Conservation blogs

Historic translocation marks major success for Cape mountain zebra genetic mixing programme
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.

CapeNature warns against ferret ownership amid growing environmental threat
Ferrets (Mustela furo) are becoming increasingly popular as “pets” in South Africa. Relatively new to our country, people who are adventurous in choosing a furry friend have shown an interest in ferrets. However, there are several reasons why they do not make ideal pets.

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 Cape’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

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.

World Oceans Day 2024 - understanding our impact on the ocean
The link between oceans and the land is often not well understood. People describe the ocean as that massive water space out there. Little do they know that where they live and how they live actually impacts on this ocean, so much so that they, in their small way, can contribute to a healthy ocean or a polluted ocean.

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.

CapeNature attends Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban
CapeNature’s participation at the recent Africa Travel Indaba in Durban marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives. The event, which drew industry leaders and stakeholders from across the globe, provided an excellent platform for CapeNature to showcase its commitment to conserving the Western Cape's natural beauty while fostering economic growth through eco-tourism.

Rare Visitors to Bird Island
Bird Island became one of the West Coast’s favourite Birding spots during the festive period of December 2023 to January 2024.

CapeNature honours its firefighters ahead of International Firefighters' Day
On 30 April 2024, CapeNature hosted a firefighters appreciation event at Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve to honour the brave men and women who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape’s fire season.

Collaborative Conservation benefits the Stony Point African Penguin Colony
In the heart of Betty’s Bay lies the Stony Point African Penguin colony, a critical breeding ground for these beloved seabirds. This colony has become a beacon of hope thanks to the collaborative efforts of several key partners: CapeNature, SANCCOB, Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT)/African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-SA), and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Together, these entities have implemented an integrated programme that has positively impacted the local penguin population.

Another first for the Cape mountain zebra genetic rescue project
The Cape mountain zebra known as GB42 has had an exciting year! In January, this stallion from Gamkaberg Nature Reserve sired a foal with genetic material from two of the three genetically distinct stocks of the species. In March, there was proof that 2023 was a busy year for GB42 after a second foal was born with genes from all three stocks.