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The farm De Hoop was bought by the Cape Provincial Administration in 1956. Various additions were made to this initial area, until the current reserve size of 36000ha was reached with the addition of the Cape Infanta and Melkkamer portions in 1991. The De Hoop marine reserve was declared in 1986. It extends for 3 nautical miles off the coast and covers an area of 23000ha. What is De Hoop Nature Reserve conserving? There are seven major habitat types in De Hoop Nature reserve, namely:
The main vegetation type is lowland fynbos, which occurs on the limestone formations underlying most of the reserve. This vegetation is particularly threatened by development, and the De Hoop nature reserve is one of the few nature reserves where it is conserved. Mountain fynbos occurs on the sandstones of the Potberg mountain range in the north-eastern parts of the reserve. Fynbos is internationally important on account of the high number of plant species - there are 1500 in the reserve alone! Rare or endangered animal species in the
reserve include the Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra and the Cape Vulture.
There are 86 mammal, 260 bird, 14 amphibian and 50 reptile species on De
Hoop. |
The reserve conserves a major wetland, De Hoop Vlei, which is home to nearly 100 aquatic bird species. It is of international importance for migratory birds and has been declared a Ramsar site. The entire coast is a marine reserve - one of the largest in Africa. It is visited by the Southern Right whale in the winter and spring. The rare African Black Oystercatcher is found along the coast throughout the year. At least 250 species of marine fish occur in the coastal waters.
There are several buildings of historical interest, and many important archaeological sites. The De Hoop homestead complex is a national monument. Please bear the following in mind... Gate times for the De Hoop main gate are 07h00 to 18h00. This is strictly enforced, so ensure you plan your excursions accordingly. The coast is a marine reserve, and no organism, dead or alive, may be removed. Petrol and a small shop are available at Wydgeleë / Ouplaas (near De Hoop). |
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De Hoop Nature
Reserve
