Blog – Cape Conservation

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW An incredible morning of birdin

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW

An incredible morning of birding with the knowledgeable guide Mark Dixon! We witnessed the white-breasted cormorants’ colony, 16 Oyster catchers in flight, and spotted Southern Double-Collared Sunbirds, Cape Robin-Chat, and the majestic Lanner Falcon. Definitely a morning to remember! Thank you @birdlife_sa #birding #lennerfalcon #ostercatchers #capeconservation #southafrica 📍 Knysna Heads, South Africa 🎧 Xavier Rudd - Follow The Sun 📷 @chanellibecker

CALLING ALL WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST We are setting up

CALLING ALL WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST

We are setting up a new project! The CARACAL Research Project and we need YOUR help to make a difference.

Join us on this new and exciting project, from population studies to delving into their DNA. Your passion and interest can make a real impact!

APPLY NOW! ✉️ applications@capeconservation.co.za #wildlife #southafrica #research #caracalcats #newproject #makeadifference #volunteeringafrica #volunteeringabroad #capeconservation

A picture-perfect sunrise greeted us on the beach

A picture-perfect sunrise greeted us on the beach this morning, and our furry research assistants were ready to join us for an early morning beach sweep. Together, we're making this tranquil paradise even more beautiful. #research #beachsweep #capeconservation #furryfriends #sunrise #magical #pictureperfect

Bright and early this morning, we rolled up our sl

Bright and early this morning, we rolled up our sleeves, armed with bags and determination, to clean up our beloved beach. Together, we're making a difference one piece of litter at a time. Join us in this journey of change! #beachcleanup #research #capeconservation #volunteeringlife #volunteeringinafrica

We had an enlightening evening at The Evening of I

We had an enlightening evening at The Evening of Interest, diving into the captivating world of Snakes, expertly presented by Giorgio Pesto Stay tuned for more exciting research updates! #eveningofinterest #snakes #research #capeconservation #volunteering #makeadifference
📍 Brenton-on-Sea, South Africa 📷 @chanellibecker @knysna_snake_removals

OUR LOCATION - Did you know that Cape Conservation

OUR LOCATION - Did you know that Cape Conservation Research Centre is situated in the Western Cape? Brenton-on-Sea is a settlement and seaside resort town 15km west of Knysna in the Garden Route in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Named after Sir Jahleel Brenton, who declared Knysna a harbour in 1818, the area is home to the endangered Brenton blue butterfly.

It is part of the Garden Route and a popular spot for seaside vacations and holidays.

The endangered Brenton Blue butterfly is responsible for large sects of land in the Brenton area remaining undeveloped. The last breeding colonies of the tiny endemic butterfly are found here and in 2003, the land was proclaimed a Special Nature Reserve to try to save the species. #brentonbluebutterflies #brentononsea #research #fynbos #bestsunsets #capeconservation 📷 @chanellibecker 📍Brenton-on-Sea

BIRD POINT COUNTS We’re exploring a fresh site

BIRD POINT COUNTS

We’re exploring a fresh site for BIRD POINT COUNTS, and the adventure is calling! If you’ve ever considered volunteering in South Africa to be part of our exciting research, don’t hesitate to contact us for application details. Let’s make a difference together. Join us on this journey of discovery!
📍 Knysna, The Heads
📷 @chanellibecker

CAMERA TRAP FIELDWORK Placing camera traps on ga

CAMERA TRAP FIELDWORK

Placing camera traps on game trails, our lenses into the wild world of Caracal, Bushbuck, and more! Excitement fills the air as we anticipate capturing the untamed beauty of nature in action. Stay tuned for the wildlife stories that await us!
#cameratrapping #research #capeconservation #volunteering #southafrica #volunteeringopportunities #volunteeringinafrica

MAPUNGUBWE NATIONAL PARK An unforgettable journey

MAPUNGUBWE NATIONAL PARK

An unforgettable journey with volunteers at Mapungubwe National Park! Witnessing an enchanting elephant breeding herd, complete with tiny, curious babies, was a dream come true. For some, it was their FIRST encounter with these majestic creatures in the wild. We enjoyed traditional South African snacks that perfectly complemented this special life changing experience.

📍Mapungubwe National Park
📷 @chanellibecker
🎶 Wild Is Life -
Daniel Deuschle @jepler3 @charlottepps @charlikesanimals @richard.garrettt

WORLD TOURISM DAY This day highlights the signifi

WORLD TOURISM DAY

This day highlights the significance of tourism in fostering cultural exchange, economic growth and sustainable development. The day encourages people worldwide to explore the beauty and diversity of our planet while recognising the responsibilities that come with it.
📍Kruger National PARK
📷 credit: @charlikesanimals #exploring #research #southafrica #volunteering #krugernationalpark #mapungubwenationalpark #africa #capeconservation @richard.garrettt @jepler3 @charlottepps

CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE 🇿🇦 On this special

CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE 🇿🇦

On this special day in South Africa, we come together to honor our rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories.

