Grassland
Winston Park grasslands
These are the open areas in Giba typically occurring on the slopes; they would have been common on the plateau areas before development of residential areas here. This particular type of grassland, known as KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld, has been largely transformed by urbanization and agriculture in South Africa (68% of original area estimated to have changed), including Durban (between 74% and 80% changed).
Consequently, this vegetation type has been classified as ‘Endangered’ by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. This means that if nothing is done to improve the conservation status of this habitat, the probability of extinction is high. In fact, this habitat is the most threatened terrestrial habitat in the greater Durban area.
Original extent (insert) of KZN Sandstone Sourveld (insert) and remaining patches in Kloof, Hillcrest and Waterfall.
As the name of this habitat suggests, they are limited to Natal Group Sandstone and have adapted to the sandy acidic soils that have been weathered off these rocks. The grasslands that have not been impacted on by excessive human activities have an abundance of wild flower species. Some of these are long-lived species, such as bulbous plants, that take many years to reach maturity and propagate. The best time of year to witness the spectacle of colour that these plants provide is after burns, a few weeks after the first substantial rains have fallen in Spring. This is truly the season when these grasslands come to life: wild flowers are often accompanied by an interesting array of pollinating insects, these attract a higher order of predators such as birds, frogs and reptiles, and so the whole food chain is jump started into action.
The diversity of pollinators abound in these grasslands; some species are yet to be formerly described.
A new flush of life after fire.
The diversity of species is often made possible by close associations between plants and animals, especially in grasslands.
Fire is extremely important in grassland ecology. Grasslands have adapted to the occurrence of fire for thousands of years, even before humans were around. Many grassland plants are stimulated to grow, or flower after a fire event, and in this way have adapted to surviving under these harsh conditions. Fire also prevents most woody species from encroaching into these habitats. There are even specific mammals that completely rely on this habitat type. An example close to home is the endangered Oribi that can still be found in the Hammarsdale region and which used to occupy the Kloof/Hillcrest grasslands.
