Bothalia - African Biodiversity & Conservation ISSN: (Online) 2311-9284, (Print) 0006-8241

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Vegetation Map of South , and Swaziland 2009 and 2012: A description of changes from 2006

Authors: Background: The variety of applications in which the Vegetation Map of , Lesotho 1 Anisha Dayaram and Swaziland (VEGMAP) is used requires the map to be continually updated and refined to Leslie Powrie1 Tony Rebelo1 reflect the latest available information. The VEGMAP has been updated twice, in 2009 and Andrew Skowno1 2012, since its first release in 2006.

Affiliations: Objectives: The first objective is to report on the motivations for changes in the 2009 and 2012 1South African National versions. The second objective is to describe new vegetation types and subtypes included in Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), these versions. Kirstenbosch, South Africa Method: Changes to the VEGMAP are implemented after a peer-review process that is Corresponding author: managed by the National Vegetation Map Committee. Accepted changes are then incorporated Anisha Dayaram, [email protected] into the VEGMAP using GIS software.

Dates: Results: Seventy-one of the 449 vegetation types were affected by updates. Changes included Received: 09 Feb. 2017 the addition of new vegetation types and subtypes, modifications to the boundaries of types Accepted: 01 May 2017 present in the 2006 VEGMAP and changes to the names of vegetation types. Published: 29 June 2017 Conclusion: The updates have affected a small portion of the map but have reflected a How to cite this article: progressive refinement in quality. Regions that are still mapped at a coarse scale, especially Dayaram, A., Powrie, L., those earmarked for land-use development, should be prioritised for improved map accuracy Rebelo, T. & Skowno, A., 2017, ‘Vegetation Map of and classification through a more proactive approach towards vegetation mapping, using South Africa, Lesotho and guidelines that are under development. Swaziland 2009 and 2012: A description of changes from 2006’, Bothalia 47(1), a2223. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc. Introduction v47i1.2223 The National Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (VEGMAP) (ed. Mucina Copyright: & Rutherford 2006) is a geographical classification of groups of communities across © 2017. The Authors. South Africa. The project was a collaboration between vegetation experts in the early 2000s Licensee: AOSIS. This work under the custodianship of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Uses is licensed under the for the VEGMAP are widespread and cross-sectorial. Therefore, SANBI has a responsibility to Creative Commons Attribution License. ensure that the map reflects the most up-to-date knowledge available. Similar to early versions of vegetation maps in other parts of the world (Barbour, Todd Keeler-Wolf & Schoenherr 2007), the first version of the VEGMAP was based on the best available data at the time and implemented through a largely top-down approach as vast regions of the country had been poorly sampled. While some areas of the map were developed from existing fine scale maps and floristic data (~6% of the map), much of the vegetation map was inferred from environmental predictors of floristic biogeography such as geology (~8%), climate (~5%), topography (~0.1%), bioresource units (~5%), land types (~42%) and satellite imagery (~7%) (Mucina, Rutherford & Powrie 2006). Consequently, the VEGMAP is effective in representing natural vegetation communities at the national scale, but the top-down classification is less effective at the local scale (Barbour et al. 2007; Greenberg et al. 2006). There is thus a process through which the National Vegetation Map can be updated to improve its mapping accuracy in large parts of the country.

The 2009 and 2012 updates of the VEGMAP drew on suggestions and queries submitted by botanists and ecologists working at SANBI and various partner organisations. These versions were made available on the Biodiversity GIS (BGIS) website (www.bgis.org.za) since 2009, where Read online: full descriptions of each new vegetation type were recently (2016) added as downloadable Scan this QR portable documents (pdf). However, the justifications for re-classification of vegetation types and code with your smart phone or additions of new types have not been formally published. This paper highlights areas edited in mobile device the 2009 and the 2012 updates. We justify these changes and provide summary descriptions of the to read online. new vegetation types and subtypes.

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Methods The boundaries of 43 vegetation types were edited in the 2009 version and four in the 2012 version. New vegetation Data requirements for changes to the types were added mainly in KwaZulu-Natal, Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and and the Western Cape provinces (Figure 1). Six new vegetation Swaziland types and nine subtypes (mainly in the Western and Northern Proposed changes require review and validation before they Cape provinces) were added in 2009, and six types were can be accepted. Therefore, a National Vegetation Map added in 2012. Four of the new vegetation types (SKk9, Committee (NVMC) was formed in 2007. Similar to other SVl25, SVl26 and SVl27) were described in the Succulent international classification committees, such as the vegetation Karoo biome, with two each from the Fynbos (FFs32, FFh11) subcommittee of the American Federal Geographic Data and Grassland (Gs19, Gs20) biomes, and one from the Indian Committee (FGDC 2008) and the Canadian National Ocean Coastal Belt (CB6). One vegetation type (FFa5 Olifants Vegetation Classification Technical Committee, the NVMC Alluvium Fynbos) was added in 2009 from fine scale provides technical direction for the VEGMAP project and planning, but it was removed in 2012 as supporting evidence ratifies proposed changes where sufficient justification has was insufficient to justify the change. Three of the five sources been submitted. The minimum information required for a of accepted updates emerged out of provincial or city-funded proposed change will depend on the nature of the change. fine scale planning projects. New polygons were added (W5 Minor changes include changes to the boundaries of existing Reclaimed Land) to represent the current extent of a small vegetation types and updates to the descriptions. Major portion of coast in Table Bay that was filled in during changes include the proposal of new vegetation types or upgrades to Cape Town Harbour in the 1940s. This area was merging of existing types. The minimum information not historically vegetated and is mapped but not considered required for a change to be accepted includes: (1) a digital to be a vegetation type. map of proposed boundaries; (2) detailed justification for the various changes (often with satellite imagery, aerial A condensed version of the descriptions for new vegetation photographs or orthophotographs); (3) for new vegetation types and subtypes added in 2009 and 2012 versions is types and subtypes the justification must include a broad outlined in Tables 2 and 3. description of the landscape, vegetation structure, associated geology, soils, landscape features and climate, lists of Discussion dominant and diagnostic species, conservation status and Overall, the 2009 and 2012 versions of the VEGMAP have (optionally) threats; and (4) a georeferenced colour been progressive refinements in scale and accuracy compared photograph with a caption. Major changes must be to the 2006 version, although these are limited to a few accompanied by a peer reviewed publication or report. regions. Recent versions have also allowed for the inclusion of finer scale data in the form of subtypes. A problem remains Results as when to allow subtypes in a way that prevents a Summary of changes to the Vegetation Map of proliferation of vegetation units that will compromise the South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland national scale of VEGMAP. Subtypes vary in scale, and in the criteria used to define them; thus some subtypes are The sources of changes implemented in the updates include represented by several units spread over larger geographies vegetation mapping for fine scale planning (Helme 2007a, (e.g. FS1.2 Graafwater Flats Strandveld), while others are 2007b, 2007c; Helme & Koopman 2007; Van der Merwe et al. represented by a single isolated unit (e.g. FRs8.2 Kluitjieskraal 2008a, 2008b; Vlok, Cowling & Wolf 2005), provincial Silcrete Renosterveld). This has the potential to become planning (Scott-Shaw & Escott 2011) and field work problematic as the units for types are refined, and approach conducted by members of the NVMC. Accepted changes to the same scale as the units currently mapped as subtypes. the VEGMAP have included alterations to the boundaries of This occurrence can only be avoided by a clear and well- vegetation types classified in 2006: changes to the spelling of defined classification hierarchy. vegetation type names (4), the addition of new vegetation types (11) and the addition of subtypes of existing vegetation The VEGMAP changes to date were driven by a relatively types (9). The reasons for changes ranged from ground passive approach to data acquisition, from private botanical truthed (direct observation of vegetation patterns in the field) consultants and government conservation officials raising evidence to evidence based on re-analysis using updated concerns about the current map, and providing information satellite imagery (Table 1). from fine scale planning work. Consequently, updates have been concentrated in areas where funding, capacity and Ground-truthing was the most common form of evidence (90% historical baseline information was available. Areas that of the affected vegetation types) used to justify changes, often have been updated so far coincided with three principal supplemented by information on floristic, geomorphological, regions and two centres of plant endemism, namely, structural or geological distinctness. Minor changes in 2012 Kamiesberg Centre of the Cape Floristic Region, the Little included changing the names of four vegetation types to remove Karoo Centre of the Succulent Karoo Region and a large the circumflex (^) from the region name ‘Rûens’. This was aimed extent of the Maputaland-Pondoland Region (Steenkamp at eliminating errors in computer syntax. et al. 2005).

