A Cape Platanna (Xeonopus gilli) was found close to the Malkopsvlei/Bass Lake recreational lawn area in Betty’s Bay.
An excited team from the Overstrand Municipality’s Environmental Management Services, spotted this rare find in a drainage channel adjacent to the Lake.
The existence of the endangered Cape Platanna was confirmed by restoration ecologist and herpetologist from Cape Nature, Dr Andrew Turner during December 2023.
It is classified as endangered due to their very small distribution, only occurring in five grid locations in the Western Cape.
The species is threatened by bad water quality, the invasive African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis), increased water pH from agricultural runoff (fertilisers) and alien invasive plants that are known to alter the pH in water bodies.
To protect and save the quality habitat of this endangered species, the Overstrand Municipality and the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association are working together to rehabilitate the channel.
The public is requested to respect the rehabilitation process and not to enter the area that is signposted for rehabilitation.
The Bass Lake area is classified as a floodplain wetland and is therefore protected under the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). The Municipality therefore will report members of the public who transgress the regulations.
Picture: AmphibiaWeb