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21 Sep 2023
Penguins Return to De Hoop for Another Breeding Season

Last year, African Penguins successfully bred at De Hoop Nature Reserve, and this year, a pair is once again nurturing two chicks at the new colony. These chicks were spotted at the end of June, perched just outside the nest that was occupied the previous year. African Penguins display remarkable fidelity to their colonies and often return to the same nest annually to reunite with their mates.

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21 Sep 2023 by Jillian Fredericks
Safeguarding Ecological Infrastructure Against Invasive Alien Plant Species

Invasive alien plant species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss and threaten many indigenous species. To address this issue, government laws, specifically the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 (Act NO. 43 of 1983) and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act NO. 10 of 2004), legally obligate landowners to monitor, control, and eradicate alien invasive plants.

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20 Sep 2023
Collaboration for Conservation Allowed for the Release of a Cape Vulture to the Potberg Colony

A joint initiative between VulPro, Cango Wildlife Ranch, and CapeNature results in the triumphant rehabilitation and release of a Cape Vulture.VulPro, based on the outskirts of Hartebeespoort Dam in the Northwest Province, is a specialised vulture conservation organisation that also undertakes specialist rehabilitation of vultures. VulPro collects injured or grounded birds from every corner of South Africa in an effort to reduce losses - giving each bird a second chance of release and survival.

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15 Sep 2023 by Jillian Fredericks, Ecological Intern, Biodiversity Capabilities
Paving the Path to Zero Waste: the #dontbetrashy Campaign

In the picturesque landscapes of South Africa's Western Cape, where the stunning beauty of the region meets the modern rhythm of life, an issue of substantial concern looms large. The Western Cape is home to 11.9% of the population and is responsible for a staggering 3 million tons of waste generated annually according to the Annual State of Waste Management Report of 2020 and STATSA’s mid-year population estimates for 2022.

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1 Sep 2023
Join CapeNature for a Clean-up and Contribute Towards a Zero-waste Future

CapeNature will join hands with local communities in hosting the #DontBeTrashy drive from 1 to 30 September 2023. In the face of an escalating waste crisis, the #DontBeTrashy drive is a shining beacon of hope, advocating for a greener, more sustainable world.

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31 Mar 2023
Fresh from the press - 2022 State of Conservation Report

CapeNature is proud to present the 2022 State of Conservation Report. This is the third State of Conservation Report to inform the periodic Western Cape State of Biodiversity Report, as mandated by the newly assented Western Cape Biodiversity Act, aimed at providing the status of indicators for assessing the global state of biodiversity.

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8 Jun 2022
Thought-provoking insights at annual CapeNature Conservation Review

The online event was presented to more than 200 registered delegates. The Review provides an opportunity for CapeNature and partners to showcase “a year in review”. The apt theme of “Resilience is in our Nature” opened the opportunity to reflect on resilience thinking.

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8 Jun 2022
Celebrating the launch of the Berg Estuary as a Ramsar site

On Friday, 3 June 2022 the Western Cape Government and CapeNature, celebrated the launch of the Berg Estuary as a Ramsar site with the unveiling of an official Ramsar signboard located at the start of the estuary, ahead of World Environment Day.

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1 Apr 2022
Firewood prohibited in all CapeNature reserves as a biodiversity precaution against Shot Hole Borer

After months of scientific research and in association with conservation stakeholders and expert engagement, CapeNature has taken the decision to prohibit firewood brought in by visitors in all their nature reserves. This precaution will be in effect from 01 April 2022 until further notice.

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31 Jan 2022
CapeNature celebrates World Wetlands Day 2022 in anticipation of the official Berg River Estuary Ramsar site declaration

World Wetlands Day is recognised throughout the world on the 2nd of February each year. This special environmental calendar day marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty with the mission to conserve wetlands.

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30 Nov 2021
Rare plant monitoring at Waterval Nature Reserve

Waterval Nature Reserve is home to an incredible variety of special plant species, one of which is the Critically Endangered Sorocephalus imbricatus. One of the populations is very heavily overgrown with Pinus pinaster.

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30 Oct 2021
Ghosted: First Scientific Record of Albino Honey Badger on De Hoop Nature Reserve

CapeNature granted BirdLife South Africa and Panthera  a research permit to undertake a camera trap survey at De Hoop Nature Reserve. Among the images captured was an extremely rare albino honey badger (Mellivora capensis).