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TABLE 1: The South African vegetation types updated in 2009 and 2012 grouped by change category. Subscripts are referenced below the table. Vegetation type (and code) Nature of the update (‘Other’ includes: Geomorphologically distincta; disjunct communityb; altitude, topographic position and climatic factorsc; and ASCII character set transfer errord) Ground Floristically Geologically Structurally Supported by Other truthed distinct distinct distinct Satellite imagery Polygon boundary adjustment Agter-Sederberg Shrubland SKv31 † - - - - - Bokkeveld Sandstone Fynbos FFs11 † † † - - - Cape Estuarine Salt Marshes Aze21 † - - - - - Cape Inland Salt Pans AZi91 † - - - - - Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetland AZf11 † - - - - - Cape Seashore Vegetation AZd31 † - † - - - Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos FFs41 † - - - - - Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos FFs41 ------Citrusdal Vygieveld SKk71 † † - † - - Doringrivier Quartzite Karoo SKv11 † † - - - - Graafwater Sandstone Fynbos FFs21 † - † - - - Hantam Karoo SKt25 - - - - - †c Hopefield Sand Fynbos FFd31 † † - - - - Klawer Sandy Shrubland SKs131 † - † - † - Knersvlakte Dolomite Vygieveld SKk61 † - - - † - Knersvlakte Quartz Vygieveld SKk31 † - † - † - Knersvlakte Shale Vygieveld SKk41 † - - - - - KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld SVs54 ‡ - - - - - Lamberts Bay Strandveld FS11 † † - - - - Langebaan Dune Strandveld FS51 † † † - - - Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos FFd21 † † - † - - Little Karoo Quartz Vygieveld SKv106 † † - † - - Midlands Mistbelt Grassland Gs94 ‡ - - - - - Namaqualand Riviere AZi11 † - - - † - Namaqualand Sand Fynbos FFd11 † † - - - - Namaqualand Spinescent Grassland SKs121 † † - † - - Namaqualand Strandveld SKs71 † † - † - - Nieuwoudtville Shale Renosterveld FRs21 † - - - - - Northern Inland Shale Band Vegetation FFb11 † † † - - - Northern Zululand Mistbelt Grassland Gs14 ‡ - - - - - Olifants Sandstone Fynbos FFs31 † † - - - - Paulpietersburg Moist Grassland Gm154 † - - - - - Piketberg Quartz Succulent Shrubland SKk81 † † † - - - Piketberg Sandstone Fynbos FFs61 † † - - - - Robertson Karoo SKv71 † - - - - - Roggeveld Shale Renosterveld FRs35 † † - - - - Saldanha Flats Strandveld FS32 † † † - - - Saldanha Granite Strandveld FS22 † † † - - - Saldanha Limestone Strandveld FS42 † - † - - - Southern Afrotemperate Forest FOz11 † - - - - - Southern Drakensberg Highland Grassland Gd44 † - - - - - Swartland Shale Renosterveld FRs91 † - - - - †b Swartland Silcrete Renosterveld FRc11 † - † - - - Vanrhynsdorp Gannabosveld SKk51 † - - - † - Winterhoek Sandstone Fynbos FFs51 † - - - - - Zululand Lowveld SVL234 ‡ - - - - - New vegetation type Citrusdal Shale Renosterveld FRs201 † † - † - - Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland Gs194 ‡ ‡ - - - - Kobee Succulent Shrubland SKk91 † † - † - - KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Thornveld CB64 - - - - - ‡c Long Tom Pass Montane Grassland Gm314 † † - - - - Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld SVI254 ‡ - ‡ - ‡ - Source: 1Helme 2007a, 2007b, 2007c; 2Helme and Koopman 2007; 3NVMC decision; 4Scott-Shaw and Escott 2011;5 Van der Merwe et al. 2008a, 2008b; 6Vlok et al. 2005 a, Geomorphologically distinct; b, disjunct community; c, altitude, topographic position and climatic factors; d, ASCII character set transfer error. †, updated in 2009; ‡, updated in 2012; §, added in 2009 and removed in 2012. Table 1 continues on the next page →

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TABLE 1 (Continues...): The South African vegetation types updated in 2009 and 2012 grouped by change category. Subscripts are referenced below the table. Vegetation type (and code) Nature of the update (‘Other’ includes: Geomorphologically distincta; disjunct communityb; altitude, topographic position and climatic factorsc; and ASCII character set transfer errord) Ground Floristically Geologically Structurally Supported by Other truthed distinct distinct distinct Satellite imagery Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland Gs204 ‡ ‡ - - - - Muzi Palm Veld and Wooded Grassland SVI264 ‡ - ‡ - ‡ - Nardouw Sandstone Fynbos FFs321 † † - † - - Olifants Alluvium Fynbos FFa51 § - - - - - Peninsula Shale Fynbos FFh113 ‡ ‡ - ‡ - - Steenkampsberg Montane Grassland Gm304 † † - - - - Subtype of Vegetation type Graafwater Flats Strandveld FS1.21 † † - - - - Hantam Escarpment Shrubland SKt2.25 † - - - - - Kluitjieskraal Silcrete Renosterveld FRs8.21 † † - - - - Nekkies Silty Floodplain FFa2.21 † † - - - - Nieuwoudtville Sandstone Renosterveld FRs2.21 † - - † - †a Noord Bokkeveld Shale Renosterveld FRs2.31 † - - † - †a Papkuilsfontein Sandstone Renosterveld FRs2.41 † - - † - †a Varkvlei Shale Strandveld FS3.21 † - † - - - Stormsvlei Aalwyn Fynbos FFs13.21 † † - - - - Vegetation type name change Central Ruens Shale Renosterveld FRs123 - - - - - ‡d Eastern Ruens Shale Renosterveld FRs133 - - - - - ‡d Ruens Silcrete Renosterveld FRc23 - - - - - ‡d Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld FRs113 - - - - - ‡d Source: 1Helme 2007a, 2007b, 2007c; 2Helme and Koopman 2007; 3NVMC decision; 4Scott-Shaw and Escott 2011;5 Van der Merwe et al. 2008a, 2008b; 6Vlok et al. 2005 a, Geomorphologically distinct; b, disjunct community; c, altitude, topographic position and climatic factors; d, ASCII character set transfer error. †, updated in 2009; ‡, updated in 2012; §, added in 2009 and removed in 2012.

a c Update Type b Addion: Subtype Addion: Type (2009) N Addion: Type (2012) Addion: Type (2009) Deleon: Type 2012 Boundary shi (2009) Boundary shi (2012) N Name change (2006–2012) 02550 100 Kilometers

N 0 25 50 100 Kilometers N 02550 100 e Kilometers

0 125 250 500 Kilometers d

N N 02550 100 015 0 20 30 Kilometers Kilometers

Source: These changes were based on evidence from the following sources: (a) Helme (2007), (b) ground truthed evidence from members of the National Vegetation Map Committee, (c) Scott-Shaw and Escott (2011), (d) Vlok et al. (2005) and (e) Van der Merwe et al. (2008a, 2008b) FIGURE 1: The edited areas of the South African VEGMAP affected by the 2009 and 2012 updates.

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, Lotononis Lotononis N.E. Br. , semiloba, R.Dahlgren , Pteronia , Pteronia , Antidesma , Antidesma (E.Mey. ex ex (E.Mey. (Baker) (Baker) cf. Hochst. Geissorhiza Geissorhiza De Wild. Bulbinella (Klotzsch & (Klotzsch , Moraea Marloth & A. , Oxalis , Oxalis (Forssk.) Vahl (Forssk.) Cheilanthes Cheilanthes (Müll.Arg.) (Müll.Arg.)

Polycarena Polycarena , Spreng. (Aiton) B.Nord. (Aiton) Lotononis hirsute Lotononis , Cordia monoica , Tetragonia rosea , Tetragonia lucida , Lebeckia cytisoides , Fingerhuthia (Nees) Clayton . , Oxalis , Oxalis (Willd.) Zizka L. Sweet , Chrysocoma ciliate , Chrysocoma , Eriocephalus africanus , Eriocephalus Benth. Euclea tomentosa Euclea (P. Bergius) (P. Eriospermum Eriospermum Euclea tomentosa Euclea L.f., L.f., Lam. , Sapium integerrimum , Euryops rehmanii , Euryops Nees , Hemimeris racemosa (Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr. Kyal. (Benth.) (L.) Desv. , Montinia caryophyllacea , Montinia L. , Ptaeroxylon obliquum , Ptaeroxylon , Spirostachys africana , Spirostachys Aloe comosa (Thunb.) Desv., (Thunb.) Desv., Arctopus monacanthus Arctopus (Schum.)W.Wight L. , Justicia flava , Justicia

(Retz.) Link (Retz.) Burm.f. , Table 2 continues on the next page → page on the next 2 continues Table Royen ex L., ex Royen Wiborgia leptoptera Burch., Burch., Thunb., Diospyros ramulosa Diospyros L. pallens (L.f.) Koek (L.f.) Thell. Drypetes arguta Drypetes

, Sparaxis roxburghii , DC. (L.) Dumort , Melinis repens , Lampranthus watermeyeri , Lampranthus , Lotononis maximiliani , Lotononis , Andropogon schirensis Near endemic taxa: Near endemic taxa: , Euphorbia burmannii , Euphorbia (L.) Källersjö. Endemic taxa: Endemic taxa: (L.) Källersjö. . (Hack.) Hack. L. , Tripteris oppositifolia , Tripteris Gilg Gaertn., Cotyledon orbiculata , Crassula rupestris (Burm.f.) T.Durand & Schinz, T.Durand (Burm.f.) (L.) Ehrh., longipes. , Pteronia divaricata , Pteronia (N.E.Br.) Verdc. (N.E.Br.) , Babiana angustifolia R.C.Foster. Duemmer , Senegalia burkei rhinocerotis Schltr Mohria caffrorum

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, Diheteropogon amplectens Diheteropogon , Galenia africana , Anthospermum spathulatum , Anthospermum (L.f.) F.A.Barkley, F.A.Barkley, (L.f.) Jacq. Fenzl, Fenzl, (Jacq.) T.S.Yi, A.J.Mill. & J.Wen (Jacq.) T.S.Yi, , Tribolium hispidum , Tribolium virens , Albizia adianthifolia (L.f.) Aiton (L.f.) L. rosea , Phragmites australis , Phragmites , Lebeckia cytisoides , Zygophyllum morgsana , Zygophyllum Oliv., , Nylandtia spinosa (A.Rich.) Hochst. C.H.Stirt. Near Endemic Taxa: Taxa: C.H.Stirt. Near Endemic Thunb. Sm. Spreng. Ex. A.DC. Spreng. Cyanella hyacinthoides , Nidorella auriculata , Fimbristylis complanata , Fimbristylis L. E. burmannii, Euhorbia loricata E. burmannii, Euhorbia L.f.

(L.F.) Toelken (L.F.) Harv. , Eriocephalus purpureus Eriocephalus , , Marloth & A.Berger subsp. , O. uliginosa , O. Sond. (K.Schum.) Bullock ex Oberm. (K.Schum.) Bullock ex undulate (L.) Raeusch. L.

