Terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity

Abstract

Southern Africa has a rich diversity of plants and animals and its high levels of endemism are critical to cultural heritage and support livelihoods and economic development (e.g. ecotourism). Six of the 34 internationally identified biodiversity `hotspots¿ are located in southern Africa, namely the Cape Floristic Region, Succulent Karoo, Maputaland-Pondoland- Albany, Eastern Afromontane, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands, and Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa. These `hotspots¿ contain high concentrations of endemic plant and animal species, but these mainly occur in areas that are most threatened by human activity. Changes in climate, combined with land-use change and the spread of invasive species, are likely to limit the resilience of the terrestrial ecosystems of southern Africa and contribute to biodiversity loss.