Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Rocherpan Nature Reserve is a nature reserve on the West Coast of Western Cape, South Africa. It borders the sea, about 25 km (16 mi) north of Velddrif[1] on the road between Velddrif and Laaiplek to Elands Bay, and is north of Dwarskersbos. The reserve occupies an area of 1,080 ha (2,700 acres).[1]

In 1839, Pierre Rocher dredged the mouth of the Papkuils River and used water drawn from the Auroraberg Mountains to make better pasture for his cattle behind the dunes.[1] In the process, he unwittingly established ideal bird habitat. During the Cape rainy season, the lagoon fills an area of 110 ha (270 acres) and is around 6 km (3.7 mi) long and up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) deep. From March to June, however, the lake is dry.[2] 183 species of birds (including 70 of waterfowl) can be found here,[2] including, among others, the great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), the African oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini), and the greater flamingo. There is also a hatching ground for the Cape shoveler(Anas smithii) From June to September, whales frequent the coast. In the spring, the veld often features the Namaqualand bloom.

The lake was declared a nature reserve in 1966.[3] Since 1988, the area 500 m (1,600 ft) from the coast has been a marine reserve. In the park are hiking trails, two bird hides, and an untouched beach.