Research and resource library

The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) population that calves off the coast of South Africa has been the focus of intensive scientific monitoring since 1969. Initiated following the cessation of commercial whaling, this long-term research program employs annual aerial surveys to assess demographic trends. In 1979, the methodology was enhanced through the integration of photoidentification techniques, and other technologies as time progressed, described in Best (1981; 1990; 2011), Best et al. (2001) and Vermeulen et al. (2025). This advancement enabled researchers to distinguish individual whales based on their unique callosity patterns and skin pigmentation features, including brindle coloration, grey blazes, and white patches (Payne et al., 1983). The surveys prioritise the identification of nursing females with calves (cow-calf pairs) and individuals exhibiting distinctive physical traits.

Several years ago, CapeNature produced a resource to support the agricultural sector in the Western Cape, called the Landowner’s Guide to Human-Wildlife Conflict. This concise booklet described species that may cause damage in the province, and provided tips on holistic livestock and crop management options. The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) recently collaborated closely with CapeNature to refresh the booklet, extend the content, and produce an eye-catching, comprehensive, and up-to-date version. New sections developed for the updated booklet include descriptions of conflict mitigation methods and strategies, information on carcass inspection to aid accurate identification of the cause of death in livestock, and information on the ecosystem services and benefits that wildlife provides to farmers.

CapeNature is proud to release the 2025 Western Cape State of Conservation Report – our annual snapshot of the province’s biodiversity health, protected areas, and progress in conservation management.

This set of two videos includes a look at how the Learning & Awareness Component at CapeNature plans and runs their environmental education and capacity building programmes.

This series of 9 videos includes a variety of topics on the history of conservation over the years. Each video is available in English and with Afrikaans and isiXhosa Subtitles.

This handy book includes a guide to all the organisations that form part of the Western Cape Environmental Education Friends.

The Chronicles of the Coast Webinar Series took place as a celebration of Marine Protected Areas Day and included four videos about coastal conservation.