​The Tradouw redfin – a small freshwater fish found only in the Grootvadersbosch region and teetering on the brink of extinction – has just earned global recognition. This fynbos fish is the focus of an award-winning Grootvadersbosch Conservancy project, named one of just nine winners worldwide in the 2025 Reverse the Red Accelerator Awards.
 
The Accelerator Awards are an initiative of Reverse the Red, a global coalition working to help countries and partners reverse the negative trends reflected in the IUCN Red List. The programme is guided by leading scientists and conservation advocates, including the IUCN Species Survival Commission, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Zoological Society of London.
 
The winners were announced at the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 11 October. Grootvadersbosch Conservancy General Manager Aileen Anderson was there to accept the award.

A species facing multiple pressures
 
“Winning this prize is a huge honour,” says Anderson. “We were up against major environmental organisations from across the globe, all doing incredible work to protect their own threatened species. This award is not only a testament to the work of the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, but also a reminder of the massive threats facing this freshwater fish.”
 
The Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli) occurs only in the Huis River, which runs through the town of Barrydale. Here it faces multiple pressures: invasive alien fish that prey on and outcompete it, invasive alien plants that degrade the riverbanks and destroy habitat, and ongoing water abstraction in a system already vulnerable to drought.
 
The Huis River is also vital for local people – providing water for the town of Barrydale and supporting nearby farming operations. Ensuring its health is therefore crucial both for people and for the redfin.

​Restoring a river
 
To address these threats, the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy launched a project to protect the Tradouw redfin. This included clearing invasive alien plants along a 7km stretch of the river and rehabilitating the banks with indigenous plants sourced from the local area, including the  Conservancy’s nursery. The project not only improved habitat for indigenous fish but also created employment for previously unemployed community members.
 
To reduce water pressure on the system, the Conservancy is working with the Barrydale community and the local municipality to improve the water efficiency of the system, helping reduce dependence on the river during dry spells. Awareness campaigns – including signage, open days and workshops – helped residents understand the importance of the Huis River’s health and the plight of its unique species. The current and planned activities are integrated into a Species Action Plan developed in conjunction with government partners. This will ensure ongoing support for the collective action needed to protect the species and sustain actions in the longer term.
 
“Our goal was to improve the overall health and quality of the Huis River system,” says Anderson, “and to encourage everyone who depends on the river to use it with care and understanding. At the same time we’re looking to establish additional safe refuges for the redfin.”

​New funding support
 
By winning the Accelerator Award, the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy receives funding support for their translocation project, where they are looking for safe refuges to expand the habitat of the fish. This could include refuges upstream of their current habitat or dams that are free of invasive fish. The translocation plans will be implemented in conjunction with further improving the existing habitat of the redfins. Aside from this, the award also provides access to training and global conservation networks, and storytelling assistance to further their efforts. To qualify for the awards, the Conservancy had to make a formal pledge to continue to protect the Tradouw redfin – and ensure that its status does not further decline.
 
Aileen, our general manager, says, “This award shines an international light on one of South Africa’s smallest and most threatened species – showing how one species can hold an entire ecosystem together, and can even help that ecosystem recover.”  

On 10 September, the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy hosted a meeting to share the new action plan for the Tradouw Redfin. The meeting was attended by representatives from CapeNature, Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency, Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, World Wildlife Fund, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), and the the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Thank you to everyone who joined us on a lovely spring day.
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During the day, participants rolled up their sleeves to take direct action—planting trees and riparian plants along the river and picking up litter. It was inspiring to see our community actively contributing to the health of our local river.

The meeting was also an opportunity to highlight the critical role the Huis River plays in the community and environment and to celebrate the activities of the past year. The town and surrounding farms rely entirely on this river for water, yet the area is already experiencing water stress, especially during the summer months. With ongoing drought and the impacts of climate change, these challenges are expected to intensify. The Huis River is also home to the critically endangered Tradouw River Redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli). Found only within a small portion of the Tradouw and Huis catchments, this species is a vital indicator of river health. Protecting the redfin and its habitat is therefore crucial for the broader ecological health of the river system.

