocked, at least 4.5 m wide, at approximate right angles to the road, or
sound construction that facilitates opening and closing, and must be well maintained. It should be noted that failure
to close such a gate after entry is an offence in terms of the same act.

Game species, stocking rates, fencing, sourcing, capture, translocation, acclimatisation and other considerations
should be addressed in a specific game reintroduction and management plan for each species/operation, which
must be approved by CapeNature before the operation takes place. Transport permits may also be required and
these should be secured if needed beforehand. Stocking rate calculations may be undertaken by application of the
Cape Nature stocking rate calculator, but direct veld assessments should remain the primary mechanism for
determining whether an appropriate stocking level has been reached.

8.2.6.2 Alien Invasive Fauna

The only alien and potentially invasive fauna noted at Bokbaai NR were the European honeybees at two locations
as indicated in Figure 8-8 below. The actual effect of European honeybees on local bees is not yet well understood,
but preliminary research indicates significant negative effects, particularly on indigenous solitary bees. The
precautionary and advised approach is to remove the beehives. The alternative approach is to use the reserve as
a case study for research into the impact of European honeybees, and to make a decision based on research
outcomes at a later stage.

While no other alien fauna species have been noted, it is likely that common alien species such as house sparrow
and common starling are periodically present. All new invasive fauna sightings must be captured on the Biodiversity
Database. Should invasive species become resident, these should be captured and relocated to an appropriate
location outside of the reserve, or alternatively destroyed at the earliest opportunity, wherever practical to do so.
If not practically possible to eradicate the species from the reserve within a single year, a control plan for the
species should be drafted by a specialist and attached to the is management plan as an appendix.

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Figure 8-8: Beehive locations in the reserve.

8.2.6.3 Management Tasks

Table 8-7: Key Wildlife Management Tasks
Management activity Time frame
Ensure that complete, appropriate game fencing (including gates) is present around the entire Bokbaai Year 1 - 3
NR OR, by agreement, around the entire Ganzekraal Nature Reserve such that game can roam freely.
Introduce approximately 13 or 14 eland to Bokbaai NR. Year 2 - 4
Introduce approximately 10 red hartebeest to Bokbaai NR. Year 2 - 6
Remove beehives OR initiate research on impacts. Year 2- 4

8.2.7 Species of Special Concern

Monitoring of Species of Special Concern is addressed in the Biomonitoring section above. No specific management
measures are to be undertaken at this time, beyond implementation of the general vegetation management
measures indicated. However, should it be noted during monitoring that Psoralea cf glaucena is dying back within
the wetlands due to desiccation, transplanting some affected specimens to wetter wetland areas should be
considered and an expert consulted on the potential operation.

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8.2.8 Illegal Harvesting
While illegal harvesting of marine life (particularly abalone and rock lobster) is rife along the Bokbaai coast, it
does not present a substantial threat within the reserve boundary which does not extend into the marine
environment. Illegally harvested marine life is however transported along the Farm Access Servitude that runs
through the property. Given the risks involved in combatting this form of illegal harvesting, no specific measures
are envisaged beyond reporting incidents to the SAPS and other relevant conservation authorities. Bokbaai NR
should however assist and cooperate with Cape Nature and other government entities as far as reasonably
possible while ensuring staff safety. Should an enforcement response plan be developed for the Dassen Coastal
Complex, Bokbaai NR should collaborate as far as possible such that future responses are well coordinated with
clear roles and responsibilities.

Illegal harvesting of vegetation or hunting of game animals is however likely to occur from time to time and
security staff should keep a lookout for trespassers and for snares, particularly along the reserve fence. Actions
at this time should be limited to fence and general reserve patrols, primarily as a deterrent, escorting of
trespassers out of the reserve, and removal of any snares found. This section should be reviewed should illegal
harvesting become a more significant issue or should prized game animals such as black rhino be reintroduced.

8.2.9 Rehabilitation and Restoration

Rehabilitation and restoration are key activities that allow an increase in available habitat across a nature reserve
by converting disturbed, hardened or non-natural habitat to viable, ecologically active natural or near natural
habitat. The Bokbaai NR provides limited opportunity for rehabilitation or restoration due to the high quality of the
majority of the habitat on site. The following opportunities are present however.

8.2.9.1 Roads
While vehicular access is essential across the reserve, many of the tracks established when the reserve was a
working farm are no longer required. Some, like the perimeter track, are essential for maintaining fences, for fire-
fighting access, security patrols, alien clearing and general reserve management duties Refer to Figure 8-10. Other
internal roads are essential for accessing infrastructure such as the water treatment plant, pump station and dam
(which will require maintenance). Other internal roads will only require occasional vehicular use during wildfires or
ecological burn operations, but the remainder can be used as hiking trails and allowed to rehabilitate passively.
Several roads can however be closed altogether and allowed to rehabilitate passively.

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 Bokbaai NR Road
Rationalization

Figure 8-9: Management objectives for internal roads and tracks.

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 Bokbaai NR Road
Rationalization

Figure 8-10: Closer view of the roads in and around the infrastructure node.

8.2.9.2 Main Infrastructure Node

Infrastructure at the main infrastructure node is presently used and necessary for environmental education and
reserve operations. It is not recommended that any permanent infrastructure in this area be removed. It is worth
noting that the new boys and girls camp sites, and the toilet block in between, has been constructed in a truly
visionary manner in terms of the layout and landscaping. The toilet block has been constructed partially
underground and is covered by soil that has been planted with locally indigenous vegetation. The final structure
blends almost seamlessly with the natural surroundings and the habitat created on this disturbed site is already
being used by local fauna. The site was previously highly disturbed, with cleared vegetation and infrastructure
present prior to construction of the camp and toilet block, and the net impact on habitat has been positive.

8.2.9.3 Parking Areas

Two degraded areas used by fishermen for parking were noted. One lies on the boundary of the Bokbaai NR, and
the other just outside along the coast. Refer to Figure 8-11 above for locations.

The parking area within the reserve includes tracks that extend over 150 m off the road into an old wetland that
was once mined for calcrete. It is not viable to rehabilitate the mined area without borrowing soil from adjacent
areas and expanding the zone of degradation and likely causing more damage than good. It is however possible to
control vehicle access and allow the wetland soils to reform naturally over time. It is essential that formal parking
bays be demarcated alongside the road and that the wetland be cordoned off.

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The second parking area does not fall within a wetland, but the disturbance zone does appear to be expanding.
This area was also historically disturbed, with excavated areas and old soil mounds evident. Parking bays adjacent
to the road should be demarcated, and the rest of the disturbed area covered with sediment from the soil mounds,
cordoned off and allowed to rehabilitate passively. This parking area does not fall within the NR boundary and
addressing rehabilitation of this site is therefore not mandatory for Bokbaai NR. It should also be done in
consultation with CapeNature if taken on by the Bokbaai NR.

8.2.9.4 The Dam

The old agricultural dam has been invaded by Typha capensis between 2009 and the present. The dam appears to
be free of T. capensis in all historical imagery prior to this date and was likely introduced either by wind-blown
seeds or by transportation of seeds from another location. T. capensis is unlikely to have been indigenous to the
wetland in which the dam was excavated given the seasonal/temporary zonation that would have been present
prior to excavation.

T. capensis proliferates extremely quickly and tends to fill the available habitat rapidly. The T. capensis in the dam
lined the northern and eastern banks in the first year, and this pattern remained until 2015. In 2016 and 2017,
during the height of a severe drought, the other banks were also colonised, completing a full ring around the dam.
The width of the ring remained constant until late 2019, whereafter the T. capensis encroached rapidly inwards,
covering almost the entire dam by September 2022, leaving very little open water.

It is likely that this recent proliferation is not exclusively due to time, but to changing conditions in the dam as well.
T. capensis has specific habitat needs and requires permanently saturated soils within the upper 50 cm, and cannot
tolerate surface water depths beyond approximately 0.5 m. It is likely that the constraining factor in previous years
was water depth, indicating that the water level receded during the drought, and has continued receding since.
This is in keeping with the other observations indicated in the Climate Change section below.

Retention of the dam as a reserve feature, particularly in the context of climate predictions for the area, will require
control or eradication of T. capensis as a priority.

8.2.9.5 Old Reservoirs

Two old concrete reservoirs remain disused within the reserve. While not a high priority due to the small scale of
these structures, they should be removed in due course as they do not perform a function and could be replaced
by natural vegetation. The structures will need to be removed by bulldozer or similar heavy vehicle, with care not
to disturb vegetation compact soil adjacent to the structures. Once the structures are removed, the soil should be
replaced and smoothed, ripped to a depth of 30 cm, and allowed to rehabilitate passively. After the disturbance,
the site should be inspected regularly for invasive species as per the protocol post fire.

8.2.9.6 Historically Ploughed Field

According to historical satellite imagery, natural vegetation had colonised the site to a large degree by 1985, which
indicates that it was last ploughed decades ago. The disturbed site is however still clearly visible on current (2022)

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satellite imagery and the vegetation is markedly different in this area, lacking the diversity of the surrounding
vegetation (Figure 8-12).

Ploughed fields have typically been subjected to compaction, topsoil loss, and nutrient enrichment. These impacts
are difficult to address actively. Potential interventions are costly and have limited success rates and are therefore
not planned. Natural processes, such as bioturbation, grazing and browsing will redistribute nutrients, reform
topsoil and reverse compaction, and these processes are presently acting on the site. It may be expected however
that rehabilitation will take a very long time.

Old fields are prone to rapid invasion by species such as A. saligna and A. cyclops, and the disturbance and soil
chemistry changes associated with these species would reinforce the past disturbance and prolong the
rehabilitation process. Ensuring that these species do not colonise this site should therefore be a high priority for
the reserve. Reintroduction of large herbivores would furthermore increase the rate at which nutrients are
redistributed and diluted across the landscape, thereby increasing the rate of passive rehabilitation.

Figure 8-11: Vegetation within the old field (left) with vegetation more representative of the area along
the edge to the right.

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8.2.9.7 Management Tasks
Table 8-8: Summary of rehabilitation and restoration tasks
Management Activity Timeframe
Close roads in ‘red’ to all traffic as per Figure 8-9. Install “rehabilitation in progress” signs and physical cut Year 1 -2
brush (from alien clearing) or pole barriers along the entrances.
Close all roads in ‘blue’ to all vehicle traffic as per Figure 8-9 by informing staff. Year 1-2
Lay out, clear and demarcate parking bays adjacent to the road at the two parking areas. Close the remainder Year 4 -8
of the disturbed areas by installing a physical pole barrier. At the southern site, spread the soil from the
mounds across the site by hand. Install “rehabilitation in progress” signs and allow to rehabilitate passively.
Control Typha capensis in the dam. Year 1-2
Remove old concrete reservoirs. Monitor for and clear woody aliens as per protocol post fire. Year 5 -10

8.3 Sustainable Utilisation of Natural Resources

There is limited apparent public desire for the harvesting or utilisation of natural resources at Bokbaai NR. The
nearest residential community is approximately 3.5 km to the north at Grotto Bay and consists of high-cost
holiday and retirement homes. With the exception of recreational resource harvesting by hunting and fishing,
most natural resources provided by nature reserves are of low value per volume and are usually only sought
by low-income communities. The nearest low-income community is located at Mamre, nearly 10 km to the
east. Transport costs from Bokbaai NR to Atlantis further reduce the net value of any potential natural
resources.

The reserve does not offer much in terms of harvestable natural resources. It has small quantities of Restio
species that can be used for thatching, small amounts of Typha capensis reeds that can be used for constructing
baskets and similar items, low densities of harvestable game birds and animals, and a little wood in the form of
remaining Acacia and Eucalyptus trees. None of the resources are available at a scale that would render them
economically viable. The adjacent coastline offers fish and other resources and is accessed via the reserve, but
does not fall within the reserve boundary.

