This project is catalyst and core of the GMBA Southern Africa Regional Hub and includes 38 specialists and students. The full report is available online as a preprint (and is summarised below).

African alpine ecosystems are rare and are found in small, isolated patches, mainly in the eastern and southern regions of the continent, covering a total area of 16 500 km². A team of plant and animal specialists, including Prof Taylor, is working to uncover the biological richness of the Southern African alpine hotspot in the region bordering Lesotho, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Witsieshoek Community Conservation Area (CCA). Since 2021, a team from the UFS ARU, the departments of Zoology and Entomology, Plant Sciences, Geography, and Agriculture, along with partners from institutions across Southern Africa (UNESWA, ARC, UKZN, Univen, Rhodes University, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Albany Museum, National Museum Bloemfontein), have conducted several expeditions (‘bioblitzes’) to survey plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates in the Witsieshoek CCA.

The team has documented more than 930 plant and animal species across 15 plant and animal groups. Their research combines ecotourism-driven citizen science, biodiversity specialist knowledge, and bioblitz surveys, spanning elevations from 1 760 m at the foothills to 3 100 m at the summit. Additionally, they conducted comparative tests between alpine and subalpine ecosystems in 10 of the taxon groups.

This comprehensive data collection serves as the foundation for continuing conservation assessments and future monitoring efforts, helping to preserve the unique biodiversity of these fragile ecosystems.

The team also co-developed a conservation plan – together with rewilding options – for the CCA with all stakeholders, including the Witsieshoek Lodge managers, the Batlokoa Royal Council, and the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area (MD-TFCA). 
 

The team has documented more than 930 plant and animal species across 15 plant and animal groups.