Animals and their habitat

The vegetation surrounding at Wag ‘n Bietjie lodge is classified as thorn bushveld, and is an open savanna of mostly trees (Camel thorn tree) and grasses.

 

Plants within these veldtipe are the plant able to survive in this semi-arid climate, a diversity of animals are also able to thrive on the drought-resistant vegetation. Some of these are the abundant Armored Ground Crickets, the spritely Springbuck and the White backed Vulture that scavenges on animal carcasses. Birds are usually the first to be seen and easily identified like: blacksmith lapwing, melodious lark, cinnamon-breasted bunting, freckled nightjar, short-toed rock thrush, pygmy falcon and northern black korhaan.

 

A fascinating diversity of animals like Buffalo, sable, giraffe, gems buck, nyala, roan and waterbuck are well adapted to survive in these semi-arid climate and are dependent on the drought-resistant vegetation.

 

Interesting geological features of the landscape are the extremely hard rock type known as dolerite, forms the capping of the koppies around Wag ‘n Bietjie lodge. These were formed by outpourings of lava during ancient times.

 

In certain disturbed (and overgrazed) areas such as farmland along the road from Kimberley to Wag ‘n Bietjie and at the mine dumps, a number of invasive plants have established themselves and are influencing the natural (indigenous)vegetation. The main culprit and largest threat to our natural vegetation is the mesquite tree ( Prosopis glandulosa).

 

The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes – Marcel Proust