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If ever there was a unique region of biodiversity and endemism, the Succulent Karoo would surely have to rank as one of the top destinations. Stretching from southern Namibia into South Africa’s western half, this area hosts an abundance of plants and even animals found nowhere else. Consequently, this region boasts the richest succulent plant collection in the world, and has attained the status of a biodiversity hotspot.

Driving through this region one could be forgiven for not noticing the minute fleshy plants scattered about the open plains and low hills, each one cleverly designed to withstand water loss in the extreme summer temperatures of the Great Karoo.

Once a vast shallow lake or ocean, it is not altogether uncommon to find the shell impression of an ancient water-dwelling creature on a sedimentary rock whilst walking through this region, home to one third of the worlds’ 10 000 succulent plant species. And I am always amazed at the way it holds this quiet secret when travellers move through here unknowingly missing out on the tiny treasures scattered among the stones and rocks.

Among the most commonly seen succulents would surely be from the Mesembryanthemum (vygie) and Crassula groups. Dwarf shrubland dominated by leaf succulents is found throughout the hotspot. These drought-adapted plants have thick, fleshy leaves or stems for water storage. In the Succulent Karoo, there are about 1,700 species of leaf succulents, and this dominance is unique among the world’s deserts. The recent and explosive diversification of the Mesembryanthemaceae, the largest group, has been described as an event unrivaled among flowering plants. Stem succulents are also found here (around 140 species), as are seasonal bulbs and annuals that display magnificent spring blooms in the open spaces between the shrubs, particularly during the spring in the Namaqualand. Hilly areas in the southern Karoo are dotted with evergreen shrubs and tall aloes.

It’s a vast region of extremes, and a low quality soil. As such, not much agriculture occurs, and the farming which is still here (ostrich, springbok) is mostly assisted by bringing feed in.  Mining activity continues to encroach on sensitive areas, bringing the associated expansion of communal lands.

It is estimated that the original eco-region covered an area of about 102,691Km², but that only 29,780Km² remains, of which only 10% is actually under conservation. So there is naturally quite an interest to expand this protection to incorporate more of the region, thus bringing under protection greater quantities of endemic plants and animals (currently there are 2,439 endemic plant species).

An initiative started in 2009, called the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme (SKEP) has brought together various interested parties and government agencies to:

1. Secure land in priority areas
2. Expand the SKEP partnership
3. Link livelihoods and biodiversity
4. Build local government capacity
5. Enhance the role of science in SKEP
6. Look into Climate change and renewable energy
7. Involve the mining sector
8. Raise awareness

If you pass through the town of Beaufort West try stopping by the Karoo National Park for an opportunity to spot some very rare animals associated with this region. The critically endangered Riverine Rabbit and the (believe it or not) Quagga or Zebra, which was last seen in a zoo exhibition in Amsterdam in 1883. The Quagga was  genetically recreated from genetic code present in tissue samples taken from a mounted specimen in a museum exhibit. Quite impressive really.

From Beaufort West you can try heading north west into the Namaqualand where more of this remarkable landscape will reveal itself (read my article on Namaqualand Wild Flowers for more info).