Building resilience into veld and wildlife management.

At Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, one of the most important management decisions we make is not to use all the grazing capacity the veld can theoretically support. Instead, we deliberately operate at approximately 80% of the calculated grazing capacity.

This conservative approach plays a crucial role in protecting the veld, the wildlife, and the long-term sustainability of the reserve.

What Does “80% Grazing Capacity” Mean?

Grazing capacity estimates how many animals the veld can support under average conditions without degrading. However, nature rarely operates under “average” conditions.

By using only 80% of the calculated capacity, Mabalingwe:

• Leaves a buffer for drought years
• Allows grasses time to recover
• Reduces pressure on sensitive soils
• Prevents sudden veld collapse during stress periods

Preparing for Rainfall Variability

Rainfall in the bushveld is unpredictable. Some years bring abundant rain, while others deliver prolonged dry spells.

Using the full grazing capacity during good years may seem tempting — but it leaves the veld vulnerable when rainfall declines.

Operating below maximum capacity:
–  Protects root systems
–  Maintains ground cover
–  Prevents erosion during drought
–  Ensures forage remains available year-round

Healthier Veld, Healthier Wildlife

Lower grazing pressure results in:

• Stronger grass plants with deeper roots
• Fewer bare patches and erosion scars
• Better-quality forage for herbivores
• Reduced competition between animals

Animals grazing on healthy veld:
–  Maintain better body condition
–  Experience less nutritional stress
–  Show improved breeding success

Supporting Ecological Processes

Operating at 80% capacity also supports other management goals:

• Fire management: Adequate grass biomass remains available for controlled burns
• Bush control: Strong grass competition limits bush encroachment
• Biodiversity: A mosaic of grass heights supports different species

This approach keeps ecological processes functioning naturally.

A Long-Term View of Conservation

Overstocking may deliver short-term gains, but it almost always leads to long-term damage — including veld degradation, erosion, and expensive rehabilitation.

By choosing restraint over exploitation, Mabalingwe invests in:
–  Ecosystem resilience
–  Sustainable tourism
–  Wildlife welfare

Using only 80% of grazing capacity isn’t underutilisation — it’s smart conservation.
It ensures the veld remains productive, adaptable, and capable of supporting wildlife through both good seasons and challenging ones.