Life form Diversity and threatened species
Plants More than 20 300 species of flowering plants occur in
South Africa. One of the six most important areas of plant
growth in the world is in the Western Cape. Most of the
2000 threatened species of plants are found in the fynbos
in South-West Cape.Mammals 243 mammals found in the region. Among the 17
threatened species in South Africa are the black rhino,
pangolin, giant golden mole. The blue antelope and
quagga have become extinct.Birds Of more than 800 bird species, 26 are threatened,
including the penguin, Cape vulture, martial eagle and
Cape parrot.Reptiles and Amphibians In total 370 reptiles and amphibians occur in the region of
which 21 are threatened. Six of these are endangered.Fish 220 freshwater fishes occur of which 21 are threatened.
There are more than 2000 marine fish species.Insects 80 000 insects are known to occur. There are many insect
species that are unidentified.296 10.2. Biodiversity