Aggenys - Pella - Pofadder (100702)
South Africa, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, B1, B2, B3b, B4, E
Year of last assessment: 2024
National site name: Aggenys - Pella - Pofadder
Central coordinates: Latitude: -29.0989, Longitude: 19.0315
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 232 to 1130
Area of KBA (km2): 3597.38202
Protected area coverage (%): 6.61
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: Aggenys - Pella - Pofadder is a large terrestrial site with limited protection, found in the Northern Cape of South Africa. Extensive plains on a plateau with sparsely vegetated by grassland (dominated by Stipagrostis species) gives most of the vegetation the character of semidesert steppe. In places low shrubs of Salsola occur. In years of abundant rainfall rich displays of annual herbs can be expected. In parts of the landscape there are hills and mountains, mostly with bare rock outcrops and covered with very sparse shrubby vegetation in crevices. Habitats are mainly controlled by topography, aspect, local climate and lithology.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for 3 criteria described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. Based on current available information, 21 species meet one or more KBA criteria for this site. The KBA trigger species at this site include birds and plants. The site meets criterion A1 due to the presence of significant proportions of the global populations of 10 threatened species. Effectively the entire global populations of 2 Critically Endangered species are within the site. The site regularly holds 10 individual geographically restricted species, therefore meeting criterion B1. An assemblage of co-occurring range-restricted species in the Caryophyllales taxonomic group regularly present within the site meets criterion B2. Co-occurring bird species endemic to the Namib Karoo drylands terrestrial bioregion present at the site meet criterion B3. A quantitative analysis of irreplaceability indicate that the site is 100% irreplaceable for the global persistence of 6 species, therefore meeting criterion E. The site holds a significant proportion of the global extent of 1 geographically restricted ecosystem (meeting criterion B4).
Manageability of the site: The site is managed primarily by a regional conservation authority responsible for enforcing statutory regulations on landuse change in Critical Biodiversity Areas and Threatened Ecosystems, with part of the site managed by a protected area management authority.
Supersedes another site: Haramoep and Black Mountain Mine ZA026 [32%]; Mattheus-Gat Conservation Area ZA025 [19%]
Delineation rationale: Delineation was guided by protected area boundaries, a well as an expanded section of previously recognised Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas. Several Critical Biodiversity Areas identified in a provincial conservation plan are included. Delineation excluded large existing mining sites between inselbergs.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Shrubland (68%), Desert (30%)
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Ongoing | |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Scale Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Gavin Masterson (Fathom Data), Warrick Stewart (Resilience Environmental Advice), Anisha Dayaram (South African National Biodiversity Institute), Maphale Monyeki (South African National Biodiversity Institute), Sediqa Khatieb (South African National Biodiversity Institute), Craig Hilton-Taylor (IUCN)