The City of Cape Town commemorates World Ranger Day, today, 31 July 2022 and is taking the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the major role our Biodiversity staff play in protecting Cape Town’s natural environment.
Also Read: Racing the Planet Georgia June 2022 – Living beyond your comfort zone
The rangers have many responsibilities and are quite knowledgeable in biodiversity management, including everything from safety and security duties to reserve maintenance, and the removal of invasive species to carrying out community surveys and managing encounters with wildlife at the reserve if the need arises. These committed nature guards are deployed at the nature reserves under the City’s management.
With so many committed rangers protecting our natural heritage across all of our reserves, the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews expressed his appreciation by saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our rangers for their hard work and for being the proud custodians of our unique biodiversity here in Cape Town.”
This past week, he paid a visit to the Rondevlei section of our False Bay Nature Reserve as this conservation area celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. He said he was once again reassured that this treasured piece of the city is managed by some of the most knowledgeable, versatile and passionate rangers. He met and spoke to a few of the rangers and mentioned how well the reserve staff go about protecting the natural treasures at Rondevlei is truly admirable.
The Rondevlei section of the False Bay Nature Reserve is home to 237 bird species, a variety of small mammals and reptiles and its famous hippos. In addition, about 278 species of indigenous plants grow here, 70 of which are endangered or rare. The bird sanctuary was established in 1952 and covers 290 ha of pristine wetland.
The False Bay Nature Reserve consists of 1 964 ha, made up of six sections, including Rondevlei, which is one of the most important on the Cape Flats from an ecological and tourism perspective. The Zeekoevlei, Strandfontein Birding, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos and Zandwolf coastal reserves make up the other sections.
The popular conservation area, Rondevlei has numerous facilities, including a waterside trail along the shoreline with six bird hides and two large wooden observation towers, a network of footpaths, and picnic spots – the perfect location for an outing with family or friends.
It’s also home to the Leonard Gill field museum with an environmental education centre, a lecture theatre and a resource centre. Furthermore, the reserve has a venue available, which includes conference facilities, a boma and secluded overnight accommodation for school groups.
Andrews encourages residents to pay a visit to Rondevlei to experience the abundance of bird and animal life in the area. He concluded, by saying: “For those who will be visiting for the first time, I have no doubt that our staff are ready to assist in making your visit a memorable one.”
- Location: Corner of Perth Road and Fisherman’s Walk, Grassy Park
- Operating hours: Open every weekday between 7:30 am and 5 pm and on weekends (December to February only) from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm
Also Read:
10 things to do in Cape Town CBD, even if you’re on a budget
Picture: City of Cape Town, Media office/supplied