South Africa ranks as the third most biodiverse country in the world. It makes up only 2% of the world’s land surface area, but it is home to 10% of the world’s plant species and 7% of its reptile, bird and mammal species. It is recognised for high levels of endemism and is home to over 95,000 known species. The country also boasts a diverse range of biomes, from forests to deserts, estuaries and marine systems.