Welcome to the Richtersveld Community Conservancy

The Richtersveld Community Conservancy sits conveniently in the heart of what is called the Succulent Karoo Biodiversity Hotspot – an ecosystem with an astounding 4849 succulent plants, 40% of which are found nowhere else.

To be declared a hotspot, an area must have incredibly high species diversity and a high percentage of endemism. It is quite a unique distinction, as there are only 25 hotspots in the world. Even more unusual is that the Succulent Karoo is a desert and is the only arid biodiversity hotspot on Earth.

HOME BIODIVERSITY HISTORY ACCOMMODATION & ACTIVITIES GENERAL INFO THE BROADER REGION FACES OF THE RICHTERSVELD CONTACT US & LINKS
	Orange River crossing the Richtersveld	From a distance you can see rugged mountains, sweeping deserts, a giant blue sky and glimpses of the mighty Orange River creeping along to the sea. On closer investigation, you realize that you are standing in one of Africa’s most diverse and rich ecosystems.
	The Richtersveld Community Conservancy sits conveniently in the heart of what is called the Succulent Karoo Biodiversity Hotspot – an ecosystem with an astounding 4849 succulent plants, 40% of which are found nowhere else. To be declared a hotspot, an area must have incredibly high species diversity and a high percentage of endemism. It is quite a unique distinction, as there are only 25 hotspots in the world. Even more unusual is that the Succulent Karoo is a desert and is the only arid biodiversity hotspot on Earth.	Richtersveld during September
	Kokerboom	Some amazing features of Richtersveld Biodiversity: 2,700 species in this area alone & almost 600 exist nowhere else. The giant Baster Quiver Tree (Aloe pilansii), of which only a few hundred remain on the remote mountaintops in the Richtersveld. The “Halfmens” (Pachypodium namaquanum) – a bizarre plant which from a distance resemble faraway people, hence the name “Half man”. The most lichen species of any area in the world – 29. Numerous species of lithops - tiny succulent plants which resemble small stones.
	And the flowers! Catch the blooming of the Richtersveld flowers in September and you will witness one of the finest floral displays in the world. The rocky plains come to life and the land transforms from greens and browns into a dazzling display of bright colours.	Richtersveld coming alive after the rain
	While the Richtersveld does not have many large mammals, the Conservancy is currently conducting studies for the re-introduction of gemsbok and springbok. There are also steenbok, baboon, klipspringer, jackal, caracal and a few leopard in the hills, and be on the lookout for birds of prey, especially African fish eagles along the Orange River.
		HAZELDEN DESIGN