themes
 

highlights
 

• Snakes. Secretive predators that can be both fascinating and a bit scary. 

• Butterflies. Images of many species but most of text still to be written.

• Mantids. These predatory insects come in many shapes, sizes and colours and are thought to have evolved from  cockroach-like ancestors.

• Sharks, rays and chimaeras. A guide to the cartilaginous fish found round the coast of southern Africa

• Birds. Comprehensive coverage with images, information and distribution maps.

• Mammals. Text and images uploaded for many species.

• Spiders. By far the most popular section of Biodiversity Explorer.

• Scorpions. Avoid walking barefoot at night in scorpion country - some species can kill.

• Cape stag beetles. Comprehensive treatment of the genus Colophon, endemic to the Western Cape.

• San arrow poisons from beetles. San hunters in the Kalahari poison their arrows with the contents of beetle pupae

• Declared weeds and invader plants in South Africa. The 3 different categories of invader plants are listed.

The wide range of biomes and habitats in southern Africa yield a spectacular array of wildlife. 

Agricultural and forestry biodiversity

Agriculture has created or modified a range of habitats that interface with wild biodiversity.

Urban biodiversity 

Plants, insects, birds and other organisms found in our cities and towns.

Home biodiversity

Where you like it or not, other forms of life also like living in your home.

Food and drink biodiversity 

Domestication of wild animals and plants has yielded the food we depend on today.

Understanding how some organisms can harm us can help us to avoid sickness or injury.