The Hopewell Conservation Estate team has recorded a 25% growth in the eland, kudu and red hartebeest numbers over the last year.
This is great news for visitors to the reserve, and future home owners on the Hopewell estate. Visitors have the opportunity to encounter wild game including eland, kudu, red hartebeest, Cape mountain zebra and springbok in the pristine natural environment. There are also over 130 resident bird species in the reserve.
Carlo Van Dalen, a game ranch management student doing his practical experience at the reserve has been conducting animal counts and is very impressed with the successful rehabilitation of the area. “The changes I have seen in only one year are amazing. All around you can see guinea fowl, birds of prey, tortoises, wild geese, vervet monkeys, and even dung beetles that were thought to be wiped out on the reserve. All wildlife is getting back to equilibrium and it is happening at a fast pace, which is great!
“Overall, the future of the fauna and flora is looking great. There is still a lot of space for growth as the carrying capacity of the reserve is standing at around 33%,” says Carlo.
Hopewell is also encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly use of its land. December saw the launch of new mountain biking and trail running routes catering for Eastern Cape sports enthusiasts. The routes offer accessible, fenced and secure wilderness area for visitors to get in touch with nature.
The trails take visitors through a variety of biomes, ranging from different types of grassy fynbos through to valley bushveld in the kloofs and northern section of the property.
Herds of Springbok on Port Elizabeth’s doorstep.
