Counting biodiversity

Text and Photos: Kamva Nose (unless otherwise indicated)

Kamva Nose with a Cape Dwarf Chameleon. Pic: Bridget Pitt

The restoration efforts at Princess Vlei are steadily growing the biodiversity on site, not only of the plants but also of the many faunal species they attract.
   Our conservation intern, Kamva Nose, has greatly increased our capacity to monitor the changing biodiversity at Princess Vlei.
   Kamva recruited Cape Peninsula University of Technology Nature Conservation students to participate in all biodiversity related activities at the conservation area. Their primary involvement has been in surveys and monitoring, including bird counts at the Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern shores, vegetation assessments at restoration sites. 
     During the mid-year break in June an average of 12 students participated daily, peaking at 21 students in a single day. Over 27 CPUT students contributed throughout June. 

---

CPUT students at Princess Vlei

They played a vital role in biodiversity surveys, including vegetation monitoring, insect sampling, and frog surveys, which not only provided valuable ecological data but also gave students practical conservation fieldwork experience. Their involvement in habitat condition assessments ensured that disturbance levels were properly recorded and that management decisions were supported by field evidence. They also conducted  alien vegetation clearing and weeding at sensitive restoration sites such as Briana and the pond area.
       In July, a CPUT MSc student conducted bird ringing research on nectar feeders, successfully capturing and ringing species such as Cape White-eyes, Bulbuls, Sunbirds, and Weavers, providing valuable long- term data - read more here. 

       Under Kamva's supervision,  bird surveys were conducted at all shores, with over 45 species recorded during the year. Notable observations included the African Fish Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Reed Cormorant, Hartlaub’s Gull, and a wide range of waterfowl and passerines. Vegetation surveys and habitat condition assessments further informed management decisions. Mini SASS surveys evaluated aquatic invertebrate communities as indicators of water quality. Amphibians such as the Endangered Western Leopard Toad and the Clicking Stream Frog were recorded, highlighting the ecological value of restored habitats. Reptile sightings included the Cape Terrapin and Mole Snake, while small mammals such as the Striped Field Mouse and Cape Mole Rat were observed. Insects, including dragonflies, damselflies, bees, moths, and beetles, further confirmed the site’s biodiversity richness.

We look forward to welcoming more species at Princess Vlei as the restoration progresses. 

Download a summary of species recorded in 2025