Using housing estates as conservation tools: A case study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
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| Authors: | Rebecca Grey-Ross Colleen T Downs Kevin Kirkman |
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| Institution: | aSchool of Biological & Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P.O. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | Increasing transformation and fragmentation of rural landscapes for economic reasons is causing concern to conservationists worldwide. With this trend likely to continue, perhaps conservation agencies and development corporations need to co-operate and plan housing developments that are environmentally and ecologically sustainable and can serve as refuges for endangered species. In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, grasslands are particularly threatened by land transformation for housing developments. A case study is presented of a housing development, Wedgewood Estate in KwaZulu-Natal that has been developed and managed for conserving grassland habitat and associated species, particularly the endangered oribi (Ourebia ourebi). Feedback from the Estate's managers about the development and ecological impact were obtained. Wedgewood is an example of the viability of housing estates as refuges for endangered species and shows that the density and placement of housing and management of the natural habitat are important. It emphasizes the need for reviewing the types and amount of housing development, management of natural habitat, and the rules and regulations they put in place to assure the integrity of the conservancy is preserved. This case study also shows the potential of such ecologically sensitive housing developments as sources of surplus game for translocation, especially in the case of endangered species such as oribi. |
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| Keywords: | Conservation Housing estates Oribi Rural development |
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