Pietersieliekloof wetland rehabilitation project – Investing in the future

Abstract

The Agulhas Plain is an area of high biological diversity. More than 1 750 plant species are found on the plain, with many being endemic. The Agulhas Plain supports one of the largest areas of lowland fynbos and renosterveld habitats in the world. A remarkably rich invertebrate fauna is also found in the area. The whole of the Agulhas Plain is considered an important bird area and is divided into three – the Overstrand, Overberg Wheatbelt and De Hoop Nature Reserve. Sixteen species of frogs have been recorded in and around Agulhas Plain, of which three are threatened. These are Amietrophrynus pantherinus (Western Leopard Toad – endangered), Microbatrachella capensis (Micro Frog – critically endangered) and Xenopus gilli (Cape platanna – endangered). Agulhas is further home to at least ten indigenous fish species, of which seven are marine and the remainder freshwater. A number of sub-catchments in the Agulhas area have been identified as Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) fish sanctuaries, fish support areas (FSAs) or catchments important for fish migration.

Authors

Categories