Know Your Nature #9 - Namaqualand 🦭
Exploring South Africa's National Parks
Home to the largest variety of succulents and wildflowers in Southern Africa, Namaqua National Park is iconic and often unexplored. Situated within the Succulent Karoo biome, here you will find wildlife such as springbok and eland alongside South Africa's west coast beaches. Recognized as one of 34 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots, and one of the world’s few arid hotspots, this is a less travelled part of the country.
Hello and welcome to the ninth episode of Know Your Nature! A free ReWild Africa newsletter released exploring the National Parks of South Africa (and beyond). Know Your Nature aims to showcase off-the-beaten-track parts of Africa, and to encourage the support of our natural heritage #PreservationBeforeRestoration
Nama Khoi people's land - Namaqua National Park 🦭
Namaqualand (Khoekhoe: "Nama-Kwa" meaning Nama Khoi people's land) is one of the latest editions to the ever-growing South African National Parks. The number of species in the region is particularly high (6,356) by comparison with other arid regions of the world with many endemics (40%) and Red data listed (17%) species. The Succulent Karoo biome is also characterised by a unique and dynamic dune system in the coastal areas. The positioning of the park within this biome region offers a unique opportunity to conserve these exceptional ecological systems and processes. It also protects one of the largest colonies of the endemic Cape fur Seals.
Forming part of the Daisy Route, the Cape wildflowers draw thousands of visitors a year to the semi-desert of the Namaqualand, annually blooming just after the first winter rains (spring flowers from August and September). This is when the desert comes to life and the Karoo and Kalahari’s dry grey scrub bursts with colour! Watch on to learn more
🦏 What is the difference between Genetic, Species and Ecosystem Diversity?
🧬Genetic Diversity is explained as the number of different genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. It is genetic diversity that allows for differences within and between species.
🐕 Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a specific region. The number of species in a region is a measure for such diversity. The richness of species in a given region provides a yardstick for species diversity. Species diversity depends as much on genetic diversity as on environmental condition.
🌍 Ecosystem Diversity refers to the variations between biological communities and the importance of ecosystems in maintaining biodiversity. An ecosystem is defined as a “biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment” and can exist on several scales.
Ecosystems are therefore important as they are the interactions of many different species with their environment, all interdependent on one another to survive. Ecosystems also facilitate the movement of energy, filtrate the air and act as climate stabiliser.
🐾 Namaqualand an ecological hotspot
There are currently 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots. These are Earth’s most biologically rich, yet threatened, terrestrial regions. Conservation International explain that to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, an area must meet two strict criteria:
Contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants found nowhere else on Earth (known as "endemic" species).
Have lost at least 70% of its primary native vegetation.
The richer the biodiversity the quicker the earth can recover from disasters and feed a growing population. Therefore preserving and maintaining biodiversity hotspots around the world is critical for human survival and is core to ReWiId Africa's mission and mandate. Namaqualand is part of The Succulent Karoo has approximately 6,356 plant species, 40% (2,542) are endemic. Take some time to experience these incredible plants, and start where you are to better know your nature.
We highly recommend adding this park to your bucket list!
A big thank you to Drive South Africa, SAN Parks and SA Tourism for making this project a reality.
If this has moved you - please consider supporting the park and/or sharing this article with a loved one.
Watch on and wild regards,
Elvi the Elephant
