Late last year, we had the privilege of hosting a team from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife at our Sezela farms for an important ecological assessment. Their visit focused on the Pickersgill’s Reed Frog, an endangered species that forms an integral part of our region’s natural biodiversity.
We are pleased to share that the population first recorded on Sezela land in 2012 remains healthy and active. At the time, this discovery marked the southernmost point at which the species had ever been documented, making it a significant ecological milestone for our farming community.
During the recent assessment, our team accompanied Ezemvelo officials to an additional wetland site further south. To everyone’s delight, a second thriving population of the Pickersgill’s Reed Frog was confirmed. This finding highlights the ongoing ecological value of our landscapes and the importance of safeguarding natural habitats within our farming areas.
These outcomes reaffirm the critical role that responsible land stewardship plays in protecting vulnerable species. The Pickersgill’s Reed Frog is listed as endangered, and every confirmed habitat increases the species’ likelihood of long-term survival. As farmers and custodians of the land, your continued cooperation ensures that our farmland supports both productive agriculture and thriving ecosystems.
“Thank you to everyone who made time to support the Ezemvelo team during their visit. Your cooperation reflects the pride we take in caring not only for our cane, but also for the natural ecosystems around us,” said Jurgen Witthoft, Estate Agriculture Manager – Sezela.
