| Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
  Map ofCape Town | |
| Location | Cape Town,South Africa |
| Nearest city | Observatory |
| Coordinates | 33°56′07″S18°28′48″E / 33.9353°S 18.4799°E /-33.9353; 18.4799[1] |
| Area | 10 ha (25 acres) |
| www | |
Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary is a 10-hectare (25-acre) protected area inCape Town, located on theLiesbeek river near the suburb ofObservatory.
The sanctuary consists of a section of theLiesbeek River, with parkland, trees, lawn and picnic sites. It is an important breeding site for a variety ofwater 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 itsbiodiversity. The river itself is polluted, but is being rehabilitated for recreational activities.[2]
The area is intended to form part of theTwo Rivers Urban Park (TRUP), which will include many surrounding areas to form a large, integrated natural area inCape Town. It will centre on the meeting point of the Liesbeek and Black River and will include several Provincial Heritage Sites, such as:
