Cape Floral Region - South Africa

Area: 5,530 km² (serial site)

Inscribed: 2004.

Criteria: (ix) ecological processes (x) biodiversity

Values:The Cape Floral Region has been called the world's hottest hot-spot for plant diversity and endemism. Its flora is so diverse and unique that it warrants classification as one the world's six principal floristic regions. In less than 0.38% of the area of Africa it has nearly 20% of the continent's flora and five of its twelve endemic families. Although the entire floral region is only 90,000 km² in extent, it is home to 8,996 plant species and 988 genera, with 32% of its species found nowhere else in the world. The world heritage site comprises an ‘archipelago' of eight protected areas encompassing as much as possible of this floristic diversity and the range of ecological conditions, soil types, rainfall regimes, and elevation found in the region.  It stretches from the Cederberg to the Cape of Good Hope and includes the Boland Mountains, De Hoop Nature Reserve, the Swartberg mountains and eastwards to Baviaanskloof.

Slideshow of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas/world heritage site.  

Impressions (based on visits made in March, April and September 2005):  The site is well protected and managed, but there is need to sustain efforts to eradicate invasive exotic vegetation in many of the eight reserves. Despite the outstanding biological significance of the site, visitor interest is limited and mostly restricted to Table Mountain, Cape Point and other areas within the Cape Peninsula National Park. The water catchment value of most of the reserves provides a strong incentive and economic justification for preserving them and there are few alternative land use pressures.

MAPS & SATELLITE IMAGES:  A portfolio of maps and Google Earth satellite images is available for download by clicking here.  The maps show the extent of the Cape floral Region and the distribution of the 13 clusters of protected areas across the area. Maps are provided showing the boundary details within each complex following the 2015 extension.  The satellite images provide some informative perspectives on the area, showing the spectacular mountain landscapes and the diversity of habitats within the world heritage site.

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Links:  Google Earth | UNEP-WCMC Site Description | Official UNESCO Site Details | OurPlace Photos |Management Authorities:  SA National Parks | Cape Nature | Birdlife IBA