We studied the diversity of algae (desmids and diatoms) and cyanoprokaryota in freshwater and aerophytic biotopes in the Drakensberg (South Africa and Kingdom of Lesotho). Diversity, species composition and distribution of the taxa, their ecological characteristics, level of endemism and perspectives of taxonomical studies are being discussed.
Special attention was paid to the study of desmids which are poorly investigated in the Drakensberg. Our work on the mountain tarns around the Giant's Cup area (UuKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park) revealed a total of 86 species from 18 genera of saccoderm and placoderm desmids (87 intraspecific taxa). Desmids belonging to the families Mesotaeniaceae (3 species), Gonatozygaceae (2), Closteriaceae (9) and Desmidiaceae (72 species, 73 intraspecific taxa) were identified. Most diverse families are: Gonatozygaceae (2), Closteriaceae (9) and Desmidiaceae (72 species, 73 intraspecific taxa). As the result of our studies 1 genus (Teilingia Bourr.) and 28 species (3 species and 2 varieties from them will be described as new for science) were recorded in Southern Africa for the first time.
Our data revealed a high algal diversity in the Drakensberg and confirmed that the Drakensberg (together with the Cape region, Waterberg, Caprivi Strip, Swaziland, Karoo and Namib deserts) is one of the most diverse algal areas in Southern Africa.