Download Programme - Arid Zone Ecology Forum

Arid Zone Ecology Forum
3-6 October 2016
The Showroom Theatre, Prince Albert
Funded by
National Research Foundation, SAEON & Plant Conservation Unit, University of Cape Town.
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Arid Zone Ecology Forum 2016
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………………………………….2
AZEF COMMITTEE 2015–2016………………………..……………………………………………….2
TIERBERG LTER ……………..………………………..……………………………………………….3
FORUM PROGRAMME………………………………………………………………………………….4 - 6
PAPER ABSTRACTS……………………………………………………………………………………7 - 27
POSTER ABSTRACTS...............................................................................................................29 - 43
DELEGATE CONTACT LIST..................................................................................................... .44 - 46
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FUNDING AND SUPPORT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
AZEF would like to acknowledge the following people and organizations for their support:



SAEON Arid Lands Node for their sponsorship.
Plant Conservation Unit, University of Cape Town for their sponsorship.
Namaqua Wines for their donation of all the wine served with dinners and the gift boxes for invited speakers.
.
Committee: 2016
AZEF:
Marco Pauw - SAEON (Chair)
Simon Todd – SAEON (Vice Chair)
Robbert Duker – NNMU (Treasurer)
Megan Simons – ARC & UWC
Timm Hoffman - UCT
Ismail Ebrahim - SANBI
Secretariat:
Gill Murray
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MONDAY, 3 October 2016
Meet & greet with early registration - 17h30 for 18h00
FINGER SNACKS & POSTER VIEWING
The Showroom Theatre, 43 Church Street, Prince Albert
TUESDAY 04 October 2016
The Showroom Theatre
07:45
08:30
08:35
Late Registration
Marco Pauw - Chair: AZEF
Johan Pauw - Managing Director: SAEON
Welcome
Conference Opening: Tierberg - 30 years on
Keynote Address (Chair: Marco Pauw)
08:45
Whether or not heuweltjies: Context-dependent
ecosystem engineering by the southern harvester
termite
Joe McAuliffe and Timm Hoffman
Session 1 – Karoo Research (Chair: Robbert Duker)
09:30
10:00
A review and analysis of the past 30 Years of Arid
Zone Research in South Africa – movers, shakers
and future directions
Simon Todd
Tea
Session 2 – Ecological Studies in the Arid Zone (Chair: Helga van der Merwe)
10:30
Prayag, K. D., du Toit, C. J., Cramer, M. D., & Thomson, R. L.
Do camelthorn trees use sociable weavers to
forage for nutrients?
10:50
Simons, M.B., Samuels, M.I., Knight, R., Cupido, C.F., &
Swarts, M.B.
Post-fire succession of Elytropappus rhinocerotis
(renosterbos) in Namaqualand Granite
Renosterveld
Session 3 - Conservation, Education & Outreach (Chair: Clement Cupido)
11:10
Norval, M., Purnell, K.J., & Dreyer, B.
Wilderness Foundation Northern Cape Land
Project
11:30
Rossenrode, T.
Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust / WWF Expanded
Programme of work in the Succulent Karoo
11:50
Ebrahim, I.
Karoo Biogaps Project – Mobilising foundational
biodiversity data in the Karoo
12:10
Ndou, T. & Khutsoane, O.
How has SAEON Arid Lands Node’s Science
Education Outreach Programme influenced
performance of learners at schools?
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch – Kerksaal
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Session 4 - Renewable Energy Development (Chair: Simon Todd)
13:30
Rudman, J., Gauché, P. & Esler, K.J.
Initial analysis of the direct environmental impact
of solar power in two arid biomes of South Africa
13:50
Schumann, B.
The role of NGO's in Karoo EIAs: how do we
streamline sustainable development?
14:10
Atkinson, D.
Wind energy: What to expect, what to avoid and
how to manage economic and environmental
impacts
14:40
Tea
SKEP PLANNING & FEEDBACK SPECIAL SESSION (Noel Oettle)
15:00 - 16:30
Participatory workshop-based session hosted by Noel Oettle
16:30 - 18:00
AZEF Annual General Meeting
18:30 DINNER - Bush Pub, Pastorie Street, Prince Albert
GUEST SPEAKER SUE MILTON: REFLECTIONS OF TIERBERG - 30 YEARS ON
WEDNESDAY 05 October 2016
08:00
Late Registration
Session 5 – Livestock - Grazing Patterns & Resources (Chair: Megan Simons)
08:30
Harmse, Christiaan J.*, Gerber, J.J., & Swart, A.
09:00
Cupido, C.F., Samuels, M.I., Swarts, M.V.B, Amary, N. &
Morris, C.
09:20
Muller, H. & Gardiner, M.
09:40
L. Chipfupa, F.V. Nherera-Chokuda and P. Fourie
10:00-11:00
Extended tea & POSTER SESSION
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Determining the impact of stocking densities in
the Upper Karoo, using innovative technologies
An analysis of seasonal pattern variation in the
diet of free range and herded livestock on a high
altitude island in the Kamiesberg, Namaqualand,
South
Livestock quality improvement on Communal
rangelands in Namaqualand – is there a wolf in
sheep’s clothing?
Grass and shrub species distribution, abundance
and nutritional value in Opuntia humifusa
invaded Nama Karoo rangelands
Session 6 - Rehabilitation (Chair: Timm Hoffman)
11:00
Duker, R., Potts, A.J., Cowling, R.M., & van der Vyver, M.L.
The influence of cold air pooling on thicket
restoration success
11:20
Oettle N., Myeza S., Ramoneda, J., & Gamper, H.A.
Looking beneath the surface
Session 7 – Long Term Ecological Monitoring at Tierberg (Chair: Marco Pauw)
11:40
van der Merwe, H. & Milton, S.J.
Long-term burn trials at Tierberg LTER revisited
after eight years
12:00
Arena, G, Milton, S.J., Dean, W.R.J., Van der Merwe, H,
Pauw, M.J. & Henschel, J.R.
Tierberg-LTER: 29 years of long-term observation,
where to from here?
12:30
Field trip profiles by fieldtrip leaders, collection of packed lunches
Fieldtrips: Packed Lunch - 13:00 - 17:00
18:30 DINNER - Bush Pub, Pastorie Street, Prince Albert
THURSDAY 06 October 2016
08:30
Late Registration
Session 8 – Long Term Ecological Monitoring (continued) (Chair: Ismail Ebrahim)
09:00
Schmiedel, Ute
Drivers of diversity and vegetation dynamics in
the arid Succulent Karoo of South Africa – 15
years of annual vegetation monitoring
09:30
Petersen, H. & Hoffman, M. T.
In retrospect: how the vegetation of the Tanqua
Karoo has changed over the last century
09:50
Henschel, J.R. & Ramaswiela, T.
Monitoring environmental changes across an
altitudinal gradient in the Karoo at Compassberg
10:10
Tea
10:40
van der Merwe,H, & Geldenhuys, C.
Proposed long-term monitoring protocol for
Aloidendron dichotomum populations
11:00
Fleury, G. , Hoffman, M.T. & Todd S.W.
Environmental change in Riemvasmaak, Northern
Cape, South Africa 20 years after resettlement
11:20
GENERAL DISCUSSION: The most important research issues for southern Africa's arid zone
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch - including prizegiving (Kerksaal)
Conference delegates depart, dinner available at Bush Pub for those only leaving Prince Albert on Friday, 7 th Oct.
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PAPER ABSTRACTS
OPENING ADDRESS:
Whether or not heuweltjies: Context-dependent ecosystem engineering by the
southern harvester termite
Key words: biogeomorphology, bush clumps, Mima mound, Namaqualand, succulent karoo
McAuliffe, Joseph R.1*, Hoffman, M. Timm2
1
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, Arizona 85008, U.S.A.
2
Plant Conservation Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape
Town
* [email protected]
Regularly-spaced, mound-like landforms (heuweltjies) occur over tens of thousands of square kilometers in
western South Africa and the processes by which these mounds form have long been disputed. Recent
studies of soil stratigraphy of heuweltjies in Namaqualand provide evidence that localized accretion of
aeolian sediments contributes to mound formationa. Bioaccumulation of plant nutrients by the foraging
activities of the southern harvester termite (Microhodotermes viator) is hypothesized as a mechanism that
promotes development of regularly-spaced patches of denser vegetation.
Those patches trap wind-
transported sediments, leading to localized sediment accumulation and upward growth of mounds. Soil
and geochemistry data from another study conducted near Clanwilliam provide further evidence of the
accumulation of aeolian sediments in heuweltjies. More recent research by investigators working near
Worcester provides additional soil stratigraphic evidence for role of aeolian sediment accretion in
heuweltjiesb. However, whether or not termites are responsible for initiating the processes responsible for
dense, regularly spaced vegetation patches, and ultimately the creation and spatial patterning of
heuweltjies, continues to be debated. A key to resolving the debate is recognizing that under different
environmental conditions, the presence of colonies of M. viator has various physical manifestations: (1) fully
developed, large earthen mounds (heuweltjies), (2) small, conical cemented mounds, (3) small conical
cemented mounds within the footprint of severely eroded remnants of former heuweltjies, and (4) complete
lack of emergent, above-ground features. Three physical variables (climate, geological substrate, and local
aeolian sediment supply) interact to influence the manner and degree to which colonies of M. viator
ultimately function as ecosystem engineers, shaping the environment they occupy.
a
b
McAuliffe, Hoffman, McFadden & King (2014). Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 39:1900-1912.
Cramer, von Holdt, Khomo & Midgley (2016). South African J. of Science 112:1-10.
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Session 1 – Karoo Research
30 Years of Arid Zone Research in South Africa
– Movers, Shakers and Future Directions
Key words: karoo, research, publications, citations
Todd, SW 1
1
P.O.Box 110040 Hadison Park, Kimberley 8306, South Africa. 97 Memorial Road, South Ridge,
Kimberley.
[email protected]
In this presentation, I analyse the peer-reviewed ecological research within the karoo to identify the most
‘influential’ 30 papers over the past 30 years. Influence is based on citations as well as the weighted
impact factor of the journals in which the citing papers were published. I identify the most important paper
of the past 30 years, as well as the most important contributing authors. I examine what factors make a
paper influential and review the most important papers of the period and their contribution to ecological
research and theoretical development in the karoo in what I call the modern or post-Acocks period. Finally,
I examine this body of work to evaluate the quality of research in the karoo and identify future research
directions and opportunities.
Session 2 – Ecological Studies
Do camelthorn trees use sociable weavers to forage for nutrients?
Key words: Kalahari, plant-animal interactions, positive feedbacks
Prayag, K. D.1*, du Toit C. J.1, Cramer, M. D.1, Thomson, R. L.1,2,
1
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X1, Rondebosch 7701, South
Africa
2
FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town,
Private Bag X1, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
*[email protected]
“Islands of fertility” result from focussing of water and nutrients around many shrub- or tree-savanna
species due to plant-foraging for resources. Plant-animal feedbacks may amplify the development of such
islands through environmental modification due to, for example, faunal deposition of nutrients and seeds.
