Salmonsdam Nature Reserve

Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Located in the Overberg region in the southern part of the Western Cape province, close to the southernmost tip of Africa.
Location in the Western Cape
Location Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa
Nearest city Stanford, Western Cape
Coordinates 34°25′35″S 19°38′17″E / 34.42639°S 19.63806°E / -34.42639; 19.63806Coordinates: 34°25′35″S 19°38′17″E / 34.42639°S 19.63806°E / -34.42639; 19.63806[1]
Area 834 ha (2,060 acres)
Established 1962
Governing body CapeNature
www.capenature.org.za/reserves.htm?reserve=Salmonsdam+Nature+Reserve

Salmonsdam Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the Overberg region of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It contains the mountain catchment area of the Paardensberg River in the Akkedisberg mountains. The reserve is administered by CapeNature and covers an area of 834 hectares (2,060 acres).[2]

History

Local tradition claims that Salmonsdam was named for Robert Salmond, captain of the HMS Birkenhead, which sank at Gansbaai in 1852. The area was declared a nature reserve by the Cape Provincial Administration in 1962.[2]

Geography

Salmonsdam is located in the Overstrand municipal area 20 kilometres east of Stanford and about 150 km south-east of Cape Town. It encompasses the valley of the Paardensberg River and the surrounding mountain catchment area. The river flows from north-east to south-west, starting in a gorge called Keeromskloof and spreading out lower down into a marshy area known as "Die Weivlakte". Various smaller tributaries join the river; notably the Watervalkloof stream which passes over a series of small waterfalls called the "Zigzag Falls". On the eastern side of Keeromskloof can be found the Elandskrans Caves and Leopard Cave.

The highest point in the park is the base of the radio mast at its northeastern corner, at a height of 637 metres above sea level. The Perdeberg peak on the northern edge of the park is one metre lower.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "South Africa - Salmonsdam". World Database on Protected Areas. World Commission on Protected Areas. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
  2. 1 2 "Salmonsdam Nature Reserve" (PDF). CapeNature. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
  3. ↑ 3419BC Jongensklip (Map) (4th ed.). 1:50 000. South Africa Topographic. Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping. 1997.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.