DOCSLIB.ORG

Results of a Lucerne Old-Field Restoration Experiment at the Fynbos-Karoo Interface

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Elsevier - Publisher Connector South African Journal of Botany 2005, 71(3&4): 326–338 Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd Printed in South Africa — All rights reserved SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY EISSN 1727–9321 Results of a lucerne old-field restoration experiment at the Fynbos-Karoo interface PM Holmes Cape Ecological Services, 23 Dreyersdal Road, Bergvliet 7945, South Africa e-mail: [email protected] Received 25 August 2004, accepted in revised form 12 January 2005 A restoration study was designed to investigate lucerne initial densities of 80 m–2 decreased sharply during the control and indigenous species re-introduction on first summer, and at three years averaged 5 m–2. Indi- previously cultivated land at Matjiesrivier Provincial genous canopy cover continued to increase throughout Nature Reserve, situated at the interface between the the three years in two of the experimental blocks, and Fynbos and Succulent Karoo biomes. The objectives attained that of the target vegetation in ‘plough plus were to compare four lucerne control treatments, and the seed’ treatments. Community composition approached simultaneous effects of these treatments on the re- that of the target vegetation, although graminoids were introduction of indigenous species by seed, in the under-represented, partly as a result of intensive grazing presence or absence of brush packs, using a split-plot during the third year, and large, non-Asteraceous shrubs design. Lucerne was controlled using herbicide, were under-represented. In future restorations at the ploughing or a combination of these treatments, and Fynbos-Karoo interface, it is recommended that the seed collected from target vegetation in the area was sowing density, particularly of unpalatable pioneer applied to half the plots, together with reed mulch. Brush shrubs, be reduced to improve composition and to lower packs, comprising dead shrubs, were added to half the seed harvesting costs. Ploughing is an essential pre- sown and unsown plots respectively. Ploughing signi- sowing treatment where alien species, especially ficantly reduced lucerne density and projected foliage annuals, dominate the old field. A larger number of cover and in combination with herbicide eliminated most species may be established following the creation of lucerne plants. Establishment of indigenous species different microsites across the field, for example by from sown seed was highest in ploughed plots and pitting and brush-packing the surface. Nodes of larger, comprised both annuals and perennials. There was animal-dispersed species could be established from virtually no establishment in the presence of the alien propagated material to facilitate colonisation of these annual Amsinckia retrorsa. Indigenous perennial plant species across large disturbed areas. It is recommended density, cover and richness were highest throughout the that sown areas be protected from ungulate grazing until study in the ‘plough plus seed’ treatments, with the palatable species have reached maturity. Athanasia linifolia being the dominant species. Average Introduction Following the acquisition of the Matjiesrivier farm for nature Provincial Nature Reserve and had two main objectives: to conservation purposes in the mid-1990s, the agreements investigate methods for lucerne control, as this is a with neighbouring farmers to utilise the valley bottoms for persistent perennial present across the fields, and to the cultivation of lucerne (Medicago sativa) and other crops investigate the effects of the lucerne control treatments on were phased out. Currently, the desired land use for the the re-introduction and establishment of indigenous species transformed old fields is to return them to as natural a by seed, with and without the presence of brush packs. condition as possible and within the shortest time-frame possible. Other abandoned fields on this property, Materials and Methods estimated to be over 30 years old, show that unfacilitated rehabilitation in this region is slow, with few species having Study site returned through natural recolonisation. In addition, undesirable aggressive alien weeds such as Amsinckia Matjiesrivier Provincial Nature Reserve is located to the retrorsa have started to invade these abandoned fields. south-east of the Cederberg Wilderness Area and straddles This restoration study was designed to explore the the boundary between the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo feasibility of restoring old fields in the Matjiesrivier Biomes. This interface is very dramatic at the valley bottom South African Journal of Botany 2005, 71(3&4): 326–338 327 study site (32°29.10’–32°29.80’S, 19°20.15’–19°20.40’E), block, soil was excavated to 50mm depth from five microsites where Fynbos and Succulent Karoo vegetation grows on and mixed in a bag. The same sampling procedure was sandstone-derived soils on the east-facing slopes, and followed at the uncultivated target site to the north of the Renosterveld and Succulent Karoo vegetation