Fire Season Update – What to do if you encounter wildlife affected by fire

As the Western Cape continues to experience an intense and extended wildfire season, CapeNature is urging the public to act responsibly and lawfully when encountering wildlife affected by fires. We remind members of the public that our unique fynbos ecosystem is adapted to fire, and it is a natural and necessary ecological process for fynbos.

Without fire, these plants would simply grow old, stop reproducing and die. Even the fynbos dwelling animals have adaptations such as rapid reproduction in the Cape Dwarf Chameleon or Tortoises burrowing deep into the soil when they smell smoke.

To date the Western Cape has already authorised 38 aerial firefighting missions this season, with approximately 90 000 hectares burnt by the recent fires. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, R15 million has already been spent on aerial firefighting support, with further funding being considered as hot and dry conditions are expected to persist beyond March.

CapeNature reminds the public that wildlife displaced or affected by fire must not be touched, captured, fed or removed. Although animals may appear injured or disoriented, many can move away and recover without intervention. Unnecessary handling can cause severe stress, injury or death, and may place people and wildlife at risk.

Importantly, only trained and authorised individuals and/or facilities are permitted to handle, transport or rehabilitate wild animals, in line with environmental legislation and that have the required permit/s is in place. Removing wildlife without authorisation is unlawful, even when done with good intentions.

What to do if you encounter wildlife affected by fire:

If you encounter wildlife that is injured, trapped or in immediate danger because of a wildfire:

• Keep a safe distance and ensure people and pets do not interfere

• Unless the animal is in danger, do not attempt to feed or move the animal

• Observe and note the location

• Exact locality of where the injured animal has been found/spotted (GPS/Pin location if possible)

• Correct species identification

• Brief description of the injuries to the animal

Who to Call:

• CapeNature Regional Offices:
  • Cederberg: 082 455 5569
  • Cape Peninsula: 072 592 3517 until 14 January and 076 103 4615 onwards
  • Boland and Kogelberg: 082 785 1045
  • Witzenberg: 082 784 7173
  • Overstrand: 087 087 3841 / 071 999 5348
  • Langeberg: 087 087 3895 / 082 496 2449
  • Paarl: 087 087 4170
  • Garden Route: 044 802 5300/ 087 087 3037
  • Karoo: 087 087 3002
• SPCA Offices:
  • Beaufort West: 072 847 7312
  • Cape of Good Hope: 021 700 4140 / 083 26 1604
  • Franschhoek: 083 745 5344 / 083 745 5344
  • Garden Route – George – Mossel Bay: 044 878 1990/3 / 082 378 7384
  • Paarl: 021 863 2720 082 510 6387
  • Swartland – Darling – Vredenburg: 022 492 2781 / 082 414 7153
  • Swellendam: 028 514 2083 / 084 737 1948
  • Wellington: 021 864 3726 / 082 905 9184
  • Winelands: 023 615 2241 / 071 025 7805

CapeNature calls on all residents, landowners, and visitors to stay vigilant during the wildfire season and to work together in keeping the Western Cape’s people, properties, and wildlife safe. 

Ends

ABOUT CapeNature

CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

CapeNature

Communications Officer

Luke Folb

lfolb@capenature.co.za

071 432 7404