Conservation News from the Overberg
CONSERVATION NEWS

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 …

The 2 bird species we’re still tracking
Two bird species are yet to be seen in Overberg 150km Challenge this year. And now we need your help to find them in the Overberg – before the year-end.

Our 2017/18 annual report is available now
For the SMA, it’s been vital to better understand our secretive and complex natural systems. And to then see how our conservation efforts are helping to improve …

15 years later: How we remain on-point
And so we’re taking a moment to take stock of the achievements of the past 15 years. And to ensure our mandate still continues to meet national and international …

5 steps to protect bird habitats: A partnership with WWF
The Nuwejaars Wetlands provide a home to many threatened birds. So it’s vital our wetlands can support these …

Vacancy: Part-time Financial / Admin Manager
We are looking for a suitably qualified, experienced and enthusiastic person to fill our part-time Financial / Admin Manager position.

Vacancy: Project Development and Implementation Manager
The NRNR is now advertising for a Project Development and Implementation Manager to develop sustainable, environmentally related, income generating projects to help fund

The good and the bad of the drought
The Nuwejaars’ thirsty wetlands are enjoying some relief. After months are drought, the recent rains have helped to replenish many of the dry lakes and river.