Weenen Nature Reserve celebrates 50 years of conservation
Ezemvelo CEO, Sihle Mkhize, and former Ezemvelo CEO, Dr Hughes, unveil the 50th-anniversary plaque at Weenen Nature Reserve. The plaque honours the reserve's incredible journey of ecological restoration and celebrates its legacy of conservation.
Image: Supplied
Weenen Nature Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands this week celebrated a milestone, commemorating its 50th anniversary.
A celebratory event, which included a plaque unveiling and a game drive, not only recognised the reserve’s remarkable transformation but also underscored its pivotal role in biodiversity conservation over the decades.
Established in 1975, Weenen Nature Reserve spans 5,000 hectares of what was once deemed an "ecological desert," ravaged by overstocking and degradation. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of ecological rehabilitation.
The lush landscapes now teem with life, serving as critical habitat for endangered species, including both white and black rhinos.
Frik Lemmer, the reserve manager said the story of Weenen was a story of hope.
"It shows what’s possible when people come together to restore the land. Where there were once only stone and sand, we now have a rich ecosystem supporting a vast array of wildlife, from big mammals and the small-five," said Lemmer.
In the ongoing fight to protect rhinos from the brink of extinction, Weenen Nature Reserve has instituted a successful black rhino breeding programme, showcasing the highest black rhino birth rate in the province.
This is complemented by robust anti-poaching measures, including innovative strategies like dehorning and the integration of modern surveillance technologies, such as remote sensing and horn chips, which aid in monitoring the rhinos’ movements and ensuring their safety.
"This little place has produced incredible returns for rhinos. Our team is on the ground 24/7, working to protect these magnificent animals. We've also carried out extensive carrying capacity studies for many of these large grazing species, including rhino, zebra and waterbuck.
"This allows us to determine the optimal number of animals to ensure that there is enough food supply to keep them healthy, and that the grasslands are not degraded from overgrazing. Managing this reserve is a fine ecological balance, which is currently working well for all the species,” said Lemmer.
He added that the reserve's success can largely be attributed to strong community partnerships.
"We have a very strong community liaison forum. This collaborative spirit extends to external funders and partners, whose support is vital for operational costs and key projects like rhino dehorning,” said Lemmer.
Weenen Nature Reserve offers a peaceful and authentic escape for tourists seeking a true wilderness experience.
With over 30 km of well-maintained roads, visitors can enjoy self-drive game viewing and appreciate a rich variety of wildlife beyond the typical "Big Five," including giraffe, zebra, and various antelope.
The reserve is also gaining recognition as a birding hotspot, with over 230 species recorded.
The park provides a range of accommodation options, including campsites, a bush camp, and a self-catering cottage.
Lemmer said unlike many other famous reserves, visitors see "no lights anywhere" at night, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment.