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Read more Picking a wildflower? Everyday choices can amount to biodiversity crime in Protected Areas

CapeNatureRef: https://www.capenature.co.za/news/2026/picking-a-wildflower-everyday-choices-can-amount-to-biodiversity-crime-in-protected-areas

Official source

Source domain: capenature.co.za

Collected on 28 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 28 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a CapeNature media/news item dated 22 July 2026 about biodiversity crime in Western Cape Protected Areas. It warns that everyday actions by visitors—such as entering without permits, fishing without licences, leaving trails, picking wildflowers, removing natural objects, and disturbing wildlife—can constitute offences and harm ecosystems. It reports enforcement statistics from April to June 2026 (10 registered cases and 48 fines, including fines under the Marine Living Resources Act and the Nature Conservation Ordinance) and describes a joint CapeNature and SAPS investigation that led to a R500,000 fine for illegal possession and importation of 22 armadillo girdled lizards and a speckled dwarf tortoise. It also provides guidance on how the public can help (buy permits, stay on designated trails, respect fishing rules, and report suspicious activity) and gives contact numbers for reporting.

Facts

Places

Western Cape

Reference

https://www.capenature.co.za/news/2026/picking-a-wildflower-everyday-choices-can-amount-to-biodiversity-crime-in-protected-areas

Amounts

R 500 000, R 500

Key Takeaways

  • CapeNature media item: 22 Jul 2026
  • Biodiversity offences include: no permit, fishing without licence, off-trail hiking, picking wildflowers, removing rocks/shells, disturbing wildlife
  • Apr–Jun 2026: 10 cases registered (6 flora, 3 fauna, 1 marine species)
  • Apr–Jun 2026: 48 fines issued (12 Marine Living Resources Act, 3 illegal vehicles in coastal zone, 33 Nature Conservation Ordinance)
  • Nature Conservation Ordinance fines: 20 in nature reserves, 7 involving wild animals, 6 involving flora
  • Enforcement outcome: Spanish national convicted for illegal possession/importation of 22 armadillo girdled lizards and a speckled dwarf tortoise
  • Joint CapeNature and SAPS investigation resulted in R500 000 fine
  • Bus search case: 18 Oct 2025, 25-year-old male passenger found with 167 armadillo girdled lizards (Ouroborus cataphractus)
  • Reporting: nearest police station; CapeNature 087 087 9262; Crime Stop Tip-Off-Line 08600 10 111
  • CapeNature
  • CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo
  • SAPS (South African Police Service)
  • Spanish national (convicted person)
  • SAPS Vanrhynsdorp
  • Dr Ashley Naidoo
  • Petro van Rhyn (CapeNature General Manager: Advocacy)
  • CRIME STOP TIP-OFF-LINE

Dates

Closing Date

18 October 2025