The greatest resources offered by the reserve are not harvestable resources, but the intrinsic natural, cultural
and aesthetic value. These aspects can be monetised in a sustainable manner by means of responsible tourism.
It is not however the goal of the Mapula Trust to make the reserve profitable. Rather it is their intention to
maximise sustainable use of the reserve’s natural resources by using the reserve for environmental education
purposes.

8.3.1 Environmental Education

A central part of the vision for the Bokbaai NR is to offer environmental education facilities for underprivileged
and underfunded schools in the Western Cape. They have partnered with the Nature Connect NGO who
arrange school groups and run highly professional, effective environmental education programmes. The unique
beauty and biodiversity features of the reserve together with its rich heritage make it an ideal location for the
environmental education. Additional tourism facilities are not currently envisaged for the reserve.

The reserve has recently been outfitted to cater for large school groups. A tented camp for up to 40 students
has been constructed with ablution facilities, along with a kitchen and accommodation for camp staff. The

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historic Bokbaai farmstead has been repurposed into a museum and environmental education centre/lecture
room. A borehole, water treatment plant and sewage treatment facility have also been added/upgraded to
cater for school groups. A bird hide in a strategic location has been recommended in this management plan.

With infrastructure in place, it is worthwhile ensuring that environmental educators are aware of the
opportunities offered by the reserve. It is recommended that a brochure be produced with a reserve map, a
list of interesting natural and historical features (also on the map) and ideas for environmental education
activities. This should be provided to environmental educators to ensure maximum use and impact. Some
potential high impact educational activities and actions are as follows:

➢ Provide external signage at the infrastructure node on the heritage value of the buildings and farm, the
ecological value of the reserve and the coastline for passing visitors. Rules and regulations for fishermen (from
the Marine Living Resources Act) should also be displayed and signage may be provided by the Department
of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
➢ Maximise use of the reserve for environmental education by providing a list of opportunities to Nature
Connect and other partners such as:
o Point out the wetlands that are desiccating and the estuary mouth that is clogged with T. capensis as
tangible victims of climate change.
o Sandy beach and rocky shore ecosystems could be explored.
o Hike the old wagon road with school groups. This will allow demonstration of both the Atlantis Sand
Fynbos and the Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation types, along with an immersive feeling of what
life was like for the farmers of the day bringing produce to Bokbaai for trade. Stop off at the old outspan
to complete the experience. Allow the old roads to grow closed as far as possible along this circuit such
that trails become more primitive and the sense of remoteness is enhanced – as per the infrastructure
rationalisation section above.
o Take school groups for a hike to the bird hide at the dam passing the coastline and inland areas. Provide
bird checklists with common bush, coastal and aquatic species listed. Have a friendly competition to see
who can spot the most bird species. This activity provides an opportunity to discuss and reinforce the
idea that that each habitat type is associated with a discreet set of faunal species.
o A comparative bird checklist activity could be undertaken with older school groups that generates bird
lists for the Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Atlantis Sand Fynbos vegetation types.
o Use the dam for sampling aquatic fauna with school groups and apply the Mini-SASS protocol.
o Undertake pitfall trap, small mammal and cover object surveys regularly with school groups so as to
connect the learners with seldom seen fauna of the reserve while also generating useful species data.
o Visit threatened plant species (such as Psoralea cf glaucena) and discuss habitat requirements and why
these species are threatened.

Use of these opportunities as appropriate would demonstrate biodiversity and the need to conserve
representative ecosystems of each type. It would also generate interest in the natural ecosystems, provide a sense
of history and raise a variety of historical social issues that are of relevance to South African and global societies
today.

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8.3.1.1 Management Tasks

Table 8-9: Environmental Education Tasks

Management activity Time frame
Provide information on reserve features of education importance to environmental education partners, Year 1
including suggested activities.
Develop, produce and install educational signage at the main infrastructure node primarily for fishermen Year 2 - 3

8.4 Socio-economic Development

Protected areas are most often located in rural districts where poverty and associated social issues are prevalent
Protected areas could thus potentially contribute to socio-economic development in the districts surrounding
reserves. Very high levels of poverty and unemployment persist in the Mamre and Atlantis communities, which
is loacated less than 10 km from the Bokbaai NR. While large staff components and substantial economic
opportunities are not envisaged for the reserve, given the environmental education focus, the Atlantis
community should be the primary source of reserve staff and service providers where possible. Specific actions
should include marketing of temporary and permanent reserve staff positions directly to the community.
Opportunities for the provision of services such as landscaping, alien clearing or other tasks should likewise be
advertised to small business in the Atlantis area where possible.

The primary contribution to socio-economic upliftment that will be made by Bokbaai NR is by providing high
quality environmental education facilities supporting programmes that will attract local and international
funding, thereby creating jobs in the environmental education sector. The jobs will be held primarily by partner
organisations such as Nature Connect.

No specific management actions are advocated for promoting socio-economic development, beyond the normal
operation of the reserve in accordance with the vision.

8.5 Heritage Features

The Mapula Trust is not only a custodian of the Bokbaai NR in space, but also in time. The farm on which Bokbaai
NR is located has considerable historical, social, aesthetic, architectural, cultural, and contextual significance
which extends beyond the predominantly scientific environmental emphasis referred to in the reserve
proclamation. The property is deemed a provincial heritage site and was declared a national monument in 1971.
The heritage features of the site deserve to be protected for intrinsic reasons as well as for the benefit of future
generations. The management of cultural heritage features contributes to the promotion of culture and heritage
through conserving and providing access to significant heritage resources for the benefit of visitors and the
broader community alike.

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The Bokbaai farmstead is located on the coast, on the only portion of this farm that extends to the ocean. This
farmstead is in remarkably good condition for its age with minimal modifications having been done to the original
buildings. The homestead, long outbuilding, the structure referred to as the old “jail” and a cottage located on
the property all date from the late 18th, early 19th century while the stables were built in the 20th century
(Figure 8-12). While pre-colonial archaeological resources have been found to occur on the reserve, they
generally have only minimal surface traces. Specialist assessments in this regard were conducted during the EIA
process (and subsequent development) for this site in 2017 and further archaeological assessments are not
required.

A possible outspan area (see Figure 4-7) was however located during fieldwork prior to the drafting of this plan
and should be investigated by an archaeologist. The addition of an outspan to the list of heritage features would
be significant. It’s addition to an environmental education itinerary would be even more impactful. It would allow
children to visualise the experience of bringing goods to the bay to trade with the ships by ox wagon. It would
also allow them to observe the impacts of nutrient enrichment on the soil and vegetation which is still evident
today after hundreds of years. This brings home the message that our actions today have impacts that change a
landscape for many generations.

Figure 8-12: Aerial view of Bokkerivier farmstead overlooking Bokbaai (Winter & Baumann, 2017).

The combination of historical, environmental, architectural and aesthetic criteria has contributed to the overall
heritage significance of the farm. The establishment of the environmental education centre on this property will
have a positive heritage impact as the historic structures have been refurbished and are being reused in an
appropriate adaptive manner which promotes enjoyment and appreciation of the place by a range of school
learners and researchers. In addition, the environmental education centre will make the complex and diverse
history of the farm more accessible, particularly to school children, but also to the broader local communities.
In addition to the on-site environmental education programme, cultural heritage programmes within the Dassen
Coastal Complex (of which the Bokbaai NR is part) are implemented through a Landscape Education Programme.

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8.5.1 Management Tasks

Table 8-10: Heritage Tasks

Management activity Time frame
Ensure that heritage information and experiences are incorporated into environmental education Year 1-2
information brochure/booklet for partners.
Arrange for specialist to verify outspan location. Year 2 - 4
Maintenance to heritage buildings should be done in a way that preserves the heritage value of the Ongoing
buildings. To ensure the heritage value of the building is not degraded.

8.6 Management Authority Effectiveness and Sustainability

All management plans provide a vision and objectives, along with task lists designed to achieve these. In addition,
it is exceedingly important that the resources and processes required to complete the tasks effectively are also
in place which is an aspect often overlooked in planning.

8.6.1 Legal Compliance

The Managing Authority is required to comply with all provisions of South African law. Apart from the general
provisions, certain legal requirements are applicable specifically to their role as the landowner and Managing
Authority. These include:

• Implementation of the agreed management plan and its reporting requirements in fulfilment of
NEM:PAA provisions.
• Adherence to NEMA, SEMAs and EIA regulations and processes for development.
• Adherence to NWA and relevant associated regulations related to abstraction from water resources,
discharge of or irrigation using treated effluent and development within 500 m of a wetland.
• Adherence to Veld and Forest Fire Act by maintaining membership to the Greater Cederberg Fire
Protection Association, by maintaining fire breaks at the property boundary (or where dictated by
agreement with the adjacent landowner) and by clearing alien invasive species in accordance with this
plan.
• Adherence to National Heritage Resources Act.

No specific actions are required at this time to ensure legal compliance with the above provisions as no
current issues of non-compliance have been noted.

It is however recommended that the Mapula Trust provide written instructions to security staff stationed
on the reserve regarding the delegation and limitation of arrest, search and seizure powers in terms of the
Criminal Procedures Act, including the use of force, on behalf of the Mapula Trust as the landowner. The
limitations imposed by the Mapula Trust and the procedures required for certain actions, such as requests
for authorisation from the Mapula Trust, must be clarified.

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8.6.1.1 Legal Compliance Tasks
Table 8-11: Legal Compliance Tasks
Management activity Time frame
Ensure that security staff understand the nature and limitations of the landowners power of arrest, Year 1
search and seizure as per NEMPAA delegated to them by management authority.

8.6.2 Infrastructure and Equipment

The Bokbaai NR requires adequate infrastructure and equipment to achieve the stated management objectives.
The infrastructure and equipment also needs to be kept in good working order.

8.6.2.1 Infrastructure and equipment needs

The following infrastructure, tools and equipment items that may enhance the efficiency of current duties or
may be required to undertake new tasks in terms of this plan have been identified. Some of the equipment items
may already be available to staff, but this should be verified. The various needs, in order of priority, area

Infrastructure
➢ A workshop building with permanent storeroom and enclosed work yard - This should be constructed in a
manner that is aesthetically coherent with the rest of the reserve. The workshop must be sufficient for all
foreseeable future needs.
➢ A bird hide at the dam, scaled to accommodate either 20 or 40 children plus environmental educators. The
bird hide should face the dam and blend in with the landscape as far as possible through the use of natural
materials.

Equipment
➢ Access to a common smartphone-based mapping programme. Locus maps is a good option, but many other
free options are available.
➢ A basic computer for logging sightings and events on the biodiversity database.
➢ At least one pair of 8 x 40 or similar binoculars for indicator bird strip counts.
➢ “Tree popper” tools (one or two) for easy removal of saplings without herbicide.

8.6.2.2 Maintenance Arrangements

Infrastructure and equipment may be rendered useless by a lack of equipment. The following maintenance
procedures will be required.

➢ Draft a list of vehicles and other equipment items that require regular servicing of maintenance procedures
and create a schedule.
➢ Create a prioritised list of other equipment that needs repair or maintenance work.

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➢ Draft a prioritised list of infrastructure maintenance tasks.
➢ Ensure that each maintenance task is delegated to a specific staff member.
➢ The Managing Authority must inspect equipment and infrastructure at least once per year to ensure that all
infrastructure and equipment is well maintained such that it is functional, safe and aesthetically sound.

