In 2025, CapeNature strengthened the Western Cape’s conservation network by declaring several new nature reserves, each critical for protecting the province’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage:
- Haarwegskloof Renosterveld (Overberg) | Safeguards critically endangered renosterveld and endemic plants.
- Wilderness Nature Reserve (near Heidelberg) | Protects freshwater ecosystems and rare species like the Breede River Redfin.
- Lettas Kraal (Klein Karoo) | Conserves Succulent Karoo biodiversity and traditional rangeland landscapes.
- Mount David (Overberg) | Restored wetlands and fynbos supporting rare plants and amphibians.
- Doringkloof (Klein Karoo) | Strengthens ecological connectivity and protects culturally significant landscapes.
- Franco Three Fountains (near Cape Town) | Protects rare seasonal wetlands, endangered vegetation, and threatened plant species.
These new reserves not only safeguard unique species and ecosystems but also protect landscapes shaped by centuries of human–nature interaction. Through declaring and managing such areas, CapeNature ensures long-term ecological resilience, preserves South Africa’s natural heritage, and maintains vital ecosystem services for communities across the Western Cape.
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