In the heart of Betty’s Bay lies the Stony Point African Penguin colony, a critical breeding ground for these beloved seabirds. This colony has become a beacon of hope thanks to the collaborative efforts of several key partners: CapeNature, SANCCOB, Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT)/African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-SA), and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Together, these entities have implemented an integrated programme that has positively impacted the local penguin population.

The Cape mountain zebra known as GB42 has had an exciting year! In January, this stallion from Gamkaberg Nature Reserve sired a foal with genetic material from two of the three genetically distinct stocks of the species. In March, there was proof that 2023 was a busy year for GB42 after a second foal was born with genes from all three stocks.

What does this mean for you? More destinations to travel to and explore at the ease of your fingertips! CapeNature is making local travel an easier with the latest update to our visitor mobile app!

World Travel Market (WTM) Africa concluded with impressive momentum, reflecting a 53% increase in attendees, indicating robust growth in African tourism.

CapeNature has identified an experiential walking tour, commonly known as ‘slackpacking’, as a potential for income generation, at the popular World Heritage site, Cederberg Wilderness Reserve, near Clanwilliam. 

The Kammanassie Nature Reserve recently held a competition for locally based primary school learners where they had to name a Cape mountain zebra foal born earlier this year.

The Cape galaxias, Galaxias zebratus, are a small-bodied freshwater fish with a wide distribution in the Cape Fold Ecoregion. While being described as far back as 1861, it was only recently discovered that the single widespread species is a species complex comprising several unique and genetically diverse lineages.

With the help of six members from the Stanford Bird Club, 12,233 waterbirds belonging to 41 species were counted on De Hoop Vlei this month. Of these, 70% were Red-knobbed Coot and 11% were Egyptian Geese. Two threatened species, the Great White Pelican and Caspian Tern were recorded – both are classified as Vulnerable on the South African Red List.

In March, CapeNature hosted a stand at the Festival of Climbing and SANCF Boulder Selection Competition. The event determines who will represent South Africa at the IFSC Youth World Championships taking place later this year in China.

The Western Cape has so much to see and discover that it would take a lifetime to explore it all! As you reach your golden years, there’s no better time in your life than to spend summertime frolicking in nature.

CapeNature’s Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lambert’s Bay, known for its stunning seafront vistas and diverse birdlife, recently hosted unexpected visitors that sent bird enthusiasts into a frenzy. In a rare sighting, four Australasian Gannets and two Brown Boobies made a surprise visit to the island.

It is widely known that South Africa, and in particular the Western Cape, suffers from water scarcity. This reality underscores the critical need to prioritise the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and their catchments to ensure a sustainable supply of water for both biodiversity and human consumption. The provision of water is categorised as one of the ecosystem services offered by natural freshwater ecosystems.