grows on study area, in order to determine whether the old-field soils shale-derived soils on the opposite west-facing slopes. The were similar to those of the target site or whether agricultural boundary between Fynbos and Succulent Karoo at activity had significantly altered soil composition. Matjiesrivier is determined by geology and altitude, with The four lucerne control treatments were ‘plough only’, Fynbos occurring on sandstone soils above 800m ‘herbicide only’, ‘herbicide and plough’ and ‘control’ (no (Lechmere-Oertel and Cowling 1999). The old fields are treatment). In the herbicide treatments, foliar application of situated along the valley bottom on alluvial soils. The only 2% glyphosate was applied in November 2000, using knap- nearby remnant vegetation that occurs on alluvial soils lies sack sprayers. Ploughing was done to a depth of 200mm in north and contiguous to the old-field study site. This remnant March 2001, after 3.1mm of rainfall, to minimise wind has been impacted by heavy grazing from cattle, donkeys erosion of topsoil, using a tyne-plough. and indigenous antelopes, but is the closest reference The four facilitation treatments comprised ‘seed only’, ecosystem available and was therefore chosen as the target ‘brush pack only’, ‘seed and brush pack combined’ and plant community. Fynbos, Karoo and Renosterveld elements ‘control’ (no treatment). are all present in this target community. The area experiences a Mediterranean-type climate, Seed collecting and sowing with most rain falling during the winter months. Long-term mean annual rainfall is 220mm (Figure 1), whereas during Seed collecting began in September 2000 and continued the field trial it was 256mm (2001), 268mm (2002) and throughout the summer and early autumn of 2001, in 170mm (2003). preparation for autumn sowing. The seed source area was the target vegetation adjacent to the study area. Annual daisies Experimental design were collected from a wider area around Matjiesrivier. All indigenous species, except kraalbos (Galenia A split-plot design was used, with the four lucerne control africana), which is an unpalatable shrub indicative of over- treatments applied in parallel strips each measuring 6m x grazing and disturbance, were harvested and every effort 72m. Within strips, three replications each of the four was made to minimise the inadvertent collection of alien facilitation treatments were applied at random (i.e. 12 plots seed. Seed was collected only when ripe (i.e. ready to per strip, Figure 2). This resulted in block dimensions of 24m disperse or drop from plants) and regular collecting was x 72m containing 48 plots with dimensions of 5m x 5m, plus done to capture a variety of the species growing in the area. a 1m buffer among all treatments and plots. This design was Seed was collected by hand and suction-harvester, replicated in three experimental blocks, in southern, central directly from the plant canopies. We used a leaf-blower and northern sections of the old field. (model Stihl 225 HBV), modified as a suction-harvester, to Soils were sampled prior to the application of lucerne vacuum lighter seed directly from the canopies. The control and facilitation treatments and the samples sent to the shredding device was removed from the harvester, to Soil Science Division, Department of Agriculture, Elsenburg, prevent damage to seed. In addition, the suction-harvester for analysis. Phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium and was used to vacuum seed from the ground and litter layer magnesium were extracted in citric acid and their concen- around plants. Seed was stored in porous bags in a dry trations were assessed. For each of the three samples per room, after receiving a sprinkling of Karbadust insecticide powder to kill potential seed predators. Seed was stored in Long-term mean 20012002 Long-term mean 75 20012002 75 50 50 25 25 MONTHLY RAINFALL (mm) MONTHLY RAINFALL (mm) JFMAMJ J A SOND JFMA 2001 2002 JFMAMJ J A SOND JFMA 2001 2002 Figure 1: Monthly rainfall at Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve including Figure 2: Example of the experimental design used for one of the the first year of the field trial and long-term means (1911–1989) blocks in the field trial 328 Holmes 10 groupings according to easily-recognisable functional lucerne were recorded along three permanent transect lines types or community dominant species (Table 1). This practice (10m in length) positioned towards the edge of each lucerne was followed to facilitate the even distribution of different treatment strip. The total number of transects in each types of plants in the seed mixes at sowing time. Seed lucerne treatment was nine, yielding a total of 36 transects. vacuumed from the ground contained a variety of species, Projected foliage cover was measured as the length of soil and litter, and was stored as a separate grouping. measuring tape intercepting live foliage, then converted to a A beekeeper’s smoker was used to pre-treat the seed and percentage value. Every plant touching the tape was scored suction-harvested litter prior to sowing, as smoke has been as dead or alive.
Recommended publications
  • Tulbagh Renosterveld Project Report