Helichrysum moeserianum Moraea macgregorii, Rhynchosia arida Rhynchosia Moraea macgregorii, (Burm.) DC. Meissner subsp. (Sond.) Grubov Dicerothamnus , A.DC. Berkheya fruticosa Berkheya , Wurmbea spicata , Wurmbea , Cyphia bulbosa Euphorbia mauritanica Euphorbia Urelytrum agropyroides Hyphaena coriaceae Searsia incisa (L.f.) Aiton (L.f.) , Strychnos henningsii (Thunb.) Kuntze Schltr. , Oncosiphon suffruticosum , Oncosiphon Schelpe Eckl. & Zeyh., & Zeyh., Eckl. , Searsia (L.f.) T.Durand & Schinz T.Durand (L.f.) , Didelta spinosa , Didelta Galenia sarcophylla E.Mey. ex Tul. ex E.Mey. Lehm. Biogeographically important taxa: taxa: important Lehm. Biogeographically Albizia versicolor (Sweet) Steud., Steud., (Sweet) , Aloe comosa Rhynchosia arida Rhynchosia L.f. , Lebeckia leipoldtiana , Thesium lineare Goldblatt , Uvaria lucida , Ehrharta calycina , Ehrharta , Sclerocarya birrea , Sclerocarya , Pteronia incana , Pteronia Species composition taxa: Dominant Garcke) paniculatus Tylecodon F.A.Barkley Thunb. pallens incana Pentzia Thunb. Dodonaea angustifolia Asparagus capensis A.DC., ex africana Berger, minutipustulatum taxa: Dominant Hochst., podophylla Indigofera venosum Roxb. fischeri Rothmannia (Thunb.) Radlk. longipes Tephrosia taxa: Dominant Hutch. Berchemia zeyheri natalensis Euclea cylindrical Imperata Nymphaea nouchali taxa: Dominant spinosa Didelta A.DC., ex E.Mey. A.DC.) De Winter, L. spinosum Zygophyllum caryophyllacea Montinia namaquensis Schltr aspera cauda-felis flaccida (Thunb.) D.Dietr. Sond., Carmich. ex (Houtt.) Merr. macrocarpa amblyosepala louisabolusiae Geissorhiza subtilis, Goldblatt.

Geology, soils and climate Geology, of mainly not only on substrates Occurs quartzitic coarse-grained medium to but also on mudrocks, sandstone and limestone siltstones, sandstones, on land type lb shales. Predominantly 200 mm– and lc. MAP approximately 350 mm. of marine origin sediments Quaternary reddish to regic – mainly grey sand dunes. Grey redistributed Summer rainfall regosols. dystrophic MAP 550 in winter. with some rain mm–800 mm. No incidence of frost. of marine origin sediments Quaternary reddish to regic – mainly grey to brown sand dunes. Grey redistributed Land type regosols. dystric grey orange mainly Ha. in with some rain Summer rainfall MAP 550 mm–650 mm. No winter. incidence of frost. of mainly not only on substrates Occurs but also on quartzitic sandstone and siltstones sandstones, mudrocks, on land type la shales. Predominantly 250 and lb. MAP approximately mm–350 mm.

Ficus, ) and in moister ) and in moister (in seasonally ). Grasses rare - may be - may rare ). Grasses Olea Landscape features & vegetation & vegetation features Landscape structure shrubland with many Medium tall shrubs. deciduous and succulent and trees rare Fynbos elements ( outcrops rocky only amongst Diospyros Maytenus, ( areas Bulbs grazing. of heavy because and annuals uncommon. on dune cordons coastal On ancient to Open terrain. undulating gently with woodland closed evergreen 5 m–10 m tall. canopy on ancient terrain undulating Gently Dry basins dune cordon. coastal and with Muzi Swamps associated and Mkuzi Pongola draining Stream communities: plant broad Two River. Hyphaene coriacea and lacking in shrubs Veld Palm wet (rich in grassland and wooded herbs) geoxylic shrubs, dwarf shrubs, in a dominate suffrutices and herbs) pattern. patchwork by dominated Renosterveld, Typical with medium shrubs, to low annuals and geophytes. abundant are but trees be common, can Herbs and succulents usually not present, (more common to uncommon are to transitional where common on drier slopes). Citrusdal Vygieveld, rare, to be tends Alien vegetation a are alien grasses but invasive be present. may Heuweltjies threat. ), SVl18 ), SVl18 ), SVl18 ), and marginal ), and marginal % % % ), FFs2 Graafwater Graafwater ), FFs2 % spp. and herbs, urban spp. and herbs, ), FRs1 Vanrhynsdorp ), FRs1 Vanrhynsdorp % Avena Avena ), and marginal portions of ), and marginal Freshwater ), AZf6 Subtropical % % ), SKv1 Doringrivier Quartzite Karoo Karoo Doringrivier Quartzite ), SKv1 % ), and marginal portions of FFs4 portions of FFs4 ), and marginal % ), and marginal portions of CB2 Maputaland portions of CB2 Maputaland ), and marginal % ), SKk4 Knersvlakte Shale Vygieveld (5 Shale Vygieveld ), SKk4 Knersvlakte % Distribution and protection Distribution an to southwards of Nieuwoudtville the west from Extends and Doringbos. Relatively Klawer between area inaccessibility) but barely (mainly due to untransformed and gravel roads by impacted Small areas protected. to be fields, and small dams. Appears quarries, agricultural mapped as SKn6 Previously overgrazing. to prone Shrubland (46 Mountain Kamiesberg (21 Shale Renosterveld (18 Fynbos, SKk5 Sandstone Bokkeveld portions of FFs1 Sandy Klawer SKs13 Gannabosveld, Vanrhynsdorp within these comfortably Shrubland. The unit did not fit or floristically. units, either structurally of the Pongola east plain region coastal On the Maputaland catchment and its water Aligned with the Muzi swamp River. 18 and SV1 between Hluhluwe to the south it extends and to Tembe in conserved CB 1. Altitude 10 m–90 m. Statutorily Previously Park. Wetland and Isimangaliso Park Elephant Belt (81 Coastal mapped as CB1 Maputaland (18 Sandy Bushveld Tembe Sand Forest, FOz8 Bushveld, Clay Maputaland Western SVl20 Freshwater AZf6 Subtropical Forest, Riverine Lowveld FOa1 The unit extends Salt Pans. and AZi11 Subtropical Wetlands It differs part of southern . the Maputaland to in the higher clay Sandy Bushveld 18 Tembe SV1 from and lower table of the soils and higher water content coast. to the east its proximity arising from rates evaporation of the east region plain in the Maputaland On the coastal 18 and CB 1. Altitude 40 m–90 SV1 between River Pongola Previously Park. Elephant in Tembe conserved m. Statutorily Belt (80 Coastal mapped as CB1 Maputaland (14 Sandy Bushveld Tembe (5 Wetlands Lakes W1 Freshwater Sand Forest, FOz8 Grassland, Wooded the to The unit extends Salt Pans. and AZi11 Subtropical from It differs part of southern Mozambique. Maputaland in the generally Sandy Bushveld Pallid Maputaland Eastern for which is unsuitable table seasonal water higher and very of Muzi Palm Small unmapped fragments trees. bushveld occur embedded in mainly Grassland and Wooded Veld the between Sandy Bushveld Pallid Maputaland Eastern River. and the Nyalazi River Mkuzi alien invasive expansion, agricultural by Threatened e.g. grasses (invasive vegetation grazing Citrusdal), dams, heavy (mainly around expansion Previously Nothing conserved. pressure. and trampling (79 mapped as SKk7 Citrusdal Vygieveld Fynbos (7 Sandstone Leipoldville Sand Fynbos Fynbos, FFd2 Sandstone Cederberg included Fynbos. Previously Sandstone Olifants and FFs3 (structurally but clearly distinct within Citrusdal Vygieveld slopes, and cooler/moister occurring on and floristically), than succulents. rather shrubs by dominated 1b

1a 3 Names, vegetation map codes and summarised descriptions of new vegetation types added to the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland since the original 2006 publication. Lesotho and Map of South Africa, Vegetation to the types added vegetation new of codes and summarised descriptions map Names, vegetation 4 TABLE 2: TABLE type Name of new SKk 9 Kobee Succulent Shrubland 25 Maputaland SVl Sandy Pallid Bushveld 26 Muzi Palm SVl and Wooded Veld Grassland FRs 20 Citrusdal Shale Renosterveld

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, , Moffett Restio Restio , B. , Koeleria , Koeleria Argyrolobium , Oberm. Pilans. subsp. subsp. Amphiglossa Codd (Mesn) E. Chess. & Gladiolus R.A. Dyer Indigofera Indigofera Pentameris, Pentameris, Trin., Trin.,

