Executive Summary Introduction Study Area Geology Climate Archaeology Rock Art Sociology: Human Component Living Culture and Creative Cultural Assets Arts Heritage: A Case Study Mission History Vegetation Botanical Diversity Endemic Flora Orchidaceae of the Soutpansberg Medicinal Plants River Health and Water Quality Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) Dragonflies Spiders (Araneae) Fishes Reptiles Indigenous Birds Mammals Private Game Reserves and State Reserves | Dragonflys  W. Tarboton Sources of informationTo my knowledge there has been no comprehensive or systematic assessment of the dragonfly fauna of the Soutpansberg. Van Son, Pinhey and others have done some collecting here, mostly in the 1940s and 1950s. From this, a total of 52 species from the Soutpansberg are represented in South African museum collections and these are listed below. Summary statistics This list of 52 species, comprising about a third of the known South African dragonfly fauna (which totals 159 species), would undoubtedly be increased — perhaps by another 30–40 species — if a dedicated dragonfly survey of the area were to be undertaken. Given the area’s close proximity to Zimbabwe, it is likely that one or more species new for the South African list will be found here (e.g. Actoneura biordinata), and it is not inconceivable, given the mountain range’s relative isolation, that species new to science could be discovered here as well. As it stands the list includes two species that are endemic to South Africa (Aeshna subpupillata, Allocnemis leucosticta) and three that are listed in the recently published dragonfly Red Data list (Aeshna ellioti — vulnerable; Chlorolestes elegans — vulnerable; Pseudagrion makabusiense — critical). Major studies and publications Not listed. Recommendations for priority studies required to fill any gaps identified Not listed. “ Hot spots” of particular importance Not known. |