8.6.2.3 Management Tasks

Table 8-12: Infrastructure and Equipment Tasks
Management activity Time frame
Plan and construct a workshop adequate for reserve needs. Ensure compliance with environmental
Year 1 - 4
regulations.
Plan and construct a bird hide at the dam. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Year 3 - 6
Select and install smartphone-based mapping application or provide GPS unit to field staff. Provide
Year 1
training and geographical data required to implement this management plan.
Ensure that field staff have access to a computer with an internet connection for logging ad-hoc
Year 1
sightings and for loading/downloading geographical data.

8.6.3 Financial Management

Bokbaai NR is not a registered commercial entity and is wholly owned, managed and financed by the Mapula Trust.
No commercial activities take place on the reserve. No entrance fee is charged and the Mapula trust does not
generate income from any environmental education or other activities. As such, the reserve does not engage
directly in substantial financial management.

The reserve, as a Mapula Trust project, is allocated a budget that is based on the needs of the reserve and the
availability of funds. It is, and should be, prioritised such that staff salaries are covered first, and the remainder of
the available budget is spent as per the APO, in order of priority. Staff salary payments, income generation, tax,
CPIC reporting and other financial management tasks take place at a broad Mapula Trust level, rather than at
reserve level and is therefore beyond the scope of this management plan. The key task required for adequate
financial management of the reserve however is the drafting of a detailed and APO to determine annual budgetary
needs.

8.6.4 Signage, Access Control and Security

It is essential to maintain long term integrity of the reserve and to manage visitor activities and flow that the
reserve boundary be clearly and adequately demarcated, and that rules and regulations be clearly
communicated to all visitors (Table 8-10). A boundary fence is an essential starting point. The fence does not
need to be substantial to fulfil this role and the existing low, multistrand fence is adequate, while still allowing
large animals to move over the fence and smaller animals to move through the fence when travelling to and
from the adjacent CapeNature reserve. This form of fencing is also much less prone to theft than more
substantial types of fencing. It may however be replaced with game fencing if required.

There is ample empirical and anecdotal evidence that a well-maintained fence generates a higher level of respect
for reserve rules, regulations and integrity. Dilapidated or rusty fencing has in various studies been associated
with substantially higher rates of illegal harvesting, land invasions and petty crime. It is therefore an important

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component in securing any reserve that the fence be maintained to a high standard. Ensure that the following
takes place at Bokbaai NR:

➢ Conduct fence patrols at least 3 times per week, but ideally more often.
➢ Undertake emergency fence repairs before nightfall of the same day.
➢ If emergency repairs are not neat and of equivalent standard to the rest of the fence, replace the emergency
repairs with formal repairs that are up to standard within one week of locating the breach.
➢ Repair any minor wear-and-tear issues along the fence as soon as practically possible, but within two weeks
at the most. Such issues may include significant rust damage, fenceposts that are leaning over to one side,
strands that are no longer affixed to the poles or strands that are no longer held straight under tension.

An entrance gate may be placed across the public road if required for game management purposes but access
to the public road may not be restricted and the gate must remain unlocked. The public road presents a security
risk however and attempting deproclamation of the road as a public road is a high priority task. This is a long-
term process however and it may not be successful, so this risk factor must be taken into account in the interim.

The next priority is to ensure that proper signage is in place at the entrance, adjacent to the public road. The sign
must clearly indicate the reserve name, emergency contact details and should list the rules and regulations for
visitors. Thought should be given to the rule and regulations to be displayed at the gate and all essential and
common aspects covered. These may be written or in pictogram form. The existing entrance sign should be
evaluated in terms of suitability and presentability and should be replaced if needed. Entrance signage should
be evaluated during future management reviews/audits and updated if required. Educational signage is dealt
with elsewhere in the plan. It should however be maintained to a high standard, as per the entrance signage.

On-site security presently consists of two armed security-focussed rangers supplied by a security service
provider. Given the scale of the site, two rangers is likely to be sufficient to ensure a reasonable level of safety
during camps, to ensure infrastructure is not vandalised, burgled or stolen and to respond to incidents when
they occur. With the present declining GDP per capita and increasing poverty in South Africa, petty or more
serious crime focussed on procuring food or income may become more commonplace. Introduction of large,
conspicuous game such as eland may lead to an increase in illegal harvesting attempts. It is important therefore
to re-evaluate the security needs at the reserve at regular intervals (i.e., during 5-yearly audits), after any
concerning incident, or after a substantial change in the reserve such an introduction of potentially valuable
animals. Should black rhino ever be considered for reintroduction, the security situation should be carefully
evaluated and planned for. All security incidents must be logged in an incident book and on the online repository
(e.g. the Biodiversity Database calendar). Incidents must be categorised by offence such that statistical analyses
may reveal trends.

Table 8-13: Signage, Access Control and Security Tasks

Management activity Time frame
Ensure that the boundary fence is patrolled at least three times per week. Ongoing
Ensure the fence line remains intact, and in a neat and presentable condition. Make any necessary
Ongoing
repairs timeously.

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 Year 2 – 3, then
Ensure that entrance signage clearly displays the name of the reserve, emergency contact details and
ongoing maintenance
relevant reserve rules/regulations.
as required.
Maintain records of unlawful activities. Ensure incident register is used consistently and online records Ongoing, with annual
are periodically updated. updates
Attempt to de-proclaim the public road such that access control can be more adequately exercised in
Year 2 - 10
future.

8.6.5 Firefighting
The vegetation types within the Bokbaai NR are fire prone and fire driven. Although adhering to a prescribed
ecological burning schedule will reduce the frequency of wildfire substantially, wildfires will occur from time to
time. The Veld and Forest Fire Act furthermore puts the onus on the landowner to take reasonable steps to
prevent wildfire from spreading to neighbouring properties. The following measures are advocated.

8.6.5.1 Fire Breaks

Fire breaks of approximately 8 to10 m wide have been cut along the boundary fence and include the boundary
road. Firebreaks of similar width have also been cut around the main infrastructure node. See Figure 8-13 and
Figure 8-14. These firebreaks are not complete however and it is recommended that they be extended to the
coast as per Figure 8-14, with permission from the landowner as these extensions fall seaward of the Bokbaai
NR boundary.

At present, the firebreaks represent much needed areas of disturbance in a largely closed landscape. However,
once the landscape opens up after introduction of large game animals and establishment of a prescribed
ecological burning regime, the habitat value of these areas will be diminished. Once this has occurred (likely after
five years or so), it is recommended that the outer firebreak be re-negotiated with CapeNature and reduced to
only the boundary road to limit unnatural disturbance in a naturally disturbed landscape.

Firebreaks serve two purposes. Firstly, they serve to slow and cool an approaching fire so that firefighting effort
can be applied more effectively. It is important to note they seldom stop a fire altogether and require firefighting
effort to be effective. The second and most important purpose then is to provide access for firefighting vehicles
to the fire front. Firebreaks that incorporate a road or track, such as the one along the outer fence, are therefore
the most effective as they allow for rapid, easier access. The minimum internationally recommended firebreak
width is 1.5x the maximum expected vegetation height, which in this case would call for a width of approximately
3 to 4 m. This standard works well in forest but does not apply as well in fynbos and strandveld vegetation types.
This width would place fire vehicles immediately adjacent to burning vegetation of over 2 m in height in places,
which with a strong wind and dry conditions can create flame heights of over 6 m and generate sufficient radiant
heat to restrict firefighter access, melt vehicle paint and plastic parts and potentially cause vehicles to ignite. The
existing width of 8 to 10 m is preferred as it allows vehicles to access and cool the fire front while keeping a
distance of 5 m or more away, thereby experiencing substantially reduced radiant heat.

It is unfortunately not practically possible to align the infrastructure node firebreak with existing roads to a
greater degree than is already the case. Firebreak maintenance prior to and during fire season will be important

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along both firebreaks but will be particularly important along the infrastructure node firebreak. The following
firebreak maintenance measures should be implemented.

➢ Cut firebreaks by tractor in September each year. Ensure that the resulting firebreak makes vehicular access
possible. The vegetation should however be trimmed at a height of between 5 and 10 cm above ground
level, such that vegetation can regrow, but not so rapidly that firebreak maintenance becomes
overwhelming.
➢ Inspect the firebreaks in June to assess the degree of restriction of vehicle access. If reserve fire vehicle
access to any portion of the firebreaks becomes unduly restricted by vegetation regrowth, this portion of
the firebreak must be recut within one week.

During preparation for prescribed ecological burns, temporary firebreaks must be cut in the same manner as the
permanent firebreaks, no more than two months before the intended date of burn. They should lie along the
burn block boundary and be of 8 to 10 m width and a final cut should be undertaken no more than two weeks
before the burn. The temporary firebreaks should not be maintained or recut after the burn is complete until
the next prescribed burn.

Vehicles must be restricted to reserve roads and firebreaks during ecological burns and wildfires, except in
instances where infrastructure or lives are directly threatened to preserve veld integrity and limit soil
compaction.

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Figure 8-13: Existing and proposed firebreaks within the reserve.

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Figure 8-14: Existing and proposed firebreaks around the main infrastructure node.

8.6.5.2 Equipment and Training

All field staff at the reserve must have at least basic wildfire training with one trained crew-leader on duty at all
times to lead the team. The following personal firefighting equipment must be supplied to all trained field staff.
It must be kept either with the staff member or at the nature reserve and must be maintained in a serviceable
condition at all times.

➢ A set of fire-retardant overalls designed for wildfire fighting.

➢ A Nomex fire-retardant flash hood.
➢ A pair of fire-rated goggles (ensure that the goggles fit the face-hole in the flash hood such that no skin is
exposed).
➢ A pair of calf-length fire-boots (to prevent burns when stepping mole-holes).
➢ A pair of leather or fire-retardant gloves.
➢ A water bottle or bladder carrying at least 2l of water.
➢ A backpack to carry the water bottle/bladder while on fire line and to store the remainder of the fire
equipment in one place when not in use.

The following non-personal firefighting equipment must also be kept in a single, designated fire store area (apart
from the vehicles that may be kept in a designated vehicle area on the reserve).

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➢ At least two serviceable 4x4 vehicles.
➢ At least two ‘skid unit/bakkie sakkie’ and/or trailer mounted fire units that fit the available vehicles and carry
at least 500l of water each.
➢ At least 20l of spare fuel for each unit.
➢ A fire hose for filling water tanks.
➢ At least one of each of the following hand-tools per trained field staff member:
o Fire beater
o Fire rake-hoe
o Spade or shovel
➢ At least one of each of the following items:
o Backpack sprayer (dedicated for firefighting use, not previously used for herbicide/pesticide or other
use)
o Pitchfork
➢ A comprehensive first aid kit that includes at least three large ‘Burnshield’ or similar dressings.

It is essential that firefighting equipment be maintained in a serviceable condition at all times, but particularly
during the summertime fire season. The following maintenance measures should be implemented.

➢ Compile a list of all personal and general firefighting equipment to be inspected for serviceability. Test all
equipment thoroughly.
➢ Use the checklist to inspect all firefighting equipment in September each, just prior to fire season.
➢ Reinspect all equipment in January of each year in the middle of fire season.
➢ Replace or repair any worn, rusted, damaged or unserviceable equipment as soon as it is detected, whether
during an inspection or at any other time.

The key tasks to maintain fire preparedness are summarised below in Table 8-11.

Table 8-14: Summary of Firefighting Preparedness Tasks

Management activity Time frame
Maintain Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association Membership. Ongoing
Maintain adequate firebreaks for wildfire access and protection and create adequate temporary
Ongoing
firebreaks for ecological burns.
Capacitate field staff for wildfire response by providing and maintaining adequate equipment and Year 1-2, ongoing
training. maintenance

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9. Implementing the Strategic Management Plan
9.1 Five-year Costing Plan
Below is an estimated breakdown of management costs for each management objective over a five-year period
of this Strategic Management Plan (Table 9-1). The figures listed below are realistic in-terms of the Management
Authorities forecasted budget at the time of drafting this plan. The detailed budgets in successive Annual Plans
of Operation should be used to update this cost estimate on an annual basis.

Table 9-1 Estimated annual management cost breakdown for a five-year period.
Management objectives 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Biodiversity Knowledge Management R500 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

Research and Field Surveys R5 000 R210 000 R120 000 R120 000 R150 000

Biomonitoring R5 000 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

Vegetation Management R620 000 R620 000 R620 000 R620 000 R620 000

Aquatic and riparian systems R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

Wildlife R500 000 R630 000 R665 000 R208 000 R60 000

Species of Special Concern Included in Research and Biomonitoring sections

Rehabilitation and Restoration R10 000 R25 000 R2000 R0,00 R35 000

Environmental Education R10 000 R20 000 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

Socio-economic development initiatives R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

Heritage Features R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

Legal Compliance R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

Infrastructure and equipment R320 000 R300 000 R300 000 R80 000 R0,00

Financial Management R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

Signage. Access control and security R10 000 R10 000 R13 500 R10 000 R10 000

Firefighting R10 000 R10 000 R13 500 R10 000 R10 000

Auditing R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R80 000

Estimated Annual Management Cost: R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00 R0,00

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9.2 Planning, Reporting and Revision
9.2.1 Annual Report
The Mapula Trust will draft a brief annual report at the end of each calendar year indicating all progress made in
achieving the management goals. The report should highlight successes but should also note any planned
management actions that were not undertaken, along with factors that contributed to or prevented success in
each planned task. Tasks that are no longer relevant or where alternatives have been noted that may result in a
better outcome, these must also be noted. The report will be submitted to CapeNature by the end of January.
The first report should be submitted in January 2024 after the first full calendar year of implementation of the
management plan.

9.2.2 Management Plan Updates

Mapula Trust will have the option of updating this management plan with minor changes once per annum. The
proposed changes and the reasoning behind them must be detailed in the annual report. The pre-existing plan
and the updated plan must both accompany the annual report. The proposed changes will take effect if approved
by CapeNature. CapeNature will have three weeks from the date of submission to review and approve or reject
the proposed changes.

9.2.3 Annual Plan of Operation

The Mapula Trust shall update the annual plan of operation to account for tasks completed in the past year, re-
evaluation of costs and timelines, and for changes in the management plan approved by CapeNature. If no
management plan changes are proposed in a particular year, the updated APO will be submitted to CapeNature
along with the annual report before the end of the following January. If changes are proposed, the updated APO
will be submitted by the end of February allowing time to update the APO after proposed changes have been
approved or rejected by CapeNature.

9.2.4 Five-yearly Management Audit

Management of Bokbaai NR will be audited against the existing management plan once in five years by an
independent conservation management specialist OR by Mapula Trust management in collaboration with
CapeNature specialists who are capable of assessing vegetation condition and fire readiness and have extensive
conservation management knowledge and experience. The audit should be undertaken prior to and include
recommendations for updating the plan, if required.

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10. References
Andrews, W. R. H., & Hutchings, L. (1980). Upwelling in the southern Benguela Current. Progress in Oceanography, 9(1), 1-81.

Birss, C. et al. (2016). Biodiversity Management Plan for the Cape mountain zebra in South Africa. Jointly developed by CapeNature,
South African National Parks, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, National Zoological Gardens, Department of Environmental
Affairs, Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development.
Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Free State Department of Economic, Small business, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Version, 1.

Boshoff, A., Landman, M., & Kerley, G. (2016). Filling the gaps on the maps: historical distribution patterns of some larger mammals
in part of southern Africa. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, 71(1), 23-87.

Bothma, J.P. (2010) Game ranch management. J.L. van Schaik Publishers, Pretoria.

CapeNature, 2021, Draft Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy: 2021 – 2025. Unpublished report. Produced by
CapeNature. Cape Town, South Africa. CapeNature (2019) Dassen Coastal Complex Protected Area Management Plan: 2019- 2029.
Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Cape Town.

DEA, D. of E. A. (2011) ‘National List of Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act’,
Government Gazette, 1003(34809), pp. 1–540.

DEA, D. of E. A. (2016) ‘National Protected Area Expansion Strategy for South Africa 2016. Department of Environmental Affairs,
Pretoria, South Africa’, p. 51. Available at: http://bgis.sanbi.org/protectedareas/Nationa_Protected_Area_Expansion_Strategy.pdf.

De Villiers, C., Holmes, P., Helme, N., Brown, D., Clark, B., Milton, S., Dean, R., Brownlie, S., Snaddon, K., Day, L., Ollis, D., Job, N.,
Dorse, C., Wood, J., Harrison, J., Palmer, G., Cadman, M., Maree, K., Manuel , J., Holness, S., Ralston, S., & Driver , A. (2016).
Ecosystem guidelines for environmental assessment in the Western Cape. Fynbos Forum.

Esler, K. J., Pierce, S. M., de Villiers, C. (2014). Fynbos Ecology and Management. Briza Publications. Pretoria.

Hanekom, N. W. (2007). The impact of different land uses on the phytodiversity of the West Coast Strandveld in and around
Rocherpan Nature Reserve (Doctoral dissertation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology).

Harrison, J. DU G., Scholtz, C. H., Chown, S. L. (2003). A revision of the endemic south-western African dung beetle subgenus
Scarabaeus (Pachysoma) MacLeay, including notes on other flightless Scarabaeini (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae). Journal of Natural
History. 37 p. 305 - 355. Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Helme, N. (2016). Botanical sensitivity map of Bokbaai werf area. Unpublished mapping for The Mapula Trust and Doug Jeffery
Environmental Consulting. Nick Helme Botanical Surveys, Scarborough.

Helme, N. (2017) Botanical Assessment of proposed new infrastructure on Bokbaai farm (Bokkerivier 733), West Coast.

Holmes, P. M., MacDonald, I. A. W. and Juritz, J. (1987) ‘Effects of Clearing Treatment on Seed Banks of the Alien Invasive Shrubs
Acacia saligna and Acacia cyclops in the Southern and South-Western Cape, South Africa’, The Journal of Applied Ecology, 24(3), p.
1045. doi: 10.2307/2404000.

Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M. C. (2006) ‘The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.’, Strelitzia 19, (December), pp. 1–
30. Available at: http://ebooks.cambridge.org/ref/id/CBO9781107415324A009.

Pence, G. Q. K. (2009) Climate Adaptation Scenarios for the Cape Floristic Region: Technical Report. Unpublished Report.

Radloff, F. G. T., Mucina, L., Bond, W. J., & Le Roux, P. J. (2010). Strontium isotope analyses of large herbivore habitat use in the
Cape Fynbos region of South Africa. Oecologia, 164, 567-578.

Rebelo, A. G. et al. (2006) ‘Fynbos Biome’, in Rutherford, M. C. and Mucina, L. (eds) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and
Swaziland. Strelitzia.

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Rouget, M. et al. (2004) ‘South African National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004: technical report. Vol. 1: Terrestrial
component. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.’ Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12143/742.

Rutherford, M.C., Mucina, L. & Powrie, L.W. (2006) (Reprint 2011). "Biomes and bioregions of southern Africa'. In: L. Mucina, L. and
Rutherford, M.C. (eds), The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19: 30–51. South African National
Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. (Rutherford et al. 2006)

Schulze, R.E., (2009). SA Atlas of Climatology and Agrohydrology. CapeFarmMapper ver.2.6.10.

South African National Biodiversity Institute. (2022). Terrestrial RLE 2022 Table 20221118. SANBI.
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12143/7642

South African National Biodiversity Institute (2006-2018). The Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, Mucina, L.,
Rutherford, M.C. and Powrie, L.W. (Editors), Online, http://bgis.sanbi.org/Projects/Detail/186, Version 2018.

Sink, K. et al. (2012) National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: Technical Report. Volume 4: Marine and Coastal Component. Pretoria:
South African National Biodiversity Institute.

Theron, A. K., & Rossouw, M. (2008). Analysis of potential coastal zone climate change impacts and possible response options in the
southern African region. Science Real and Relevant: 2nd CSIR Biennial Conference, CSIR International Convention Centre Pretoria,
17-18 November 2008, 10pp.

WCD-SDF (2020) ‘West Coast District Municipality Spatial Development Framework’, (February).

Webber, E. (2003) Invasive plant species of the world: a reference guide to environmental weeds. CABI Publishing Wallingford UK.

Winter, B. S. and Baumann, N. (2017) ‘Heritage Report and Application’, (November).

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 Appendices
APPENDIX A – List of statutes to which the Nature Reserve is subject
Biodiversity and Cultural Resource Management and Development:

• Animals Protection Act [No. 71 of 1962]

• Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act [No. 43 of 1983]

• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa [No. 108 of 1996]

• Hazardous Substances Act [No. 15 of 1973]

• Western Cape Heritage Management Act [No. 10 of 1997]

• Western Cape Nature Conservation Management Act [No. 9 of 1997]

• Western Cape Biodiversity Act [6 of 2021]

• National Environmental Management Act [No. 107 of 1998]

• National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act [No. 10 of 2004]

• National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act [No. 57 of 2003]

• National Forests Act [No. 84 of 1998]

• National Heritage Resources Act [No. 25 of 1999]

• National Water Act [No. 36 of 1998]

• National Water Amendment Act [No. 45 of 1999]

• National Veld and Forest Fire Act [No 101 of 1998]

• Nature Conservation Ordinance [No. 19 of 1974]

General Management:

• Occupational Health and Safety Act [No. 85 of 1993]

• Western Cape Planning and Development Act [No. 7 of 1998]

• Local Government: Municipal Systems Act [No. 32 of 2000]

Human Resource Management:

• Basic Conditions of Employment Act [No. 75 of 1997]

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APPENDIX B - Copy of Bokbaai Nature Reserve and Heritage declarations

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APPENDIX C - Zonation Categories

