NEW BUSINESS models are being developed for a 52 000 hectare conservancy that forms part of the northern border of the proposed Baviaans Mega Reserve. Ten farmers have joined forces to form The Winterhoek Conservancy, which is situated in the northern foothills of the Baviaanskloof and approximately 20 km south west of Steytlerville. The Conservancy was established in 1997, when a group of adjoining landowners decided to co-ordinate their efforts to conserve notably the kudu populations on their properties, according to chairperson John Kirkman. “Since then the Conservancy has expanded. The primary vision of the conservancy has also evolved, and the members have expanded their conservation efforts to conserve not only kudu, but also other plants and animals on their properties,” he says. According to Kirkman, the initial focus was on kudu because the animals already occurred in the area and they provided a readily recognisable symbol. It was realised that other species and the natural bush and veld would benefit as the land was restored to support a growing kudu population. Kudu are also part of the local economy through sustainable hunting. Additional nature-based tourism activities are now being developed. Business and management plans are being drawn up to enable the farmers to preserve their assets while investigating a possible land use change that would support the main goal of the Baviaansmain goal of the Baviaans Mega Reserve project, which is to preserve the bio-diversity of the area. “We are trying to align our goals with what the Wilderness Foundation is trying to do,” says Kirkman. At present most of the farms are carrying angora goats and dorper sheep, with some cattle. Future plans include nature-based tourism such as photographic and hunting safaris, mountain bike riding and hiking, as well as exploiting agritourism opportunities. Kirkman says part of the appeal of the Winterhoek is that it lies at the interface of three internationally important biomes, namely the Cape Floral Kingdom (notably fynbos), the Succulent Karoo, and the Subtropical Thicket Biome. As such it represents a unique diversity and a range of habitats, which can ensure the conservation of a broad spectrum of plants and animals. The Conservancy consists of a complex topography ranging from steep folded mountains and associated gorges and foot slopes to undulating hills and flats. The Conservancy ranges in altitude from Scholtsberg at 1 626 m to the flats on Klipgat at 619m. This results in an altitude change of more than 1 km. In addition, the conservancy protects a number of cultural and historical sites, which include caves, rock paintings and turn of the century homesteads, according to Kirkman. The Conservancy aims to use these natural strengths to create a conservation economy that is sustainable, while at the same time conserving the unique plants and animals in the region. “We are in the process of investigating the financial feasibility of converting from mixed small-stock and game farming, to exclusive game farming and conservation,” he says. Ambitious plans include reintroducing all the game species once found in the area. “I will retire a happy man when there is a black rhino wandering around on my farm,” says Kirkman. For further information about the conservancy, contact John Kirkman at 049-8330036, or e-mail goshawk@net4all.co.za