De Hoop Field and Marine Rangers - Working tirelessly to preserve this Marine Protected Area
By Lusanda Gqaza & Yanga Mbatana (Environmental Education Officers at Potberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve)
World Ranger Day is celebrated every year on the 31st July to commemorate rangers worldwide who were killed or injured in the line of duty. The day also celebrates the hard work done and sacrifices made by field and park Ā rangers to protect our natural heritage.
These field rangers include those that have served and dedicated their time in protecting one of CapeNatureās pristine locations, the De Hoop Nature Reserve. De Hoop is one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature, boasting an impressive 34Ā 000 hectares of conserved land. It has been proclaimed as a world heritage site and is home to the only colony of vultures in the Western Cape. There is a lot of hard work and dedication required in maintaining this reserve - take a bow the tireless De Hoop field rangers!
Field Rangers are the backbone of conservation. The team at de Hoop perform an array of duties and responsibilities on a daily basis. These include ecological monitoring and Ā surveys, combating veld fires, counting game and supporting the reserve manager and conservation services as and when needed. Ā They are also possess a fountain of knowledge which they dispense to environmental education groups visiting the Potberg Environmental Education Centre.
Another critical part of their work is compliance. Patrols are carried out on an almost daily basis. One of the challenges that they deal with frequently is the illegal collection and exploitation of indigenous wild plants and animals. The unique plants and animals of the Western Cape unfortunately attract biodiversity criminals including scientists, syndicates and professional traders.
The De Hoop field ranger team puts their lives at risk every day whether dealing with poachers. Nonetheless, the team continues to serve the cause with great pride and dedication. Without the field rangers, conservation work at De Hoop or any nature reserve would grind to a halt!
We salute the field rangers of De Hoop and, indeed all rangers the world over.Ā It is fitting to give the last word to De Hoop ranger, Willem Dowrey says that, āBeing a field ranger means that I am constantly in touch with the environment and nature, while I am protecting it. It genuinely fulfills my soulā.
This World Ranger Day, CapeNature would like to thank and acknowledge all field and park rangers for their ongoing service. Their hard work and dedication certainly does not go unnoticed.
Related News
Spring into Serenity: Explore CapeNatureās Hidden Tranquil Outdoor Escapes!
As spring breathes new life into the landscape, it's the perfect time to explore CapeNature's captivating trails. With options suitable for hikers, walkers, or runners of all levels, you can enjoy the fresh air and vibrant scenery while creating lasting memories.
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 worldās geographic regions, have agreed to become āContracting Partiesā committing to designating sites as Wetlands of International Importance.
Update on upcoming transitioning period, Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform communities from baboon-affected areas that options are being initiated to enable a presence of baboon rangers during the upcoming transitioning period. In addition, if all goes as planned, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group will be formally established next month.
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 25 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 Capeās Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?