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Fauna resident within vegetation clumps are likely to exert stronger feedbacks on their hosts than itinerant
species. We studied the relationship between camelthorn trees (Acacia erioloba) and the spectacular
colonial nests of sociable weavers (Philetairus socius) in Tswalu Kalahari reserve in the Kalahari. We
hypothesized that nutrient inputs from the sociable weaver nests have a positive effect on tree growth and
nutrient status, but that nests also have negative consequences for the trees through reduced foliar
canopies and increased branch fall. We measured nest sizes and canopy volumes, tree leafiness, foliar
and soil nutrient contents and δ15N values across pairs of trees with and without nests. Several soil nutrient
(including N, P and K) concentrations were strongly enriched below the canopies of nest trees. Wheat,
used as a phytometer, grew more vigorously in soil from trees with nests. Soil δ15N was also higher than
that of non-nests sites, being enriched by high δ15N of faecal matter. Despite this, there were no significant
differences in foliar N, P and K between nest and control trees, although δ15N differed strongly. Trees with
nests, however, had 27% higher leafiness of terminal branches. Trees thus utilise the nutrients made
available through bird faeces for growth, although they do not accumulate more foliar nutrient. Canopy
volume was, however, reduced in trees with nests due to these occupying large volumes and to branch fall.
We suggest that initial positive feedbacks between nests and trees become negative in older trees with
large nests, leading to both sociable weaver colony- and tree-decline.
Post-Fire Succession of Elytropappus Rhinocerotis (renosterbos) in
Namaqualand Granite Renosterveld
Key words: Post-fire, Elytropappus rhinocerotis dynamics, grazing, Namaqualand Granite
Renosterveld, Kamiesberg Uplands
Simons, M.B.1, 2*, Samuels, M.I.2, Knight, R.1, Cupido, C.F.2, Swarts, M.B.2
1
University of the Western Cape, Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Cape Town, South
Africa
2
ARC– API: Rangeland Ecology Unit, BCB Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17,
Bellville 7535, South Africa
*email: [email protected]
Renosterveld is a severely fragmented fire-prone shrubland dominated by small, cupressoid-leaved
asteraceous shrubs mainly Elytropappus rhinocerotis (commonly known as renosterbos). Renosterbos is
an indigenous unpalatable perennial shrub which has encroaching properties depending on the fire and
grazing history. Renosterveld has in the past been subjected to frequent burning by pastoralist to increase
the forage value of veld for optimum grazing. The role of E. rhinocerotis in Namaqualand Granite
Renosterveld in succession is currently poorly understood. The aim of this study is to understand the
effects of fire on the post-fire succession of Elytropappus rhinocerotis in Namaqualand Granite
Renosterveld. This study was conducted in the Leliefontein communal area. Sampling commenced in 10
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burned and 10 adjacent unburned sites during autumn and spring of 2014. To understand the dynamics of
E. rhinocerotis: (i) plant density was studied using 10 x 10 m quadrants, (ii) cover of E. rhinocerotis was
estimated using a 100 m line following the line-intercept method, and (iii) along the 100 m line at each 10 m
interval the radius of E. rhinocerotis was sampled to understand its associated with other plant species. The
data points to the fact that E. rhinocerotis is not affected by fire alone, but may possibly be affected by
livestock grazing which remove palatable perennials from the system. Grazing aids in the dominance of E.
rhinocerotis which in turn facilitates the growth of other unpalatable species. The Kamiesberg has an
invasion of E. rhinocerotis which controls the vegetation community and other species has to be compatible
with fire in order to survive. Therefore, the significance of this study is to determine the succession of E.
rhinocerotis once it has reached and optimal age and how it replaces various species thus exhibiting niche
construction by a single species.
Session 3 – Conservation, Education & Outreach
Wilderness Foundation Northern Cape Land Project
Key words: Stewardship, Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust (LHSKT), Protected Areas
Expansion (PAE)
Norval, M.1*, Purnell, K.J.2, Dreyer, B.3
1
Wilderness Foundation, Director: Conservation Programme
2
Wilderness Foundation, Stewardship Project Manager
3
Wilderness Foundation, Land Negotiator
*Your email address: [email protected]
The Wilderness Foundation Stewardship Project is a land protection programme funded by the Leslie Hill
Succulent Karoo Trust. The project aim to assist the Northern Cape Province in implementing its Protected
Area Expansion Strategy and securing land through the implementation of Biodiversity Stewardship and
Land Purchase. It is specifically focussed on the areas as identified by the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust
(LHSKT) in the Desmet et al. (2012) study and previously identified priorities.
The presentation will provide the AZEF community with an overview of results achieved since inception of
the project during October 2015. Results include prioritisation of key properties to be purchased or
facilitated for stewardship, progress made on specific properties, intended contributions to various
conservation targets, stewardship related capacity building initiatives and challenges experienced thus far
in the Northern Cape environment. The presentation will also cover the project’s approach on how priority
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properties, on which renewable energy developments have been approved, could be secured for
conservation.
The project has two years operations remaining and welcomes any input or comments from the forum.
Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust / WWF Expanded Programme
of work in the Succulent Karoo
Key words: conservation, protected area expansion, stewardship
Rossenrode, T.1
1
WWF, Land Programme, 1st Floor, Bridge House, Boundary Terraces, Mariendahl Lane, Newlands.
[email protected]
WWF’s influence has been significant in the Succulent Karoo, with its primary intervention being the
establishment of the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust in 1994. The trust has been instrumental in
conserving the Succulent Karoo by facilitating the purchase of more than 210 000 ha of land within this
biome, since its inception in 1994. This is 80% of the total WWF-SA land purchased in the Succulent Karoo
which is for the creation and expansion of key conservation areas, including the Namaqua National Park,
Tankwa Karoo National Park and the Knersvlakte Nature Reserve. To date and through the Trust, WWF
has contributed 34% to the 2009-2014 national target for the biome. This project sets out to address the
challenges that prevent the realisation of the LHSKT objectives and proposes solutions and
recommendations for overcoming these obstacles. These include increased management capacity for
purchased land through institutional strengthening, the development of a suite of incentives for stewardship
programmes, increased legal capacity, and research. It also identifies new areas of operation, in
community conservation and human resource capacity, for project funding support and outlines a variety of
interventions that will result in an integrated and expanded programme of work within the Succulent Karoo
led and implemented by WWF Land Programme.
Karoo Biogaps Project
– Mobilising foundational biodiversity data in the Karoo
Key words: Karoo, sampling, biodiversity data, georeferencing, FBIP
Ebrahim I.1
1
Threatened Species Programme, South African National Biodiversity Institute
[email protected]
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The Karoo BioGaps Project aims to mobilise foundational biodiversity data to support the SEAs for shale
gas development and other potential infrastructure development projects in the Karoo basin. The current
paucity of biodiversity data will be addressed through:
1) integrating and upgrading existing species data located in museums and herbaria, and
2) conducting detailed surveys for 11 representative taxonomic groups in areas targeted for shale gas
exploration.
The 11 taxonomic groups are: plants, mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles; as well as six invertebrate
groups: bees, dragonflies, grasshoppers, scorpions, butterflies and spiders.
The Karoo BioGaps Project objectives are:
1. Establish a coordinated network of institutions to deliver foundational biodiversity information to
decision makers.
2. Produce comprehensive high quality occurrence data for target taxa through national level specimen
digitisation and field sampling within the shale gas development zone.
3. Enable species identification through DNA barcoding and develop a barcode library with applications in
biodiversity monitoring and assessments.
4. Assess the threat status of species to identify those of conservation concern (e.g. endemics, near
endemics and functionally important species).
5. Conduct research to identify core areas and habitats for species of conservation concern occurring
within the Karoo, and assess functional diversity to be used as a baseline for monitoring ecosystem
services and function.
6. Compile and serve species data and associated landuse guidelines to decision makers at the
international, national, provincial and local levels.
7. Upskill young scientists in terms of data collection, field surveys, data management, analyses, and
threat assessments through practical work and post-graduate studies.
The talk will focus on introducing the project and introduce the plant sampling technique and progress
thus far and lessons learnt from plant sampling field trips.
.
How has SAEON Arid Lands Node’s Science Education Outreach Programme
influenced performance of learners at schools?
Ndou, T. & Khutsoane, O.
SAEON Arid Lands Node, P.O.Box 110040, Hadison Park, Kimberley 8306
[email protected]
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The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is an institution that monitors
environmental change in relation to global change and land use at a national level. SAEON does not only
practice science, but also encourages and nurtures learners to become scientists through a dedicated
science education outreach programme. Such a programme has recently been initiated at the Arid Lands
Node in Kimberley. It focuses on grades nine to eleven and aims to equip learners and educators with
knowledge and skills which are essential in the fields of environmental sciences and nature conservation.
The programme is aimed at secondary schools located in the arid regions. It provides a highly effective way
for learners to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the science workshops and camps
interaction in the classroom. The methodology that is used to inspire and support learners outside of the
classroom is discussed, as well as its application at various interactions with schools in Kimberley and
Prince Albert. The programme’s success is being measured over a cycle of three years by tracking the
performance of individual learners at school and determining whether they have a deeper understanding of
environmental sciences. We provide preliminary results, showing that the positive attitude of the learners
go beyond the programme itself.
Session 4 – Renewable Energy Development
Initial analysis of the direct environmental impact of solar power
in two arid biomes of South Africa
Key words: direct environmental impacts, solar power developments, arid biomes,
development footprint
Rudman, J.1, 2*, Gauché, P. 3 and Esler, K.J. 2
1 Solar Thermal Energy Research Group, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering,
Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602. South Africa.
2 Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South
Africa.
3 Helio100 Project and Solar Thermal Energy Research Group, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic
Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602. South Africa.
*[email protected]
The arid biomes of South Africa, which largely compromises the solar resource rich interior of the country,
have experienced an increased number of solar power developments since the start of the Renewable
Energy Power Producers Procurement Programme in 2011. The environmental impact associated with
these developments are individually governed and assessed through Environmental Impact Assessments.
In this initial study, it was set out to analyse the direct environmental impact of CSP and PV developments
across the arid Nama-Karoo and Savannah biomes. Structured interviews with experienced and/or
knowledgeable individuals from different focus groups were held to gain insight into experience of some of
the existing power plants. Spatial analysis was also conducted to investigate how the footprints of existing
and planned developments impact underlying biodiversity and geographical features across the landscape.
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The impact on avifauna biodiversity and water resources by CSP was found to be a major concern, but the
issue of cumulative impacts, habitat fragmentation and the impact on soil were a common impact
highlighted for both CSP and PV developments. As an initial study, the findings offer a concise yet
comprehensive summary of environmental experience of solar power to date in South Africa and also
highlights some valuable aspects which can provide guidance to future programmes and regulations.
The role of NGO’s and the EWT’s experiences in the Fracking SEA
and similar processes
Key words: strategic environmental assessments, biodiversity, development threats
Theron, C.1*, Schumann, B.D.2
1
Endangered Wildlife Trust – Drylands Conservation Programme
2
Endangered Wildlife Trust – Drylands Conservation Programme
*[email protected]
The Karoo region is facing threats from proposed mining developments at an unprecedented level. The
Endangered Wildlife Trust has been working in this region for some 16 years and has a vested interest in
ensuring the environment is utilised sustainably in order to ensure biodiversity conservation in harmony
with the needs of communities in the Karoo. The extent of threats posed and the possible detrimental
consequence of these developments have necessitated focussed participation in current events. In the
EWT’s experience in the Karoo the process of public participation around industrial developments in the
Karoo has been demonstrated to be inadequate. The process of information dissemination is flawed as it
does not take into account literacy levels or language barriers and the platforms for sharing information are
limited to poorly attended public meetings and bulky documents at libraries that are ignored by the public at
large. In addition, the sheer deluge of technical information that is often poorly presentation does not
contribute to the understanding of the potential impacts of proposed developments. Recent research
revealed that 40% people of Central Karoo residents have no idea what fracking is. Challenges faced are
how to encourage communities to participate in the decision making process given their apparent apathy
when it comes to responding to the participation process. Where community structures exist such as the
Umzimvubu Catchment Partnership Programme in Kwazulu Natal, community involvement is significantly
improved. It is therefore critical that organisations take the lead in understanding the impacts of
developments, not only at the environmental level, but also at the economic and social levels, and
participating in and driving the decision making processes prior to the point of no return. Collaboration by
NGO’s is critical given the scope of expertise required in order to make informed decisions.
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Wind energy: What to expect, what to avoid and how to manage
economic and environmental impacts
Key words: Renewable energy, wind energy, turbines, municipal planning, environmental
impacts
Atkinson, D1*
*E-mail address: [email protected]
All resource development, including renewable energy, is particularly prone to creating local booms and
busts, with rapid inflows and outflows of investment capital, labour, material and infrastructure. These
impacts are usually cumulative, resulting in complex causal loops involving economic, ecological and social
variables. This paper examines five causal pathways stimulated by wind and solar projects: Local economic
change, migration patterns, impacts on the social fabric, the siting of projects, and governmental dynamics
affecting renewable energy planning. The paper focuses strongly on the environmental impacts of wind
projects, and the role of local communities and municipalities in determining mitigation efforts. The paper
uses evidence from municipal Integrated Development Plans to highlight the virtual absence of local
participation or environmental discussions in selecting wind sites or technologies in South Africa. Wind
energy projects in South Africa have not been nearly as controversial as similar projects elsewhere in the
world, but it is important for us to learn lessons from elsewhere, regarding decision-making processes and
mitigation options.
Session 5 – Livestock - Grazing Patterns & Resources
Determining the impact of stocking densities in the Upper Karoo, using
innovative technologies
Key words: stocking density, three-camp system, Upper Karoo, hyper-spectral remote sensing
Harmse, Christiaan J.*1, Gerber, J.J.1, Swart, A.1
1
*
Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Upington, South Africa
E-mail: [email protected]
The economy of the Upper Karoo relies heavily on extensive small stock farming on natural vegetation and
the sustainability thereof, has been questioned for many years. Various variables are known to influence
Karoo vegetation, however, stocking density was perceived to be one of the most imperative factors and
therefore a long term trial was established on the Carnarvon Research Station in 1988. The trial is
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designed on a three camp rotational grazing system with four stocking rate treatments (4, 5.5, 7 and 8 ha
SSU-1).
Vegetation change under the different treatments, have been monitored over 28 years using descending
point line surveys. The most recent results using conventional vegetation survey techniques could find no
significant differences between stocking density treatments with regard to plant height, cover and,
ecological- and grazing index scores. Animal performance did vary among treatments, with the mean
weight gain per animal being the highest under the low stocking density treatment, but overall, the very
heavy stocking density treatment resulted in the best weight gain ha-1.
In order to confirm the accuracy of these outcomes, remotely sensed, hyper-resolution spectral images of
this long term trial were analysed. Results highlight not only the lack of previously perceived uniformity in
vegetation, but also the implications of site selection for surveys. While the overall outcomes suggest that
the three camp system provides an adequate rest period for vegetation under these stocking rates, high
resolution remote sensed data do provide new and interesting perspectives regarding species distribution
and the influence of soil properties.
An analysis of seasonal pattern variation in the diet of free range and herded
livestock on a high altitude island in the Kamiesberg,
Namaqualand, South Africa
Key words: seasonal, diet selection, livestock, herding, Kamiesberg
CF Cupido1, MI Samuels1, MVB Swarts1, N Amary2 and C Morris3
1
Agricultural Research Council - Animal Production Institute, c/o BCB Department, University of the
Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
2
Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South
Africa
3
Agricultural Research Council - Animal Production Institute, c/o University of the KwaZulu Natal,
Pietermaritzburg, 7535, South Africa
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Herding of livestock is still employed by herders as livestock management practice in the Kamiesberg in
Namaqualand where livestock is moved along a seasonal and altitudinal transhumance.
This study
conducted in Leliefontein commons explored how herding impacts diet quality of livestock. The objective
was to determine the variation in diet between free-ranging and herded grazing animals (sheep, goats,
15
cattle and donkeys) between the dry and wet season. Herds were observed whilst grazing and the plant
species consumed were recorded. Four herds consisting of free-ranging cattle, donkeys, goats and sheep
and four herds of herded goats and sheep were observed. Browsable plant material were collected and
analysed for total N, P, Na, Ca, Mg, NDF and ADF. Dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake, metabolisable
energy and relative feed/forage value were calculated. PCA’s and RA’s were used to extract the main
pattern of variation in growth form availability, chemical and nutrient composition of forage, and the intake
of growth forms weighted by quality (diet quality x quantity selected). PERMDISP was used to test whether
diet opportunities and selection varied across seasons. Higher levels in nutrient concentrations in forage
plants are associated with the wet season and during the dry seasons, fibre levels were high. A
disagreement measure of 47.3 % for Procrustes Rotation was obtained. This is largely due to free-ranging
livestock which selected a different quality diet than what was on offer especially during the dry season.
Herded goats have a diet most closely related to what was on offer during the dry season and herded
sheep during the wet season. Herded animals consume a diet with relative forage value more than 50%
higher than free-ranging animals of the same species.
The study indicates that herding should be considered as rangeland management tool as it could result in a
higher forage quality diet by livestock, which could potentially lead to improved animal production.
Livestock quality improvement on Communal rangelands in Namaqualand
– is there a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
Key words: livestock performance, Namaqualand, communal rangeland
Muller, H.1* and Gardiner, M.1
1
Namkwa Green Economy Demonstration, Conservation South Africa, Springbok, South Africa.
*[email protected]
The Namakwa District of the Northern Cape is likely to experience increasing temperatures, aridity and
water stress in the face of climate change and adaptation strategies will be critical to sustain agriculture and
maintain ecological infrastructure. Within the country’s agricultural landscapes, it is both prudent and costeffective to build farming communities’ resilience to climate. Extensive livestock production from communal
rangeland areas remains an important aspect of agricultural production and rural livelihoods in the District.
Communal rangelands that are used for grazing are held and administered as a common pool resource
which limits control of access and tends to increases the potential of over exploitation of resources
(‘tragedy of the commons’). Within this context Conservation South Africa (CSA), an affiliate of
Conservation International has promoted a stewardship approach to address and support conservation,
restoration, and sustainable land use as an essential element of sustainable food production, building
resilience to the impacts of climate change, and promoting regional economic development that values
nature.
16
As part of a multi-phased project a theory of change for sustainable agriculture and improved livestock
quality was adopted. A research study was undertaken to compare the performance of two small livestock
breeds, the semi-indigenous Meat Master and commonly kept Dorper breeds, in the Leliefontein communal
area with the support of farmers holding a conservation stewardship agreement. Information collected
through this study will scientifically guide improved livestock production in commonages in the District
reducing vulnerability. Preliminary results from the study will be presented.
Grass and shrub species distribution, abundance and nutritional value in
Opuntia humifusa invaded Nama Karoo rangelands
Key words: Cactus pear, ruminant nutrition, forage, vegetation
L. Chipfupa1#, F.V. Nherera-Chokuda2 and P. Fourie1
1
Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa
2
Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X02, 0062, South Africa
#Corresponding author: [email protected]
Background: Opuntia humifusa is an invasive creeping prickly pear that rapidly displaces indigenous
herbaceous vegetation affecting livestock production from rangelands.
Aim: in this study, the relationship of O. humifusa density with species composition and abundance of
Nama Karoo grasses and shrubs in rangelands grazed by sheep and beef cattle was evaluated.
Background: The study was done in the Koffiefontein Nama Karoo rangeland, Free State, South Africa.
Quadrat surveys were done to determine Opuntia humifusa densities in two adjacent camps under
continuous grazing by separate herds of sheep and cattle. Total area was 300 ha grazing area with two
adjacent camps grazed by sheep and cattle. In each camp two sub-camps were defined as 1) no invasion
and 2) invaded zone and two control plots were randomly marked in recovering areas that has not been
grazed for 5 years as; 1) ungrazed invaded zone and 2) ungrazed non invaded zone. Subplots of 25 m x 25
m were randomly selected and assessment for composition and abundance of most common Nama Karoo
species was done using the transects and point survey methods. Samples of most three common species
in each zone were collected at the beginning of the dry season and analyzed for chemical composition.
Results: The grass and shrub species characterization was done for the identified treatments and two
control plots; the ungrazed invade zone (UIZ) and ungrazed non invaded zone (UNIZ). The non invaded
zone (UNIZ) was more dominated by the presence of decreaser species 41% compared to the 14% in
invaded zone (UIZ). The ungrazed invaded zone was dominated in composition by disturbance indicators
at 52%. There was no any significant difference in shrub composition with 13% NIZ and 11% in IZ.
17
Decreaser species were more abundant in UNIZ with 36% compared to 5% in UIZ. The IZ was more
dominated by the disturbance indicators with 65% compared to 28% in the NIZ. The UNIZ was in excellent
ecological state compared to UIZ as reflected by the proportions of decreaser species, UIZ is dominated by
annual grass species such as Aristida congesta which also indicates the level of disturbances caused by
the presence of Opuntia humifusa.
The cattle camp was characterized by the absence of palatable grasses, abundance of unpalatable,
palatable shrubs and dense stands of O. humifusa compared (P<0.001) to the sheep camp. Grasses were
depleted (p < 0.001) in sheep IZ (4%) relative to NIZ (22%). Decreaser abundance was inversely correlated
to cactus and shrubs (P<0.001) abundance. Intermediate grasses (mainly Eragrostis species) were most
abundant (p = 0.004) in cattle IZ, 55% compared to 10% and 18% in NIZ, respectively. Most common
species across zones were Eragrostis chloromelas, Themeda triandra, Aristida adscensionis, Arista
congesta and Heteropogon contortus. Eragrostis and Heteropogon species, which are intermediate
grasses and disturbance indicators Aristida, Chloris virgate and Cyanodon species, were common in both
camps. The unpalatable shrubs, Pentzia, Walafrida and Zygophyllum species also dominated the grazing
areas. Forage quality was poor with crude protein of all species ranging between 10 to 30 g/kg DM and Ca
and P were less than 1 g/kg DM.
