Stretching along the Atlantic coast of Africa, from southwestern South Africa into southern Namibia, the Succulent Karoo biodiversity hotspot covers 116,000 square kilometers of desert. It is one of the 25 richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on Earth. These biodiversity hotspots cover only 1.4 percent of the planet yet contain 60 percent of all terrestrial species diversity. The Succulent Karoo boasts the world's richest succulent flora, as well as high reptile and invertebrate diversity. Compared to other hotspots, the vegetation remains relatively intact. A sparse population (only 300,000 people) and the fact that more than 90 percent of the hotspot is used for natural grazing have eased the conversion pressures on this region. However, only 30,000 square kilometers of the original vegetation remains in a relatively pristine state.