fire40Fire:
Field Security: 0828281043

HR: 083 775 4409
Rangers: 082 802 5894

mamba75Snakes:
John Webb 0797785359 
Field Security 0828281043

Even in this very dry season, the Prickly Pear (Opuntia stricta) keeps growing.  It is being partially controlled by the Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) but this bio-control does not keep the plant from flowering and producing fruit and seeds.  The Honorary Rangers work on an ongoing basis, cultivating the Cochineal Bug and putting this form of bio-control on the bushes.  The bio-control does not usually completely kill its food source but keeps it small and under stress so that it does not flower.

The procedure is as follows:  The cladodes that are ready - that have a lot of white cochineal bugs on them - are cut and put into boxes.  They are transported to areas that have Prickly Pear growing.  Some of the bushes are cut to be used in the shed and a suitable size cladode is placed on the bush.  The bugs will transfer to the bush.  The fresh, green cladodes are then placed in the shed and old dry cladodes with the bug on them are placed on the top to continue the propagation.

Here are photos of Graeme, Joce and Tholani (Junior) a conservation student, working this morning on the above project."

The pictures have notations on them explaining the process. Property owners can be encouraged to let the Honorary Rangers know of areas where there is a lot of Prickly Pear.  Graeme Altenkirk is heading this project and can be contacted on 0824688357.

 

2017 AGM Report and Minutes

Read the Chief Honorary Ranger's Report for 2016 here

and the Minutes of the AGM held on 17th january 2017 here

Bush snippets 

and other news here
 

 

Alien plant of the Month

Tree of the Month

April 2017

Leadwood Combretum imberbe

 

 

Bird walks

birdingBird walks hosted by Honorary Rangers are held on the first Saturday of the month. The next meeting place is at 'Two Trees' on Seekoei St at 06h00.
 

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Our vision

hrOur vision is to support and assist the Nkomazi Municipality Conservation Department within Marloth Park with their management strategies and objectives while being an effective volunteer group. 
Read a brief  History of Honorary Rangers and the Conservancy

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