Wildfires threaten wildlife in South Africa's Western Cape

CAPE TOWN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Wildlife in South Africa's Western Cape is under growing threat as widespread wildfires continue to sweep across the province, prompting authorities to urge the public not to interfere with animals affected by fires.

CapeNature, the provincial conservation authority, said on Monday that the Western Cape has already authorized 38 aerial firefighting missions this season, with about 90,000 hectares burned by recent fires, with hot and dry conditions expected to persist beyond March.

More than 5,000 people have been left homeless after a blaze tore through an informal settlement on Friday in Cape Town's Dunoon, according to local authorities.

The fires have had severe consequences for wildlife across the province. Media reports said a wildfire devastated Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary near Stanford in the Western Cape, forcing the relocation of 18 predators to other facilities. Sanctuary founder Lizaene Cornwall said one elderly tiger died from smoke inhalation after being sedated during the evacuation.

However, as fires displace animals from their natural habitats, CapeNature warned that public interference may do more harm than good. "As the Western Cape continues to experience an intense and extended wildfire season, CapeNature is urging the public to act responsibly and lawfully when encountering wildlife affected by fires," it said in a statement.

The agency reminded the public that wildlife displaced or affected by fire must not be touched, captured, fed or removed. "Although animals may appear injured or disoriented, many can move away and recover without intervention," it said, warning that unauthorized handling is unlawful even when done with good intentions.

CapeNature is a government entity responsible for managing 31 nature reserve complexes across the Western Cape, covering more than 828,000 hectares, and is tasked with conserving biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness. ■