Various illegal bark-stripping activities have become a concern at Newlands Forest.
Also read: Experts warn of the risks of stripping bark from Table Mountain’s trees
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) plans on implementing integrated strategies – intelligence gathering, law enforcement actions and proactive solutions – to tackle the issue.
Bark stripping interrupts the nutritional transport system of trees, in some cases killing them.
TMNP, together with the Newlands Forest Conservation Group, are set to embark on painting the trees as an initial step.
Megan Taplin, TMNP park manager, said, “Mature and seed-producing trees will be painted with grey water-based PVA paint as a method to deter bark stripping.”
After consultations, the South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers, together with arborists, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Newlands Forest Conservation Group, agreed to paint the trees as a viable solution to curb illegal bark stripping.
“The public should be aware of groups of contractors that may be seen in the forest painting the trees,” said Taplin.
Indigenous trees such as the Cape beech, Cape chestnut, wild peach, assegai and stinkwood are the main targets of bark stripping.
In addition to painting the endangered trees, TMNP ensures that law enforcement patrols will be in operation to discourage bark stripping; educational workshops for traditional healers will be offered; and a nursery has been set up to replant forest species.
Report bark-stripping activities:
- Contact: 086 110 6417
- Email: [email protected]
Also read:
The battle against bark stripping continues, TMNP conducts awareness programme