Willdenowia Willdenowia Moeser Watsonia Watsonia Monocymbium platypetalus , Othonna adenocarpum Sond. Trin. ex Nees ex Trin. Protea parvula Protea steenkampianus , meeuseana , Loudetia densispica , Loudetia Van Jaarsv. & A.E.van & A.E.van Jaarsv. Van Thamnochortus var. var. (L.f.) Kuntze (L.f.) , Eriosema kraussianum , Eriosema var. var. I.A. Williams, Hilliard & B.L.Burtt Hilliard var. , Microchloa caffra subsp. subsp. Hochst., Hochst., Nees Eucomis vandermerwei Eucomis (E.Mey. ex Sond.) Moffett, Sond.) Moffett, ex (E.Mey. G.J.Lewis (Sond.) E.Phillips & C.A.Sm., Restio marlothii Restio Harv. , Khadia alticola , Psoralea latifolia, Cliffortia Cliffortia , Psoralea latifolia, roupelliae Aristida diffusa Aristida Table 2 continues on the next page → page on the next 2 continues Table , Andropogon schirensis Reynolds and Reynolds , Graderia linearifolia J.C.Manning & Goldblatt J.C.Manning , Riocreuxia aberrans Pax ex Prain & Hutch., & Hutch., Prain ex Pax , Syncolostemon subvelutinus , Syncolostemon , Aloe challisii (Thunb.) H.P.Linder, (Thunb.) H.P.Linder, Bolus , Helichrysum wilmsii R. Br., R. Br., E.A.Bruce & R.A.Dyer, E.A.Bruce & R.A.Dyer, ., Gladiolus cataractarum . nov., Near endemic taxa: Near endemic taxa: . nov., Tristachya leucothrix Tristachya , Harpochloa falx (Rendle) Stapf (Rendle) McMurtry (Thumb.) A.Dietr., (Thumb.) A.Dietr., Gibbs Russ., Gibbs Leucospermum praemorsum Leucospermum (DC.) D.Dietr. (DC.) D.Dietr. Eckl. & Zeyh., Eckl. , Gladiolus longicollis , Sopubia cana , B. unguiculata Searsia tumulicola Searsia tumulicola (DC.) Källersjö Searsia discolour Aloe modesta Meisn. subsp. Meisn. subsp. E.A.Bruce , Psammotropha myriantha , Indigofera hedyantha hedyantha , Indigofera Boeckeler , Helichrysum spiralepis var. costata, Alloteropsis semialata Alloteropsis costata, var. , Ctenium concinnum , Ctenium Andropogon schirensis Rolfe Lopholaena coriifolia S.P. Bester & Nicholas, Bester S.P. (Schltr.) N.E. Br. (Schltr.) Van der Merwe Van Disa klugei L. Bolus, Kiggelaria, Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Halleria, Leucospermum, Kiggelaria, Leucadendron, Acalypha wilmsii Acalypha Leucadendron loranthifolium Leucadendron Helichrysum adenocarpum Klatt Nees Burtt Davy (Nees) Clayton Babiana engysiphon Germish , Wahlenbergia sp , Wahlenbergia Hilliard & B.L. Burtt Hilliard (DC.) H.Rob., (DC.) H.Rob., (Harms) C.H.Stirt., Goldblatt & J.C.Manning & Goldblatt , Microchloa altera Isolepis marginata . Willdenowia glomerata Willdenowia Ehrharta thunbergii Ehrharta Leucosidea sericea Leucosidea , Brachystelma stellatum , Brachystelma Leucadendron pubescens Leucadendron roupelliae Protea (L.f.) Kuntze, Kuntze, (L.f.) (C.Presl) A.DC. Biogeographically important taxa: The flora of The flora taxa: important A.DC. Biogeographically (C.Presl) subsp. pilosa, Erica woodii pilosa, Erica subsp. Eckl. & Zeyh., & Zeyh., Eckl. , Scleria flexuosa Engl. Endemic taxa: Engl. Endemic taxa: Hutch. Athanasia spathulata Athanasia (Baker) Oberm. It also shares local endemics with the Long Tom endemics with the Long Tom local Oberm. It also shares (Baker) Kniphofia rigidifolia Kniphofia (Nees) Stapf, (Nees) Stapf, Mast., Mast., Eckl. & Zeyh., & Zeyh., Eckl. (Nees) Gibbs Russ. (Nees) Gibbs Kunth, Kunth, (Sweet) Herb., (Sweet) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning & Goldblatt (Thunb.) H.P.Linder. Biogeographically important taxa: taxa: important Biogeographically (Thunb.) H.P.Linder. , Selago atherstonei Rottb., Rottb., Nees Weim. Weim. Endemic taxa: Endemic taxa: , Festuca costata , Festuca . Phymaspermum acerosum Phymaspermum Koek., Koek., , Drimiopsis purpurea , Drimiopsis . Species composition taxa: Dominant vimineus monanthos platypteris incurvata splendens pakhuisensis Lampranthus Phillips rigidifolia papaveroides grisea species of taxa: Dominant Searsia, Aspalathus, Brunia, Cliffortia, Myrsine, Olea, Protea, Maytenus, Watsonia, Bobartia, Mohria, Pteridium, Stoebe, Leucadendron, Cullumia, Erica, Elegia, Ficinia,, Merxmuellera, Cannomois, Ehrharta, Cassytha, Tetraria. Staberoha, Schoenoxiphium, Restio, Taxa: Dominant Hilliardiella aristata Rubus ludwigii Otholobium wilmsii Harpochloa falx ceresiiforme tuberosum Lobelia flaccida in the vegetation to common is more Grassland Montane the Steenkampsberg the north, e.g.the south, than to watsonioides Grasslands: Montane Pass H.E.K.Hartmann longibarbarta monophylla Crotalaria & Zeyh. Eckl. latens Streptocarpus Gladiolus malvinus pedifoetidum Xysmalobium Verd. Wyk taxa: Dominant Beard, nitidula Hochst. eckloniana C.E.Hubb. (Rendle) filifolius Diheteropogon capensis Helichrysum glomeratum Helichrysum subluteum Meissner J.C.Manning & Goldblatt (Baker) acerateoides Xysmalobium D.F.Otieno (Gurke)

Geology, soils and climate Geology, of mainly coarse, on substrates Occurs but quartzitic sandstone, weathering and tillite. dolomites also on dolomites, on land types Ai and lb. Predominantly 200 mm–300 mm. MAP approximately red-yellow clay-loamy, Acidic, moist and Mispah forms apedal, Glenrosa Malmesbury Shales. Land from derived Ic. MAP 520 mm–1690 mm. types Ac, Fa between Mean daily temperatures incidence 26.4°C and 6.6°C. Frost per year. 2 or 3 days Group part of the Pretoria Forms Diabase), with Transvaal by (intersected running from hill formations the several shale, quartzite, are Rocks east. to west diabase and basalt. dolerite, drained; deep, well to shallow Soils are mesotrophic and/or either dystrophic Soil derived depending on geology. white in sandy, results quartzite from soils with high humus dystrophic content. with region Seasonally arid temperate and dry and cool winters. hot summers and summer is common frost Winter Its inland position is infrequent. mist than the Long and higher elevation it is Grasslands, pass Montane Tom less significantly and receives colder during summer. mist Transvaal by (intersected Group Pretoria hill Diabase), with the several volcanic and the distinctive formations, of the Hekpoort Andesite elements on the summits which are Formations drained, Well lying areas. of the highest of silty clay soils with pockets shallow region loam. Seasonally arid temperate and dry winters. with hot summers (summer) is and mist (winter) Frost the to Compared common. Grassland, Montane Steenkampsberg mist. more and receives it is warmer . Landscape features & vegetation & vegetation features Landscape structure arid Fynbos a typical Structurally of weathered areas shrubland. Large succulents supporting dwarf rock, lichens and mosses. and shrubs, common and proteoids Graminoids is but Ericaceae dominant, and often Less prominent poorly represented. than in and Thicket wetlands Sandstone or Cederberg Bokkeveld absent largely Fynbos, and trees rocky protected on fire except is absent. Waboomveld outcrops. in common are Annuals and bulbs and veld, and in younger open areas rocky common on often succulents pavements. the mountains. slopes against Steep tall and is moderately Vegetation dense. Shrubland structurally and proteoid by dominated closed-scrub Fynbos with strong by dominated elements, grass Themeda triandra with plateau Mountainous slopes and mountain grasslands, short are Grasslands valleys. shallow The highest diversity. with high forb (2330 m) in Mpumalanga point north of the just occurs Pass. Steenkampsberg with is diverse Physiography and terraces level subalpine peaks, plains in the higher lying rolling sloping mountain with steeply areas is Mount point slopes. The highest (2280 m), occurring just Anderson Pass. north of Long Tom ), % is met. is met. % ), % ), and marginal ), and marginal % ), which was split into split into ), which was De Wildeman and % ), FRs10 Peninsula Shale ), FRs10 Peninsula % Acacia mearnsii Acacia . Previously mapped as FFh5 Cape . Previously ), FFg3 Peninsula Granite Fynbos (5.6 Granite ), FFg3 Peninsula % is still natural. Previously mapped as Gm18 Previously natural. is still % melanoxylon

), which was split into Gm30 and Gm31. A floristic Gm30 and Gm31. A floristic split into ), which was % Names, vegetation map codes and summarised descriptions of new vegetation types added to the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland since the original 2006 publication. Lesotho and Map of South Africa, Vegetation to the types added vegetation new of codes and summarised descriptions map Names, vegetation Distribution and protection Distribution Vanrhynsdorp of in the south-east With a small distribution the ongoing primarily by Cape. Threatened in the Western fire and overgrazing cultivation, tea of rooibos expansion mapped Previously safe. relatively are areas Rocky exclusion. Fynbos (60 Sandstone Bokkeveld as FFs1 Fynbos (28 Sandstone Cederberg FFs4 Hantam SKt2 Karoo, Doringrivier Quartzite portions of SKv1 Shrubland, SKk5 Mountains Kamiesberg SKn6 Karoo, Shale and FRs1 Vanrhynsdorp Gannabosveld Vanrhynsdorp arid type than Bokkeveld A much more Renosterveld. Fynbos (250mm/ Sandstone Fynbos or Cederberg Sandstone fewer and supports significantly distinct, yr), is floristically endemic species. slopes on the Cape mountain Higher hills and lower aspects. on south and east Peak, Devils at Peninsula Boland Shale Fynbos by the dominance of from Separated Altitude 0 m–700 of Rooigras. and an understory Silvertrees Park. National Mountain in the Table conserved m. Well of infestation Heavy Acacia Winelands Shale Fynbos (62 (28 Renosterveld Fynbos, Peninsula Sandstone portions of FFs9 and marginal Southern Sand Fynbos and FOz1 Cape Flats FFd5 Forest. Afrotemperate extends that escarpment along the Steenkampsberg Occurs in mountains River of the Waterval the headwaters from through southwards extending of Lydenburg, north-west through then eastwards Belfast, towards Dullstroom protected Poorly Bambi and Elandshoogte. Machadodorp to 70 but over (100 Grassland Montane Lydenburg along the Mpumalanga analysis Gm30 and Gm31. A floristic of two proposal supports the recognition escarpment Pass endemism, namely the Long Tom of plant subcentres subcentre. and the Steenkampsberg subcentre north just Reserve Morgenzon from Along the escarpment, the to southwards Lodge, Springs Mountain of Crystal 1650 m in the north Altitude around Schoemanskloof. 1500 m in the south. around it is drier), to (where of 27 and target protected This type is well Grassland Montane mapped as Gm18 Lydenburg Previously (100 supports the escarpment along the Mpumalanga analysis endemism, of plant subcentres of two proposal recognition and the subcentre Pass namely the Long Tom subcentre. Steenkampsberg 1a 2 2 2 TABLE 2 (Continues...): TABLE type Name of new 32 Nardouw FFs Fynbos Sandstone FFh 11 Peninsula Shale Fynbos Gm 30 Steenkampsberg Montane Grassland Gm 31 Long Tom Montane Pass Grassland

http://www.abcjournal.org Open Access Page 7 of 10 Short Communication

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, Disa , , , (L.f.) (L.f.) R.Br. R.Br. DC. , , Pursh Stapf Forssk., Forssk., , Syzygium , Syzygium , Vachelia , Vachelia (L.) Stapf , Gladiolus , Halleria lucida H.P.Linder Trin. ex Nees ex Trin. . Sond. ,Vachellia karroo ,Vachellia (Bolus) L.E.Davidson V. karroo, V. nilotica, nilotica, V. karroo, V. , Eragrostis superba , Eragrostis P.Beauv.

