Freshwater Fish Survey in the Garden Route
CapeNature Fauna Ecologist Dr. Martine Jordaan recently collaborated with the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) research group on a field trip to the river systems of the Garden Route. Dr. Albert Chakona and Prof Paul Skelton, freshwater fish experts at SAIAB have focused on resolving redfin taxonomy for the past decade, and their work has resulted in the description of several new redfin species.
The Western Cape Province is located in the Cape Fold Ecoregion, home to a group of fish known as the redfins or rooivlerkies. Except for one species, redfins are endemic to the Cape Fold Ecoregion. Ongoing research indicates that most redfin species have high levels of genetic and morphological diversity between populations and that this divergence may be enough to warrant the status of separate species.
The survey aimed to collect voucher specimens and DNA samples to use in the description of two new redfin species in the rivers of the Garden Route. The two candidate species belong to the redfin genus Pseudobarbus and were discovered through recent genetic studies, but to date, there are no formal species descriptions for these taxa.
The biological material collected during this survey will enable the completion of formal species descriptions. CapeNature will build on this process by collecting additional distribution data to enable an accurate conservation status assessment of these taxa once they are described.
The most recent National Biodiversity Assessment (2018) indicates that freshwater fish are the most threatened vertebrate group in the country. South Africa is diverse in terms of having several distinct aquatic ecoregions, each with its own freshwater fish fauna.
Dr Albert Chakona and Dr Pedro Braganca sampling in the Homtini River in search of the elusive redfins of the Garden Route.
Successful sampling makes for happy researchers and good collaborations: Drs Pedro Braganca, Albert Chakona and Martine Jordaan celebrating collecting the specimens that will be used for describing a new redfin species for the Western Cape. Photo by Prof Paul Skelton
Related News
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.
Huis River aquatic invertebrate survey strengthens partnerships for freshwater ecosystem conservation
In the upper reaches of the Huis River near Barrydale, a recent aquatic macroinvertebrate survey is helping to inform conservation decisions for the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli), including the potential expansion of its range into upstream habitats in the river. The survey was conducted in partnership with
Ongoing efforts to safeguard the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin through monitoring
The Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli) is one of South Africa’s most range-restricted freshwater fishes. It is endemic to the Huis–Tradouw River catchment near Barrydale in the Western Cape. The species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its small and fragmented distribution, threats from invasive fish species, pollution, water abstraction, and habitat degradation.
Western Cape Government Prepares for Midweek Storm
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, today said that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had been briefed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route on Wednesday and Thursday this week. According to SAWS, the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge