Cape Floristic Region
The Cape floristic region is one of the six floral kingdoms in the world. This biodiversity hotspot in the Western Cape, known as “the hottest hotspot”, has the highest concentration of plant species in the world. It contains an estimated 9 500 species, of which 70% do not grow anywhere else in the world. Only 9% of the biome is formally protected.
The region also has diverse animal species, including the rare and endangered Geometric Tortoise and Table Mountain Ghost Frog.
Population growth in the Western Cape continues to threaten the long-term integrity of the Cape floral region. To ensure the hotspot remains protected, CapeNature is involved in various activities, including preventing fires, managing invasive species, and ensuring responsible tourism and appropriate urban development.
In 2004, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declared the Cape floral region as a world heritage site.
UNESCO