DOCSLIB.ORG

Floristic and Faunal Cape Biochoria: Do They Exist?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Floristic and Faunal Cape Biochoria: Do They Exist? CHAPTER 4 Floristic and faunal Cape biochoria: do they exist? Jonathan F. Colville, Alastair J. Potts, Peter L. Bradshaw, G. John Measey, Dee Snijman, Mike D. Picker, Şerban ProcheŞ, Rauri C. K. Bowie, and John C. Manning 4.1 Introduction factors, such as geology, altitude, latitude, and longi- tude can operate’. As such, proponents of a GCFR argue ‘There is no dispute that in the south of the continent for a shared evolutionary and ecological history, largely there are found numerous species, genera and even attributed to a cool-season moisture regime. families . that do not occur north. The question that It is not clear, however, whether a Greater Cape we have to answer is whether these forms constitute a ­Region is sensible only in the context of floristic data, separate . unit which is distinct, as a whole, from the other complexes of forms on the African continent?’ or whether the cool-season moisture zone shows bio- (Balinsky 1962). geographic coherence across a broader sampling of taxonomic groups (i.e. a Greater Cape Biochorion Many authors, over a long period, have remarked on (sensu Werger 1978)). A phytochorion or zoochorion the biotic distinctiveness of the southwestern corner of is defined geographically as an unranked area with Africa, both in terms of its flora (Bolus 1886; White 1976; a uniform composition of plant or animal species, Goldblatt 1978) and its fauna (Moreau 1952; Stuckenberg­ ­respectively (Linder et al. 2005; Olivero et al. 2012). Sev- 1962; Carcasson 1964; Poynton 1964; Holt et al. 2013). eral studies have explored the chorological divisions Climatically the region is defined by predominantly across southern Africa using individual taxonomic cool-season (autumn to spring) rainfall and mild tem- groups (e.g. plants (Born et al. 2007), frogs (Poynton peratures (Chapter 2), and its plant species richness is 1964; Crowe 1990), insects (Carcasson 1964; Endrödy- unmatched in the rest of Africa (Manning and Goldblatt Younga 1978), and birds (Crowe 1990; De Klerk et al. 2012; Snijman 2013). The Cape Floristic Region (CFR; 2002)). While these studies have generally highlighted or core Cape flora of Manning and Goldblatt 2012) is the distinctiveness of the predominantly mesic winter a distinctive phytogeographic feature (Goldblatt and rainfall Cape (see also Stuckenberg 1962), some have ­Manning 2000), previously recognized as one of six glob- demonstrated strong faunal links between the Cape al floral kingdoms on account of its high species richness and neighbouring succulent karoo areas (e.g. Endrödy- and endemicity (Marloth 1908; Good 1974; Takhtajan Younga 1978; Vernon 1999), while others have shown 1986; but see Cox 2001 who considered this ranking a stronger arid link, between areas of succulent karoo ­untenable). More recently, the concept of a Greater Cape and Nama karoo (e.g. Carcasson 1964; De Klerk et al. Floristic Region (GFCR), incorporating both the CFR 2002). Synthesizing the results of these studies to test and the succulent karoo region, has found favour as a the hypothesis of shared biotic regions has, however, more coherent biogeographical unit (Bayer 1984; Jür- been complicated by methodological inconsistencies gens 1991, 1997; Born et al. 2007). Bayer (1984) contends across these plant and animal studies. that once a larger, cool-season rainfall zone is consid- Establishing whether both fauna and flora are ered, then similarities in floristic composition and their aligned within core regions of a cool-season moisture patterns can be better understood ‘within which other zone, and whether the floristic distinctness of the GCFR Fynbos: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of a Megadiverse Region. Edited by Nicky Allsopp, Jonathan F. Colville and G. Anthony Verboom. © Oxford University Press 2014. Published 2014 by Oxford University Press. 9780199679584-Allsopp.indb 73 22/08/14 10:29 AM 74 FYnbOs: EcOlOgY, EvOlUtiOn, And COnservAtiOn OF A MegAdiverse RegiOn is reflected in the biogeographic patterns of other lin- of regionalization for a Cape Biochorion, we briefly in- eages, is of great importance when seeking to under- troduce the biotic elements that make the broader Cape stand the historical and ecological development of the region so different from the rest of southern Africa. biota of the CFR and the adjacent succulent karoo re- gion (Rueda et al. 2010). Delineating and mapping of biogeographic regions utilizing a standardized method 4.2.1 Plants provides ‘units of area’ (Hausdorf 2002) to work with The GCFR, comprising fynbos, renosterveld, thicket, when searching for shared historical and evolutionary succulent karoo, and enclaves of afrotemperate forest patterns across taxa—the ‘biogeographic homology’ of vegetation (Chapter 1), has a documented vascular plant Morrone (2001). Biogeographic regions are likely to rep- flora of 11 423 species, with species endemism ­estimated resent areas of unique evolutionary history and ecolog- at 77.9%, and generic endemism at 22.2% (248 endem- ical process (Morrone 2009) and, as such, may be areas ic genera in 1119 genera; Snijman 2013). The ­region of high conservation importance (Kreft and Jetz 2010; ­includes four endemic or near-endemic plant fami- Olivero et al. 2012). These areas can be interpreted in lies, all confined to fynbos. These are dicots of ­diverse terms of historical events, such as geomorphic change ­affinity: Penaeaceae (Myrtales; 23 species), Grubbiaceae and climate stability (Chapter 8), or ecological pattern (Cornales; three species), Roridulaceae (Ericales; two (Wiens and Donoghue 2004; Beck et al. 2012), and they species), and Geissolomataceae ­(Crossomatales; one represent appropriate areas within which to investigate species; ordinal classification following APG3 2009). drivers of diversification and clade origin (Chapters 5, Asteraceae, typically the largest family in floras of arid 7, Rosen 1988; Jetz et al. 2004). Furthermore, by high- and semi-arid regions, is the most richly represented in lighting the biotic diversity and uniqueness of differ- the region, but the extraordinarily high contributions ent areas, they can be used to inform conservation and of Iridaceae, Ericaceae, and Aizoaceae is unique to this management strategies (Chapter 14), and to assess ­region, and consequently in southern Africa as a whole the threats posed to biodiversity by invasive species (Manning and Goldblatt 2012; Snijman 2013). Ericaceae, (Chapter 12) and climate change (Chapter 13). Proteaceae, Restionaceae, and Rutaceae have diversi- In this chapter we provide a systematic and consist- fied greatly on the impoverished sandstone soils of the ent biogeographic evaluation, at the species level, of Cape mountain ranges (Manning and Goldblatt 2012). five very different taxonomic groups (plants, birds, Geophytes comprise an exceptionally high proportion butterflies, reptiles, and frogs). For each taxonomic of the flora (c.20%), possibly higher than in any other group, we group units of area together, based on their flora globally. Most geophytes are monocots(notably ­ species similarity, and map these chorological patterns. Iridaceae, Hyacinthaceae, and Amaryllidaceae) but sev- We use these patterns to test the hypotheses of: (a) a eral dicot genera contribute large numbers of geophytes primary (biotic) break dividing South Africa into west- as well, namely Oxalis (Oxalidaceae), Pelargonium ern (predominantly cool-season rainfall) and eastern ­(Geraniaceae), and Othonna (Asteraceae; Manning and (predominately summer rainfall) regions; (b) an ex- Goldblatt 2012; Snijman 2013). tended Greater Cape Biochorion, grouping the CFR and the succulent karoo region; and (c) a more restrict- 4.2.2 Animals ed Cape Biochorion, centred on the CFR. Although less well appreciated, the GCFR harbours 4.2 The biotic uniqueness of the diverse and endemic-rich vertebrate and invertebrate southern tip of Africa faunas. Snakes and lizards represent the largest group of endemic vertebrates in southern Africa (Bauer The biogeographic regionalization of an area is deter- 1999). The GCFR has 191 reptile species (16 fami- mined by its species composition and how different this lies, 60 genera), of which 45 are considered endemic composition is to that of other regions (Croizat et al. or near endemic to the region. Amongst these, three 1974). The GCFR is particularly rich in both species groups stand out as having large numbers of endemic and endemics (Picker and Samways 1996; Kuhlmann taxa: geckos, cordylids, and chameleons. All three 2009; Linder et al. 2010; Manning and Goldblatt 2012; appear to be substrate specific, with the geckos and ­Snijman 2013). The elevated levels of endemism seen for cordylids having distributions that are strongly corre- many plant and animal groups suggest narrow ranges lated with particular rocky substrates and the distribu- for many taxa, and imply a strongly regionalized biota tions of ­chameleons being aligned to vegetation types (Rueda et al. 2010). Before we explore common patterns (Chapter 7, Tolley et al. 2006; Herrel et al. 2011). 9780199679584-Allsopp.indb 74 22/08/14 10:29 AM FlOristic And FAUnAl CApe biOchOriA: do theY exist? 75 As has been highlighted repeatedly, the mesic winter the region is considered as a global centre of diver- rainfall area of the GCFR is globally unique in terms of sity and adaptive radiation for several insect groups its amphibian fauna. It has over 57 species, 31 of which (see Box 4.1). Moreover, the invertebrate fauna has are endemic, and two endemic genera. Poynton’s (1964) various unusual
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A NEW GENUS and ELEVEN NEW SPECIES of CEUTORHYNCHINI FEEDING on EPHEDRA (Coleoptera Curculionidae)
    E COLONNELLI: A new genus and eleven new species of Ceutorhynchini 217 ENZO COLONNELLI A NEW GENUS AND ELEVEN NEW SPECIES OF CEUTORHYNCHINI FEEDING ON EPHEDRA (Coleoptera Curculionidae) ABSTRACT - COLONNELLI E, 2005 - A new genus and eleven new species of Ceutorhynchini feeding on Ephedra (Coleoptera Curculionidae) Atti Acc Rov Agiati, a 255, 2005, ser VIII, vol V, B: 217-249 Is described the new genus Mucroxyonyx to include the type species M mahmoudi n sp from Egypt Mucroxyonyx differs from the close Macrosquamonyx Korotyaev by the larger size, the smaller scales of vestiture, the toothed femora, the antenna in- serted about in the middle of rostrum Pseudoxyonyx meregallii n sp and P boroveci n sp both from Morocco, and related with the western Asian P aghadjaniani Hoffmann are described, as well as Mesoxyonyx osellanus n sp from central Italy and Sardinia, Theodorinus giustocaroli n sp from central Turkey, and Platypteronyx maximi n sp from southern Turkey Five species of Paroxyonyx Hustache are described as new: P maroccanus n sp from Morocco, P audisioi n sp from Algeria, P sicanus n sp from Sicily, P squamiger n sp from Egypt, and P russelli n sp from Egypt Ceuthorrhynchus (Oxyonyx) maceratus Peyerimhoff is moved from Paroxyonyx to Mesoxyonyx Korotyaev (comb n) The record of Paroxyonyx and Mesoxyonyx is the first for Italy All the new species here described were collected on Ephedraceae of the genus Ephedra L KEY WORDS - Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Ceutorhynchini, Ephedra, New genus, New species RIASSUNTO - COLONNELLI E, 2005 - Un
    [Show full text]
  • Physical Impact of Grazing by Sheep on the Dynamics of Nama Karoo Subshrub/Grass Vegetation in South Africa
    South African Journal of Animal Science 2011, 41 (no. 3) Physical impact of sheep grazing on arid Karoo subshrub/grass rangeland, South Africa G.vanN. du Toit1, H.A. Snyman# & P.J. Malan Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa Copyright resides with the authors in terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 South African Licence. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/za Condition of use: The user may copy, distribute, transmit and adapt the work, but must recognise the authors and the South African Journal of Animal Science. ________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract Grazing levels and rotational schemes need to be tailored to each individual farm or pasture, and more studies are needed on the resilience of rangelands and on separating the effects of grazing and climate. The direct short-term impact of three rates of stocking (4, 8 and 16 Small Stock Units-SSU/ha) was quantified in terms of composition and cover of arid Nama Karoo vegetation (subshrub/grass). Mature Merino wethers grazed in one hectare plots during May in 1995 and 1996 (the plots were not subjected to grazing at any other time). The basal cover of the Karoo bushes (shrubs) showed a decrease at the highest stocking rate only, with the species Phymaspermum parvifolium the most sensitive to intensive grazing. An increase in stocking rate caused a significant decrease in both canopy cover and canopy-spread cover. The canopy cover of palatable Karoo bushes such as Felicia muricata, Salsola calluna and Walafrida geniculata decreased most.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • Adult Postabdomen, Immature Stages and Biology of Euryommatus Mariae Roger, 1856 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Conoderinae), a Legendary Weevil in Europe
