UPDATE: Western Cape Avian Influenza and dying seals
The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre is aware of reports of dead and dying seals in several areas across the West Coast of the province. Between Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos in the Bergrivier Municipality region, 144 seals were buried this morning with another fifty at Elandsbaai.
The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says the provincial government and all its partners have been looking into the matter over the past few weeks.
“The dying seals are not linked to the Avian Influenza outbreak. Rather it appears that the seals are dying due to malnutrition. The situation is still being investigated. In addition, we are urging the public not to feed any seals despite the concerns about malnutrition. The animals remain wild creatures and must not be made dependent on human interaction for survival.”
Bredell says the Avian Influenza crisis in the Western Cape is not yet over but the numbers of dying birds continue to decline which is a welcome sign.
“Yesterday roughly 150 dead birds were found across the province in the affected areas. The bulk of the dead birds was on Dyer island where 122 Cape Cormorants were found.”
To date a grand total of 16 514 wild dead birds have been reported, of which the vast majority affected is the Cape Cormorant.
Efforts continue to address the ongoing outbreak. The public is also urged to continue to be vigilant and report unusual mortalities in any birds to their local municipality, conservation authority or state veterinarian. The SPCA and NSPCA may also be contacted. Contact details for state veterinarians are available at https://www.elsenburg.com/services-and-programmes/veterinary-services-0#s=Animal-Health-and-Disease-Control
Related News
Conservation Review 2025 highlights Western Cape’s biodiversity and conservation resilience and adaptability
CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.
The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity
CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.
Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve
In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.
The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025
CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.
CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.
“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire
The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” — a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible.
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?