The number of species listed is large and diverse considering the past management history.  Many people, in their enthusiasm for the "big and hairy", miss out on the little creatures of this world. There are few "big and hairy" here, so visitors will largely be confined to looking at the lesser mortals of the Animal Kingdom. This does not imply, however, that animal viewing is not exciting. The bird life is prolific and some of the most vibrant colours in the animal kingdom are seen amongst the insets.

Mammals

The number of 53 mammals recorded is rather surprising because there is little evidence at first glance that such a variety exists. Most of those listed are, however, small, rare of nocturnal. Perhaps the most exciting result of stopping ranching and increasing protection for wildlife is the increase in smaller carnivores such as Caracal, Serval, Civets, African Wildcat, Genets and Honey Badger.  This could be attributed to the increase in grass foliage (through not being consumed) and therefore also the increase in rodents and therefore also the supple of food for the carnivores.

Birds

The bird life in the Babanango Valley Private Reserve is quite outstanding - a total of 253 species. What is most remarkable is the mixture of species. Because of the location of the Nature Reserve on the zone between the Highveld and the Lowveld, it gives rise to a rather unique species mix. Some of the typically Highveld species recorded are Ground Woodpecker, Buff-streaked Chat, Blackwinged plover, Malachite Sunbird, Sentinel Rock Thrush and Bald Ibis. Among the typically Lowveld and Coastal species are Natal Robin, Half-collared Kingfisher, Purple Crested Lourie, Yellowthroated Longclaw and Striped Kingfisher.

Thirteen species occur which are listed in the South African Red Data Book - Birds. Of the seventeen vulnerable species listed for South Africa, six have been recorded here, namely Cape Vulture, Lappetfaced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Stanley's Bustard and Ground Hornbill, the latter which nest in the Nature Reserve. Of the thirty five intermediate species listed for South Africa (suspected of belonging to any of the three previous categories but for which insufficient information is available) four have been recorded here, namely Dwarf Bittern, Black Stork (nesting), Grass Owl and House Martin.

Thirty-three raptors occur, several of which nest here, including Black Eagle, Tawny Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Wahlberg's eagle, jackal Buzzard, Gymnogene, Lanner Falcon and Rock Kestrel. The best time for raptors is July to November when they are on the nest and rearing young. The nature reserve is also the location of the nesting record of Giant Eagle Owl in KwaZulu-Natal. In 1981 a Wahlberg's eagle nest near the old copper mine was used. In August 1998 another nest was discovered also in an old Wahlberg's Eagle nest on iSundu.

Reptiles

Of the 35 species recorded in the Babananago Valley Private Nature Reserve, 3 are tortoises, 2 are terrapins, 20 are snakes and 10 are lizards. More work needs to be one to produce a more comprehensive list.

Fishes and other River Creatures

John Mellet did a fish survey in August 1999 in the Nsubeni River. He recorded the first four species on the list. A follow up survey is envisaged. Six species of fresh water fish and eel occur. Considering the limited water available in the Babananago Valley Private fish and eel occur. Considering the limited water available in the Babanango Valley Private Nature Reserve, this is rather surprising. Interestingly he also collected freshwater shrimps.

Frogs

Several species occur although a sound recording for identification is being made. John Mellet identified the two river species listed in the table.

Bull frogs invade the pool in large numbers after rain in the summer months. Other species are attracted to the insects, which are, in turn, attracted by the lights. Frogs sometimes sneak in to the rooms by squeezing under the doors. Beware: if your toes smell like roses - your shoe may become an overnight haven for a frog!

Butterflies

Very little is known of the butterflies of the area by us. However, Dr Clive Quickleberg and 47 species collected 28 species by Clive Curits producing a combined total of 57 species between them. They both estimated that in excess of 100 species would occur in the Babananago Valley Private Nature Reserve.

Scorpions

In January 2001 a group of students from the University of Witwatersrand visited us. One student, Ian Engelbrecht, was a scorpion fanatic. He collected two species, and promised to be back!! I have to take his word for it.