Read the September 2026 Newsletter – CLICK HERE!

Following the Friday 28 August Penguin Fence information sharing session, hosted by CapeNature, I have put together an overview of what was discussed and, more importantly, what I believe emerged from the meeting. If I was reading the room correctly here are my thoughts:

CapeNature began the meeting by informing that the proposed Phase 2 and 3 of the fence construction had been abandoned.

We were left to discuss Phase1 which consists of a tall fence, along the existing fence line of Wallers Road, including the gates, following up Una Drive, incorporating the CapeNature offices and joining the current ClearVu fence. The proposed new ClearVu fence will be a total of 2.35 meters high, including the 50cm, 45 degree angled top, which will angle towards the road.

The current fence in that stretch is a one meter high, wooden and mesh fence, which, critically, is porous to penguin movement. CapeNature describes Phase 1 as an ‘upgrade’ and ‘replacement’ of the current fence to make that ‘front’ (road frontage) section predator proof. It was argued that the new fence was far more than a replacement or upgrade as its core function would change. Yes, it might largely deter the 1-3 possible caracals accessing the colony from that direction only (less likely so for mongoose, identified as the second biggest threat) while still leaving the rest of the colony exposed for a caracal to simply walk around. However the fence would also deliberately restrict access to breeding sites, chosen by the penguins themselves, to areas in and beyond Wallers Road, Una Drive and Rocky Ridge Road in particular, where a significant number of penguins have currently chosen to nest. These birds would be cut off from those breeding sites.

Caracals have been shown to have a non-sustainable, negative effect on the Stony Point penguin population, being identified as responsible for 70+ adult penguin deaths so far this year. CapeNature believes that more than 1 and up to 3 caracals are responsible, while mongooses (among others) are known to predate on eggs and chicks. This high rate of caracal predation has manifested largely over the past 18 months (although 220 adult birds were identified as having been predated by suspected caracal in 2015) with little direct mitigation to date.

It was generally agreed that there was a desperate need to finally fix the broken entrance gates, to restrict the high volume of after hours, unattended visitor presence causing unwarranted disturbance to penguin movement and well-being. The ‘people barrier’ was welcomed, but not at the cost of restricting penguin movement. It was also suggested that, in line with other CapeNature visitor sites, an on-line booking system be put in place.

The previously proposed use of Maremma guardian dogs was dismissed, after CapeNature consultation with an upcountry farmer who uses Anatolian sheepdogs to protect livestock, on the basis that the dogs would not bond with the penguins. This has been shown to not be the case, in Australia at least, where Maremma dogs fully ‘bonded’ with Little Penguins and act as their guardians against fox predation in an ongoing medium-to-long-term very successful project resulting in penguin numbers increasing.

Although other examples were raised of fencing having success against predation of ground-nesting birds, particularly in Hawaii, these were not directly comparable to our situation at Stony Point.

CapeNature proposes to undertake an Integrated Management Plan, including more ranger presence, volunteer night patrols, live-feed night vision cameras, caracal ‘scaring’ barriers, discussing outsourcing of professional caracal capture/relocation as well as, importantly, rehabilitation of the existing hard, dry, hot and barren core area of the human delineated colony. Actions which have been sorely missing to date. Part of the plan is to put in a fully functioning irrigation system to stimulate vegetation regrowth in the area, along with extra artificial penguin nest boxes. It is known that, despite availability of artificial boxes, penguins still prefer the microclimate stability of burrowing under dense vegetation. African penguins are hard-wired genetically as burrowing nesters (as are all four species of the Spheniscid group) and, until such time as the core area is fully revegetated it is only natural that they prefer nesting away from this ‘moonscape’ in more optimal sites. Coupled with scientific and observational evidence, if we reason that ‘penguins know best what penguins need’ then, for the sake of maximising their breeding success, it was motioned that they should be allowed to chose for themselves. So went the debate.

If the 1-3 ‘problem’ caracals associating with the colony were to be professionally caught and relocated (perhaps with a GPS collar to monitor any return) then the professed threat of penguins being at risk of predation outside of the ‘designated colony’ becomes moot.

With a fully rehabilitated core area, which may take a few years, penguins will most likely tend to return as it is closer to shore, but not until then, if they have ‘better’ places to go.

