Conservation
Explore CapeNature’s blooming West Coast nature reserves this flower season
The West Coast is a magical place during flower season, transforming into a vibrant tapestry of blooming colours and intoxicating scents. This September, immerse yourself in this natural wonder by exploring Rocherpan Nature Reserve - just 25 km north of Velddrif. This gem offers eco-friendly accommodation, breathtaking scenery, and a pristine private beach. The reserve's local pan is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring majestic pink flamingos against a stunning backdrop, perfect for your photo album.
CapeNature and Captain Fanplastic lead environmental education through use of five-tier waste program
CapeNature and Captain Fanplastic are teaming up to redefine environmental education through an immersive and impactful five-tier waste education program for primary school pupils. This collaboration is a testament to ongoing creative strategies and strong partnerships, which drive impactful environmental change.
CapeNature launches Green Noise podcast and video series for World Tourism Day
CapeNature is proud to announce the launch of its new podcast and video series, Green Noise, for World Tourism Day, September 27, 2024. The series aims to create a bold and impactful platform to explore the intersection of nature, conservation, and tourism, celebrating the rich biodiversity of the Western Cape while fostering critical conversations about sustainability, ecotourism, and community empowerment.
Historic translocation marks major success for Cape mountain zebra genetic mixing programme
A major conservation milestone was reached with the successful translocation of Cape mountain zebras (CMZ) to Zebraskop. This project aimed to mix three CMZ lineages—Gamkaberg, Kammanassie, and Cradock. After delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and several logistical challenges, the operation was finally completed on September 6, 2024.
CapeNature warns against ferret ownership amid growing environmental threat
Ferrets (Mustela furo) are becoming increasingly popular as “pets” in South Africa. Relatively new to our country, people who are adventurous in choosing a furry friend have shown an interest in ferrets. However, there are several reasons why they do not make ideal pets.
Heroes, not Villains
7 September 2024 is International Vulture Awareness Day, and CapeNature will be celebrating all vultures everywhere but especially the Cape Vultures that call De Hoop Nature Reserve home.
DFFE RAMSAR site visit and Ramsar information system (RIS) update
The Convention on Wetlands is a global intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. South Africa, together with almost 90% of United Nations member states from all the world’s geographic regions, have agreed to become “Contracting Parties” committing to designating sites as Wetlands of International Importance.
CapeNature celebrates a decade of connecting communities to nature with Access Week 2024
CapeNature celebrates its 10th annual Access Week between the 21st and 27th of September 2024 this year. The public is invited to access any one of 24 selected Provincial nature reserves across the Western Cape for free during this time. Visitors will be allowed day entry at no cost to enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, swimming and mountain biking. CapeNature will also be facilitating a variety of programmes for various community groups during this period.
CapeNature and NRF-SAIAB Team Up for Marine Conservation in De Hoop MPA
In celebration of Marine Protected Area Day, celebrated annually on August 1, CapeNature and the National Research Foundation (NRF) are proud to highlight their ongoing efforts to protect marine life through the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) in the Western Cape’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
CapeNature aims to stop rising wildlife crime numbers in the Western Cape
Illegal succulent plant trade remains the most pervasive wildlife crime in the Western Cape with most plants earmarked for illicit trade in East Asia, where most of the plants are sold to plant collectors and nurseries.
The secret of CapeNature’s new ambassador is out!
CapeNature is thrilled to announce the identity of its new Cubs Club ambassador, Kai the Cape leopard cub. Kai was introduced to the public and a group of Cubs Club members on Friday, 5 July 2024, for the very first time.
CapeNature Conservation Review 2024 brings excellence in sustainable conservation practices to the forefront
CapeNature showcased its achievements realised through its dedication to fostering sound governance, innovative eco-tourism offerings, successful conservation operations, and exceptional biodiversity protection at its CapeNature Conservation Review 2024.