Discussion: The sheep area had more Themeda triandra showing that it was in better ecological state,
and the area resembles more like the ungrazed non invaded zone. Forage quality was poor as most
grasses had matured, and supplementation is therefore critical. Disturbance indicators in the cattle camp
show that poor grazing management, O humifusa explosion and edaphic factors are contributing to
rangeland degradation.
Conclusion: Low grass abundance and heavy presence of O. humifusa in the cattle camps suggest a
need for rapid shift in utilization patterns of the Nama Karoo Koffiefontein rangeland to restore veld
condition.
Session 6 – Rehabilitation
THE INFLUENCE OF COLD AIR POOLING ON THICKET RESTORATION SUCCESS
Key words: Portulacaria afra, spekboom, frost
Duker, R., Potts, A.J., Cowling, R.M., and van der Vyver, M.L.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Botany Department, Port Elizabeth
e-mail: [email protected]
Despite the amazing ability of Portulacaria afra (spekboom) to grow vigorously in extreme conditions,
spekboomveld restoration by planting spekboom cuttings has been quite unsuccessful. This drought hardy
18
species is very intolerant of frost, but this is often not considered when planning of restoration sites is done.
Cold-air pooling is a common occurrence in topographically complex terrain, and this phenomenon can
lead to frost events in some unexpected places. Predictive mapping of cold air pooling and frost could thus
contribute greatly to improving spekboomveld rehabilitation success. Here I discuss how cold air pooling
has played an important role in determining success of spekboom truncheon planting, and its implications
for future planning of restoration sites. Cold-air pooling is a very widespread phenomenon in Southern
African landscapes, and is a factor worthy of careful consideration before thicket restoration can be
attempted. Mapping of this phenomenon may substantially improve the success of this endeavour, and
places where frost is likely to occur can either be avoided, or preventative measures can be taken here to
encourage survival of spekboom cuttings.
Looking Beneath the Surface
Key words: Ecological intensification, Innovation; Symbioses
Oettle N.1*, Myeza S. 1*, Ramoneda, J.2, Gamper, H.A.2
1
Environmental Monitoring Group, P.O. Box 350 Nieuwoudtville 8180, South Africa
2
ETH Zurich, Department of Environmental Systems Science, Eschikon 33, CH-8315 Lindau, Switzerland
*Corresponding authors: [email protected], [email protected]
The association of roots of the leguminous shrub Aspalathus linearis with rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi is
hugely beneficial for organic rooibos tea production. The environmental practices of small-scale rooibos
farmers of the Heiveld Cooperative in the Northern Cape comply with organic and Fairtrade standards.
Certification has promoted improved land use, market access and profitability. However, restricted access
to land forces small-scale rooibos farmers to skip fallow periods necessary to rejuvenate soils with organic
matter and maintain healthy populations of soil microbes. Consequent degradation of abiotic and biotic soil
fertility threatens the environmental sustainability of this unique agro-business.
This presentation outlines objectives, methods and first steps undertaken by a Swiss-South African
research collaboration aiming at supporting and utilizing natural dynamics of rooibos’ natural habitat for
cultivation in plantations. We are looking for causative relationships between rooibos’ mineral nutrition and
impairment by drought, and occurrence and abundance of rhizobia, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and
oomycets by means of i) comparative surveys in pairs of plantations and neighbouring wild populations and
ii) experimentation in nursery-type of common garden experiments. Natural adaptation by selection could
make wild rooibos more reliant on particularly beneficial microbes than cultivated rooibos. Inoculating
seedlings in nurseries with soil from wild stands may thus provide a means to reintroduce beneficial
microbes to plantations. Soil mixing and addition of small amounts of organic fertiliser are further expected
19
to stimulate root-microbial symbiotic functioning via effective use of only slowly released nutrients.
Competitive exclusion of pathogens by beneficial microbes should additionally keep root systems healthy.
Therefore, by relying on natural resources from within the farming system, bio-based in-plantation
production of rooibos should achieve environmental sustainability, while combining local farmer knowledge
and practices with scientific insights may trigger innovation towards development of ecological
intensification and adaptation to increasing aridity.
Session 7 - Long-term Ecological Monitoring at Tierberg
LONG-TERM BURN TRIALS AT TIERBERG LTER REVISITED AFTER
EIGHT YEARS
Key words: Disturbance, reseeders, resprouters
Helga van der Merwe1,2 & Suzanne J. Milton3,4,5
1
South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON): Arid Lands Node, P.O. Box 110040,
Hadison Park, Kimberley, 8306, South Africa, [email protected], Tel: +27 53 8313751, Fax: +27
53 8313750
2*
Honorary Research Associate, Plant Conservation Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape
Town, 7700, South Africa, [email protected], Tel: +27 021 6509111
3
RenuKaroo, P.O. Box 47, Prince Albert, 6930, South Africa, [email protected] Tel/Fax: +27 023
5411828.
4
South African Environmental Observation Network, P.O. Box 47, Prince Albert, 6930, South Africa,
[email protected] Tel/Fax: +27 023 5411828.
5
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Fire in Succulent Karoo vegetation is rare but fire events could increase as a result of an increase in alien
and/or indigenous grass species. Our study assesses the effects of fire eight years after an experimentally
induced burn at Tierberg LTER in Prince Albert Succulent Karoo vegetation. Differences between three fire
treatments (Control/unburnt, high and low fuel load) were assessed using the line intercept method and
species counts per plot (1m²). Vegetation cover and abundance were compared across treatments and
growth forms.
After eight years, vegetation cover and abundance on fire-disturbed plots had not returned to pre-fire levels.
Resprouters exhibited a rapid recovery following fire and dominated the burn plots quickly. The
establishment of succulent seedlings proceeded at a slower rate, but after eight years, occurred at higher
20
densities on the burnt than control plots. Density and cover of long-lived, woody non-resprouter nonsucculents following fire was slow relative to the recovery of resprouting non-succulents and reseeding
succulents.
This study of vegetation change following fire in arid Succulent Karoo highlights the slow return of canopy
cover, immediate regrowth of only two resprouter species and slower re-establishment by seed of nonresprouter species. Fire also led to an increased abundance of succulents within the first decade after the
fire. However, after eight years, the species richness and composition of the burnt plots was similar to the
Control plots.
Tierberg-LTER: 29 years of long-term observation, where to from here?
Key words: dryland degradation, land use, vegetation dynamics
Arena, G1*, Milton, S.J.1,2, Dean, W.R.J.1,2, Van der Merwe, H1,3, Pauw, M.J.1 and Henschel, J.R.1
1
SAEON Arid Lands Node, Kimberley, South Africa.
2
Renu-Karoo Veld Restoration CC., Prince Albert, South Africa.
3
Plant Conservation Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
*
[email protected]
Historical and current land use practices have driven spatial and temporal vegetation change in the Karoo.
Increasing dryland degradation highlights the need to understand the extent, nature and rate of this change
under climatic and land use pressures. The Karoo Biome Project (KBP) initiated in 1985, started a
succession of valuable studies which developed a predictive understanding of the structure and functioning
of Karoo vegetation designed to inform sustainable land management. From 1987 onwards, long-term
experimentation was initiated to address the KBP aims on the 100-ha Tierberg-LTER study site. A series of
observations and experiments was set up and monitored to determine the effects of varying levels of
herbivore grazing on vegetation composition, abundance and turn-over at different spatial scales.
Livestock, but not wildlife, were excluded from Tierberg-LTER, allowing comparison of various plant
community dynamics with the two neighbouring farms of differing rangeland farming histories. Smaller
exclosures, which protected plants from all vertebrate herbivores, further elucidated community dynamics.
The effects of artificial clearing of above-ground plants, and later experimental fire, on seedling recruitment
and plant recovery were monitored. Fertilizer-addition experiments, mimicking the nutrient-richness of
heuweltjies and ant nest-mounds, investigated plant community responses on and off nutrient-enriched
patches over 20 years. Long-term observation, in the context of multiple valuable short-term studies, have
developed a significant understanding of Karoo plant life histories, population dynamics and the responses
of vegetation to unpredictable climate and livestock grazing. However, in the wake of new large-scale
21
developments in the Karoo, the direction of future research at Tierberg-LTER may change. Tierberg-LTER
not only serves as a reference site of prospective areas similar in vegetation and environment, but allows
for continued long-term observation of environmental change. Building on our current knowledge of Karoo
ecosystem dynamics will inform rehabilitation, restoration and influence social, economic and
environmental research directions.
Session 8 – Long-term Ecological Monitoring at Tierberg (continued)
Drivers of diversity and vegetation dynamics in the arid Succulent Karoo of
South Africa – 15 years of annual vegetation monitoring
Key words: Vegetation change, population dynamics, plant diversity
Schmiedel, Ute
University of Hamburg, Biocentre Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg / Germany. Email:
[email protected]
The Succulent Karoo biome is a renowned centre of biodiversity and endemism and one of few biodiversity
hotspots in arid regions (up to 80-250 mm p yr -1). The vegetation is dominated by leaf-succulent shrubs
(mainly Aizoaceae, Asteraceae and Crassulaceae), which are accompanied by a high density of annuals
(mainly Asteraceae and Scrophulariaceae) and monocotyledonous geophytes. The biome is prone to
climate change, particularly increase in temperatures but also projected changes in rainfall patterns. The
impact that these changes will have on the diversity and species composition is poorly understood.
The interdisciplinary BIOTA Southern Africa project implemented 37 standardised long-term biodiversity
monitoring sites, so called Biodiversity Observatories, along a north-south transect from northern Namibia
to the Cape in South Africa. The SASSCAL initiative currently monitors and extends the network of longterm biodiversity monitoring sites in southern Africa. Nine Observatories are situated in the Succulent
Karoo. The Biodiversity Observatories are 1 km² in size and subdivided into a grid of 100 1 hectare plots.
Within 20 randomly-selected hectares per Observatory nested plots of 10 m x 10 m and 20 m x 50 m in
size were permanently marked and several of them revisited annually from the year 2001 until to-date. The
annual monitoring comprises the species inventory and projected cover per species for the 100 m²- and
1000 m² plots as well as the assessment of abundance of individuals per species. Environmental variables,
like topography, soil surface structure, soil chemical and physical parameters were assessed as potential
drivers of species composition and diversity. Standard weather variables (rainfall, air temperature and rel.
humidity, wind direction and speed) were recorded by an automatic weather station next to the
Observatory.
22
The paper will present the first results of 15 years of annual vegetation monitoring in the lowland Succulent
Karoo (Soebatsfontein). A main focus of the presentation is the response of cover and abundance per
species and species richness per plot to the seasonal and inter-annual rainfall patterns.
In retrospect: how the vegetation of the Tanqua Karoo has changed
over the last century
Key words: Repeat photography, land use change, vegetation change
Petersen, H.1*, Hoffman, M. T.1
1
Plant Conservation Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700
* [email protected]
The Tanqua Karoo is one of the most arid regions of South Africa, where the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos
biomes, both recognised by the IUCN as biodiversity hotspots, overlap. Historical photographs of the
Tanqua Karoo and surrounding regions taken by influential biologists record the landscape as it was a
century ago. Repeating these photographs provides a valuable means of comparison between the
historical and contemporary condition of various components of the landscape, including vegetation.
Repeat ground photography was used in this study to document and quantify the observed vegetation
change and identify the main drivers of change in the region. Historical photographs (n = 25) taken by
Rudolf Marloth, Margaret Levyns and John Acocks were repeated and matched. The changes in a number
of land cover classes, including anthropogenic (i.e. roads, disturbed lands, structures) and natural (i.e. rock
cover, bare ground, sedges, grasses, dwarf shrubs, tall shrubs, trees, alien vegetation) elements within
landform units (i.e. slopes, plains, drainage lines) were analysed for each photograph using a mean index
of change and a grid-point technique. The results revealed an overall increase in shrub cover on plains and
some slopes of the Tanqua Karoo and Escarpment Karoo, as well as an increase in tree cover and the
appearance of sedges and tall grasses in the rivers over a period of 99 years. Major changes in land-use,
including a decrease in livestock as a consequence of deagrarianisation, and a shift to a more
conservation-oriented function of privately-owned farms explains most of these differences. Park managers
at the Tankwa Karoo National Park can use this data to inform long-term conservation by recognising the
importance of a conservation management strategy that considers the Karoo’s land-use history, as it
moves away from its historic agricultural purpose towards a conservation-oriented future.
23
Monitoring environmental changes across an altitudinal gradient
in the Karoo at Compassberg
Key words: global change; C3 vs C4 grasses; aspect; temperature; CO2; rainfall
Henschel, J.R. and Ramaswiela, T.
SAEON Arid Lands Node, P.O.Box 110040, Hadison Park 8306, Kimberley
Global change involves changes in carbon, temperature and moisture. The latter two also change with
altitude and may affect the interaction of carbon with soil and biota. Plants photosynthesising via the C4
pathway are predicted to increase with increasing temperatures; C3 plants, the reverse. However, CO2
enrichment improves growth and evapotranspiration conditions for C3 grass, allowing it to out-compete C4
grass in dry conditions. Different palatability of C3 and C4 grasses to large herbivores furthermore
complicate their relative conditions. The 2502 m high Compassberg in the Sneeuberg, where the
escarpment of the eastern Karoo rises 1700 m above the lowland plains, is ideal for examining these
different factors. This mountain’s orthographic effects give rise to a doubling of long-term average rainfall.
The slopes of the Compassberg are subjected to several different land uses, namely game farming on one
flank, moderate levels of cattle farming on another flank, and intensive grazing by horses and cattle on the
northern parts. We initiated a study to investigate shifts in climate and biodiversity at Compassberg so as to
determine the relative importance of and interactions among various factors: a) temperature; b)
atmospheric moisture; c) soil moisture; d) atmospheric CO2 levels and carbon sequestration; e) type and
intensity of land uses. Initial results, presented here, concern the occurrence of C3 and C4 grasses along
four transects in all cardinal directions sampled at 50m elevation intervals from 1700 to 2400 mamsl. C4
grasses decreased and C3 grasses increased with altitude, differing with aspect; these trends were
analysed in relation to temperature. Initial findings encourage more detailed study so as to determine
whether changes in distribution are consistent with climate trends, or with the effects of increasing
atmospheric CO2 on plants with different carbon pathways, or with differences in palatability of C3 and C4
grasses to large herbivores.
Proposed long-term monitoring protocol for Aloidendron dichotomum
populations
Key words: Aloe dichotoma, long-term monitoring, size class distribution curves
Helga van der Merwe1,2* and Conrad Geldenhuys3.
1
South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON): Arid Lands Node
2
Honorary Research Associate, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town
24
3
Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Springbok
[email protected]
[email protected]
The iconic succulent tree, Aloidendron dichotomum, is found throughout the arid and semi-arid parts of
South Africa and Namibia. It has been suggested as a climate change indicator species with the focus of
several studies on the high local population mortality rates observed. However, much is still unknown
regarding this species which has a long lifespan and is structurally heterogenenous across its range. For
these reasons long-term monitoring of numerous A. dichotomum populations in the Nama- and Succulent
Karoo has been initiated by various institutions across the Northern Cape, in order to improve our
understanding of its population dynamics and main climate drivers. Our proposed monitoring protocol
attempts to combine the various methodologies already used in order to standardise on field data collection
procedures. In order to illustrate the value of the data collected this paper compares baseline demographic
data recorded for 12 populations across the Northern Cape (South Africa) by two institutions monitoring
different populations. At present, the surveyed South African A. dichotomum populations appears to be in
good health and are recruiting although in two populations no seedlings were encountered. Our study
highlights that the choice of population surveyed is of crucial importance and that a wide range of
populations in close proximity to one another and at different sites situated far apart have to be surveyed in
order to produce an unbiased assessment of A. dichotomum populations.
Environmental change in Riemvasmaak, Northern Cape, South Africa
twenty years after resettlement
Key words: Environmental change, photo-monitoring, systems at disequilibrium
Fleury G. 1, Hoffman M.T. 2* and Todd S.W.3
1
The Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of
Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700
2
The Plant Conservation Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town,
7700
3
The South African Environmental Observation Network & Plant Conservation Unit, Department of
Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7700
* [email protected]
In the first land restitution case in post-apartheid South Africa several hundred people from Namibia and
South Africa returned to Riemvasmaak in 1995 from where they had been removed twenty years earlier.
Immediately prior to their return a network of 29 photographs was established to determine the long-term
25
effect of grazing on the vegetation of the hyper-arid 70,000 ha communal area.
The sites were re-
photographed and re-surveyed in 2005 and again in 2015. Using these repeat ground photographs the
nature, extent and rate of change of the main growth forms (trees, shrubs, grasses) within three main land
forms (rivers, plains, slopes) was assessed over time. The change in vegetation cover estimated from the
repeat photographs was related to changes in stocking rates, rainfall as well as agricultural inputs and
interventions. To establish the effect of high grazing pressure on key indicator species changes in the size
class distribution of four Acacia erioloba populations between 1995 and 2015 was also determined. The
results of a linear mixed-effects model show that grass cover decreased significantly from 1995 to 2005 (p<
0.001) but then increased significantly from 2005 to 2015 (p< 0.001).
Woody cover did not change
significantly over the study period. There was no difference in these trends between the three landform
units. Linear regressions utilizing size class and density of individuals for Acacia erioloba indicated that
there had been little recruitment over the period 1995-2015 in comparison with the period prior to the initial
survey in 1995. Our conclusion is that heaving grazing affects grass cover and the recruitment of trees but
has little impact on woody plant cover in this arid savanna. The results are discussed within the broader
socio-economic and agricultural context for Riemvasmaak.
26
NOTES:
27
POSTER ABSTRACTS
What are we SEA-ing?: Emergent themes at the strategic environmental
assessment (SEA) for shale gas development in South Africa
Key words: Consultation Process, Shale Gas Development, Strategic Environmental Assessment
(SEA)
Author: Stephanie P Borchardt
Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University
Supervisor: Prof Cherryl Walker
Email: [email protected]
The possibility of shale gas development in the Karoo has sparked heated public debates since it was first
mooted in 2010. These debates have been marked by divisions and the inability of participants to find
middle ground. I wish to examine the communication strategies and public participation at the public
meetings held in May and July 2016 in connection with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on
shale gas development. I shall also explore the underlying power dynamics, the views of participants and
the SEA project team on the effectiveness of these meetings. My Sociology Honours research project aims
to explore the themes that arise at the SEA public briefings, to profile the audience who attend the
meetings and to question the purpose of the SEA consultation process. This poster presents the
methodology and conceptual framework of my project as well as preliminary remarks and observations
regarding the SEA public briefings. Through a qualitative study using thick description, observation and
interviews, I wish to explore how representative the public meetings are and the extent to which they meet
the stated objective. My conceptual framework and data analyses will be informed by Jürgen Habermas’s
ideas on the ‘public sphere’ and communicative action, Michel Foucault on power and Nancy Fraser who
has developed a feminist critique of both Habermas and Foucault. By exploring the SEA consultation
process on Shale gas development, I wish to contribute to the understanding of the politics of the SEA
consultation process as well as the nature and extent of public participation in South Africa.
The relationship in tick diversity between small mammals and livestock
in the communal rangelands of Steinkopf
Key words: tick ecology, livestock, small mammals
Daniels, N1*, Engelbrecht, A.1 and Samuels MI.2
28
1
Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17
Bellville, 7535, South Africa
2
Agricultural Research Council-API, Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the
Western Cape, Private Bag X 17 Bellville, 7535, South Africa
Email address: [email protected]
Ticks pose a major threat to the production of livestock in the communal rangelands. Ticks in general have
four life stages, namely the egg, larval, nymph, juvenile and adult stage which is found on secondary hosts
such as sheep and cattle. Currently most tick control strategies focus on the adult stage, however, little is
done to prevent tick infestations before the adult phase is reached. The nymph and juvenile stages,
however is of particular importance, as these stages use primary hosts for development in particular small
mammals. Negative effects posed by ticks to livestock health include the loss of blood, toxins that may
cause paralysis and diseases which can lead to death. This study, aims to assess the tick diversity and
distribution between small mammals and livestock within the Steinkopf Communal Area in the Northern
Cape Province of South Africa, in order to assess where contact points occur between primary- and
secondary hosts. Ten different sites each consisting of three zones was sampled by collecting ticks from
the small mammals in each respective zone (100m, 500m and 1000m). Tick drags were done in addition to
document tick distribution and diversity within these zones. Ticks from livestock were also sampled at three
different stock posts close to these water-points in order to see if there is a correlation between primary
host ticks and secondary host ticks. Here the contact point between primary- and secondary hosts have
been identified as water-points. Ticks in these areas are easily transferred from the primary carriers to the
livestock. This study will, therefore, provide insight into the interaction between primary and secondary
hosts which can lead to improved livestock health and management plans.
The Political Ecology of Wolwekraal Nature Reserve
Key words: Political ecology, nature conservation, Nature/Culture
Duncan, M.S. 1
1
Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, University of Stellenbosch, 7600
Email: [email protected]
The Wolwekraal Nature Reserve is a 114 hectare reserve just outside the town of Prince Albert in the
Western Cape Province in the biodiversity hotspot of the Succulent Karoo biome. There are numerous
29
threats to the Reserve, including the neighbouring municipal sewage treatment plant and garbage
dumpsite, and regular cutting of the fence by people harvesting firewood illegally. In thinking with, through
and under the boundary between the municipal ground and the reserve, my Social Anthropology Honours
research project aims to explore the various threats to Wolwekraal Nature Reserve, and what these say
about the standing of nature conservation in Prince Albert. This poster presents the methodology and
conceptual framework of my project. Through an ethnographic study using participant observation and
interviews, I aim to understand attitudes toward nature conservation of individuals whose actions have
bearing on the Reserve. My conceptual framework and data analyses will be informed by Bruno Latour’s
ideas around Nature/Culture and by political ecology, a theory that views ecological systems as powerladen and seeks to understand agency, roles and power relations in and around the environment.
Understanding the value persons in Prince Albert attach to the Reserve and conservation may inform
effective measures toward its continued preservation.
The diversity and distribution of small mammals along a grazing gradient
in the Succulent Karoo
Key words: Livestock farming, field condition, small mammal population
Govender, S.S1*, Samuels M.I2, Cupido C2, Engelbrecht A1
1*Department
of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17,
Bellville, 7535, South Africa
Email: [email protected]
2Agricultural
Research Council-API, Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the
Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
Small mammals are vital to ecosystem balance in semi-arid and arid ecosystems, where they facilitate in
seed dispersal and pollination. Additionally, their burrowing activity benefits seed establishment through
micro-catchments, soil nutrient cycling, and provide microhabitats for smaller organisms such as
invertebrates. Additionally, small mammal assemblages or lack thereof is an indication of veld condition in
arid ecosystems. With livestock farming being a necessity in arid environments, sustainable use of
rangelands will allow for the continuous use of the land and an increase in livestock production in future.
One way to ensure this is through the maintenance of small mammal diversity in the area. However, small
mammals are negatively affected by various factors through livestock grazing. For instance, a loss in
vegetation cover and diversity often results in increased small mammal predation, whilst trampling and
erosion results in the loss of suitable habitat. In order to assess the relationship between small mammal
diversity and vegetation in communal farm areas, which are often overlooked; we aimed to determine the
small mammal diversity at varying distances from water-points. The Steinkopf Communal Area was chosen
30
as a study site, where sampling was conducted in a winter rainfall and transition area between the winter
and summer rainfall area. This was done to determine the small mammal diversity, Sherman-live traps
were placed at various distances (100m, 500m, and 1000m) for ten water-points. Vegetation cover was
assessed through the descending point method.
Fresh perspectives on long-term research in South Africa’s Karoo
Henschel, J.R., Arena, G., Milne, B., Pauw, M.J., Ramaswiela, T., Todd, S. and Van der Merwe, H.
SAEON Arid Lands Node, P.O.Box 110040, Hadison Park, 8306, Kimberley, South Africa.
[email protected]
Five years ago, when the SAEON Arid Lands Node was launched, the initial focus was on existing or past
projects on biodiversity monitoring across the Karoo. These included areas where land use and
management has since changed, allowing comparison and analysis of rate of response to the change.
Other datasets concerned constant land use, including long-term experiments with constant treatments
over eight to three decades. A further set of new study sites were planned so as to increase the range of
biodiversity features and drivers to change that are covered. The projects focus on biodiversity-related
questions of biome and land cover shifts, broad-scale infrastructure developments across the Karoo (such
as mining, renewable energy generators, radio astronomy), large infrequent events, wetlands, and recovery
of degraded ecosystems (natural or assisted). Here we present our elucidation of some of the key trends in
terms of biodiversity changes and outline how the underlying drivers are being studied.
Conservation and Capacity: CapeNature in the Karoo
Key words: extension service, threats, private land
Huisamen, J.1*, Wheeler, A.D.1,2 and De Villiers, M.S.1,2
1
Conservation Management, Karoo, CapeNature
2
Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust and WWF-SA Stewardship Project
[email protected]
CapeNature is responsible for a network of protected areas in the Western Cape. In the eastern region of
the province, this network includes provincial nature reserves which fall in the two Karoo biomes, namely
31
the Nama Karoo and the Succulent Karoo. Much of the organization’s resources are channelled towards
reserve management and tourism. However, large parts of the Karoo biomes fall outside of formally
protected areas, and it is here that the threats to biodiversity are greatest. The main threats are mining (the
primary threat in the Nama Karoo), erosion due to past land-use practices (the primary threat in the
Succulent Karoo), erosion due to current overgrazing by livestock and game, persecution of damagecausing animals,
an increasing network of fences, invasive alien plants and renewable energy
developments. These threats are to some extent addressed by CapeNature’s law enforcement work and its
community conservation programme. However, it is the organization’s stewardship programme that has the
greatest potential to grow the protected area network and mitigate threats to biodiversity on private land. So
far, 113 000 ha of private land has been added to the protected area network through this programme. A
three-year programme funded by the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust and administered by WWF-SA will
soon add another 37 000 ha of Karoo Biome habitat to this total. The challenge to CapeNature is to offer
continued support to these and all its other stewardship sites into the future. To influence biodiversity
conservation and improve land management on private property (by encouraging “Conservation Farming”),
the organization must provide a dedicated and professional extension service that creates awareness,
gives advice and offers technical support. However, this is at risk due to limited capacity (funding and
dedicated, trained extension staff), ingrained attitudes in the landowner community, and increasing
demands on the region’s limited natural resources. The answer may lie in a partnership with the existing
conservation network of NGOs and other state extension services such as LandCare.
TEMPORAL CHANGES IN THE VEGETATION DYNAMICS OF THE TANQUA KAROO
POST-FIRE
Key words: Post-fire, Diversity, DGGE, South Africa, Karoo
L.M. Lucas1,2*, M.I. Samuels2, C.F. Cupido2, M. Keyster3 and R. Knight1
1
University of the Western Cape, Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Cape Town, South
Africa
2
Agricultural Research Council – Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
3
University of the Western Cape, Department of Biotechnology, Cape Town, South Africa
*Email: [email protected]
Fire has been used successfully to promote the growth of palatable fodder species for livestock, however
little is known of the impact of this practise on soil communities. Soil is a dominant factor in determining the
32
productivity and distribution of plant communities. Therefore, understanding the effects of fire on soil
biological processes, nutrient cycling and soil fertility is important. The aim of this study is to assess the
impact of fire on soil and plant communities, by exploring the soil microbial and botanical diversity of
rangelands in the Succulent Karoo. This aim will be addressed through the following objectives: (1)
investigating the impact of fire on soil microbial communities; and (2) determining the impact of fire on
plant diversity and composition. The soil microbial communities will be determined using denaturing
gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), whilst the impact of fire
on vegetation dynamics will also be
assessed. Nieuwoudtville is recognised for its biodiversity and is surrounded by the Bokkeveld Escarpment
which hosts more than 1600 plant species, of which approximately 5% are endemic. Fire may promote soil
microbial diversity, which in turn promotes botanical diversity, eliciting a change in the response of the
community to future disturbance. Therefore microbial diversity is an important factor when seeking to
promote, sustain or manage both biodiversity and pasture productivity.
Degradation and drought response in communal and commercial rangeland in
the Northern Cape
Key words: Drought, Earth Observation Data, Rainfall data, Vegetation Activity Trend, Land
Degradation, Northern Cape
Malherbe, J.1*, Van Den Berg, E.1, Gerber, H.2, Swanepoel, A.2 and Harmse, C.J.2
1
Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Soil, Climate and Water
2
Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
[email protected]
The drought event of 2015/16 across large parts of South Africa has emphasized the importance of
sustainable livestock production in a variable climate characterised by extreme events. A lack of rainfall and
excessive heat characterised much of the early-to-mid summer (2015/16) period over the Northern Cape.
Rain towards the latter part of the summer rainfall season however did result in improvement in grazing
conditions in some areas. We consider the varied responses over the Savannah biome over the northern to
central parts of the Northern Cape, focussing on vegetation response to rainfall events after the extremely
dry period and how it relates to indications of land degradation. A time series spanning the period 2000 –
2016 of coarse-resolution vegetation monitoring data from the MODIS instrument is used towards
identifying potentially degraded areas within the background of climate variability, based on anomalous
vegetation trends within areas of relatively homogeneous land cover. Commercial versus communal land
tenure areas are also considered, recognising the perception of increased degradation characteristic of the
latter.
33
From Livestock to Game Farming:
An exploration of farmers’ understandings of land use changes, sustainable agriculture and
biodiversity conservation in the Ubuntu Local Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
Key Words; Sustainability, Biodiversity Conservation, Political Ecology
Charmaine RS Manyani
Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, University of Stellenbosch
Supervisor: Prof Cherryl Walker
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
The growth in game farming/wildlife ranching in South Africa has been variously attributed to socio-political,
economic, climatic and ecological reasons. According to the National Agricultural Marketing Council
(NAMC), by 2006 there were an estimated 9,000 wildlife ranches in South Africa, covering approximately
20.5 million ha (approximately 16.8% of the total land in South Africa). Despite its reported success, game
farming in South Africa is mired in controversy. For example, game farming has been accused of
perpetuating white farmers’ dominance over land and the dispossession of farm labourers. There are also
concerns around what sustainability means in the semi-arid Karoo, and how best to address the challenges
around land reform in this context. Through a case study design; this research will utilise a survey, in-depth
interviews, focus group discussions and observations in gathering knowledge in understanding the
motivations behind the shift from livestock to game farming in the semi-arid Nama Karoo biome of the
Northern Cape, and the extent to which the shift is embedded in a discourse of biodiversity conservation
and sustainable agriculture among proponents. This study will also explore the prospects for black
emerging and small-scale farmers in the game industry, and whether the trend towards game farming could
contribute towards land reform and equitable agricultural practices in this region. My conceptual framework
will draw on the ideas of political ecology and critical thinking around bio-diversity, sustainable development
and sustainable agriculture. It will also utilise the large body of work addressing the land question and
agrarian change in South Africa, as well as their application in the Karoo.
Are ephemeral wetlands the ecological treasure chests of arid regions?
Key words: Ephemeral, wetlands, pans, arid, ecosystem services
Meyer-Milne, E.1
SAEON Arid Lands Node, PO Box 110040, Hadison Park, Kimberley 8306
1
34
Contact email: [email protected]
The definition of a treasure, i.e. a supply stored or hidden for future use, could be analogous to that of
ephemeral wetlands in arid regions. These isolated, shallow depressions colloquially known as pans are
prominent features in arid landscapes. It is therefore not surprising that the Northern Cape Province is
peppered with thousands of them. Most are endorheic in nature and due to their natural hydrological
functioning they are subjected to complete desiccation during the dry season, which can last for decades.
Consequently, dry pans are often regarded as degraded or dead systems by land users. However, when it
rains enough for the pans to hold water, dormant aquatic organisms respond and wetlands are resurrected.
