Agulhas Plain
| Designations | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Agulhas Plain |
| Designated | 2 February 2026 |
| Reference no. | 2587[1] |
The Agulhas Plain is a complex wetland system located in the Overberg at the southern tip of Africa.[2][3] It begins north of Bredasdorp, and extends to the southern tip of Cape Agulhas. The western boundary is near Gansbaai. The area has been designated as a protected Ramsar site since 2026.[1]
There are many endangered plant species in the area.[4] Many of these are not found in the state forests and private nature reserves along the coastal areas, but grow more inland.[5][6]
Flora
A new fynbos lily species, the New Year's lily (Cyrtanthus novus-annus), was discovered in a conservation area on the Agulhas Plain[7] and the species Hermannia concinnifolia is endemic to the plain.[8]
Paleo-Agulhas Plain
The now submerged Paleo-Agulhas Plain in South Africa had diverse, green ecosystems and abundant wildlife for early humans.[9]
References
- ^ a b "Agulhas Plain". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
- ^ https://fynbos.saeon.ac.za/?p=3172
- ^ https://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2222-34362013000200005
- ^ https://www.birdlife.org.za/iba-directory/agulhas-plain-heuningnes-estuary/
- ^ https://www.britannica.com/science/conservation-ecology/Protecting-species#ref959928
- ^ https://nuwejaars.com/crew-why-the-agulhas-plain-is-a-plant-priority/
- ^ https://mg.co.za/top-six/2022-05-30-new-fynbos-lily-discovered-at-southern-tip-of-africa/
- ^ https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-showing-the-location-of-the-Agulhas-Plain-8_fig3_284560037
- ^ https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/05/drowned-paleo-agulhas-plain-was-an-eden-for-early-humans/129190