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Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Marievale Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in Gauteng, South Africa. It is about 15 km2 in size, and situated on the East Rand on the southern half of the Blesbokspruit wetland, a Ramsar site.[1] The Blesbokspruit is a major perennial river in Gauteng which is flanked by extensive floodplains on either side. Nearby is the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.[2]

Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Map
LocationBlesbokspruit
Nearest cityNigel
Coordinates26°21′35″S 28°30′32″E / 26.35972°S 28.50889°E / -26.35972; 28.50889
Area1,526.01 ha (3,770.9 acres)
Established26 April 1978
Administered byDepartment of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Camp sites2
WebsiteMarievale Bird Sanctuary

History

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In 1978, a reserve 524 ha in extent was established.[3] This was further extended to 1,526.01 ha.[4]

Biodiversity

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The Blesbokspruit wetland, in which the sanctuary is situated, is designated as an Important Bird Area.[5] Almost 300 bird species frequent the wetland,[1] according to the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA),[6] with the best time to visit being between spring and the start of summer.[2][7]

Birds

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Birds found at the wetland include:[2][7]

Mammals

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Yellow Mongoose

In addition to birds, mammals have also been observed in the sanctuary:

Vegetation

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Within the wetland phragmites, typha and juncus reeds can be found between the water pans.[1] A grassland biome occurs near the eastern border.[1]

Activities

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There is a conference centre and 2 chalets in the sanctuary.[2] There are four bird hides at the water pans[2] (named Flamingo, Hadeda, Duiker and Shelduck) and a public picnic site in the reserve.[1]

Threats

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The flow of the Blesbokspruit has been hampered by the surrounding industries, i.e. gold mine tailings, sewage treatment plants, farmland expansion and urban development in some parts of the wetland, creating disjointed pans of water in the wetland.[7][8] Previously the river had few reed beds and few open stretches of shallow water. With the profusion of vegetation like sedges, bulrushes, duckweed and reeds, and the dumping of several large sand embankments through urban expansion, the landscape has since changed, resulting in the reduction of suitable habitat on the river.[8]

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Marievale Bird Sanctuary". www.nigel.co.za. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Marievale Bird Sanctuary: Gauteng Tourism Authority". www.gauteng.net. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Gazetted Name: Marievale Bird Sanctuary" (PDF).
  4. ^ "Protected Areas Register". dffeportal.environment.gov.za. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas of the North West and Gauteng" (PDF).
  6. ^ Marievale Bird Sanctuary flyer. WESSA. 2009
  7. ^ a b c "Marievale Bird Sanctuary, Gauteng". www.sa-venues.com. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  8. ^ a b "Blesbokspruit". BirdLife South Africa. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
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