The forests on the east coast (KZN) were over-exploited drastically, and their distribution is not necessarily the same today as it was before human intervention. The Knysna forest is the largest forest complex in Southern Africa, and covers an area of about 60,500 ha.
Where are most of South Africa’s natural forests found?
Forest Biodiversity & Biogeography
The most extensive forests are found around Knysna and Tsitsikamma. Variation in climate, topography, altitude and latitude have resulted in a diversity of forest types. The vegetation map of South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini recognises 12 forest groups divided into 26 forest types.
Where is the largest forest in Africa?
The Congo Basin is Africa’s largest contiguous forest and the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world. Covering about 695,000 square miles, this swamp-struck tropical forest covers portions of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
How many forests are in South Africa?
According to the U.N. FAO, 7.6% or about 9,241,000 ha of South Africa is forested, according to FAO.
…
South Africa Forest Information and Data.
| Total Land Area (1000 ha) | 121447 |
|---|---|
| Total Forest Area (1000 ha) | 9241 |
| Percent Forest Cover | 8 |
| Primary Forest Cover (1000 ha) | 947 |
| Primary Forest, % total forest | 10 |
Are there forests in South Africa?
In South Africa, 0.4% of the country’s landmass is covered by natural forests – around half a million hectares (ha) with a further 39 million ha covered by savannah woodland systems. … Timber plantations are by no means natural forests. However, farmed trees perform similar ecosystem services.
What is the largest biome in South Africa?
The Savanna Biome is the largest Biome in southern Africa, occupying 46% of its area, and over one- third the area of South Africa. It is well developed over the lowveld and Kalahari region of South Africa and is also the dominant vegetation in neighboring Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
What is the smallest biome in South Africa?
Forests are southern Africa’s smallest biome, and although it is the region’s largest forest complex (Acocks 1953), the remaining Knysna forest covers a mere 568 km2 (Midgley et al. 1997), and the Amatole complex, 405 km2 (Castley 2001).
What African country is losing its rainforest the fastest?
Ghana is losing its rainforest faster than any other country in the world. May 1, 2019 This article is more than 2 years old. Ghana’s rainforest is being lost at an alarming rate, according to a new report about the state of forests worldwide.
What is the largest forest on earth?
The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest. It’s home to more than 30 million people and one in ten known species on Earth.
What percentage of Africa is forest?
According to the U.N. FAO, 22.7% or about 674,419,000 ha of Africa is forested, according to FAO.
What is the name of the rainforest in South Africa?
List of Forests of South Africa
| Name of Forest | Official Name | Province |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Rainforest | State | Eastern Cape |
| Blue Lily’s Bush Forest | Reserve | Eastern Cape |
| Dlinza Forest | KwaZulu-Natal | |
| Diepwalle Forest | Western Cape |
Where in South Africa is deforestation?
GOING, GOING GONE!
Of great concern is the rate at which deforestation is occurring. Currently, 12 million hectares of forests are cleared annually – an area 1,3 times the size of KwaZulu/Natal! Almost all of this deforestation occurs in the moist forests and open woodlands of the tropics.
Does Africa have a rainforest?
Around 2 million km² of Africa is covered by tropical rainforests. They are second only in extent to those in Amazonia, which cover around 6 million km². Rainforests are home to vast numbers of species.
Why the forest biome occupy such a small area in South Africa?
Forest is the smallest biome in South Africa, covering only about 0.1% of the country (1 062 km2). Forests are found from sea level to above 2000 metres. They grow in areas with high rainfall and no frost. … Trees were harvested for timber and coastal forests were destroyed to plant sugarcane.
What animals live in the Knysna Forest?
The Animals to be found in this forested wonderland include one last surviving cow belonging to the famous Knysna elephant herd, leopard, bushpig, baboon, vervet monkey honey badger, bushbuck and blue duiker.
How old is the Knysna Forest?
The Knysna forest has been exploited for valuable timber since the 18th century, and the Amatole forests since the 20th century. Since 1939 the forests have mostly been within protected areas and are recovering well, although managed timber harvesting is allowed.