Image related to website content

Firewood prohibited in all CapeNature reserves as a biodiversity precaution against Shot Hole Borer

1 Apr 2022

After months of scientific research and in association with conservation stakeholders and expert engagement, CapeNature has taken the decision to prohibit firewood brought in by visitors in all their nature reserves. This precaution will be in effect from 01 April 2022 until further notice. The reason behind the strong measure is because of the very serious biodiversity threat in the form of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB). In the last few months, this beetle has become a very real and present threat to trees.

The Shot Hole Borer beetle, originally from Asia, has been causing devastation among trees, both indigenous and non-indigenous, not only in South Africa but across the world. First discovered in South Africa in 2017, the beetle has spread rapidly and is now well established in the country as a serious threat to biodiversity. The prohibition on firewood comes as a strategic approach to combatting the biodiversity threat the beetle brings.

PSHB infestations are most likely to be found at sites that are accessible to the public, particularly where they could have been introduced by infested firewood, in spots such as picnic sites, rest camps and along access roads. Due to their small size, the beetles are not easily detected in wood articles or packaging materials and therefore all forms of wood will have to be prohibited to contain the problem at a reserve and provincial level.

Instead, CapeNature encourages its visitors to bring along charcoal and/or eco-logs when staying overnight or picnicking at CapeNature reserves or buying it at the reserve (if available). These also serve as an environmentally friendly alternative. In addition, firewood sourced directly from a protected area /nature reserve may only be used in that specific protected area and this wood may not be removed from that area and transported further.

Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature reiterates the seriousness of the matter: “We are appealing to the public in general and our patrons specifically, to protect our trees against this devastating threat by not bringing firewood into CapeNature reserves and to opt for fire alternatives such as charcoal and eco-logs. Reserves that generate their own firewood will be allowed to sell it at the reserve. The onus is on everyone to preserve local biodiversity by not allowing this threat to spread.”

Visitors are encouraged to contact CapeNature reserves ahead of their stay regarding the availability of firewood, charcoal and eco-logs on reserves, for purchasing. This can be done by emailing reservation.alert@capenature.co.za or calling 087 087 8250. Visitors are welcome to bring their own charcoal and eco-logs, however, any wood will be confiscated upon entry and responsibly disposed of.

Depending on availability,charcoal and eco-logs will be available for purchase at selected reserves upon arrival. Please contact the relevant reserve prior to your visit via our contact centre on 082 082 8250.

    To learn more about the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle visit www.capenature.co.za/resources/polyphagous-shot-hole-borer-beetle-animated-presentation

    Image related to website content

    Side image of shot hole borer. Image credit Dr Jiri Hulcr

    Share:

    Related News

    Wilderness Nature Reserve
    5 Aug 2025
    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).

    MPA Day Rocherpan 2
    1 Aug 2025
    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 Image 2
    1 Aug 2025
    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.

    Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve Image 1
    30 Jul 2025
    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.

    Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve Outdoors
    28 Jul 2025
    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.

    Minister Anton Bredell at EPWP Event July 2025 1
    22 Jul 2025
    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.