scholarly journals Plant communities of the forests, woodlands and thickets in northern KwaZulu-Natal

Koedoe ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H.C. Eckhardt ◽  
N. Van Rooyen ◽  
G.J. Bredenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Woody Vegetation ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Twinspan Classification ◽  
Floristic Data

An analysis of the woody vegetation of northern KwaZulu-Natal is presented. Releves were compiled in 102 stratified random sample plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed 24 plant communities, also referred to as vegetation units. For each of these vegetation units, the species richness was determined. Four associations were identified which have a conservation importance. An ordination (DECORANA), based on floristic data, revealed the position of the syntaxa on environmental gradients.

scholarly journals Vegetation of the rock habitats of the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plan Endemism, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-228
Author(s):  
S. J. Siebert ◽  
A. E. Van Wyk ◽  
G. J. Bredenkamp ◽  
F. Siebert
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Hierarchical Classification ◽  
General Description ◽  
Conservation Areas ◽  
Twinspan Classification ◽  
New Syntaxa ◽  
Floristic Data

A hierarchical classification, description, and ecological and floristic interpretations are presented on the vegetation types of the ultramafic rock habitats of the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism. Relevés were compiled in 100 stratified random plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed 17 plant communities, which are classified into 13 associations belonging to four proposed alliances. Many new syntaxa are ecologically interpreted and described. For each syntaxon, the species richness, endemism and conservation status was determined. Much of the plant community distribution can be ascribed to specific habitat preference. The floristic and habitat information, proposed classification, general description and vegetation key are provided to aid future identification of conservation areas, land use planning and research. An ordination (DECORANA) based on floristic data confirmed potential relationships that could exist between the plant communities and associated habitats and environmental gradients.

scholarly journals The plant communities and species richness of the Alepidea longifolia- Monocymbium ceresiiforme High-altitude Grassland of northern KwaZulu-Natal

Koedoe ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
H.C. Eckhardt ◽  
N. Van Rooyen ◽  
G.J. Bredenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Vegetation Survey ◽  
High Altitudes ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
High Altitude Grassland

As part of a vegetation survey of the grasslands of northern KwaZulu-Natal, this survey was conducted within the Alepidea longifolia-Monocymbium ceresiiforme grassland of high altitudes. Releves were compiled in 156 stratified random sample plots. The data set was classified using TWINSPAN. Subsequent refinement by Braun-Blanquet procedures produced 15 plant communities. Species richness was determined for each community. According to naturalness and species richness two communities were selected as being of conservation importance. An ordination algorithm (DECORANA) was also applied to describe the relationships between the vegetation units and the physical environment.

scholarly journals Dolomitic vegetation of the Sterkfontein Caves World Heritage Site and its importance in the conservation of Rocky Highveld Grassland

Koedoe ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Siebert ◽  
S.J. Siebert
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
World Heritage ◽  
World Heritage Site ◽  
Natural Area ◽  
New Associations ◽  
Heritage Site ◽  
Twinspan Classification

An analysis of the vegetation of the Sterkfontein Caves (i.e. the natural area surrounding the caves) is presented. Releves were compiled in 24 stratified random sample plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed six plant communities, also referred to as vegetation units. For each of these vegetation units the species richness was determined. Plant communities of conservation importance were identified and new associations were formally described.

scholarly journals Natural woodland vegetation and plant species richness of the urban open spaces in Gauteng, South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C.H. Grobler ◽  
G.J. Bredenkamp ◽  
L.R. Brown
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Physical Representation ◽  
Twinspan Classification ◽  
Woodland Communities

It is estimated that approximately 60 % of the world’s population will be living in urban areas by 2025. In Gauteng, the most densely populated province in South Africa, the natural open spaces are continually under threat from development. Vegetation is the most physical representation of the environment on which all animals are ultimately dependent. In order to evaluate an areas potential for development or conservation it is necessary to make a thorough inventory of the plant communities and their associated habitats. A survey of the natural woodlands was undertaken as part of a project describing the vegetation of the natural open spaces within the Gauteng region. Relevés were compiled in 73 stratified random sample plots in selected open spaces within the study area. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, indicated six woodland communities that can be grouped into two major woodland communities. A classification and description of these communities as well as their species richness are presented. The results indicate that there are still patches of well-preserved natural vegetation within the study area and contribute to the limited knowledge that presently exists for the vegetation of the area.

Wetland vegetation of southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Perkins ◽  
G. J. Bredenkamp ◽  
J. E. Granger
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Wetland Vegetation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Entire Data ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Twinspan Classification ◽  
Grassland Biome

Vegetation data from southern KwaZulu-Natal were analysed. TWINSPAN classification separated the entire data set (547 releves) into five subsets. One subset, representing the vegetation of the wetlands of southern Kw aZulu-Natal, was further classified by Braun-Blanquet procedures. Eight plant communities and fourteen subcommunities were identified and described. The results can be integrated with existing phytosociological classifications of the Grassland Biome.

