A Win-Win Outcome for Local Economic Development and Endangered Chameleons in Cato Manor

The rare and endangered Black-Headed Dwarf Chameleon has become a symbol of cooperation between developers and conservation authorities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The Cato Manor Development Association (CMDA) is developing a business park on the corner of Edwin Swales and Bellair Roads as part of a programme to promote local economic development in Cato Manor, Durban (eThekwini).

However, shortly before construction was due to begin, the Black-Headed Dwarf Chameleon was found on the proposed development site.

Teamwork between environmental experts, KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, the eThekwini Municipality’s Environmental Management Branch and the CMDA, led to the formulation of a plan enabling development of the business park to go ahead while protecting and extending the habitat of the chameleon.

The plan to extend the chameleon habitat involves:

• The development of an adjacent piece of land as a chameleon habitat.
• The establishment of corridors through the development as a habitat for the chameleon.
• The rehabilitation of the surrounding urban Metropolitan Open Space System to ensure adequate habitat for the chameleon.
• The introduction of plants favoured by the chameleon, and removal of alien vegetation.
• The development of a theme around the business park itself to popularise the chameleon.
• An application to the relevant conservation authorities for the declaration of the area as a Site of Conservation Significance and ultimately as a Natural Heritage Site.
• The CMDA, on behalf of the future owners of the business park, has undertaken to finance the ongoing management and maintenance of the chameleon reserve.
• A series of searches for chameleons on the development footprint and their relocation to the D’Moss chameleon reserve.

The relocation of chameleons identified through a series of capturing expeditions, was overseen by KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife. The exercise was guided by principles developed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, a United Nations Agency.

Members of the translocation team lead by KZN Wildlife
staff search for chameleons on the site of the Edwin Swales Business Park.

EDWIN SWALES BUSINESS PARK AND CHAMELEON PARK SITE

The Black-Headed Dwarf Chameleon
(Bradypodion melanocephalum)

Population and distribution

• Restricted to the coastal belt of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
• They extend inland to an altitude of approximately 100 – 150 metres. Actual distribution records indicate a range from Warner Beach in the South to Zinkwazi in the North.
• Total population figures are not available - this highlights the need for further research.

A critically endangered species

• Raw's studies (1995/2001) have revealed that this species is a high priority species for conservation. This high rating results from its localised distribution. It is a regional endemic only found in KwaZulu-Natal, it is regarded as very rare and is poorly protected in only two, or possibly three reserves.

Breeding habits and social organisation

• Up to 12 young are born in summer.
• The young are born live (the species is viviparous) on a perch.
• There are potentially up to three or four birth periods per year.
• Usually occur in pairs or small groups.
• Males and females often found close together as pairs.
• Males are territorial, females are not.

Diet and habitat

• Tall grasses, shrubs, bushes and reeds are preferred for roosting and a source of insect prey e.g. flies, mosquitoes and other insects.
• Greater Cato Manor encompasses an area of 2000 ha located seven kilometres to the west of Durban’s CBD. The Cato Manor Development Project (CMDP) is the largest urban renewal project in South Africa and reflects one of the most comprehensive approaches to integrated development in South Africa. Development is being facilitated by the Cato Manor Development Association (CMDA) with major investment from Nationaland Provincial Government, the European Union and the eThekwini Municipality.
• Key development objectives for Cato Manor include the creation of an efficient ‘city within a city’ and the establishment of safe and secure living environments with ample economic opportunities. As part of its Local Economic Development programme, the CMDA is providing a unique opportunity for the establishment of businesses and light industry in strategically located business parks in Cato Manor.
• The Edwin Swales Business Park is exceptionally well located with easy access to major arterial routes linking to the N2 and N3 freeways, the Port of Durban, Durban International Airport, Durban City Centre and industrial/business areas of Mobeni, Jacobs, Pinetown and New Germany.
• The layout of the Edwin Swales Business Park provides for a variety of site sizes with a predominance of smaller sites. Consolidations of sites will be considered to suit the requirements of developers and end users. Proposals from parties interested in developing a site or sites in the Edwin Swales Business Park, especially developers and end users of property, will be welcome. Invitations will be published in the press and communicated through consultants in the property industry. Interested players can also contact their property broker or property development consultants. (See contact details).

The Cato Manor Development Association

• Greater Cato Manor encompasses an area of 2000 ha located seven kilometres to the west of Durban’s CBD. The CatoManor Development Project (CMDP) is the largest urban renewal project in South Africa and reflects one of the most comprehensive approaches to integrated development in South Africa. Development is being facilitated by the Cato Manor Development Association (CMDA) with major investment from National and Provincial Government, the European Union and the eThekwini Municipality.
• Key development objectives for Cato Manor include the creation of an efficient ‘city within a city’ and the establishment of safe and secure living environments with ample economic opportunities. As part of its Local Economic Development programme, the CMDA is providing a unique opportunity for the establishment of businesses and light industry in strategically located business parks in Cato Manor.
• The Edwin Swales Business Park is exceptionally well located with easy access to major arterial routes linking to the N2 and N3 freeways, the Port of Durban, Durban International Airport, Durban City Centre and industrial/business areas of Mobeni, Jacobs, Pinetown and New Germany.
• The layout of the Edwin Swales Business Park provides for a variety of site sizes with a predominance of smaller sites. Consolidations of sites will be considered to suit the requirements of developers and end users. Proposals from parties interested in developing a site or sites in the Edwin Swales Business Park, especially developers and end users of property, will be welcome. Invitations will be published in the press and communicated through consultants in the property industry. Interested players can also contact their property broker or property development consultants. (See contact details).