Description
Come on a Hike to Geelkop Private Nature Reserve to observe the results of the conservation efforts. Picnic fare can be ordered on request.
Elim is fast becoming known as an eco-tourism town and exporter of Fynbos. An exciting half-day hiking trail along the gentle slopes of Geelkop and a 7 km circular drive are available to Geelkop where a number of very scarce Protea species can be found.
In 2006, Elim Ferricrete Fynbos was listed as Endangered. Now, some 14 years later, CapeNature considers it Critically Endangered. Elim Ferricrete Fynbos used to cover extensive areas from the Bot River Valley to Hemel and Aarde, and down to Baardskeerdersbos, with the majority found around Elim in the Agulhas Plain. The Geelkop Nature Reserve (a small 450-hectare reserve, aptly named thanks to the yellow flowering carpet that often covers the hilltop).is considered key to reaching conservation targets.
Some of the endangered species include the following:
- Leucadendron Elimense Subsp. Elimense – The Elim Conebush is affected by agriculture, invasive alien plants and overgrazing.
- Protea Pudens (Endangered) – The Bashful Sugarbush is affected by habitat loss, fire-related population fluctuations and expanding agriculture.
- Leucadendron Laxum (Endangered) Known as the Bredasdorp Conebush, its population has decreased by more than half over the past 60 years. Today only small sub-populations remain, and declines continue.
- Leucospermum Heterophyllum (endangered) It’s known as the Trident Pincushion. It’s found between Elim and De Hoop, but the population continues to decline.
Aulax Umbellata (near Threatened): It’s estimated that nearly a third of this species’ population has been lost already. And that a further 50% is at risk over the next 6 years as a result of land transformation and climate change.The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area works with important partners like the Grootbos Foundation, CapeNature and the Elim community to protect the fynbos while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
(This information was sourced from the SANBI RedList.)
free entry
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