Residents have been advised that staff of the City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Management Branch will be conducting ecological burns at various nature reserves from next month.
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These annual burns are crucial to the preservation of natural vegetation and are scheduled to take place between February and April, weather permitting.
Fire has always played a vital part in semi-arid areas with many plants and animals depending on recycled nutrients to sustain ecosystems and propagate.
They also serve to clear out old growth under controlled conditions, reducing the threat of severe wildfires.
In a press statement, Mayco Member for Spacial Planning and Environment Eddie Andrews said that fire also provides the critical stimulation that many of these unique fire-dependent plant species, including Protea burchellii, Protea scolymocephala, and Serurria, require to germinate.
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While frequent fires can cause a decline in slow-growing species while decreasing seed production, fires that occur more than 20 years apart can cause bush encroachment and local extinction of species.
“Another advantage of burning old vegetation is that it reduces fuel loads, which, in turn, reduces the risk of wildfires,” said Andrews
“In addition to fynbos regeneration, ecological burns are also used as a tool for restoration: as a first treatment for invasive clearing, and to restore habitat for critically endangered species such as Kedestes spp. Ranger butterflies.”
“Competent, trained staff from the Environmental Management Department (EMD) will work with Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service as well as Working on Fire and Volunteer Wildfire Services.”
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