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
Cederberg Complex Fire Update
The wildfire in the Cederberg, which started on 22 December, continues to be actively managed by firefighting agencies. The affected area is now measured at just over 34 000 hectares. While large sections of the fire are contained, the fire is not yet fully contained, and multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain.
Hit Reset in the Heart of Nature
This summer season, trade traffic for mountainous views, beautiful nature backdrops, and the sweet sound of animals in their natural habitat. Let the birds welcome you with their chirpy songs and allow the serenity of waterfalls to be your white noise when you need a moment to unwind and relax.
CapeNature engages George community on Outeniqua Nature Reserve fees
CapeNature will introduce a conservation permit fee at Outeniqua World Heritage Site and Nature Reserve from 15 December 2025, as previously announced. All revenue generated through the fee will contribute to maintaining and conserving the reserve, ensuring it remains safe, clean, and enjoyable for all visitors.
Call for Nominations to serve on the CapeNature Board
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS TO SERVE ON THE CAPENATURE BOARD
(TWO APPOINTMENTS EFFECTIVE MARCH 2026 AND ONE APPOINTMENT EFFECTIVE APRIL 2026)
Green Noise climbs higher with return of Season 3
Green Noise, the acclaimed podcast series from CapeNature, is returning for its third season, promising its most immersive and thought-provoking episodes yet. Breaking away from the studio, CapeNature levelled up and recorded the entire season live and on location, atop the mountainous terrain of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.
Western Cape’s conservation estate grows by 47 000 hectares
The Western Cape has added some 47 000 hectares to its conservation estate through the declaration of two new nature reserves and the expansion of two others. This significant expansion in protected areas provides space for Cape mountain zebras to breed and improves the protection of many threatened succulent plants.