Reproduction of the caracal was studied using captive animals, field observations and gross and histological examination of male and female reproductive organs. Mating behaviour was similar to that previously reported for the felids and the mean gestation length was 79 days. The mean litter size was 2,2 for captive animals and wild killed pregnant females carried between one and three foetuses. Age at puberty for males and females was between seven and ten months, and first successful copulations occurred at between 12 and 14 months. Births occurred throughout the year with a pronounced peak in summer. Spermatogenesis was aseasonal with a reduction in reproductive activity in winter.

Burchell's redfin, Barbus burchelli is endemic to the Breede River and adjacent smaller river systems in the Cape Province. Negative human influences have led to a drastic decline in numbers of this medium-sized minnow, especially agricultural demand on the water resource and the introduction of exotic predatory fish. The breeding season is extended, from September to February, with a peak in December. The absolute fecundity of a 123 mm FL specimen was 10 678, which includes both mature and recruitment ova. Females grow larger (123 mm FL), and live longer (6 +years), than males (113 mm FL and 4 + years). 8. burchelli grow rapidly in their first year attaining a length of between 40 and 50 mm FL. Pronounced conical tubercles of sexually mature males erupt in spring, begin to show signs of wear in November and by March are worn or sloughed off. The survival of this species is dependent upon proper management of the Breede River system.

The status and distribution of the six large mammalian carnivore species known to occur in the Cape Province are presented. This is compared with their past distribution and status. Current threats to the various species are detailed. The hunting dog Lycaon pictus is extinct as a breeding species and three species are only represented by small populations in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park; lion Panthera leo, cheetah Acinonyx jubatus and the spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta. The leopard Panthera pardus is represented by small populations in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Southern and Western Cape Province. The brown hyaena Hyaena brunnea is represented by a population of some 170 individuals in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and smaller, scattered populations on privately owned land in two areas. The setting up of sanctuary areas for the leopard and the brown hyaena in suitable areas is suggested.

Following a survey of the carnivores occurring in the Cape Province, it was found that in addition to the large carnivores, two smaller species were also endangered. The serval Felis serval is now considered to be extinct as a viable species in the Province, but it is suggested that reintroductions could be successful. Populations of the spotted-necked otter Lutra maculicollis are still known to occur in the Bushman's, Buffalo and Keiskamma Rivers and in the vicinity of the headwaters of the Orange River system. However, no positive evidence was obtained to show that they occur in any system west of 26° East in the Cape Province. Other than trying to retain suitable water quality in these rivers, little can be done to improve the conservation position of this otter.