Conservation in the Western Cape has 47,000 new reasons to celebrate, as two new reserves and two expansions are creating vital corridors for wildlife and protection for biodiversity across the province!
Cape Town, South Africa (10 December 2025) – The Western Cape has again expanded its protected areas by a remarkable 47,000 hectares through the declaration of two brand new nature reserves and the expansion of two existing ones.
Two existing reserves – Anysberg in the Karoo and the stunning Knersvlakte in Namaqualand – have grown by a combined 41,000 hectares.
The two newly-declared reserves are Waterkloof near Ladismith and Zebraskop in the Gamkaberg area of the Klein Karoo, adding another 6,000 hectares to the province’s conservation estate.
Each of these areas provides crucial protection for threatened succulent plants, mammals, bird species and other biodiversity across the Western Cape.
The Anysberg expansion protects 14 vegetation types from both the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos biomes, five of which have never been protected before. The area is home to around 180 bird species, several antelope species, aardvarks, leopards, Cape mountain zebras, and the critically endangered riverine rabbit.
Knersvlakte’s expansion marks the largest single addition to Knersvlakte since it was established in 2014! The Succulent Karoo biome is a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot, and this expansion adds nine additional vegetation types, many previously unprotected or poorly protected. The area is famous for its variety of miniature succulents and highly endemic species.
The brand new Zebraskop Nature Reserve supports the Cape mountain zebra genetic programme, with the potential to double the genetically important Gamkaberg zebra population. Three Cape mountain zebras have already been translocated from Kammanassie Nature Reserve, and active monitoring is underway.
The second newly-declared nature reserve in Waterkloof forms part of the Klein Swartberg Mountain catchment and will be managed by CapeNature as part of the Swartberg Complex. It’s a critical water source area as one of the main water suppliers for Ladismith and neighbouring communities. It includes seven vegetation types, including one listed as endangered, and helps establish an important conservation corridor along the southern slopes of the Klein Swartberg.
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All four declarations were made possible thanks to land purchased by WWF South Africa, using funds raised through the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust and other sources, Cape Nature shares.
These new protected areas improve ecological integrity and create vital corridors that allow wildlife to move freely between protected areas. The expansion also helps South Africa get closer to its ambitious goal of conserving 30% of land and marine areas by 2030, a target set by the United Nations.
“This is a significant step for protected area expansion in the Western Cape. By expanding and connecting protected areas, together we are conserving some of the world’s most threatened plants and animals and supporting the long-term survival of the Cape mountain zebra. This work would not be possible without our partners, particularly WWF South Africa and the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust, whose support makes this scale of impact possible.” shares Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.
“This achievement is the result of years of dedication and collaboration. Securing these critical areas for future generations is a big win for conservation, the province, and its people. It’s only possible through strong partnerships with key donors, conservation organisations, legal experts, and provincial authorities, all working together for the greater good.” shares Jan Coetzee, WWF South Africa’s Landscape Manager for the Cape Floral Region.
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