FLORA & FAUNA
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is not only a sanctuary for its stunning landscapes but also a haven for a diverse array of flora and fauna. Among its notable residents are magnificent raptors, adding an extra layer of awe to your nature-filled experience:
Raptors in Flight: Look to the skies above the cliff faces, and you may be treated to the majestic sight of crowned eagles, black eagles, or martial eagles riding the thermals. These powerful raptors showcase their aerial prowess, offering a captivating display against the backdrop of the reserve’s scenic beauty.
Diverse Flora and Fauna: Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, creating a balanced and thriving ecosystem. Explore the trails to encounter unique flora, from vibrant wildflowers to ancient trees, and observe diverse fauna, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Rare and Endangered Species: The reserve proudly harbors rare and endangered species, contributing to conservation efforts. Your visit provides an opportunity to witness and appreciate the importance of protecting these treasures for future generations.
Preserving Natural Splendor: As you tread softly along the trails, remember that Krantzkloof is not just a destination but a commitment to conservation. The coexistence of humans and wildlife is delicately maintained, allowing you to witness the splendor of nature in its undisturbed state.
Capture the Moment: Bring your binoculars or camera to capture the grace and beauty of the raptors as they soar above the reserve. Share these moments with fellow nature enthusiasts, and let the spirit of Krantzkloof inspire others to appreciate and protect our natural world.
BIRDS
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is a true haven for bird lovers, offering a rich tapestry of habitats that host over 250 species of birds. As you explore the diverse landscapes, be prepared for a symphony of fluttering wings and melodic calls.
Here are some feathered residents you might be fortunate enough to spot:
- Knysna Turaco: Catch a glimpse of the vibrant and enchanting Knysna Turaco with its striking green and purple plumage. This iconic bird is known for its distinctive calls that add a magical quality to the reserve’s soundscape.
- Purple-crested Turaco: Keep an eye out for the regal Purple-crested Turaco, adorned with its crown-like crest. Spotting this majestic bird amidst the foliage is a memorable experience.
- Red-chested Cuckoo: Listen for the melodious calls of the Red-chested Cuckoo, adding a sweet and rhythmic tune to the air. Its vibrant red chest makes it a charming sight during your birdwatching adventures.
- Green Wood-hoopoe: Witness the Green Wood-hoopoe as it moves gracefully through the trees, showcasing its striking green and black plumage. These social birds are often seen foraging together.
- Narina Trogon: Encounter the shy yet stunning Narina Trogon, a bird that captivates with its iridescent green and red colors. Patience may be rewarded with a glimpse of this elusive beauty.
- Spotted Ground Thrush: Known to forage on the dense woodland and forest floor, it moves with a purpose, blending seamlessly with the leaf litter as it searches for insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. These birds are particularly adept at utilizing the cover of the forest, making them both challenging to spot and a testament to the importance of preserving their natural habitat.
The towering cliffs of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve serve as a majestic stage for a breathtaking array of raptor species. As you explore the trails, look to the skies, for you may witness the impressive flight and nesting activities of these magnificent birds:
African Crowned Eagle: Behold the regal African Crowned Eagle, a resident of the reserve that graces the skies with its commanding presence. Nesting within Krantzkloof, these eagles add a royal touch to the natural wonders unfolding below.
Martial Eagle: Marvel at the powerful wingspan of the Martial Eagle, another impressive raptor that calls Krantzkloof home. These skilled hunters contribute to the dynamic ecosystem of the reserve.
African Harrier Hawk: Witness the agility and grace of the African Harrier Hawk as it soars and maneuvers through the cliffside air currents. These hawks are adept at navigating the intricate landscapes of the reserve.
Black Sparrowhawk: The Black Sparrowhawk, with its dark plumage, adds a touch of mystery to the skies above Krantzkloof. Watch as it skillfully hunts and soars among the cliffs and trees.
Lanner and Peregrine Falcons: The swift and agile Lanner Falcons and Peregrine Falcons bring excitement to the skies with their impressive aerial displays. Witness their breathtaking dives and acrobatics as they hunt for prey.
Wahlberg’s Eagle: Krantzkloof Nature Reserve holds the distinction of being the most southerly nesting site for the Wahlberg’s Eagle. Encounter these magnificent birds as they contribute to the ecological balance of the reserve.
The cliffs not only provide a dramatic backdrop but also serve as critical nesting sites for these raptors. Conservation efforts within the reserve play a crucial role in preserving these habitats and ensuring the well-being of these majestic birds.
- Trumpeter Hornbills: Listen for the unmistakable trumpeting calls that give the Trumpeter Hornbills their name. These lively and noisy birds are known for their social nature, often forming large flocks of up to 50 individuals. Spotting a flock of Trumpeter Hornbills is not just a visual delight but also an auditory experience as their calls reverberate through the canopy.
- Crowned Hornbills: Crowned Hornbills, with their distinctive black and white plumage and regal crests, add a touch of elegance to the avian residents of Krantzkloof. Keep an eye out for these beautiful birds as they move gracefully through the trees.