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Table C1: Zonation of Primitive Areas
Visitor Facilities /
Zone Zone Objective Characteristics Visitor Access Management Guidelines
Activities Infrastructure
Users: Intrinsically wild Guided or Deviation from No access Visitor Management:
To provide an appearance & unguided natural state to be without zone Manage to conserve natural
experience of character. nature minimised. permit. and cultural resources,
solitude in natural Areas where observation Infrastructure Control of ecological processes and wild
landscapes with users will Primarily should not be visitor appearance & character.
little nearby seldom intended for visible from numbers, Restrict numbers of visitors and
evidence of encounter other hiking or Wilderness Zones. frequency and allow for no-use rest periods if
human presence. human groups walking May provide group sizes to required.
Can provide or presence. access. isolated, small, meet zone
access to and objectives All facilities will be small, very
Any visible Only allows unobtrusive basic, self-catering and
buffer Wilderness human impact for 4x4 accommodation Only users of
Zones. distributed to avoid contact
or infrastructure routes or facilities for up to facilities/ between users.
Conservation: inside the zone vehicle 16 guests on activities will
is unobtrusive. access if restricted have access to There should be limited if any
To maintain area interaction between groups.
in as near natural Human specifically footprints, this zone.
state as possible, activities considered particularly for Defined or Since visitor use usually cannot
with limited outside zone and noted. overnight hiking non-defined be intensively managed, re-
interference of, may be audible Only allows trails. hiking and day route trails away from any
and impact on, or visible in for non- May have defined trail routes. areas with sensitive local
biological and places. hiking or beaconed hiking On foot habitats or plant and animal
ecological accommoda routes, always. species.
Areas remote
patterns and from tion node if management access Bicycle, 2x4 or Trail layout, design and
processes. management specifically roads, tracks and 4x4 vehicle on construction must reduce
To limit visitor centres, or considered firebreaks. designated maintenance requirements.
Primitive Access

use, numbers and otherwise and noted Roads for visitor use routes only. Visible & audible human
infrastructure to difficult or may only be existing impacts from adjacent zones
minimise impact expensive to roads which have should be mitigated.
in sensitive access for specifically been
Conservation Management:
environments. management. designated for such
purposes. Habitats with lower or higher
Limit Areas that
management requirements.
management might not meet All roads, tracks or
May be natural burning zones.
activities, unless the criteria for trails should be
crucial for the Wilderness but located and Usually, remote areas so roads
functioning of can serve as constructed to and trails should be planned
ecological undeveloped reduce and constructed assuming
processes, or visual buffers maintenance, infrequent maintenance.
threats due to for Wilderness. visibility and Prevent or restore visible
unnatural causes Areas that may erosion. trampling or any other visitor
Limit the have natural Unstable or erosion- impact.
influence of burning prone road sections Rehabilitate non-useful roads
external and regimes, with should be closed, to natural vegetation.
neighbouring land no active fire and preventative
Consumptive Use:
use activities. management erosion control
and measures put in Sustainable use can be
Include extensive
road/firebreak place. appropriate under controlled
areas of sensitive
infrastructure circumstances subject to a
or threatened Avoid wide surfaced
OR areas that formal assessment and
habitats & species roads or roads and
require active application in accordance with
in this low use tracks wider than
fire CapeNature policies.
zone when sites required for a single
do not meet the management to vehicle.
criteria for stay within
wilderness. thresholds of
concern

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Table C2: Zonation of Nature Access Areas
Zone Visitor Facilities / Visitor
Zone Characteristics Management Guidelines
Objective Activities Infrastructure Access
Conservation: Areas with Guided or Some deviation No special Visitor Management:
To manage extensive lower unguided from access More frequent monitoring of these
and direct sensitivity habitats: nature natural/pristine control or areas are necessary to prevent damage
visitor use Areas able to observatio state allowed permits or degradation.
and plan accommodate n. particularly on less required
infrastructure sensitive or already for this More frequent footpath maintenance
higher numbers of Day hiking must be scheduled for busy routes,
to minimise visitors regularly, trails disturbed/transfor zone.
impact on med sites. with particular attention paid to use of
with no identified and/or Will cater railings or other access control to
sensitive sensitive or short trails. No for larger
environments prevent damage to sensitive areas.
regionally rare Bird hides, accommodation: number
. biodiversity. but ablution of visitors Unless visitor access can be intensively
canoeing, guided and managed, re-route trails
To actively Extensive areas mountain facilities may be than
manage users provided. primitive away from any sensitive local habitats
able to biking & or plant and animal species.
and visitor accommodate rock- May have defined zone
impacts. roads, trails and climbing or beaconed hiking Vehicle Trail layout, design and construction
Allows for tracks without high where routes, tourism access on must be specified to reduce
minimal or risk of erosion and appropriat and management dedicated maintenance requirements under
more degradation. e. Other access roads, and routes, higher use.
intensive Areas accessible activities if management with Visible & audible human impacts to
biodiversity for regular specifically tracks and pedestria adjacent Primitive or Wilderness Zones
management management of considered firebreaks. n access should be mitigated
intervention. roads and trails and Infrastructure from
Nature Access

Conservation Management:
Provide approved should be designed parking
Areas where roads as part of areas or Habitats with lower or higher
additional and trail to reduce impacts
specific adjacent management requirements. May be
protection to infrastructure can of higher visitor
reserve Developm natural burning zones.
sensitive or be located with low numbers.
threatened zoning ent Prevent or restore visible trampling or
visibility from the plan. Roads open to the Zones.
habitats, any other visitor impact.
surrounding public should be
species, or landscape, Motorised accessible by 2x4 On water Rehabilitate non-useful roads to
other particularly from 2x4 self- sedan. Full width – only natural vegetation.
features by adjacent Primitive drive tarred or surfaced non-
Consumptive Use:
Special or Wilderness access on roads or roads and motorised
Management designated crafts Sustainable use may be appropriate
Zones. tracks to
Overlays routes. allowed subject to a formal assessment and
Usually, areas that accommodate two
application in accordance with
Users: To require active fire No vehicles are
CapeNature policies.
always management with accommod appropriate.
provide easy firebreaks to stay ation or Unsurfaced roads
access to within thresholds camping. may be surfaced if
natural of concern but may Frequent a road planning
landscapes also include natural interaction exercise has
with low burning regimes. with other confirmed that the
expectation users. location is suitable.
of solitude.
Can buffer
wilderness or
Primitive
Zone.

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Table C3: Zonation of Development – Low Intensity
Zone Visitor Facilities / Visitor
Zone Characteristics Management Guidelines
Objective Activities Infrastructure Access
Users: Areas with existing Picnicking. Reception offices. Motorised Visitor Management:
To provide degraded or Walking or Self-catering self-drive Use infrastructure solutions such
access to transformed bicycle accommodation 2x4 sedan as railings, hard surfacing and
adjacent footprints. access into and camping for car access. boardwalks to manage
natural Natural or semi- adjacent up to 100 guests Tour bus undesirable visitor impacts.
landscapes with natural habitats only areas. in total at any access. Accept negative impacts on
no expectation where essential to Self-catering time. Parking natural habitats in this zone
of solitude. minimise impacts accommoda Single small areas. unless these are specifically
To provide over whole reserve. tion and lodges for up to addressed in a Special
This zone
primarily self- Areas able to camping. 30 guests are should be Management Overlay.
catering accommodate high Meeting, permissible if all used to Frequent footpath and road
accommodatio numbers of visitors workshops, facilities are provide maintenance must be scheduled
n or camping. regularly, with no or mini- contained in a parking and for high impact routes.
Can provide for identified sensitive conference compact walk-in
or regionally rare footprint, this Visible impacts to adjacent
Environmental activities for access for Zones should be considered and
Education biodiversity. no more represents the day visitors
total mitigated. Conservation
accommodatio Areas able to than the to adjacent. Management: Provide access
n and access accommodate number of accommodation
for the zone, and Nature and generate revenue.
into roads, trails and people that Access zone
surrounding accommodation can be any restaurant or Management should aim to
catering facilities if possible. mitigate the impacts of the high
landscapes. infrastructure accommoda
Development – Low Intensity

without risk of ted are for overnight number of visitors.

Conservation: guests only.
erosion or overnight in Largely transformed habitats
To locate the degradation. the zone. If possible, roads with lower management
zone and should be narrow requirements. Usually fire
infrastructure Areas easily Can provide
accessible from for with separate exclusion areas.
to minimise incoming and
impact on reserve Environmen Prevent or rehabilitate visible
management centre. tal outgoing routes;
sensitive trampling or any other visitor
Education otherwise double
environments. Areas where risk of impact.
accommoda vehicle width
To actively fire damage to roads are strongly Plan for a compact overall
infrastructure is low tion and
manage users advisable for development footprint, avoiding
or can be mitigated access into
and visitor safety and dispersed infrastructure that will
without surrounding
impacts on usability. increase fire risk and/or
unacceptable landscapes,
adjacent environmental footprint. This is
impacts on but this Roads in this zone
sensitive areas. most critical in fire-prone
surrounding must be should be
environments.
Provide environment. carefully surfaced to
additional planned not reduce Consumptive Use:
protection to Areas where new to conflict management cost Sustainable use may be
sensitive or infrastructure can be with visitor and appropriate subject to a formal
threatened located with low use. environmental assessment and application in
habitats, visibility from the impacts. accordance with CapeNature
species or other surrounding
Development and policies.
features by landscape.
infrastructure may
Special Areas not visible take up a
Management from Primitive or significant
Overlays Wilderness Zones. proportion of the
Areas with available zone, but planning
potable water, and should ensure
not sensitive to that area still
disposal of treated provides relatively
wastewater via soak natural outdoor
away. experience.

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APPENDIX D - Annual Plan of Operation 2023
This plan provides detailed, budget-aligned management actions for period January to December 2023. Additional management actions for future years and that may
be ongoing across a number of years are also included for future reference, but those not applicable to 2023 are in grey.
Table D1: KPA 1 - Biodiversity and Ecological Components
1.1 Biodiversity Knowledge Management and Sharing
Objective Statement: To gather, document and Deliverables:
share knowledge on how to achieve management  Prioritised list of key knowledge gaps to be researched.
objectives with the reserve team to increase  Partnerships with academic institutions are formed to close knowledge gaps in a prioritised manner but making use of opportunities as
management effectiveness, and with the broader available.
conservation community.  Up-to-date electronic repository for all research conducted at or relevant to Bokbaai NR, accessible for / sharable with academic partner
organisations. Ensure that all researchers working on-site provide electronic copies of their reports to the reserve for uploading.
 Management plan reflects latest research during reviews.
 Field staff are aware of any significant research that may impact their reserve management tasks.
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget
Update list as priorities Prioritised, up-to-date None – only
Year 1-2, ongoing Initial list
Draft and maintain a list of research priorities and change and make list research list available requires
maintenance of the Mapula Trust included in this
make it available to partner institutions. available to academic to partner existing staff
list plan.
partner organisations. organisations. time.

Approach academic Partnerships result in None – only

Establish and maintain partnerships with academic Initial Planning institutions and similar regular progress with requires
Year 1, ongoing Mapula Trust
institutions Phase organisations to assist listed research/survey existing staff
with research. priorities. time.

Initiate use of Biodiversity

Database or alternative None – only
Online sharable
Create and maintain an electronic repository for all repository. Ensure that all requires
Year 1-3, ongoing Mapula Trust Pending repository identified,
research conducted at or relevant to Bokbaai NR. researchers working on existing staff
used and up-to-date.
site provide electronic time.
copies of their reports to

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107
 the reserve to add to the
online repository.

None –
included in
Ensure that latest
Mapula Trust Management plan is review cost.
Ensure that the management plan is updated in research is incorporated
Year 5 and appointed Pending based on latest See
accordance with the latest research during reviews. into 5-yearly
reviewer research. management
management plan update
plan review
section.

Inform field staff if Field staff are aware of None – only

Alert field staff to any significant research outcomes
significant research is new research and requires
that may change any element of reserve Ongoing Mapula Trust Ongoing
noted that pertains to implications for their existing staff
management.
their duties. tasks. time.

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1.2 Research and Field Surveys
Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To continually increase the level of understanding of  Establish relationships with key research partners.
the ecosystems present within Bokbaai NR, such that  Survey and map all SCC plant species as a baseline for monitoring.
management of these ecosystems may continually  Flesh out all species lists.
improve. Ensure that management of Bokbaai NR is in line with latest research and continually improves as new research is conducted.

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

Take sample to Approx R500

Field staff, appointed
Formally identify Psoralea cf glaucena to inform Year 1 – SANBI and pay for Psoralea cf glaucena is (petrol and
specialist or CREW – Pending
further management actions. September/October formal formally identified. identification
arranged by Mapula Trust
identification fees)

Survey wetlands Distribution is mapped None – if

Field staff, appointed
Determine baseline distribution and population of and map location and number of undertaken by
Year 1 or 2 specialist or CREW – Pending
Psoralea cf glaucena. of each individuals/patches is staff or CREW
arranged by Mapula Trust
plant/patch. known. volunteers.

Arrange a
“bioblitz” with
Reserve is adequately
Mapula Trust and CREW CREW or a similar None – will
Determine presence of additional botanical SCC and surveyed to determine
Year 1 or 2 or academic partner Pending organisation incur existing
improve general species list. whether additional SCC
organisation focussed on SCC, staff time.
species may be present.
but noting other
species as well.

