GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Due to the open-access nature of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP), it is enjoyed by adventure seekers and those who love the outdoors. Outdoor activities for most in the Garden Route may include dog walking.
The GRNP is not only picturesque, but also a haven for plant and animal wildlife. SANParks' mission is to develop, manage and promote a system of national parks that represent biodiversity and heritage assets, through innovation and best practice for the just and equitable benefit of current and future generations. When entering a national park, consider putting wildlife first.
Over the last year, the park has experienced an increase in people walking dogs. This was captured by trap cameras placed in the forest for research purposes.
SANParks has a code of conduct to guide people who would like to walk their dogs in the park. The onus is on those walking dogs to abide by guidelines regulating this activity. This can be done through checking signage regularly that is posted along the beach and forestry areas.
- East of the NSRI parking, up the staircase before the Wilderness Hotel
- Kleinkrantz parking area, west to 6th
- Avenue and east up to the first rocks at Gerrick's Point
- East of the parking at Myoli Beach and Cola Beach (except from 1 December to 31 January, between 09:00 and 17:00)
- Along the Vlei where there is reasonable access and no signage prohibiting dogs
- In Knysna, dogs can be walked along Leisure Isle provided they are on a leash at all times
Dog handlers are requested to adhere to all the rules and regulations of the beach area including conditions for leashing.
This is primarily to protect dogs from wild animals as dogs may become prey to predators or get attacked by other wild animals like baboons, especially in the forestry areas.
Dogs in the park may harass or kill plants and animals protected by the park. They may also disturb birds during breeding seasons.
Dogs also tend to enjoy digging up plants that may be significant indigenous plants necessary for the survival of the ecosystem.
They also spread diseases. Domestic dogs and cats may carry certain pathogens that pose a serious disease risk to wild animals.
SANParks has a guideline for visually impaired people with guide dogs or assistance dogs visiting any national park.
The entry and exit of the guide dog into/out of most national parks will be covered by a permit issued by SANParks or Veterinary Wildlife Unit.
Dogs threaten birds like the African oystercatcher and the adults and chicks become separated and nests and youngsters become vulner-able to trampling and predation by gulls, dogs and man.
Incubation of eggs is about 29 days and youngsters take about 45 days to become independent. Breeding success rate is 20-40%.
Black oystercatchers are threatened by disturbance and coastal development; the total population is less than 6 500 individuals.
They normally breed between September and April.
The breeding pairs along this beach are monitored on a regular basis and have been for nearly two decades.
For more information phone 044 302 5633 (Knysna), 044 877 0046 (Wilderness), 042 281 1607 (Tsitsikamma).
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