Invasive Plant Species Eradication Lekkerwater
An alien plant species eradication project to mitigate an infestation of black wattle and rooikranz, for the benefit of the indigenous fauna and flora.
Whilst a visit to the De Hoop Reserve is not a wildlife experience, it is home to over 86 mammal species. These include the rare bontebok and Cape mountain zebra, eland, grey rhebok, chacma baboon, yellow mongoose and caracal. Leopard, although rare, are also found in the reserve
More than 260 bird species have been recorded in the reserve – including the Western Cape’s only remaining breeding colony of the endangered Cape Vulture – making it a prime destination for bird watchers. De Hoop supports a large number of resident and migratory bird species. Several water birds breed in the reserve. You can expect to see Caspian terns, lesser and greater flamingos, pelicans, cardinal woodpeckers, African fish eagles, endangered African black oystercatchers and many waterfowl species.
This remarkable coastal reserve is particularly famous for offering some of the world’s best land-based whale watching. During winter and spring (July to November) southern right whales migrate here from Antarctica to calve in the warm seas offshore. Since 1985 these waters have been designated as a Marine Protected Area, and sea life has flourished. While whales are the stars of the show, guests may also look forward to sighting dolphins, seals and myriad sea birds
