Bushmanland Interior (100721)
South Africa, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1b, A1c, B1, B4, E
Year of last assessment: 2024
National site name: Bushmanland Interior
Central coordinates: Latitude: -30.2119, Longitude: 19.4554
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 592 to 1082
Area of KBA (km2): 19373.7284
Protected area coverage (%): 0.62
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: Bushmanland Interior is a very large terrestrial site that is unprotected, found in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Slightly irregular plains with dwarf shrubland dominated by a mixture of low sturdy and spiny (and sometimes also succulent) shrubs (Rhigozum, Salsola, Pentzia, Eriocephalus), white grasses (Stipagrostis) and in years of high rainfall also by abundant annuals such as species of Gazania and Leysera. In a smaller portion there are irregular plains on a slightly sloping plateau sparsely vegetated by grassland dominated by white grasses (Stipagrostis species) giving this vegetation type the character of semidesert steppe. In places low shrubs of Salsola change the vegetation structure. In years of abundant rainfall rich displays of annual herbs can be expected. There are also small patches of dwarf Karoo shrubland with nearly equal proportions of succulent elements and low microphyllous karroid shrubs, particularly of the family Asteraceae. Rich displays of spring annuals and geophytes.
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, 5 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 5 threatened species. The site regularly holds 2 individual geographically restricted species, therefore meeting criterion B1. A quantitative analysis of irreplaceability indicate that the site is 100% irreplaceable for the global persistence of 1 species, therefore meeting criterion E. The site holds significant proportions of the global extent of 3 geographically restricted ecosystems (meeting criterion B4).
Additional biodiversity: 48 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 private landholders invovled in extensive small livestock and game farming activities.
Supersedes another site: Bitterputs Conservation Area ZA027 [3%]; Haramoep and Black Mountain Mine ZA026 [0%]
Delineation rationale: Delineation includes most important habitat for local endemic bird species within a distinctive arid landscape with homogenous land use (extensive small live stock and game ranches).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Shrubland (99%)
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Scale Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Ongoing | |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | 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)