1.
Cape Sugarbird: This unique sugarbird is easily recognised by its exceptionally long wispy tail. Its preferred habitat is stands of flowering proteas on mountain slopes in the Fynbos. The Cape Sugarbird is confined to the Fynbos biome in the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. It has a complex song, including starling-like chirps and whistles, as well as harsh, grating noises.
2. Dark Opal: An extended opalescent blue bordered by black and a hint of orange is the striking feature of the male of this butterfly. The Dark Opal belongs to genus of butterflies that has numerous species that are endemic to South Africa of which many are confined to the Fynbos of the Western Cape. These butterflies are associated with cocktail ants which accompany the butterfly larvae to their nests during the day and again at night when the larvae venture out to feed on the host plant. Though the dark opal is widespread in the Cape Fold Mountains the nominate subspecies appears to be extinct in the localities previously recorded in the Cape Peninsula – a matter which deserves the attention of all who appreciate the unique biodiversity of the Cape Peninsula.
3. King Protea: South Africa's national flower grows in a variety of habitats - often rocky – in the Fynbos. This sparsely-branched shrub is fire-resistant. It occurs on sandstone from see level up to 1500m from the Cedarberg to the Cape Peninsula and also other areas of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces. The enormous flowerheads measure up to 300mm across and vary in colour from pale greenish cream to a soft pink.
4. Cape Rock Hyrax: The Cape Rock Hyrax is a small woolly animal with no visible tail and blunt "hoofed" digits. They live mainly on rocky outcrops where moisture and nutrients are trapped between rocks for the grasses and herbs these animals live on. The Cape Rock Hyrax occur in many parts of South Africa and beyond in some other southern African countries. Cape Rocky Hyraxes are a familiar sight on Table Mountain where they are sunning on rocks or if alerted, dashing for shelter.
5. Cuckoo Wasp: A variety of these hard-bodied insects occur in South Africa and also the Fynbos. Light diffraction, from the sculptured surface of the cuticle, produces the insect's bright metallic hue. Most species lay eggs in nests of solitary wasps or bees, their larvae feeding on host's provisions or larvae. These insects are widespread in most terrestrial habitats and will roll up into a ball in self-defence.
6. Table Mountain Ghost Frog: Adults of this frog species are rarely seen. They have long limbs and large spatulate adhesive pads at the tips of their fingers and toes. They inhabit clear perrenial streams. The Table Mountian Ghost Frog is endemic to Table Mountain on the Cape Peninsula. This beautiful frog is red listed as a critically endangered species.
7. Table Mountain Cockroach: Large, tubby, wingless females of the mountain cockroach may occasionaly be found under stones or crawling about in the Fynbos. These insects are endemic to South Africa and can be found in the Western Cape Province and a part of the Eastern Cape Province. The Table Mountain Cockroach may squeak loudly when alarmed.
8. Staavia Dodii: A rare and unusual member of the Bruniaceae plant family. The flowers superficially resembles flowerheads of the daisy family (Asteraceae). This plant species is confined to the Cape Peninsula.
9. Spotted Or Rhombic Skaapsteker: A fast moving "nervous" snake that hunts by day. Its prey include rodents, lizards, small birds and frogs. The snake can be encountered from sea level to the mountain tops in the Fynbos as well as the grassland and savannah biomes in South Africa.
10. Duvalia Immaculata: This succulent, with little star-shaped flowers have narrow petals, and is endemic to the Cape floral kingdom. It blooms in mid-June and grows in light shade. It needs little water and is also found in the Little Namaqualand.
