The Residents Association of Dana Bay Conservancy We care about our environment

Two Owl nesting boxes have been erected in the Conservancy.  One in Macra Street and the other in Cynaroides.  We're hoping that our Spotted Eagle and Cape Eagle Owls will soon discover these nesting boxes and supply us with much joy!

Thank you Mr and Mrs Müller for the rescue:
Mountain/Leopard Tortoise/Bergskilpad (Geochelone pardalis)

This mountain tortoise was found wondering around Dana Bay Conservancy and removed from the kloof for it’s own protection.  It has been transferred to Moquini where it might have a chance of survival.  Not only are these tortoises in danger of predators such as humans and animals but they are also transported from their natural habitat by “kind” people finding them along the road.  To transport tortoises from one area to another is illegal.  These animals will NEVER be able to return to their place of origin as they might have picked up parasites or diseases that could be transferred to local wild populations.  They could also be carriers of diseases to which our local tortoises are not immune.

The mountain, or leopard (black and yellow blotched carapace), tortoise is the most widely distributed and also the biggest of the 12 species of land tortoise found in southern Africa. It is believed to take its name 'mountain' tortoise from its size (length 30-60cm, weight 8-20kg) rather than its habitat.

They mate in spring.  Males become increasingly aggressive in competing for the favours of a female; two rivals will butt each other until the loser is overturned.  The female lays 5-20 hard-shelled eggs in a hole she has dug.  Incubation varies from 8-14 months.

While travelling, motorists are asked to be aware of tortoises along the road.  Do a kind deed, stop the vehicle and lift the tortoise over the fence in the direction it is heading.  Our Angulate tortoises (Chersina angulata) and Parrot-beaked tortoises (Homopus areolatus) will soon start breeding – please DON’T SPEED in our Conservancy.