Latest News & Developments
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Rediscovery of the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew after 46 years
Conservationists rejoice as the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew, a species lost to researchers for 46 years, is rediscovered in CapeNature’s Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts.
Unprecedented rabies outbreak threatens Cape fur seal population and marine ecosystem
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.
De Hoop – a paradise for hiking – and a reserve worth fighting for
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.
Bird Island emerges as a conservation triumph, boasting record Cape Gannet numbers
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.
Baboon captured after rooftop escapade
The baboon was spotted in the area by residents who reported their sightings in their yards via social media, before he was captured.
CapeNature reports alarming rise in wildfires amid Western Cape's fire season
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.
Avoid engaging with Cape fur seals this holiday season, warns CapeNature
The public is urged to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines during the upcoming summer holiday season when encountering Cape fur seals.
Join the effort to protect the African penguin at Penguin Palooza 2024
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.
Play your part - Join the Penguin Palooza 2024!
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.
Steps to secure baboon rangers for festive season, and beyond in progress
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.
Six-year sentence for Durbanville man caught with endangered species
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.
Ferrets pose growing threat to South Africa’s wildlife, warns CapeNature
Anyone found in possession of a ferret without the appropriate permit could face legal consequences under the Nature Conservation Ordinance.
CapeNature warn against keeping ferrets as pets
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.
‘Ferrets in homes pose big risks’
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.
Baboon rangers’ future uncertain in Cape Town
There is no clear indication of what will happen when the contracts for baboon rangers come to an end in December.
DA welcomes plans to protect penguins
The DA has welcomed the proactive steps taken by CapeNature and the Western Cape government to save the African penguin from extinction.
NSPCA calls for transparency over lonely bull elephant at Fairy Glen Reserve
The approximately 43-year-old elephant bull who has been in solitary confinement and has been confirmed since 2008.
Firefighters honoured for valour and dedication at CapeNature event
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.
Another first for Cape mountain zebra genetic rescue project
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.
Rare sighting have twitchers aflutter at Bird Island
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.
Rare birth celebrated as Cape mountain zebra foal brings hope for genetic diversity
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.
Baby zebra born at Klapperkop named Kamari
More than 300 entries were received from animal and nature lovers.
New CEO of CapeNature, Dr Ashley Naidoo, ready for the challenges ahead
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.
CapeNature welcomes Dr Ashley Naidoo as new CEO
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.