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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. 0 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 1 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 2 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 3 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 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 7 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 8 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 9 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] 10 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] 11 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. 12 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. 13 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 14 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