Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary is a 10-hectare (25-acre) protected area in
Cape Town, located on the
Liesbeek river near the suburb of
Observatory.
The sanctuary consists of a section of the
Liesbeek River, with parkland, trees, lawn and picnic sites. It is an important breeding site for a variety of
water bird species, such as Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus) and many duck species. However, the sanctuary is badly overgrown with alien invasive plants which damage the river system and its
biodiversity. The river itself is polluted, but is being rehabilitated for recreational activities.[2]
The area is intended to form part of the Two Rivers Urban Park (TRUP), which will include many surrounding areas to form a large, integrated natural area in
Cape Town. It will centre on the meeting point of the Liesbeek and Black River and will include several Provincial Heritage Sites, such as:
Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary is a 10-hectare (25-acre) protected area in
Cape Town, located on the
Liesbeek river near the suburb of
Observatory.
The sanctuary consists of a section of the
Liesbeek River, with parkland, trees, lawn and picnic sites. It is an important breeding site for a variety of
water bird species, such as Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus) and many duck species. However, the sanctuary is badly overgrown with alien invasive plants which damage the river system and its
biodiversity. The river itself is polluted, but is being rehabilitated for recreational activities.[2]
The area is intended to form part of the Two Rivers Urban Park (TRUP), which will include many surrounding areas to form a large, integrated natural area in
Cape Town. It will centre on the meeting point of the Liesbeek and Black River and will include several Provincial Heritage Sites, such as: