Umtiza Nature Reserve

The Umtiza Nature Reserve is one of two forest nature reserves in the greater East London Coast Nature Reserve. It is named after Umtiza listeriana, a rare and protected legume found within the reserve. The Buffalo River borders the northern part of the reserve, and includes the remaining Umtiza Forest on the southern banks of the river. The Buffalo Pass traverses the entirety of the reserve and the surrounding Controlled Forest Area.

History
The Fort Grey State forest which is found south of the current reserve, was proclaimed a protected forest prior to the Union of South Africa. In 2020, an area of 1858.48 ha surrounding the reserve, which include the Grey Dell and Fort Grey forest areas, and private farmland, were declared a Controlled Forest Area to prevent deforestation and rehabilitate the remaining Umtiza Forest.

Biodiversity
A variety of wildlife is found within the reserve.

Birds
There are 30-40 bird species in the reserve, including:


 * African dusky flycatcher
 * African finfoot
 * Brown scrub robin
 * Knysna woodpecker
 * Narina trogon
 * Lemon dove
 * Yellow-throated woodland warbler

Mammals
Samango monkeys along with bushbuck, common duiker, blue duiker, tree dassies and porcupines can be found in the reserve.

Vegetation
The reserve is one of the last refuges of the vulnerable Umtiza listeriana.