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Estuaries, wetlands and
salt marshes
The transition zones where rivers flow into the sea are
extremely productive. They provide food, shelter and
breeding grounds for many species. Certain conditions
result in abnormal salinity which requires special
adaptations in plants and organisms that inhabit these
systems.
Fish River wetland
Here the jointed succulent Sarcocornia has literally turned
red in response to high saline levels. Green chlorophyll
breaks down to form red carotenoids. The succulent will
die if covered by water for more than 2 weeks.
African Fish-Eagle
The evocative call of the African Fish-Eagle can be heard as
it patrols the waters in search of prey.
South African Shelduck
Waterfowl dabble or graze on vegetation and thrive on
submerged aquatic plants and their attendant
invertebrates.
Estuaries are important nurseries for small fish and rich
feeding grounds for a host of birds particularly fish eaters
like cormorants, egrets and those seen here - Purple
Heron, mixed Terns, Malachite Kingfisher and the African
Spoonbill.