Albany thickets
Albany thickets | |
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Ecology | |
Realm | Afrotropical |
Biome | Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub |
Borders | List
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Geography | |
Area | 17,100 km2 (6,600 sq mi) |
Countries | South Africa |
Conservation | |
Conservation status | Critical/endangered |
The Albany thickets is an ecoregion of dense woodland in southern South Africa, which is concentrated around the Albany region of the Eastern Cape (whence the region's name originates).
Geography
The thickets grow on well-drained sandy soils in the wide valleys of the Great Fish, Sundays and Gamtoos River in the Eastern Cape and, extending further northwest, in the valleys of the Cape Fold Belt. Thicket is vulnerable to fire and to grazing so has always been restricted to valley areas where these are less of a threat than on open plains.[1]
Climate
The climate is dry, especially as one proceeds inland, but the shady valleys are cooler than the surrounding terrain which is hot in summer, cold in winter and receives irregular rainfall.
Flora
The thickets contain many endemic plants, in particular
Fauna
Birds in this area include
Threats and preservation
A large part of the region has been converted for agriculture or reduced by grazing, especially by goats. This is a continuous threat especially in the river valleys near the coast, which are also vulnerable to clearance for urban areas and tourist resorts. Protected areas include Addo Elephant National Park near
See also
- Cape Floristic Region – Smallest of the six recognised floral kingdoms of the world
References
- ^ "Albany thickets". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund.
External links
- "Albany thickets (World Wildlife Fund)". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund.
Central | |
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East | |
North | |
South | |
West | |
Macro-regions |
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