Richtersveld
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The Richtersveld National Park is situated in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, a mountainous desert landscape characterised by rugged kloofs, high mountains and dramatic landscapes. The park is full of changing scenery from flat sandy plains, to craggy sharp mountains of volcanic rock and the lushness of the Orange River, which forms the border with neighbouring Namibia.
The 162 445 ha park was proclaimed in 1991 after 18 years of negotiation between the National Park Board and the local Nama people, who continue to live and graze their livestock in the area.
Located in South Africa's northern Namaqualand, this arid area represents a harsh landscape where water is a great scarcity and only the hardiest of lifeforms survive.
A favourite amongst nature travellers to South Africa, the landscape is sometimes described as "martian". Though barren and desolate at first glance, closer examination reveals the area to be rich in desert lifeforms, with an array or unique species specially adapted for survival.
Temperatures are extreme and in summer it can reach over 50 degrees Celsius. Rain is a very very rare event.
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[edit] Climate
The climate here is harsh with temperatures of up to 53°C having been recorded in mid-summer. Nights are cool and bring with them heavy dew… This unique climate is what has fostered such a unique ecosystem.
[edit] "Malmokkies"
With water so scarce, life in the Richtersveld depends on moisture from the early morning fog. Locals call it 'Ihuries' or 'Malmokkies' and it makes survival possible for a range of small reptiles, birds and mammals.
[edit] Wildlife
The park boasts excellent bird watching opportunities, as well as a diverse range of animals including grey rhebok, duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, kudu, Hartman’s mountain zebra, baboon, velvet monkey, caracal and leopard.
[edit] Plant life
Home to an impressive 650 plant species, this park boasts the world’s largest diversity of succulents and represents a prime example of one of the most interesting mega-ecosystems in the world, the Karoo.
[edit] Odd vegetation
The area is home to a number of rather unusual plants, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Chief among these is the "Halfmensboom" (Pachypodium namaquanum Welw.). Literally translated, this means "half-person tree" and the name comes from the tree's resemblance to the human form; its top consists of a grouping of thick, crinkled leaves, which can make it look almost like a human head.
These trees are revered by the indigenous Nama people as the embodiment of their ancestors, half human, half plant, mourning for their ancient Namibian home.
Also found here are gnarled quiver trees, tall aloes and a variety of other succulents.
[edit] Indigenous inhabitants
The area is inhabited by small groups of indigenous Nama people, and they manage the park in conjunction with the South African National Parks authority. A limited number of small groups are admitted to the park to preserve the delicate ecosystem.
Getting around is difficult and an all-wheel drive vehicle is required.
[edit] See also
