Guiding principles for reserve management - NCC Environmental ...

3. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FRAMEWORK3.1 PurposeThe WNR was initially purchased by the State for the purpose of re-establishing a black community fromMakgorang. It was later determined, however, that these farms were not suitable for cattle farming asa result of its low carrying capacity, a history of overgrazing and the presence of Poison Leaf. Instead, itwas recommend that the area be developed as a nature reserve, which could later be transferred to thethen Lebowa Government. The reserve later became an important breeding centre for Roan Antelope,while White Rhinoceros also occurred in the area historically.In present times, the value of the WNR as a conservation area can also be attributed to the following:It includes a portion of the poorly protected Roodeberg Bushveld vegetation unit.A combined total of 11 threatened reptile, amphibian, bird and/or mammal species occur at thereserve.The reserve is dissected by the critically endangered Mogalakwena River.The reserve contains areas classified as “highly significant” in terms of Critical BiodiversityValues.The reserve forms part of the expanded Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and is therefore ofinternational importance.The reserve is regarded as having a medium income generating potential.3.2 Reserve ValuesThe following key values of the WNR were identified by the RPT:KEY RESERVE VALUESThe reserve traverses a typical bushveld landscape, dominated by panoramic views, undulatinghills and ‘koppies’.The reserve provides habitat and forage resources for sustaining viable populations of Roan andSable Antelope.The reserve has the potential to demonstrate the efficacy of a functional partnership betweenthe State and a communal land owner – the Tale ga Morudu CPA – in the collaborative planningand management of a provincial nature reserve.The reserve provides access to local communities for livelihood, traditional, cultural andreligious use of its natural resources.3.3 The Reserve VisionThe vision of the reserve describes the overall long-term goal for the operation, protection anddevelopment of the WNR. The following vision was developed by the RPT:LEDET Reserve Management Documents: Wonderkop Nature Reserve (Strategic Plan) 22