April 2017 Monthly Report

April brought about a distinct change of season, with the weather starting to produce colder days and

the Aloes revealing their red bloom en mass. This month’s report shares the increase in number of

fisherman to the area in the usual compliance management section, an article on biological control that

may have led to human health issues in our area, environmental education activities in the form of radio

talk shows and posters centred around plant appreciation day, and a short video that highlights some

of the activities we get involved in. The Conservancy also saw some turtle and bird rescues which we

report on, after which we then round off with our featured monthly species profile.

A drone image captured the ocean, land and sky coming together on Fransmanshoek Peninsula

Aloes are blooming!

In April the Bitter Aloe, Aloe ferox, has adorned the Fransmanshoek Conservancy with its fine, fiery

bloom. The Rangers spotted the first flowering Aloe at Springerbaai and soon the rest followed in a

westward blooming sequence. The flowers came at a time when little else was flowering, gracing us with

a satisfactory display of nectar drinking birds. Its flowers also attract various insects, which in turn attract

a larger variety of birds.

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Aloe ferox usually only starts blooming from May to August and in colder areas it may even be delayed

until September, so keep a look out for the late bloomers. Aloe is derived from the Latin languages and

refers to the dried juice of the leaves. Ferox refers to spiny appearance on the leaves and means ‘fierce’

or ‘war-like’.

The start of the Aloe’s bloom.

Compliance Management

The Rangers were kept very busy this month during their marine compliance patrols along the

Conservancy coastline. During the month of April, a total of 236 recreational fishing, spearfishing and

bait collecting permits were checked by Kei and Anton. Of the 236 permits checked, 45 persons (19%)

did not have a valid permit in their possession and were issued a friendly warning.

A strange and rather unpleasant deposit of large amounts of Redbait, Pyura stolonifera, washed ashore

on our beaches, particularly along the Kanon beach in Visbaai. The large quantities of dislodged and

beached Redbait caused a bit of a stir and had people questioning the reason behind this smelly

phenomenon. Typically, during storms out at sea, the weather can cause the waves close to the coast

to increase in size and intensity. The waves break with increased force and the Redbait are positioned

right in the frontline and stand no chance as they get knocked off the rocks they are attached to and

wash ashore.

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It is important to keep in mind that even though these animals are washed out, a person may still only

take out 2 kilograms of any size per day. Redbait is a popular bait choice for anglers, but it is also a

source of food for the various animals found on the beach and to some people of the southeast coast.

A graveyard of redbait lining the beaches’ highwater mark.

Biological Control: out of control

Sometimes the history of our decision-making and the consequences thereof do not stop us from

repeating the same patterns of mistakes.

Historically in South Africa and particular over the last 100 years, conservationists, naturalists and

agriculturalists introduced alien plants and animals for a whole host of reasons that may improve the

livelihood of mankind. Regardless of their intention, we are today taught in Natural Resource

Management and commonly know that these decisions were often short-sighted and have had

perceived negative environmental consequences that we are still having to deal with today. A well-

known example is the introduction of a whole suite of Australian plant species for purposes of dune

stabilisation. The consequences of invasive alien introductions include habitat and species loss or

biodiversity loss, increased fire regimes, system changes and whole habitat transformations. All these

environmental issues are of concern to us as they affect the world around us which sustains us. However,

these affects are akin to the ‘Boiling frog’ parable whereby our lives are negatively affected unseen or

on too large a time scale for us to realise.

More recently, to deal with these consequences, a host of methods have been employed by scientists

and managers in managing the situation. One such popular method is biological control, or biocontrol.

This is when a biological organism, usually an alien organism itself originating from the same area as

the alien invader, is employed to try to slow the spread of the invasion through various means, such as

parasitizing the seed producing parts of the invader plant or weakening the plants growth through

disease. Often these alien bio-control organisms go through extensive trials to determine if they will be

a hazard or a help the situation. The problem is that these trials usually only predict the impact for 10

to 20 year periods, and don’t necessarily forecast centuries into the future.

What if these introductions of alien organisms to control out-of-control organisms are a short-sighted

response that carry their own unforeseen consequences? What if these consequences have a direct or

indirect effect on human health?

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Over the past three years, and particularly recently, we have begun to witness a series of reports and

experienced first-hand an outbreak of skin irritations or “bites” on nearly all persons that work or live

near dense stands of Rooikrans trees, Acacia cyclops, from around February to April each year. These

incidents have been occurring in the Fransmanshoek Conservancy on the Southern Cape coast near

Mossel Bay, and I cannot talk for the other areas with similar Rooikrans infestations. The bites tend to

occur all over the body and cause uncomfortable itching. In some cases, the bites have led to

hospitalisation following serious allergic reactions. There is an association and somewhat of an

assumption that it is being formulated by local inhabitants that the same insect responsible for causing

the immeasurable amount of galls (a vegetative-type looking growth) on the Rooikrans flowers is

responsible for these bites on humans, due to a population explosion of some kind. Irrespective of the

cause, human health is being adversely effected here.

