Run in support of conservation
In Touch Athletic Club in Kuilsrivier will be hosting a trail run at Zevenwacht Wine Estate on Sunday, 10 September to raise funds and awareness for the fight against snaring in the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy.
Zevenwacht, as a member of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC), is actively involved in efforts to preserve our natural floral heritage known as Renosterveld, for the enjoyment of future generations. Only 4% of the original Renosterveld still exists and about 70% hereof is found on private properties. Some 80ha, approximately 15% of Zevenwacht land, is a protected conservation area with rich plant diversity as well as a host of small mammals and birdlife.
Game such as caracal, grysbok, grey duiker, porcupine, bat-eared foxes, cape foxes and otters still roam naturally in the Bottelary Hills. Many animal species remain dependant on the existence of Renosterveld habitat. The endangered reptile species such as the Diamondback tortoise, which is only to be found in Renosterveld areas and more than 110 bird species have been identified in the BHRC.
A wide range of animal species are affected by illegal wire snare poaching on private property. Small antelope such as common duiker, Cape grysbok as well as Cape porcupine are highly sought-after species. Caracal that still roam the Bottelary Hills also fall prey to snares. The BHRC do regular snare patrols during which numerous snares have been removed.
The Cape Leopard Trust recently launched a new initiative to protect wildlife from snares in the Western Cape. ‘Snare Free’ is a collaborative project that aims to provide a coordinated response to snared wildlife incidents, as well as improved training, data collection and awareness about snaring in the province. The Western Cape Snare Response Plan has been compiled as part of the Snare Free project, with the aim of achieving streamlined reporting, emergency response, and follow-up for animals caught in snares. Visit www.snarefree.co.za for more information.
Runners can choose between a 5km and 10km run with a complimentary Patriot Coffee for all runners as well as a medal and 375ml Zevenwacht Estate Cabernet Sauvignon for all finishers. Podium prizes for the men’s and ladies’ winners.
Registration opens at 06h30 with the 10km and 5km runs starting at 07h30 and 07h40 respectively.
The BHRC is part of the Cape Floral Region – the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, but one of the richest in terms of floristic diversity and endemism. Around 9 000 plant species occur within an area of 87 892 square kilometres and around 70% of these are endemic, meaning that they are found nowhere else on earth. It has also been listed as one of 34 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots. Runners can enjoy spectacular views as well as a diversity of Renosterveld fynbos currently blooming.
Enter today via www.entryninja.com – R100 for the 5km and R150 for the 10km and come and enjoy a fun morning out in nature for a worthy cause. On the day entries will also be accepted.