Scientific Services

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are more than just remarkable places; they are treasures of humanity that hold exceptional cultural and/or natural value. These sites are globally recognized and protected, with the aim of preserving their cultural and natural significance for present and future generations. They signify our shared heritage, showcasing the diverse beauty and importance of our planet. The Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site is included due to its remarkable collection of natural wonders. This site represents the exceptional biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region, the world’s smallest of the six plant kingdoms, and encompasses multiple conservation areas, including the iconic, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).

The Table Cloth is created by local topographic and weather conditions. It provides moisture to plants. (Photo: Debbi Winterton)

Proclaimed in 2004, the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site carries legal stature with requirements that underscore the need for careful preservation. Its status reflects a global acknowledgment of the region’s significance and the commitment to safeguarding its unique natural resources.

This World Heritage Site was proclaimed based on of two of the ten Outstanding Universal Value criteria that UNESCO uses to identify World Heritage Sites: Ecological Processes and Biodiversity and Threatened Species.

King protea on the slopes of Table Mountain (Photo: Debbi Winterton).

Ecological Processes

The Ecological Processes criterion recognizes the natural processes that shape nature and the outstanding biological diversity they generate. TMNP, as part of the Cape Floral Region, brings  this criterion to life through its diverse flora and intricate relationships between plants, animals, and the environment. The natural processes that occur here are ancient and have developed over millennia. The story of this special place started long before the first flowering plants and reptiles appeared, a history that is traced from the oldest rocks of the mountain.

The Cape Mountains were formed about 250 million years ago and over time went through major climatic changes from ice ages, sea level rises and warming all of which, together with the characteristics of the rocks themselves, shaped and formed the species that occur here today. Because of the low nutrient levels within the system, many species adapted to live in very specific conditions driving the amazing species diversity we have today. However, these specialised adaptations that enable so many species to survive also makes them vulnerable. This is why this place also has so many threatened species today – because they need very special conditions to live. For instance, many species have unique seed dispersal by ants and termites; while others have intricate pollination methods with insects that only pollinate certain plants because of certain traits but also insects that are less fussy and enjoy visiting any flower.

Spider’s web in reed-like Restios (Photo: Nicola van Wilgen-Bredenkamp).

Even birds and some mammals play their part in pollinating some plants. The high local diversity and occurrence of species that exist only here is thought to be driven by distinct nutrient cycling and the system’s dependence on fire. Fire is an important driver; it acts like a big herbivore and eats up large amounts of vegetation which allows many of the local species to regenerate. Even the animals have developed the ability to capitalise on the benefits that fire brings to this system. Another example of these incredible natural processes is the very popular tablecloth that we see hanging over Table Mountain. This fog is driven and held over the top of the mountain by very specific wind conditions, usually during the summer months, and it provides an important form of precipitation. This water collects on the top of the mountain and causes a very specific type of vegetation to grow there, dominated by Cape reeds and other plants that thrive in wet conditions.

When you put all these interactions together, they build this wonderfully diverse and dynamic system right here on our own doorstep.

Table Mountain National Park is home to natural wonders that are only found in the Cape Floristic region, including majestic proteas and endemic Cape sugar birds. (Photo: Nicola van Wilgen-Bredenkamp)

Biodiversity and Threatened Species

The Biodiversity and Threatened Species criterion emphasizes the importance of protecting biodiversity, especially species that are rare, endangered, or threatened. TMNP is home to over 2000 plant species, some of which are found nowhere else on earth, highlighting the value of conserving these unique life forms. The park embodies the biodiversity criterion by providing refuge for rare species, such as the Table Mountain Ghost Frog, 22 other threatened amphibian, bird and mammal species and over 700 threatened plants.

Yet, even within this haven of biodiversity, threats persist. Urbanization, invasive species, and climate change jeopardise the natural processes and species that define TMNP. Adequate protection and management are essential to preserving the delicate balance between nature’s elements. Table Mountain National Park, as part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site, reminds us of the delicate web of life that we are part of. It reminds us to recognize our role as stewards of this heritage, urging us to protect, conserve, and appreciate the intricate connections that make our world a remarkable and beautiful place.

Natural pool on the top of Table Mountain fed by fog and surrounded by Restios (Photo: Debbi Winterton).

As you explore Table Mountain’s trails and gaze upon its vistas, remember that you stand within a living story of nature’s wonders and rare species. The protection of this treasure is a shared endeavour, one that ensures future generations can also revel in the beauty of our natural world. Let us not forget the words of the Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus (1707 – 1778) who described many of the species found on the Cape Peninsula,

May you be fully aware of your fortunate lot… to enjoy… that Paradise on Earth, the Cape of Good Hope, which the beneficent Creator has enriched with his choicest wonders.

Klipspringer on the top of Table Mountain (Photo: Debbi Winterton).