    Tulbagh Renosterveld Project Report

    BP TULBAGH RENOSTERVELD PROJECT Introduction The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is the smallest and richest floral kingdom of the world. In an area of approximately 90 000km² there are over 9 000 plant species found (Goldblatt & Manning 2000). The CFR is recognized as one of the 33 global biodiversity hotspots (Myers, 1990) and has recently received World Heritage Status. In 2002 the Cape Action Plan for the Environment (CAPE) programme identified the lowlands of the CFR as 100% irreplaceable, meaning that to achieve conservation targets all lowland fragments would have to be conserved and no further loss of habitat should be allowed. Renosterveld , an asteraceous shrubland that predominantly occurs in the lowland areas of the CFR, is the most threatened vegetation type in South Africa . Only five percent of this highly fragmented vegetation type still remains (Von Hase et al 2003). Most of these Renosterveld fragments occur on privately owned land making it the least represented vegetation type in the South African Protected Areas network. More importantly, because of the fragmented nature of Renosterveld it has a high proportion of plants that are threatened with extinction. The Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) project, which works with civil society groups in the CFR to update information on threatened plants, has identified the Tulbagh valley as a high priority for conservation action. This is due to the relatively large amount of Renosterveld that remains in the valley and the high amount of plant endemism. The CAPE program has also identified areas in need of fine scale plans and the Tulbagh area falls within one of these: The Upper Breede River planning domain.
  • Comparison of Extent and Transformation of South Africa's

    Comparison of Extent and Transformation of South Africa's

    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by South East Academic Libraries System (SEALS) Research in Action South African Journal of Science 97, May/June 2001 179 remote sensing applications in South Comparison of extent and Africa. This is a hierarchical framework designed to suit South African conditions, transformation of South Africa’s and incorporates known land-cover types that can be identified in a consistent woodland biome from two national and repetitive manner from high- resolution satellite imagery such as Land- databases sat TM and SPOT.The ‘natural’vegetation classes are based on broad, structural M.W. Thompsona*, E.R. Vinka, D.H.K. Fairbanksb,c, A. Ballancea types only, and are not intended to be and C.M. Shackletona,d equivalent to a floristic or ecological vege- tation classification. It is important to understand that a HE RECENT COMPLETION OF THE SOUTH Fairbanks et al.5 combination of both the NLC database’s TAfrican National Land-Cover Database This paper compares the distribution ‘Woodland’ and ‘Thicket, Bushland, and the Vegetation Map of South Africa, and location of woodland and bushveld- Bush-Clump & Tall Fynbos’ land-cover Swaziland and Lesotho, allows for the first type vegetation categories defined within classes were used in the comparison with time a comparison to be made on a national scale between the current and potential the NLC data, and the equivalent the DEAT defined ‘Savanna Biome’. The distribution of ‘natural’ vegetation resources. ‘Savanna Biome’ class defined within the inclusion of the NLC’s ‘Thicket, Bushland This article compares the distribution and DEAT’s ‘VegetationMap’ data.
  • The Ecology of Large Herbivores Native to the Coastal Lowlands of the Fynbos Biome in the Western Cape, South Africa

    The Ecology of Large Herbivores Native to the Coastal Lowlands of the Fynbos Biome in the Western Cape, South Africa

