By Jolandie Buck
The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve has been conducting camera trap surveys on Kanon Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) for the past year, offering exciting insights into the secretive wildlife that inhabits this coastal landscape. While visitors to the reserve may occasionally spot an animal or two, the camera traps reveal a far richer and more dynamic picture of the species that move quietly through the dunes, thicket and fynbos.
One of the most wonderful sightings to emerge from the project was a grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) ewe accompanied by her tiny lamb, this is a moment rarely seen in person. Regular visitors to the cameras like Cape duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus) have offered their own surprises, reminding us how much wildlife activity happens when no one is around.
A charismatic resident caracal (Caracal caracal) seemed fascinated by the cameras. Photos were captured of it walking into the cameras view, pausing to groom itself, and then strolling off into the vegetation. Moments like these not only provide valuable data but also help create a personal connection to the wildlife that calls KPNR home.
Birdlife has also shown a keen interest in the equipment. Several species have ventured close enough to capture interesting close-ups, including the iconic South African Hadeda ibis (Bostrychia hagedash), a Cape spurfowl (Pternistis capensis) and her chicks, a Helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris), an Eagle owl (Bubo spp.), and even a Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis). These unexpected portraits adds extra dimension to the survey.
Night-time camera footage has revealed a host of shy nocturnal animals that are seldom seen during the day. Among them are the Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis), the elusive small-spotted genet (Genetta felina), and the Bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis).
Camera traps are an invaluable tool for understanding biodiversity in natural areas. They allow conservationists to document species presence, behaviour and movement patterns, especially those of animals that are naturally elusive. At KPNR, they are helping reveal the hidden world of wildlife that thrives just out of sight and adding to the greater beauty and understanding of the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve.
Visit the Kanon Private Reserve Website