ZEBRA
This cache was placed in honour of Louwtjie&Vroutjie.
For receiving the World Geocacher of the Month from Groundspeak in February of 2013, not to mention all those Bloemfontein caches. You have done us proud.
This cache is a small container hidden along the trail in the reserve. Many thanks to the NMMU for allowing us to use the NMMU Private Nature Reserve for geocaching. Please abide by their rules.
The following strict rules apply:
1. Entry to the reserve is free but everyone must sign the visitors book found at the entrance to the reserve.
2. No vehicles are allowed in the reserve.
3. No fires are allowed in the reserve.
4. The reserve may only be used during daylight hours.
5. The rangers have provided the following cell numbers in case of emergency.
082 536 8192 & 083 446 8564
Introduction:
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University campus was declared a Private Nature Reserve in 1983. The campus covers 830Ha, and is dominated by the Dune Fynbos Thicket Mosaic vegetation community, which, despite some problems with invasive Australian Acacias (Rooikrans and Port Jackson willow), is in a very good condition. This vegetation community is one of the most threatened fynbos habitats as a result of agricultural clearing and the development of coastal towns and resorts. The NMMU Nature Reserve represents the easternmost extension of Dune Fynbos, with the nearest example at Cape St. Francis. The NMMU Nature Reserve makes a significant contribution toward the conservation of this vegetation type. There are at least 150 plant species occurring on the Reserve, and a total of 128 bird species have been observed in the Reserve, of which 18 species have been recorded breeding on campus. Twenty-two mammal species have been recorded on the Reserve including a surprising variety of large mammals. Of these, two species are listed in the South African Red Data Book- the Blue Duiker which is listed as endangered, and the Honey Badger which is listed as vulnerable.
The Grysbok Trail was established in 1995, and is designed to act as an environmental education tool and recreation resource for NMMU and the broader community. The trail is part of the NMMU’s commitment to making its resources available to the broader community.
Trail Options:
Short Loop: (2,5km)
The Short Loop starts at the Biology Building car park and follows the Long Loop but cuts back at the Bird Hide (after about 1,6km) It goes past the Game Camp back to the Biology Building car park.
Long Loop: (3,2km)
The Long Loop also starts at the Biology Building car park, past the Bird Hide to a look-out and then to a picnic area. It crosses the road to Technical Services and passes the Chemistry and Physics Building, the library and finally back to the Biology Building car park.
About the Zebra:
Each individual zebra has a unique black and white striped pattern. The stripes fade out on their lower legs. They live in breeding groups which usually consists of a stallion (male) and about 5 mares (females). Zebras are most active during the early morning and late evening. They are very water dependant. You will often find their kidney-shaped dung while walking on the trail.