Data Zone
Country/territory: South Africa
Subnational region(s): Western Cape
IBA Justification: A3, A4i (1998)
Area: 6,330 hectares (63.30 km2)
BirdLife Partner(s): BirdLife South Africa
| Conservation status of the Important Bird Area (IBA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2014 | near favourable | high | low |
Site summary
The Olifants River Estuary lies approximately 250 km northwest of Cape Town; it is one of only four perennial estuaries on the west coast of southern Africa. The catchment lies within a winter rainfall area and during winter freshwater flow is strong. Approximately 125 bird species have been recorded at the estuary and its environs; at least 60 of these are waterbirds. The Olifants River Estuary regularly supports over 15 000 waterbirds.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Olifants river estuary (South Africa). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/olifants-river-estuary-iba-south-africa on 20/01/2025.