A New Invader in the Western Cape Province: The Red Swamp Crayfish
A concerning new discovery was made in Vredendal where the North American Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) was detected in the Lower Olifants River irrigation system. The crustacean is a notorious invader of many countries worldwide and can have negative ecological and economic impacts. There are no naturally occurring freshwater crayfish in Africa.
Due to the active response of the farmer who found them and swiftly alerted the authorities, CapeNature was able to rapidly conduct an inspection. Unfortunately, the findings of the inspection were not good as a well-established population of Red Swamp Crayfish was found in the canals and related water bodies in the Vredendal area.
The next steps will be to establish the full extent of invasion and work out the origin of invasion. To assess where they came from, CapeNature is collecting DNA samples for comparison to existing populations. Once this information has been received, a response plan can be developed by the relevant authorities to combat the impacts of this invasive alien species. Any new sightings of this species in the province are to be reported to CapeNature: Dr Martine Jordaan, mjordaan@capenature.co.za
A Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) captured in the Lower Olifants Irrigation Scheme in Vredendal (photo credit Dr Andrew Turner).
Dr Andrew Turner sampling the inflow canal and collecting several Red Swamp Crayfish (photo credit Dr Martine Jordaan).
Related News
World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline. HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are
CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most
The perfect time for a family escape into nature
Winter in the Western Cape is often misunderstood. While many people think of it as a season best spent indoors, it is actually one of the most rewarding times to slow down, reconnect, and take a short break close to home. For domestic travellers, especially families planning around the school holidays, winter offers the ideal opportunity to step away from routine without the stress of long travel or high-season crowds. It is a chance to rediscover what is right on your doorstep.
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.
CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Applications are hereby invited for candidates to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee of CapeNature.
The member shall be independent from CapeNature, be contracted for a maximum period of two terms of three years each and will be remunerated for attendance at meetings.
Closing date for applications: 3 July 2026
Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026
The last bout of extreme weather began in early May, when a cut-off low-pressure system hit the Garden Route. A week later, two powerful cold fronts swept through the rest of the Province, unleashing torrential rains and gale-force winds. The result has been widespread damage, with 85% of all reserves reporting at least some form of damage. The Cederberg region has emerged as the hardest hit.