Bushmanland Inselbergs (100738)
South Africa, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, B1, B2, B4, E
Year of last assessment: 2024
National site name: Bushmanland Inselbergs
Central coordinates: Latitude: -29.4929, Longitude: 18.2319
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 564 to 1125
Area of KBA (km2): 2561.52095
Protected area coverage (%): 9.62
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: Bushmanland Inselbergs is a large terrestrial site that has limited protection, found in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Most of the landscape is composed of extensive to 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. Shrubland with both succulent as well as nonsucculent elements and with sparse grassy undergrowth on steep slopes of the inselbergs. On the surrounding plains, but also low koppies and hills dominated by shrubland vegetation, low succulent shrub-dominated vegetation on loamy colluvial and rocky soil, and grass-dominated vegetation on sandy soil accumulations in valleys. Within this matrix are gravel plains of various types supporting vegetation characterised by the dominance of dwarf leaf-succulents (Aizoaceae and Crassulaceae) generally restricted to these types of habitats. The shrub component of the vegetation is phenologically adjusted to a winter-rainfall growth pattern, but the C4 grass component of the vegetation responds well to the late summer-rainfall events. After rainy winters rich displays of ephemeral spring flora (Grielum humifusum, Gazania lichtensteinii) can occur.
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, 17 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 3 Critically Endangered species are within the site. The site regularly holds 7 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. A quantitative analysis of irreplaceability indicates that the site is 100% irreplaceable for the global persistence of 2 species, therefore meeting criterion E. The site holds a significant proportion of the global extent of 1 geographically restricted ecosystem (meeting criterion B4).
Additional biodiversity: 46 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.
Delineation rationale: Delineation was guided by distinctive arid ecosystem types in an inselberg landscape, with protected area and partly categorised as Critical Biodiversity Area, and falling mostly within a single Local Municipality.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Shrubland (100%)
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Ongoing | |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | 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)