Cape Town’s Catchment, Stormwater, and River Management department is leading a largescale project to rejuvenate the Blinkwater Stream in Camps Bay. The project aims to repair the concretelined channel, construct two silt basins upstream to trap large boulders, and equip the city to better resist future weather adversities. The innovative project, which integrates several detailed strategies, reflects the city’s commitment to sustainability and proactive infrastructure maintenance.
A rare honey badger, also known as a ratel, was sighted near the University of Cape Town’s Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa on April 3. This marks the first documented presence of a honey badger near UCT and adds a new dimension to Table Mountain’s biodiversity. Honey badgers are known for their ferocity and audacity, and their adaptable nature often puts them in conflict with humans. If honey badgers start breeding and expanding on Table Mountain, it could pose new problems for urban residents.
Two female hikers were swept out to sea and trapped in a rocky gulley along the Otter Trail in South Africa. Their hiking companion called for help, and a daring rescue operation involving four NSRI rescue swimmers equipped with PFDs successfully brought them back to shore. The incident demonstrated the importance of being prepared and working together in a crisis, and underscored the indomitable human spirit and the strength of collaboration.
Snake catcher Nick Evans had a unique challenge when he confronted a 2.4meter black mamba hiding inside a leaf blower in a shed. Despite his efforts, the snake refused to leave, so he had to dismantle the machine. Once the leaf blower was in pieces, the snake had no choice but to surrender, and Nick could release it back into nature. This unusual experience was a first for Nick, reminding him how varied and challenging his job can be.
Pi, a lion cub, was rescued from cruel conditions in Lebanon where he was exploited as a selfie prop and kept in chains with his mouth sealed shut. His journey to a sanctuary in South Africa highlights the fight against illegal pet ownership and the commendable efforts of organizations like Animals Lebanon and HSI Africa. Though the illicit pet trade still thrives, Pi’s story serves as a call for compassion, respect, and vigilance towards animal welfare.
Cape Town is taking a proactive approach to preserving the environment by reviving the Spaanschemats River. The city’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is manually gathering litter, unclogging drains, and curbing invasive plants to stimulate the reappearance of indigenous plant and animal life in the region. The project aligns with the city’s Mayoral Priority Programmes to improve inland water quality and mitigate flooding, and serves as a reminder of our shared duty to our natural resources and potential to effect positive change.
James Norbury is a talented filmmaker, photographer, and ultrarunner who narrowly escaped a dangerous confrontation with fire while tackling the 14km Box to Box Challenge on Table Mountain. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being prepared and maintaining situational awareness when exploring the wilderness. Norbury’s experience highlights the delicate balance between man and nature, emphasizing the need for respect, awareness, and readiness.
A 2,000yearold pot from the Khoekhoen people has been found at the Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa. The pot, believed to have been used for cooking, is made of red ochre clay and shows evidence of scorch marks. The discovery is a window into the cultural practices and human resilience of the Khoekhoen people and their coexistence with huntergatherer societies. Plans are being developed to create a 3D model of the pot for educational purposes and public awareness campaigns.
The Hout Bay Rivers Catchment Forum is a shining example of community collaboration and teamwork. They work towards improving the health of the catchment area and conserving water by fostering cooperation among various stakeholders. In addition to monitoring and reporting pollution, the forum also provides valuable strategic contributions to find solutions. Their combined efforts with the City have resulted in the creation of the Hout Bay Pollution Abatement Strategy and Action Plan, which has already shown promising results in improving water quality. Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay also play a vital role in eliminating litter and waste from the river, providing employment to locals and promoting sustainability. Overall, the HBRCF’s journey is one of collaboration, persistence, and sustainable solutions that can inspire other communities to make a difference.
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS SA) warns pet owners to be vigilant while walking their pets in public spaces due to numerous reports of dogs being poisoned by drugcontaminated substances littered in city parks. Homeless individuals battling drug addiction and lacking basic sanitation facilities have increased the threat to pet safety. The organization urges pet owners to seek immediate veterinary intervention if their pet shows signs of poisoning. The objective is to decrease the risk this pattern poses to South Africa’s cherished pet population through heightened awareness and prompt action.
The CPBMJTT aims to incorporate the perspectives of community members and stakeholders instead of enforcing topdown solutions in their community dialogues to strengthen community engagement and develop customized solutions for baboon management. Led by representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, the meetings will empower community members to suggest relevant interventions and reflect the African philosophy of Ubuntu. The CPBMJTT is committed to transparency and inclusivity, and the community can access the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan readily on their websites.
Get ready to embrace the beauty of Cape Town’s biodiversity by participating in the global City Nature Challenge from April 26 to 29, 2024. All it takes is a snapshot of indigenous flora or fauna uploaded to the iNaturalist app, and Cape Town’s rich natural preserves and conservation zones offer abundant options for observation. Beyond a competition, this challenge is a chance for residents and tourists to marvel at the city’s ecological wealth and contribute to a colossal record of local wildlife data.
Kyle Goetsch, a landscape photographer from Cape Town, captures the city’s natural beauty through his captivating images. His viral Milky Way over Lion’s Head photograph required extensive planning, research, and patience. Goetsch’s photography process involves monitoring weather applications, moon phases, and rare events, and his love for adventure has led him on various exciting journeys. He shares his expertise by conducting workshops and private lessons, making him a true representative of the craft.
Experience the wonder of a family of Common Hippopotamus living in the heart of Cape Town’s False Bay Nature Reserve. These hippos have been shaping the wetland ecology under the City’s Biodiversity Management team’s vigilant supervision since 1981, and their survival and thriving are a tribute to the relentless work of conservationists. Hippos are native to Africa and face multiple threats, including habitat loss, poaching, humanwildlife conflict, climate change, and uncontrolled trade, making the City’s commitment to preserving this distinct population all the more crucial.
South Africa has made significant progress in sustainable forest management since the 1996 White Paper on Sustainable Forest Management. The government has shifted its focus to enabling communities to control their forests, promoting community involvement in forestry through the Commercial Forestry Masterplan and transferring 27 plantations throughout the country. Ongoing support is provided to communities by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, ensuring the sustainability of these plantations while empowering local communities. This transfer represents a commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and justice for future generations.
South Africa has launched 19 Community Forestry Agreements (CFAs), marking a significant stride towards community empowerment and sustainable forestry practices. The agreements exemplify the government’s pledge to inclusive growth and efforts to deter plantation crimes such as timber theft. The government will provide continued support through a postsettlement support program to guarantee successful community ownership and management of the plantations. The CFAs lay the groundwork for new market opportunities while catering to the sector’s additional fiber requirements and are aligned with the Forestry Sector Masterplan.
