'Public Shows of Reflection' Brings Attention to Caracal Road Killings in CPT
If you've been on the roads along Kloof Nek and Glencairn at night lately, you might have noticed something a bit different - a little brighter than usual. You might have even noticed it was a luminous Caracal - the largest (remaining) indigenous carnivore on the Cape Peninsula. Public Shows of Reflection has teamed up with Urban Caracal Project to shed light on road killings these animals suffer due to speeding cars in the area. The beautiful bright artworks act as a gentle and inspiring reminder for people to slow down when driving.
“These reflective works are part art installation and part memorial for Cape Town Caracals that have been hit by cars. Set up in caracal road-crossing hotspots, the works literally “highlight” the principal cause of death for these charismatic animals – being hit by vehicles." Said Bryan Little, Founder. See the 7 spots for the artworks below.
“I created the artworks with the guidance of Gabi Leighton and Jacqueline Bishop from the Urban Caracal Project and the Institute for Communities and Wildlife at the University of Cape Town around where to place them for maximum effectiveness regarding the communication about these 7 roadkill hotspots they have pinpointed in their research." The hope is that when drivers see these magical glowing Caracals, they will not only slow down and keep the roads safer but also appreciate how fortunate we are to live in an area where we coexist with such incredible wildlife.”
If these bright artworks seem familiar, it's because Public Shows of Reflection has been bringing attention to Cape Town's wildlife for a minute now. You might have seen their Frogs, Cape Galaxias fish, Red Disa flowers, Chameleons, and Butterflies and more in the past. See some more of their creations below and follow them @PublicShowsofReflection.
Information and images from CapeTownETC, Public Shows of Reflection and Urban Caracal Project