Lesotho RCETšepo Mokuku

National University of Lesotho

Tlokoeng Valley Biodiversity Conservation Project: Exploring Mitigation of/Adaptation to the

Impact of Climate Change

PROJECT FOCAL AREAS

• Bird conservation, with particular focus on the Southern Bald Ibis

• Wetlands conservation• Land reclamation• Historical site• Ecotourism – response to poverty• School-Community Synergies

RECONNAINSANCE PHASE

Bald Ibis Vulnerable- human interference

Barn Own found in the Valley

Southern Bald Ibis(Geronticus calvus)

N facing site

Barn Own Droppings

RECONNAISANCE PHASE

Scenic geological features: Elliot Formation, Clarence Formation & Lesotho Formation

Lesotho Formation

Clarens Formation

Elliot Formation

RECONNAISANCE PHASE A gulley

encroaching into fields.

Sandy soil deposits from a gulley pilled up on a wetland

Destruction of wetlands

Historical Site

ACHIEVEMENTS TO SO FAR

Reconnaissance studiesGEF FundingBaseline studies – social & scientific in progressA telescope and three pairs of binoculars

purchased.Development of a community constitutions and

formation of a committee;Two local people are being trained as guides for

tourists, school groups.Development of draft enviro-information sheets

on Southern Bald Ibis, Owls, geology & geomorphology