You can comment on this plan here: ​ forms.gle/K8CwvM92dboJehsb8

The workshop focused on the national DWS project to update the Present Ecological State, Ecological Importance, and Ecological Sensitivity (PES, EI & ES) through a Desktop PESEIS assessment. This project, lead by Blue Science, aimed  to assess the current ecological status of rivers in the Western Cape and will contribute data to the national Present Ecological Status (PES) Project.

As the project nears completion, workshops like this are being held to support capacity building and knowledge sharing. While much of the work was done through desktop assessments, site visits are now being conducted to compare data and confirm whether the ecological conditions observed in the field match those indicated in the assessments. 

A Biodiversity Management Plan for a Species (BMP-S) is a formal conservation plan developed under South African law (specifically the Biodiversity Act, 2004) to help protect and recover endangered species and their habitats. It brings together all the important people and organisations involved—like government departments, local municipalities, scientists, landowners, and communities—to agree on clear goals and actions to help save a species.

Although this project was initially funded to develop a Species Action Plan for the Tradouw redfin, we are choosing to develop a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) because it offers stronger and more lasting benefits. A BMP follows a similar process to a Species Action Plan but goes further—it becomes a recognised document under South African law, supporting more formal commitment from all responsible parties.

Importantly, a BMP can unlock additional conservation benefits, such as tax incentives for landowners who help protect the species and its habitat. This can play a vital role in building long-term support for redfin conservation. The project is supported by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (IUCN), the WWF Nedbank Green Fund, and the IUCN Save Our Species (SOS) programme.
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The main aim of this workshop was to define clear actions and responsibilities that form the focus of the BMP. These actions include managing habitats more effectively, increasing community awareness, controlling invasive species, and strengthening long-term water resource monitoring. All discussions focused on ensuring that our conservation strategies meet both the ecological needs of the species and the water security needs of the local Barrydale community 

We were joined by key stakeholders and specialists, that now form part of the Working Group for the Tradouw Redfin BMP, including:
·        Department of Agriculture
·        Swellendam Municipality
·        CapeNature
·        Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP)
·        Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR)
·        WWF Freshwater Programme
·        Freshwater Research Centre
·        Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency

A few weeks ago, the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy had the privilege of hosting a fascinating and insightful workshop with Wesley Soule from SoilScopes. SoilScopes is a new organisation that was established in 2022 and has already left a big impact on the South African agricultural world over the past few years. SoilScopes brings in modern, regenerative agricultural practices to farmers on how to tend to their soil more naturally. 

Wesley introduced us to a whole new world hidden beneath our feet, the complex and essential ecosystem of soil microorganisms. Through practical demonstrations and expert insights, we learned how healthy soil is the foundation of any productive landscape. When soil ecosystems are in balance, they provide plants with the nutrients they need to improve water retention and increase overall resilience to drought and disease.
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One of the most exciting parts of the workshop was the microscope session, where we examined soil samples up close and got to see the microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and much more that live in the soil. These tiny life forms might be invisible to the naked eye, but they are critical to soil health. Continuously disturbing the soil will hinder these little microbial organisms, making the soil unfit for them to live in, and will result in an infertile soil ecosystem with degraded plant growth.

Wesley showed us that by identifying the microorganisms present in the soil, we can better understand what is missing or out of balance. Whether certain microbes are lacking or others are overly dominant, this knowledge allows us to assess the situation and introduce natural microbial elements—such as compost teas or organic amendments—to help restore balance. This targeted, nature-based approach enables landowners, conservationist and farmers to regenerate their land in a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way.
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The workshop also covered practical topics such as soil sampling techniques, making organic compost suited to the plant species that are growing within our nursery, and the principles of regenerative agriculture. The training also focused on better understanding the microorganisms that live in water and within wetland soils. This is essential as we embark on new projects that focus on the wetland environment and to help us better understand our river health. It was an inspiring session filled with knowledge, laughter, and muddy hands, and it was the best kind of learning!  We were also happy to include our partners at the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve to attend this training.

