Biodiversity crime often overlooked but its impact is devastating
Biodiversity crime is a growing and often overlooked threat that directly harms South Africa’s unique ecosystems. From the illegal plant trade in the Western Cape to poaching and even picking wildflowers in protected areas without a permit, these acts all contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and the loss of crucial natural resources.
Between April and June 2025, CapeNature officials registered 12 cases, eight involved flora and four involved fauna. CapeNature also issued 23 fines, four were for contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act and 19 were issued for contraventions of the Nature Conservation Ordinance. Of the latter 19 fines, 15 were for offences involving wild animals and the others involved flora.
These statistics reflect the seriousness of biodiversity crime in the province and our ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance and enforcement along with our partners. Every action we take to stop the illegal harvesting and trade of species contributes to conserving the Western Cape’s globally significant ecosystems. We are especially appreciative of the many partnerships we have with other government agencies, conservation partners, industry groups and communities who assist us in these efforts.”
The Western Cape is home to the Cape Floristic Region, one of the world’s six floral kingdoms and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet nearly 16% of the province’s species and over 50% of its ecosystems are considered Threatened. Illegal activity places additional pressure on already vulnerable landscapes, impacting biodiversity, local economies, and food security.
CapeNature’s compliance and enforcement approach is rooted in multi-agency collaboration with units of the South African Police Service (SAPS), such as the Hawks and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Units, and with many other partnerships across law enforcement and prosecuting authorities. Enforcement forms part of a broader strategy to disrupt biodiversity crime while supporting sustainable development and conservation-based livelihoods across the province.
Related News
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive
CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers, wetlands, estuaries and coastal environments.
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences
CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western
Freshwater science takes centre stage at the 2026 SASAqS Conference
The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) is a learned society concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters and their associated biota throughout southern Africa. Established in 1964 as the Limnological Society of South Africa, SASAqS provides an important forum for discussion and sharing of scientific ideas. The two cornerstones of the society's activities are the annual conference and the African Journal of Aquatic Science.