Stanford Bird Club helps CapeNature count over 12,000 waterbirds at De Hoop Vlei
With the help of six members from the Stanford Bird Club, 12,233 waterbirds belonging to 41 species were counted on De Hoop Vlei this month. Of these, 70% were Red-knobbed Coot and 11% were Egyptian Geese. Two threatened species, the Great White Pelican and Caspian Tern were recorded – both are classified as Vulnerable on the South African Red List. Greater Flamingos, classified as Near Threatened, were also observed. The February 2024 count adds another point to the long-term data series for the De Hoop Vlei, which stretches back to 1992. Monitoring of the waterbirds at the vlei forms part of South Africa’s commitment to two international conventions, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). At 18 km long and with an average width of 0.5 km, completing the count in a single day is a challenge, but his achievement is testimony to the volunteer team’s commitment and birding expertise.
Ninety-eight Great White Pelicans were counted by the team. Photographer: Evan Shaw
The De Hoop Vlei CWAC team, comprising Stanford Bird Club members and CapeNature staff.
Related News
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.
Restoration: Helihack
CapeNature participated in the Boosmansbos Helihack to remove invasive species from the Duiwenhoks catchment in the Langeberg Strategic Water Source Area. The Helihack initiative is an extraordinary commitment by volunteers to rid catchments of the most difficult-to-manage invasive alien trees.
The Big Biodiversity Challenge
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce a new competition for children in grades 6 – 9.
Harnessing the Power of NASA’s Technology to Detect Alien Species
When NASA isn’t spending its time exploring the depths of outer space, its lending its technology for the ambitious BioSCape project, which seeks to detect patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem health in the fynbos biome.
Cape Zebra Reunites With Family
On July 22, 2023, the CapeNature team from Kammanassie Nature Reserve carried out a critical rescue mission involving a Cape Mountain Zebra (CMZ) on the Diepprivier farm property in the Noll area, situated approximately 30 kilometers from Kammanassie.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?