Creating a safe home in the Huis River for the Tradouw Redfin
Project overview
The Huis River in the Western Cape, South Africa, shelters a Critically Endangered population of the Tradouw Redfin in isolated pools above Barrydale, making conservation crucial. The project aims to protect this habitat while enhancing economic and social advantages for local water-dependent communities. With pressures on municipal water supplies and land access, the project focuses on removing invasive alien plants and restoring natural vegetation to improve water flow and preserve the Redfin’s habitat, implementing water-saving measures like rainwater tanks, and raising community awareness on the importance of conserving the habitat of the Redfin.
Threats
Disruption of water flow
Habitat loss & degradation
Invasive alien species
By merging ecological preservation with community development, the project strives to ensure the sustained health of the Huis River ecosystem and its benefits for future generations.
Project objectives
- To improve the overall river health and water quality of the Huis System, monitored through benthic monitoring
- To restoration the riparian vegetation of the Huis River with a focus on active and passive restoration in the riparian zone
- To improve stakeholder awareness of the redfin for the local Barrydale community that will assist in sustaining conservation actions
Project activities
- Alien Clearing planning with local landowners and stakeholders
- Implementation of alien clearing activities on 7km of the Huis River
- Preparation of signs to raise awareness on fish conservation, edible endemic herbs and river health
- Planting of sites at community open days, utilising the opportunity to educate on roles that indigenous species play in water filtration, stream flow control, habitat and biodiversity benefits and restoration techniques
- Workshops with local community and fish experts to raise awareness on the importance of protecting the redfin
This project is implemented by Groot Vaders Bosch Conservancy Trust.
