A biome is like a big neighborhood for nature, each with its own unique climate, plants, and animals. It’s a community of living things that have adapted to their surroundings and local weather. Biomes can stretch across different continents and include several ecosystems within them. Examples of biomes include Forest, Savanna, and Grasslands.

Representing 20% of the Earth’s land mass, the continent of Africa is home to 25% of the world’s biodiversity, with South Africa having nine terrestrial biomes. Each biome has plant and animal species that are best adapted to its conditions, and some species are even endemic to certain areas—meaning you will not find them anywhere else.

South Africa, comprising only 2% of the global landmass, is the third most biodiverse country in the world. It boasts three of the world’s 35 identified biodiversity hotspots, home to 25% of global octopus, squid, and cuttlefish species; 16% of global shark, skate, and ray species; 15% of global inshore marine species; 10% of the world’s coral species; 7% of global bird species; 5% of global mammal species; 4% of global reptile species; and 2% of global amphibian species.

Ranked 10th globally for the number of different plant species, South Africa is home to more than 5,000 species found nowhere else. It also boasts the world’s richest flora in succulent plants, with a third of the world’s 10,000 succulent species. The Cape Floristic Region is particularly notable as the richest of the six plant kingdoms worldwide.

Below is an overview of each of South Africa’s nine terrestrial biomes:

Savanna Biome
South Africa’s Savanna biome is the largest biome in the country, covering about 34.3% of the land. This vast region is characterized by a mix of grasslands and scattered trees, creating an open canopy that allows sunlight to reach the ground, fostering rich and diverse undergrowth. The vegetation is typically dominated by species such as acacia, marula, and baobab trees. The Savanna biome is also home to some of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife, with flagship species including the African Wild Dog, Southern Ground Hornbill, and the Southern White Rhino.

Forest Biome
The Forest Biome is the smallest biome in South Africa, covering just about 0.1% of the country. These forests thrive in high-altitude areas with high rainfall and no frost. The forests are characterized by trees forming a closed canopy with multiple layers of plants beneath. The most famous and largest forests in South Africa are the Knysna and Tsitsikamma Forests in the Southern Cape. These forests boast an array of plant species, including yellowwood, stinkwood, and ironwood trees, along with climbers, epiphytes, mosses, and ferns. The fauna includes bushpig, bushbuck, monkeys, Knysna turacos, pigeons, and eagles.

Grassland Biome
The Grassland Biome is the second largest in South Africa, covering 28.4% of the country, predominantly in regions that experience frost in winter. Grasslands burn regularly, often every year, but the plants are well-adapted to survive these fires. This biome hosts nearly 3,800 recorded plant species, with fewer trees due to frequent fires. Instead, it is dominated by grasses, geophytes, and other small flowering plants. Flagship species include the Blue Crane, Blue Swallow, and Black Wildebeest.

Fynbos Biome
The Fynbos Biome covers about 6.7% of South Africa but boasts the highest number of plant species of any biome in the country, with around 7,500 species. Most of the Fynbos is found along the coast and in the Cape Fold Mountains, stretching from Nieuwoudtville in the northwest to Nelson Mandela Bay in the east. This region experiences cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The Fynbos Biome consists of two main types of vegetation: Fynbos, which grows on poor soil and is incredibly rich in plant diversity, and Renosterveld, which grows on richer soil and can support more animal life. Fynbos plants include proteas, ericas, and restios, along with many other groups like geophytes. This biome is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the six floral kingdoms in the world.

Nama Karoo Biome
The Nama Karoo Biome is the third largest in South Africa, covering about 20.5% of the country. It stretches across the vast central plateau of the western half of the country. This semi-desert biome receives minimal rainfall during the summer, ranging from about 200 mm per year in the west to 400 mm per year in the northeast. Summers are very hot, while winters are extremely cold with frequent frost. The vegetation primarily consists of low shrubs and grasses, many of which are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the dry season. Common animals in the Nama Karoo include the bat-eared fox, ostrich, spring hare, tortoises, brown locust, and the riverine rabbit, a threatened species unique to this biome.

Succulent Karoo Biome
The Succulent Karoo Biome, including desert areas, covers about 7.5% of South Africa. This biome encompasses the dry western parts of the country. Summers in this region are extremely dry, with temperatures often soaring above 40˚C. Winter brings the rain, varying between 20-290 mm per year. The Succulent Karoo boasts the highest concentration of succulent plants in the world for a region of its size. These plants are well-adapted to survive the extremely dry summers. The biome is home to small wild animals such as the bat-eared fox, suricate (meerkat), barking gecko, birds, and various invertebrates. Many of these animals are nocturnal, hiding in burrows during the day to escape the hot, dry conditions.

Albany Thicket Biome
The Albany Thicket Biome stretches from the west coast to KwaZulu-Natal, with the majority found in the Eastern Cape, covering about 2.5% of South Africa. The vegetation in this biome varies from shrubland to low forests, featuring many evergreen and succulent trees and shrubs. The Albany Thicket is home to a variety of wild animals, including the African elephant, kudu, vervet monkey, and bushbuck.

Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Biome
South Africa’s Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Biome runs in a narrow strip along the eastern coastline from KwaZulu-Natal southwards into the Eastern Cape. It comprises several different ecosystems but is considered a separate biome due to its subtropical climate. Rolling grassland landscapes in this part of the country are interspersed by deep forested gorges. Much of this forest is subtropical coastal forest, as well as several areas of mangrove forest. This biome is of particular importance to species like the endangered oribi antelope.

Desert Biome
The Desert Biome is found under very harsh environmental conditions, which are more extreme than those in the Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo Biomes. The climate is characterized by summer rainfall but high levels of summer aridity. The vegetation of the Desert Biome is dominated by annual plants, often annual grasses. This means that after a season with rarely abundant rains, the desert plains can be covered with a sea of short annual grass. The Desert Biome includes unique species like the Peringuey’s Adder and is abundant in insect fauna, including many tenebrionid beetles, some of which can utilize fog water.

South Africa’s rich tapestry of biomes underscores the country’s incredible biodiversity and natural beauty. Each biome, from the lush forests to the arid deserts, supports a unique array of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. By understanding and appreciating these diverse ecosystems, we can better protect and preserve them for future generations. South Africa’s commitment to biodiversity conservation not only benefits its own natural heritage but also contributes significantly to the global ecological balance.