While stacks of rocks have left visitors to Blouberg Beach both in awe and curious this week, SANParks has issued a warning of the potential threat to the environment and wildlife posed by building these precarious rock cairns.
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The stacked rock cairns are by no means an uncommon sight on local beaches and hiking trails and have been used as route markers in many parts of the world.
While they are often aesthetically pleasing and can be a fun and seemingly innocent way to leave your mark, SANParks is calling on the public to refrain from the practice as it often poses a threat to animal habitats.
“Those rocks you are moving and stacking are homes for insects, crabs, mollusks, and algae living in the intertidal zone or mountain,” SANParks posted on Facebook. “By disturbing these habitats, we are potentially harming their populations.”
The post went on to state that it was not just the creatures that live in the rocks that are affected.
“Those rocks also serve an important function in protecting coastlines from erosion and the forces of the ocean. When we move them around, we are making the shoreline more vulnerable to erosion and damage.”
“It can alter the area’s natural beauty and even be seen as a form of vandalism or disrespect to the cultural and natural heritage of the place.”
“Even in protected areas, building these rock stacks can negatively impact the ecosystem.”
“By disrupting the natural balance, we are potentially harming organisms that rely on rocks for shelter and protection, causing soil erosion that can negatively impact nearby water bodies and aquatic habitats.”
SANParks added that creating rock stacks was strictly prohibited for these reasons and violating this rule may result in a penalty.
“Consider the potential consequences next time you are tempted to build a rock cairn. Instead, try to appreciate the area’s natural beauty, and leave it as you found it so future generations can enjoy it too.”
For more information visit the SANParks website.
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Picture: Adla Da Silva / Facebook