Grootbos Foundation Hosts Organisation for Tropical Studies

The Grootbos Foundation recently welcomed the Organisation for Tropical Studies (OTS) to the Grootbos Environmental Centre, where researchers experienced the unique fynbos ecosystem and contributed to critical biodiversity studies.

OTS shared their gratitude for the visit, saying, "It truly is an incredible place, and we deeply appreciate the opportunity to experience the fynbos during our stay." Their fieldwork included collecting data from various plots with different burning histories, examining invertebrates and plant diversity. Marine studies focused on three rocky shore sites, where researchers analyzed biodiversity among mussels, limpets, and algae. This data will feed into ongoing research, advancing our understanding of these precious habitats.

Additionally, Nelson Mandela University researchers Asekho, a PhD student, and Jade, a research assistant, joined to study fynbos pollination systems. Asekho shared insights into her work with sunbirds in recently burned fynbos, noting findings on nectar availability, nectar robbing, and florivory in Watsonia plants. The southern double-collared sunbirds observed there "stole" nectar without pollinating the flowers, providing fascinating data on sunbird-plant interactions.

Grootbos Foundation is proud to support such valuable research that shines a light on our shared environment and deepens our understanding of South Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity.