The diversity of topography, climate, geology and people in South Africa presents a wide variety of natural and cultural resources. It is notably considered one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world due to its species diversity, rate of endemism and diverse ecosystems.
Is South Africa rich in biodiversity?
South Africa is a region of high biodiversity in the terrestrial and marine realms. The country is ranked sixth out of the world’s seventeen megadiverse countries, and is rated among the top 10 for plant species diversity and third for marine endemism.
Why does Africa have so much biodiversity?
Eight of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots are in Africa. 7. Africa has rich and varied biological resources forming the continent’s natural wealth on which its social and economic systems are based.
What is the main ecosystem in South Africa?
From mountain highlands to forests to savannas to the sub-Antarctic tundra on Prince Edward Island, South Africa is a truly diverse place. It is bordered by six countries and by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
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Ecological Regions Of South Africa.
| Ecological Regions Of South Africa (as per World Wide Fund for Nature) | Biome |
|---|---|
| Kalahari | Zambezian Freshwater |
Why is having a rich biodiversity a good thing?
Biodiversity is important to humans for many reasons. … Ecological life support— biodiversity provides functioning ecosystems that supply oxygen, clean air and water, pollination of plants, pest control, wastewater treatment and many ecosystem services.
Why is South African biodiversity so important?
In addition to its own intrinsic value, South Africa’s biodiversity provides an important basis for economic growth and development. … Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems provide us with essential services – pollination of crops, a regular supply of clean water, and prevention of flooding and soil erosion.
What is the biodiversity of Africa?
Africa is immensely rich in biodiversity. Its living organisms comprise around a quarter of global biodiversity and it supports the earth’s largest intact assemblages of large mammals, which roam freely in many countries.
Is Africa protected?
Africa, as a whole, has made significant strides over the past ten years towards increasing the amount of protected terrestrial areas. While there are inevitable challenges and setbacks, African countries are guardians to some of the earth’s most vital ecoregions.
How Africa is affected by climate change?
Increases in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns also significantly affect population health across Africa. Warmer temperatures and higher rainfall increase habitat suitability for biting insects and the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever.
What continent has the most biodiversity?
America is the continent that has the most countries rich in biodiversity: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela and the United States. For its part, in Asia, the countries with the greatest bio-diversity are China, Indonesia, India, Philippines and Malaysia.
What are the 3 major ecosystems found in Africa?
Africa has five main kinds of ecosystems: coastal environments, deserts and semideserts, mountain environments, savanna grasslands, and forests. Each ecosystem has its typical environment and climate, and the people who live there have adapted to its conditions and learned to use its resources.
How many ecosystems does South Africa have?
Terrestrial biodiversity can be divided into nine biomes, rivers into 31 different river ecoregions, and estuaries and coastal marine habitats into three biogeographical zones around the coast (subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate).
What is the biggest ecosystem in Africa?
One of the six most significant concentrations of plants in the world is the Cape Floristic Region in South Africa. Savannahs, the richest grasslands in the world, are the most extensive ecosystem in Africa.
What are major threats to biodiversity?
Five main threats to biodiversity are commonly recognized in the programmes of work of the Convention: invasive alien species, climate change, nutrient loading and pollution, habitat change, and overexploitation.
What is biodiversity Why is it important for human life?
Biodiversity is important to humans for ecological life support, biodiversity gives a functioning ecosystem that provides oxygen, clear air and water, plant pollutions, pest control, wastewater treatment and lots of ecosystem services. Note: Species are found 3 million to 100 million on earth.
How does biodiversity affect human health?
Biodiversity supports human and societal needs, including food and nutrition security, energy, development of medicines and pharmaceuticals and freshwater, which together underpin good health. It also supports economic opportunities, and leisure activities that contribute to overall wellbeing.