    The ecology of large herbivores native to the coastal lowlands of the Fynbos Biome in the Western Cape, South Africa by Frans Gustav Theodor Radloff Dissertation presented for the degree of Doctor of Science (Botany) at Stellenbosh University Promoter: Prof. L. Mucina Co-Promoter: Prof. W. J. Bond December 2008 DECLARATION By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the owner of the copyright thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated) and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification. Date: 24 November 2008 Copyright © 2008 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved ii ABSTRACT The south-western Cape is a unique region of southern Africa with regards to generally low soil nutrient status, winter rainfall and unusually species-rich temperate vegetation. This region supported a diverse large herbivore (> 20 kg) assemblage at the time of permanent European settlement (1652). The lowlands to the west and east of the Kogelberg supported populations of African elephant, black rhino, hippopotamus, eland, Cape mountain and plain zebra, ostrich, red hartebeest, and grey rhebuck. The eastern lowlands also supported three additional ruminant grazer species - the African buffalo, bontebok, and blue antelope. The fate of these herbivores changed rapidly after European settlement. Today the few remaining species are restricted to a few reserves scattered across the lowlands. This is, however, changing with a rapid growth in the wildlife industry that is accompanied by the reintroduction of wild animals into endangered and fragmented lowland areas.
  • The Greater Addo National Park, South Africa: Biodiversity Conservation As the Basis for a Healthy Ecosystem and Human Development Opportunities

    The Greater Addo National Park, South Africa: Biodiversity Conservation As the Basis for a Healthy Ecosystem and Human Development Opportunities

    CHAPTER 39 The Greater Addo National Park, South Africa: Biodiversity Conservation as the Basis for a Healthy Ecosystem and Human Development Opportunities Graham I. H. Kerley, André F. Boshoff, and Michael H. Knight INTRODUCTION The recognition that ecosystem health is strongly linked to human welfare, and that many ecosystems have been heavily degraded under human domination — resulting in reduced capacity to support human populations — is a dominant feature of the environmental debate (e.g., Rapport et al., 1998). This has led to a search for ecosystem management strategies to maintain ecosystem health, ranging from water pollution management to disease control and sustainable resource utilization. To some extent this process has been hampered by the inability to look beyond con- ventional management strategies in order to recognize and develop new opportunities for extracting resources from ecosystems, while maintaining these systems in a healthy and functional state. This deficit is particularly apparent in rangeland ecosystems that traditionally have been used for domestic herbivore production through pastoralism, despite considerable evidence of the threats to ecosystem health that this strategy imposes (e.g., Fleischner, 1994). We present here the background of ecosystem degradation and loss of ecosystem resources due to pastoralism in the Eastern Cape Province (hereafter “Eastern Cape”) in South Africa (Figure 39.1), an area of spectacular biodiver- sity, and assess the consequences of alternate management strategies. We show how an initiative to address these problems, based on the recognition that biodiversity conservation yields tangible human development opportunities that include the full range of ecosystem services, is developing. DESERTIFICATION OF THE THICKET BIOME The Thicket Biome, one of the seven terrestrial biomes in South Africa (Low and Rebelo, 1996), is largely confined to the hot, dry valleys of the Eastern Cape, hence its alternative name of Valley Bushveld (Acocks, 1975).
  • Management of Critically Endangered Renosterveld Fragments in the Overberg, South Africa

    Management of Critically Endangered Renosterveld Fragments in the Overberg, South Africa

    Management of Critically Endangered renosterveld fragments in the Overberg, South Africa Odette Elisabeth Curtis Thesis presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town April 2013 Supervisor: Prof. William Bond Co-supervisor: Simon Todd PLAGIARISM DECLARATION By submitting this thesis, I acknowledge that I know the meaning of plagiarism and declare that all the work in the thesis, save for that which is properly acknowledged, is my own. _______________________________________ Odette Curtis 2nd April 2013 DECLARATION OF FREE LICENSE I hereby: a) grant the University of Cape Town free license to reproduce the above thesis in whole or in part, for the purpose of research; b) declare that: i) the above thesis is my own unaided work, both in conception and execution, and that apart from the normal guidance from my supervisors, I have received no assistance except as stated below; ii) neither the substance nor any part of this thesis has been submitted in the past, or is being, or is to be submitted for a degree at this University or at any other University. I am now presenting the thesis for examination for the Degree of PhD. _______________________________________ Odette Curtis 2nd April 2013 Copyright © University of Cape Town All Rights Reserved DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to Philip Anthony Hockey (1956 – 2013), who helped me develop the platform on which I have built my academic career, and whose friendship is sorely missed. Drawing by Chris van Rooyen ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you to my supervisor, Prof. William Bond, for guidance and patience and time in the field.
  • Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps

    Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps

    Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps DRAFT May 2009 South African National Biodiversity Institute Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Contents List of tables .............................................................................................................................. vii List of figures............................................................................................................................. vii 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 8 2 Criteria for identifying threatened ecosystems............................................................... 10 3 Summary of listed ecosystems ........................................................................................ 12 4 Descriptions and individual maps of threatened ecosystems ...................................... 14 4.1 Explanation of descriptions ........................................................................................................ 14 4.2 Listed threatened ecosystems ................................................................................................... 16 4.2.1 Critically Endangered (CR) ................................................................................................................ 16 1. Atlantis Sand Fynbos (FFd 4) .......................................................................................................................... 16 2. Blesbokspruit Highveld Grassland
  • Wasps and Bees in Southern Africa

    Wasps and Bees in Southern Africa

    SANBI Biodiversity Series 24 Wasps and bees in southern Africa by Sarah K. Gess and Friedrich W. Gess Department of Entomology, Albany Museum and Rhodes University, Grahamstown Pretoria 2014 SANBI Biodiversity Series The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was established on 1 Sep- tember 2004 through the signing into force of the National Environmental Manage- ment: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) No. 10 of 2004 by President Thabo Mbeki. The Act expands the mandate of the former National Botanical Institute to include respon- sibilities relating to the full diversity of South Africa’s fauna and flora, and builds on the internationally respected programmes in conservation, research, education and visitor services developed by the National Botanical Institute and its predecessors over the past century. The vision of SANBI: Biodiversity richness for all South Africans. SANBI’s mission is to champion the exploration, conservation, sustainable use, appreciation and enjoyment of South Africa’s exceptionally rich biodiversity for all people. SANBI Biodiversity Series publishes occasional reports on projects, technologies, workshops, symposia and other activities initiated by, or executed in partnership with SANBI. Technical editing: Alicia Grobler Design & layout: Sandra Turck Cover design: Sandra Turck How to cite this publication: GESS, S.K. & GESS, F.W. 2014. Wasps and bees in southern Africa. SANBI Biodi- versity Series 24. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. ISBN: 978-1-919976-73-0 Manuscript submitted 2011 Copyright © 2014 by South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written per- mission of the copyright owners. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of SANBI.
  • The Cape Floristic Region

    The Cape Floristic Region

    Ecosystem Profile THE CAPE FLORISTIC REGION SOUTH AFRICA Final version December 11, 2001 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 THE ECOSYSTEM PROFILE 3 THE CORRIDOR APPROACH TO CONSERVATION 4 BACKGROUND 4 CONSERVATION PLANNING IN THE CAPE FLORISTIC REGION: THE CAPE ACTION PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (CAPE) 5 BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE CFR 7 LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM 7 LEVELS OF PROTECTION FOR BIODIVERSITY 9 STATUS OF PROTECTED AREAS IN THE CAPE FLORISTIC REGION 10 SYNOPSIS OF THREATS 11 LAND TRANSFORMATION 11 ECOSYSTEM DEGRADATION 12 INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRAINTS TO CONSERVATION ACTION 13 LACK OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN CONSERVATION 14 SYNOPSIS OF CURRENT INVESTMENTS 14 MULTILATERAL DONORS 16 NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 17 POTENTIAL INVESTMENT IN CAPE IMPLEMENTATION AND PROPOSED COMPLEMENTARITY WITH CEPF FUNDING 17 GOVERNMENT 18 NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 19 CEPF NICHE FOR INVESTMENT IN THE REGION 21 CEPF INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND PROGRAM FOCUS 22 SUPPORT CIVIL SOCIETY INVOLVEMENT IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS AND MANAGEMENT PLANS IN CFR BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS 24 PROMOTE INNOVATIVE PRIVATE SECTOR AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN CONSERVATION IN LANDSCAPES SURROUNDING CFR BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS 25 SUPPORT CIVIL SOCIETY EFFORTS TO CREATE AN INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT THAT ENABLES EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION ACTION 26 ESTABLISH A SMALL GRANTS FUND TO BUILD CAPACITY AMONG INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WORKING ON CONSERVATION IN THE CFR 27 SUSTAINABILITY 27 CONCLUSION 28 LIST OF ACRONYMS 29 2 INTRODUCTION The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is designed to better safeguard the world's threatened biodiversity hotspots in developing countries. It is a joint initiative of Conservation International (CI), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank.
  • A Synthesis of Renosterveld Ecology and Conservation