Penguins at Stony Point are under huge stress. Firstly, they are already returning to shore underweight (linked to low prey abundance caused by overfishing). Within the next month or two it is proposed to ‘break ground’ for the fence. This time-frame coincides with the most stressful period in a penguin’s annual cycle, when they undergo a ‘catastrophic’ moult, shedding and regrowing all their feathers in a single moult. For an already underweight penguin, who may not have sufficient fat reserves for a successful moult, this is even more stressful than normal. Two external ecological factors are now also in play. Firstly, there is a massive sardine die-off, possibly due to Pilchard Herpesvirus, PHV. Sardines are the principal prey item of penguins. This will have an unknown effect on penguins but is widely presumed to be negative. Coupled with a massive El Niño event predicted, the core colony area will tend to bake and overheat making dense vegetation cover in other areas all the more necessary for breeding success. The remaining sardines are likely to move away from traditional areas, following their preferred cold water temperature gradient, forcing penguins to range further for less reward.

All of the above scenarios compound extreme stress for the colony. It was argued that no further impositions should be presented to them, such as restricting their chosen movements or allowing anthropogenic disturbance. And, as indicated in the national African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan, expansion of a breeding colony, rather than a restriction, should be encouraged.

It was generally apparent that the audience found it very hard to understand/rationalise CapeNature’s stance on the need for a predator proof section of fence while leaving large stretches (more than 100 meters) of the colony open and exposed to predator access. Why add to a penguins stress by restricting its choice of nesting site while the Phase 1 fence cannot be seen to be an effective barrier against caracal and mongooses anyway?

An elevated boardwalk was proposed along the existing coastal path, adjacent to where penguins currently gather on the shoreline before moving inland. This boardwalk idea would allow a free-flow of penguins underneath, from the ocean to nesting sites, without massive disturbance currently from visitors, well-meaning or not. Penguins, like most species, will quickly acclimatise to the presence of people if they remain ‘confined’ to a restricted area.

We were told that funds for the fence come from a private, undisclosed, donor. It is typical within the philanthropic community that such donations are for infrastructure rather than extra staffing or wages. If that is the case, then perhaps CapeNature could explain nicely to the donor the mitigating circumstances of unforeseen ecological disasters, and, through ’no fault of their own’ reasoning, that the best outcome and use of funds might be the boardwalk infrastructure over the fence (simultaneously implementing the Integrated Management Plan) then, I personally believe, the high tensions surrounding the issue will dissipate and the penguins might be better off.

In short, the prevailing mood of the audience seemed to be:

• Make the fence a people fence to prevent after hours penguin access (Note: This is largely the case anyway if only the gates were fixed). Such a fence need be only 1 meter or so and must be ‘penguin porous’.
• Agree to an elevated wooden boardwalk to manage visitor access and allow unrestricted penguin movement between nesting areas and ocean. Visitor flow management and information sharing must be enacted.

Pete Oxford

Submitted by Marelize Smith

In the last BBC newsletter, we helped the BBRA promote awareness of the signs (above left) that residents could sponsor for Betty’s Bay. Since then, we were made aware that these 12 signs are not in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act, National Road Traffic Regulations and SADC/SA Road Traffic Signs Manual prescribed for public roads. The Overstrand Municipality is apparently concerned that if there are accidents because of these other signs, they could be sued. Therefore, the OM Traffic Service has proposed another sign. This sign (right) features an exclamation mark with “Wildlife” below it.

For those residents who enthusiastically sponsored specific signs for the village, the alternative official sign is disappointing. Sponsors can request a refund. 

Even more disappointing for the BBC is that it was indirectly made aware that, due to concerns about accidents and being sued, the OM intends to remove the penguin crossing that was installed about two years ago. This is at a time when the penguins are fighting for survival as a critically endangered species. Numerous organisations are working together to support and protect them from multiple threats, including being hit by cars on the roads adjacent to Stony Point. The penguin-crossing increases awareness of this risk and encourages motorists to drive carefully near the colony. To remove it seems mean-spirited and counter-productive to the concerted efforts of other organisations to protect the penguins.

Carol Clark

UPDATE FIVE

We are happy to report that, having petitioned the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) on 27 March 2026, our petition successfully progressed to the final stage of the petition framework process. The Petition Steering Committee was invited to deliver a presentation on 25 August 2026 to brief the Standing Committee on Mobility and the relevant authorities. This was followed by inclusive discussions with the Departments of Mobility and Infrastructure and the Overstrand Municipality.

The discussions were generally amicable, with the Department of Mobility (DOM) and Overstrand Municipality (OM) clearly more attuned to the concerns of the residents of Betty’s Bay than the Department of Infrastructure (DOI).

