Successful Rescue of the Redfin Fish
In a successful rescue operation, more than 4 500 Critically Endangered Tradouw redfins (Pseudobarbus burchelli) were translocated to safe locations in the Barrydale area.
The Department of Water and Sanitation put on hold planned maintenance activities at the gauging weir on the Huis River so that CapeNature could perform the rescue. CapeNature has been monitoring the Tradouw redfin population for some years and this helped with the selection of three release sites.
Redfins were known to already occur at the two chosen sites on the Huis River. The third site, a dam on the farm Joubert Tradauw, was included in order to establish a refuge population of the species in case of any environmental disaster affecting the Huis River.
Threats to the river include over-abstraction of water, siltation, nutrification and pollution. Prior to the rescue operation, a temporary barrier of sandbags was established at the pool above the gauging weir. Staff from Grootvadersbos Nature Reserve and the Grootvadersbos Conservancy assisted CapeNature faunal ecologists with netting, transporting and releasing the fish.
The rescued fish were of all size classes, from hatchlings to breeding adults. By the end of the rescue operation only small numbers of redfins were captured at the gauging weir pool, suggesting that most of the fish had been removed. While it is inevitable that some fish will be lost during the maintenance operation, it is likely that the work will have a long-term benefit for the redfins by deepening the pool and increased habitat for the fish.
Grootvadersbos Nature Reserve team and ecologist Martine Jordaan sorting fish at the weir pool.
The Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation team with CapeNature ecologist Martine Jordaan at the Joubert Tradouw dam.
Grootvadersbos Conservancy team helping to net fish at the weir pool.
Redfins in their new home.
Related News
Public urged to avoid Cape fur seals amid rabies risk
The public is urged to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines during the upcoming summer holiday season when encountering Cape fur seals. Recently, reports of aggression related to positive rabies cases have been noted in Cape fur seal populations.
NHLS resumes snake antivenom production in South Africa
Antivenom stocks have been critically low for over a year, as the South African Vaccine Producers have been unable to manufacture any doses. Positive strides are being made in addressing South Africa’s snake antivenom shortage.
CapeNature goes cashless at select nature reserves
In line with its commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and safety, CapeNature is excited to announce the transition to a fully cashless payment system at five of its flagship nature reserves from 2 February 2026.
Public urged to stay alert this fire season: Prevent wildfires, save lives
CapeNature is calling on the public to stay alert and proactive as the wildfire season gears up, reminding all that the cost of runaway fires is far greater than many realise.
Rare Erica species rediscovered after nearly four decades
After an unsuccessful search in 2012, the rare Erica cunoniensis was feared extinct, but in September 2025, a team of conservationists made a rediscovery of this Endangered plant species, found for the first time in nearly four decades.
New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo
A long-cherished dream has come true with the establishment of the 18 000 ha Karoo Gateway Conservancy in the Klaarstroom district. This initiative provides a strong framework for biodiversity conservation in the region.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?