    A Synthesis of Renosterveld Ecology and Conservation

    Environmental Conservation Fragmented Landscape, Fragmented Knowledge: A Synthesis of Renosterveld Ecology and Conservation Emmeline N Topp1,2 and Jacqueline Loos1 cambridge.org/enc 1Institute of Ecology, Faculty of Sustainability Science, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany and 2Agroecology, Department of Crop Science, Georg-August University, Grisebachstrasse 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany Subject Review Summary Cite this article: Topp EN, Loos J (2019) Knowledge of ecological patterns and processes is key to effective conservation of biodiversity Fragmented Landscape, Fragmented Knowledge: A Synthesis of Renosterveld hotspots under threat. Renosterveld is one of the most critically endangered habitats in the Ecology and Conservation. Environmental biologically unique Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. For the first time, we map and Conservation 46: 171–179. doi: 10.1017/ synthesize the current state of knowledge on renosterveld ecology and conservation. We S0376892918000498 investigated 132 studies for the themes, locations and taxa of renosterveld research and the fragmentation, threats, recommendations and barriers to renosterveld conservation. More Received: 4 August 2017 Accepted: 18 December 2018 studies focused on plants than any other taxa (48% of articles) and are conducted mostly in larger, intact renosterveld fragments. The most commonly identified threat to renosterveld Keywords was agricultural intensification; conservation recommendations spanned improved farming Cape Floristic Region; farmland expansion; practices, formal protection and local patch management. Conservation implementation has fire regime; fragmentation; fynbos; South Africa; global biodiversity hotspot; been piecemeal and has depended largely on the goodwill of landowners, which can be Mediterranean ecosystem; value perception constrained by costs of conservation measures and a lack of suitable restoration means. Citizen science is a promising potential solution to some barriers.
  • Fynbos: What Is It?

    Fynbos: What Is It?

    FYNBOS: WHAT IS IT? . .2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FYNBOS BIOME . .4 VELD TYPES OF THE FYNBOS BIOME . .5 FYNBOS: WHERE TO FIND IT? . .6 FYNBOS: THE CONDITIONS . .8 FYNBOS AND ANIMALS . .9 COMMERCIAL USES FOR FYNBOS . .10 MORE INFORMATION . .10 FYNBOS The mountains, valleys and coast of the South-Western Cape are the natural habitat of the largest variety of plant species in the world - the Cape Floral Kingdom. It may be the smallest floral kingdom in terms of area, covering only 0.4% of the earth’s surface, but is one of the richest in terms of variety. The other five floral kingdoms are the Holarctic, Palaeotropic, Neotropic, Australasian and Antarctic. The Fynbos region forms part of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), which covers approximately 90 000 km2 with more than 8 500 flowering species and gymnosperms and about 75 species of ferns and non- flowering plants. About 45% of Southern African flora is packed into an area as little as 4 % of the total land surface. 68 % of these plants are found nowhere else in the world. Table Mountain alone boasts 1 400 species of Fynbos. The CFR has more plants than any other area of the same size any- where in the world. FYNBOS: WHAT IS IT? Fynbos is the common name for the fine-leafed thick shrub-like vegetation, characterised by very small, leathery leaves often protected with hairs, which grows in the winter rainfall area of the south- ern and south-western parts of the Western Cape. (Fynbos is Afrikaans for “fine bush”). Fynbos consists of the three main plant types, ericoids with fine leaves and bell-shaped flowers, colourful proteiods and leafless reed-like restioids.
  • Differences in the Use of Surface Water Resources by Desert Birds Are Revealed Using Isotopic Tracers