    insects Article Adult Postabdomen, Immature Stages and Biology of Euryommatus mariae Roger, 1856 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Conoderinae), a Legendary Weevil in Europe Rafał Gosik 1,*, Marek Wanat 2 and Marek Bidas 3 1 Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie–Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland 2 Museum of Natural History, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland; [email protected] 3 ul. Prosta 290 D/2, 25-385 Kielce, Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Simple Summary: Euryommatus mariae is a legendary weevil species in Europe, first described in the 19th century and not collected through the 20th century. Though rediscovered in the 21st century at few localities in Poland, Austria, and Germany, it remains one of the rarest of European weevils, and its biology is unknown. We present the first descriptions of the larva and pupa of E. mariae, and confirm its saproxylic lifestyle. The differences and similarities between immatures of E. mariae and the genera Coryssomerus, Cylindrocopturus and Eulechriopus are discussed, and a list of larval characters common to all Conoderitae is given. The characters of adult postabdomen are described and illustrated for the first time for diagnostic purposes. Our study confirmed the unusual structure of the male endophallus, equipped with an extremely long ejaculatory duct enclosed in a peculiar fibrous conduit, not seen in other weevils. We hypothesize that the extraordinarily long Citation: Gosik, R.; Wanat, M.; Bidas, and spiral spermathecal duct is the female’s evolutionary response to the male’s extremely long M.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • Coleoptera) (Excluding Anthribidae
    A FAUNAL SURVEY AND ZOOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE CURCULIONOIDEA (COLEOPTERA) (EXCLUDING ANTHRIBIDAE, PLATPODINAE. AND SCOLYTINAE) OF THE LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS A Thesis TAMI ANNE CARLOW Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE August 1997 Major Subject; Entomology A FAUNAL SURVEY AND ZOOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE CURCVLIONOIDEA (COLEOPTERA) (EXCLUDING ANTHRIBIDAE, PLATYPODINAE. AND SCOLYTINAE) OF THE LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS A Thesis by TAMI ANNE CARLOW Submitted to Texas AgcM University in partial fulltllment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Approved as to style and content by: Horace R. Burke (Chair of Committee) James B. Woolley ay, Frisbie (Member) (Head of Department) Gilbert L. Schroeter (Member) August 1997 Major Subject: Entomology A Faunal Survey and Zoogeographic Analysis of the Curculionoidea (Coleoptera) (Excluding Anthribidae, Platypodinae, and Scolytinae) of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. (August 1997) Tami Anne Carlow. B.S. , Cornell University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Horace R. Burke An annotated list of the Curculionoidea (Coleoptem) (excluding Anthribidae, Platypodinae, and Scolytinae) is presented for the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas. The list includes species that occur in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Wigacy counties. Each of the 23S species in 97 genera is tteated according to its geographical range. Lower Rio Grande distribution, seasonal activity, plant associations, and biology. The taxonomic atTangement follows O' Brien &, Wibmer (I og2). A table of the species occuning in patxicular areas of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, such as the Boca Chica Beach area, the Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, and the Falcon Dam area is included.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Demography Unit to WHOM IT MAY
    Animal Demography Unit Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 South Africa www.adu.org.za Tel. +27 (0)21 650 3227 [email protected] DIGITAL BIODIVERSITY•CITIZEN SCIENCE•BIODIVERSITY INFORMATICS 30 September 2015 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN The Second Southern African Bird Atlas (SABAP2) was launched in Namibia in May 2012. The project is an update and extension of the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1) which ran from 1987–1991, and included six countries of southern Africa, including Namibia. It culminated in the publication of the Atlas of Southern African Birds in 1997. The bird atlas project in Namibia is partnership between the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Namibia Bird Club and the Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town (ADU). The project plans to run indefinitely. The broad aim of the project is to determine the distribution and abundance of bird species in Namibia, and to investigate how environmental change and development have impacted bird distributions over the past quarter of a century. It also aims to promote public awareness of birds through large-scale mobilization of ‘citizen scientists’. The project entails volunteer bird- watchers recording bird species in five-minute grid cells (approx. 