Introducing the Soutpansberg Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation

Located in the Soutpansberg on the banks of the Sand River, the Soutpansberg Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation has founded in order to progressively change the trajectory of conservation in the Soutpansberg in the context of the greater Vhembe Biosphere Reserve; to catalogue the biodiversity of the Soutpansberg; to reconnect people with the natural world; and to develop proactive environmentalists who will impact their world.

 

View of the Sand River Gorge, home of the Soutpansberg Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation.

The Soutpansberg is a mountain range in the far north of South Africa and is close to the town of Louis Trichard. The mountains are renowned for their beauty and high species endemism. The role of the Soutpansberg Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation is to catalogue this biodiversity, collect data and be a conservational presence in the region. 

The endemic Soutpansberg Flat Lizard (Platysaurus relictus) one of the most colourful animals in the area.

The SCBC is an experimental and independent space for the exchange of ideas, biodiversity research and the practice of conservation. Through approaching conservation from an inclusive rather than exclusive position, our goal is to become a model for eco-tourism and conservation in the area In terms of research, our aim is to collect information on biodiversity in the Soutpansberg and contribute this knowledge to a greater scientific community.

A mountain stream; a hotspot for biodiversity.

Our primary objective in these early stages of development is to begin with research on ecosystems – cataloguing the biodiversity of reptiles, birds, plants, arachnids and insects, and monitoring the larger mammals in the area such as leopards, brown hyeanas, aardvarks and antelope. 

Giant Plated Lizard (Matabosaurus validus), a lizard which can grow to just under a metre in length.

Biodiversity research will be accomplished by actively searching for organisms and setting pit-fall and/or camera traps. All records and documentation will be uploaded to the South African National Biodiversity (SANBI) database, making them accessible to the general public and scientists alike. The SCBC will also engage with other conservationists within the area, sharing research and raising awareness of the project within a broader community.

A community of lichen growing on a rock on a mountain summit.

The Soutpansberg Centre For Biodiversity and Conservation is an independent, not-for-profit research and conservation organization based in the Soutpansberg range to the west of Louis Trichard, Limpopo Province, South Africa and we are currently looking for volunteers to assist us with our project.

Lygus Acraea (Acraea lygus) one of the many species of butterfly found in the Soutpansberg. 

Individuals from all walks of life are invited to participate, specifically those that have a strong link to the natural world and want to be part of a new venture (for more information see soutpansbergcbc.blogspot.com).