7,814 people visited the Tygerberg Nature Reserve in October, making it one of the busiest months they have ever had; South Africans celebrating the outdoors is great news!
Cape Town, South Africa (17 November 2022) – Cape Town’s “green lung” the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, has had one of the busiest months in its history. 7,814 people visited the reserve in October 2022, which is almost double the amount from October 2021. The team are overjoyed that Capetonians are heading outdoors to explore and have a nice day out.
The reason behind the spike in visitors could be the good spring weather, or it could be some of the exciting wildlife sightings happening in the reserve at the moment.
“Some of the highlights include a video recording of a caracal freely strolling along our hiking trails and one of our interns had an amazing sighting of a mother and kittens roaming on the Tygerberg hills.
Interesting sightings included a striped weasel, honey badger, large spotted genet, common duiker and a clawless otter dipping in the dam. Some of the reptiles sighted included the Cape Cobra and skinks.” – City of Cape Town
While these sightings are incredible, the reserve is urging people to give wildlife space and keep a respectful distance. As it is snake season, you should also stay mindful of what to do. Most snakes will only bite if provoked but before setting off on your hike, take down the emergency numbers for the reserve.
Other things to be mindful of when visiting the reserve, are to hike in groups, choose routes according to fitness levels and ability, and remain on the designated path.
“Allow yourself enough time, start early, wear appropriate shoes like hiking boots, a hat and carry a filled-up water bottle and remember sunscreen.”
The city is celebrating the rise in visitors taking part in outdoor activities.
‘Reserve staff also saw a significant increase in visitors with 7 814 people visiting in October 2022, more than double the number of people who visited the reserve in October last year (3 649). This is by far the largest number of visitors that came through our gates in one month. It’s always encouraging to see people appreciating the rich diversity and natural beauty on offer at our reserve.
As we are getting ready for the festive season, I want to encourage visitors to be respectful of the environment and other visitors, not to litter, and most importantly, to enjoy the outdoors,’ – Alderman Eddie Andrews
On the subject of wildlife and what the purpose of the reserve is, the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning, Alderman Eddie Andrews shares some of the statistics on wildlife found in the area.
‘The Tygerberg Nature Reserve is an important green lung for Cape Town, and a critical node in the BioNet – a spatial plan that shows terrestrial and aquatic features critical for conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functioning. Thus, the reserve creates connectivity with surrounding open spaces and reserves, allowing genetic interchange, and providing for species with relatively large home ranges.
To date up to 618 plants, 143 birds, 25 mammals, seven amphibia, 25 reptiles and 26 butterfly species have been recorded in the reserve. Up to 23 plant species of conservation concern occur in the reserve and eight are endemic to Cape Town, being found nowhere else in the world, adding to Cape Town’s rich natural heritage,’
If you have been looking for something to do, a visit to the reserve may be well worth it! You can find out more about the reserve here.
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