Waterbirds of De Hoop Vlei
Fifteen thousand four hundred and forty eight birds: this was the impressive tally for the January CWAC (Coordinated Waterbird Count) of De Hoop Vlei. Managed by CapeNature, De Hoop Nature Reserve is internationally recognized as a World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area. Within the reserve, De Hoop Vlei has the added distinction of being the oldest Ramsar site (wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention) in South Africa.
The vlei is landlocked and brackish, fed by the Sout and Potteberg rivers and several underground springs. It provides critical waterbird feeding and breeding habitat. On average, it supports more than 8000 birds of 97 species, although numbers and species composition fluctuate greatly according to water levels, salinity, and time of year.
Last month, ornithologist Kevin Shaw generously contributed his time and expertise to complete an eight-hour bird count of the 750-ha vlei. He was assisted by the De Hoop and De Mond CapeNature Reserve teams. From this count, the most abundant species was found to be the red-knobbed coot, comprising 35% of all birds counted.
Partly due to their numbers, red-knobbed coots play an important role in nutrient cycling in wetlands, consuming vast quantities of macrophytes and converting these to guano. Egyptian geese and spur-winged geese were also present in large numbers. The number of great crested grebes was also noteworthy, with the count of 393 being nearly four times the Ramsar threshold for the species. Species of conservation priority (according to their listing in the 2015 South African Red Data Book of Birds) that were observed were greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, and maccoa duck (all Near Threatened), and great white pelican and Caspian tern (both Vulnerable). De Hoop Vlei is the only locality in South Africa where the greater flamingo has bred successfully (in 1960 and 1963).
In addition to the CWAC count, three other threatened species were recorded by the team: black harrier and Cape vulture (both Endangered) and secretary bird and Denham’s bustard (both Vulnerable).
Red-knobbed coot collecting submerged vegetation by Kevin Shaw
Kevin Shaw (behind the tripod) demonstrating the CWAC survey methodology to members of the De Hoop and De Mond nature reserve teams.
Related News
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.
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future
Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.
Task team briefs Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group on progress and way forward
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, hosted its second meeting with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) on 27 May 2025. The Shark Spotters who are implementing selected operational tasks under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership, also provided feedback on progress and challenges with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?