Baviaanskloof (100714)
South Africa, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1b, A2, B1, B2, B3a, B3b, B4, E
Year of last assessment: 2024
National site name: Baviaanskloof
Central coordinates: Latitude: -33.6273, Longitude: 24.1011
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 139 to 1484
Area of KBA (km2): 2609.92815
Protected area coverage (%): 80.25
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: Baviaanskloof is a large terrestrial site with substantial protection, found in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The site is characterised by long, rounded mountain chains with moderately steep to gentle slopes. The high-altitude slopes support communities dominated by low fynbos. As is typical for this fynbos, the intermediate slopes support three strata, with Proteaceae shrubs forming the dominant tall shrub stratum. The other dominant vegetation includes low shrubland with sparse, emergent tall shrubs and dominated by grasses in the undergrowth, or grassland with scattered ericoid shrubs. The lower dry slopes, where leaching is less severe and nutrient levels are higher, support a higher grassy cover. In the lower valleys occur low (2-3m) succulent thicket, typically dense with a closed canopy and emergent trees. Succulent shrubs are abundant, while the grass component is typically poorly developed.
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, 41 species meet one or more KBA criteria for this site. The KBA trigger species at this site include amphibians, birds, butterflies, fish, plants, and reptiles. The site meets criterion A1 due to the presence of significant proportions of the global populations of 7 threatened species. The site regularly holds 27 individual geographically restricted species, therefore meeting criterion B1. Assemblages of co-occurring range-restricted species in the Asterales, Proteales, and Reptilia taxonomic groups regularly present within the site meet criterion B2. Co-occurring species endemic to the Fynbos terrestrial bioregion present at the site meet criterion B3. A quantitative analysis of irreplaceability indicates that the site is 100% irreplaceable for the global persistence of 11 species, therefore meeting criterion E. The site holds significant proportions of the global extent of 1 threatened ecosystem (meeting criterion A2) and 5 geographically restricted ecosystems (meeting criterion B4).
Additional biodiversity: 91 other potential trigger species meet minimum population parameter thresholds for the site, but presence and/or minimum reproductive units required to meet KBA criteria cannot be confirmed with available data.
Manageability of the site: This site is managed primarily by a protected area management authority, with part of the site managed by a regional conservation authority responsible for enforcing statutory regulations on landuse change in Critical Biodiversity Areas and threatened ecosystems.
Supersedes another site: Kouga - Baviaanskloof Complex ZA072 [82%]
Delineation rationale: The site is managed as part of a landscape initiative, which primarily guided delineation. Also considered were a previously recognised Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, and a co-managed World Heritage and Protected Environment complex.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Shrubland (99%)
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Ongoing | |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Scale Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Wood & pulp plantations | Scale Unknown/Unrecorded | 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)