Sights unseen: finding the hidden secrets of the Grootvadersbos rivers
Thanks to an ongoing project funded by the Table Mountain Fund, CapeNature’s aquatic biologists Dr Martine Jordaan and Ms Jeanne Gouws are collaborating with the Grootvadersbos Conservancy to unearth the fishy secrets from the rivers of the Tradouw and Duiwendhoks catchments.
Grootvadersbos Conservancy borders the Grootvadersbos Nature reserve and the Langeberg Mountain Catchment Area (MCA) and is home to a number of mountain tributaries. Due to the mountainous terrain, these streams have, until very recently, been unexplored in terms of aquatic biodiversity.
Joint field surveys are ongoing and to date a number of new distribution localities for native fish have been recorded. The native fish compliment of the area comprise the Breede river redfin, the Cape kurper and the Cape galaxias, all three of which are endemic to the Cape Fold Ecoregion. From a biodiversity perspective these records are very important as the majority of the freshwater fish species of the Western Cape Province is highly threatened and at risk of extinction in the future. The main threats to freshwater fish are loss of habitat due to poor land use practices, pollution, water abstraction and predatory invasive fish species. Many of rivers associated with the conservancy originate on either Grootvadersbos Nature Reserve or the Mountain catchment area and through good land use practices the conservancy is aiding in the conservation of these very species fish in off-reserve areas.
Scientific outcomes of the project include the collection of DNA samples and voucher specimens for researchers working at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and collecting data for use in Red List Assessments. The project also has a strong focus on human capital development and in-field training in fish survey techniques is provided for the conservancy staff. While baseline sampling is still ongoing, the vision is to set up a collaborative long term monitoring program between staff from CapeNature and the Conservancy.
Related News
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared
A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
Rocherpan clean-up kicks off MPA Day 2025 celebrations
CapeNature kicked off Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebrations with a community-driven beach clean-up at Rocherpan Nature Reserve on 31 July 2025. With school learners, volunteers, and the ever-popular Cubs Club mascot, Kai, lending a hand, all to highlight the link between marine and ocean protection and a public responsibility for conservation.
Winning hearts and minds through Marine Protected Areas
Our marine areas are teeming with life and a variety of protection measures are used to protect the ocean, such as precautionary fishery management principles (bag limits, size limits, catch limits and closed seasons) and shipping and pollution regulations. But at the heart of the protection efforts, are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are demarcated areas to conserve this incredible biodiversity. MPAs can form critical refugia for some more resident species, which may become extinct without protection. All species and ecosystems form part of the overall functioning marine ecosystem and its ability to sustain direct and indirect use. The need to conserve MPAs is based on scientific evidence as well as frequent public engagement and participation in active protection of these areas.
New nature reserve secures rare Cape Vernal Pools habitat
The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region). This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.
Biodiversity crime often overlooked but its impact is devastating
Biodiversity crime is a growing and often overlooked threat that directly harms South Africa’s unique ecosystems. From the illegal plant trade in the Western Cape to poaching and even picking wildflowers in protected areas without a permit, these acts all contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and the loss of crucial natural resources.
New EPWP intake launches careers in conservation and eco-tourism in the Western Cape
CapeNature has welcomed 475 new participants into a three-year Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) cycle, emphasising its commitment to skills development, conservation, and community upliftment across the province.
A small cohort of these participants, based at Kogelberg and Stony Point Nature Reserves, were officially welcomed at an event hosted at Kogelberg and led by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?