8 km × 9 km) called pentads. This information is then sent to the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town where the data is captured into a central database. It is important for observers to try and cover as much of the grid cells as possible in order for an accurate and comprehensive bird list to be compiled for the area.
    [Show full text]
  • The Eco-Ethology of the Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis Virgorsil
    THE ECO-ETHOLOGY OF THE KAROO KORHAAN EUPODOTIS VIGORSII. BY M.G.BOOBYER University of Cape Town SUBMITIED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (ORNITHOLOGY) UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN RONDEBOSCH 7700 CAPE TOWN The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. University of Cape Town University of Cape Town PREFACE The study of the Karoo Korhaan allowed me a far broader insight in to the Karoo than would otherwise have been possible. The vast openness of the Karoo is a monotony to those who have not stopped and looked. Many people were instrumental in not only encouraging me to stop and look but also in teaching me to see. The farmers on whose land I worked are to be applauded for their unquestioning approval of my activities and general enthusiasm for studies concerning the veld and I am particularly grateful to Mnr. and Mev. Obermayer (Hebron/Merino), Mnr. and Mev. Steenkamp (Inverdoorn), Mnr. Bothma (Excelsior) and Mnr. Van der Merwe. Alwyn and Joan Pienaar of Bokvlei have my deepest gratitude for their generous hospitality and firm friendship. Richard and Sue Dean were a constant source of inspiration throughout the study and their diligence and enthusiasm in the field is an example to us all.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesotho Fourth National Report on Implementation of Convention on Biological Diversity
    Lesotho Fourth National Report On Implementation of Convention on Biological Diversity December 2009 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ADB African Development Bank CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CCF Community Conservation Forum CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CMBSL Conserving Mountain Biodiversity in Southern Lesotho COP Conference of Parties CPA Cattle Post Areas DANCED Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development DDT Di-nitro Di-phenyl Trichloroethane EA Environmental Assessment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan ERMA Environmental Resources Management Area EMPR Environmental Management for Poverty Reduction EPAP Environmental Policy and Action Plan EU Environmental Unit (s) GA Grazing Associations GCM Global Circulation Model GEF Global Environment Facility GMO Genetically Modified Organism (s) HIV/AIDS Human Immuno Virus/Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome HNRRIEP Highlands Natural Resources and Rural Income Enhancement Project IGP Income Generation Project (s) IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources LHDA Lesotho Highlands Development Authority LMO Living Modified Organism (s) Masl Meters above sea level MDTP Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Project MEAs Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements MOU Memorandum Of Understanding MRA Managed Resource Area NAP National Action Plan NBF National Biosafety Framework NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NEAP National Environmental Action
    [Show full text]
  • SET a M.M-100 the Question Paper Is Divided Into Three Sections
    SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER CLASS XII ENGLISH CORE Time- 3 hr. SET A M.M-100 The question paper is divided into three sections. Section A : Reading 30 Marks Section B : Advanced Writing Skills 30 Marks Section C : Literature, Text Books & Long Reading Texts 40 Marks Instructions: 1. All questions are compulsory. 2. You may attempt any section at a time. 3. All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order. SECTION A READING – 30 Marks 1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: 12 1. That large animals require luxuriant vegetation has been a general assumption which has passed from one work to another; but I do not hesitate to say that it is completely false, and that it has vitiated the reasoning of geologists on some points of great interest in the ancient history of the world. The prejudice has probably been derived from India, and the Indian islands, where troops of elephants, noble forests, and impenetrable jungles, are associated together in every one's mind. If, however, we refer to any work of travels through the southern parts of Africa, we shall find allusions in almost every page either to the desert character of the country, or to the numbers of large animals inhabiting it. The same thing is rendered evident by the many engravings which have been published of various parts of the interior. 2. Dr. Andrew Smith, who has lately succeeded in passing the Tropic of Capricorn, informs me that, taking into consideration the whole of the southern part of Africa, there can be no doubt of its being a sterile country.
    [Show full text]
  • A Global Overview of Protected Areas on the World Heritage List of Particular Importance for Biodiversity
    A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF PROTECTED AREAS ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY A contribution to the Global Theme Study of World Heritage Natural Sites Text and Tables compiled by Gemma Smith and Janina Jakubowska Maps compiled by Ian May UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre Cambridge, UK November 2000 Disclaimer: The contents of this report and associated maps do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations. The designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authority, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION 1.0 OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................................1 2.0 ISSUES TO CONSIDER....................................................................................................................................1 3.0 WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?..............................................................................................................................2 4.0 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................3 5.0 CURRENT WORLD HERITAGE SITES............................................................................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • A Fine-Scale Conservation Plan for Cape Lowlands Renosterveld: Technical Report
    A Fine-Scale Conservation Plan for Cape Lowlands Renosterveld: Technical Report MAIN REPORT September 2003 Amrei von Hase Mathieu Rouget Kristal Maze Nick Helme Report No. CCU 2/03 Cape Conservation Unit Botanical Society of South Africa Pvt Bag X 10 7735 Claremont www.botanicalsociety.org.za/ccu Key Partners and Sponsors of the Cape Lowlands Renosterveld Project TABLE MOUNTAIN FUND 2 Acknowledgements Many individuals and organizations have contributed generously to the Cape Lowlands Renosterveld Project to whom the Botanical Society and the project team are greatly indebted. We express our appreciation to you in this section and in addition have provided acknowledgement to others in sections of this report where their contribution was relevant. We are particularly indebted to our key project partners, the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (WCNCB), for putting their full support behind the project from its inception as well as their many contributions to the project. In Scientific Services we especially thank the late Chris Burgers, Helen de Klerk, Ernst Baard, Annelise le Roux, Guy Palmer and Andrew Turner for their guidance in the project planning and initiation stages, particularly on data and GIS matters. We are tremendously grateful to Chris who generously and infectiously shared with us his wealth of knowledge about the lowlands. In Operations we express our appreciation to the business unit managers, extension officers and regional ecologists who played a vital role particularly in shaping the final products of the project. We are especially grateful to Anton Wolfaardt and Chris Martens. Wendy Paisley of the Cape Conservation Unit (CCU) of the Botanical Society provided invaluable administrative and organizational support to the project.
    [Show full text]