Skilpadsvlei Rehabilitation Project
The Skilpadsvlei Rehabilitation Project is one of the great success stories of how a local authority initiative and supportive partnerships worked to bring back an endangered species from the brink of extinction and restored a valuable part of our natural heritage.
About
The story of the Skilpadsvlei wetlands appeared in the 2004 Frog Atlas, where Professor Les Minter described how the area, which was the only breeding site in the Kommetjie area for the endangered Western Leopard Toad, was filled in during the 1940s.
The aim of the Skilpadsvlei Rehabilitation Project is to re-establish the Skilpadsvlei wetlands as a breeding site for the endangered Western Leopard Toad as well as restore the seasonal wetland system and upgrade the public space so that it is an asset to the community. The initiative also contributes to, and makes use of, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), providing work opportunities and building skills.
Excavations began in April 2012 with the fill provided by project partner, the Ocean View Housing Project. The earthworks were followed by on-going planting of indigenous plants and controlling of alien invasive species to recreate the original habitat. The City also added signage and two boardwalks with public access, replaced old bollards and upgraded a pathway along the edge of the wetland.
The project saw the first successful breeding event for Western Leopard Toads within three months of the recreation of the breeding site, followed by successful breeding every year since. Skilpadsvlei has grown into one of the most significant breeding sites for Western Leopard Toads in the City of Cape Town.
Fast fact
The project was presented with the National Wetland Award in the category of Stewardship by the South African Wetland Society in 2014.
You may also be interested in the
Western Leopard Toad information pamphlet and
poster.
Contact us
If you have any further questions or need more information about the programme itself, please contact one of our main representatives.
Suretha Dorse, Senior Environmental Professional and Project Manager, Environmental Management
Telephone:
021 444 2608
Email:
suretha.dorse@capetown.gov.za
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