I believe there is some correlation and will share my findings.

There have been several bio-controls released for the control of Rooikrans, from a host of seed-feeding

weevils to seed-reducing gall-forming midges, all of them being highly successful at reducing the seed

production of the alien invasive tree. Here in the Fransmanshoek Conservancy, we can at first glance see

that the Rooikrans flower parts have been transformed into vegetative type galls. This is the only visual

evidence of biocontrol that is seen easily without a microscope. A more thorough inspection with

magnification may reveal all the different biocontrol insects, which are usually too small to distinguish

with the naked eye.

Assuming we take this visual evidence of the countless flower galls as an initial investigation, this gall is

the work of the small fluted galler midge, Dasineura dielsi Rübsaame. This midge parasitizes the

Rooikrans flower over the peak flowering period in summer-autumn as part of its reproductive cycle. It

implants its larvae in the Rooikrans flower. The larvae then form woody fluted galls on the ovaries of

the Rooikrans flowers, thereby preventing any further development of the flower and ultimately the

seed. The galls eventually fall to the ground and the adult midges hatch and emerge to repeat the cycle

when the Rooikrans produces flowers. These midges have been very successfully employed to slow the

seed production of Rooikrans with high gall densities of several thousand often present on a single tree,

effectively reducing the seed production up to 95%.

Dasineura dielsi female ovipositing on Rooikrans flower.

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The wooded fluted galls of Dasineura dielsi.

Nothing in a search of the literature indicates that these midges are parasitic on humans, in any of their

4-life stages, contrary to our speculation. They are only parasitiods on vegetation. What is very

interesting is that they have been known to hatch and emerge to the adult stage over the period

February to April, which is coincidentally the same period we have experienced these “bites” and itching.

There may however be another possible explanation. Indigenous predatory insects have taken a liking

to parasitizing and feeding on the midge populations. Perhaps the indigenous predatory insects have,

because of the high numbers of galler midges, also experienced a population explosion and perhaps it

is these guys that are responsible for the skin irritations we are experiencing.

There are numerous known wasps that parasitize the galler midges’ larvae that are mentioned in

scientific literature. These are mesopolobus sp, torymus sp, family Platygastridae and synopeas sp. These

wasps are small and will implant their larvae into the galls formed by the galler midge. The wasp larvae

will parasitize the galler midge larvae and the emergence of the adult wasps coincides with the

emergence of the adult galler midges.

It is very likely that these minute wasps are stinging local human inhabitants and injecting wasp toxin

into the human’s body in very small quantities. This causes irritations privy to what we have been

experiencing. Thus, we are suggesting that what we are experiencing are stings, and not bites. This is

supported by the fact that some people are having allergic reactions, which could be reactions to the

toxin injected when stung by these wasps.

Further investigation is still required to determine if this is really the case. The Conservancy plans on

taking samples over the peak emergence periods next year to determine if the galler-midge is indeed

being parasitized by wasps in our area.

Environmental Educational

Rangers on the Radio The 13th of April marked a very important day on the calendar for the Rangers and the globe: Plant

Appreciation Day. Not much is known about the origin of this day, but it first appeared on calendars

worldwide in the year 2000. 17 years down the line and the Rangers were not going to miss this

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opportunity to educate people on the vital roles plants play in our lives. Not many people seem to

understand the complex role of physical and psychological role plants play in our lives. People

subconsciously want to be surrounded by plants and nature, despite often not realising it, and

immersing oneself in nature is what this day is all about.

The Rangers wanted to reach a larger audience and so they decided to talk again on SFM Radio. The

setting was much the same as previously, where the Rangers were introduced to the listeners by Fred

Orban, after which he proceeded to interview them. The talk revolved around the theme: Plant

Appreciation through the eyes of a Nature Conservationist. Important questions were touched on that

day, such as: “What type of plants can be found in the Southern Cape region?” and “What are the

functions of plants in nature and in the human environment?”. The Rangers have found the radio talk

shows an exciting and stimulating platform to spread their knowledge on environmental sustainability.

The Conservancy has received much positive feedback from these talks and hopes to continue partaking

in them in the months to come.

