Conservation
![Knysna Leaf folding frog Credit Faansie Peacock Knysna Leaf folding frog Credit Faansie Peacock](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/Knysna-Leaf-folding-frog_Credit_Faansie-Peacock_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpg 320w)
Exciting Frog Monitoring Programme Coming Soon!
Frogs are excellent indicators of environmental change, and CapeNature will be launching a frog monitoring programme at Groenvlei in the spring of 2024.
![Cape Vulture De Hoop 2016 09 14 2 Cape Vulture De Hoop 2016 09 14 2](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/CapeVulture_DeHoop_2016_09_14-2_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpg 320w)
Guardians of the Sky: Cape Vultures in South Africa's Potberg Mountains
The Cape vultures of the Potberg Mountains are not just ecological linchpins but also cultural symbols in parts of southern Africa. CapeNature has been dedicated to the conservation and monitoring of these majestic birds for many years within CapeNature's De Hoop Nature Reserve, where the Potberg Mountains provide vital breeding habitat for the only population of Cape vultures in the Western Cape.
![Whats App Image 2023 07 24 at 1 48 31 PM Whats App Image 2023 07 24 at 1 48 31 PM](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/WhatsApp-Image-2023-07-24-at-1.48.31-PM_2023-09-29-085723_qsay_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpeg 320w)
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.
![Whats App Image 2023 09 28 at 13 14 51 Whats App Image 2023 09 28 at 13 14 51](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/WhatsApp-Image-2023-09-28-at-13.14.51_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.jpeg 320w)
CapeNature and a Community Rally to Save More Than a Thousand Seahorses
CapeNature’s marine rangers led a herculean effort with the support of the community and up to now more than a thousand seahorses were rescued and 720 have been returned to their natural habitat. They are being put back into the estuaries where they usually occur and where there is a huge eelgrass bed where they seek refuge and shelter and where they find their food.
![Picture1 Picture1](https://www.capenature.co.za/uploads/imager/uploads/files/Picture1_2023-09-21-190246_snsx_W320_H213_Mcrop_upscale1_autoformat-compress_CZ1_I1_P50-50.png 320w)
Monitoring of Critically Endangered Geometric Tortoise
The geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus), classified as Critically Endangered, ranks among the top 25 most imperilled tortoises and turtles globally. Its future remains uncertain, with an estimated wild population of fewer than 3000. This species is highly specialised in its habitat requirements, historically found in the low-lying renosterveld shrublands of the Swartland, Upper Breede River Valley, and Ceres Valley.
![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.