Dredging of the Lower Silvermine River will be paused in coming weeks for the breeding season of the endangered western leopard toad along with other species that call the wetland home.
Phase one of the dredging project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June, allowing enough time for the wetland to settle and regenerate before the start of the breeding season, according to mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien.
“Trucks are actively transporting the dredged material to a designated landfill site, ensuring efficient progress.“
Reeds were being cleared at the roots and maintenance efforts would be ramped up to prevent regrowth, he said.
Preserving the western leopard toad’s breeding habitat is one of the key considerations of the project, according to mayoral committee member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross.
The toads would travel up to 2.5km to breeding ponds at the wetland to lay their eggs and after the eggs had hatched, the tadpoles fed on algae at the bottom of the ponds, she said.
“It is essential that the pond is fairly open so that light can reach the bottom of the pond and the algae can photosynthesise. Currently, the extensive reed beds shading the water is negatively impacting the breeding habitat of the western leopard toads.”
Kim Kruyshaar, the Clovelly coordinator at ToadNuts, said they were very happy that the wetland was being dredged.
“This clearing will significantly enhance the breeding conditions for the toads. Although there will be some level of disturbance, its impact on the toads remains to be seen.“
The toads could adapt and breed in various ponds without being limited to specific ones, she said.
“If necessary, they will find alternative breeding grounds.“
The dredging has also been timed to minimise disruptions to bird species during their breeding season.
Ms Van der Ross said the overgrowth of reeds had limited the diversity of bird species by reducing open-water habitat for foraging and nesting.
“By removing the reeds and creating various habitats, the wetlands can accommodate the needs of different bird types and potentially facilitate the return of various species.”
Michael Buckham, chairman of the Cape Bird Club, said clearing at the wetland would be done before the spring breeding season for birds such as the lesser swamp warbler, the little rush warbler, bishops, weavers, rallids and swamphen.
“While some birds relying on reed beds for shelter may need to seek alternative habitats temporarily, the introduction of more indigenous plant growth will outweigh this displacement.”
Dave Balfour, chairman of Friends of Silvermine Nature Reserve, said clearing the reeds and silt was necessary to restore the original wetland system.
“This restoration process aims to facilitate the re-establishment of deeper open water ponds, supporting a healthier ecosystem.
“Although the current state may seem chaotic, the long-term benefits will outweigh the initial disruption once the system settles down again.
“We hope that by the end of June there will be a fully cleared section of the wetlands, filled with fresh water from the winter rain, benefiting the western leopard toad and a range of aquatic open water birds.”
