Silverglen Nature Reserve

Silverglen Nature Reserve has the highest number of tree and bird species of any of the nature reserves in Durban.^[4] Over 280 grassland plant species, and over 35 grass species are naturally occurring in the reserve.^[2] Of the 120 tree species in the reserve, notable specimens include the forest milkberry, red beech, forest bushwillow and the silver oak. The reserve attracts a number of bird species, including the Narina trogon, green malkoha, and Burchell's coucal.^[2][4]

The nature reserve was closed to the public during the 1990s due to violent crime, but was reopened in 2017.^[4][5] In 2018, residents from the nearby Umlazi township began illegally demarcating land in the reserve for settlement in what has been named a land invasion.^[6][7] The eThekwini Municipality has since erected a fence around the reserve to prevent further attempts at land grabs,^[8] and following the discovery of a body in the reserve, an entrance was shut down by authorities.^[5] In March 2021 two municipal game rangers on patrol were killed by unknown gunmen.^[9][10][11] Following the discovery of another body in the reserve in April 2021, two men were arrested for murder.^[12]