Western Cape expands conservation estate by 47,000 ha – two new reserves declared
The Western Cape has added 47,000 hectares to its conservation estate through the expansion of Anysberg in the Karoo and Knersvlakte in Namaqualand, alongside the declaration of two new reserves, Waterkloof near Ladismith and Zebraskop in the Gamkaberg area. The move strengthens protection for Cape mountain zebra breeding habitat and threatened Succulent Karoo and Fynbos species, improves ecological connectivity, and supports nature‑based tourism across the province.
Anysberg has grown by 6,918 hectares and Knersvlakte by 34,084 hectares, while Waterkloof (2,062 hectares) and Zebraskop (3,952 hectares) are newly proclaimed. The land was secured by WWF South Africa using funds from the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust and other sources, with CapeNature to manage the sites, including a planned corridor linking Gamkaberg and Zebraskop. The expansion advances South Africa’s 30 by 30 conservation target and underpins visitor experiences centred on endemic flora, birdlife and wildlife viewing.
Source: Cape Nature
