State of Conservation Report 2026 tracks progress and pressures facing Western Cape biodiversity
The Western Cape’s biodiversity is facing mounting pressure, with a sharp increase in the area affected by fires and more ecosystems and species classified as threatened, according to the Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026.
The report records 107 fires that burned 215 936 hectares during the 2025/26 reporting period – almost three times the 75 174 hectares burned by 97 fires in the previous reporting period.
The latest findings also show that 212 of the Province’s 346 assessed ecosystem types are now classified as threatened, compared with 191 of 350 in the previous reporting period. This change reflects both a technical correction brought about via the updated 2025 National Biodiversity Assessment, as well as the continued pressures on ecosystems.
Freshwater ecosystems remain particularly vulnerable, with 79 of 96 freshwater ecosystem types classified as threatened. The number of threatened estuarine ecosystems also increased from 44 to 45 of 54.
The report further highlights increasing pressure on plant and animal species. Approximately 2 006 plant taxa are now classified as threatened, compared with 1 939 in the previous reporting period. Waterbirds are emerging as a significant concern, with 23 species moving into poorer conservation categories, highlighting the increasing pressure on wetlands and freshwater systems.
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said the report provides an important evidence base for understanding where conservation efforts are most urgently needed.
The State of Conservation Report reminds us that the Western Cape’s biodiversity is both a global asset and a responsibility. We are making progress in securing and managing important areas for conservation, but the pressures are becoming more complex. Fire, invasive alien species, habitat loss and other threats require sustained action and strong partnerships across government, communities, landowners and conservation organisations.
Despite these pressures, the report also records significant conservation gains. More than 44 000 hectares were added to the Western Cape Protected Areas estate during 2025/26, with 25 new nature reserves declared.
The Province also continues to demonstrate the importance of biodiversity science, recording 10 744 plant taxa. Two new taxa were described during the reporting period, and two species were rediscovered.
CapeNature Executive Director: Biodiversity Capabilities Ms Coral Birss said the report highlights the need to match conservation gains with action to address the pressures facing ecosystems.
The report gives us a clear picture of both what we are achieving and what remains at risk. Expanding the conservation estate is important, but protecting biodiversity also depends on how effectively we manage fire, invasive species, freshwater ecosystems and other pressures across the Province. The evidence in this report helps guide and prioritise where our efforts need to be focused.
Freshwater fish, sharks, mammals, reptiles and endemic invertebrates remain among the species groups facing significant conservation challenges.
The findings emphasise the importance of continued investment in biodiversity monitoring, ecological restoration, protected areas, fire management and partnerships to conserve the Western Cape’s biodiversity and environment.
The Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026 is available here.
QR code to the Western Cape State of Biodiversity page, containing all the Western Cape State of Biodiversity and State of Conservation reports:
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.
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