Natural Environment
The conservancy is situated within the boundaries of Sedibeng District surrounding the ridges and wetlands of Houtheuwel (Houtkop, Lenteland and Helenasrus) North West of the town Vereeniging. Sebokeng township is appoxamatly 4 km from the boundries of the conservancy.
Climate
The climate of Sedibeng is characteristic of the Highveld. It has warm summers with showers and thunderstorms commonly occurring in the late afternoons with rainfalls that vary between 700mm and 800mm. The era’s Highveld climate contributes positively towards the increase of its agricultural and tourism potential. The winters are cool and dry.
Atmosphere
Air pollution is a major concern in the area. Sedibeng is situated North of the industrial area and South of the mining belt in Johannesburg, which results in dust being blown over the area from the mining activities and air pollution of various gasses from the industrial area. Further cases of air pollution are the open fires from adjacent neighbourhoods.
Topography
Sedibeng District’s topography is gentle with the elevation above sea level varying from 1500m to 1800m at the top of Suikerboshrand which is the highest point in Gauteng The topographical features provide the potential for the introduction of passive recreational activities.
The ridges and wetlands in the conservancy area are considered environmentally sensitive and any new development should be carefully considered. Approval for any development in sensitive areas must be obtained from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and the Environment (GDACE).
Fauna and Flora
The conservancy falls within the Southern part of Gauteng on the ridges of Houtheuwel
Grass species such as Setaria flabellata, Themeda triandra, Heteropogon, contortus, Eragrostis racemasa and Cymbopogon plurinodis are common in this veld type. Trees such as Fire Thorn Rhus pyroides, Acacia's Acacia and Buffalo Thorn Ziziphus mucronata also occur on the site.
The following threatened bird and mammal species may occur in the area:
Common Name Scientific Name Status
Grass Owl Tyto capensis Indeterminate
African Finfoot Podica senegalensis Indeterminate
Small spotted cat Felis nigripes Rare
Aardwolf Proteles cristatus Rare
African striped weasel Poecilogale albinucha Rare
South Africa Hedgehog Atelerix frontalis Rare
Antbear Orycteropus afer Vulnerable
White-tailed mouse Mystromys albicaudatus Vulnerable
No information is currently available on the endangered species or biodiversity in the area. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Land Affairs (DACEL) will assist in capturing data.
Sensitive areas
Red data species are species that have been identified and are considered to be endangered. The Gauteng Provincial Government: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Land Affairs (DACEL) will conduct studies on possible red data species in this area, which will include Bird, Bullfrog, Invertebrates and Plant species. Over 130 bird species have been identified in the area.
Ridges and Wetlands
Ridges are dispersed throughout the area within the conservancy. These ridges should be protected as part of an open space system as well as for potential archaeological finds.
The wetland area (Quaggafontein) is situated on the south-westerly side of the conservancy, which drains into the Vaal River, which is the main water source for Gauteng. It is therefore important that the quality of water inflow into the Vaal River be protected against any pollution. The Vaal River also has tourism potential and is a habitat for various birds, fish and small animals.
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