UWC Nature Reserve sees remarkable growth in fauna and flora

Harriet Box

The University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Cape Flats Nature Reserve (CFNR) has recorded a significant increase in biodiversity, with the number of documented species rising from 558 in 2023 to an impressive 769. This growth highlights the reserve’s critical role in conserving vulnerable and threatened species while fostering a thriving ecosystem within an urban environment.

The latest 2024 Biodiversity Survey of the reserve revealed an increase across multiple species categories. The current species count includes: 130 Birds; 270 Flora; 62 Fungi; Lichens, Mosses & Liverworts; 246 Insects & Arachnids; 27 Mammals; 34 Reptiles & Amphibians

Among these, 14 plant species remain under threat: two are classified as endangered, three as vulnerable, and nine as near-threatened. This aligns with data from the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), which estimates that one in four plant species in the country is of conservation concern.

The reserve's biodiversity growth is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing conservation initiatives for South Africa’s fauna and flora. Rapid urbanisation, habitat destruction, and the widespread use of pesticides and herbicides continue to endanger plant and animal life. In urban areas, rodenticides pose additional threats to non-target wildlife species.

The CFNR survey recorded three threatened insect species for fauna, including one critically endangered species, one endangered species, and one highly vulnerable species. While the reserve has become a sanctuary for many species, national conservation challenges persist.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List identifies several endangered species in South Africa, some being endemic to the Cape Peninsula, like the endangered Western leopard toad and the critically endangered Unique Ranger butterfly which continue to face threats from habitat loss and human activity.

Conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration, species monitoring, and public awareness campaigns, have contributed to the reserve's biodiversity gains. CFNR plays a pivotal role in sustaining and enhancing the region’s natural heritage by protecting critical habitats and curbing illegal poaching.