​Thank you to Linda Oosthuizen, who made contact with SoilScopes through a prize that she won for us on Facebook. The prize included some free microbial testing, free soil manuals and a compost thermometer. We were then able to use our funding from IUCN and IKI Small Grants to obtain this more in depth training. This opened a whole new field for us that will improve our conservation efforts in both our Alien Clearing and Restoration Projects!

​SASS5 (pronounced "Sass Five") stands for the South African Scoring System. But what does it score and why? It’s a framework – a way of thinking and observation – centred around understanding how micro-invertebrates, nestled within rivers, influence the health and function of those ecosystems. Recently, Philip Dairies and Jessi Venter had the opportunity to attend the SASS5 training course offered by the Freshwater Research Centre in Cape Town. 

What is SASS5

The SASS5 system is an empirical, carefully designed and refined methodology used to provide a scientific and credible assessment of the status or health of a river by means of examining the aquatic macroinvertebrates found in a particular reach of river. Each taxon of the macro-invertebrates (up to family level) is assigned a quality score, based on its susceptibility or resistance to pollution. The lowest scores are assigned to the resistant taxa and the highest score to those susceptible to pollution and habitat disturbances.

Philip explained that the SASS5 training wasn’t about complex equations or sophisticated instrumentation. Rather, it centered on a core principle: understanding what small aquatic creatures reveal about the health of their environment. He noted that the training emphasised observation, pattern recognition, and developing a holistic understanding of ecosystems at a microscopic level. It equipped him with tools to better interpret these systems. Philip also highlighted the value of conversations with other learners—not just data discussions, but shared experiences, probing questions, and the realisation that diverse perspectives often led to deeper insights.

Interested in SASS5

There’s something truly rewarding about the journey to becoming an accredited SASS5 practitioner. For Jessi and Philip, it's not just about certification—it’s about spending meaningful time by the river, learning from the incredible freshwater invertebrates that tell the story of ecosystem health.

At the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, we’re proud to already have three accredited practitioners on our team (plus Neli who is almost there!). We love mentoring and supporting new staff members through the accreditation process, and we're always excited to welcome others who share this passion.

If you’re interested in becoming accredited, we recommend contacting the FRC to complete the SASS5 course. Once you've completed it, reach out to us! You’ll have the chance to join our monitoring sessions across more than 50 sites. The key to success? Practice, practice, practice.

To support your journey, we also highly recommend getting a copy of the SASS5 handbook by Christian Fry—a fantastic resource that we were proud to be involved with.
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Let’s work together to protect our freshwater ecosystems—one sample at a time.

Since 2012, several organisations have been monitoring the Tradouw redfin Pseudobarbus burchelli population and the overall health of the Huis and Tradouw river systems. From 2018 onwards, the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy (GVB) has played a leading role through various freshwater conservation initiatives—most notably the Grootvadersbosch Aquatic Species Protection Project (GASPP), implemented in partnership with CapeNature and funded by the Table Mountain Fund. Although GASPP concluded in 2022, one of its key achievements was the development of local knowledge and capacity for long-term monitoring. GVBC has since continued annual monitoring in April/May and October/November across 59 sites between Riversdale and Swellendam.

GVBC recently hosted a workshop focused on developing a species action plan—funded by the IUCN Species Survival Commission—which will inform the drafting of a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the Barrydale redfin. Once this BMP is approved, the Minister of Environment will appoint a lead agency and publish the plan in the Government Gazette. The BMP then becomes binding, providing additional legal protection for the species. Furthermore, the publication of a BMP and the signing of a Biodiversity Management Agreement between qualifying taxpayers and the Minister may unlock a tax incentive. This incentive allows for the deduction of qualifying conservation and maintenance expenses from taxable income—effectively reducing tax liability and encouraging conservation efforts.

