Latest News & Developments
In an unprecedented development, rabies has become endemic in Cape fur seals - the first documented case in marine mammals worldwide. While Animal Survival International warns of a potential cross-species marine pandemic, the DFFE is implementing surveillance protocols and trial vaccinations to manage the outbreak. Officials urge public awareness and caution when encountering seals along South African coastlines.
Sue BarklyLast year an article in an online publication caught my eye and had me riveted: The Bredasdorp Regional court convicted and fined a rogue fishing company for illegal fishing within a Marine Protected Area. What was fascinating about this case was that the State, for the first time, ruled that if large-scale businesses fish inside a Marine Protected Area, they’re not just liablefor fishing illegally, but also for having a detrimental impact on the environment.
CapeNature said the island, renowned for its unique ecological significance, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone in January with its Cape Gannet population reaching an impressive 45 000 individuals—the highest figure recorded in 19 years.
The baboon was spotted in the area by residents who reported their sightings in their yards via social media, before he was captured.
As the Western Cape enters its most precarious fire season, CapeNature has reported a staggering 89 wildfires between April 2023 and March 2024, scorching roughly 73,671 hectares.
The public is urged to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines during the upcoming summer holiday season when encountering Cape fur seals.
The African Penguin is a species confined to southern African waters. Like all penguins, it is flightless, with a streamlined body and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat.
CapeNature, together with SANCCOB, has been actively working to rehabilitate ill and injured penguins and hand-rear abandoned chicks to release them back into the wild.
Communities from baboon-affected areas should note that processes are underway to secure the services of baboon rangers for December 2024, including the upcoming transitioning period starting on 1 January 2025.
A Cape Town wildlife trafficker who kept 56 protected birds, snakes and spiders inside home in Durbanville, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment and ordered to pay R100 000.
Anyone found in possession of a ferret without the appropriate permit could face legal consequences under the Nature Conservation Ordinance.
CapeNature has warned against the dangers of keeping ferrets (Mustela furo) as pets because of the risk of diseases that could be lethal to both humans and indigenous wildlife.
Anyone found keeping ferrets without a permit could be in contravention of the provisions of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, and if found guilty, will face legal consequences.
There is no clear indication of what will happen when the contracts for baboon rangers come to an end in December.
The DA has welcomed the proactive steps taken by CapeNature and the Western Cape government to save the African penguin from extinction.
The approximately 43-year-old elephant bull who has been in solitary confinement and has been confirmed since 2008.
In a stirring tribute for their unwavering courage and tireless efforts, CapeNature recently hosted a heartfelt event to honour firefighters who valiantly battled intense blazes that engulfed the Western Cape during the challenging fire season.
Exciting news from CapeNature is that its mountain zebra genetic rescue project is progressing “splendidly” with an announcement that the Cape mountain zebra – known as GB42 – from the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve sired a foal, with genetic material from two of the three genetically distinct stocks of the species.
In a rare sighting, four Australasian Gannets and two Brown Boobies made a surprise visit to CapeNature Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lambert’s Bay.
The unique youngster, born to parents of mixed Cradock and Gamkaberg stock, marks a significant stride in a collaborative genetic rescue project between CapeNature and Sanbona.
More than 300 entries were received from animal and nature lovers.
The newly appointed CEO of CapeNature, Ashley Naidoo, has stepped into the proverbial fire as he gets to grips with the organisation’s myriad challenges, not least of which is the fire season that the Western Cape is currently in.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, with a rich background in ocean science and environmental governance, steps into the role with a transformative vision, aiming to bridge the gap between environmental science and policy implementation.