Cape Rivers & Streams - A Global Ecoregion

Home to rare and endangered frogs and fish

About the Area
The Cape Rivers and Streams start in the Cape Fold Mountains, and are known for supporting a highly distinctive aquatic biota, exhibiting high levels of endemsim. The many rivers and streams in the ecoregion flow down toward the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, nourishing valleys along the way.

The range lies within one of the world's six "floral kingdoms" - Fynbos, where thousands of different plants grow in a small area. As the plants in the fynbos decompose, they release chemicals that subsequently make the waters of the Cape Fold ecoregion acidic and stain the water to a dark color.

Local Species
The Cape is home to two near-endemic fish genera, Austroglanis (two species) and Pseudobarbus (six species). Of biogeographic interest is the presence of Cape galaxias (Galaxius zebratus), the distribution of the Galaxiidae family in Australia, Africa, and South America gives clear evidence for continental drift.

Streams and their associated wetlands and springs provide important habitat for a number of endangered or otherwise sensitive amphibian species such as the endangered Hewitt's ghost frog (Heleophryne hewitti), rose's toadlet (Capensibufo rosei), cape caco (Cacosternum capense), the endangered table mountain ghost frog (H. rosei), and the micro frog (Microbatrachella capensis).

Threats
Water is in great demand in this dry ecoregion, with both urban and agricultural uses competing with the needs of the unique aquatic fauna, also causing pollution.

The construction of dams and interbasin water transfers alter the natural flow regime and block species movements. Introduced species, particularly North American gamefishes such as Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu) have heavily impacted indigenous species.

Resources
• NationalGeographic.com