Step into the enchanting grassland areas, particularly along the Uve Trail, at Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, where a diverse chorus of birds awaits your discovery. Here are some feathered residents you may encounter in these open landscapes:
- Dark-capped Bulbul: The melodious tunes of the Dark-capped Bulbul add a musical note to the grassland areas. Watch for these small, lively birds as they flit among the foliage, showcasing their dark caps and charming presence.
- Yellow-throated Longclaw: Spot the vibrant Yellow-throated Longclaw with its distinctive yellow throat and captivating longclaws. These ground-dwelling birds add a burst of color to the grassy expanses.
- Bronze Mannikins: Witness the social gatherings of Bronze Mannikins, small finch-like birds with bronze plumage. Their communal activities and lively chirps create a lively atmosphere in the grassland areas.
- Mountain Wagtail: Although water bird sightings may be limited due to narrow streams and closed canopies, the ever-present Mountain Wagtail graces the streams within the reserve. Observe their elegant movements along the water’s edge.
HERPETOFAUNA (Amphibians and Reptiles)
Management Strategies Informed by Nature: The information gathered from the observation of frogs and reptiles contributes to the formulation of effective management strategies. Understanding their presence or absence helps conservationists and managers make informed decisions to preserve and enhance the reserve’s ecosystems.
Krantzkloof is home to several frog, snake and lizard species the largest of which is the Water Monitor which can be found on most of the streams. The forest is home to chameleons and terrapins can be found in the river. The endangered Kloof Frog, the familiar Natal Tree Frog and the colourful Marbled Reed Frog can also be found in the reserve.
There are several snake species found in the reserve including the iconic and endangered Natal Rock Python. Other relatively common species include Spotted Bush Snake, Natal Green Snake, Boomslang, Rhombic Night Adder, Puff Adder, Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Black Mamba and Vine Snake.
Generally speaking, if you leave a snake alone, it will leave you alone. If you are fortunate enough to spot a snake, stay calm and back away slowly.
INVERTEBRATES
Although their presence is often overlooked, invertebrates play a critical role in the functioning of an ecosystem. They are responsible for maintaining soil fertility, waste disposal, water purification, pest control, pollination and may even influence the structure of plant communities. In some cases the survival of local endemic plant species may be linked to a single pollinator.
Visitors may encounter the endangered Ruby-footed Black Millipede as it makes its way along the forest floor, and are sure to see some of the several web-building spider species. The Kite Spider is distinctive with its brightly coloured, spiky body. Golden Orb Spiders and Bark Spiders are also common in the reserve.
The forest floor is home to the vulnerable Snake Skin Hunter Slug, while Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is one of only three places in KZN where the rare Freshwater Shrimp has been recorded.
Numerous butterfly species can be seen in the reserve in all of the habitat types.
MAMMALS
Mammals are difficult to spot as they tend to be shy of humans, but the observant visitor may spot bushbuck which are the most common antelope in the reserve. Good spots are the forest margins along the Longshadows Trail, the Beacon Trail, anywhere along the Molweni River and on the forest margins bordering the grasslands near Nkutu Gorge. The ram is usually a darkish brown and the ewe a lighter reddish brown. Both sexes darken with age. Bushbuck are the only solitary, non-territorial African antelope and are most active in the early mornings and at night.
Burchell’s Plains Zebra can often be spotted in the eastern grasslands near the Uve Road entrance and in the grasslands on the southern side of the Nkutu Gorge. Blue Duiker and Grey Duiker are very shy but can be spotted occasionally. Bush Pig and Porcupine are also common in the reserve, but are seldom seen as they are nocturnal. Their droppings can frequently be seen on the trail paths.
Less common species that have been seen in the reserve include Large-spotted Genet, Caracal, Cape Clawless Otter, Slender Mongoose, Water Mongoose, Banded Mongoose and 13 species of bat.
FLORA
Krantzkloof encompasses three biomes: – savannah, forest and grasslands (threatened KZN Sandstone Sourveld grassland is the most common type in the reserve).
The reserve has an exceptional botanical diversity. Mostly densely forested with the oldest parts of the forest in the deep gullies which are sheltered from fire and wood cutting.
TREES
The reserve is home to a number of extraordinary species, including one of SA’s rarest trees, the Natal Sandstone Quince, three cycad species and a number of Red Data listed species, amongst them Gladioli and the critically endangered Brachystelma pulchellum. The reserve is home to its very own endemic Streptocarpus molweniensis which is only found in Krantzkloof and nowhere else on the planet!
A walk in the reserve offers an opportunity to see some well known tree species and to encounter some not so familiar forest species. These include Cabbage trees, River Macaranga, Bushwillows, Corkwoods, Waterberry, Spikethorns, Sickle-bush, Red Currant, Quinine-tree, Weeping Boer-bean and a number of Acacia species.
SPECIES LISTS
The below species lists were originally compiled from recorded observations of the Krantzkloof Honorary Officers, with updates added by members of Kloof Conservancy.