Namaqaland Sandveld North (100876)
South Africa, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, A2, B1, B2, B3a, B4, D1a, E
Year of last assessment: 2024
National site name: Namaqaland Sandveld North
Central coordinates: Latitude: -29.5091, Longitude: 17.0920
System: terrestrial, freshwater, marine
Elevation (m): 0 to 425
Area of KBA (km2): 4201.69356
Protected area coverage (%): 1.16
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: Namaqaland Sandveld North is a large terrestrial site that is unprotected but has OECM coverage, found in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Mainly flat to slightly undulating landscape of coastal peneplain. Vegetation is low species-rich shrubland dominated by a plethora of erect and creeping succulent shrubs (Cephalophyllum, Didelta, Othonna, Ruschia, Tetragonia, Tripteris, Zygophyllum) as well as nonsucculent shrubs (Eriocephalus, Lebeckia, Pteronia, Salvia). Annual mixed with perennial flora can present spectacular displays in wet years. Includes coastal peneplain with semimobile sand plains to highly mobile, sharp, angular dune plumes usually north of the estuaries. Vegetation is dwarf shrubland dominated by erect succulent shrubs (Didelta, Othonna, Ruschia, Tetragonia, Tripteris, Zygophyllum) as well as nonsucculent shrubs (Eriocephalus, Lebeckia, Pteronia, Salvia). Spiny grasses (Cladoraphis) are a common sight on wind-blown semistable dunes, with 1-2m erect to spreading shrubs mostly with malacophyllous leaves protected from the wind between dunes. Relatively homogeneous vegetation covers fairly stable sand sheets. Depth of sand and soil crust define character of habitat types. On the active dunes, depending on the aspects of the slopes and on the phase of deflation and sedimentation, different plant communities occur.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for 4 criteria described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. Based on current available information, 45 species meet one or more KBA criteria for this site. The KBA trigger species at this site include amphibians, birds, butterflies, mammals, plants, and reptiles. The site meets criterion A1 due to the presence of significant proportions of the global populations of 11 threatened species. The site regularly holds 35 individual geographically restricted species, therefore meeting criterion B1. Assemblages of co-occurring range-restricted species in the Amphibia, Caryophyllales, Reptilia, and Saxifragales taxonomic groups regularly present within the site meet criterion B2. An aggregation of at least 1% of the global population of one species is regularly present at the site, therefore it meets criterion D1. A quantitative analysis of irreplaceability indicates that the site is 100% irreplaceable for the global persistence of 9 species, therefore meeting criterion E. The site holds significant proportions of the global extent of 3 threatened ecosystems (meeting criterion A2) and 7 geographically restricted ecosystems (meeting criterion B4).
Additional biodiversity: 80 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 regional conservation authority responsible for enforcing statutory regulations on landuse change in Critical Biodiversity Areas and threatened ecosystems.
Delineation rationale: Distinctive landscape with highly threatened coastal ecosystems and adjacent plains with sandveld vegetation, partly categorised as Critical Biodiversity Area.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Shrubland (89%), Artificial - terrestrial (8%)
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)