The DOM and DOI are to provide feedback to the Standing Committee on Mobility by the end of January 2027. The by-elections and the Opening of Parliament are to be considered, but the petition process was never going to be expeditious! All outstanding issues will be dealt with at a site meeting in Betty’s Bay during February/March 2027. The Standing Committee is required to revert to the Speaker’s Office in Parliament once the process is concluded. 

However, a positive outcome of the briefing resulted in the mobilisation of Provincial Traffic Services at the request of the DOM. This would involve the use of manual cameras in the interim, to demonstrate a commitment by the DOM to take the concerns of the residents in Betty’s Bay seriously, “failing which, in six months we shall all be back dealing with the same issues once again”. During this interim period, an evaluation and determination will be made as to the appropriate locations for stationary cameras to be positioned at a later stage. In the meantime, OM is to start the statutory application process for these stationary cameras.

Within days, Provincial Traffic Services were operational along the R44 through Betty’s Bay, and fines were issued. OM traffic enforcement patrols were also observed in the area. If 230 erven and 37 intersections have direct access to the R44, this route should function as a “Class 2 Urban Arterial.”      

The Petition Steering Committee will challenge the authorities should they resist the following requests:

• 70km/h throughout Betty’s Bay, excluding the 60km/h in the HUB area (Class 2 Urban Arterial).
• Mini roundabout at Disa Circle to slow down traffic in the CBD (Class 2 Urban Arterial).
• Two humps at the HUB to protect pedestrians crossing and vehicles accessing the R44 in the vicinity (Class 2 Urban Arterial).

The authorities agreed to discuss the following:

• Removal of parking bays to facilitate overtaking at the turnoff to Seaview Link to avoid collisions.
• Removal of parking bays to provide a clear view of oncoming traffic at the HUB.
• DOI “Wildlife Crossing” signage between Rooi Els and Betty’s Bay.
• Location of stationary cameras (2) to be dependent on the outcome of the interim use of manual cameras.

 Dorienne Maes

 Photos: Carol Clark

As part of the petition, the Steering Committee requested a site visit to Betty’s Bay with the relevant authorities.  As the petition progressed through the required steps, we did not anticipate an invitation to present the petition to the Standing Committee for Mobility of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and other stakeholders. It felt quite daunting!

Each member of the Steering Committee focused on a particular site or issue on the R44 through Betty’s Bay and sourced striking visual material to highlight the problem and the proposed solutions. These were compiled into a PowerPoint presentation. On the day of the meeting, each member presented their own section. To view the presentation on the BBC website: https://bettysbayconservancy.co.za/urgent-call-for-speed-restrictions-on-the-r44-through-bettys-bay/

Carol Clark

On the mountains adjacent to Kleinmond and Palmiet, free-ranging dogs hunt wildlife to survive.

At the end of July 2026, when foreign nationals were required to leave the country, many of them had to abandon their dogs. Not all of these dogs had been used specifically for hunting purposes, but this situation exacerbated an existing problem — the uncontrolled hunting of wildlife with dogs by organised criminals for bushmeat, muti and gambling. These hunting dogs are also victims – they are starved before a hunt, kept in inhumane conditions, and are abandoned when they are injured or cannot hunt effectively.

The abandoned strays have now formed packs alongside the hunting dogs. KAWS was able to identify fifteen dogs on the neighbouring mountains. These dogs are starving and hunt simply to survive. Fortunately, the decision to employ a professional hunter to shoot the dogs was set aside and KAWS has been working with the Overstrand Environmental Department, Law Enforcement and CapeNature to capture the dogs. To date, seven dogs have been captured and handed over to KAWS to evaluate on an individual basis; currently, two are suitable for re-homing. The toll on these dogs has been enormous, and, for some, humane euthanasia may be the only option.

The illegal hunting of wildlife remains a serious concern. The authorities will continue to patrol the Kleinmond Nature Reserve and Kasteelkop at different times during the week and over weekends to deter illegal activities, respond to reported incidents and capture any remaining dogs. The public has been asked to notify them of any illegal hunting, roaming dogs and, where possible, reports should include location, date, time and photographs or videos taken from a distance. These reports can be channelled via the Overstrand Municipality Citizen App, the Municipal Contact Centre on 028 313 8111 or Law Enforcement on 028 313 8996.

