City of Cape Town Link

The Cape's animal kingdom

<h2 class="sectHeading">Animals of the Cape</h2><p> <strong>Cape Town is home to around:</strong></p><ul><li>364 birds</li><li>83 mammals</li><li>27 amphibians (2 endemic)</li><li>8 freshwater fish</li><li>countless invertebrates – more than 140 endemics</li></ul><p>Other mammals in Cape Town include Porcupine, Caracal, Cape fox, African Wild Cat, Honey Badger, Genet and Cape Leopard – to name a few.</p> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p> The Cape has over half of South Africa's frog species. Of the 62 different frogs we have here, 29 are found nowhere else on earth.</p></div></div><p>Our rich <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-precious-biodiversity/Our-floral-kingdom">floral kingdom</a> and the <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-precious-biodiversity/Focus-on-fynbos">fynbos system</a> in particular supports many creatures. </p><p> <strong>Mammals</strong>: Smaller mammals like baboons, klipspringers, grysbok, dassies, mongooses and the striped field mouse are typical of the area.</p><p> <strong>Birds</strong>: All six bird species endemic to the south-west Cape are fynbos species. Of these, the Cape sugarbird and orange-breasted sunbird are not found in any other type of vegetation. These birds play an important role in pollinating Cape flowers.</p><p> <strong>Insects</strong>: The fynbos supports a large number of butterflies, though many are at risk.</p><p> <strong>Reptiles and amphibians</strong>: Although our fynbos system isn’t very rich in reptiles and amphibians, many of the species are both endemic and threatened. Our geometric tortoise is regarded as the world's second rarest tortoise.</p><p>For information on our freshwater biodiversity, see <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Rivers-and-wetlands/Explore-our-rivers-and-wetlands">Explore our rivers and wetlands</a>. To find out more about marine life, see <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/our-beaches-and-coast/our-unique-coastline">Our unique coastline</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Endangered animals</h2><p>Our animals, like our plants, are endangered by various things – humans being a major one and invasive species another.</p><p> <strong>What are the biggest threats facing our animal kingdom?</strong></p><p> <strong>Urbanisation</strong>: The main causes of habitat loss are urbanisation and development. More and more people moving into cities fragments the natural environment.</p><p> <strong>Invasive alien species</strong>: Foreign plants and animals often replace the local species. Without predators or natural pests they thrive in the new environment.</p><p> <strong>Fire</strong>: Fynbos needs to burn to survive, but alien grasses and trees interrupt the fire cycle. They either burn too often or with too much heat, destroying the indigenous plants.</p><p> <strong>Overexploitation</strong>: Herds of livestock overgraze and trample the vegetation, allowing alien grasses to take over. In the sea, poaching and over-fishing mean that marine resources struggle to recover, severely threatening both livelihoods and the ecosystem.</p><p> <strong>Pollution</strong>: Wetlands and rivers are polluted by chemicals, oil and sewage collected along stormwater courses. Exhaust fumes can change the composition of the soil, severely affecting plant life and leading to more alien vegetation.</p><p> <strong>Climate change</strong>: Rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall are likely to bring more frequent and intense weather, leading to water shortage, farms failing and flooding, erosion and massive changes to the existing biodiversity.</p><p> <strong>Some of Cape Town’s most endangered creatures:</strong></p><ul><li>Table Mountain Ghost Frog</li><li>Micro Frog (or Cape Flats Frog)</li><li>Geometric Tortoise</li><li>Dickson’s Monkey Blue (butterfly)</li><li>Western Leopard Toad</li><li>Cape Mountain Toad</li><li>Cape Clawed Platanna</li><li>Barber’s Cape Flats ranger (butterfly)</li></ul><p>You can learn more about the Western Leopard Toad with our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Western_Leopard_Toad_leaflet_2015-02.pdf">Western Leopard Toad Pamphlet</a> and <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Western_Leopard_Toad_poster_2009_06.pdf">poster</a>. Find a more extensive list of threatened species (plant and animal) in our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Biodiv_fact_sheet_08_ThreatenedSpecies_2011-03.pdf">Biodiversity Fact Sheet:Threatened Species.</a></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Seasonal alerts calendar</h2><p>As urban and agricultural areas grow, natural habitats are threatened and so are the creatures that live within them. Let's work together to protect our wild friends by respecting their spaces and making sure our actions are respectful to them.<br><br>View our seasonal alerts calendar to find out when species are most vulnerable.</p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Nature%20Outdoor%20-%20Seasonal%20Calander%20-%20Summer.jpg" alt="" style="width:892px;" /> </figure> <ul><li>Humpback Whale: May – December </li><li>Fire: November – March </li><li>Nesting birds in reed beds: July – December </li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Nature%20Outdoor%20-%20Seasonal%20Calander%20-%20Autumn.jpg" alt="" style="width:892px;" /> </figure> <ul><li>Nesting raptors (Black Eagle): April – September </li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Nature%20Outdoor%20-%20Seasonal%20Calander%20-%20Winter.jpg" alt="" style="width:892px;" /> </figure> <ul><li>Western Leopard Toad: July – September </li><li>Southern Right Whale: July – November </li><li>Humpback Whale: May – December </li><li>Sharks: Winter months (July is best) </li><li>Nesting birds in reed beds: July – December </li><li>Nesting raptors (Black Eagle): April – September </li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Nature%20Outdoor%20-%20Seasonal%20Calander%20-%20Spring.jpg" alt="" style="width:892px;" /> </figure> <ul><li>Southern Right Whale: July – November </li><li>Humpback Whale: May – December </li><li>Flowers: September </li><li>Nesting birds in reed beds: July – December </li><li>Nesting raptors (Black Eagle): April – September </li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Nature%20Outdoor%20-%20Seasonal%20Calander%20-%20All%20Year.jpg" alt="" style="width:892px;" /> </figure> <ul><li>Bryde's whale </li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Invasive alien species</h2><p>Like invasive plants, invasive alien animals are a threat because they:</p><ul><li>outgrow indigenous species and upset our local ecological balance;</li><li>compete with local species for food, water and space; and</li><li>can cause genetic contamination by interbreeding.</li></ul><p> Take note of our most unwanted alien animals: </p><ul><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Invasive_Guttural_Toad_flyer_v4.pdf" target="_blank">Guttural toad </a></li><li>German wasp</li><li>European wasp</li><li>House crow </li></ul><p> You can help us control invasive alien animals from harming our indigenous species by reporting any sightings. Please see our contact details below.</p><h4>Guttural toad sightings </h4><p> <em>Email:</em><br><a href="mailto:gutturaltoads@ncc-group.co.za"><em>gutturaltoads@ncc-group.co.za</em></a></p><p> <em>WhatsApp:</em><br><em><a>082 849 6611</a></em> (Richard) or <em><a>072 037 3034</a></em> (Jonathan)</p><h4>German wasp, European wasp and other invasive alien species sightings</h4><p> <em>Telephone: </em> <br> <em> <a>021 444 2356</a></em> / <em> <a>021 444 2357</a></em></p><p>You can also <a href="http://www.edrr.co.za/" target="_blank">report invasive alien species online<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ctinvasives" target="_blank">Facebook<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>.</p><p>Find out more about how the City manages alien species in our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Invasive_Alien_Species_Strategy%2BAction_Plan_v01_2008-09.pdf" target="_blank">Invasive Alien Species Strategy Action Plan</a>.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <span class="info fastfact"></span></div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p> <strong></strong>Cecil John Rhodes deliberately introduced fallow deer and grey squirrels to make him feel more at home. Rats and house crows arrived on ships, accidentally.</p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Find out more</h2><p>Find out more about invasive plant and animal species on the <a title="Cape Town Invasives website" href="http://www.capetowninvasives.org.za/" target="_blank">Cape Town Invasives website<span class="icon link-external"></span></a> or on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ctinvasives" target="_blank">Facebook page<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>. Download and print our posters showing Cape Town’s main <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Biodiversity_poster-CT_Unique_Biodiv_VEGETATION_2011-02.pdf" target="_blank">vegetation types</a> and our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Biodiversity_poster-CT_Unique_Biodiv_SPECIES_2011-02.pdf" target="_blank">threatened plant and animal species</a>. For more tips on protecting all of our biodiversity, see <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-precious-biodiversity/Looking-after-our-natural-heritage">Looking after our natural heritage</a>.</p><p>Call the national Environmental Crimes and Incidents Hotline on <em> <a>0800 205 005 </a></em>if you see anything illegal. </p>

