Marico Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2018, in South Africa. Located in the north of the country, this biosphere reserve comprises a unique freshwater ecosystem that includes the Molemane, Molopo and Marico river systems. The ecosystem features wetlands and a dolomitic system, which form a valuable part of South Africa’s natural heritage. The savannah and grassland areas support vulnerable plant species such as Searsia maricoana. Endemic fauna includes 73 species of mammal, such as the African elephant, the black rhinoceros and the lion. The main economic activities are subsistence agriculture, livestock, game ranching and tourism.