During our first workshop in March, Dr Martine Jordaan from Cape Nature commented on a noticeable decline in redfin numbers in the Tradouw Pass and emphasised the need for more intensive sampling to confirm these trends. In response, a comprehensive fish monitoring survey was conducted by GVBC over a 7 km stretch of the Tradouw Pass, in collaboration with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve. This took place in April 2025—our usual monitoring period—but involved a more extensive effort, using eight nets across five sites (as opposed to the usual one or two nets at one site). The results were concerning- not a single redfin was recorded across all the sites. This represents a significant decline when compared with past surveys and points to increasing pressure on this river system.

Historically, eels have also been found in the system, but none were detected in the recent survey, despite. Surprisingly, very few invasive fish were found either—just two juvenile tilapia at one site. These findings raise critical questions about the river’s current ecological state. What could be occurring downstream that is preventing eel migration? And what’s driving the decline in redfin populations in the Tradouw Pass? Could it be linked to a recent flood event or sudden changes in water temperature? These are pressing questions that require further investigation and ongoing monitoring. ​These results are consistent with Dr Jordaan’s observations over the past decade: a steady decline in the redfin population, particularly in the Tradouw system. This highlights the increasing importance of the Huis River system for the species' survival and underscores the need for a robust management plan to ensure the survival of the species.
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On a more positive note, the species has officially been named as Pseudobarbus burchelli (common name Tradouw redfin) and the details are updated in the new Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa (Skelton, 2024). This formal recognition strengthens the case for its conservation and brings renewed attention to the urgent need for action.

In the biodiverse landscapes of the Western Cape, a quiet but critical battle is underway. Invasive alien plants are spreading rapidly, crowding out native fynbos, stealing water from already-stressed ecosystems, and increasing the risk of destructive wildfires. Invaders like Port Jackson willow (Acacia saligna), hakea (Hakea sericea), black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and lantana (Lantana camara) are not only difficult to control—they are deeply harmful to South Africa’s ecosystems. They displace native species, reduce biodiversity, and degrade both soil and water resources.
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To win this battle, we need every tool at our disposal. At the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy (GVBC), we’re working with partners to combine mechanical and chemical control methods with innovative, nature-based solutions—specifically, biological control.

​GVBC is collaborating with leading researchers from institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University, and the University of Cape Town to promote and distribute biological control agents—specialist insects and mites that target invasive plants without harming native species. These tiny organisms are highly specific to their host plants, making them powerful allies in long-term ecological restoration. By harnessing their natural behaviours, biocontrol transforms scientific research into tangible on-the-ground results.

Meet some of the heros

• Seed-devouring weevils: These insects can destroy up to 90% of hakea seeds, greatly limiting the plant’s ability to spread.
• Leaf-munching moths: Their caterpillars feed on Port Jackson willow leaves, weakening the plant and reducing its ability to photosynthesize.
• Gall-forming mites (Aceria lantana): Introduced to control Lantana camara, these microscopic mites induce gall formation in plant tissues, which stunts growth and suppresses flowering

Each of these agents plays a targeted role in weakening invasive plant populations and helping restore the balance of native ecosystems.

Learn More About Other Biocontrol Agents
GVBC recently hosted a training workshop with Dr Fiona Impson, where she introduced the key biological control agents used in the Western Cape and demonstrated how to help capture and distribute them.

​You can watch the training on our YouTube channel.

Lantana camara is emerging as a significant threat in our area. This thorny, fast-growing shrub forms dense thickets that shade out indigenous plants and block wildlife movement. It’s toxic to some livestock and wildlife, and its colourful berries allow it to spread rapidly via birds and mammals.
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Manual removal is extremely labour-intensive, and chemical treatment is both costly and unsustainable. While lantana was historically more common in the eastern parts of the country, it is now spreading rapidly in the Western Cape—possibly due to shifting climate and weather patterns. With the help of Dr Fiona Impson and Dr Alan Wood, GVBC recently released a biological control agent to combat this tough invader.
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Aceria lantana: A Microscopic Marvel
Aceria lantana is a species of gall-forming mite, carefully selected and tested by biocontrol scientists to specifically target Lantana camara. These mites are host-specific, meaning they pose no threat to other plants, animals, or people. Once introduced into the environment, they settle on the leaves and stems of lantana plants and begin feeding.
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What makes them especially effective is their ability to disrupt plant growth. As they feed, the mites induce the formation of tiny galls—swollen, abnormal tissues—that interfere with nutrient flow, inhibit flowering, and reduce the plant’s ability to reproduce and spread. Over time, repeated mite activity leads to a noticeable decline in lantana’s density and vigour. GVBC recently released Aceria lantana in a test area. Unfortunately initial results do not look as effective as hoped but more releases are planned to increase the potentail impact and spread. 

