Forest

The forests in this part of the world are known as Scarp Forests, although they have close associations with both Coastal and Afro-montane forests, and are usually associated with rugged terrain above 400m asl, in areas protected from fire. They are classified as threatened by the South African National Biodiversity Institute and are protected legally by the National Forests Act of 1998.

Lush forest below the McIntosh Falls.

Scarp Forests, and most forests in general, have three basic structural layers to them, the canopy, mid-canopy and under-storey layers. Maintenance of this general structure is extremely important as any damage to this can cause a new succession of unwanted plants colonizing and transforming the system. By damage to the system I mean the removal or ring-barking of trees in particular. This practice has become common practice in many forests in the greater Durban area which has left many highly degraded forests and very few functional ones. Fortunately Giba’s forests are generally in a good condition but the initial stages of degradation have become evident in the last few years.

Ring-barking of indigenous forest trees causes serious ecological damage to these habitats.

Scarp Forests are unique in that they are home to many species of plants and animals that are totally restricted (endemic) to this forest type. Examples include the Ruby-footed Giant Black Millipede with the only known populations from Giba and Krantzkloof nature reserves, the Spotted Ground Thrush which migrates between Eastern Cape (formerly Transkei) forests and KZN Scarp Forests outside of its breeding season, and the Kloof Frog which is limited to clear streams flowing through these forests.

Ruby-footed Giant Black Millipede.

Some of the more common trees in Giba’s forests include Wild Poplar Macaranga capensis link which is common along rivers, Red Beech (Protorhus longifolia) link, Broom-cluster Fig (Ficus sur) link, Jackal Coffee (Tricalysia lanceolata), and Lemonwood (Xymalos monospora). Woody climbers are commonplace in these forests. Some of the more obvious ones include the characteristic Hluhluwe Creeper (Dalbergia armata) link with its robust armory, the climbing granadilla (Adenia gummifera) link with its thick, green stems, and Magic Rope (Oncinotis tenuiloba) link with its distinctly spotted stems.

The Hluhluwe Creeper.

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