Conservation
![1 1](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/1_2023-09-21-182942_zxxk_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpg 320w)
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.
![Figure 1 Mountain Catchement Figure 1 Mountain Catchement](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/Figure-1_Mountain-Catchement_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpg 320w)
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.
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.
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.
![V4 Dont be Trashy 2023 02 V4 Dont be Trashy 2023 02](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/v4-_Dont-be-Trashy-2023-02_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P51-49-15-08.jpg 320w)
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.
![2022 State of Conservation Report Cover design 2022 State of Conservation Report Cover design](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/2022_State-of-Conservation-Report_Cover-design_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpg 320w)
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.
![Thumbnail 1 Thumbnail 1](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/thumbnail-1_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpg 320w)
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.
![Whats App Image 2022 06 03 at 9 04 03 AM 1 Whats App Image 2022 06 03 at 9 04 03 AM 1](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/WhatsApp-Image-2022-06-03-at-9.04.03-AM-1_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpeg 320w)
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.
![2logs 2logs](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/2logs_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P49-45-39-12.jpg 320w)
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.
![Berg river Estuary Velddrif Berg river Estuary Velddrif](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/Berg-river-Estuary-Velddrif_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpg 320w)
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.
![Figure I Suurvlak Figure I Suurvlak](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/News/Figure-I-Suurvlak_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpg 320w)
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.
![Albino Honey Badger De Hoop 1021 Albino Honey Badger De Hoop 1021](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/Albino-Honey-Badger-De-Hoop_1021_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P49-98-38-1.jpg 320w)
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).