SANParks, in partnership with the SANParks Honorary Rangers – Table Mountain Region, has planted 1 000 Tetragonia decumbens shrubs at the Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town as part of an ongoing habitat rehabilitation initiative.

The seeds were collected from Boulders and germinated at the Cape of Good Hope Nursery before being replanted at the colony.

Commonly known as dune spinach or sea spinach, Tetragonia decumbens is an indigenous coastal shrub found along South Africa’s coastline.

Habitat rehabilitation

Beyond its edible leaves, the species plays a vital ecological role in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems.

The planting project is aimed at restoring and stabilising the colony’s natural habitat.

The shrub help bind and strengthen sand dunes, reducing erosion and creating favourable conditions for the growth of other indigenous plant species.

Conservation efforts

These efforts contribute to a healthier, more resilient environment that supports African penguins and other coastal wildlife.

The initiative underscores SANParks’ continued commitment to biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and the long-term protection of one of South Africa’s most significant African penguin breeding sites.

Boulders Beach, situated within Table Mountain National Park, is internationally recognised as a critical conservation area for the critically endangered African penguin.

It is also one of South Africa’s most iconic natural attractions, drawing visitors from around the world while serving as an important refuge for the species.

Colony growth

Through collaborative conservation efforts such as this, SANParks continues to strengthen and preserve habitats that are essential for the survival and recovery of South Africa’s unique biodiversity.

Last month, SANParks reported that African penguin numbers at the Boulders colony have shown encouraging growth, according to the latest 2026 annual census conducted in June.

This year’s survey recorded 790 breeding pairs, an increase of 92 pairs from the 698 counted last year.

A collaborative team comprising SANParks, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the City of Cape Town, Cumic Rangers, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob), and dedicated volunteers conducted the annual survey.

Sanccob supports 10 Penguin and Seabird Rangers across five vital seabird colonies, including Simon’s Town, Robben Island, Stony Point, Dassen Island, and Bird Island in Algoa Bay.

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