Can you see that? Peering through the bushes…

You’re right, it’s the Cape grysbok! The Cape or southern grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) is a small antelope that is endemic to the Western Cape region of South Africa.

On 17 July 2024, the elusive animal made a surprise appearance at Zoarvlei – one of the conservation sites managed by our Nature Care Fund! 

Zoarvlei is a section of the Table Bay Nature Reserve situated between Paarden Eiland Industrial Centre and the suburbs of Rugby and Brooklyn, in Cape Town. This wetland reserve is 140-hectares in size, with 87 known species of plants occurring on site. Alien invasives and illegal dumping are some of the biggest threats to this urban site.

Our Nature Care Fund team based at Zoarvlei has been hard at work transforming grassy veld overrun with invasive species into thriving native shrubland. The restored habitat now provides essential cover and food for the grysbok and other species, boosting biodiversity and ecosystem health. 

This sighting is a thrilling reminder of the positive impact of our conservation work and the importance of preserving our natural heritage.