Kunze (R.Br.) Hitchc. (R.Br.) , Aristida congesta , Aristida ., , Harpochloa falx (Nees) Stapf Callilepis normae Goldblatt , Euphorbia spp. (trees), , Euphorbia (DC.) Kyal. & Botwr. (DC.) Kyal. , Brachystelma stellatum , Brachystelma , Combretum molle , Combretum , Alloteropsis semialata , Alloteropsis Scop. Steud. Stapf , Rubus cuneifolius , Ledebouria mokobulanensis Themeda triandra (Forssk.) Galasso & Banfi (Forssk.) P.Beauv Sond. , Disa clavicornis , Hyparrhenia hirta , Helichrysum summo-montanum Desf. S.Moore , Rauvolfia caffra , Rauvolfia , Erica revolute , Erica , Khadia alticola, Morella , Khadia alticola, Tristachya leucothrix Tristachya , Digitaria tricholaenoides , Digitaria L. (L.) Kuhn Willd. G.J.Lewis (A.Rich.) A.Camus E.Mey. ex Boiss. ex E.Mey. Nees H.P.Linder Trin. & Rupr., & Rupr., Trin. Sporobolus pyramidalis Forssk., Forssk., , Alloteropsis semialata , Alloteropsis

A.Berger , Vachelia sieberiana , Vachelia Vachelia tortilis Vachelia , , Hesperantha saxicola , Hesperantha

, Digitaria eriantha , Digitaria , , A. mearnsii, Cyathea dregei , H. hirta, A. dealbata, D. lycioides D. A. dealbata, , H. hirta, , Solanum mauritianum , Monocymbium ceresiiforme , Diospyros lycioides , Diospyros , Digitaria tricholaenoides , Digitaria , Lantana camara , Lantana Link (Roem. & Schult.) Pilg. (Roem. (L.) Stapf P.Beauv. Scop. . Nees , Aloe affinis Trin. ex Nees ex Trin. , Gladiolus exiguous Diels ex L.Guthrie & Bolus L.Guthrie Diels ex Willd. Trin. & Rupr. Trin. Helichrysum swynnertonii Steud. Diels ex L.Guthrie & Bolus L.Guthrie Diels ex , Bothriochloa insculpta Aristida junciformis Aristida Sporobolus pyramidalis H. hirta, (Weim.) Verdc. & Polhill. Endemic Taxa: Endemic Taxa: & Polhill. Verdc. (Weim.) Themeda triandra , Andropogon eucomus G.J.Lewis Hochst. ex Krauss ex Hochst. , D. cinerea, Euphorbia ingens cinerea, Euphorbia , D. McMurtry & T.J.Edwards (L.) P.J.H. Hurter & Mabb. Hurter (L.) P.J.H. , Acacia dealbata , Acacia , Helichrysum-aureum sp nov., Streptocarpus cyaneus subsp. long-tommi, long-tommi, cyaneus subsp. Streptocarpus , Helichrysum-aureum sp nov., , Hyparrhenia hirta Podocarpus spp., Pteridium aquilinum spp., Pteridium Podocarpus

, Species composition and southern Zimbabwean to Has links Taxa: Important Biogeographically flora. Drakensberg E.A.Bruce & R.A.Dyer microbracteata atherstonei Erica subverticillaris Erica I.Verd. hilburtii, Disa amoena Streptocarpus vigilans calcaratus & T.J.Edwards Hankey taxa: Dominant junciformis Aristida & Galasso Banfi (Hayne) cordatum & Schult. Roem. Peyr. nilotica Ziziphus mucronata Hitchc. (R.Br.) gummiflua Eragrostis squarrosa Pogonarthria Sporobolus pyramidalis cinerea. Dichrostachys taxa: Dominant leucothrix Tristachya eriantha Digitaria Kuntze L. Solanum mauritianum taxa: Dominant apiculatum Combretum tortilis, sieberiana, V. V. G.Don ex Ziziphus mucronata R. L. camara, caffra,

Geology, soils and climate Geology, from soils derived Acid, leached heavy Karoo and intrusive Super group Karoo dolerites. summer rainfall. Predominantly MAP 750 mm occasional. Droughts Mean infrequent. 780 mm. Frost to between temperatures monthly 38.2°C and -0.2°C. from soils derived Acid leached heavy and sediments Super group Karoo dolerites. Karoo intrusive MAP summer rainfall. Predominantly infrequent. 1160 mm. Frost 800 mm to in with some rain Summer rainfall 940 mm. MAP about 740 mm to winter. hot and humid are Summers does not occur. mild. Frost winters

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Themeda Tristachya Tristachya and . Tristachya leucothrix Tristachya and Landscape features & vegetation & vegetation features Landscape structure landscape hilly and plains Undulating with drier coast mainly associated shadow in the rain valleys hinterland weather bearing frontal of the rain Sour coast. the east from systems by dominated wiry grassland sparse In good grass. Ngongoni unpalatable by dominated condition triandra in valleys found are areas Wooded with Termitaria altitudes. lower at present. and shrubs trees Dense and hilly landscape. Rolling by dominated sour grassland tall with grass Ngongoni unpalatable this mono-dominance associated when species diversity, with low by dominated condition in good Themeda triandra leucothrix. sides and hilly valley Steep with mainly associated landscape in the rain valleys river drier larger bearing frontal of the rain shadow the east from systems weather coast. and thicket, Bushed grassland bushland and open woodland. www.bgis.sanbi.org.za ), and % ), and marginal portions of SVs6 SVs6 portions of ), and marginal % Scott-Shaw and Escott 2011 and Escott Scott-Shaw 3 ), and marginal portions of SVs6 Eastern Valley Valley Eastern SVs6 portions of ), and marginal % NVMC decision; 2 Names, vegetation map codes and summarised descriptions of new vegetation types added to the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland since the original 2006 publication. Lesotho and Map of South Africa, Vegetation to the types added vegetation new of codes and summarised descriptions map Names, vegetation Distribution and protection Distribution near Libode in the former Melmoth in the north to From Bisi, Eston, Umlaas Road, (including Camperdown, Transkei Altitude 450 m–900 m. near Mthatha). Ngqeleni iZingolweni, Reserve. Nature in Oribi Gorge conserved Statutorily (86 Veld Ngongoni mapped as SVs4 Previously CB3 Bushveld, Valley Eastern SVs6 portions of marginal Hinterland KwaZulu-Natal Belt, SVs3 Coastal KwaZulu-Natal Northern SVl22 Grassland, Gs9 Midlands Mistbelt Thornveld, Coastal Sandstone Zululand Sourveld, CB4 Pondoland-Ugu Gs11 Southern KwaZulu-Natal Forest, Scarp Sourveld, FOz5 SVs1 Forest, Southern Mistbelt FOz3 Grassland, Moist Zululand Lowveld. and SVl23 Bushveld Valley Thukela Herbaceous species richness is much less in Dry Coast with the adjoining compared Grassland Hinterland Sourveld; Moist Sandstone KwaZulu-Natal units vegetation Grassland Midlands Mistbelt Grassland; Hinterland Coast with shared common species are of its few and relatively region (Camp for the classification these. A Bioresource types based on different into vegetation 1999) refined plant and abundance of dominant and the presence climate, species. near Libode in the south. near Melmoth in the north to From Vernon in conserved Altitude 450 m–900 m. Statutorily mapped Previously Reserves. Nature and Entumeni Crookes (98 Veld Ngongoni as SVs4 Belt, Coastal CB3 KwaZulu-Natal Bushveld, Valley Eastern Gs9 Midlands Thornveld, Hinterland KwaZulu-Natal SVs3 Northern Zululand Sourveld, CB4 SVl22 Grassland, Mistbelt Scarp Sourveld, FOz5 Coastal Sandstone Pondoland-Ugu Valley Thukela SVs1 Forest, Southern Mistbelt FOz3 Forest, Zululand Belt and SVl23 Coastal CB5 Transkei Bushveld, region (Camp for the classification A Bioresource Lowveld. types based on different into vegetation 1999) refined and abundance of dominant and the presence climate, . in the south. Altitude Oribi Gorge near Mandini to From Johnson Nature in Harold conserved 30 m–500 m. Statutorily Coastal mapped as CB3 KwaZulu-Natal Previously Reserve. Belt (99 Sourveld, SVs4 Sandstone KwaZulu-Natal SVs5 Bushveld, Pondoland- CB4 Forest, Coastal Northern FOz7 Veld, Ngogoni and Forest Scarp Sourveld, FOz5 Coastal Ugu Sandstone unit grades This vegetation Lagoons. Coastal W2 Subtropical 3 KwaZulu- and SVs Bushveld Valley 6 Eastern the SVs into valleys. river in the larger Thornveld Hinterland Natal region (Camp 1999) for the classification A Bioresource types based on climate, different into vegetation refined species, plant and abundance of dominant and the presence palms. specifically 3 3 3 Helme 2007a, 2007b; 1 : TABLE 2 (Continues...): TABLE type Name of new Gs 19 Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland Coast Gs 20 Moist Hinterland Grassland CB 6 KwaZulu-Natal Belt Coastal Thornveld Source at published online to the descriptions refer please and descriptions, full species lists For

