THE CEDERBERG IS HOME TO MANY IMPORTANT AND
UNIQUE PLANTS AND ANIMALS, INCLUDING:
The Clanwilliam
yellowfish is the largest
• More than 1800 fynbos and succulent plants, including
the endangered snow protea and the Clanwilliam cedar
tree;
endemic fish species in the
Olifants River, and feeds
mainly on water-dwelling
organisms and algae.
• Reptile and frog species, such as the black spitting cobra
and Tradouw mountain toad, that only occur in South
Africa;
Threat: Exotic fish like
the black bass.
• Eight fish species in the Olifants River system that are
found nowhere else in the world.
The Cape river frog
is the frog species most
often seen in our rivers.
Although its diet
consists mainly of
insects, it feeds on any
organism that it can
overpower.
The southern rock
agama is probably the most
well known lizard as it is
found all over South Africa
and because the males have
such brightly coloured bodies.
Close relation: The
chameleon, which has a
similar ability to change its
body colour and uses its
tongue in the same way for
feeding.
Living quarters:
Permanent wetland
areas.
With its 2m wingspan, Verreaux’s
eagle (also known as the black eagle)
is one of the Cederberg’s most
impressive bird species. It is jet black
except for its white lower back and
the conspicuous white ‘V’ on its upper
back.
Favourite food: Mainly dassies but
also other mammals and birds.
The blister beetle is a
type of ground beetle often
seen scurrying along
footpaths. These insects
are very efficient hunters.
Favourite food: Other
ground-dwelling insects.
The leopard is the largest
indigenous cat species found in
the area. These leopards are
much smaller (30kg) in comparison to those found in other
regions (70kg). They hunt warmblooded animals and can kill prey
up to twice their own size.
Unique identity: No two
leopards share the same spot
pattern so their markings can be
used to identify one from another.
The waboom tree grows on rocky slopes
at altitudes lower than 1200m above sea
level. This plant produces white to reddish
flowers throughout the year, but mostly
from May to August.
Name origin: During the 19th century,
wagon wheels and brake blocks were made
from the very hard wood of the waboom
tree. Its leaves were used as black ink
and its bark for leather tanning.
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