A new nature reserve has officially been established in the Western Cape.
Located in the Overberg region, Mount David Nature Reserve was recently declared as such by CapeNature, the public entity that’s responsible for nature conservation in the province.
Spanning 800 hectares of land, this reserve has become a safe haven for various wildlife and endangered fynbos species.
MOUNT DAVID NATURE RESERVE’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Mount David – then known as Diepgat – was used for livestock and grain farming. It was also beset by invasive alien plants, which severely hampered the growth of fynbos.
In 2008, Diepgat was purchased by one Antony van Hoogstraten, who spent the next 17 years clearing away the alien plants. This allowed Mother Nature to take her course once again. In time, the land was carpeted in fynbos. This includes the critically endangered Erica species that was previously thought to be near extinction.
Threatened animal species also began to thrive on Diepgat, such as the evasive Moonlight Mountain Toadlet, blue cranes and grey rhebok, among others.
What’s more, the land is home to prominent wetlands and natural seeps, thanks to Van Hoogstraten’s efforts.
BUILDING UP BIODIVERSITY IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Now christened Mount David, the nature reserve forms part of the Western Cape’s protected areas. This is in accordance with the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act.
Per a statement by Anton Bredell, who serves as the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning:
The declaration of Mount David forms part of the Western Cape’s growing network of protected areas, helping to conserve biodiversity, restore degraded landscapes, and strengthen the province’s ecological services that our nature provides.
These ecological services are critical to the well-being of the province’s people and economy and include basic services from clean water and healthy soils to more complicated aspects of climate regulation and strengthening ecological corridors.
WILL YOU VISIT MOUNT DAVID NATURE RESERVE?
Restoration on Mount David is a positive step in bolstering current conservation efforts. This goes a long way in protecting the province’s precious flora and fauna.
So, if you wish to enjoy Mother Nature at its finest and most beautiful, Mount David awaits you with open arms.
