Fish and Forests: Sampling the rivers of the Garden Route Nature Reserve Complex
A baseline survey of the Garden Route Nature Reserve complex was completed in January 2024 to provide updated information on the freshwater fish community of the reserve complex and inform future management interventions. Data from these surveys also feed into Red List Assessments for freshwater fish and provide decision support for land-use decision-making. The reserve complex spans several river systems, including the Gouritz and the headwaters of many of the smaller coastal catchments of the Garden Route. The river types sampled range from muddy ‘karoo’ type rivers on the northern side of the Outeniqua mountains to the dark and mysterious peat-stained rivers typical of the Garden Route. Different river types mean different fish species and six indigenous fish species were detected. These include three different redfin species, the Cape kurper, Cape galaxias and the migratory longfin eel.
Deploying a fyke net in the Silwer River upstream of Wilderness.
Contagious collaboration: staff from CapeNature and SANParks sampling in the headwaters of the Swart River upstream of Garden Route Dam.
For most sites, the habitat was in good condition, but for some of the sites located outside of the reserve boundary, some human-induced impacts on river health were observed. In addition to providing fish sampling training to regional staff, the survey also provided the opportunity to work together with colleagues from SANParks to exchange knowledge and plan future conservation collaborations.
The dark waters of the aptly named Swart River, home to the indigenous Cape kurper Sandelia capensis and Cape galaxias Galaxias zebratus.
Related News
Kai kisses a frog and makes a new friend
Western Cape Standing Committee visits Stony Point
Last month, the Western Cape Parliament Standing Committee on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning visited the Stony Point African Penguin colony. Presentations were given by CapeNature colleagues on the history of the site, penguin population trends, challenges and colony management, and socio-economic benefits of Stony Point and the associated On the Edge Restaurant respectively.
Hiking Trail Summer Safety
CapeNature’s hiking trails are the place to be this season! The suns out, the good times are going, and our bookings are piling up. Our well-known hiking trails are walked by locals, Internationals, and are loved by many… especially during the summer period. We implore our visitors to enjoy a safe experience while embarking on your bucket list adventures.
Kai and his friends escape a wildfire
CapeNature in partnership with key stakeholders drives success in wildfire management
From April 2023 to March 2024, CapeNature responded to 89 wildfires, which burned an area of approximately 73 671 hectares, of which 22 762 hectares were on Entity managed land.
KAI AND HIS FRIEND help clean up the beach One
One day, as Kai, the leopard cub, was lying on his back, warming his full tummy in the sun, he was thinking about the class he had attended with his mom, brother, and sister the previous day. It was about survival, the importance of helping your friends and caring for your environment. It all sounded a bit boring, farfetched and un-adventurous! His mom had caught him dosing off in class.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?