Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve

Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve

Map of Cape Town

Location Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa
Coordinates 34°04′56″S 18°28′01″E / 34.0822°S 18.4669°E / -34.0822; 18.4669Coordinates: 34°04′56″S 18°28′01″E / 34.0822°S 18.4669°E / -34.0822; 18.4669[1]
Area 200 ha (490 acres)
View of Muizenberg suburbs with Zandvlei estuary in the background
Colourful rafts on a lake
Rafts on Sandvlei during the Kon-Tiki Adventure for Scouts and Guides at Lakeside, Cape Town in 2006

Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve (also spelt "Sandvlei") is a 300-hectare (740-acre) nature reserve and recreational area located in Cape Town, South Africa.

Entering the ocean in the suburb of Muizenberg, Zandvlei is the only functioning estuary on Cape Town’s False Bay coast. It is also one of the most important estuaries for recruitment of fish such as garrick, steenbras and two species of stumpnose.

The surrounding wetland is an important habitat for birds and has 166 species on its official list.[2] It is also a vital habitat for amphibians and about 20 species of reptile such as the angulate tortoise, marsh terrapin, mole snake and brown water snake. Porcupines, grysbok, otters and mongoose can also occasionally be spotted. The plant life is typical of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Cape Wetland vegetation. Rare or interesting plants include Gladiolus angustus and Salvia africana-lutea.[3]
The estuary was neglected in the past, and suffered from farming, urban development, dredging and the introduction of alien invasive species. The original vegetation has been partly restored through local government and volunteer efforts. There is now an Environmental Education Centre and the reserve is home to the Imperial Yacht Club and Peninsula Canoe Club. SCOUTS South Africa operate their Sea Scout base from there,[4] conducting sailing and rowing regattas there, in addition to various training courses and the annual Kon-Tiki raft building competition. Fishing is popular, with many large garrick having been landed. A standard fishing permit is required.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Zandvlei Bird Sanctuary Nature Reserve". protectedplanet.net.
  2. ↑ http://www.zandvleitrust.org.za/bird%20List.html
  3. ↑ "Flora of the Western Cape".
  4. ↑ "Sea Scout Base".
  5. ↑ "City of Cape Town Nature Reserves. Free Booklet" (PDF).
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