Did you know that 25 % of the world´s 40 species of land tortoises ?

Question

are found only in the Southern Afican sub-continent ? Are there any other animals that have "exclusive rights" to habitation in Southern Africa ?

Answer 1

The Blue Crane is the national bird of South Africa and the symbol of one of the most important royal houses on the African continent, that of the Zulus. Although still abundant in parts of its historic range, the Blue Crane has experienced significant declines in many areas over the past couple of decades and has now officially been classified critically endangered by the IUCN.

The Blue Crane’s distribution is the most restricted of the world’s fifteen crane species. It is endemic in southern Africa, with the over-whelming majority of its extant population occurring in eastern and southern South Africa. A small disjunct population occurs in the Etosha Pan of northern Namibia, and breeding pairs are occasionally found elsewhere in southern Africa.

Answer 2

Turtles have lungs and breathe air like all other reptiles (although at least one species can supplement their breathing in another way). True tortoises can not swim and will sink in water. They can hold thier breath under water for some time. They DO need a good steady water source, however.

Answer 3

I cant remember the specifics, but something like 10 % of all flowering plants can be found in SA.

Answer 4

I am not to sure about the animals but the Kaapse Fynbos is definitely unique to SA

Answer 5

95% of the worlds ostrich population live in Oudtshoorn!

(Damn, Cakes just took over the forum) :-)