Rocherpan Nature Reserve
 | This article has an unclear citation style. (November 2019) |
| Rocherpan Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Western Cape South Africa |
| Coordinates | 32°36′53″S 18°18′7″E / 32.61472°S 18.30194°E |
| Area | 1800 hectares |
| Established | December 10, 1976 |
| Governing body | CapeNature |
| Website | CapeNature - Rocherpan Nature Reserve |
  Rocherpan Nature Reserve (South Africa) | |
Rocherpan Nature Reserve is a nature reserve on the West Coast of Western Cape, South Africa. It borders the sea, about 25 km (16 mi) north of Velddrif[1] on the road between Velddrif and Laaiplek to Elands Bay, and is north of Dwarskersbos. The reserve occupies an area of 1,080 ha (2,700 acres).[1]
History[edit]
In 1839, Pierre Rocher dredged the mouth of the Papkuils River and used water drawn from the Auroraberg Mountains to make better pasture for his cattle behind the dunes.[1] In the process, he unwittingly established ideal bird habitat.
The lake was declared a nature reserve in 1966.[2] Since 1988, the area 500 m (1,600 ft) from the coast has been a marine reserve, the Rocherpan Marine Protected Area.
Ecology[edit]
During the Cape rainy season, the lagoon fills an area of 110 ha (270 acres) and is around 6 km (3.7 mi) long and up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) deep. From March to June, however, the lake is dry.[3] 183 species of birds (including 70 of waterfowl) can be found here,[3] including, among others, the great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), the African oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini), and the greater flamingo. There is also a hatching ground for the Cape shoveler (Anas smithii). From June to September, whales frequent the coast. In the spring, the veld often features the Namaqualand bloom.
Activities[edit]
In the park there are two hiking trails; the 9km Rocherpan Trail and the 7km Beach Trail. There are three bird hides on the Rocherpan, and an untouched beach.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Rocherpan Nature Reserve". CapeNature. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
- ^ "Experience Rocherpan Nature Reserve like never before". Western Cape Government. 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
- ^ a b "Rocherpan Nature Reserve". SAVenue. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
- Die Burger, 23 July 2013