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Thunb. Diascia (Eckl. & (Eckl. (Sweet) (Sweet) , , Searsia sp., B.Nord., B.Nord., (Thunb.) , Restio , Restio M.P.de Vos, Vos, M.P.de , Kedrostis , Kedrostis , Struthiola Cotula turbinate L. , Chrysocoma , Chrysocoma L.Bolus (L. f.) Willd. (L. f.) Willdenowia Willdenowia Watsonia meriana Watsonia Sparaxis elegans (Alston) E.Phillips, E.Phillips, (Alston) (G.J.Lewis) (G.J.Lewis) (Thunb.) Moffett, (Thunb.) Moffett, , (L.) F.M.Leight., (L.) F.M.Leight., Leucadendron Leucadendron , Ruschia (Goldblatt) (Goldblatt) Sm., (L.) Beier & Thulin , Chlorophytum , Chlorophytum , Pteronia divaricate , Pteronia Eriospermum exigium Eriospermum (Thunb.) T.Durand & (Thunb.) T.Durand L. (Goldblatt) (Goldblatt) Leucadendron Leucadendron sp., (L.) Druce Selago heterotricha, Selago heterotricha, Diospyros pubescens pubescens Diospyros

Jordaaniella dubia Manulea pillansii, M. , (Thunb.) Harv. . , E. caput-medusae (Thunb.) H.P.Linder, (Thunb.) H.P.Linder, Aspalathus aculea Wiborgia tetraptera (Harv.) Beauverd, Beauverd, (Harv.)

confuse Jacq. (floating aquatic). Jacq. (floating Euphorbia burmanii Euphorbia , ,

L. Hiern (DC.) Harv. , sp. and , Staberoha distachyos , Staberoha Euryops virgatus Euryops Thunb. , Chrysanthemoides incana , Chrysanthemoides W.F.Barker, W.F.Barker, L.Bolus, (Wall. & G.Don) Cif., & G.Don) Cif., (Wall. Otholobium uncinatum Table 3 continues on the next page → page on the next 3 continues Table (C.Presl) Serra, M.B.Crespo & M.B.Crespo Serra, (C.Presl)

, Eragrostis capensis , Eragrostis Searsia glauca Lachenalia Wiborgia sericea, Oedera Wiborgia sericea, Passerina glomerata, Tenaxia Tenaxia glomerata, Passerina Romulea toximontana Romulea , Felicia australis , Felicia L. , , Ficinia (Thunb.) Benth. , , Babiana vanzijliae (Lam.) DC., C.H.Stirt. , Babiana , Asparagus capensis L. Moraea vallisbelli Albuca Canadensis Albuca B.Nord., B.Nord., sp., Ehrharta calycina Ehrharta Oxalis disticha Oxalis (L.) SzyszyÅ. , Bulbinella nutans , Passerina glomerata , Passerina (Mast.) Moline & H.P.Linder (Mast.) DC. cuspidata E.Mey. ex A.DC., ex E.Mey. R.Dahlgren , Moraea vallisbelli Oxalis disticha disticha Oxalis , Roepera morgsana , Roepera (Nees) Kunth , Arctotis hirsute , Arctotis , E. mauritanica , Cotyledon orbiculata , Senecio junceus Cliffortia acutifolia, Sparaxis elegans acutifolia, Cliffortia Grielum grandiflorum Aiton, Aiton, Babiana Jacq. (L.) De Winter Willdenowia incurvata Willdenowia Diascia cardiosepala , Pelargonium appendiculatum , Pelargonium subsp. subsp. Eckl. & Zeyh. Eckl. Amphiglossa tomentosa J.C.Manning & Goldblatt J.C.Manning Lachenalia elegans (L.) F.A.Barkley, (L.) F.A.Barkley, Rafnia crispa Schltr. ex Bég. ex Schltr. Bég., ex Schltr. sp., (L.f.) Koek. (L.f.) Cotula turbinata Geissorhiza subrigida Geissorhiza Euryops mirus Euryops Mast., Mast., Elegia recta (L.) Dumort. Sm., Harv. , Wimmerella arabidea , Diascia unilabiata (L.) Moench (L.) N.E.Br. , Montinia caryophyllacea , Montinia Schltr., Schltr., (L.) De Winter (Eckl. & Zeyh.) C.H.Stirt., & Zeyh.) (Eckl. , Othonna cylindrical L. , Gorteria personata , Gorteria Euclea tomentosa Euclea L.

Satyrium , Elegia asperiflora L.Bolus, Forssk., Forssk., Goldblatt & J.C.Manning & Goldblatt DC. B.Nord., B.Nord., L., , Wiborgia leptoptera Gymnosporia buxifolia Gymnosporia Thunb. Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis Dicerothamnus Searsia lucida Olea europaea DC. Gladiolus carinatus Pillans. Other threatened species include Pillans. Other threatened , Euryops speciosissimus , Euryops (Willd.) Kunth, (Willd.) Kunth, , Diospyros glabra , Diospyros , Thunb. Romulea sabulosa Romulea Meisn., H. Buek ex Meisn., H. Buek ex (Thunb.) Benth., (Thunb.) Benth., (L.) Anderb. & K.Bremer (Thunb.) H.P.Linder, (Thunb.) H.P.Linder, Romulea sabulosa , Romulea , Aspalathus filicaulis , Nylandtia spinosa, Senecio glauca Nylandtia spinosa , Ehrharta calycina , Ehrharta , Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Schrad.) N.P.Barker & H.P.Linder, & H.P.Linder, N.P.Barker (Schrad.) (L.) Lam., L. , Diospyros glabra , Diospyros , Chironia linoides Diascia veronicoides

, Species composition taxa: Dominant racemosa Euclea Pers. Lebeckia sericea Less. Bergius) (P. Norl. (Burm.f.) ciliate Boiss. ex E.Mey. & Garcke) (Klotzsch pugioniformis Conicosia fruticosa Tetragonia Hartm. Thamnochortus bachmanii psammophila pluvialis Dimorphotheca unilabiata supports Potentially taxa: important Biogeographically josephinae Felicia psilostoma, attenuatum Pelargonium Babiana petiolata J.C.Manning & Goldblatt Elegia extensa lanigerum Otholobium candicans Zeyh.)C.H.Stirt. Themeda triandra tetragonus Kunth (Rottb.) Trin. Lammers brunioides (L.) Mill. taxa: Dominant buxifolia Gymnosporia pubescens, Diospyros glauca, E.Mey., incurvata rhinocerotis Dicerothamnus Schinz Goldblatt Ursinia cakilefolia Cotula barbata with Bokkeveld shared Special species are taxa: important Biogeographically of this affiliations the indicating Fynbos, and Shale Renosterveld, Sandstone type. These include: vegetation ecotonal Goldblatt, Babiana vanzyliae rosulatus Euryops P.L.Perry. Taxa: Dominant squarrosa ciliate stricta L. graminifolium of pans), (on edges Goldblatt (Sweet) taxa: important Biogeographically endemic on shales), (regional Goldblatt Geology, soils and climate Geology, Semi-arid, and hot dry with mild in summer, and occasional winters Has a and fog. mists heavy incidence of lower slightly Bay than Lambert’s fog Strandveld. shale, on phyllitic Occurs and limestone greywacke, Predominantly arenite. on land types la and Fa. MAP approximately 700 mm–830 mm. silts, deep loamy Soils are the normal which overlay sandy soils and cobble alluvium of the Breede be highly and may valley, fertile. wetter is slightly The area in the than similar habitat and also Bokkeveld, Noord mesic than more Sandstone Papkuilsfontein Renosterveld. arid than the more Slightly Nieuwoudtville around area with hot similar, but very and mild to dry summers with winters, cold and snow, light occasional escarpment frequent fairly cloud. , which Olea of any area. area. of any % africana subsp. subsp. Landscape features & vegetation & vegetation features Landscape structure neutral to on deep, loamy Found plain halfway sands on the coastal and the first the coast between No exposed line of mountains. well areas and most bedrock small are although there drained, are underlying clays pans where This is an the surface. close to type, usually vegetation ecotonal Bay Lambert’s occurring between and Leipoldtville Sand Strandveld Sandstone Fynbos or Graafwater shrubland, tall Fynbos. Medium to of deciduous with high percentage elements. and succulent Shale Breede similar to Very but with the key Renosterveld which creates addition of Silcrete, not substrate, a unique gravelly in the area. elsewhere represented grassland resembles The subtype bulbs. with many with shallow is flat, The habitat underlying sandy sandstones is similar to loams. The substrate Renosterveld, Bokkeveld Noord mesic with is more but the habitat with Fynbos elements, more wild olives. of prominent groves and typical a significant are Trees type, of this vegetation feature of primarily in the form europaea 25 up to cover may of the vegetation The remainder medium to of an open low consists open areas shrubland, with large soils and exposed shallow due to and Bulbs bedrock. sandstone feature, an important annuals are rare. are but succulents and this flat, is largely The habitat of a in the formation has resulted number of seasonal pans. The area to closely related is most Shale Renosterveld Vanrhynsdorp the Bokkeveld to but is restricted has underlying sandstone plateau, and flora different and a slightly low homogenous Fairly structure. , , of this % ) the most) the ) remains in the) remains Acacia cyclops Acacia Atriplex nummularia Atriplex sp. Due to the flat to sp. Due sp., sp., Atriplex Prosopis Galenia africana Distribution and protection Distribution plain near Graafwater. coastal On the Much of this unit is already with cereals, (mainly for transformed saltbush ( This is perennial). planted commonly type. Alien vegetation driven not a fire about 5 covers vegetation comprising unit, Eucalyptus and much of the northern topography, ploughed, unit has been part of the dry to too is mostly but the area northern parts In the support crops. areas cultivated strip of this unit many and only grazed been heavily have kraalbos and invasive unpalatable ( southern areas The unploughed strips. farming. potato by threatened are parts of the western to Restricted of Wolseley. west valley, the Tulbagh The bulk of this single unit habitat and plantation into transformed was where patches to is restricted notably density is low, plantation powerline under the Eskom Not this area. servitude crosses that conserved. formally yet the lies between example The best dam and the Brandvlei river Breede of west (north of Nekkies ridge), this unit is in good where Worcester, conserved formally Not condition. transformed. and largely on the unit occurs This ecotonal the boundary of Shale at plateau, Fynbos, and Sandstone Renosterveld Matjiesfontein, Ouplaas to from further north than Papkuilsfontein Much of Renosterveld. Sandstone has been the original extent Not formally transformed. conserved. Bokkeveld, only in the Noord Found and Wolwepunt between has been The subtype Kookfontein. agriculture. by transformed heavily few and very transformed Greatly of this examples remaining remain. Not still type vegetation conserved. formally , and sp. are sp. are