Heritage Day is a reminder of the beautiful diversity that defines our nation. It’s a time to embrace our roots, share our stories.

Whether it’s enjoying a traditional braai, savoring local cuisine, or partaking in cultural festivities. But what exactly is a Braai, you ask? Braai isn’t just about grilling meat, it’s a sacred tradition that speaks of unity, culture, and heritage.
It’s the sizzle of nostalgia, the aroma of togetherness, and the taste of our diverse nation. It’s where stories are shared, friendships forged, and flavors celebrated. let’s celebrate our heritage. Share your Heritage Day traditions with us!
📍All over Africa
📷 @chanellibecker and all over Afrika
🎶 Johnny Clegg - Scatterlings of Africa
#heritageday #culture #braai #standtogether #makeadifference #capeconservation #research

WHERE RESEARCH MEETS WAGGING TAILS Meet our four-l

WHERE RESEARCH MEETS WAGGING TAILS
Meet our four-legged companions at the Research Camp who absolutely adore their beach walks with students and volunteers.
It's not just a stroll; it's a bonding experience, a moment of tranquility, and a reminder that even amidst research, nature's simple joys are a treasure.
Do you have a furry friend that joins you on your adventures? Share your paw-sitive stories with us!
📍Brenton-on-Sea beach
📷 credit: @chanellibecker #researchcompanions #researchassistant #camplifecompany #capeconservation #onthebeach #furryassistants #volunteering #research #homeawayfromhome

HONOURING WORLD RHINO DAY 2023 On this World Rhin

HONOURING WORLD RHINO DAY 2023

On this World Rhino Day, we pause to reflect on the critical challenges these majestic creatures face. In 2023 according to figures released on 1 August this year, 231 rhinos were poached in South Africa between January and June 2023. We’ve already lost 448 rhinos in 2022 compared to 451 in 2021.

Let's unite in their honor, raise awareness, and work tirelessly to protect these incredible beings from harm. Together, we can make a difference.

A big shoutout to @charlottepps for capturing these breathtaking white rhino photos in a South African National Park. Keeping their location unknown to protect them.
📍 South Africa
📷 credit: @charlottepps #worldrhinoday2023 #antipoahing #whiterhino #blackrhino #research #volunteers #capeconservation #westerncape #protectourrhinos

WHAT DROVE THE FLOODING OVER THE WEEKEND? A crit

WHAT DROVE THE FLOODING OVER THE WEEKEND?

A critical combination of three factors contributed to this significant flooding. Firstly, a storm surge associated with low-pressure weather systems coming onshore. These occurrences happen very frequently but often don't result in high levels of flooding by themselves.

Secondly, low-pressure cells often lead to strong onshore winds, and these can whip up the sea surface and create substantial waves that can potentially extend further inland, especially when the sea surface is elevated.

Thirdly, the coincidence of the storm with the period of high tide (a monthly event) and equinoctial high-high tide (a seasonal event). It is this combination that is the cause here, not these individual factors in isolation.

We’re counting our blessings. Thankfully, our community and properties emerged unscathed, and we're filled with gratitude.

It's a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that binds us together. #westerncape #brentononseabeach #weather #wind #thankful #capeconservation 📍Brenton-on-Sea 📹 1 credit: Judy Harrison 📹 2 credit: Pieter Becker

SATURDAYS AT THE FARMERS MARKET Our favorite day

SATURDAYS AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Our favorite day of the week is here, and it’s all about our weekly pilgrimage to the local farmers market. We’re on a mission to fill our basket with organic goodness and freshly baked pastries. Here’s what makes it special:

Organic Abundance: Rows of organic fruits and veggies beckon with their vibrant colors and incredible flavors. We’re loading up on nature’s best.

Pastry Paradise: A stop at the bakery stall is a must. The aroma of freshly baked pastries is simply irresistible. Croissants, anyone?

Community Vibes: We relish the community spirit, chatting with local growers, bakers, and fellow market enthusiasts. It’s a true neighborhood gathering.
#farmersmarket #saturdays #freshlybaked #weeklyshoppingtrip #local #organic #fresh #capeconservation

KNYSNA TURACO SIGHTING This afternoon at our Res

KNYSNA TURACO SIGHTING

This afternoon at our Research Camp, we had the incredible privilege of spotting the Knysna Turaco.

The Knysna turaco (Tauraco corythaix ) are found in southern and eastern South Africa, and Swaziland. They do not migrate and live in the mature evergreen tropical forests.

