The word vlei is used predominantly in South Africa. In most instances a vlei is a shallow minor lake of a seasonal or intermittent nature. It even might refer to seasonal ponds or marshy patches where frogs and similar marsh dwellers breed, but too minor to be granted recognition in the form of a name. However, some major vleis are accorded names, for example Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei in the Cape Peninsula, which are permanent bodies of water. Indeed, Rondevlei is home to hippopotamus.
The word vlei is of Dutch/Afrikaans origin, meaning 'pond' or 'marsh' and is pronounced "flay". Commonly, vleis vary in their extent, or even in the presence or absence of water, according to the fall of rain or dryness of the season. Vleis of various types can be of considerable local ecological importance, harboring many endemic and migratory species.
In terms of water salinity, vleis may be freshwater, saltwater, or brackish.
Over time a vlei may degrade into a salt pan or clay pan, such as Dead Vlei.
The term is the basis of various biological common names such as "vlei rat" for rodents in the genus Otomys, "vleiroos" (literally "marsh rose"), vleikuiken" (literally "vlei chick") and vlei frog.
The word vlei is used predominantly in South Africa. In most instances a vlei is a shallow minor lake of a seasonal or intermittent nature. It even might refer to seasonal ponds or marshy patches where frogs and similar marsh dwellers breed, but too minor to be granted recognition in the form of a name. However, some major vleis are accorded names, for example Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei in the Cape Peninsula, which are permanent bodies of water. Indeed, Rondevlei is home to hippopotamus.
The word vlei is of Dutch/Afrikaans origin, meaning 'pond' or 'marsh' and is pronounced "flay". Commonly, vleis vary in their extent, or even in the presence or absence of water, according to the fall of rain or dryness of the season. Vleis of various types can be of considerable local ecological importance, harboring many endemic and migratory species.
In terms of water salinity, vleis may be freshwater, saltwater, or brackish.
Over time a vlei may degrade into a salt pan or clay pan, such as Dead Vlei.
The term is the basis of various biological common names such as "vlei rat" for rodents in the genus Otomys, "vleiroos" (literally "marsh rose"), vleikuiken" (literally "vlei chick") and vlei frog.