An introduction to some of the Cape’s more common and endangered animals.

Alien Species in the City of Cape Town Management Framework	36595117	GP0\|#2a0a7e2d-aa1e-42de-b6bf-d25c6b1d8805;L0\|#02a0a7e2d-aa1e-42de-b6bf-d25c6b1d8805\|Framework;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2008-08-31T22:00:00Z
Biodiversity Fact Sheet 08: Threatened species	232959	GP0\|#be14289f-aba9-47b4-b8d2-dd7e9a637f0c;L0\|#0be14289f-aba9-47b4-b8d2-dd7e9a637f0c\|Fact sheet;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2011-02-28T22:00:00Z
Biodiversity: Unique Species Poster	1094841	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2011-01-31T22:00:00Z
Biodiversity: Unique Vegetation Poster	796771	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2011-01-31T22:00:00Z
Enviroworks, Volume 1/12: Special Edition Invasive Species Newsletter	2520256	GP0\|#34ecdb16-f049-4824-b16b-a48c5a88c37b;L0\|#034ecdb16-f049-4824-b16b-a48c5a88c37b\|Newsletter;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2012-05-31T22:00:00Z
Rural Management Framework	101491	GP0\|#2a0a7e2d-aa1e-42de-b6bf-d25c6b1d8805;L0\|#02a0a7e2d-aa1e-42de-b6bf-d25c6b1d8805\|Framework;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2002-04-30T22:00:00Z

