Predators are only one part of the Karoo's intricate web of life, but their influence reaches much further than many people realise. They help maintain the ecological balance that allows this distinct semi-arid landscape to function.
Read next
How the humble windpump transformed a region
The expansion of Karoo farming during the twentieth century cannot be understood without recognising the role of the windpump. It increased productivity and boosted the agricultural economy that still supports many rural communities today.
The ecology of a farm dam
The secret lives of Karoo owls
The next time a distant hoot drifts across the dark, it is worth pausing for a moment. An owl is beginning another night's work somewhere beyond the reach of the stoep light.