) than % subsp. subsp. The Pterocelastrus Pterocelastrus Erica, Phylica, Phylica, Erica, ). Putterlickia Putterlickia Olea europaea Justification for separation Justification and lack of No trees proteoids, Diosma, Aspalathus Nylandtia scoparia this unit from distinguish Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos. The unit has a higher restio (<10 component Strandveld. Bay Lambert’s The unit has numerous to annuals, and moderate and diversity geophyte low abundance. sp. and lacking. floristic The distinguishing of is the presence feature Elegia extensa. is also of Silcrete presence unique. Nekkies Silty Floodplain is river part of the Breede be floodplain and may than extensive more mapped. The unit currently by its soil is distinguished type and unique floristics and structure. similar is very The subtype Papkuilsfontein to Renosterveld, Sandstone wild olives but with many ( africana to is restricted This subtype sandy clays shallow the sandstone overlying thus not and was cap, differentiated. previously

3

2

3

1 2 Names, vegetation map codes and summarised descriptions of new vegetation subtypes added to the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland since the original 2006 publication. Lesotho and Map of South Africa, Vegetation to the subtypes added vegetation new of codes and summarised descriptions map Names, vegetation TABLE 3: TABLE subtype Name of new Flats Graafwater FS1.2 Strandveld Lambert’s FS1 Main Type: Strandveld Bay FRs8.2 Kluitjieskraal Renosterveld Silcrete FRs8 Breede Main Type: Shale Renosterveld Nekkies Silty FFa2.2 Floodplain Breede FFa2 Main Type: Alluvium Fynbos FRs2.2 Nieuwoudtville Renosterveld Sandstone FRs2 Main Type: Shale Nieuwoudtville Renosterveld Bokkeveld FRs2.3 Noord Shale Renosterveld FRs2 Main Type: Shale Nieuwoudtville Renosterveld

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,

DC.,

, Pentzia , Pentzia P.J. P.J. , Opuntia (L.f.) (L.f.) Glutinosa (Klotzsch) (Klotzsch) dregei DC., dregei (alien), Geissorhiza Geissorhiza , Hesperantha , Hesperantha , Aridaria Burch. B.-E. van Wyk van B.-E. , Euryops ssp. , Ehrharta , Ehrharta , Olea europaea , Cotula turbinata and Thunb. (sterile), Thunb. (sterile), , , Aspalathus hirta, , Aspalathus hirta, Oncosiphon Oncosiphon , Chrysanthemoides , Chrysanthemoides , Melolobium , Senecio aloides Baker , Felicia , Felicia L. , Heterorachis , Heterorachis L. , Euryops rehmannii , Euryops (Klotzsch & Garcke) E. & Garcke) (Klotzsch Lachenalia elegans L. (DC.) Källersjö B.Nord. ., Heterorachis aculeata ., Heterorachis Willd. , Diospyros pubescens, pubescens, , Diospyros . hispida sp

L. Mast., . , Thesium strictum , Conophytum , Conophytum P.L.Perry Schwantes , Erica inaequalis , Erica cf. cf. Miers L.f. L.f. (L.f.) Kunth (L.f.) H.E.K. Hartmann Avena , Protea repens, Leucadendron repens, Leucadendron , Protea E.M. Marais L’Hér. (L.f.) Kunth, Kunth, (L.f.) , Oxalis hirta , Oxalis is a fairly common invasive tree, tree, invasive common is a fairly cupulata bachmanii , Berkheya , Berkheya (Thunb.) H.P.Linder Euryops mirus Euryops Goldblatt and Eriocephalus purpureus Eriocephalus Mill. Aspalathus cf. cf. cf. cf. (Thunb.) H.P.Linder L.f. Jacq. , Buddleja saligna (Lam.) H.Pfeiff. , Asparagus capensis

L. , Euphorbia burmanii , Euphorbia , Lapeirousia divaricata (L.Bolus) Burgoyne Athanasia oocephala Athanasia Lolium

Prosopis : , Chrysocoma ciliata , Chrysocoma DC. Thunb., R.Br. R.Br. L. Sm. , Ruschia intricata , Eriospermum erinum , Eriospermum , Lycium ferocissimum , Lycium , Searsia incisa, Passerina filiformis , Searsia incisa, Passerina swanepoelianum, Lotononis carnea Lotononis swanepoelianum, Protea nitida Protea . Relhania pungens Relhania L. L. Bolus

, Trachyandra falcate , Trachyandra (L.f.) DC. (L.f.) , Senecio cakilefolia, Erodium moschatum Erodium , Senecio cakilefolia, ssp. , Ruschia cradockensis, Eriocephalus ericoides Eriocephalus , Ruschia cradockensis, , Oxalis luteola , Oxalis , Ficinia indica L. , Thamnochortus E.Mey. , Trachyandra muricata , Trachyandra (Baker) Benth. ex Baker. ex Benth. (Baker) G.J.Lewis Pelargonium faciculaceum Pelargonium (L.) DC., , Willdenowia incurvata , Willdenowia

, Hesperantha rivulicola , Hesperantha (L.f.) Sond. (L.f.) , Searsia lucida, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Wiborgia sericea, Wiborgia sericea, rhinocerotis, Searsia lucida, Dicerothamnus incurvata Willdenowia glauca Pteronia Aloe ferox, , Sideroxylon inerme , Sideroxylon , Searsia glauca, Ruschia , Searsia glauca, (L.) Källersjö (L.) Druce , Drosanthemum sp., Pteronia pallens sp., Pteronia , Drosanthemum Ehrharta calycina Ehrharta Serruria acrocarpa langebaanensis Gibbs Russ. Gibbs G.J.Lewis L. L.Bolus , Asparagus capensis B.Nord. R. Br. (Burm.f.) Roessler (Burm.f.) cf. cf. , Pteronia onobromoides , Pteronia (Burm.f.) Norl. (Burm.f.) (Thunb.) Kuntze , Asparagus capensis cuspidata, Gymnosporia buxifolia, Cliffortia ruscifolia Cliffortia buxifolia, Gymnosporia cuspidata, . , Gorteria personata , Gorteria Species composition taxa: Dominant Wiborgia monoptera Compton juniperina Nylandtia spinosa, Cliffortia Roessler (Burm.f.) L. pumilum Rhynchopsidium pauciflora W.F.Barker, such as along with annual grasses with Bokkeveld shared Special species are taxa: important Biogeographically of this affiliations the indicating Fynbos, and Shale Renosterveld, Sandstone type. These include: vegetation ecotonal rosulatus Rawé swanepoelianum Babiana pauciflora subrigida aculeate taxa: Dominant Galenia fruticosa Wyk, & A.E. van Bredenkamp (Thoday) Ruschia Boiss. ex Mey. thunbergii Bergius incana suffruticosum aethiopicum erecta Hesperantha taxa: Dominant salignum ssp Muraltia heisteria E.G.H.Oliv., taxa important Biogeographically Acrodon purpureostylus imbricata, taxa: Dominant incana Druce noctiflora

),

% ) or a high % Geology, soils and climate Geology, in Renosterveld Similar to and Bokkeveld, the Noord drier than slightly Sandstone Nieuwoudtville Renosterveld. portion The remaining of degree a fair features shales. Soils are exposed loams, with and clay clays support that heuweltjies soils. lighter aerated, better The unit is hot, dry and windy in summer but being a the sea receives close to of amount substantial which may fog, coastal of the presence for account of typical species more than Strandveld Renosterveld. that in an area Occurs has a bimodal autumn peak. and spring rainfall Land types include Fb, Ia, Ib 700 from and Da, ranging sea 1 200 m above m to shales and Ecca level. intrusions dolerite on gently predominate rock A low sloping terrain. (< 10 cover (> 80 cover rock small of gravel, consisting and stones stones, the light covers boulders, or brown brown soils. loamy

), while grass ), while grass % Landscape features & vegetation & vegetation features Landscape structure shrubland, with medium tall to and geophytes. grasses various absent. Trees with shallow is flat, The habitat underlying sandy sandstones a not significant are loams. Trees of this vegetation feature or typical is a type, and the vegetation shrubland with large medium tall the shallow due to open areas sandstone soils and exposed and annuals are Bulbs bedrock. but succulents features, important shares and the subtype rare, are of both Sandstone elements Fynbos and Shale Renosterveld. hill on a low-shale The unit occurs of east the sea, just close to Laingville, and is the only shale region, within the Vredenburg one of the primary which was of the recognition for reasons to unit. Low this as a distinct medium shrubland, with restios, and shrubs, low succulents, annuals all prominent. mix of The type has an interesting Fynbos and Thicket Renosterveld, with Thicket elements, gulleys. in protected dominating is a mix of The landscape slopes of the undulating also be in and can escarpment the in the mosaic between found and Koedoesberg Roggeveld be can Small patches Mountains. Shrub ridges. on dolerite found is high (> 70 cover not are and annual components represented. well