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 Arrange baseline None if
Lepidoptera SCC have
Lepidoptera undertaken by
Mapula trust and been surveyed and
survey by sweep academic
Determine presence of Lepidoptera SCC and improve academic partner identified with a high
Year 2-4 Pending netting during partner
general species list. organisations OR degree of confidence.
early summer organisation.
appointed specialist Lepidoptera general
(October / Approx. R60k if
species list is improved.
November). by consultant.

None if
Scarabacae SCC have undertaken by
Arrange baseline
Mapula trust and been surveyed and academic
Scarabacae
Determine presence of Scarabacae SCC and improve academic partner identified with a high partner
Year 2-4 Pending survey by pitfall
general invertebrate species list. organisations OR degree of confidence. organisation.
trap and active
appointed specialist Invertebrate general Approx. R150k
capture.
species list is improved. if by
consultant.

Arrange baseline
potential SCC-
focussed small None if
Mammal SCC have been
mammal survey undertaken by
Mapula trust and surveyed and identified
by Sherman trap academic
Determine presence of mammalian SCC and improve academic partner with a high degree of
Year 3-6 Pending array. partner
general small mammal species list. organisations OR confidence. Mammal
organisation.
appointed specialist Arrange baseline general species list is
Approx. R60k if
mammal SCC- improved.
by consultant.
focussed camera
trap survey.

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 Mapula trust and
Arrange Bok River Bok River fish species Approximately
academic partner
Determine whether fish SCC reside in the Bok River. Year 3-6 Pending fish survey by have been identified, R6000 for a
organisations OR
eDNA. including SCC. single sample
appointed specialist

SCC list is updated with

high degree of None if
confidence. SCC that undertaken by
Mapula trust and breed within or are academic
Determine presence and degree of dependence of Arrange avifaunal
academic partner otherwise dependent partner
avifaunal SCC on the Bokbaai NR and improve Year 4-8 Pending baseline surveys
organisations OR on the reserve are organisation.
general avifaunal species list in four seasons.
appointed specialist noted with Approx. R120k
management guidelines if by
given. General species consultant.
list is updated.

None if
undertaken by
Mapula trust and Scelotes SCC have been
Arrange Scelotes academic
academic partner confirmed present or
Determine presence of possible Scelotes SCC. Year 3-6 Pending active search partner
organisations OR absent with a high
survey. organisation.
appointed specialist degree of confidence.
Approx. R50k if
by consultant.

Arrange None if
Potential herpetofaunal
Mapula trust and herpetofaunal undertaken by
SCC species have been
Confirm presence of herpetofaunal SCC and improve academic partner baseline survey by academic
Year 5-10 Pending confirmed present or
general herpetofaunal species list organisations OR funnel and pitfall partner
absent with a high
appointed specialist trap arrays with organisation.
degree of confidence.
drift fencing. Approx. R150k

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

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 if by
consultant.

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1.3 Biomonitoring
Objective Statement: To provide a quantitative Deliverables:
measure of change in the reserve ecosystems  Establish a protocol for recording ad-hoc sightings of fauna, flora and ecologically relevant events.
over long periods of time such that gradual  Monitor hydrology, vegetation condition and SCC presence and populations by appropriate means.
changes can be managed accordingly.  Ensure that monitoring priorities and protocols are practically implementable by existing field staff with limited additional training,
equipment and distraction from present duties.
 Capacitate field staff to undertake monitoring tasks by providing required equipment and training.
 Ensure that all biomonitoring data generated is stored in a useful, accessible format.
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget
Field staff log all ad-hoc
Provide computer, arrange None
sightings of interest, and
Capacitate field staff to log ad-hoc sightings and user profiles and training (with (computer
all ecologically important
events of ecological importance on the Year 1, ongoing Mapula Trust Pending the City of Cape Town). cost is
events such as illegal
Biodiversity Database (www.biodiversity.co.za) Instruct field staff to begin included under
harvesting incidents or
using the database. equipment)
wildfires.

Record changes in rainfall

Install rain gauge at the main and aquifer water level R 1 000 for
infrastructure node and water such that the two rain gauge and
level measuring rod at the datasets can be measuring rod
Monitor rainfall and aquifer water level. Year 1, ongoing Mapula Trust Pending
dam. Begin weekly rainfall and correlated to confirm materials, plus
monthly dam water level climate change as the existing field
monitoring. cause of the drying staff time.
wetlands.

Continuous photographic Materials for

Setup in year 1. dataset from which bases approx.
changes in vegetation R4000
Quarterly Install fixed point photography
Monitor vegetation changes over time using condition including
monitoring Mapula Trust Pending bases and take baseline No camera
fixed-point photography. thicket encroachment,
during year 1, photographs in each season. purchase
year 4, year 7, senescence, alien required – may
year 10, and vegetation establishment, be undertaken
fire, desiccation, species with any

Bokbaai Nature Reserve Management Plan

113
 each third year assemblages may be standard
thereafter assessed. camera
including
smartphone
cameras.

Strip count data is None – bird

Capacitate staff by providing consistently produced books are
binoculars, bird books and an and uploaded to the available.
Year 1, ongoing, Mapula Trust and
Monitor indicator bird species by strip count. Pending indication of the route to be online repository for Binocular cost
monthly reserve field staff
driven. Initiate monitoring of assessment during is included
the two indicator species. management plan under
reviews. equipment.

Population data is
Count all plants/clumps of None –
Annually from Mapula Trust and recorded and uploaded
Monitor EN and CR plant populations. Pending each CR and EN plant species undertaken by
year 2 reserve field staff annually to the online
once per year. field staff.
data repository.

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1.4 Vegetation Management
Objective Statement: To conserve the Fynbos Deliverables:
and Strandveld mosaics typical of the  Map distributions of plant SCC present on the reserve, with population counts/estimates.
vegetation types, ensure effective  Establish a comprehensive floral species list available for research, management and environmental education.
conservation of the floral biodiversity and  Re-establish a near-natural fire regime appropriate for each vegetation type.
improve the ecosystem functioning in Bokbaai  Use large game animals to help maintain the veld mosaic.
NR.  Undertake active and passive rehabilitation as per the ‘restoration and rehabilitation’ section below.
 Establish an alien invasive flora eradication programme focussed on weedy alien species currently present within the reserve.
 Ensure that new alien invasive species within the reserve are noted and addressed appropriately as they emerge.
 Implement a veld monitoring programme that provides indications of bush encroachment, readiness for fire, presence and density of alien
invasive species and change in SCC numbers and, where relevant, distribution.
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget
Completed vegetation
assessment with fine
Reintroduce large game animals to reduce scale, up to date Included under
thicket encroachment and promote habitat Year 2-4 Mapula Trust Pending Initiate stocking vegetation map, plant Wildlife
diversity. species list (Incl. SCC) section below.
and management
recommendations.

Tools included
under
Inspect each block systematically by equipment
Inspections and maintenance clearing in section below.
Annually from Bokbaai NR field road and on foot. Clear all woody Listed blocks remain in
blocks with low woody alien density – blocks 1 Pending
year 1 staff aliens encountered by methods maintenance phase Herbicide and
to 6, 8 and 11.
appropriate to their size class. consumables
cost approx.
R500/annum.

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 Quarterly from
year 1, until
maintenance
phase is achieved Tools included
(after two under
consecutive Inspect each block systematically by equipment
Inspections and follow-up clearing of blocks Listed blocks reach section below.
quarterly Bokbaai NR field road and on foot. Clear all woody
with densely invaded areas – blocks 7, 9, 10 Pending maintenance phase in
inspections fail to staff aliens encountered by methods Herbicide and
and 12. under 5 years
locate woody appropriate to their size class. consumables
aliens – blocks cost approx.
may move to R4500/annum.
maintenance
phase
individually)

Tools included
Ad-hoc after under
ecological burns Inspect/clear monthly until no equipment
Burnt blocks regain
or wildfires. seedlings are noted for two section below.
Monitor recovery of woody alien species post Bokbaai NR field maintenance phase
Requires at least 8 Pending consecutive months, then quarterly
fire and clear as necessary. staff within two years post Herbicide and
months to reach until no seedlings are noted for two
fire consumables
maintenance consecutive quarters, then annually.
phase cost approx.
R5000/annum.

Approximately
20 trees
Plant indigenous, non-invasive
required –
windbreak/shade species in strategic Alien shade/windbreak
approx. R
Phase out non-indigenous shade/windbreak Bokbaai NR field locations to replace alien species at trees are replaced with
Year 1 to 10 Pending 10 000 for
trees. staff the camp site and at the dam. indigenous trees within
trees,
Remove alien trees when function is 10 years
transport and
filled by indigenous species.
compost for
planting.

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 Plan and execute ecological burns in
accordance with the schedule
provided. Ecological burn planning
Year 1 – ongoing
and operations must be overseen by Approximately
(undertake burns
a qualified Fire Incident Commander Fire regime supports R600 000 per
Re-establish near-natural fire regime. between Mapula Trust Pending
(grade five or greater). Open burning maximum biodiversity annum (to
December and
permit must be secured from the burn 3 blocks)
March)
applicable municipality. Initiate the
process by burning blocks 12, 10 and
7 in the first 12 months.

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1.5 Aquatic and Riparian Systems
Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To ensure effective conservation of aquatic and  Implement a monitoring programme that provides indications of hydrological supply changes in the aquatic systems of the reserve.
riparian systems and improve the biodiversity and  Survey the Bok River for Galaxius fish species by means of an eDNA sample.
ecosystem function of aquatic and riparian systems  Implement an alien invasive species clearing and maintenance programme for all aquatic systems and their catchments, particularly
on the reserve. the Bok River and the wetlands that contain Psoralea cf glaucena.
 Include wetland systems in the prescribed ecological burn programme.
 Re-establish natural disturbance through introduction of indigenous large herbivores.
 Control Typha capensis in the dam.
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

These deliverables are addressed by the measures included in the Biomonitoring, Vegetation Management, Wildlife and Rehabilitation sections. No additional actions are required.

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1.6 Wildlife
Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To ensure effective conservation of faunal  Reintroduce appropriate large herbivores and manage their populations at viable carrying capacity.
species, populations, and inter-  Conduct surveys to determine presence of SCC fauna species in a prioritised manner and establish monitoring programmes to determine
relationships to enhance biodiversity and continued presence.
maintain and improve ecosystem  Compile and maintain a complete fauna species list covering mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and invertebrates, using ad-hoc and survey-
functioning. related records.
 Remove alien European honeybee hives OR establish a research programme to determine impact of the hives on native fauna and flora,
including native bees.
 Ensure that other potentially invasive fauna species do not become established in the reserve.

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

Address fencing with None – if Ganzekraal

CapeNature to determine fencing is completed /
whether Ganzekraal Reserve upgraded by CapeNature.
Mapula Trust in fencing may be Game fencing is Alternatively, approx.
Ensure adequate fencing is in place to
Year 1 - 3 collaboration with Pending completed/upgraded or adequate to enclose R1.5m will be required to
enclose large game.
CapeNature whether Bokbaai NR will large herbivores. install a game fence on the
require perimeter game Bokbaai NR boundary, with
fencing. Install fencing if a budget of R5000/annum
required. to maintain.

Acquire translocation permit

from CapeNature. Capture and transport
Breeding herd of
Capture eland at Elandsberg cost (assuming
Introduce approximately 13 or 14 eland to eland introduced to
Year 2-4 Mapula Trust Pending NR and release at Bokbaai NR. helicopter boma
Bokbaai NR. Bokbaai NR.
Manage population such that Population capture method):
20 to 50 % thicket cover Approx. R 200 000
remains.

