Waterbirds of De Hoop Vlei
Fifteen thousand four hundred and forty eight birds: this was the impressive tally for the January CWAC (Coordinated Waterbird Count) of De Hoop Vlei. Managed by CapeNature, De Hoop Nature Reserve is internationally recognized as a World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area. Within the reserve, De Hoop Vlei has the added distinction of being the oldest Ramsar site (wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention) in South Africa.
The vlei is landlocked and brackish, fed by the Sout and Potteberg rivers and several underground springs. It provides critical waterbird feeding and breeding habitat. On average, it supports more than 8000 birds of 97 species, although numbers and species composition fluctuate greatly according to water levels, salinity, and time of year.
Last month, ornithologist Kevin Shaw generously contributed his time and expertise to complete an eight-hour bird count of the 750-ha vlei. He was assisted by the De Hoop and De Mond CapeNature Reserve teams. From this count, the most abundant species was found to be the red-knobbed coot, comprising 35% of all birds counted.
Partly due to their numbers, red-knobbed coots play an important role in nutrient cycling in wetlands, consuming vast quantities of macrophytes and converting these to guano. Egyptian geese and spur-winged geese were also present in large numbers. The number of great crested grebes was also noteworthy, with the count of 393 being nearly four times the Ramsar threshold for the species. Species of conservation priority (according to their listing in the 2015 South African Red Data Book of Birds) that were observed were greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, and maccoa duck (all Near Threatened), and great white pelican and Caspian tern (both Vulnerable). De Hoop Vlei is the only locality in South Africa where the greater flamingo has bred successfully (in 1960 and 1963).
In addition to the CWAC count, three other threatened species were recorded by the team: black harrier and Cape vulture (both Endangered) and secretary bird and Denham’s bustard (both Vulnerable).
Red-knobbed coot collecting submerged vegetation by Kevin Shaw
Kevin Shaw (behind the tripod) demonstrating the CWAC survey methodology to members of the De Hoop and De Mond nature reserve teams.
Related News
Baboon rangers secured for December
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 NCC Environmental Services will be providing baboon ranger services during December. Read more below:
Spring into Serenity: Explore CapeNature’s 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 world’s geographic regions, have agreed to become “Contracting Parties” 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 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.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?