Van der Merwe et al. 2008b et der Merwe Van 5 Distribution and protection Distribution and subtype This is an ecotonal at plateau on the Bokkeveld occurs the boundary of Shale Renosterveld Fynbos, in the area and Sandstone the south to Matjiesfontein from Not formally area. Lokenburg much of its and has lost conserved The agriculture. to original extent mean areas soils and rocky shallow very is the vegetation that to trampling. sensitive of the town close to Located of Vredenburg. Laingville, north-east and has in extent, restricted Very been substantially already less than 60 ha so that transformed, parts of this unit Large intact. remain of been ploughed up, and most have steep too slopes are the remaining agriculture. cereal for or rocky Unconserved. north of the in a small area, Occurs Much of original Stormsvlei. town remains. Unconserved. still extent on the slopes is located This subtype the Mountain, of the Hantam slopes of the escarpment undulating area and surrounding in the Platberg of Calvinia, and the slopes southwest and Klein the Roggeveld where The meet. Mountains Roggeveld in the mosaic is also found subtype and the Roggeveld between Elements Mountains. Koedoesberg between on ridges also be found can Grootfontein, soils at dolerite of Nieuwoudtville. east ), ), , , Helme and Koopman 2007; Helme and Koopman 4 Pteronia Pteronia Pteronia Pteronia aloides

Searsia Hesperantha Hesperantha langebaanensis ), and Shale cf. cf. Senecio is diagnostic of this is diagnostic Helme 2007a; , ). 3 Willdenowia incurvata Willdenowia Justification for separation Justification The unit is thus more southern than Sandstone Nieuwoudtville which is very Renosterveld, but supports tall similar, which of wild olives, groves this from absent mostly are type. vegetation Along with the unusual the shale substrate, of consists vegetation of Granite elements ( Strandveld erecta Ruschia ( Dune Strandveld onobromoides, morgsana, Zygophyllum incana Chrysanthemoides Strandveld Flats ( Thamnochortus bachmanii ( Renosterveld incisa by the Differentiated which is a mix vegetation, Fynbos of Renosterveld, be which may and Thicket, of very partly a product by caused intervals long fire substrate. rocky The abundance of glauca subtype.

3

Names, vegetation map codes and summarised descriptions of new vegetation subtypes added to the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland since the original 2006 publication. Lesotho and Map of South Africa, Vegetation to the subtypes added vegetation new of codes and summarised descriptions map Names, vegetation

. Helme 2007c; 2

Galenia 4 5 Pteronia glauca Pteronia - Helme 2007b;

1 2

: TABLE 3 (Continues...): TABLE subtype Name of new FRs2.4 Papkuilsfontein Renosterveld Sandstone FRs2 Main Type: Shale Nieuwoudtville Renosterveld Shale Varkvlei FS3.2 Strandveld Saldanha FS3 Main Type: Strandveld Flats Aalwyn Stormsvlei FFs13.2 Fynbos North Main type: FFs13 Sandstone Sonderend Fynbos [In Helme (2007c) as Fynbos] Thicket Stormsvlei Escarpment Hantam SKt2.2 Shrubland Hantam Main type: SKt2 Karoo al et der Merwe [In Van (2008b) as africana Karoo] Escarpment Source

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Twelve of the centres of plant endemism have not been Authors’ contributions refined in the nine-year update period. Of these, seven (i.e. A.D. prepared the draft; L.P. implemented the bulk of Albany Centre, Drakensberg-alpine Centre, Barberton Centre, the technical changes to the map; and T.R. and A.S. edited Wolkberg Center, Sekhukhuneland Centre, Soutpansberg the text. Centre and Griqualand Centre) occur in the northern and central interiors of the country. These centres coincide with areas that either historically fell within the homeland territory References (Wessels et al. 2004), are agricultural areas or are areas of Armitage, P., McDonald, I. & Tredoux, M., 2007, ‘A geological investigation of the economic development. Thus, botanical exploration has not waterberg hydrothermal platinum deposit, Mookgophong, Limpopo Province, South Africa’, Applied Earth Science 116(3), 113–129. https://doi.org/10.1179/​ been conducted to the same extent as in the eastern and 174327507X207483 western coastal regions where the updates have occurred. Barbour, M.G., Todd Keeler-Wolf, T. & Schoenherr, A.A. (eds.), 2007, Terrestrial vegetation of California, University of California Press, London, England. These unrefined parts of the northern, central interior and Camp, K.G.T., 1999, ‘A bioresource classification for KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’, MSc parts of the coastal Western Cape need to be prioritised for thesis, School of Applied Environmental Resources, University of Natal. future refinement as the units in these regions are often large Donaldson, R., 2006, ‘Mass rapid rail development in South Africa’s metropolitan core: Towards a new urban form?’, Land Use Policy 23, 344–352. https://doi. and were initially mapped at a coarse scale by inferring org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2005.02.003 vegetation types from environmental patterns, e.g. land Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), 2008, National vegetation classification standard (version 2.0): FGDC document number FGDC-STD-005-2008, US types were used to map many vegetation types in the Nama Geological Survey, Reston, VA. Karoo. In addition, many of these areas are in various stages Greef, L., 2012, You can’t have your gas and drink your water! Hydraulic fracturing in the context of South Africa’s looming water crisis, EMG Water and Climate Change of land-use transformation caused by urban and industrial Research Series: Report 6, Environmental Monitoring Group, Observatory, Cape development (Donaldson 2006), platinum and coal mining Town, South Africa. (Jeffrey 2005; Armitage, McDonald & Tredoux 2007), the Greenberg, J.A., Dobrowski, S.Z., Ramirez, C.M., Tuil, J.L. & Ustin, S.L., 2006, ‘A bottom- up approach to vegetation mapping of the Lake Tahoe Basin using hyperspatial installation of solar and wind farms (Sparks et al. 2014) and image analysis’, Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing 72(5), 581–589. https://doi.org/10.14358/PERS.72.5.581 shale gas development activities (Greef 2012). Helme, N.A., 2007a, Botanical report: Fine scale vegetation mapping of the Bokkeveld Escarpment, C.A.P.E. Programme, CapeNature, Newlands, Cape Town. To improve the VEGMAP in these regions, we need to streamline Helme, N.A., 2007b, Botanical report: Fine scale vegetation mapping in the Sandveld, a process of data collection from the mapping of units to the C.A.P.E. Programme, CapeNature, Newlands, Cape Town. Helme, N.A., 2007c, Botanical report: Fine scale vegetation mapping in the Upper submission and acceptance of updates, while providing Breede River Valley, C.A.P.E. Programme, CapeNature, Newlands, Cape Town. reasonable standards to maintain data quality. To this end, we Helme, N.A. & Koopman, R., 2007, Botanical report: Fine scale vegetation mapping in are developing a defined classification hierarchy for the the Saldanha Peninsula, C.A.P.E. Programme, CapeNature, Newlands, Cape Town. Jeffrey, L., 2005, ‘Challenges associated with further development of the Waterberg VEGMAP, explicit standards to guide the mapping of VEGMAP Coalfield’, The Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy units across each of the biomes and a set of guidelines for 105, 453–458. Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.), 2006, The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho submitting and accepting updates to the VEGMAP. We are also and Swaziland, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. exploring more proactive approaches to narrowing gaps between Mucina, L., Rutherford, M.C. & Powrie, L.W., 2006, ‘Logic of the map: Approaches and the expert driven classification that underpins the current procedures’, in L. Mucina & M.C. Rutherford (eds.), The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, pp. 12–29. SANBI, Pretoria. VEGMAP and the actual communities that they represent. Scott-Shaw, W.R. & Escott, B.J. (eds.), 2011, ‘KwaZulu-Natal provincial pre- transformation vegetation type map – 2011’, unpublished GIS Coverage [kznveg05v2_011_wll.zip], Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo Acknowledgements KZN Wildlife, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg. Sparks, D., Madhlopa, A., Keen, S., Moorlach, M., Dane, A., Krog, P. et al., 2014, The Vegetation Map Project is a large collaborative project that ‘Renewable energy choices and their water requirements in South Africa’, Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 25(4), 80–92. has spanned over two decades. Many have contributed to the Steenkamp, Y., Van Wyk, A.E., Smith, G.F. & Steyn, H., 2005, ‘Floral endemism in success of this project and are too numerous to name southern Africa: A numerical classification at generic level’, in I. Friis & H. Balslev (eds.), Plant diversity and complexity patterns: Local, regional and global individually; however, they are acknowledged in the original dimensions: Proceedings of an international Symposium held at the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letter, Copenhagen, Denmark, May 25–28, 2003, pp. publication. The authors wish to thank Mr Nick Helme, Dr 253–271. Helga van der Merwe, the late Mr Robb Scott-Shaw, Mr Boyd Van der Merwe, H., Van Rooyen, M.W. & Van Rooyen, N., 2008a, ‘Vegetation of the Escott and Mr Jan Vlok for sharing data that contributed to the Hantam-Tanqua-Roggeveld subregion, South Africa, Part 1: Fynbos Biome related vegetation’,Koedoe 50, 61–71. https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v50i1.130 updated areas in the 2009 and 2012 versions of the vegetation Van der Merwe, H., Van Rooyen, M.W. & Van Rooyen, N., 2008b, ‘Vegetation of the map. The authors also thank Emily Botts for proofreading. Hantam-Tanqua-Roggeveld subregion, South Africa, Part 2: Succulent Karoo Biome related vegetation’,Koedoe 50, 160–183. https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe. v50i1.148 Vlok, J.H.J., Cowling, R.M. & Wolf, T., 2005, A vegetation map for the Little Karoo, Competing interests unpublished maps and report for a SKEP project supported by CEPF grant no 1064410304, Cape Town. The authors declare that they have no financial or personal Wessels, K.J., Prince, S.D., Frost, P.E. & Van Zyl, D., 2004, ‘Assessing the effects of relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them human-induced land degradation in the former homelands of northern South Africa with a 1 km AVHRR NDVI time-series’, Remote Sensing of Environment 91, in writing this article. 47–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2004.02.005

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