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 Acquire translocation permit
from CapeNature.
Breeding herd of red
Source red hartebeest from a
hartebeest Approx. R150 000
Introduce approximately 10 red hartebeest Western Cape reserve or farm
Year 4 - 6 Mapula Trust Pending introduced to purchase and transport
to Bokbaai NR. and release at Bokbaai NR.
Bokbaai NR. price for the animals
Manage population such that Population
20 to 50 % thicket cover
remains.

Ecological impact
from European
Ensure that the European honeybees kept Remove beehives OR initiate
Mapula Trust and honeybee is
at Bokbaai NR do not impact negatively on research on impacts with
Year 2-4 academic partner Pending adequately managed None.
indigenous fauna or flora, especially academic partner
organisations. in accordance with
indigenous bees. organisations.
the precautionary
principle.

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1.7 Species of Special Concern
Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To ensure populations of species of special  Identify plant and animal species of special concern present on the reserve by formal survey.
concern grow to meet natural population  Establish and monitor distribution and population numbers of the identified floral species.
limits, whereafter populations are  Establish and monitor presence of SCC fauna species.
maintained.  Identify and implement special management requirements for each species if required.

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

These deliverables are addressed by the measures included in the Biomonitoring section. No additional actions are required.

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1.8 Rehabilitation and Restoration
Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To ensure that all previously disturbed or  Remove unnecessary infrastructure and rehabilitate previously disturbed areas wherever possible within the reserve.
transformed areas are rehabilitated, apart  Use active rehabilitation at the dam by addressing overgrowth of indigenous T. capensis.
from those that are required for essential  Implement long term monitoring of rehabilitation sites to determine effectiveness.
reserve activities and infrastructure required
by this management plan.

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

Close all non-essential roads/tracks and allow Close roads by placing a physical barrier Cost for signage
to rehabilitate. Close all roads/tracks to Bokbaai NR field at access points and a sign indicating Unnecessary roads and materials for
Year 1-2 Pending
vehicle traffic that can be downgraded to staff ‘rehabilitation in progress’ and ‘road rehabilitate passively. barriers: approx.
trails and maintain only a walking track. closed’ or ‘no vehicles’. R10 000.

Lay out, clear and demarcate parking

Formal parking bays,
bays adjacent to the road at the two
adequate to meet the
parking areas. Close the remainder of the
demand, are provided
Formalise parking bays at the two identified disturbed areas by installing a physical Cost for pole
Bokbaai NR at the two sites. The
visitor parking sites, close unnecessary Year 3 - 4 Pending pole barrier. At the southern site, spread barrier materials:
Field Staff remainder of the
disturbance sites and initiate rehabilitations. the soil form the mounds across the site approx. R2 000.
previously disturbed
by hand. Install “rehabilitation in
area is closed off and
progress” signs and allow to rehabilitate
rehabilitated.
passively.

Clear entire dam of T. capensis by digging Will require

Bokbaai NR
out the roots by hand or by excavator. If Dam contains not more additional labour
Field Staff and
Control Typha capensis in the dam. Year 1-2 Pending an excavator is used, ensure that the than 20% T. capensis or a contractor.
contractors (if
excavator is confined to a single, cover at any time. Cost: approx. R
required)
previously disturbed entry path and to 25 000.

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122
 the dam itself. Repeat once cover
exceeds 20%.

Remove old concrete reservoirs by Approximately 10

means of a digger-loader. Ensure that all days of digger-
Old concrete reservoirs
concrete is removed. Rip the upper 30cm loader rental,
Remove unused concrete reservoirs and allow have been removed
Year 5- 10 Bokbaai NR Pending of any areas used by the digger loader to with driver. Cost:
passive rehabilitation to take place. and natural vegetation
minimise compaction impacts. Monitor approx. R35 000,
has re-established.
after disturbance as per post-fire including
monitoring. transport to site.

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Table D2: KPA 2 - Sustainable utilisation of Natural Resources

2.1 Environmental Education

Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To provide students with an opportunity to learn about the  Complete construction of environmental education infrastructure as planned.
natural environment and grow in a personal capacity.  Maintain relationships with partner organisations such that at least 500 children per year or more participate in environmental
education programmes at the Bokbaai NR.
 Provide information on the reserve’s natural features and amenities to environmental educators at partner organisations such
that full use is made of the opportunities available in the reserve.
 Ensure that environmental education infrastructure, activities and operations do not have a negative impact on any of the
conservation objectives of the reserve.
 Ensure that environmental education infrastructure design and construction complies with development planning
requirements.
 Develop trails, bird hides and other appropriate infrastructure to enhance environmental education opportunities.
 Erect signage at the main infrastructure node to educate fishermen about Bokbaai NR biodiversity, coastal biodiversity and
conservation
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget
Environmental
Ensure that the opportunities provided by the reserve are
education Design and
fully utilised for environmental education by providing Create a brochure / booklet that
partners make full printing of
information to partner organisations on the reserve features Pending provides information on
Year 1 Mapula Trust use of the reserve brochure
that may be of value in an environmental education environmental education facilities
features for /booklet: Cost:
programme and suggesting activities that take advantage and opportunities.
environmental approx. R10 000
thereof.
education.
Fishermen Design and
Provide educational signage for fishermen and other ad-hoc Design and print signage for the become more printing of
Year 2-3 Mapula Trust Pending
visitors. main infrastructure node. environmentally signage: Approx.
aware. R20 000

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Table D3: KPA 3 - Socio-economic and heritage

3.1 Socio-economic development initiatives

Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To work with relevant stakeholders to make a  Where possible, select employees and service providers from communities near to the reserve.
meaningful contribution towards the socio-economic  Contribute to employment within the environmental education NGO sector by providing environmental education opportunities of a
development needs of local communities.
quality that will sustainably attract international funding for partner organisations.

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

No specific management actions are advocated for promoting socio-economic development, beyond the normal operation of the reserve in accordance with the vision.

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3.2 Heritage features
Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To locate, document, study and conserve  Partner with an academic institution to confirm the possible outspan identified.
archaeological, paleontological, and cultural heritage  Where possible, support academic institutions in furthering the body of knowledge on Bokbaai’s heritage.
features on the reserve, while contributing to the
 Ensure that record of all heritage features are kept on site, including location and all significant information for use in education
body of knowledge on the subject and using the
history of Bokbaai to educate youth on relevant programmes and research.
heritage issues and their links to modern life in South  Conserve the integrity of all archaeological and heritage features on the reserve through adequate maintenance.
Africa.

MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

Ensure that heritage information and experiences are Incorporate heritage features Partner organisations make
incorporated into environmental education Year 1-2 Mapula Trust Pending into the environmental full use of heritage features None
information brochure/booklet for partners. education brochure / booklet. for education programmes.
None if
Mapula Trust and Possible outspan site
Arrange for specialist to verify undertaken
Verify possible outspan site. Year 2 -4 academic partner Pending verified and used for
outspan location. by partner
institutions heritage education.
institution

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Table D4: KPA 4 - Management Authority effectiveness and sustainability
4.1 Legal Compliance
Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To ensure all reserve declaration  Submit this plan to CapeNature for approval.
documentation is in order and that all activities  Manage the reserve in compliance with the approved management plan.
are compliant with relevant legislation and
 Train reserve staff on relevant legal obligations and potential pitfalls, and make sure instructions from Mapula Trust on legally complicated
policies.
actions are clear.
Ensure that no unlawful activities are undertaken by reserve staff or contractors.
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

Ensure that security staff

Draft letter clarifying Mapula Trust's
are aware of the extent
position on the application of Criminal
Ensure that security staff understand the nature and limitations of their
Procedures and therefore the extent and
and limitations of the landowners power of Year 1 Mapula Trust Pending powers as dictated by None
limitations of powers delegated to security
arrest, search and seizure delegated to them. Mapula Trust in terms of
staff and the procedures required when
the Criminal Procedures
exercising these powers.
Act.

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127
4.2 Infrastructure and Equipment

Objective Statement: Deliverables:

To maintain infrastructure and equipment in a good  Encourage and provide opportunity for reserve staff to raise infrastructure and equipment needs.
state and to ensure that infrastructure and equipment  Ensure that infrastructure is sufficient for operational requirements in accordance with the reserve objectives.
are adequate to address the needs of field staff in  Ensure that field staff have all equipment and resources required to implement this management plan.
implementing this plan.
 Maintain and service infrastructure and equipment such that it is kept in safe working order.

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

Plan and construct a workshop adequate

for reserve needs, including indoor
Provide adequate, permanent indoor and enclosed
workshop space, an indoor store and an Workshop and storage Approx. R1
outdoor workshop and storage space for maintenance Year 1-4 Mapula Trust Pending
outdoor, but enclosed work/storage space is sufficient to 000 000
activities and other projects.
yard. Ensure compliance with
environmental regulations.

Plan and construct a bird hide at the dam

adequate to hold a full environmental Safe, functional bird Timber and
Mapula Trust
Maximise use of the dam for environmental education education camp of 40 children, plus hide is provided for labour,
Year 3-6 and Bokbaai NR Pending
by constructing a bird hide. environmental educators. Ensure environmental Approx.
field staff
compliance with environmental education R80 000
regulations.

Field staff are able to R 4 000 or

Select and install smartphone-based view, create and share less. Many
Mapula Trust mapping application or provide GPS unit geographical adequate
Provide a standardised infield mapping and navigation
Year 1 and Bokbaai NR Pending to field staff. Provide training and information and smartphone
capacity for field staff.
field staff geographical data required to implement navigate to reserve mapping
this management plan. boundaries and points apps are
of interest. free.

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 Field staff have Approx. R15
Ensure that field staff have access to a
Provide a computer for accessing the biodiversity sufficient computer 000 for an
computer with an internet connection
database and for downloading/uploading geographical Year 1 Mapula Trust Pending access to fulfil their adequate
for logging ad-hoc sightings and for
data. roles in terms of this new
loading/downloading geographical data.
plan. computer

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4.3 Financial Management
Objective Statement: Deliverables:
To ensure that reserve objects are sufficiently funded  Ensure the available annual budget and APO are aligned.
as far as possible.  Ensure that annual budgets are spent as planned.
 Ensure that the Mapula Trust remains in compliance with all relevant financial legal requirements in terms of South African law, in
all transactions and dealings related to Bokbaai NR.

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

No specific tasks are required, beyond implementation and annual updating of this APO.

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130
4.4 Signage, Access and Security

Objective Statement: Deliverables:

To ensure that visitors to the reserve conduct  Ensure the landward perimeter of the reserve is fenced as a clear demarcation of the boundary, and that the fence remains in excellent
themselves in a manner that is coherent with the condition.
objectives of this management plan and are  Rationalise and maintain signage at the main point of entry alongside the public road notifying entrants that they are entering Bokbaai
assured of safety during their visit.
Nature Reserve and providing rules and regulations in the form of pictograms where possible, but also as text where necessary.
 Maintain security measures currently in place and ensure that the security measures are reviewed at least once per year and after any
security incident to ensure that they remain adequate.
 Make a reasonable attempt to de-proclaim the public road such that access to the reserve can be lawfully managed by the reserve.
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget
Ensure that any breeches None - only
Weekly Bokbaai NR field Ensure that the boundary fence is
Patrol the fence Underway or fence damage is noted staff time
from year 1 staff patrolled at least three times per week.
timeously for repair. required
Undertake emergency repairs within 24
hours of noting a breach or serious
Approximately
Bokbaai NR field maintenance issue. Undertake high Fence is maintained to a
Maintain the fence Ongoing Underway R 10 000 per
staff quality repairs within one week of noting high standard.
annum
the issue. Minor maintenance issues
must be addressed within two weeks.
Ensure that entrance signage clearly
displays the name of the reserve, Approximately
Entrance signage
Year 2-3, emergency contact details, indicates that R 3 500 for
clarifies is in a good state
Rationalise and maintain entrance signage ongoing Mapula Trust Pending it is private property and indicates sign design
of repair and indicates
maintenance relevant reserve rules/regulations. Check update and
all essential information.
that it is in a good state of repair. replacement
Replace if necessary.
Ensure incident register is consistently Incident data is available
used. Create electronic incident to staff, reviewers and
None
Maintain records of unlawful activities Ongoing Security Staff Underway spreadsheet or database that is updated selected researchers
required
and uploaded to the online data from the online
repository once annually. repository.
Road is de-proclaimed
Attempt to de-proclaim the public road None
Public road deproclamation Year 2-10 Mapula Trust Pending such that reserve access
through official channels. required
can be controlled.

