Virginia Bush Nature Reserve

Coordinates: 29°46′11″S 31°02′40″E / 29.76984°S 31.0445293°E / -29.76984; 31.0445293
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Virginia Bush Nature Reserve
LocationDurban, South Africa
Coordinates29°46′11″S 31°02′40″E / 29.76984°S 31.0445293°E / -29.76984; 31.0445293
Area38 ha (94 acres)
Governing bodyD'MOSS

Virginia Bush Nature Reserve is a 38 hectare coastal bush reserve in the suburb of Durban North, Durban, South Africa.[1] The reserve is currently under the auspices of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D'MOSS).[2]

History[edit]

Previously natural grassland,[3] the area was once used for market gardening and military purposes, but is now a demarcated municipal nature reserve.[4] The area is in the process of being proclaimed a national nature reserve.[5]

Flora and fauna[edit]

Birds[edit]

The following birds can be in Virginia Bush: the natal robin, bluebilled firefinch, boubou shrike, bush shrike, flycatcher, green twinspot, grey waxbill, purple crested-lourie and the whitebrowed robin.[3][6]

Mammals[edit]

Dwarf mongoose, red and white duiker and spotted genets are known to inhabit the area.[3][6]

Vegetation[edit]

Wild hibiscus, natal figs and milkwood trees are found in the reserve.[6] Many of the species of vegetation are alien.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Virginia Bush Nature Reserve". www.durban.gov.za. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  2. ^ Spencer, Ethekwini Municipality Communications Department, edited by Fiona Wayman, Neville Grimmet and Angela. "eThekwini Online - Conservation Home Page". www1.durban.gov.za. Retrieved 28 May 2016. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ a b c d "Virginia Bush Nature Reserve | Durban". showme.co.za. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Virginia Bush Nature Reserve | Open Green Map". www.opengreenmap.org. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  5. ^ "Nature Reserve Proclamation". www.durban.gov.za. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  6. ^ a b c "Virginia Bush Trail". Nightjar Travel. Retrieved 28 May 2016.