The scale of wetness varies over space and time and the unpredictable rainfall regime challenges
consistent sampling protocols during wet spells. Therefore, the pans in the Northern Cape have received
little attention in terms of research and management approaches of pans are uncertain. By contrast, they
are possibly among the most sensitive ecosystems in the region, potentially supporting many species of
conservation significance and possibly acting as key ecosystem features for temporarily dormant or migrant
species. It is therefore critical to understand their ecological functioning.
The current study explores the value of ephemeral pans in the arid regions of South Africa by comparing
the potential ecosystem services provided by three non-perennial wetland types, i.e. floodplains, valley
bottoms and depressions, in the Bushmanland region of South Africa. The WET-Ecosystem Services Level
1 assessment protocol was applied to rate the benefits provided by each pan type. This was related to what
is known about potential services offered by similar ephemeral pans globally.
Long-term impact of livestock grazing in the Succulent Karoo:
a 20 year overview
Key Words: Succulent Karoo, Grazing, Communal land, Private land
Nenzhelele, E.1*, Hoffman, M. T.1 Todd, S. W.2
1
Plant Conservation Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700
2
Arid Lands Node, South African Environmental Observation Network, Kimberley, 8301
* [email protected]
Land-use and change in species biodiversity correlate throughout the world. Overgrazing changes the
vegetation structure of arid and semi-arid regions, often causing extinctions of species. It also causes
changes in soil nutrient dynamics (e.g. a reduction in soil fertility), plant species composition as well as in
the recruitment of unpalatable species. In Namaqualand, South Africa, the long-term impacts of
overgrazing are not clear. The main objective of this study is to investigate changes in the vegetation
35
structure of overgrazed communal land and lightly grazed private land over the past 20 years. I will
compare and contrast vegetation cover and species composition data for the year 2016, with data from two
similar studies carried out in 1996 and 2006 by Todd and Hoffman. This long term-study will highlight the
conservation status of the rare succulents in this biodiversity hotspot and the potential threat posed by
heavy grazing. People from Namaqualand are in the process of on-going land re-distribution and this study
will therefore form an important baseline for land reform policy and will highlight the potential consequences
of heavy grazing on the vegetation of the region.
Characterising Historical Land Cover Change, and Understanding trends. A
Case Study of Goukou Catchment in the Western Cape, South Africa
Key words: ecosystem services, Black and White Aerial Images, land cover change
Nzonda, G
1
South African Biodiversity Institute, Climate Change & Bio-diversity Division, P/Bag X7 Newlands 7735,
Cape Town, South Africa
2
University of Kwa Zulu Natal, Agriculture, Earth & Environmental Science, Pietermaritzburg, King Edward
Avenue, Scottville, South Africa.
[email protected]
The greater demand for goods and services across the globe drives land cover change, due to human
pressure which in turn grows the unsustainable consumption patterns of natural resources and
compromises the environment and ecosystem service delivery. The main focus of this study was to
document the types, geographic distributions, rate of land cover changes and understand the motive
behind these changes and consequences of the land cover change by looking at land use change,
ecosystem services, water quality and quantity, impacts of land cover change on climate change and
ecological infrastructure.
Understanding impacts of land cover change requires robust understanding and documentation on the
characteristics that cause change. Land cover change observation and monitoring rely on remotely sensed
data coupled with field observations which assist in describing social, economic and physical dimensions of
land cover change. This study was conducted by using advanced GIS tools and Remote Sensing
technologies.
Two sets of data were used on this study: Colour Infrared Images (CIR) and black and white aerial
photographs. CIR images were analysed by using on-screen digitising. Black and white images were
analysed using several steps: projection, geo-referencing, mosaic, subset, textual analysis which
comprises: running filters over kernel window sizes. Filters: variance, skewness, kurtosis, and Mean
Euclidean Distance and kernel window sizes were 3x3, 5x5, 7x7, 13x13 and 25x25. Results were then
36
stacked and Principal Component Analysis was performed to eliminate redundancy. Then supervised and
unsupervised classification was performed.
Results show that there is a rapid increase of cultivated fields over the years followed by an increase in
disturbed areas, aliens and dam construction. Natural vegetation and wetlands are diminishing; this is due
to conversion of natural area to agricultural fields. These results are of primary concern for the negative
impacts of increasing land use activities to the delivery of ecosystem services, water quality and quantity
and climate change in Goukou catchment.
A reconnaissance survey of Aloe dichotoma sub-populations in the Augrabies
Falls National Park
Key words: Population structure, physical damage, monitoring
Pauw, M.J.1, Bezuidenhout, H.2 and Bissett, C.2
1
SAEON Arid Lands Node, P.O.Box 110040, Hadison Park, Kimberley, 8306
2
SANParks Arid Ecosystems Research Unit, Scientific Services, P.O. Box 110040, Hadison Park,
Kimberley, 8306
E-mail: [email protected]
The Quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma) is an iconic, yet endangered, species facing many threats. Various
researchers have looked at the structure and health of the population in Augrabies Falls National Park
(AFNP), yet due to differences in methods and definitions used it is difficult to determine the status of- and
trends in- the population over time. In order to establish a monitoring programme that would allow temporal
and spatial comparison, the method of Foden (2002) which is also used by SAEON and the Northern Cape
Department of Environment and Nature Conservation elsewhere, was adapted and tested in three subpopulations in AFNP. Here the three sub-populations are compared and the results are compared to
previous work in the park. The method is deemed suitable for long term monitoring and will be expanded in
future to increase the sample size in each sub-population and to include other sub-populations in the park.
A number of research questions have been identified that will require further investigation.
An environmental gradient analysis of the vegetation types of the Upper
Karoo Hardeveld, South Africa
37
Key words: Upper Karoo Hardeveld, fracking, gradient analysis
Petersen, H.1*, Jack, S. L.1, Hoffman, M. T.1, Todd, S. W.2
1
Plant Conservation Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700
2
Arid Lands Node, South African Environmental Observation Network, Kimberley, 8301
* [email protected]
The focal area for this study is the central Karoo, one of the most understudied regions in South Africa. The
Upper Karoo Hardeveld which is located within the central Karoo, hosts the highest number of local
endemics (17 endemic species) among the 14 known vegetation units of the Nama-karoo biome. This
study aims to determine species diversity, composition, richness, affinities, turnover and growth form
diversity of the vegetation in the Upper Karoo Hardeveld. This will be carried out by conducting a floristic
survey (using the modified Whittaker plot method) in each habitat unit (dolerite hills and surrounding plains)
at 30 key sites in the region, along a defined environmental gradient across the central Karoo. Preliminary
results suggest that dolerite hills have an overall higher species richness of dwarf-shrub and succulent
plant species than the surrounding plains, the latter often being dominated by one or two grass species.
Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of five sample sites suggests that species tend to occur in
communities distinct to either rocky dolerite hills, or to the surrounding plains. More than any other growth
form, grasses appear to be most commonly shared between the two habitat units. The central Karoo has
been subject to ongoing anthropogenic pressures, the latest of which could result in shale gas exploration
and uranium mining. Generating a reliable baseline inventory of biodiversity for this region, as well as
developing an understanding of the drivers of change are therefore becoming increasingly urgent.
Comparative phylogenetic, biogeographic and ecological studies of the
genera Gibbaeum N.E. Br. and Glottiphyllum N.E. Br. (Aizoaceae) in South
Africa – a project concept
Key words: evolution, molecular phylogeny, quartz fields
Schmidt, Sabrina A. 1,2, Schmiedel, Ute1, Rudolph, Barbara1, Rohwer, Jens G.1, Jürgens, Norbert1
1
2
University of Hamburg, Biocentre Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; email:
[email protected]
The 16 species of Glottiphyllum and the 18 species of Gibbaeum are leaf succulent plants with a main area
of distribution in the Little Karoo and adjacent areas (i.e. Overberg Area and Ceres Karoo). Many species
are local endemics and only occur on quartz fields. Both genera belong to the evolutionary youngest tribe
of the family Aizoaceae, the Ruschioideae. Until now, only morphological-taxonomical treatments on those
two genera have been conducted with diverse results with regards to species number and assumed
38
relationships within the genera. With the help of molecular methods in combination with morphological,
biogeographic and ecological data, I aim to obtain a more detailed view about their evolution in South
Africa.
The poster will introduce research question and approach as well as first results of the PhD project that has
been commenced in July 2016 at the University of Hamburg. In the thesis I will investigate different aspects
of the two genera. One relevant question concerns the possible origin of the quartz dwelling taxa. Did the
two genera evolve on the quartz fields and adapted subsequently to other soils or have they migrated from
sandy-loamy soils outside into the quartz fields? A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis comprising as
many species as possible from both genera collected from different sites and at least five to ten individuals
per species may give answers to these questions. Additionally, the sister genera Malephora, which has a
larger distribution area in southern Africa, can provide valuable hints about evolutionary processes in the so
called “Gibbaeum clade” (Klak et al., 2013).
First results of a preliminary analysis with several more or less frequently used molecular markers from
different plant genomes such as nhx1, ycf1, trnQ-rps16, trnS-trnG, and trnL-trnF, which have been tested
on some selected specimens from the living collection of Aizoaceae in the green house of the Botanical
Garden Hamburg, will be presented for the first time.
Water Networks: Tracing Water in Prince Albert
Key words: water networks, water management, Karoo
Schoeman, N1.
Water is an invaluable resource: it essential for sustaining life and also constitutes a complex assemblage
of social, economic and ecological functions. In a water-scarce country such as South Africa sustainable
water management is essential to ensure that water of sufficient quantity and quality is available to support
these functions, whilst also enabling the (re)allocation of water to redress the consequences of the
1
Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University
Email: [email protected]
39
apartheid government’s inequitable distribution of the resource. Despite progressive water policies, South
African water management institutions have struggled with implementation due to spatial, physical,
technological, financial, ecological, resource and governance constraints and challenges.
