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Umdloti Wildlife & Conservation
A river mouth, rocky shore, tidal pools, coastal bush and the open sea, all within a short walk. Umdloti is one of the best small places on the coast to see wildlife.
Species with confirmed (research grade) sightings within about 6 km of Umdloti on iNaturalist, the citizen science app.
Animals to look out for
A few of the species people have recorded around Umdloti, and where you're most likely to find them.
Five habitats in one place
Beach & surf
African oystercatchers, white-fronted plovers and crested terns work the shore. Humpback whales pass from about June to November, and turtles are seen offshore.
Rocky shore & tidal pool
Rock pools and the big tidal pool hold seabream, moray eels and anemones. Look but don’t take.
The Mdloti estuary
Where the river meets the sea, herons, egrets, cormorants and kingfishers feed, and otters hunt at dawn and dusk.
Coastal bush & dunes
Dune forest shelters bushbuck, blue and red duiker, crested guineafowl and chameleons.
Gardens & grassland
Skinks, agamas, weavers and bishops are everywhere, with reed frogs calling after summer rain.
Threatened species recorded here
Species on this checklist that carry a conservation status. Every sighting helps scientists track them.
The full checklist
Every species recorded around Umdloti, with the number of confirmed sightings. Search by name or pick a group.
How you can help
Small things make a real difference on a stretch of coast this busy with life.
- Keep dogs on a lead on the beach. Oystercatchers and plovers nest on open sand, and chicks hide instead of running.
- Look, don’t take, in the rock pools. Leave shells and animals where they are and turn rocks back the way you found them.
- Stay off the dunes. Dune plants hold the coast together and shelter duiker, skinks and chameleons.
- Don’t feed monkeys or other animals. Fed animals become bold and are often hurt or removed.
- Fish within the rules. Carry a valid recreational fishing permit and keep to bag and size limits.
- Take your litter and fishing line home. Line, hooks and plastic tangle birds, otters and turtles.
- Give snakes space. Most are harmless, but green mambas are recorded here. Step back and call a local snake catcher.
- Share your sightings. Photograph wildlife and upload it to iNaturalist. Your records help build this list.