A trail run will be hosted by the In Touch Athletic Club in Kuils River, at the Zevenwacht Wine Estate on Sunday September 10 to raise funds and awareness for the fight against snaring in the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC).
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. It has also been listed as one of 34 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots.
Zevenwacht, as a member of the BHRC, is actively involved in efforts to preserve the natural floral heritage known as Renosterveld. According to information supplied by the BHRC, only 4% of the original Renosterveld still exists and about 70% hereof is found on private properties.
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, Snare Free, to protect wildlife from snares in the Western Cape. It aims to provide a coordinated response to snared wildlife incidents, as well as improved training, data collection and awareness about snaring in the province. More can be read about this initiative at, www.snarefree.co.za
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. There will be podium prizes for the men’s and ladies’ winners.
Registration opens at 6.30am with the 10km and 5km runs starting at 7.30am and 7.40am respectively.
Entry fees cost R100 for the 5km and R150 for the 10km. Entries can be done online at www.entryninja.com and will also be accepted on the day of the event.
