Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
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Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
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.jpg) Partial view |
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| location | South Africa |
| surface | 94 km² |
| Geographical location | 33 ° 41 ′ S , 21 ° 36 ′ E |
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| Setup date | 1974 |
| administration | Cape Nature |
The nature reserve Gamkaberg Nature Reserve is located in an isolated ridge in the small Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains . It is located 33 kilometers south-west of Oudtshoorn and 32 kilometers southeast of Calitzdorp in the province of Western Cape in South Africa . Access is via Route 62 from Oudtshoorn or Calitzdorp.
The nature reserve was established in 1974 with the aim of protecting a local population of 32 mountain zebras, which are endangered . It is currently 9,428 hectares in size, the terrain is rugged, the mountain plateaus are cut up by deep gorges. The protected area is managed by CapeNature.
The name Gamka is derived from the Khoikhoi word gami for lion.
climate
The climate is Mediterranean , with hot summers and mild winters. The reserve lies between the winter and summer rain regions, with light rainfall in winter (June to October) and thunderstorms in summer. The average annual rainfall is 500 mm on the peaks and 300 mm at the foot of the mountains.
fauna and Flora
The endangered mountain zebras, leopards and honey badgers are found in the reserve. Other mammals that can be seen include: eland , hartebeest , cape old buck , roe deer , klipspringer , crown duiker , ibex , baboon , caracal and numerous smaller species. Gamkaberg is also home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles and insects.
There are four types of vegetation here: mountain fynbos , arid fynbos, succulent karoo and gallery forests along rivers. Many rare plants are found here, including the Protea Mimetes chrysanthus (Golden Mimetes) , which was only discovered in 1987 .
- In the nature reserve
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Web links
- Description at capenature.co.za (English)