The Richtersveld is a desert area with rough valleys and high mountains, located in the north-western part of South Africa’s Northern Cape province. It has many different landscapes, including flat, sandy coastal plains, rough, jagged mountains made of volcanic rock, and the green areas along the Orange River, which forms the border with Namibia. The area’s height ranges from sea level up to 1,377 meters (4,518 feet) at Cornellberg. Found in the north-west of the Northern Cape province, the Richtersveld is the only arid region on Earth known for its high number of unique plants and animals. Most of the area is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List because of its cultural importance.
The Nama people of the Richtersveld said they owned their traditional land and created a protected area for future research and tourism. The northern part of the area was officially protected in 1991 after 18 years of talks between the National Parks Board and the local Nama people, who still live and raise animals there. The area covers 1,624.45 square kilometers (627.20 square miles). This region is home to the Nama people, who follow a lifestyle where they move their animals seasonally and use a delicate plant environment. The community conservancy is surrounded by the Richtersveld National Park (managed by the local Nama people and South African National Parks), the Nababiep Provincial Nature Reserve, and areas set aside for the Nama people to continue their traditional way of life.
Richtersveld National Park
Richtersveld National Park is part of the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, which is located in South Africa.
World Heritage Site
In June 2007, the "Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape," located just south of the National Park and covering an area of similar size and beauty, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the National Park, the Richtersveld Community Conservancy, which is the main part of the World Heritage Site, does not allow diamond mining. This makes it more untouched and better preserved compared to the National Park.
Climate
The Richtersveld has very hot summers, with temperatures sometimes reaching about 53 °C (127 °F) in the middle of summer. At night, temperatures drop, and heavy dew forms. Water is very limited in this area, so many plants and animals rely on moisture from morning fog. People in the region call the fog "Ihuries" or "Malmokkies," and it helps many small animals, birds, and reptiles survive. From April to May, temperatures become milder, but during June to August, nights become much colder. Strong winds often blow in winter, causing sandstorms. These winds can be cold because they are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The Richtersveld lies between two different areas: the coastal Succulent Karoo to the west and the drier Nama Karoo to the east. Rainfall in the Richtersveld varies, with as little as 5 mm per year in the east and up to 200 mm per year in the west. The western mountainous areas get most of their rain in winter and also receive life-giving mist from the ocean. The eastern part near the Orange River is drier, with summer rains often coming as heavy thunderstorms. In late August through early October, spring begins, bringing a large bloom of flowers such as daisies (Osteospermum) and "vygies" (Lampranthus), especially in Namaqualand.
Wildlife
The Richtersveld provides homes for many different types of mammals, reptiles, and birds. Some of the animals living there include the Grey rhebok, Duiker, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Hartmann's mountain zebra, Chacma baboon, Vervet monkey, Caracal, and African leopard. Reptiles in the area include snakes like the Puff adder, Black Spitting Cobra, and Nama Tiger Snake, as well as lizards mostly belonging to the Agama family. Birds such as weaver birds, doves, and Guineafowl are often seen inland, and more bird species appear during the wetter winter months. The Richtersveld katydid (Africariola longicauda) is a threatened species found only in this region. Many types of spiders and scorpions also live in the area.
Plant life
About 4,849 plant species, 40 percent of which are found only in this area, have been recorded in the Richtersveld. These plants are mostly succulents and aloe species.
The region is home to many unique plants that are not found anywhere else on Earth. One notable example is the "Halfmensboom" (Pachypodium namaquanum Welw.), also called the "half-person tree." This name comes from the plant's shape, which resembles a human figure. The Nama people, who live in the area, respect this tree as a symbol of their ancestors, who are believed to be part human and part plant. They also associate the tree with remembering their old home in Namibia. In addition, three types of tree aloe, known as Aloidendron dichotomum, Aloidendron pillansii, and Aloidendron ramosissimum, grow here. These plants are sometimes called "kokerbooms" or "quiver trees."
Culture
The area is home to the Nama people and other communities. The local community, which has ownership of the entire region, works together with South African National Parks to manage the National Park. They are also fully responsible for managing the World Heritage Site. Both the National Park and the World Heritage Site are used by traditional herders who move with their animals to continue their old way of life and cultural practices. This area is one of the last places where the traditional lifestyle of the Khoikhoi people, of whom the Nama are the largest remaining group, still exists in a significant way. The World Heritage Site was recognized under the cultural standards of the World Heritage Convention. It is acknowledged that the cultural traditions of the local community and their survival depend closely on the natural environment.