The Draft 2024 Western Cape Protected Areas Expansion Strategy is now out for public comment. You can read all about it here.

Visitors to De Hoop Nature Reserve are in for a treat this month as a new foal, born just three weeks ago, joins the reserve’s small but vital population of Cape mountain zebra. The latest arrival is an exciting addition to the herd and for the conservation of this once-endangered species.

During January 2025, the Cape Gannet population reached an impressive 45,000 individuals—its highest in 19 years! This marked a significant milestone for the island, with numbers consistently remaining in the 30,000s over the past five years.

Chanel Hauvette, Senior Marine Ranger at CapeNature’s Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area is the newly crowned winner of the “Best Marine Ranger” category of the 2024 African Conservation Awards.

One day, as Kai, the leopard cub, was lying on his back, warming his full tummy in the sun, he was thinking about the class he had attended with his mom, brother, and sister the previous day. It was about survival, the importance of helping your friends and caring for your environment. It all sounded a bit boring, farfetched and un-adventurous! His mom had caught him dosing off in class.

A new and healthy sub-population of the Critically Endangered, Northern moss frog was recently discovered in the far south of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area during a targeted biodiversity survey. With a maximum size of only 14mm, the Northern moss frog, Arthroleptella subvoce, was previously known from only three locations in South Africa, all within the mountains of the Groot Winterhoek Reserve and Wilderness Area.

CapeNature is excited to announce the launch of South Africa's first slow hiking trail at the beautiful De Mond Nature Reserve, just a stone’s throw from the historic seaside town of Arniston. The Damara Trail is a new immersive experience in nature and invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the environment at a leisurely pace. Launched in celebration of World Tourism Day, held annually on 27 September, the trail embraces this year’s theme of peace.

Recent research highlights the significant impact of waste on the Western Cape coastline, with pollution affecting popular beaches and marine ecosystems. Reports indicate that several beaches along the 307 km coastline, including Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, have consistently failed to meet minimum water quality guidelines. This pollution harms local wildlife and threatens the health and safety of residents and tourists. Efforts to manage waste effectively are crucial to preserving the region's environmental integrity.

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.

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.