Guiding principles for reserve management - NCC Environmental ...

2.4.3 TopographyThe topography of the reserve is characterised by flat to gently undulating plains in the northern andsouthern areas, with a number of hills and isolated koppies located in the central parts of the reserve(Figure 3).Altitudes within the WNR vary from 800 m above sea level in the plains to 1 180 m above sea level at itshighest point, which is located on one of the koppies in the central part of the reserve.2.4.4 Geology and Soils2.4.4.1 GeologyThe geological formations at the WNR include sandstone, conglomerate, siltstone and shale of theKransberg and Matlabas Subgroups. Gneisses, metasediments and metavolcanic rocks of the MalalaDrift Group, Beit Bridge Complex may also occur, while granite of the Lebowa Granite Suite is alsopresent.2.4.4.2 SoilsThe soils occurring at WNR are sandy and vary from red-yellow apedal high base status to dystrophic ormesotrophic soils.2.4.4.3 Soil ErosionMost of the erosion recorded within the WNR is presumably caused by severely overgrazed areaslocated adjacent to the reserve boundaries, notably along the northern, north-eastern and easternboundaries. Sound data on which to base management decisions with regard to soil management is,however, not currently available for the reserve.2.4.5 Drainage and HydrologyDrainage within the WNR forms part of the Limpopo River System.A number of small drainage lines can be found within the reserve, all of which drain eastward towardsthe Mogalakwena River, which is located along a section of the eastern boundary of the reserve. TheMogalakwena River is classified as Critically Endangered and flows northward towards the LimpopoRiver.The WNR is located in a Fish Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area.A number of fountains or springs, of which the water is used by locals for spiritual rituals andceremonies, occur within the boundaries of the reserve.The sloping landscape of various parts of the reserve, along with the degraded state of some sections,often results in rapid water flow after periods of high rainfall, especially in areas with poor plant cover.The Glen Alpine Dam is located to the east of the reserve. This dam is located along the MogalakwenaRiver, and supplies water to irrigation farmers located downstream.LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Wonderkop Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 17