Marutswa Forest
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Marutswa Forest is an indigenous mist-belt forest situated near Bulwer, within the Midlands of the KwaZulu-Natal region in South Africa. Characterized by its dense vegetation and misty conditions, the forest serves as a crucial habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Wildlife
[edit]The forest's ecosystem supports a variety of animal species, with bushbuck and reedbuck among the common herbivores frequenting the area. A herd of bush pigs is also known to forage within the forest boundaries. Notably, sightings of rock dassies have been reported, and the distinctive calls of tree dassies have been heard, indicating their presence. Additionally, recent observations include mongooses near the forest's boardwalk. The Natal dwarf chameleon and several butterfly species, such as the emperor swallowtail, are also inhabitants of the forest.
Birdlife within Marutswa Forest is particularly rich, making it a renowned site among birding tour operators in South Africa. It is home to numerous rare bird species, including the endangered Cape parrot, which is drawn to the forest by the abundance of yellow wood trees, offering both food and nesting opportunities. Flocks of up to 100 Cape parrots have been observed. Other notable bird species in the area include the orange ground-thrush, African crowned eagle, bush blackcap, and the Narina trogon, among others.
Flora
[edit]The forest boasts a significant number of large, old yellowwood trees, which have survived logging activities in the late 19th century due to their initially small size. The forest's flora also includes cabbage trees, white ironwood (Vepris lanceolata), knobthorn (Senegalia nigrescens), and other native species. The undergrowth is enriched with a wide array of ferns, wild lilies like the spectacular paintbrush lily (Scadoxus puniceus), and orchids.
Facilities and Initiatives
[edit]The Marutswa Forest Trail & Boardwalk is a key attraction, developed through a partnership involving the SappiWWF TreeRoutes Partnership, the Bulwer Biosphere group, BirdLife South Africa, the Southern KZN Birding Route, and local conservation organizations. This initiative has facilitated job creation for local community members, who serve as custodians of the project, and has provided a venue for local artisans to showcase and sell their crafts.
The forest is equipped with a network of trails and boardwalks that feature lookout jetties, picnic sites, and viewpoints, enabling visitors to experience the forest's diverse layers, including the canopy. Additionally, an indigenous nursery offers plants and saplings for sale, while the Marutswa craft shop features a variety of handmade items from the local community.[citation needed]