The Fauna and Flora of Fernkloof
Fernkloof Nature Reserve stretches over 1,800 hectares and was claimed a national reserve in 1957.
Due to its size, Fernkloof plays host to a number of animal and plant species. There is no place in the world where so many plant species are seen growing alongside one another. The reserve protects coastal Fynbos and evergreen forest areas.
The Klein River lagoon now also falls under the protection of the reserve, as the Fynbos that grows alongside its banks, are different from the Fynbos vegetation found in the mountains. This area is one of the best places to hike in Hermanus and the Overberg.
The Fauna and Flora of Fernkloof:
Fynbos is one of the most diverse yet distinctive floras in the world and is characterized by evergreen heathlands and scrublands.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is a fine example of fynbos, with six of the seven endemic plant families and over 1,600 species of the Cape Floral Kingdom represented. With such an array of vegetation in one area, hikers are usually also fortunate enough to view the wildlife that calls Fernkloof Nature Reserve their home. Reptiles, such as lizards and tortoises, are often
seen sunning themselves on rocks, whereas snakes, although often seen, tend to shy away due to their nocturnal habits.
There is a unique Drewe’s Moss Frog to the region as well. If you are lucky you can hear their call as they croak, croon and click from mossy outcrops and waterfalls.
Larger animals such as baboons, klipspringer, mongoose, and dassies can be seen quite often during the day as they
are all daytime eaters. Often hikers find porcupine quills scattered on the pathways, evidence of more animal species opting to come out under the cover of darkness, rather than in the light of the day.
Towards Stanford, lucky hikers can come across tracks of the Cape Genet and Clawless Otter.
Springtime is always a great time to hike as most plants are in full bloom attracting colourful insects like butterflies, spiders, and beetles. The most common beetle being the dung beetle, seen rolling balls of dung along the footpaths.
There have been over 100 recorded bird species seen flying about in the reserve. Species to look out for are the brightly marked Cape Sugarbird and Sunbird – the Orange-breasted Sunbird is endemic to the Fynbos.
A comprehensive full-scale map is available at the Herbarium and in the Visitors Centre.
For more information contact the Fernkloof Office: +27 (0)28 313 0819
Location: Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Fir Avenue, Hermanus
Extra Information:
For more information on the Fernkloof Nature Reserve click here.
For more information on the various hiking routes in Fernkloof click here.
| More info on the town of Hermanus |
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