While the great herds of mega-herbivores may be gone today, the Klein Karoo Biosphere Reserves host a surprisingly diverse array of animal species.
MAMMALS
Carnivores: The most commonly encountered species is the Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas), a small canid with a broad diet and complex social behaviors. Small-spotted Genet (Genetta genetta) have been photographed on our camera traps, and both the Cape Gray Mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta) and Marsh Mongoose (Atilax paludinosus) have been observed within the reserves. Two species of cat, the Caracal (Caracal caracal) and the African Wild Cat (Felis silvestris lybica) live in our reserves, and the Cape Leopard (Panthera pardus) once lived in the region until the last century, and recovery of the few remaining populations may mean eventual expansion into their former range within the reserves. Some of the surprising discoveries were that of a Cape Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis) inhabiting a local vlei (marsh), the Zorilla, aka Striped Polecat (Ictonyx striatus), and Honey Badgers (Mellivora capensis) photographed on several camera traps in two of the reserves. The Aardwolf (Proteles cristata), the smallest of the Hyena family, the Bat-eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis), and the Cape Fox (Vulpes chama) have been seen in the region (often as roadkill) and are expected to occur in our reserves.
Klein Karoo carnivores photographed using nocturnal camera traps: Black-backed Jackal, Caracal, Small-spotted Genet, Honey Badger. Photos by P.M. Schulz
African Crested Porcupine. Photo by P.M. Schulz
Rodents: The African Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) is both the largest and the most frequently encountered rodent in the reserves. Often moving in pairs or small family groups, they are largely nocturnal vegetarians. Smaller rodents, like the Karoo Bush Rat (Otomys unisulcatus), Four-striped Grass Mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio), South African Pouched Mouse (Saccostomus campestris), and Namaqua Rock Mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis) have also been seen, but future small-mammal surveys will undoubtedly reveal a greater diversity of rodents.
Artiodactyls: Five species of antelope have been recorded in the reserves, including the Southern Eland (Taurotragus oryx), Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), Grey Rheebok (Pelea capreolus), Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), and the Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris). Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) have been re-introduced to a few of the reserves.
Klein Karoo Antelope photographed with daytime camera traps: Common Duiker, Steenbok, and Greater Kudu. Photos by D.J. Long & P.M Schulz
A small troop of Chacma Baboon. Photo by P.M. Schulz
Primates: The Cape Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus ursinus) is found throughout the region, and has been seen in groups numbering in excess of 30 individuals, though they are more frequently seen in smaller troops. A single Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), not previously known from this region, was photographed on one occasion.
Other Mammals: The Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) has been seen and filmed on several occasions, as has the Round-eared Sengi (Macroscelides proboscideus), and the Cape Hare (Lepus capensis). The Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis) is also expected to occur here, and Hewitt’s Red Rock hare (Pronolagus saundersiae) likely occurrs within several of the reserves as evidenced by their characteristic spread of spoor on rocky crags and
plateaus in the reserves. As we are within the historic range of the critically endangered Riverine Rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis), it may occur here as well. Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) are uncommon, but have been seen in some of the rocky ridges within one of the reserves.
Behold: the majestic Aardvark.
Adult male leopard Tortoise. Photo by P.M. Schulz
REPTILES
Several tortoise species live on the Klein Karoo Biosphere Reserves, including the Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) and the Angulate Tortoise (Chersina angulata), as well as the aquatic side-necked turtle the Cape Terrapin (Pelomedusa subrufa) in the region’s few watercourses. Snakes are also present including the venomous Puff Adder (Bitis arietans), the endemic Red Adder (Bitis rubida), Cape Cobra (Naja nivea), Cape Coral Snake or Shield Cobra (Aspidelaps lubricus), and Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Harmless snakes include the Karoo Whipsnake (Psammophis notostictus), the Rhombic Egg-eating Snake (Dasypeltis scabra), and Sundevall’s Shovel-snout Snake (Prosymna sundevalli).
Female So. Rock Agama. Photo by D.J. Long
Lizard species include the Karoo Crag Lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus fasciatus), the Black-lined Plated Lizard (Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus), the Southern Rock Lizard (Australolacerta australis), the Southern Rock Agama (Agama atra), the Cape Thick-toed Gecko (Pachydactylus capensis) and Bibron’s Tuberculed Gecko (Chondrodactylus bibronii).
BIRDS
More than 307 species of birds have been recorded throughout the Klein Karoo, and over 185 of those species have been documented within the Klein Karoo Biosphere Reserves. Additional species are expected to be recorded within the reserves over the coming seasons. The high biodiversity of birds is related to the variations in topography, diversity of vegetation, adjacent watercourses and small marshes, the maturing riparian thickets that are no longer being grazed or felled for firewood, and the proximity of the Klein Karoo along major migratory routes. Please feel free to download our latest checklist of birds from the Klein Karoo, including all species seen within the KKBR.
A flock of Spur-winged Geese passes above the Lulufontein Reserve at sunset.
Klein Karoo Biosphere Reserves 