The cost of electricity

We bill you based on a three-tier tariff system comprising of the Lifeline tariff, the Domestic tariff and the Home User tariff. Find out how this works for residential and commercial properties.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-electricity-services/the-cost-of-electricity"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">the-cost-of-electricity</a>

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The City's Draft Budget 2020-2021

The City of Cape Town's budget reflects its key policy decisions and priorities, determines rates increases and indicates where money will be spent on programmes and services.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/the-city-budget/the-citys-budget-2020-2021"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">the-citys-budget-2020-2021</a>

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District plans

The District Plans are medium term (10 year) plans that aim to guide spatial development processes and land use management within the district and are approved by the Council of City of Cape Town as policy.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/planning-portal/Spatial-Plans-and-Frameworks/district-plans"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">district-plans</a>

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Informal trading

Informal trade is a very important part of Cape Town's economy and benefits both traders and locals.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/informal-trading"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">informal-trading</a>

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The Business Hub

The Business Hub provides information on starting and growing your business.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/the-business-hub"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">the-business-hub</a>

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Pay your traffic fine

The City has a number of different options for paying traffic fines. If you would like to pay your fine.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Fines/Pay-your-traffic-fine"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Pay-your-traffic-fine</a>

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Pay your rates and services accounts

You can pay your rates and services account in a number of different ways.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/pay-your-rates-and-services-account"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">pay-your-rates-and-services-account</a>

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Prevent illegal dumping

We are calling on all our residents to stop and report illegal dumping … Illegal dumping costs us money It costs the City R350 million every year to clean up illegal dumping …

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Safety-in-the-home/Environmental-health-in-the-home/prevent-illegal-dumping"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">prevent-illegal-dumping</a>

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Upgrade to a new prepaid electricity meter

Find out if your suburb has been selected for a compulsory electricity meter upgrade

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-an-upgrade-to-a-new-prepaid-electricity-meter"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">apply-for-an-upgrade-to-a-new-prepaid-electricity-meter</a>

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Submit a building plan

If you are planning any building work on a property, you may need to submit a building plan for approval.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Planning-building-and-development/Building-plan-applications/Apply-for-a-building-plan"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Apply-for-a-building-plan</a>

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City jobs and opportunities

The City offers a range of employment and career development opportunities to suitably qualified applicants from a range of social and educational backgrounds.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/jobs-and-skills-development/work-for-the-city-of-cape-town/city-jobs-and-opportunities"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">city-jobs-and-opportunities</a>

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2020/21 Tariffs

Find out about the latest tariffs that affect you

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/meet-the-city/the-city-budget/city-wide-tariffs"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">city-wide-tariffs</a>

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Coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease that was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/personal-health/contagious-and-chronic-diseases/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>

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View the Council Meeting Calendar

Access the Council meeting calendar and agendas for upcoming meetings.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/city-council/meeting-calendar"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">meeting-calendar</a>

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Coronavirus updates

We are operating with reduced services and communication channels as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and national lockdown.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/coronavirus-updates">coronavirus-updates</a>

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Load-shedding

Load-shedding stages are announced by Eskom and depend on the extent of the shortage of generation capacity

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-electricity-services/load-shedding-and-outages"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">load-shedding-and-outages</a>

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Libraries

Loan out books, get access to electronic resources or take part in community programmes and events at any of our libraries

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Libraries"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">Libraries</a>

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Cape Town Future Energy Festival

The Cape Town Future Energy Festival is a showcase of innovation and sustainable living.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Have-your-say/surveys-and-submissions/cape-town-future-energy-festival"><img alt="" src="/_layouts/15/IMAGES/icgen.gif">cape-town-future-energy-festival</a>

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Reduce rates for NPOs and PBOs

Some PBOs and NPOs which were previously excluded from the list due to legislative changes will now be able to benefit from reduced rates.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Claim-or-dispute/Contest-a-property-valuation/change-your-property-rating-category">change-your-property-rating-category</a>

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Apply for replacement wheelie bin

The City will replace or repair a damaged or stolen wheelie bin free of charge.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/solid-waste/Apply-for-replacement-wheelie-bin" target="_blank">Apply-for-replacement-wheelie-bin</a>

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Pay and renew your vehicle licence

There are a number of different options you can use when paying for and renewing your vehicle licence renewal.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Vehicle-licences/Pay-your-vehicle-licence" target="_blank">Pay-your-vehicle-licence</a>

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Dam levels

The dam levels are critical for Cape Town’s water supply and are a key contributor to the Day Zero water dashboard

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/this-weeks-dam-levels">this-weeks-dam-levels</a>

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Apply for new or replacement driver's licence

Find out how to get a new or replacement driver’s licence.

<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Driving-and-vehicles/Apply-for-new-or-replacement-drivers-licence">Apply-for-new-or-replacement-drivers-licence</a>

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