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, mammals and bird species across the province.
The declarations have increased the size of two existing nature reserves – Anysberg in the Karoo and the Knersvlakte in Namaqualand by a combined 41 000 hectares. The two newly declared reserves are Waterkloof near Ladismith and Zebraskop in the Gamkaberg area of the Klein Karoo, which add a further 6 000 hectares to this number.
Knersvlakte in Namaqualand
All four declarations were made possible with land purchased by WWF South Africa using funds raised through the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust and other sources.
Together, these properties improve ecological integrity and enhance landscape connectivity. Landscape connectivity is increasingly being appreciated in conservation efforts, creating vital corridors that allow wildlife to move more freely between protected areas. The declarations also count towards South Africa’s ambition of conserving 30% of land and marine areas by 2030 – the very ambitious conservation goal set out by the United Nations.
This is a significant step for protected area expansion in the Western Cape. By expanding and connecting protected areas, together we are conserving some of the world’s most threatened plants and animals and supporting the long-term survival of the Cape mountain zebra. This work would not be possible without our partners, particularly WWF South Africa and the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust, whose support makes this scale of impact possible.
This achievement is the result of years of dedication and collaboration. Securing these critical areas for future generations is a big win for conservation, the province, and its people. It’s only possible through strong partnerships with key donors, conservation organisations, legal experts, and provincial authorities, all working together for the greater good.
Anysberg expansion
With support from the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust, Anysberg Nature Reserve has grown by 6 918 hectares to safeguard key botanical diversity. The extension protects 14 vegetation types from both the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos biomes, five of which were previously unrepresented in any protected area. It also strengthens ecological linkages between Anysberg, Sanbona Nature Reserve, Destiny Nature Reserve and the Klipgat stewardship site.
This landscape is rich in biodiversity, hosting around 180 bird species, several antelope species, aardvark, leopards, Cape mountain zebras and the Critically Endangered riverine rabbit. The expansion also supports climate change adaptation by helping to maintain essential ecological processes.
Knersvlakte expansion
In Namaqualand, the Knersvlakte Nature Reserve has been expanded by 34 084 hectares, which is the largest single addition since its establishment in 2014. Funded by the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust, this expansion greatly strengthens the reserve’s ecological integrity and boundary consolidation.
The area now includes nine additional vegetation types, many of which were previously unprotected or poorly protected. The Succulent Karoo biome is a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot and faces mounting pressure from illegal plant harvesting, prospecting and mining.
The Knersvlakte Bioregion, one of four centres of endemism within this biome, hosts a remarkable variety of miniature succulents, highly endemic species and significant cultural heritage sites.
Zebraskop Nature Reserve
The 3 952-hectare Zebraskop Nature Reserve has been established to support the Cape mountain zebra genetic programme by securing essential lowland habitat with the potential to double the genetically important Gamkaberg zebra population. The reserve will also be managed as part of the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve.
CapeNature is in the process of developing a corridor between Gamkaberg and Zebraskop, and active monitoring is under way for the three Cape mountain zebras translocated from the Kammanassie Nature Reserve in 2024.
The new reserve incorporates 11 vegetation types, among them Critically Endangered Gourits Asbos-Gwarrieveld, which will now be formally protected for the first time.
Waterkloof Nature Reserve
The newly declared 2 062-hectare Waterkloof Nature Reserve forms part of the Klein Swartberg Mountain catchment and will be managed by CapeNature as part of the Swartberg Complex. As a critical water source area, it is one of the main sources of water for the town of Ladismith and neighbouring communities.
Waterkloof includes seven vegetation types, including two that are only partially protected and one listed as Endangered. The reserve enhances the formal protection of the southern slopes of the Klein Swartberg and helps establish an important conservation corridor.
Declaration summary: Anysberg, Waterkloof, Zebraskop and Knersvlakte
| Anysberg | 6 918 ha |
| Waterkloof | 2 062 ha |
| Zebraskop | 3 952 ha |
| Knersvlakte | 34 084 ha |
| Total | 47 017 ha |
Related News
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.
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.