A comparison of Mopaneveld vegetation in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe

Bothalia ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Siebert ◽  
G. J. Bredenkamp ◽  
S. J. Siebert
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Rainfall Events

Data from fifteen phytosociological studies were merged and classified to describe and compare the vegetation of geo­graphically separated and climatically different Mopanev eld types in South Africa. Namibia and Zimbabw e. Seven v egetation types and ten major plant communities were identified using TW INSPAN. Vegetation types were separated according to geo­graphical regions. There were significant floristic affinities even though there w ere geological and climatic differences between the regions. Plant communities were described according to vegetation structure, habitat and floristic composition. Although environmental data were not adequate for a detailed ordination. DECORANA reflected the distribution of vegetation types and major plant communities along environmental gradients. Limitations of large phytosociological syntheses were also addressed. Species richness (alpha diversity) was calculated for each geographical region. The Musina (Messina) region north of the Soutpansberg. South Africa, has the highest species richness, and Kaokoland. Namibia, the lowest Due to irregular annual rainfall patterns in semi-arid Mopaneveld, it is suggested that variance in species richness is associated with temporal vegeta­tion states induced by rainfall events. Species richness of Mopaneveld was further compared w ith other sav anna types.

The grasslands and wetlands of the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Siebert ◽  
A. E. Van Wyk ◽  
G. J. Bredenkamp ◽  
F. Du Plessis
Keyword(s):  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Hierarchical Classification ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
General Description ◽  
Twinspan Classification ◽  
New Syntaxa ◽  
Floristic Data ◽  
Plant Endemism

A hierarchical classification, description, and ecological and floristic interpretations are presented on the vegetation types of the grasslands and wetlands of the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism. Relevés were compiled in 74 stratified random plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed eight associations. 11 subassociations and four variants. Many new syntaxa are described and ecologically interpreted. For each syntaxon. the species richness, endemism and conservation status was determined. The floristic and habitat information, proposed classification, general description and vegetation key are provided to aid future identification of conservation areas, land use planning and further research. An ordination (DECORANA). based on floristic data, confirmed the relationships that exist between plant communities and associated habitats and environmental gradients. Much of the plant community diversity and distribution can be ascribed to a heterogeneous environment, predominantly determined by soil moisture.

scholarly journals Semi-arid savanna of the Potlake Nature Reserve and surrounding areas in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S.J. Siebert ◽  
M. Matthee ◽  
A.E. Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Plant Community ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Hierarchical Classification ◽  
General Description ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Floristic Data ◽  
Semi Arid

A hierarchical classification, description, and ecological and floristic interpretations are presented on the vegetation types of the semi-arid northern savanna of the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism. Relevés were compiled in 47 stratified random plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed eight plant communities, classified as four associations, one of which is subdivided into five sub-associations. For each plant community, the floristic richness, endemism and conservation status was determined. Much of the plant community distribution can be ascribed to environmental factors and anthropogenic disturbance. An ordination (DECORANA), based on floristic data, showed environmental gradients that possibly exist between plant communities and associated habitats. The floristic information, proposed classification, general description and vegetation key, can be used for the identification and monitoring of protected areas, land-use planning, and further conservation research.

scholarly journals Typology of the woody plant communities of the Ethiopian Nech Sar National Park and an assessment of vegetation-environment relations and human disturbance impacts

2020 ◽  
Vol 153 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonas U. Utaile ◽  
Kenny Helsen ◽  
Seyoum G. Aydagnehum ◽  
Bart Muys ◽  
Simon C. Shibru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
National Park ◽  
Woody Plant ◽  
Woody Vegetation ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Species Richness And Diversity ◽  
Acacia Polyacantha

Background and aims – Deforestation and forest degradation have hugely affected the Southern Ethiopian Rift Valley, jeopardizing biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service provisioning. Quantifying the impacts of human activities on the remaining woody plant communities and recognizing vegetation–environment relationships provide the basis for targeted conservation and rehabilitation.Material and methods – The study was performed in the Nech Sar National Park (NSNP). Based on a large systematic vegetation survey of 104 plots, we quantified the woody vegetation composition, and we provided a vegetation classification based on Non Metric Multidimensional Scaling, cluster analysis and indicator species analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated vegetation – environment relationships and the effects of human disturbance on community composition and woody plant species richness and diversity.Key results – Our analyses revealed three very distinct woody vegetation types (Acacia mellifera-Combretum aculeatum; Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius-Deinbollia kilimandscharica and Acacia polyacantha-Ficus sycomorus) which were significantly differentiated by soil pH, electrical conductivity, available soil phosphorus and organic matter, and by elevation. Human disturbance, as quantified by a compound Human Disturbance Index (HDI) significantly affected community composition, species richness and diversity, and was significantly positively correlated with species richness and diversity. The latter is likely due to intermediate levels of disturbance and encroachment of disturbance affiliated shrubs such as Dichrostachys cinerea, Lantana camara, and Acalypha fruticosa. Furthermore, the demographic structure of key woody species such as Acacia polyacantha, Acacia tortilis, Balanites aegyptiaca, Diospyros abyssinica, Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius and Terminalia brownii, showed impacts of human disturbance.Conclusion – Our results provide a baseline for further conservation actions in the NSNP which should be differentially targeted on the different plant community types. Overall, human disturbance seems not to have resulted yet in species richness declines, although it has started to affect the integrity of the delineated vegetation types and resulted in small scale succession.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document