Protecting the Tradouw Redfin: A Community Effort in Barrydale

​We are excited to share the progress of our project, funded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which focuses on protecting a critically endangered freshwater fish population in the Huis River. The project, called Creating a Safe Home in the Huis River for the Tradouw Redfin, is a collaborative effort with the local community of Barrydale to safeguard this unique species and their fragile habitat.

Pseudobarbus burchelli - Barrydale Redfin

The Huis River, which flows through the Western Cape of South Africa, is the last known refuge for a critically endangered population of redfin, Pseudobarbus sp. ‘burchelli Tradouw’, commonly called the Tradouw or Barrydale Redfin. The population in the Tradouw Pass, which is part of the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, appears to be in decline so urgent action is needed to protect these fish who may now be confined to isolated pools above the town of Barrydale, by ensuring their safe haven in the Huis River, we hope to enable the possibility of reestablishing the species in the Tradouw Pass.
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An essential part of this initiative involves reducing the pressure on the river's water resources. During the summer months, when water is scarce and the fish need it most, low river flows pose a significant threat to the redfin’s survival. To address this, we have been working with local community members to reduce the need for water extraction from the river by providing rainwater storage solutions.

Tradouw Pass

​Through the generous support of The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), we have distributed rainwater tanks to community members who expressed a need for water and a commitment to help protect the river system. These tanks are designed to collect rainwater during the winter months, which can then be used to meet the community's needs in the drier summer season. By relying on stored rainwater, we reduce the demand on the Huis River, which in turn helps protect the delicate balance of the freshwater ecosystem.

This project not only benefits the redfin but also encourages water conservation and sustainable practices within the community. With growing pressure on municipal water supplies, agricultural development, and tourism, every effort to conserve water is vital. The tanks have been distributed to those who have shown a strong commitment to river conservation, and we encourage all members of the Barrydale community to do their part in saving water. Together, we can protect the Tradouw Redfin and ensure a healthy future for the Huis River.