Landscape West Animals

Hidden away in the crystal-clear headwater streams of the Cederberg mountains lies one of the best-kept secrets of western landscape, a freshwater fish community like no other. 

The Olifants-Doring River system is a national hotspot for fish endemism and should you brave the cold water for some snorkeling in the Rondegat River at Algeria camp site, you will catch a glimpse of two species of redfin minnows, yellowfish and even some rare rock catlets.

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Animals

Terrestrial fauna, both big and small, are also abundant in this region. The iconic Cape Leopard is the undisputed king of the region. Often facing persecution outside of protected areas, the Cederberg Wilderness area and associated protected areas provide a safe haven for these shy and mainly nocturnal animals. Smaller animals of conservation concern in the area include the Endangered van Zyl’s Golden Mole, a species so cryptic and rare that only four specimens have even been collected. Originally only known from near Lambert’s Bay, a second population was recently discovered near Groenriviermond along the Namaqualand coast. The landscape is home to the speckled padloper tortoise, also listed as Endangered. 

The region is also a birder’s paradise, with large numbers of waterbirds congregating at wetlands of the region such as Rocherpan and the Berg and Olifants River estuaries. Dassen Island represents only of only two breeding colonies in South Africa of the Endangered great while pelican. Closer to Cape Town, the Critically Endangered Table Mountain Ghost frog inhabits perennial streams in the Afromontane forested gorges and valleys on the eastern side of Table mountain.

Related Reserves

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Anysberg Nature Reserve

Anysberg Nature Reserve is located in the semi-arid Klein Karoo, between the towns of Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu. The reserve, officially proclaimed in 1990, encompasses 79 629 hectares of plains and the majestic Cape Fold Mountains, with deep valleys and steep gorges.

Robberg Nature Reserve copyright Scott N Ramsay 5
Robberg Nature Reserve

Robberg, situated 8km south of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, is not only a nature reserve, but also a World Heritage Site. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland.