Confessions of a BCB student: My startling adventure at the Cape Point Nature Reserve

On the 23 September 2014 we went on an excursion to Cape Point, specifically Cape Point Nature Reserve. This excursion was for the Life Science 151 Practical. It was both a fantastic experience and a strenuous adventure, but I enjoyed every moment of it. The bus departed from The University of the Western Cape at 9 am and we arrived at the Cape Point Nature Reserve at about 11:15 am. During the bus trip, we formulated a group called Leopatar. Leopatar consisted of me, Demi-Leigh Martin, Kudzanayi Charidza, Carlisle Davidson, Carla Ohlson, Caryn Joy Robyn, Joshman Van Rooyen and Rowen Samuels. As a team we worked together to answer the practical worksheet and took the relevant pictures of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Upon arrival at the Cape point Nature Reserve, our first destination proceeded to the light house. Before I could view the historical building (the lighthouse), I had to walk an exhilarating half an hour before I could enjoy the scenery from the light house. This lighthouse was the first lighthouse that was completed and the completion occurred in 1859. The light is approximately 249 metres above sea level on the highest section of the peak. An image of this light house can be seen below. During the excursion, as a Biodiversity and Conservation Biology student, I was able to feast my eyes on the spectacular endemic Fynbos plant species. I also got the opportunity to experience what field work would be like in this career field and I got a chance to embrace the outdoors. Some of the animals that I saw at the Cape Point Nature Reserve were small mammals, various species of reptiles and Chacma Baboons. At the Cape Point Nature Reserve we were encouraged not to feed the Chacma Baboons as they become dangerous and aggressive once they are fed by humans and therefore have to be killed after they are fed. The second destination was the Marine Protected Areas. I learnt that the Cape Point Nature Reserve has marine protected areas which prohibit fishing and the interference of humans so that aquatic organisms and other organisms may thrive. Cape Point Nature Reserve offers the most beautiful scenery which includes the wide variety of plant life and the breathtaking mountains, cliffs, bays and or beaches. By the end of the Cape Point excursion, I had learnt about the difference between endemic and indigenous, the history of with regards to the name of Cape Point, the history of the historical lighthouse, the marine protected areas at the Cape Point Nature Reserve and the significance thereof, as well as the various species found at the Cape Point nature reserve compared to that found at the Cape Flats Nature Reserve. The Cape Point Nature Reserve Excursion gave all the first year Life science 151 students an opportunity to embrace nature and to work both autonomously and collaboratively, as young scientists, to complete the practical worksheet. I enjoyed the strenuous hike to the lighthouse and spending time with friends and other students.