Addressing this problem will require community education, including responsible pet ownership and ensuring that animals are properly cared for. Initiatives such as these could also prevent youngsters from being lured into criminal activities by adults involved in wildlife hunting.  

Dorienne Maes

On Tuesday, 11 August, community members braved a fierce gale to take part in the Porter Drive Clean-up between 16:00 and 18:00. Despite the challenging weather, around fifteen volunteers turned out, and approximately twenty‑five bags of litter were collected. Much of it consisted of plastic cups, tins, and general waste likely discarded from passing vehicles. Several pieces of plastic sheeting and signage were also retrieved, possibly remnants from the severe storm of 12 May.

A few residents sensibly waited for the wind to ease before heading out the following day, and although we didn’t manage to capture photos of them, their contribution is sincerely appreciated.

One thing about us Betty’s Bay locals is that we love walking in our scenic neighbourhood. Rain or shine, the walkers are out, and it’s really cool to see how many of them routinely pick up bits of litter along the way. Craig Foster’s reminder to “do one small act for biodiversity every day” resonates strongly here; collecting rubbish on a walk is one of the simplest ways to live that out. The same applies to our beaches, where hooks, sinkers, condoms and fishing gut often wash up among the kelp. While we hope to see less of this in the future, our community’s willingness to clean up makes a meaningful difference.

Wayne Jackson shared a message on the Stony Point Watch group thanking everyone involved, and we include it here to encourage future clean-ups:

I would like to sincerely thank the members of our community who dedicated their time this afternoon to assist with cleaning a section of Porter Drive. Your commitment exemplifies a strong sense of community responsibility and pride in maintaining our neighbourhood’s appearance. Your efforts contribute to making Betty’s Bay a cleaner and more welcoming place for everyone. Once again, thank you for your initiative, and I hope your actions inspire others to take similar steps in caring for our streets and surrounding areas.

Thank you to Barbara Jenman for supplying the waste bags and bibs, to all community members who assisted on the day, and to those who actively clean up daily. We also extend our appreciation to the Overstrand Municipality and their staff for their ongoing support in waste collection. Your friendly service and willingness to go the extra mile do not go unnoticed.

 Patrick Bolttler

CapeNature has installed new signage in various places in the Stony Point colony. This sign is adapted from the Visitor Information leaflet that the BBC developed last year. The QR code links visitors to the leaflet on the BBC website.

The new signage will be used in conjunction with the proposed new visitor-flow arrangements.

A group of BBC Penguin-Pals volunteers is assisting CapeNature with night and early-morning patrols in specific areas around the colony. One of the aims of the patrols is to spread human scent in the area where caracals are known to predate to deter them from entering that area. Patrollers work in pairs for safety purposes, and under the direction of CapeNature staff. Patrollers take care not to disturb the penguins.

Camera traps are positioned in the area, along with a caracal trap. The staff review the camera footage for caracal activity and adjust the patrols as required.

On 25 and 26 August, CapeNature hosted two workshops for Tour Guides in the Ecovenue at Stony Point. As BBC Penguin-Pals volunteers plan to help with visitor awareness at the colony, five of us were able to join the workshops. Nina and Brian attended on Wednesday, and Liz, Jenni and I joined the Thursday group.

The programme included background information on Stony Point by Steve Gildenhuys (formerly of CapeNature), the status of the African Penguin by Michelle van der Merwe of SANCCOB and insight into the other animals found in the colony by Vathiswa of WWF.  Natanya of CapeNature facilitated some fun role-plays and the rangers conducted a walk along the boardwalk. Participants enjoyed lunch at On the Edge restaurant.

The weather on Thursday, compared to a windy Wednesday, was favourable for a penguin release. This group of tour guides also had the privilege of watching the release of five penguins, recently rehabilitated at SANCCOB.

The tour guides gained more insight into the critically endangered status of the penguins, and how to educate their groups to visit the colony in a calm manner to reduce stress on the penguins.

Tourists have been observed doing many inappropriate things that stress and compromise the penguins: blocking their pathways to and from the sea and their nests, crowding the birds, standing too close, trying to take close selfies, walking into the vegetation, climbing over barriers, and looking into nests.

On Thursday, we discussed how guides could educate tour groups before they arrive. I suggested that guides could use the BBC sign with the QR code that links to the BBC Visitor Guidelines.  This will be included in the post-workshop information from CapeNature. We hope that guides will share this with their clients to inform them before they arrive about how to visit Stony Point in a manner that reduces stress on the penguins.

Carol Clark

Group photos: CapeNature