Landscape South Animals

In this landscape, De Hoop Nature Reserve and neighbouring Overberg Test Range are critical for the survival of the bontebok, a flagship species for Renosterveld conservation. 

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Blue crane [photo credit Kevin Shaw]

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Crowned cormorant [photo credit Marienne de Villiers]

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Great white shark [photo credit Hennie Otto, DICT]

Animals

In this landscape, De Hoop Nature Reserve and neighbouring Overberg Test Range are critical for the survival of the bontebok, a flagship species for Renosterveld conservation. These properties hold 50% of the world’s population of this antelope. 

De Hoop also supports one of the few increasing populations of the Endangered Cape vulture and what is perhaps the biggest bat roost in the Western Cape. Driving through the Overberg region, there is evidence of another conservation success. The blue crane (Vulnerable) is South Africa’s national bird and the Overberg supports almost half of the global population. 

In Spring, at coastal reserves such as Walker Bay and De Mond, there is a good chance of spotting Southern right whales. Once decimated by whalers, the population of these gentle giants has recovered and is now the focus of thriving ecotourism. Coastal reserves also provide an opportunity to see a range of sea- and shorebirds. Dyer Island is a critical breeding site for Endangered species such as the African penguin and crowned cormorant. It also supports Cape fur seals which in turn sustain great white sharks (Vulnerable), vital apex predators and another popular tourist attraction. 

Landscape South is also home to some special small animals. Examples are the extremely localized Boosman’s long-tailed forest shrew, found in Boosmansbos Wilderness Area; the rare dark ranger butterfly last spotted in Greyton near Riviersonderend Nature Reserve in 2015; and a type of dwarf chameleon on Grootvadersbosch that is thought to be new to Science.

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Bontebok  [photo credit Kevin Shaw]

Related Reserves

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Anysberg Nature Reserve

Anysberg Nature Reserve is located in the semi-arid Klein Karoo, between the towns of Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu. The reserve, officially proclaimed in 1990, encompasses 79 629 hectares of plains and the majestic Cape Fold Mountains, with deep valleys and steep gorges.

Robberg Nature Reserve copyright Scott N Ramsay 5
Robberg Nature Reserve

Robberg, situated 8km south of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, is not only a nature reserve, but also a World Heritage Site. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland.