Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared
A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
Situated near Heidelberg, the reserve, newly declared on 17 July 2025, has a significant role in protecting freshwater biodiversity, endangered species, and ecological corridors. It is home to a range of important species, including the Critically Endangered Breede River Redfin. It also serves as a breeding site for the Black Harrier, the rarest raptor in Southern Africa and an Endangered species.
Approximately 615 hectares of the new reserve are designated as a Priority Biodiversity Area, creating a key protected corridor directly linked to the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, a formally protected Provincial Nature Reserve and part of a World Heritage Site.
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Mr Anton Bredell, welcomed the declaration, commending the joint efforts of CapeNature and landowners.
This new nature reserve is a win not just for biodiversity, but for the people who rely on the ecosystem services it provides. Our commitment to expanding protected areas is essential in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change. The declaration of Wilderness Nature Reserve strengthens our efforts to connect and protect biodiversity across the Western Cape.
The reserve marks a step towards ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the province’s biodiversity by protecting essential parts of an ecosystem, which ensures important species have a safe space to thrive.
Wilderness Nature Reserve forms a direct ecological link to the adjacent Boosmansbos Nature Reserve, enhancing the overall protected area network. The properties have a very high conservation value, not only from providing habitat for threatened species but also in the delivery of essential services from nature, forming part of a critical catchment for the Duivenhoks Dam, which provides water for people downstream.
Landowners who are considering having their land formally protected can contact CapeNature’s Antia Wheeler on awheeler@capenature.co.za and Kaylin Reid on kreid@capenature.co.za.
Related News
Rocherpan clean-up kicks off MPA Day 2025 celebrations
CapeNature kicked off Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebrations with a community-driven beach clean-up at Rocherpan Nature Reserve on 31 July 2025. With school learners, volunteers, and the ever-popular Cubs Club mascot, Kai, lending a hand, all to highlight the link between marine and ocean protection and a public responsibility for conservation.
Winning hearts and minds through Marine Protected Areas
Our marine areas are teeming with life and a variety of protection measures are used to protect the ocean, such as precautionary fishery management principles (bag limits, size limits, catch limits and closed seasons) and shipping and pollution regulations. But at the heart of the protection efforts, are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are demarcated areas to conserve this incredible biodiversity. MPAs can form critical refugia for some more resident species, which may become extinct without protection. All species and ecosystems form part of the overall functioning marine ecosystem and its ability to sustain direct and indirect use. The need to conserve MPAs is based on scientific evidence as well as frequent public engagement and participation in active protection of these areas.
New nature reserve secures rare Cape Vernal Pools habitat
The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region). This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.
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.
New EPWP intake launches careers in conservation and eco-tourism in the Western Cape
CapeNature has welcomed 475 new participants into a three-year Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) cycle, emphasising its commitment to skills development, conservation, and community upliftment across the province.
A small cohort of these participants, based at Kogelberg and Stony Point Nature Reserves, were officially welcomed at an event hosted at Kogelberg and led by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?