Brimming with more than 9,000 vascular plant species, 69% of them endemic– the Cape Floristic Region on the Southwestern tip of Africa is the smallest and most unique of six “floral kingdoms” in the world. Rich in native plants and wildlife, this ecosystem and the species it shelters are threatened by spreading agriculture, invasive alien plants and urbanization.

This rich diversity of plant life supports many local amphibian species including the Rough Moss Frog (CR), Cape Flats Frog (CR) and Western Leopard Toad (EN). These threatened amphibians have very limited ranges, with most restricted to a single mountain range, or in some cases, even one mountain top.

Rainforest Trust and our partner, Endangered Wildlife Trust, are working to safeguard 9,363 acres of this irreplaceable habitat to protect rare plants and amphibian species through formal agreements with landowners and will focus on improving the resilience of this unique landscape.

Header photo: King protea (Protea cynaroides), by Orlando Tomassin

Alien Plant Invasion: How it Began

Initially, these invasive alien plants—particularly trees and shrubs—were introduced to the Cape Floral Kingdom to provide timber and stabilize shifting sand dunes. Widespread plantings provided the source of seeds that later invaded the surrounding native ecosystem and affected water availability and soil quality. In Cape Floral Kingdom, these  “outsiders” are leading to the extinction of native plants and wildlife, destroying biodiversity and negatively altering the habitat.

Safeguard Range-Restricted Amphibians

Many of the threatened species here occupy extremely small ranges within threatened natural landscapes, while others occupy small remnants within urban and agricultural areas. Of the 38 species of amphibians in the Cape Floristic Region, 19 are endemic, and of these, 12 are threatened. Other resident frog species that rely on this landscape include the Cape Platanna (EN) and the Moonlight Mountain Toadlet. Without their vital habitat niches, these amphibians will soon disappear forever.

The elusive Cape Leopard (VU) is also found in the proposed protected areas.

Prevent Habitat Loss

Rainforest Trust will support Endangered Wildlife Trust to work with landowners, the provincial authority and other project partners to secure significant portions of the known ranges for resident threatened species. The lands will be protected through South Africa’s “Biodiversity Stewardship” process—an approach to entering into agreements with private and communal landowners to protect and manage land in areas of priority for biodiversity.