Helihacks Safeguarding Table Mountain’s Floral Diversity
A Risky Helicopter Operation to Protect Western Cape’s Unique Biodiversity!
To safeguard Table Mountain’s unique floral kingdom, tree-cutters are taking to the skies in helicopters, an effort that might raise concern among environmentally conscious travelers. These helicopters are seen traversing the slopes of Table Mountain, as they systematically remove large trees. However, this operation serves a vital purpose – protecting the Western Cape’s floral biodiversity from invasive alien tree species.
Scheduled for this weekend (October 6-8), this operation, known as a “Helihack,” is typically planned during clear spring or autumn weekends when the mountain is damp, and temperatures are mild.
Approximately eighteen volunteers, including skilled mountaineers and tree surgeons proficient in chainsaw operation, rope access, and high-angle techniques, participate in the Helihack. Many of these volunteers are associated with the Cape Town section of the Mountain Club of South Africa and possess experience in mountain rescues.
In groups of three, the volunteers are airlifted to the eastern slopes of Table Mountain above Kirstenbosch, equipped with chainsaws, safety gear, fuel, food, water, and warm clothing.
Founder of the Helihack initiative, Aleck McKirdy, acknowledges that this operation ranks as one of the riskiest helicopter missions. Despite its increased cost, danger, and complexity compared to other invasive alien vegetation control methods, it remains the most effective approach for tackling hard-to-reach terrain.
Professor Ed February, hailing from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town, underscores the importance of this effort. Fynbos, a unique vegetation type found exclusively in this region, has resulted in the Fynbos Biome receiving UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. National Parks authorities must remove these non-native pines to fulfill their mandate of conserving the Western Cape’s biodiversity, primarily composed of fynbos. Neglecting pine removal would eventually lead to the complete coverage of Table Mountain by these invasive trees, making Helihacking the sole viable method for accessing these remote areas.
Megan Taplin, representing South African National Parks, notes that certain areas and pathways within Table Mountain National Park will be temporarily closed during the operation for the safety of the public. Adequate signage will be placed in these areas to guide visitors away from them.
