Whilst we walk the hill during the day admiring the beautiful flora and views we rarely get see the larger mammals that call Beacon Hill home. The images below were captured by FOBH Committee member Gareth Boothway at night and are further proof of Beacon Hill's ecological importance. We are very lucky that our small town is still host to such wildlife and Beacon Hill's protection is all the more important when we consider that some our shyer neighbours' livelihoods depend on it.
Common Reedbuck:
Medium sized antelope often seen in pairs or family parties. They will occur in larger numbers but this is usually representative of individuals or pairs feeding in one area. They occur across southern Central Africa, extending into Tanzania and then southwards into the extreme northern and eastern reaches of Southern Africa. Although seemingly common, they are now listed as a Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) under the KZN Conservation Ordinance. Decline in numbers could be the result of poaching, illegal capture (game capture market) and increased loss of habitat. Although they feed a lot on agricultural lands, they need areas with tall grass and reeds in close proximity to water. They feed mostly on grasses but are known to browse. Calves are born shortly after a good spring rain.
Large Grey Mongoose:
Usually spotted on their own but sometimes seen in pairs. Historically they are known to forage in larger groups of up to 10 individuals. Both diurnal and nocturnal, but more commonly seen during the day. Although wide spread they are a fairly uncommon resident in our area. They prefer riverine vegetation and will frequent other water bodies and are sometimes found a long way from these habitats when feeding. They feed on a range of vertebrates with a preference for rodents. They will feed on insects, fledglings and bird eggs.
Please see the events calendar for details of two of our upcoming events Beacon Hill Invasive Alien Plant Work Party 19th October 2013 and the Friends of Beacon Monthly Guided Walk - 27th October.