De Hoop Field and Marine Rangers - Working tirelessly to preserve this Marine Protected Area
By Lusanda Gqaza & Yanga Mbatana (Environmental Education Officers at Potberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve)
World Ranger Day is celebrated every year on the 31st July to commemorate rangers worldwide who were killed or injured in the line of duty. The day also celebrates the hard work done and sacrifices made by field and park  rangers to protect our natural heritage.
These field rangers include those that have served and dedicated their time in protecting one of CapeNature’s pristine locations, the De Hoop Nature Reserve. De Hoop is one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature, boasting an impressive 34 000 hectares of conserved land. It has been proclaimed as a world heritage site and is home to the only colony of vultures in the Western Cape. There is a lot of hard work and dedication required in maintaining this reserve - take a bow the tireless De Hoop field rangers!
Field Rangers are the backbone of conservation. The team at de Hoop perform an array of duties and responsibilities on a daily basis. These include ecological monitoring and  surveys, combating veld fires, counting game and supporting the reserve manager and conservation services as and when needed.  They are also possess a fountain of knowledge which they dispense to environmental education groups visiting the Potberg Environmental Education Centre.
Another critical part of their work is compliance. Patrols are carried out on an almost daily basis. One of the challenges that they deal with frequently is the illegal collection and exploitation of indigenous wild plants and animals. The unique plants and animals of the Western Cape unfortunately attract biodiversity criminals including scientists, syndicates and professional traders.
The De Hoop field ranger team puts their lives at risk every day whether dealing with poachers. Nonetheless, the team continues to serve the cause with great pride and dedication. Without the field rangers, conservation work at De Hoop or any nature reserve would grind to a halt!
We salute the field rangers of De Hoop and, indeed all rangers the world over. It is fitting to give the last word to De Hoop ranger, Willem Dowrey says that, “Being a field ranger means that I am constantly in touch with the environment and nature, while I am protecting it. It genuinely fulfills my soul”.
This World Ranger Day, CapeNature would like to thank and acknowledge all field and park rangers for their ongoing service. Their hard work and dedication certainly does not go unnoticed.
Related News
How biodiversity crime threatens the Western Cape’s people, economy, and ecosystems
Biodiversity crime may sound like something intangible compared to other crimes encountered on a daily basis in our lives, but it is a very real and growing threat to our planet’s delicate ecosystems. It includes any illegal activity that harms plants, animals, or the ecosystems they depend on from high-profile crimes like rhino poaching to illegal plant trade in the Western Cape. It can even be something as simple as picking wildflowers in a nature reserve without permission or a permit.
Young leopard dies after being caught in gin traps near Heidelberg
CapeNature can confirm the death of a young leopard following a call to assist in a rescue operation on 2 July in the Heidelberg area, near the World Heritage Site of Boosmansbos.
Officials discovered a young 13 kg male leopard, estimated to be around six months old, ensnared in two gin traps set adjacent to each other. One front paw and one hind leg were caught. Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the leopard did not survive.
Darwin200 Young Leaders & CapeNature Launch Inspiring Documentaries
Three DARWIN200 young leaders worked hand in hand with CapeNature to produce awe-inspiring and heartwarming videos on the Cape vulture colony of Potberg, the bontebok at De Hoop Nature Reserve and the invasive carp at Groenvlei. Click read more to watch the videos.
Three Arrested for Illegal Rhino Horn Trade
On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks) assisted by SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg and Stock Theft and Endangered Species based in Swellendam, executed an undercover operation at Buffeljags River, N2 route outside of Swellendam.
Three suspects were arrested after being found in possession of the rhino horn and engaged in a transaction to sell the rhino horn during an undercover operation. CapeNature officials were contacted to assist in the further investigation of the case, which was subsequently registered at the Swellendam Police Station.
BOCMA & CapeNature Boost Water Sustainability
On 8 May 2025 a capacity building event was held at the Barn Owl Conference Venue in Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve provided by the Breede Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) to CapeNature staff from Landscape South and Central. BOCMA are responsible for implementing the National Water Act (NWA) within the Breede and Gouritz catchments, which regulates water use. A similar event was held in Oudtshoorn with the Landscape East staff on 23 May 2025. Water is an essential natural resource that requires responsible management to ensure the sustainability of the resource both for human use and ecological function.
Marine Dynamics Wins ATTA® Award
Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?