Short description
The southern and south-western Cape, which has a richer plant life than that of the whole British Isle, forms one of the major floral kingdoms of the world, and is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.
Long description
The southern and south-western Cape, which has a richer plant life than that of the whole British Isle, forms one of the major floral kingdoms of the world, and is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. In a Fynbos Year, the author portrays a selection of the diversity of plant and animal life encountered in this region over the course of a year. This is not a land of large, conspicuous animals which typify much of southern Africa and after which visitors often hanker. The title demonstrates that small is beautiful and that a multitude of fascinating plants and animals awaits the patient observer. It also highlights present threats to fynbos, especially those posed by urban and agricultural development and invasion by alien plants; and outlines current research and conservation efforts.