Conservation News from the Overberg
CONSERVATION NEWS
A journey through the Nuwejaars wetlands
A journey through the Nuwejaars wetlands On National Water Week – follow our journey through the Nuwejaars Wetlands Ecosystem – and get to know the important role these Palmiet wetlands play in water conservation
Layers of peat-like carbon-storing soils ‘hide’ in our wetlands
Peatlands cover only around 3% of the earth’s land surface. And you’ll find some peat-like soils in the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area.
Pictured on the Nuwejaars wetlands (and caught on camera trap)
Here’s what we found when we downloaded some of the images from camera traps set up on the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area…
“Why it’s nice to work in nature”
Creating green jobs through WWF South Africa and Overberg District Municipality support. Gerty Holtzhausen from Bredasdorp has run her own small business for the past 14 years. Every day she
10 reasons why Elim’s Fynbos is SO special
In 2006, Elim Ferricrete Fynbos was listed as Endangered. Now, 14 years later, CapeNature considers it Critically Endangered. Elim Ferricrete Fynbos used to cover extensive areas from the Bot River
Vacancy: Environmental Educator & Conservation Assistant (Internship)
An opportunity now exists for an Environmental Educator & Conservation Assistant to join the NWSMA team. We’re based just outside Bredasdorp, in the
This is why we LOVE technology for children
Photographing an image, making a video or quickly typing some notes – that’s how many of our youth will remember their trip. They’re able to return to the excursion through images and memories
A good news story: The Agulhas Long-billed Lark
For the FIRST TIME, a detailed study has sought to capture the number of Agulhas Long-billed Larks (Certhilauda brevirostris) that remain in the world today.The Agulhas Plain is a stronghold for
Our year in review (read our NWSMA Annual Report)
In the last financial year, we added a range of exciting species to our wildlife list. From the Spotted Reed Snake to the Cape Vulture; the Striped Flufftail to the Cape …
Fynbos Forum: Hippos, wetlands, wine (and of course Fynbos)
This year, the Fynbos Forum takes place between 5-8 August in the town of Baardskeerdersbos. It’s a short drive from the small town to the Nuwejaars Wetlands area.
Nuwejaars Renosterveld? Even the botanists were excited…
The Nuwejaars Wetlands region has never been a stronghold for Renosterveld. Fynbos, yes. And especially Critically Endangered Fynbos such as Elim Ferricrete
Meet our new SMA Project Manager, Ross Kettles
The Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA has a new project manager to help design and implement a range of exciting ventures. Conservationist and a former game reserve warden, Ross Kettles has been appointed to the
Nature’s solutions to the Overberg air pollution
Yes, even the Overberg countryside has to deal with air pollution threats. Our district may offer wide, open spaces and colourful landscapes. Still, many industries operating here make our air a little less clean.
The 2.30am sighting that had visitors flocking to the SMA
Farmer Liohan Giliomee (a member of the Nuwejaars SMA) saw them for the first time at 2.30 in the morning. He was preparing his land to plant grain on it.
5 threatened birds you’re likely to see in the Nuwejaars
Birders: What birds are you likely to see on a trip through the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area? (In other words: What are some of the
#WorldWaterDay: A quick guide to our water threats (and solutions)
What are some of the biggest threats to our water? In the Agulhas Plain, invasive alien plants are right up there among the top threats. In fact, the Heuningnes
Water, wetlands… and wine: Our 5 cool-climate wineries
The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area is not only home to critically endangered wildlife. You’ll also find wineries enjoying the special terroir of the Nuwejaars
4 reasons why hippos and our wetlands just WORK together
Imagine a time when hippos roamed the Overberg. Well, that’s exactly how the Overberg used to look, a few short centuries ago. But hunters changed that picture: shooting most of the
Tracking down the source of the Nuwejaars River
How do you find the exact sources of the Nuwejaars River – the namesake of our conservation area? It’s not all that easy – as we found out. Researchers have highlighted one of …
Birders: The SMA’s birds you REALLY should look out for (seen on Big Birding Day)
One hundred and fourteen bird species. That’s not bad for a day spent criss-crossing the Nuwejaars Special Management Area …