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4.4 Firefighting

Objective Statement: Deliverables:

To ensure that lives and infrastructure are  Maintain membership of the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association.
adequately protected from wildfire, that fire-  Maintain adequate firebreaks.
related liability for the Mapula Trust is minimised  Ensure that reserve field staff are adequately equipped and trained to apply reasonable firefighting effort.
and to ensure that burn frequency does not exceed
natural limits.

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Timeframe Responsibility Progress Action required Target Budget

None - only
Maintain Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Attend required meetings and ensure Maintain
Ongoing Mapula Trust Underway staff time
Association membership. active membership. membership
required
Cut firebreaks by tractor in September
Continuation
each year as per operational guidelines.
Firebreaks are of current
Maintain adequate firebreaks for wildfire access and
Bokbaai NR operational operations.
protection and create adequate temporary Ongoing Underway Inspect the firebreaks in January to
field staff throughout the No additional
firebreaks for ecological burns. ensure compliance with firebreak
fire season. budget
requirements as per the operational
required.
management guidelines.
R 10 000 per
annum to
Staff are fully
Provide training and equipment to field maintain and
Capacitate field staff for wildfire response by Year 1-2, ongoing Partially capacitated for
Mapula Trust staff as per the operational replace
providing adequate equipment and training. maintenance implemented safe firefighting
management guidelines. firefighting
duties.
equipment as
needed.

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APPENDIX E - Lists of potential SCC within the Bokbaai Nature Reserve.
Table E1: Potential avifauna species of conservation concern within the Bokbaai NR.
Species Common Name South African IUCN Status Presence
Conservation Status

Afrotis afra Southern black Vulnerable Vulnerable Present

korhaan

Ardenna grisea Sooty shearwater Near Threatened Near Threatened Possible

Calidris canutus Red knot Least Concern Near Threatened Possible

Circus maurus Black harrier Endangered Vulnerable Present

Circus ranivorus African marsh-harrier Endangered Least Concern Possible

Hydroprogne caspia Caspian tern Vulnerable Least Concern Possible

Macronectes giganteus Southern giant-petrel Near Threatened Least Concern Possible

Microcarbo coronatus Crowned cormorant Near Threatened Least Concern Likely

Morus capensis Cape gannet Vulnerable Endangered Possible

Oxyura maccoa Maccoa duck Near Threatened Endangered Possible

Pelecanus onocrotalus Great white pelican Vulnerable Least Concern Possible

Phalacrocorax capensis Cape cormorant Endangered Endangered Present

Phalacrocorax neglectus Bank cormorant Endangered Endangered Likely

Phoenicoaias minor Lesser flamingo Near Threatened Near Threatened Possible

Phoenicopterus roseus Greater flamingo Near Threatened Least Concern Possible

Procellaria aequinoctialis White-chinned petrel Vulnerable Vulnerable Possible

Spheniscus demersus African penguin Endangered Endangered Present

Thalassarche melanophrys Black-browed Endangered Least Concern Possible

albatross

Table E2: Potential plant species of conservation concern within the Bokbaai NR.
Species Common Name South African Conservation Presence
Status

Adenandra villosa subsp. biseriata - Least Concern Likely

Adenogramma rigida* Rigid Muggiegrass Endangered Possible

Agathosma glabrata* - Endangered Possible

Agathosma latipetala* - Endangered Possible

Amphithalea ericifolia subsp. erecta - Critically Endangered Likely

Antimima aristulata - Vulnerable Likely

Antimima limbata - Endangered Likely

Arctotis angustifolia* - Critically Endangered Possible

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133
Argyrolobium velutinum - Vulnerable Likely

Aspalathus lebeckioides - Vulnerable Likely

Aspalathus lotoides subsp. Lagopus - Vulnerable Likely

Aspalathus muraltioides* - Endangered Possible

Athanasia rugulosa - Endangered Likely

Babiana nana - Endangered Present

Cannomois arenicola - Endangered Likely

Chrysocoma esterhuyseniae* - Critically Endangered Possible

Cleretum clavatum* - Endangered Possible

Cliffortia hirta Hairy Rice Bush Endangered Likely

Cliffortia longifolia* - Vulnerable Possible

Codonorhiza azurea - Endangered Likely

Cotula duckittiae - Vulnerable Likely

Cotula eckloniana - Vulnerable Likely

Cotula pusilla* - Vulnerable Possible

Diosma dichotoma - Endangered Likely

Drosanthemum hispifolium - Vulnerable Likely

Echiostachys spicatus* Spiky Viperbrush Endangered Possible

Elegia verreauxii* - Vulnerable Possible

Empodium veratrifolium - Endangered Likely

Galenia crystallina var. maritima - Endangered Likely

Wine Cup, Likely

Geissorhiza monanthos Wynblommetjie Endangered

Geissorhiza purpurascens - Endangered Likely

Wine Cup, Likely

Geissorhiza radians Wynblommetjie Endangered

Heliophila elata - Vulnerable Likely

Hermannia procumbens subsp. Likely

procumbens - Endangered

Heterorhachis aculeata Koringdissel Vulnerable Likely

Indigofera platypoda* - Endangered Possible

Indigofera psoraloides* Clay Indigo Endangered Possible

Isolepis venustula* - Vulnerable Possible

Ixia curta - Endangered Likely

Lachnaea capitata Lanky Stringbark Vulnerable Likely

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Lachnaea grandiflora - Vulnerable Likely

Lampranthus amoenus - Endangered Likely

Lampranthus aureus Golden Brightfig Vulnerable Likely

Lampranthus filicaulis* Threadleaf Brightfig Vulnerable Possible

Lampranthus glaucus* - Vulnerable Possible

Lampranthus leptaleon* - Endangered Possible

Lampranthus peacockiae - Vulnerable Likely

Lampranthus spiniformis* - Vulnerable Possible

Lampranthus stanfordiae - Endangered Likely

Lampranthus stenopetalus - Vulnerable Likely

Lebeckia plukenetiana* - Endangered Possible

Strand-ertjiebos, Likely
Lessertia argentea Strandertjiesbos Endangered

Leucadendron cinereum Scraggly Conebush Vulnerable Likely

Leucadendron lanigerum var. Possible

lanigerum* Common Shale Conebush Endangered

Leucospermum Present
hypophyllocarpodendron subsp. Grey-snakeskin
canaliculatum Pincushion Vulnerable

Leucospermum Likely
hypophyllocarpodendron subsp. Green-snakestem
hypophyllocarpodendron Pincushion Vulnerable

Leucospermum parile Malmesbury Pincushion Endangered Likely

Leucospermum rodolentum Sandveld Pincushion Vulnerable Likely

Leucospermum tomentosum Saldanha Pincushion Vulnerable Likely

Limonium purpuratum Papierblom Endangered Likely

Macrostylis cassiopoides subsp. Possible

Dregeana* - Endangered

Macrostylis villosa subsp. villosa - Endangered Likely

Manulea corymbosa - Vulnerable Likely

Metalasia capitata - Vulnerable Likely

Microdon capitatus - Endangered Likely

Muraltia macropetala - Vulnerable Likely

Oncosiphon africanum Wild Chamomile Vulnerable Likely

Pauridia canaliculata Geelpoublom Endangered Likely

Pauridia linearis - Vulnerable Likely

Phylica harveyi - Vulnerable Likely

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 Phylica plumosa var. squarrosa - Endangered Likely

Phylica strigulosa - Vulnerable Likely

Phylica thunbergiana* - Endangered Possible

Podalyria sericea - Vulnerable Likely

Protea burchellii* Burchell's Sugarbush Vulnerable Possible

Protea scolymocephala Thistle Sugarbush Vulnerable Likely

Protea scolymocephala Thistle Sugarbush Vulnerable Likely

Psoralea glaucina* Bloutee, Blouteebossie Critically Endangered Possible

Pterygodium microglossum - Endangered Likely

Restio impolitus - Vulnerable Likely

Restio rigoratus* - Endangered Possible

Roella arenaria - Vulnerable Likely

Romulea eximia - Endangered Likely

Ruschia geminiflora - Vulnerable Likely

Ruschia tecta Sleaf Turretfig Endangered Likely

Selago psammophila* - Endangered Possible

Senecio foeniculoides Fennel-Leaved Groundesl Critically Endangered Likely

Steirodiscus speciosus - Critically Endangered Likely

Steirodiscus tagetes - Vulnerable Likely

Wurmbea capensis* - Vulnerable Possible

Xiphotheca reflexa Recurved Silver Pea Endangered Likely

Table E3: Potential invertebrate species of conservation concern within the Bokbaai NR.
Species Common Name South African Conservation Endemism/other Presence
Status

Dickson’s hillside Critically Endangered Possible

Stygionympha dicksoni
brown (Possibly extinct) WCP Endemic

Dickson’s Likely
Chrysoritis dicksoni Critically Endangered
Strandveld copper

Wallengren’s Possible
Trimenia wallengrenii Critically Endangered
Silver- spotted
wallengrenii (Possibly extinct)
Copper SA Endemic

Aloeides thyra Red Copper Endangered Present

Pachysoma aesculapius - Vulnerable Possible

Bladder West Cost of SA Likely

Bullacris obliqua grasshopper Vulnerable Endemic

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Table E4: Potential reptile species of conservation concern within the Bokbaai NR.
South African Conservation
Species Common Name Endemism/other Presence
Status

Bitis armata Southern Adder Vunlerable WCP Endemic Likely

Gronovi's dwarf
Scelotes gronovii Near Threatened WCP Endemic Likely
burrowing skink

Bloubergstrand
Scelotes montispectus dwarf burrowing Near Threatened WCP Endemic Likely
skink

Southern blind
Typhlosaurus caecus Least Concern WCP Endemic Likely
legless skink

Table E5: Potential mammal species of conservation concern within the Bokbaai NR.
South African Conservation
Species Common Name Endemism/other Presence
Status

Mystromys
White-tailed rat Vunlerable WCP Endemic Likely
albicaudatus

Miniopterus Common bent-

Near Threatened WCP Endemic Likely visitor
schreibersii wing bat

African striped Likely visitor – wide

Poecilogale albinucha Near Threatened WCP Endemic
weasel ranging

African clawless
Aonyx capensis Least Concern WCP Endemic Likely
otter

Parahyaena brunnea Brown hyena Near Threatened Possible

Acomys subspinosus Cape spiny mouse Least Concern WCP Endemic Likely

Bathyergus suillus Cape Dune Molerat Least Concern WCP Endemic Likely

CapeNature Priority
Georychus capensis Cape Molerat Least Concern Present
Species

Gerbilliscus afra Cape Gerbil Least Concern WCP Endemic Present

Pelea capreolus Grey Rhebok Near Threatened Possible

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