The Western Cape has taken a major step forward in environmental conservation. Some 47 000 hectares have been added to the province’s protected areas through the expansion of two existing reserves and the declaration of two new ones, providing critical habitat for Cape mountain zebras and safeguarding threatened plants, mammals, and bird species.
Anysberg Nature Reserve in the Karoo and the Knersvlakte in Namaqualand have been enlarged by a combined 41 000 hectares. Meanwhile, the two newly declared reserves, Waterkloof Nature Reserve, protecting vital water sources near Ladismith, and Zebraskop Nature Reserve in the Gamkaberg area, safeguarding lowland habitat for the Cape mountain zebra, add a further 6 000 hectares to the province’s conservation estate.
These four reserves were made possible through land acquisitions by WWF South Africa, funded in part by the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust and other contributors.
“By expanding and connecting protected areas, together we are conserving some of the world’s most threatened plants and animals and supporting the long-term survival of the Cape mountain zebra,” said Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.
“This work would not be possible without our partners, particularly WWF South Africa and the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust, whose support makes this scale of impact possible.”
Jan Coetzee, WWF South Africa’s Landscape Manager for the Cape Floral Region, added: “Securing these critical areas for future generations is a big win for conservation, the province, and its people.
It’s only possible through strong partnerships with key donors, conservation organisations, legal experts, and provincial authorities, all working together for the greater good.”
Flora and fauna get a conservation boost
Photo: Stuff South Africa