FACT
‘Karoo’ comes from
the Khoi word
Karusa, which
means dry, barren,
thirstland. Karoo is
an apt description
for this arid region.
- Fauna: big game species such as kudu and Springbok, lion, buffalo and elephant are
found in the Savanna Biome. This is also a malaria-prone area.
Figure 9.6: Savanna biome.- Succulent Karoo biome
- Location: the Succulent Karoo biome can be found along the west coast of the North-
ern Cape Province and the northern parts of the Western Cape Province. - Climate: this biome is hot in summer and cold in winter and the rainfall in this area is
very low. Fog is common, and frost is seldom severe enough to cause damage. - Soil and geography: lime-rich weakly developed soils on rocks and sands is easily
eroded. - Flora: forty percent of plant species found here are endemic to this biome. The Na-
maqualand region of this biome is famous for its colourful wild flowers. Succulent
plants are able to live through dry seasons by using water stored in their leaves or
stems. - Fauna: insects are common and the plants provide grazing for sheep and goats.
- Location: the Succulent Karoo biome can be found along the west coast of the North-
Figure 9.7: Karoo biome.- Nama Karoo
- Location: the Nama Karoo is the second largest biome in South Africa. It forms the
major part of the Northern Cape Province and the Free State. - Climate: it is regarded as a semi-desert area receiving very little rain. The summers are
very hot and the winters are very cold and frost often occurs.
- Location: the Nama Karoo is the second largest biome in South Africa. It forms the
262 9.3. Biomes