Abstract
Background: Two of Lesotho’s protected areas, namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park, form the core area of the country’s first proposed Biosphere Reserve. Biodiversity is a key aspect needed to justify nomination of a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. Previously documented biodiversity of the two protected areas is limited in terms of coverage and scope as well as being outdated. The aim of the current study was to conduct a rapid assessment of the biodiversity, including endemism, of the proposed Biosphere Reserve to inform the formal nomination process.Methods: A field survey was undertaken over 112 033 ha in the core, buffer and transition zones of the proposed Biosphere Reserve during which species of both flora and fauna were documented. Purposeful recordings were made during different seasons to incorporate various flowering seasons of the plants, as well as faunal species that may hibernate or migrate seasonally.Results: A total of 380 plant species was recorded, 30 of which are legally protected in the country, 60 endemic to the Drakensberg Mountain Centre, and two species (Aloe polyphylla and Glumicalyx lesuticus) are endemic to Lesotho. The former is the national flower of Lesotho and is under threat due to illegal trade. Sixteen mammal species were recorded, seven of which are legally protected in the country, as well as 53 bird species (including the IUCN Red Listed vulture species, Gyps coprotheres and Gypaetus barbatus). Two fish species were also recorded including Pseudobarbus quathlambae, which is Lesotho’s only known endemic vertebrate species, as well as seven reptile and three amphibian species (two of which are near endemic namely Amietia delalandii and A. vertebralis).Conclusion: This survey has provided valuable baseline information on the biodiversity (particularly regarding the flora and avifauna) of the proposed Biosphere Reserve, which includes two protected areas namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park. The findings reflect the biodiversity value of the area and will contribute towards its nomination as Lesotho’s first Biosphere Reserve.
Highlights
The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is an intergovernmental scientific programme that seeks to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments
The guidelines indicate that each Biosphere Reserves (BRs) should contain three elements, namely: a core area/s, which is/are securely protected for conserving biological diversity as well as undertaking non-destructive research and other low-impact uses; a buffer zone, which usually surrounds or adjoins the core area/s, and is used for co-operative activities compatible with sound ecological practices; a flexible transition area, which incorporates a variety of activities including agriculture and human settlements where various stakeholders work together to manage and sustainably develop the area’s resources (UNESCO 1996)
The current study provides a detailed compilation of species recorded in the proposed BR
Summary
The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is an intergovernmental scientific programme that seeks to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. The MAB Programme contributes to implementing elements of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) through i) conservation of genetic resources, species and ecosystems; ii) scientific research and monitoring; and iii) promoting sustainable development in communities (UNESCO 1996). The guidelines indicate that each BR should contain three elements, namely: a core area/s, which is/are securely protected for conserving biological diversity as well as undertaking non-destructive research and other low-impact uses; a buffer zone, which usually surrounds or adjoins the core area/s, and is used for co-operative activities compatible with sound ecological practices; a flexible transition area, which incorporates a variety of activities including agriculture and human settlements where various stakeholders work together to manage and sustainably develop the area’s resources (UNESCO 1996). Nature Reserve (BNR) and Tšehlanyane National Park (TNP) form the core areas of a proposed BR (Figure 1). Two of Lesotho’s protected areas, namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park, form the core area of the country’s first proposed Biosphere Reserve. The aim of the current study was to conduct a rapid assessment of the biodiversity, including endemism, of the proposed Biosphere Reserve to inform the formal nomination process
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