Stripy New Arrival to Delight Visitors at CapeNature’s De Hoop Nature Reserve
Visitors to De Hoop Nature Reserve are in for a treat this month as a new foal, born just three weeks ago, joins the reserve’s small but vital population of Cape mountain zebra. The latest arrival is an exciting addition to the herd and for the conservation of this once-endangered species.
It is particularly fitting that this stripy youngster has arrived in time for International Zebra Day, which is celebrated annually on 31 January. International Zebra Day is an important reminder of the need to protect all zebra species and their habitats. The population recovery of the Cape mountain zebra is a worthwhile cause for optimism but also serves as an ongoing reminder of the challenges these animals still face.
Last year, CapeNature conducted an aerial game survey over De Hoop and the neighbouring Overberg Test Range (OTR) to assess population numbers. This survey was made possible through the generosity of Brian Blackstock of the Bateleurs – an organisation that supports environmental initiatives through aerial reconnaissance. The results of the survey were encouraging, with over one hundred Cape mountain zebra counted across the two properties, the majority of which were observed on OTR.
While De Hoop’s landscape provides some suitable grazing for the zebras, the reserve has limited capacity to support a large population of this subspecies. Instead, CapeNature plays a strategic role in ensuring the genetic diversity of Cape mountain zebra by relocating excess individuals to reserves with more optimal habitat, where they can contribute to strengthening other populations.
CapeNature CEO, Dr Ashley Naidoo, highlighted the value of partnerships in the Entity’s conservation efforts and emphasised the importance of growing the Cape mountain zebra population.
Every new foal is an important addition to the Cape mountain zebra population and useful example of what ongoing collaborative conservation initiatives can yield. At CapeNature, we recognise that partnerships, whether with researchers, conservation organisations, or the public, are vital to ensuring this species’ future.
In the 1950s, Cape mountain zebra were on the brink of extinction with fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. Currently, their numbers have risen steadily, through careful management of their populations, such as those undertaken at De Hoop.
Visitors to the reserve are encouraged to keep a respectful distance when looking out for the new resident and other wildlife.
Related News
Rivers, Watersheds, and the Klein Estuary: A 2025 Natural Breach Event
Over millions of years, South Africa’s rivers and watersheds have evolved through the forces of erosion, rainfall, and shifting geology. A river catchment, or watershed, is an area of land where all surface water flows toward a single river, stream, or channel, eventually reaching the sea.
Avian Influenza detected in Western Cape: Public urged to stay alert, not alarmed
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) is a viral disease of birds that can also, on rare occasions, infect humans and mammals. The virus spreads through bird faeces and droplets from the nose and mouth, and is present in other body fluids and tissues of dead birds. The disease can cause high mortality rates in domestic poultry.
Independent experts’ review of draft action plan for baboon management now available
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform residents, interested parties, and stakeholders that the independent expert panel’s review of the proposed action plan on baboon management is now available to the public.
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).
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.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?