Data Zone
Country/territory: South Africa
IBA criteria met: A3, A4i (1998)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 6,330 hectares (63.30 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2014 | moderate | high | low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
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 (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Olifants river estuary (South Africa). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/olifants-river-estuary-iba-south-africa on 23/12/2024.