Msinsi was chosen, after Umsinsi, the Zulu name for the beautiful coral tree erythrina Lysistemon, which is found in the reserve. The conservation of this urban nature reserve has certainly been one of the environmental success stories on the Durban campus. It is home to a variety of birds (over 120 species have been recorded to date), as well as to other wildlife such as the large spotted genet, cane rat and both the banded and slender mongoose. It is an educational resource, for university students and school children, and is used as a recreational area by residents in the area.
