Biodiversity

South Africa is recognised globally as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and its freshwater systems are no exception. Rivers, wetlands, and estuaries support a remarkable range of fish, invertebrates, amphibians, and riparian plant species – many of which are endemic and increasingly threatened by habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. The resources below provide access to data, tools, and guidance for monitoring and managing aquatic and water-related biodiversity across South Africa.

Data Sources & Tools

Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (FBIS) A comprehensive platform for accessing and visualising freshwater biodiversity data across southern Africa. Includes fish, invertebrate, and algae occurrence records (See also: YouTube demonstration)

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Resources Research outputs, species lists, threat assessments, and biodiversity monitoring data from South Africa's national biodiversity authority

GBIF – South Africa Global Biodiversity Information Facility occurrence records for species observed in South Africa, searchable by taxon, habitat, and location

iNaturalist – South Africa Citizen science observations of plants, animals, and fungi across South Africa, useful for tracking species distributions and seasonal changes

IUCN Red List – Freshwater Species Global threat assessments for freshwater fish, amphibians, molluscs, and other taxa, with regional filtering available for southern Africa

Invasive Species

A Practical Guide to Manage Alien Invasive Plants – WWF Guidance on identifying and managing invasive alien plants that threaten riparian and wetland biodiversity

SAPIA – South African Plant Invaders Atlas (SANBI) Distribution data for invasive alien plants across South Africa

Investment & Policy

DFFE – Biodiversity Sector Investment Portal A portal connecting investors and funders with biodiversity conservation opportunities in South Africa