Knysna turacos are monogamous and form pairs. The time of breeding usually varies with location. Despite being social pairs tend to nest solitarily. The female lays 2 eggs in a shallow platform nest made from sticks and placed in a tree or clump of creepers. The eggs are incubated by both parents within 20-24 days. The chicks hatch helpless and stay in the nest for about 22 days. They start to fly 28 days after hatching and become independent 3 weeks later. #birdlifesouthafrica #knysnaturaco #research #capeconservation #volunteeringabroad

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVE SIDE! Did you know we have

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVE SIDE!
Did you know we have a fully equipped pottery studio right next to our Research Centre? This hidden gem is where imagination meets clay, and where students and volunteers can explore their artistic talents.
Whether you're a budding artist or just curious to try your hand at pottery, our studio welcomes all levels of creativity. It's a space where ideas take shape, and where your artistic journey begins.
Come join us and sculpt your dreams into reality. Let your creativity flow! #artsandcrafts #research #capeconservation #ceramics #makeyourown #southafrica #volunteering

MAJESTIC GIANTS OF THE OCEAN Humpback Whales vs.

MAJESTIC GIANTS OF THE OCEAN Humpback Whales vs. Southern Right Whales

The ocean hold countless wonders, but today, we’re diving into the world of two incredible cetaceans – Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales.

Humpback Whales:
Let’s start with the Humpbacks! Known for their acrobatic displays and haunting songs, these giants migrate thousands of miles each year. From breaching to tail-slapping, they’re the showstoppers of the sea.

Southern Right Whales:
On the other side, we have the Southern Right Whales. These gentle giants are characterized by their enormous heads and lack of dorsal fins. They earned their name as the “right” whales to hunt due to their slow movements and high blubber content. Fortunately, they’re now protected, and their populations are rebounding.

Habitats:
Humpbacks are known for their diverse range, spanning from the icy poles to the warm tropics. They feed in cold waters and give birth in warmer ones. In contrast, Southern Right Whales prefer the cooler waters of the southern hemisphere.

Behaviors:
Both species are known for breaching, but Humpbacks are the aerial artists, often leaping entirely out of the water. Southern Right Whales are a bit more reserved but can still put on a spectacular show.

Conservation:
While these whales have made remarkable comebacks after whaling almost pushed them to extinction, they still face threats today. Collisions with ships, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat degradation are ongoing concerns.

Conclusion:
Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales are symbols of the ocean’s resilience and the need for continued conservation efforts. Every sighting of these magnificent creatures reminds us of our responsibility to protect and preserve the wonders of the deep blue. #walewatching #oceanwonders #conservation #research #capeconservation #volunteering #makeadifference

BUSHBUCK MOVEMENT We saw these bushbuck today o

BUSHBUCK MOVEMENT

We saw these bushbuck today on our way to town.

Bushbuck is the smallest of the spiral horn antelopes. Bushbucks have distinct mating habits and life cycles. During the mating season, the timing of which varies depending on the region. Males compete for dominance and access to females. Dominant males establish territories and engage in displays of strength and aggression to assert their reproductive rights.
Mating behaviour often involve males marking their territories with scent from facial glands and engaging in impressive displays, such as parallel walking and circling. Females, known as ewes, choose a dominant male based on these displays and scent cues. After successful mating, the gestation period of a bushbuck lasts approximately six to seven months (180 days). Females gives birth to a single calf, which is typically well-developed and able to stand and walk shortly after birth. The mother hides the newborn in dense vegetation for protection and periodically returns to nurse and groom it. The calf relies on its mother’s milk for the first few months but gradually starts to consume solid food such as leaves and shoots as it grows older. #bushbuck #matingseason #research #capeconservation #volunteering #southafrica #westerncape

WE SPOTTED NEW “RESIDENTS” IN CAMP Spotted T

WE SPOTTED NEW “RESIDENTS” IN CAMP

Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) Appearance: The spotted thick-knee, which can reach up to 45.5 cm (17.9 in) in height, has long legs and brown-and-white speckled plumage which provides camouflage, making it difficult to spot the bird in the grasslands and savanna where it roams. Its head is large and round with a prominent yellow eye and a short, stout beak. When in flight or standing in a characteristic position with its wings raised, it shows a striking contrasting pattern. Its legs are long and yellow and the tibiotarsal joint is expanded, giving it the name "thick-knee". GENERAL HABITS: Active mostly at night and on overcast days. Roosts in grassy and weedy areas, often squatting. When sleeping, crouches right down, such that legs covered by plumage, with breast, neck and head resting on ground. Under hot conditions, lies with both legs extended behind body; this probably aids convective cooling. Flies with stiff wing-beats.
FORAGING & FOOD: Hunts in plover-like fashion, running forwards a few paces before pausing with bill pointing downwards, then jabbing at prey. Eats mainly insects, especially beetles and termites. #spottedthickknee #research #capeconservation #volunteering #southafrica #westerncape #gardenroute