In Prince Albert, a small town located on the southern ‘border’ of the Great Karoo, these constraints and
challenges have taken on a particular form. The town is located in a semi-arid region that is prone to
drought. In addition, climate change is expected to increase the prominence and duration of such adverse
events. The town’s economy is built on two water-intensive sectors: agriculture and tourism, both of which
are linked to a number of ecological goods and services. In order to keep up with demand, two new dams
are being built. This study recognizes the limits of approaching water management from a purely
managerial/technical paradigm. As such, this study aims to make sense of the restrictions and challenges
to water management in Prince Albert by examining the water-related meanings, values, and practices of
water managers and water users by tracing the human and nonhuman elements of town’s water network.
rePhotoSA: A citizen science repeat photography project of southern African
landscapes
Key words: Ground-based repeat photography, environmental change, citizen science
Scott S.L. 1*, Navarro R.A. 2, Jack S.L. 1 and Hoffman M.T. 1
1
The Plant Conservation Unit, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700
2
The Animal Demography Unit, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700
* [email protected]
There is growing concern over the rate and scale of global environmental change, particularly in terms of
climate and land-use. In order to understand these changes, a baseline measure of environmental
conditions is needed. Historical photographs provide information on past environments and ground-based
repeat photography has a long history in documenting landscape change. In southern Africa, large-scale
conversion of some vegetation types through processes such as cultivation, desertification, bush
encroachment, and alien plant infestations threatens biodiversity and the ecosystem services derived from
natural ecosystems. The focus of repeat photography in the region has, therefore, largely been on
describing the patterns of change in the major biomes and attributing the observed changes to a particular
local (fire, herbivory, cultivation, resource use) or global (CO 2 levels) driver. Measuring such broad-scale
and rapidly manifesting spatial and temporal changes is a near-impossible task for a small team of
researchers and the benefit of involving the wider public in data collection efforts is increasingly being
recognised. rePhotoSA is a new citizen science repeat photography project of southern African landscapes,
which builds on a decades-long research programme on long-term environmental change in southern
Africa. It is founded on one of the largest historical landscape photograph collections in Africa, which
currently consists of over 20,000 images. To date, 5,195 historical images (c. 25% of the total collection)
40
have been uploaded to an online interactive, zoomable map overlain with a Quarter Degree Grid. Since
August 2015, 16 active citizen scientists have uploaded 63 repeat photographs to the website at a rate of
5.25 repeats per month. rePhotoSA is relatively technical compared to other citizen science projects and so
we discuss the benefits and challenges associated with such a project in understanding environmental
change in southern Africa and provide examples of change through contributions from citizen scientists.
THE INFLUENCE OF HEUWELTJIE DENSITY AND DISPERSION ON ECOLOGICAL
PROCESSES IN SUCCULENT KAROO ECOSYSTEMS
Key words: Karoo ecosystems, ecological processes, heuweltjies
J. Swanepoel1, 2*, M.D. Picker2, J. Henschel1 and S.J. Milton3
1
South African Environmental Observation Network, Arid Lands Node, Kimberley
2
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town
3
Wolwekraal Conservation and Research Organization, Prince Albert
*[email protected]
Regular dispersion of termite colonies is suggested to increase stability of biological communities. Our
research will test generality of this hypothesis by investigating how the spatial characteristics (e.g. density
and dispersion) of heuweltjies (raised earth mounds of the termite Microhodotermes viator) influence
ecological processes at various scales. The influence of heuweltjies on primary productivity will be
determined at macro-scale using remote imagery to measure photosynthetic activity and fine-scale by
comparing plant and animal abundance and diversity on heuweltjies with that in the intervening matrix. Soil
enrichment by heuweltjies will be examined at the local scale by quantification of output of termite faecal
matter (frass), its macro-nutrient composition, and its contribution to soil enrichment at the landscape scale.
In order to assess how density and dispersion (from under- to over-dispersion) influence productivity a
remote study of at least 30 sites will contrast productivity among contiguous sites differing only in heuweltjie
density and dispersion of heuweltjies. Four sites will be selected for fine-scale assessment of the effects of
heuweltjies on plant and animal diversity and abundance of which three are existing SAEON sites
(Soebatsfontein, Wolwekraal and Tierberg) where current and historic heuweltjie data is recorded. These
data will be linked to differences in density and dispersion to evaluate the hypothesis that more spatially
‘ordered’ termite colonies increase stability of biological communities. Frass production will also be
measured at the fourth site (Karoo Desert National Garden, Worcester) where a superficial soil layer has
forced termites to deposit most of their frass above their nests (frass production in termites is typically hard
41
to quantify as it is incorporated into the nest itself). This study also aims to show that heuweltjies have a
pivotal role in ecosystem functioning in the winter rainfall biomes of South Africa.
Germination Potential of seed harvested at the
Worcester Veld Reserve.
Key words: germination, seed viability, rangeland rehabilitation
Swart, R1*. Botha, J.C1. and Saayman, N1.
1
Western Cape Department of Agriculture, P/Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607.
* [email protected]
The Worcester Veld Reserve harvests seed of palatable karoo plant species for use in rangeland
rehabilitation. These species are Tripteris sinuata, Hirpicium integrifolium, Eriocephalus ericoides and
Chaetobromus involucratus subsp. dregeanus. Reintroducing palatable karoo plants through the sowing of
seed often has mixed results, due to problems with failed germination and seedling establishment.
Air drying of seeds is used as a pre-treatment by the Worcester Veld Reserve to release seed dormancy.
Land owners in the winter rainfall region are advised to sow these seeds from March to April, at the start of
the winter-rain season.
The aim of this project was to test the validity of the approach followed by the Worcester Veld Reserve.
Germination trials were done over 51 weeks to determine the optimum germination time for the four
species mentioned above. Seed viability and the cause of seed mortality were tested using visual
assessments, dissection and Tetrazolium (TTC) tests.
Drying significantly (F = 7.44; p =0.0024) improved the germination of Tripteris sinuata. Germination trials
showed a marked increase in seed germination over time with a peak during the months of August to
December. Seed viability tests with Tetrazolium showed that H. integrifolium has the highest seed viability
(48%), while T. sinuata showed the highest percentage germination in planted trials (44%). The main cause
of mortality was damage by seed predators such as insects and rodents.
Drying of the seeds only significantly improved the germination of Tripteris sinuata. Though there are
differences between species, harvested seed should be stored for at least six months before good
germination can be achieved. Seed viability could potentially be improved by controlling seed predators in
the seed production lands.
42
ARID ZONE ECOLOGY FORUM - 2016 DELEGATE LIST
TITL
E
NAME
SURNAME
DEPARTMENT
INSTITUTION
EMAIL
Ms
Gina
Arena
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Prof.
Doreen
Atkinson
University of the Free
State
[email protected]
Miss
Stephanie
Borchardt
Stellenbosch University
[email protected]
Miss
Lee-Anne
Botha
Ms
Priscilla
Burgoyne
Mr
Lukas
Chipfupa
Mr
Peter
Cloete
Mr
Jan
Coetzee
Mr
Clement
Cupido
Mr
Neil
Daniels
Miss
Shahieda
Davids
SANBI - Kirstenbosch
[email protected]
Ms
Samantha
de la
Fontaine
DENC
[email protected]
Dr
Marienne
de Villiers
Conservation
Management
CapeNature
[email protected]
Dr
Richard
Dean
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Mr
Ben-Jon
Dreyer
Wilderness Foundation
Ben-jon@wildernessfoundation
.org
Mr
Robbert
Duker
Botany Department
Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan University
[email protected]
Ms
Michelle
Duncan
Sociology & Social
Anthropology
Stellenbosch University
[email protected]
Mr
Ismail
Ebrahim
CREW
SANBI
[email protected]
Ms
Liesl
Eichenberger
SANBONA
[email protected]
Mrs
Malinda
Gardiner
Conservation SA
[email protected]
Mr
Conrad
Geldenhuys
DENC
[email protected]
Dr.
Amelia
Genis
Landbouweekblad
[email protected]
Mr
Hannes
Gerber
DENC
[email protected]
Miss
Saloshnie
Govender
University of the
Western Cape
[email protected]
Sociology & Social
Anthropology
Garden Route Botanical
Garden
Garden Route Botanical
Garden
Central University of
Technology
[email protected]
herbariumcurator@botanicalgarden
. org.za
[email protected]
DENC
[email protected]
SA Land Programme
WWF
[email protected]
Animal Production
Institute
Biodiversity &
Conservation Biology
Agricultural Research
Council
University of the
Western Cape
Biodiversity &
Conservation Biology
43
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mr
Christiaan
Harmse
DENC
[email protected]
Mr
Rufus
Hein
Conservation SA
[email protected]
Dr
Joh
Henschel
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Prof.
Timm
Hoffman
Plant Conservation Unit
University of Cape
Town
[email protected]
Mr
Johan
Huisamen
Ecological Co-ordinator,
Karoo
CapeNature
[email protected]
Mrs
Gigi
Laidler
CREW
SANBI - Kirstenbosch
[email protected]
Ms
Annelise
le Roux
Wilderness Foundation
[email protected]
Ms
Landi
Louw
Private
[email protected]
Mr
Lyle
Lucas
University of the
Western Cape
[email protected]
Dr.
Johan
Malherbe
ARC
[email protected]
Miss
Kensani
Mangena
SANBI - Pretoria
[email protected]
Ms
Charmaine
Manyani
Sociology & Social
Anthropology
Stellenbosch University
[email protected]
Dr.
Joe
McAuliffe
Desert Botanical Garden
Arizona, USA
[email protected]
Mrs
Hestelle
Melville
Nature Reserve Unit
University of the
Western Cape
[email protected]
Dr
Betsie
Milne
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Dr.
Sue
Milton
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Ms
Halcyone
Muller
Conservation SA
[email protected]
Ms
Gillian
Murray
Secretariat
AZEF
[email protected]
Mr
Leonard
Ndou
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Ms
Tshifhiwa
Ndou
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Ms
Elelwani
Nenzhlelele
Plant Conservation Unit
University of Cape
Town
[email protected]
Mr
Matthew
Norval
Wilderness Foundation
matthew@wildernessfoundation.
org
Mr
Gcobani
Nzonda
Mr
Noel
Oettle
Mr
Marco
Pauw
Miss
Hana
Petersen
Mr
Kervin
Prayag
Mrs
Kerry
Purnell
ARC– API: Rangeland
Ecology Unit
Institute for Soil, Climate
and Water
Agric, Earth &
Environmental Sciences
Rural Programme
Manager
University of Kwa-Zulu
Natal
Environmental
Monitoring Group
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
Department of Biological
Sciences
Department of Biological
Sciences
University of Cape
Town
University of Cape
Town
Wilderness Foundation
44
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mr
Tshililo
Ramaswiela
Mr
Koos
Retief
Miss
Taryn
Rossenrode
Miss
Justine
Rudman
Miss
Sabrina
Dr
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Private
[email protected]
SA Land Programme
WWF
[email protected]
Conservation Ecology &
Entomology
Stellenbosch University
[email protected]
Schmidt
University of Hamburg
[email protected]
Ute
Schmiedel
University of Hamburg
[email protected]
Mr
Niell
Schoeman
Sociology & Social
Anthropology
Stellenbosch University
[email protected]
Mrs
Samantha
Scott
Plant Conservation Unit
Miss
Megan
Simons
ARC– API: Rangeland
Ecology Unit
University of Cape
Town
University of the
Western Cape
Mr
Juan
Swanepoel
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
Mr
Rudi
Swart
RTDS: Plant Science
Mr
Cobus
Theron
Dryland Conservation
Fund
Western Cape Dept. of
Agriculture
Endangered Wildlife
Trust
Mr
Simon
Todd
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Miss
Natalie
Uys
DENC
[email protected]
Dr
Helga
van der
Merwe
Arid Lands Node
SAEON
[email protected]
Prof.
Cherryl
Walker
Sociology & Social
Anthropology
Stellenbosch University
[email protected]
Dr
Alan
Wheeler
CapeNature
[email protected]
Mrs
Jenifer
Zungu
Freelance Consultant
[email protected]
45
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
NOTES:
46
NOTES:
47
NOTES:
48
NOTES:
49