Koeberg Nature Reserve

Koeberg Nature Reserve
Map
Location of the park on the Western Cape coast
LocationWestern Cape, South Africa
Nearest cityCape Town
Coordinates33°38′49.9″S 18°25′43.3″E / 33.647194°S 18.428694°E / -33.647194; 18.428694
Area26.81 km2 (10.35 sq mi)
Established1991; 34 years ago (1991)
Governing bodyEskom
Eskom - Koeberg Nature Reserve
Koeberg Nature Reserve is located in South Africa
Koeberg Nature Reserve
Koeberg Nature Reserve (South Africa)
Koeberg Nature Reserve is located in Western Cape
Koeberg Nature Reserve
Koeberg Nature Reserve (Western Cape)

The Koeberg Nature Reserve is located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, about 30 kilometres north of Cape Town. The reserve was proclaimed in 1991 to create a buffer zone around the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and protect the surrounding natural habitat. It is adjacent to the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve.[1]

Biodiversity

The endangered Grey snakestem pincushion.

The reserve is home to a variety of biomes including the endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, Atlantis Sand Fynbos biomes. Different habitat types inside the reserve include wetlands, and two aquifers; the Primary Sandveld Aquifer and the Malmesbury Aquifer.[1]

Amphibians

Eight species of amphibian have been found in the reserve.[1]

Birds

There are more than 210 species of birds identified within the reserve. A selection of birds found within the reserve:[2]


There are a number of threatened bird species found in the reserve:

Near Threatened species

Endangered species

Vulnerable species

Mammals

Mammal species found in the reserve are:[3]

Reptiles

Cross-marked sand snake (Psammophis crucifer)

There are 40 species of reptiles found in the reserve, including threatened species Bloubergstrand dwarf burrowing skink, Gronovi's dwarf burrowing skink and the Southern adder. Most snakes found in the reserve are not dangerous, but two lethal species are also found; the Cape boomslang and Cape cobra.[4]

Activities

Trails

There are multiple length, signposted trails that traverse the reserve. The Dikkop Trail is a circular loop that ranges from 9.5 to 22.3 km. The smaller Grysbok Trail is a 5.7 km trail along the beach, past dunes and a salt pan.[citation needed]

Bird viewing

There are numerous bird hides situated alongside the dams within the reserve.[citation needed]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Koeberg Nature Reserve.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Koeberg Private Nature Reserve - Eskom". www.eskom.co.za. 6 April 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Birds of Koeberg" (PDF).
  3. ^ "Koeberg's mammals" (PDF).
  4. ^ "Most common snakes at Koeberg" (PDF).