Observatory Project

Following the good work of the LMP, the Two Rivers Urban Park stretch of riparian habitat has been maintained to add aesthetically and ecologically to the park and its surrounds. The most significant achievement in this area of the river has been the ongoing control efforts of the wetland invader, Lythrum salicira. This Turkish species of plant has completely decimated river systems all over the globe and currently the only place it is found in the entire country is within the Liesbeek corridor. The LMP is solely tasked by SANBI to control and eradicate this species and over the past year the population of the Lythrum has seen a sharp decline. Whilst it is too early to declare a population crash, early indicators suggest that this may be occurring. The LMP are the only service providers in the country with experience in dealing with this species and as such the Project’s efforts are crucial in its control.