Giba Gorge is surrounded on all sides by large towering Sandstone cliffs that are home to a plethora of specially adapted plants that manage to hold on and milk a living out of these harsh conditions. Some are extremely rare, such as the GGEP’s logo plant, the Blood Lilly (
Gladiolus cruentus)
link which exists in colonies in wetter areas and provides an extraordinary spectacle when flowering. This species is extremely rare, its distribution being limited to the greater Durban area – it is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Other cliff dwelling plants include smaller species, such as the many Crassulas and Delaspermas (vygies), bulbous species, such as the Large Blue Scilla (
Merwilla natalensis)
link, and larger trees, such as the Mountain Fig (Ficus glumosa).
Cliffs are important habitats for rare species like the Blood Lilly found in only a few populations around Durban.
Blue Scilla - one of many species that has adapted to living on cliffs.
Despite the apparent harsh conditions, life abounds on cliff faces in Giba.
Cliffs are also important habitats for certain animals. Rock Hyrax (Dassies) utilize these areas as refuges from predators. Lanner Falcons have been known to nest on the cliffs near McIntosh falls during winter. Jackal Buzzards, Speckled Pigeons, Mocking Chats, Red-winged Strarlings, Spotted Eagle-Owls and various swift and swallow species all use the cliffs in Giba as part of the day-to-day living.
Red-winged Starlings are common species that frequent cliff environments, photo credit: Hugh Chittenden.
