Veld: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit
 
CSV import
Line 1: Line 1:
{{jpg-image}}
{{short description|Type of wide open rural landscape in Southern Africa}}
'''Veld''' or '''veldt''' is a type of wide open rural landscape in [[Southern Africa]]. More specifically, it refers to the grassland areas in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Botswana, including the [[Savanna]] regions. The term originates from the [[Afrikaans]] word ''veld'', which is derived from the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] word ''veld'', meaning 'field'. The veld covers different ecological regions, primarily distinguished into the Highveld, Middleveld, Lowveld, and Bushveld, based on altitude, climate, and vegetation.
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
==Types of Veld==
 
===Highveld===
== Veld ==
The [[Highveld]] is a high plateau region of inland South Africa. It is characterized by rolling grasslands and scattered trees, and it is situated at an altitude ranging from approximately 1200 to 1800 meters. The Highveld is known for its significant gold deposits and is also the center of major South African urban areas, including [[Johannesburg]] and [[Pretoria]].
The '''veld''' ({{IPA-en|v_lt}}) is a type of wide open rural landscape in Southern Africa. It is a flat area covered with grasses and low shrubs, and is characteristic of the regions of [[South Africa]], [[Zimbabwe]], [[Botswana]], and [[Namibia]]. The term "veld" comes from the [[Afrikaans]] word for "field" and is used to describe the natural vegetation and terrain of these areas.
===Middleveld===
 
The Middleveld is an area that lies between the Highveld and Lowveld, both in terms of altitude and geographical location. It is characterized by mixed grassland and woodland savanna and supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
== Geography ==
===Lowveld===
The veld is divided into several types based on altitude, climate, and vegetation. These include the [[Highveld]], [[Lowveld]], [[Bushveld]], and [[Sandveld]]. Each type of veld has its own unique characteristics and supports different types of flora and fauna.
The [[Lowveld]] is situated at a lower altitude than the Highveld, generally below 800 meters. It is known for its hot, subtropical climate and dense savanna bushveld. The Lowveld is home to the [[Kruger National Park]], one of Africa's largest game reserves.
 
===Bushveld===
=== Highveld ===
The Bushveld refers to the terrain in the Lowveld that is covered in vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and grasses. It is particularly noted for its rich biodiversity and mineral resources, including the [[Platinum Group Metals]].
The [[Highveld]] is a high-altitude plateau that covers much of the interior of South Africa. It is characterized by rolling grasslands and is home to many of the country's major cities, including [[Johannesburg]] and [[Pretoria]]. The climate is temperate, with summer rainfall and dry winters.
==Flora and Fauna==
 
The veld is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The grasslands support numerous grass species, while the savanna regions are dotted with acacia and baobab trees. Wildlife is abundant and includes species such as lions, elephants, cheetahs, and rhinoceroses, making the veld a critical area for conservation efforts in Southern Africa.
=== Lowveld ===
==Conservation==
The [[Lowveld]] is a low-lying area in the northeastern part of South Africa, extending into [[Mozambique]] and [[Zimbabwe]]. It is known for its subtropical climate and is home to the famous [[Kruger National Park]]. The Lowveld supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including [[elephants]], [[lions]], and [[rhinoceroses]].
Conservation efforts in the veld are focused on protecting its unique biodiversity and managing the sustainable use of its natural resources. National parks and reserves, such as the Kruger National Park, play a vital role in these conservation efforts.
 
==Human Impact==
[[File:Lowveld_map_1.png|thumb|Map of the Lowveld region]]
Human activities, including agriculture, urban development, and mining, have significantly impacted the veld. These activities have led to habitat loss, pollution, and a decline in biodiversity. Efforts are being made to mitigate these impacts through sustainable land management practices and environmental protection policies.
[[File:Elephants_on_the_lowveld_(7281426474).jpg|thumb|Elephants in the Lowveld]]
==See Also==
 
=== Bushveld ===
The [[Bushveld]] is a sub-tropical woodland ecoregion of Southern Africa. It is characterized by a mixture of grassland and savanna, with scattered trees and shrubs. The Bushveld is rich in minerals and is an important area for mining activities.
 
=== Sandveld ===
The [[Sandveld]] is a region characterized by sandy soils and sparse vegetation. It is found in parts of Namibia and Botswana and is known for its unique plant species adapted to the arid conditions.
 
[[File:Sandveld.jpg|thumb|Sandveld landscape]]
 
== Flora and Fauna ==
The veld is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The grasslands support large herbivores such as [[springbok]], [[wildebeest]], and [[zebras]], while the savannas and bushveld areas are home to predators like [[lions]] and [[leopards]].
 
[[File:Springbok_Namibia.jpg|thumb|Springbok in Namibia]]
[[File:Etosha_Springbock.jpg|thumb|Springbok in Etosha National Park]]
 
== Human Impact ==
The veld has been significantly altered by human activities, including agriculture, urbanization, and mining. These activities have led to habitat loss and fragmentation, affecting the biodiversity of the region. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining natural areas and their wildlife.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Savanna]]
* [[Savanna]]
* [[Grassland]]
* [[Kruger National Park]]
* [[Kruger National Park]]
* [[Conservation in South Africa]]
* [[Biodiversity of South Africa]]
* [[Wildlife of South Africa]]
 
[[Category:Geography of Southern Africa]]
[[Category:Geography of South Africa]]
[[Category:Biomes]]
[[Category:Grasslands of Africa]]
[[Category:Grasslands]]
[[Category:Natural regions of Africa]]
{{geography-stub}}

Revision as of 00:43, 10 February 2025

Type of wide open rural landscape in Southern Africa



Veld

The veld (en ) is a type of wide open rural landscape in Southern Africa. It is a flat area covered with grasses and low shrubs, and is characteristic of the regions of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. The term "veld" comes from the Afrikaans word for "field" and is used to describe the natural vegetation and terrain of these areas.

Geography

The veld is divided into several types based on altitude, climate, and vegetation. These include the Highveld, Lowveld, Bushveld, and Sandveld. Each type of veld has its own unique characteristics and supports different types of flora and fauna.

Highveld

The Highveld is a high-altitude plateau that covers much of the interior of South Africa. It is characterized by rolling grasslands and is home to many of the country's major cities, including Johannesburg and Pretoria. The climate is temperate, with summer rainfall and dry winters.

Lowveld

The Lowveld is a low-lying area in the northeastern part of South Africa, extending into Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is known for its subtropical climate and is home to the famous Kruger National Park. The Lowveld supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinoceroses.

Map of the Lowveld region
Elephants in the Lowveld

Bushveld

The Bushveld is a sub-tropical woodland ecoregion of Southern Africa. It is characterized by a mixture of grassland and savanna, with scattered trees and shrubs. The Bushveld is rich in minerals and is an important area for mining activities.

Sandveld

The Sandveld is a region characterized by sandy soils and sparse vegetation. It is found in parts of Namibia and Botswana and is known for its unique plant species adapted to the arid conditions.

Sandveld landscape

Flora and Fauna

The veld is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The grasslands support large herbivores such as springbok, wildebeest, and zebras, while the savannas and bushveld areas are home to predators like lions and leopards.

Springbok in Namibia
Springbok in Etosha National Park

Human Impact

The veld has been significantly altered by human activities, including agriculture, urbanization, and mining. These activities have led to habitat loss and fragmentation, affecting the biodiversity of the region. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining natural areas and their wildlife.

Related Pages