Conservation at balule nature reserve

Conservation in Action

Balule is located in the subtropical lowveld, with multiple eco-zones and a significant diversity of flora and fauna under conservation. The BNRA is committed to the protection of both the wildlife and their ecosystems through conservation initiatives and activities across the regions. These efforts aim to ensure the long term sustainability of biodiversity on our landscape.

A Precious Ecosystem

The reserve has over 336 endemic trees, including the mighty Baobab, with Bushwillows, Knobthorns, Leadwoods, Marulas, and Mopane trees being the predominant species in this wooded savannah. The diverse flora supports an equally diverse array of fauna. There are over 30 species of mammals ranging from plains game, such as zebra, wildebeest, many species of antelope, giraffe, endangered black and white rhino, elephant and of course predators such as lion, leopard, wild dog and hyena. The rivers and other watering holes are also home to large pods of hippo and ever-present crocodile. For bird lovers, there are more than 250 different bird species recorded in the area. With 38km of Olifants river frontage a variety of riparian species of fauna and flora can be seen

Conservation Management

BNRA and its member regions fund vital research and various ongoing conservation related activities, such as wildlife population monitoring, the annual predator census, problem animal management, wildlife relocations or species specific research activities for vulnerable or endangered species. Exciting and ground breaking conservation projects being conducted by BNRA include the intense data based monitoring of Balule’s rhino population by Dr Zala Hartman since 2019 and the predator monitoring project under Hannah Edwards. BNRA, together with its APNR partners, financially supports the Ground Hornbill research being conducted across the APNR landscape. BNR has various alien plant removal programs, erosion management programs and annual surveys of all vultures and water birds.

Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Protection

The scourge of organised wildlife crime and socio-economic pressure for bushmeat has been particularly devastating. This has massively escalated the costs of securing the reserve's western boundary boundaries and the protection of our endangered species and plains game. Anti-poaching strategies include armed anti-poaching patrols, high tech security installations monitoring key locations, canine tracking and highly trained reaction teams, aerial observation and snare removal operations. Safety and security efforts are supported by donor funding from individuals and the private sector who care about the future of the ecosystems that support the wildlife of Southern Africa. Your support can directly impact the success of Balule’s conservation programs and help prevent the slaughter.

Make a difference

Donate towards our Conservation and Anti-poaching Trust (BCAP Trust) and become a vital part of Balule’s mission to protect endangered species, restore ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for BNRA’s flora and fauna. All funds directly contribute towards the following initiatives:

Thank you to those who have generously contributed – your donations have directly assisted BNRA in ensuring that rhinos continue to roam free in the Greater Kruger’s Open System.

Conservation at balule nature reserve

Conservation in Action

A Precious Ecosystem

Conservation Management

Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Protection

Make a difference

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Conservation at balule nature reserve

Conservation in Action

A Precious Ecosystem

Conservation Management

Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Protection

Make a difference

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