Bishops Bird Nature Area committed to conservation

The nature reserve boasts an abundance of bird species, including the helmeted guineafowl, Cape robin-chat, African hoopoe, Karoo thrush, and black-shouldered kites, among many others.

The Bishops Bird Nature area is committed to conserving Centurion’s biodiversity.

Situated just a kilometer north of the Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain, the reserve measures 16 hectares in size.

Here people can escape from everyday hassles, and relax in the tranquillity and peacefulness of nature.

The nature reserve boasts an abundance of bird species, including the helmeted guineafowl, Cape robin-chat, African hoopoe, Karoo thrush, and black-shouldered kites, among many others.

Small animals such as mongooses, porcupines, hares, and bushbabies are also calling the reserve home.

A large population of bucks is scattered throughout the reserve and efforts are made to keep them fed and hydrated.

The vegetation in the nature area is classified as Bakenveld and consists of open grass areas with groupings of indigenous trees. There is also a wide variety of wildflowers to be seen.

Invasive trees and plants pose a threat to the reserve and measures such as burning and applying pesticides must be carried out to stop them from spreading.

The reserve recently had a problem with residents dumping their rabbits in the reserve.

This created many problems as rabbits dug tunnels and posed a health threat to animals living on the reserve and people visiting.

In addition, the reserve considers dumping an act of animal cruelty as these domesticated rabbits cannot take care of themselves in the wild.

“Most domestic rabbits die within weeks of being dumped in the veld, either from predation, starvation or exposure,” read a post on their Facebook page.

“This is not a death one would wish on pets that hopped about on your desk while you worked two months earlier.”

Residents are invited to visit the reserve – free of charge on any day of the week.

Picnics and family outings are a regular sight at the reserve, especially during weekends.

Guided walks have to be booked in advance.

The reserve regularly invites educational hosts to help visitors gain a better understanding of the plants and animals in the reserve.

Source: Rekord East