    Differences in the Use of Surface Water Resources by Desert Birds Are Revealed Using Isotopic Tracers

    1 1 Differences in the use of surface water resources by desert birds are revealed using isotopic 2 tracers 3 Ben Smit1,6* 4 Stephan Woodborne2,3 5 Blair O. Wolf4 6 Andrew E. McKechnie1,5 7 8 1 DST-NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and 9 Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa 10 2 iThemba LABS, Private Bag11, WITS 2050, South Africa 11 3 Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, 12 Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa 13 4 UNM Biology Department, University of New Mexico, MSC03-2020, Albuquerque, NM 14 87131-0001, USA 15 5 South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, National Zoological Garden, South 16 African National Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria 0001, South Africa 17 6 Current address: Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, 18 Grahamstown 6140, South Africa 19 20 PeerJ Preprints | https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.3167v3 | CC BY 4.0 Open Access | rec: 21 Nov 2018, publ: 21 Nov 2018 2 21 22 ABSTRACT 23 The scarcity of free-standing water sources is a key determinant of animal and plant community 24 structure in arid environments, and an understanding of the extent to which particular species use 25 surface water is vital for modelling the effects of climate change on desert avifauna. We 26 investigated interspecific variation in the use of artificial water sources among birds in the 27 Kalahari Desert, South Africa, by 1) observations at waterholes and 2) tracing spatial water-use 28 patterns during summer by isotopically-labelled water sources and blood sampling.
  • ALBANY THICKET BIOME 6 Contributing Authors Dr

    ALBANY THICKET BIOME 6 Contributing Authors Dr

    1 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR GAS PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA 1 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR GAS PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT 2 3 Draft v3 Specialist Assessment Report for Stakeholder Review 4 5 ALBANY THICKET BIOME 6 Contributing Authors Dr. Derek Berliner1 Corresponding Authors Dr. Werner Marais2 Jon Smallie3 Dr. John Midgely4 Dr William Branch5 Werner Conradie6 Dr Dean Pienke7 7 8 1 Eco-Logic Consulting 9 2 Independent Consultant, affiliated with University of Pretoria 10 3 BirdLife South Africa 11 4 Academic/Researcher 12 5 Academic/Researcher, formerly Bayworld 13 6 Academic/Researcher 14 7 WWF, ECPTA 15 ALBANY THICKET BIOME SPECIALIST REPORT Page 1 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR GAS PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 TABLES 3 8 FIGURES 4 9 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 5 10 11 1 SUMMARY 6 12 2 INTRODUCTION 6 13 3 SCOPE OF THIS STRATEGIC ISSUE 6 14 3.1 DATA SOURCES 6 15 3.2 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS 7 16 3.3 RELEVANT REGULATIONS AND LEGISLATION 8 17 4 BASELINE DESCRIPTION 9 18 4.1 DEMARCATION OF STUDY AREA 9 19 4.2 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ALBANY THICKET BIOME 10 20 4.2.1 What and where is the Albany Thicket biome in South Africa? 10 21 4.2.2 Vegetation types of subtropical thicket 11 22 4.2.3 What is the state of subtropical thicket? 12 23 4.2.4 Value of subtropical thicket 14 24 4.2.4.1 Biodiversity Value 14 25 4.2.4.2 Socio-economic value 15 26 5 ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY OF THE ALBANY THICKET BIOME 15 27 5.1 METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO SENSITIVITY MAPPING 15 28 5.1.1