Fresh sightings of Himalayan tahrs on Table Mountain have reignited debate about the management of the exotic species that has roamed Cape Town’s most famous landmark for nearly a century.
Hikers and conservation staff reported spotting several of the animals this week.
The latest images were shared by marine and wildlife conservation photographer Jean Tresfon, who encountered a small group during a recent hike and posted photos of the sightings on his Facebook page.
A species with a long – and controversial – history
The Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) is native to the rugged slopes of the Himalayas, but its Cape Town population dates back to the early 1930s, when a handful of animals escaped from the Groote Schuur Zoo.
With no natural predators on Table Mountain and hooves adapted for steep, rocky terrain, the tahrs quickly spread across the cliffs and ravines of the Cape Peninsula.
Their numbers fluctuated over the decades, occasionally sparking heated debates over how best to control the population.
Environmental impact and biodiversity risks
Conservationists warn that tahrs pose a serious threat to the fragile fynbos ecosystem.
According to The Table Mountain Fund, the animals’ grazing habits accelerate soil erosion, damage native vegetation, and reduce habitat for indigenous species such as the klipspringer.
“Tracking their movements helps park managers protect biodiversity, safeguard water catchments, and maintain safe public access to hiking trails,” the organisation said.
Tahrs’ preference for delicate plant species means their impact can be outsized even at low population densities – altering plant communities and affecting the balance of the entire mountain ecosystem.
Managing an invasive species
Over the years, authorities have tested several management strategies, including controlled culls, helicopter-based removals, and monitoring programmes – each sparking public discussion about conservation ethics and logistics.
Current efforts focus on ongoing surveillance and coordinated removal when possible.
Park managers are also relying on public reports and photographs to map activity hotspots and guide interventions.
Public urged to report sightings
Authorities have urged visitors to:
- Report tahr sightings to conservation officials
- Avoid approaching or feeding the animals
- Stay on designated trails to reduce human–wildlife conflict and disturbance
Recent photographs – including those captured by Jean Tresfon – are now being used to help conservation teams track the species’ movements across Table Mountain and surrounding ridges.
While the Himalayan tahrs may be striking to see on the slopes, conservation experts say their growing presence remains a serious ecological concern, underscoring the ongoing challenge of balancing heritage, wildlife management, and biodiversity protection on one of the world’s most iconic mountains.
