Ivanhoe Farming Company is set in a unique area in the foothills of the Drakensberg

The farms host a number of wetlands, both intact and under active restoration processes. These, combined with the grasslands provide vital habitats for many species—including threatened, endangered and endemic species.

Our farms are inhabited by a number of interesting and notable species

Three species of crane found in South Africa are frequently seen. We are fortunate to host a healthy and breeding population of wattled crane and blue crane, and grey-crowned cranes are often spotted. Numerous other bird species are also frequently sighted. We have a variety of game species, including seven species of buck (oribi, common duiker, Cape bushbuck, grey rhebuck, common reedbuck, mountain reedbuck and eland). Many other interesting mammal species, such as aardvark, serval, caracal and mongoose, can be found on Ivanhoe. In terms of amphibians, two endangered frog species can be found: the Natal leaf-folding frog (classified as vulnerable) and the long-toed tree frog (classified as endangered). 

Areas of ecological importance are protected

We host a formally declared protected area—Umgeni Plateau Nature Reserve—that is part of a stewardship programme adjoining the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife-managed Umgeni Vlei Nature Reserve, which is a Ramsar site (i.e., a wetland of international importance). Additionally, part of The Umgeni Plateau Nature Reserve has been set aside as a wildflower reserve, which boasts over 200 wildflower species.

We work collaboratively to achieve conservation goals

The successful conservation of natural resources can rarely be achieved by working alone. That is why Ivanhoe Farming Company works with government and non-governmental organisations to study, understand and protect important habitats and species.