What’s one word that this year captures summer in the Overberg – and also across the Western Cape? Wildfires must be a top contender. 

The Kogelberg Biosphere, like much of the Western Cape, has once again been severely impacted by wildfires. This year, fires began long before the official start of the Overberg fire season on 1 December. And we’re now only halfway through the season. 

According to the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association, tens of thousands of hectares have burned across the Overberg since October 2025. The Pearly Beach fire, which started on 5 January, is a stark example: it has already destroyed nearly 40 000 hectares. Stanford and Gansbaai have also not been spared, with a destructive veldfire burning approximately 5 000 hectares and resulting in multiple near misses for towns and surrounding communities. 

Too-frequent fynbos fires 

Within the Kogelberg Biosphere, wildfires have destroyed large sections of the Groenland Mountains and the mountains above the Houwhoek Pass. For some parts of the Groenland mountain range, this marks the fourth fire in less than 20 years – a devastating outcome for fynbos ecosystems that should ideally burn only every 15 to 20 years. 

According to Corlie Hugo, CEO of the Kogelberg Biosphere, the frequency of these fires is a major concern. 

 “We know fynbos must burn, but it’s vital that it doesn’t burn too often. Fires that are too frequent destroy young plants before they’ve had a chance to set seed, which can lead to local extinctions. We’re especially concerned about the impacts of the November fires in the Groenlandberg, where fynbos that was younger than the required 15 years was destroyed.” 

But it’s not only vegetation that is affected. Wildlife, too, pays a heavy price. 

In hot, dry conditions, animals caught in fire zones are unlikely to survive – succumbing either to intense heat or thick smoke. And even for those that do escape, the aftermath presents new challenges. 

Corlie says, “Another concern is the sheer scale of the area across the Overberg and Western Cape that has burned. Normally, as vegetation recovers, animals move back into burnt areas from surrounding natural habitat. But when so much of the landscape is affected, where does that recruitment come from? This is deeply concerning.” 

For the animals that do survive – and for those indirectly affected – there needs to be a place of safety where they can recover before being released back into the wild.

Get involved via our Wildfire Rescue Centre 

 This is where the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre plays a critical role. Most recently SPCA officials rescued a number of tortoises and snakes from the Stanford fire, all suffering from burn wounds. They were quickly taken to local vets in Kleinmond and Hermanus for emergency treatment and then transferred to the centre for additional treatment and care. 

Michelle Watson, Rehabilitation Specialist of the Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre, says community support has been invaluable. “We’re incredibly grateful to local residents, firefighters and everyone across the Overberg who has gone out of their way to help rescue wildlife during these fires. We’re doing everything we can to care for these vulnerable animals – but we can’t do it alone. We’re calling on the community to assist once again, whether by volunteering their time or donating to help us source enough food and medical supplies for our patients.” 

Making your garden or green space wildlife friendly 

Corlie adds that wildlife surviving the fires will now be hungry and thirsty, and may move into towns and gardens in search of food and water – with these towns playing an increasingly important role as a habitat for animals. She says, “Having a fynbos garden is an ideal way to provide support to these species naturally. Your garden in effect acts as a corridor for wildlife.”

Residents with gardens or green spaces can help by putting out shallow containers of water, with a rock placed inside to prevent smaller birds or mammals from drowning. It’s also good to keep this clean, by regularly replacing the water. Sugar water can also be put out for Cape sugarbirds.

What to do if a snake visits your garden?  

Corlie adds a note of caution. “You may even find some of our more dangerous natural neighbours visiting for a recovery meal. If snakes such as puff adders enter your garden, please be patient and contact a professional snake catcher to have them safely relocated. It’s also good to learn the difference between dangerous snakes and harmless species, such as the Cape grass lizard – a snake-like species that is one of the animals most severely affected by wildfires.” 

Pets also pose a threat to wildlife at this time. That’s why Corlie suggests keeping dogs on a lead during a walk, and keeping cats indoors at night, to prevent them from hunting and catching these vulnerable animals. “It’s another way our townsfolk can give affected animals a bit of a break and time to recover and recuperate.”  

Find out more and get involved: 

Learn more about the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre.

To donate and support wildlife care.

For information on snakecatchers in your area.

For guidance on snakes in the Kogelberg.

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