The Rangers and the SFM Crew

Vegetation type’s poster To emphasise Plant Awareness Day and to improve our live herbarium display, Nicole created a poster

about the Vegetation Types found within the boundaries of the Fransmanshoek Conservancy. A

vegetation type refers to areas with distinct grouping types of plants, soil and climate factors. On a

smaller scale, the type of plants occurring locally depends on the changes in climate, soil, slope of the

land and the ability of the soil to hold water. The Conservancy has four vegetation types in close

proximity to each other: Herbertsdale Renoster Thicket, Groot Brak Dune Strandveld, Gouritz Dune

Thicket and the Cape Seashore Vegetation.

The plants in the live herbarium are now labelled per a colour coded system to show you which plants

occur in what vegetation type. So, look out for plants labelled with only one colour sticker, as those are

the key indicator plants you should look out for when walking in the veld. If you haven’t yet, go visit the

live herbarium and explore the plants displayed plus the associated poster Nicole made, to learn more

about the vegetation found in our area.

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The herbarium is located in the Information Centre at the Fransmanshoek Point. It is open on holidays

and weekends.

Nicole happily showcasing the poster and colour-coded herbarium labels.

Activity Highlights Video During April Anton edited and put together an entertaining and informative short video of various

footage taken around Fransmanshoek Conservancy and the Rangers activities throughout the years. We

put this video up on our Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/fmhconservancy/. If you want to

learn more about the Conservancy or just catch up with what the Rangers have been up to, follow the

above link to view.

Turtle Rescue

On the 8th and 23rd of April, the strong easterly winds washed ashore another two loggerhead turtle

hatchlings, Caretta caretta. On the 8th, Anton was busy with his afternoon patrol when a fisherman called

him over and to his surprise the man held out a loggerhead turtle hatchling. The 23rd had Nicole

responding to a stranded turtle call out, and after getting the necessary equipment, she found a very

excited fisherman with a loggerhead turtle hatchling in a plastic container with sand, water and a shell.

On both occasions the turtles were very weak and exhausted. On each of these occasions, the turtles

were collected and the Rangers quickly put them safely in a large container on a wet cloth at room

temperature. The wet cloth ensures that the hatchling won’t dry out and stress the animal further. A few

phone calls later ensured that the hatchlings were collected within a day of their rescue and transported

to Mosselbaai for further care by the experts.

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Most Loggerhead turtles hatch in Maputoland, where they enter the Agulhas current once they have

survived countless dangers on the beach. The current transports them southwards where they will thrive

for the next 5-10 years in water ranging from 20-26°C. But sometimes the story is not so simple, and

hatchlings are washed into colder water where it renders them weak and unable to swim or feed. It’s

then that they usually succumb to the movement of the tide, which spits them out on a nearby beach

as in our cases.

When you find a hatchling, please do not put it in a container filled with water. The hatchlings are so

weak that they sometimes don’t have the strength to come up to the surface for air, which leads to

drowning. In the case of the second turtle which was placed in a container filled with water, the thing

that most likely saved it was the shell in its container where the turtle could rest his head and breathe

in some air. The first response of humans is to put a turtle back into water when they see one, but this

will only do more harm than good. The best idea is to wet its shell or put it on a wet cloth until it’s

handed over to the Conservation Authorities.

The turtle planning his escape route to freedom.

Bird rescues and releases

Nicole and Anton helped at SAPREC for the morning of the 7th to learn more about the ocean birds they

often rescue. At the end of the morning Carol Walton, who heads up SAPREC, suggested that the

Rangers should take a rehabilitated Kelp gull, Larus dominicanus, and release it at Fransmanshoek

Conservancy. The gull was nursed back to health following a bout of food poisoning most likely due to

scavenging on bad food. The Rangers were delighted as this would be their very first release after a

countless number of rescues. The bird was caught and placed in a traveling box until the Rangers arrived

at Vleesbaai beach and set the scene for the release. The box was opened and the gull flew happily out

to sea and then returned and settled between the other Kelp gulls dotting the beach.

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The 8th was a busy day for the animals at Fransmanshoek as the Rangers received a call out regarding a

wounded Cape gannet, Morus capensis, that allegedly flew into telephone pole wiring and was unable

to fly away. The Rangers were soon at the scene and found the juvenile Cape gannet who was in a weak

condition and didn’t attempt to escape. He was safely moved to SAPREC were Carol and her team are

making sure it’s on the road to recovery.

Anton and Nicole releasing the gull out into the wild once more.

Monthly Species Profile

The Great White Shark is an easily distinguishable shark that patrols our coastline in search of food.

Most shark species are mistaken for killing machines that make a meal out of human flesh, when in fact

this is not true as they prefer their natural prey and often avoid humans. That said, do take caution at

this time of year as the sharks are more active and plentiful between April and September.

