Participants setting up the pitfalls trap. Image: Supplied

The University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) 2026 biodiversity survey has uncovered 286 species in the heart of an urban campus - including a new addition to the reserve’s plant records - underscoring the vital role protected natural spaces play in conserving the Cape Flats’s biodiversity.

Flanking the buildings and busy pathways of UWC, the Cape Flats Nature Reserve is home to a remarkable diversity of life. Its ecological significance came into focus during a six-day biodiversity survey from 10 to 16 October 2026, when 130 participants documented 286 species. It was a reminder of what can survive and flourish in an urban environment when natural spaces are protected.

Organised by the UWC Nature Reserve Unit, the annual survey brought together students from across the University’s faculties, naturalists, subject experts and members of the campus’s surrounding communities. Working alongside conservation organisations and research partners, participants recorded 651 observations on iNaturalist, a global platform for sharing biodiversity records, and contributed 1 948 files to the unit’s photographic library.

But beyond the numbers, the survey demonstrated why the reserve is an important space for conservation, scientific research and hands-on learning.

In a city where development places increasing pressure on natural habitats, documenting the species that inhabit the reserve helps researchers track biodiversity, maintain accurate species lists and build a better understanding of the ecosystem. The findings also provide a valuable foundation for future monitoring and conservation efforts.

Breviceps rosei (Rose’s rain frog) Photo by: Aqeel Booley

The survey’s findings revealed the diversity of life supported by the reserve, from birds and reptiles to amphibians, insects and indigenous plants.

Bird-watching sessions recorded 55 species, including Bar-throated Apalis and Karoo Prinia. These small, often overlooked birds, sometimes affectionately called “little brown jobs” by birdwatchers, highlight the importance of the reserve’s bush habitat. European Bee-eaters and swallows also attracted attention as seasonal migrants returned to the area.

A dedicated bird-ringing session captured, ringed and released 35 birds representing 11 species. By fitting birds with lightweight, uniquely numbered metal rings, researchers can gather information about their movements, survival and populations over time. These records contribute to a broader understanding of bird ecology and can inform conservation decisions.

Ground-level surveys offered another glimpse into the reserve’s ecological health. Pitfall traps, supported by drift boards and checked twice daily, captured a range of ground-dwelling animals, including shrews, amphibians, skinks and insects. These organisms form important parts of the ecosystem, contributing to food webs, soil processes and the balance of the reserve’s natural environment.

The surveys recorded nine reptile species, including snakes, skinks and geckos, as well as two amphibian species. Their presence emphasised the value of retaining a natural habitat within a heavily developed urban setting.

Parabuthus species (thick-tailed scorpion) Image: Supplied

One of the week’s most memorable experiences came after sunset, when participants used ultraviolet light to observe scorpions glowing in the dark - an encounter that brought the reserve’s lesser-seen wildlife into vivid focus.

The survey also contributed to documenting the Cape Flats’s plant diversity. Working with the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wild Flora (CREW) and botanical experts, participants recorded 320 plant observations across 136 species.

Among the highlights was the confirmation of Willdenowia arescens, commonly known as arid sunreed, as a new addition to the reserve’s species list. Such records are important because effective conservation begins with knowing which species are present and where they occur.

Together, these observations helped strengthen the scientific record of the reserve and provide a reference point against which future changes in its biodiversity can be assessed.

Participants had opportunities to connect with organisations working across conservation, research and environmental education. Partners included CREW, the City of Cape Town’s nature reserves, Nature Connect, the University of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the Cape and Tygerberg Bird Clubs, and the Wildlife Forensic Academy.

Through the combined efforts of the UWC Nature Reserve Unit, students, conservation partners and community members, the annual initiative continues to expand an understanding of the reserve’s biodiversity and strengthen conservation efforts. As the pressures of urban development continue to threaten natural habitats, the reserve remains a vital sanctuary for indigenous species and a living classroom for future generations, reminding us of the importance of preserving the natural heritage of the Cape Flats.