Fauna and Flora
Mammals
Temperature fluctuations in the region have resulted in unique adaptations in animals. The animals in Augrabies can survive in extreme high and low temperatures. Smaller animals make use of whatever shade is available as well as burrows, rock crevices and fallen trees. The types of animals that have made these adaptations are the slender mongoose, the yellow mongoose, and rock dassies. An interesting mammal found in Augrabies is the cape clawless otter, their presence in the park indicates that the river ecosystem is relatively healthy.
The giraffes found in Augrabies are lighter in colour than those found in the regions of the east, as a counter measure for the extreme heat. One of the most often seen antelope is the klipspringer, which are often seen in pairs. Other antelope found in the park are steenbok, springbok, gemsbok, kudu and eland.
Predators in Augrabies come in the form of leopard, black backed jackals, caracal, the bat-eared fox, and the African wild cat.
Birds
Both Black Stork and Black Eagle breed in the park. Other species of interest that occur include: Pygmy Falcon, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Rosyfaced Lovebird, Namaqua and Blackchested Prinia, Cinnamonbreasted Warbler, Tractrac, Mountain and Karoo Chat, Marico, Chat and Fairy Flycatcher and Great Sparrow. There is also an isolated western population of Doublebanded Sandgrouse in addition to the more common Namaqua Sandgrouse. General birding is best around the rest camp itself and here one should see plenty of Redeyed Bulbul, Palewinged Starling, Whitethroated Canary, Cape White-eye, Redheaded Finch and Karoo Robin amongst others.
Vegetation
Augrabies is the largest conservation area (18 200 ha) within the Orange River Nama Karoo vegetation type. The most characteristic plant in the park is the giant aloe called quiver tree (kokerboom), Aloe dichotoma. The quiver tree is perfectly adapted to the dry desert and semi-desert areas on the rocky hills, the extreme temperatures and the infertile soil. It grows three to five metres high. The tree gets its name from the fact that the Bushmen (San) used the soft branches to make quivers for their arrows. The eye-catching silhouette of the quiver tree is typical of the Northern Cape landscape. The trees flower a canary-yellow in the winter. Swarms of birds and locusts are attracted to their copious nectar, and baboons tear the flowers apart to get to the sweet liquor.