Common name : Great White Shark (English),

Witdoodshaai (Afrikaans).

Scientific name : Carcharodon carcharias

Family : Lamnidae

Order : Lamniformes

Class : Chondrichthyes

Kingdom : Animalia

Name Derivation:

The genus name Carcharodon is derived from Latin

"karcharos" which means sharpen and "odous" which

refers to teeth. The species name carcharias, also

translated from Latin, means pointed, leading to its common name in Australia of the white pointer. The

top (dorsal side) of the shark is blue-grey and darker than the white belly (ventral side), hence the name

Great White Shark. This colouration is known as countershading and helps camouflage the shark when

hunting. From the top view, the shark blends in with the dark blue of the water and from the below, the

white shark blends in with the light from the sun, making it hard for their prey to spot them.

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Characteristics:

Great white sharks are large and powerful. As described above, they are grey-blue above and white

below. They have a conical snout. Their teeth are triangular and both sides are serrated. Long pectoral

fins with a black patch found behind the fin. Tail is sickle-shaped and the anal and dorsal fins are small.

Size and age:

The shark can reach a length up to 6.4 meters and a weight of 1208 kg. Lives up to 27 years. Females

are typically larger than the males.

Distribution and habitat:

Great White Sharks are cosmopolitan animals, meaning that they can be found worldwide in all our

oceans, in coastal and offshore areas and most often nearby to seal islands. They prefer colder water

and are more common on the western side of South Africa, although their range extends into KwaZulu-

Natal.

Food and feeding:

When great white sharks are young, they feed on smaller prey, like fish and rays. As they grow larger,

they feed more exclusively on marine mammals, such as sea lions, seals and small whales. Lateral lines

can be found on the side of the shark’s body and they pick up pulses in the water that are given out by

moving objects. It is a way for them to know where there is possibly food. Great White Sharks can

perceive an electronic pulse approximately 2 kilometres away! Sharks also have very good smell and

can approximately smell one drop of blood in 100 litres of water. They can be dangerous to humans

and have been known to attack sea-users, although sharks will only attack what they believe to be

desirable prey. Almost all attacks on humans are a case of mistaken identity when murky waters and the

appearance of the victim have confused the shark into thinking it was a sea lion or turtle. Very often,

the shark will release the person as soon as it has learned that it is not its common prey.

Defences:

Many people in the past believed that sharks could not get sick, however sharks with cancer have

recently been discovered. Sharks have a leathery skin which is quite hard and protects them from being

injured when hunting. They are also incredibly fast healers.

Reproduction:

Sexually mature at 3.5-5 m (9-14 years) and may produce 7-14 pups per litter.

Threats:

Great White Sharks are apex predators and have very few natural threats, however Orcas, Orcinus orca,

have been known to target them for only their liver, which is rich in squalene (oil). Sharks are also

targeted by humans for their fins and teeth, and trophy for sport fishing. The fins are used in a Chinese

delicacy called shark fin soup. Long line fishing boats often catch sharks as bycatch. Recreational sport

fishing is also a threat to these sharks. If a shark is caught by a person and released again, it puts a lot

of stress on the animal and can sometimes lead to their death.

The Great White Shark is a protected species in South Africa and may not be landed at all.

References: ~Aubrey, A., 2001. Aloe ferox Mill. [Online] Available at:

https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/aloeferox.htm [Accessed 6 May 2017]

~ Branch, GM., Griffiths, CL., Branch, ML, Beckley, 2010. Two Oceans: A guide to the marine life of

southern Africa. Ed Revised. Cape Town: Struik Nature.

~National Geographic, 2017. Vegetation region. [Online] Available at:

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/vegetation-region/ [Accessed 6 May 2017]

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~Pressreader, 2014. Sabelo Nsele Nomfundo Xolo (Loggerhead Turtle Article). [Online] Available at:

http://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/daily-news/20140325/282016145282394 [Accessed

7 May 2017]

~ World Wildlife Fund, 2017. Great White Shark. [Online] Available at: www.worldwildlife.org [Accessed

1 May 2017].

~Holiday Insights, 2017. Plant Appreciation Day. [Online] Available at:

http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/plant-appreciation-day.htm [Accessed 7 May

2017]

~South African Tourism, 2017. See Great White Sharks. [Online] Available at:

http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-great-white-shark-

conservation [Accessed 7 May 2017]

NICOLE BLIGNAUT

KEI HEYNS

ANTON BARNARD

FRANSMANSHOEK CONSERVANCY

082 084 2791 | fransmanshoek@gmail.com