The Karoo is a semi desert that spans about one third of South Africa. It is divided into the little Karoo, situated north of the Garden Route, and the big Karoo, which extends into the Kalahari Desert and continues into the Namibian desert. While the animal diversity does not compare to the spectacular plant diversity, a wide variety of animals, insects, birds and reptiles can be found among the plants, including some whose range is limited to the ecoregion. A variety of small animals have adapted to this harsh environment, and eke out their meagre existence.
Most of the rain falls on the mountain slopes close to the southern coast and decreases rapidly on its way to the interior. Although this extensive, quiet, and empty area seems all too deserted, a multitude of life forms can be found. Before the Karoo was fenced in, and sheep and ostrich farmers occupied the land, large game roamed this area but can now only be seen in the National Parks in the Karoo. |
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| Endless vistas of the vast plain |
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