RHP South African
River Health Programme 		State of the Rivers Report
Crocodile, Sabie-Sand & Olifants
River Systems
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ecoregion 5.06 in Sabie-Sand Catchment Crocodile River System Sabie-Sand River System Olifants River System summary ecoregion 6.01 in Sabie-Sand Catchment

The Sabie-Sand River System

Ecoregion 5.07

Ecoregion and River Characteristics

Low plains (200-400 m amsl) with low relief characterise this ecoregion. Limited precipitation (400-800 mm per year) and high annual temperatures (over 22°C on average) are conducive to sweet lowveld bushveld, which is largely untransformed due to the protection afforded by the Kruger National Park.

The Sabie River is characterised by sand bars and deep-water channels. Stretches of unfractured bedrock are also found, with isolated patches of large bedrock boulders and some loose cobble. Hippos are found in deep pools, and reeds dominate the water’s edge.

Present Ecological State

The Sabie River is in a predominantly natural state in this ecoregion.

Ecoregion 5.07

Drivers of Ecological Change (Land-use activities)

Conservation and eco-tourism are the dominant activities in this region. Although impacts are generally low, some erosion may occur due to clearing of riparian zones along tourist roads.

Desired Ecological State and Response by Resource Managers

Due to the conservation importance of this region, the Sabie should be maintained in a natural state.

Back to RHP homepage back to table of contents back to top of page ecoregion 5.06 in Sabie-Sand Catchment ecoregion 6.01 in Sabie-Sand Catchment