The winter or early spring blooming of Aloe hereroensis is a highlight in the northern Karoo. Every spot of red is special among the dry grass and dead remains of annuals that only live next season through their seed.

Scattered stones and small shrubs add detail to the slope appearing serene for the moment but is clearly eventful in plant and animal happenings throughout the year. Overall, the Karoo plateau offers a topographical range of features harbouring life suited to a multitude of ecological niches not always expected in such harsh conditions.

People that climb the Everests of the world or fly to the moon tend to forget that all the other species on earth (and wherever) also have their champions testing all sorts of limits. They rough unthinkable frontiers, living and consuming other living species in doing so.

All species make history now and then as they reach milestones, recorded in annals or not… like the Covid-19 virus, a hero of virusland.