# CapeNature says the Western Cape’s plants, animals and ecosystems are under growing pressure from fires, invasive species and loss of natural areas. Its 2026 report shows that 107 fires burned more than 215-thousand hectares in the province over the past year, almost three times more than the previous year. The report also shows that 212 of 346 ecosystems are now threatened, with freshwater areas particularly at risk. However, more than 44-thousand hectares were added to protected areas, including 25 new nature reserves.
CapeNature warns conservation gains must keep pace with growing threats