THE GROOTVADERSBOSCH CONSERVANCY IS COMMITTED TO UNDERSTANDING AND PROTECTING THE RICH BIODIVERSITY OF OUR LANDSCAPES.
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Careful monitoring of fauna and flora allows us to track changes, assess threats and make informed conservation decisions.
Two important tools in this work are camera trapping and small-mammal trapping. |
CAMERA TRAPPING
AN INVALUABLE, NON-INVASIVE WAY TO MONITOR ELUSIVE AND
NOCTURNAL SPECIES THAT ARE OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO STUDY.
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Strategically placed cameras capture images and videos of mammals and birds as they move through their
natural habitats via corridors. This method has helped us build a clearer picture of species diversity, population sizes and
behaviour within the Conservancy.
natural habitats via corridors. This method has helped us build a clearer picture of species diversity, population sizes and
behaviour within the Conservancy.
Camera traps have recorded species
such as bushbuck, caracal, honey badger
and even the secretive Cape leopard.
This is evidence of the health and resilience of our ecosystems.
SMALL-MAMMAL TRAPPING
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Small mammal trapping is another vital method for understanding biodiversity in the Conservancy. Using humane Sherman traps, baited with tasty treats for our mice and shrews, or pitman traps, we are able to capture, record and safely release small mammals. This provides critical data on species composition and abundance, and helps us detect shifts in populations that may indicate broader environmental changes, contributing to scientific research and conservation. Our team works closely with experts to ensure that all trapping is carried out ethically, and with the correct permits in place.
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THIS WORK ALSO LED TO A REMARKABLE DISCOVERY
In 2024, the Conservancy partnered with CapeNature to join an ambitious expedition in search of the Critically Endangered Boosmansbos shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus boosmani). This species is found only in a remote afromontane forest in the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area and had not been seen since 1980. The expedition involved flying equipment into the mountains by helicopter and setting 86 traps over several days. On this outing, the shrew remained elusive.
However, on a return trip in 2025, the tiny mammal made a reappearance - on the edge of a pristine forest patch in CapeNature's Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. Despite this discovery, very little is known about this wonderful creature, including population size and possible threats. We continue to work closely with the scientific and conservation community to better understand and protect this special creature.
Over the last 10 years, we have also assisted several scientists in expeditions to better understand the species that live in and around our forests. This includes assisting Prof Krystal Tolley in describing the rarely seen Grootvadersbosch chameleon.
However, on a return trip in 2025, the tiny mammal made a reappearance - on the edge of a pristine forest patch in CapeNature's Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. Despite this discovery, very little is known about this wonderful creature, including population size and possible threats. We continue to work closely with the scientific and conservation community to better understand and protect this special creature.
Over the last 10 years, we have also assisted several scientists in expeditions to better understand the species that live in and around our forests. This includes assisting Prof Krystal Tolley in describing the rarely seen Grootvadersbosch chameleon.
CONTACT THE
GROOTVADERSBOSCH CONSERVANCY
OFFICE HOURS: Mon to Thu: 7:30am to 5pm. Friday: 730 to 4pm. We are closed every second Friday.
MTB PERMITS: Available all hours at the Office (Cash in honesty box or Snapscan)
MTB PERMITS: Available all hours at the Office (Cash in honesty box or Snapscan)
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079 335 0269 (whatsapp)
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