How You Can Help
Biocontrol is a powerful conservation tool—but it’s even more effective with community support. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Report invaders: If you spot Port Jackson, wattle, hakea, or lantana, snap a photo and post it on iNaturalist.
• Volunteer: Join a planting day or help out during a biocontrol release event.
• Share the story: Spread the word about these microscopic defenders and the important role they play in restoring ecosystems.
• Join the discussion: Participate in future discussions as part of the Silver Mountain music festival on 16th June. Get your tickets now to attend in person or register now to join the discussion on Zoom. 

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​GVBC’s work is driven by partnerships and community action. Learn more about biocontrol, support ongoing research, or get involved by visiting the GVBC website. Together with ARC, Rhodes University, and a network of passionate conservationists, we’re showing that sometimes the smallest heroes can make the biggest impact.

In February 2025, the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy hosted a Restoration Practitioners Networking Session. Over two days, 26 practitioners from 19 organisations from the Western Cape came together to share practical knowledge, successes, and challenges in the field of ecological restoration.

Unlike traditional academic conferences, this session focused on peer-to-peer learning and hands-on experience. Topics were selected by participants during an online session in December 2024, ensuring discussions were relevant to real-world restoration efforts. The networking started with a classic bring and braai, followed by a fun ice breaker where practitioners stationed themselves outside on a built landscape replica of the Western Cape to express their climate, working conditions and surroundings. Brainstorming exercises and practical field sessions encouraged collaboration, and knowledge was shared in actionable ways. 

​Beyond the valuable exchange of insights, the event fostered strong professional relationships and a sense of camaraderie among practitioners. One of the most significant outcomes was the collective decision to initiate a process for formalising national restoration approaches. Developed by experienced practitioners, these approaches will serve as a guiding framework for funders, landowners, and training programs, ensuring more effective and consistent restoration efforts across South Africa.

The success of this inaugural networking session highlights the power of collaboration in advancing restoration work. As efforts to establish collective approaches move forward, this gathering marks the beginning of a more unified restoration community in the Western Cape and beyond.

Stay tuned for updates as this initiative progresses, and join us in celebrating the work being done to restore and protect our natural landscapes. If you are a restoration practitioner interested in becoming part of this initiative please reach out to Corne at [email protected] , the more the merrier!

Click here for a video of the event

​On February 6, 2025, we had the privilege of hosting a Landowner Open Day, bringing together landowners and conservation organisations for a day of learning, sharing, and collaboration. The event was a fantastic opportunity to facilitate connections and exchange knowledge on alien clearing and restoration efforts on private land.

Leading the day was Mike Fabricius, Chairperson of Conservation@Work, whose extensive experience in private land conservation provided invaluable insights. His guidance emphasized the importance of proactive conservation efforts and the role that private landowners play in preserving our landscapes.
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Our alien clearing manager, Ricardo Januarie, took centre stage to showcase a decade of dedicated work. Through demonstrations and discussions, he highlighted the importance of removing alien invasive species, the long-term benefits of these efforts, and the crucial role that private landowners play in protecting natural ecosystems. 

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in insightful conversations covering topics such as alien clearing, restoration, and camera trapping. We also acknowledged the immense challenges that landowners face—balancing production demands with environmental responsibilities. Despite these pressures, the event created a valuable space for sharing experiences and solutions, reinforcing the idea that conservation is a collective effort.

We appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to making this day a success. Together, we can restore and protect our landscapes for future generations!

​A huge thank you to IKI Small Grants and @tablemountainfund for making this important gathering possible!

Click here for a video link of the day