Several seismic reflection surveys were conducted in the late 1980s and early 1990s under the auspices of the SA National Geophysics Programme. These surveys targeted the Bushveld Complex, Limpopo Mobile Belt (Limpopo Province), Witwatersrand Basin, Vredefort Dome and the Beattie magnetic anomaly (BMA) in the Southern Karoo. The ~100 km seismic reflection profile described in this study (SAGS-03-92) covers the BMA, the Southern Cape Conductive Belt (SCCB) and the Karoo/Cape Fold Belt boundary. The profile runs from approximately Droëkloof in the south to Beaufort West in the north along the N12 national road. The profile was acquired in 1992, but the complete profile was not interpreted or published prior to this study. The purpose of this study is to successfully reprocess the data and to do a structural and stratigraphic interpretation in order to try and understand the geological history and processes that led up to the formation of the rocks in that area. SAGS-03-92 reveals a clear image of the crust in the southern Karoo. The crust is interpreted to be around 37 km thick in the area of investigation and can be classed into three parts: upper crust, middle crust and lower crust. The upper crust consists of the Karoo and Cape Supergroup rocks that dip slightly to the south. This interpretation has been confirmed by two deep boreholes (BH No. 3 and KW 1/67). The seismic fabric shows quite a strong character in the upper crust and the interpreted boundaries between the different lithologies (The Table Mountain, Bokkeveld and Witteberg Groups of the Cape Supergroup and the Dwyka, Ecca and Beaufort Groups of the Karoo Supergroup) are for the most part quite easy to identify. Within the Cape Fold Belt (CFB), however, the seismic character becomes distorted in such a way that it is very difficult to make out any features. This is possibly due to the severe faulting and folding that occurred when the CFB formed. An unconformity that can continually be followed throughout the profile (although it disappears in the south of the profile possibly due to deformation when the CFB formed) separates the upper crust from the middle crust and the unconformity is clearly indicated by a strong series of reflectors on the seismic profile. The middle crust is interpreted to consist of granitic-gneisses belonging to the Bushmanland Terrane (part of the Namaqua-Natal Belt (NNB)). The seismic profile suggests that the NNB gneisses continue beneath the Cape Fold Belt. The seismic fabric dips steeply to the north. The middle crust also hosts the source of the Beattie Magnetic Anomaly (BMA). There is an area of high reflectivity under the BMA on the seismic profile that differs significantly from the surrounding seismic character. This area is characterised by a beanshaped cluster of strong reflections dipping north and south. It is ~10 km wide, with a thickness of ~8 km and occurs at a depth of ~6 km to ~10 km. The lower crust is interpreted to consist of either granites belonging to the Areachap Terrane, Richtersveld or Kheis Province (NNB) or rocks belonging to the Kheis Province. The seismic fabric of the lower crust dips moderately to the south. The Moho is recognised at ~37 km depth at ~68 km from the south of the profile, but for the rest of the profile, it is unclear where the Moho is encountered. The research done for this study correlates well with work done under the auspices of Inkaba yeAfrica, especially the work done by Ansa Lindeque

In north-western Namibia the fills of the Karoo-Etendeka depositories can be subdivided into (1) a Carboniferous-Permian, (2) a Triassic-Jurassic and (3) a Cretaceous megasequence, each recording extensional periods related to successive rifting phases in the evolving South Atlantic. The tectonic environment of the depositories in north-western Namibia changes successively from the coast towards the continental interior, which is reflected by the facies distribution and the position of time-stratigraphic gaps. Close to the present-day coastline synsedimentary listric faults, trending parallel to the South Atlantic rift (N-S), caused the formation of wedge shaped sediment bodies. Here, the Karoo Supergroup is only represented by the Permian succession in the Huab area. A hiatus within the Permian can be recognised by the correlation with the main Karoo Basin in South Africa and the Brazilian Paraná Basin. This stratal gap correlates with a pre-Beaufort Group unconformity in the main Karoo Basin that might be related to an orogenic pulse in the Cape Fold Belt. The Permian succession itself is unconformably overlain by the Lower Cretaceous Etendeka Group. This hiatus extending from the Upper Permian to the Lower Cretaceous has probably been induced by a combination of rift shoulder uplift and additional crustal doming associated with Etendeka flood volcanism. The enhanced tectonism during the Early Cretaceous controlled accommodation space for the alluvial-fluvial and aeolian deposits of the lower Etendeka Group. Disconformities within those deposits and the overlying lava succession attribute to distinct phases of tectonic and volcanic activity heralding the South Atlantic breakup. Towards the south-east, the Karoo succession becomes successively more complete. In the vicinity of Mt. Brandberg Early Triassic strata (Middle Omingonde Formation) follow disconformably above the Upper Permian/Lowermost Triassic Doros Formation. The sedimentation there was essentially controlled by the SW-NE trending Damaraland Uplift. South of the Damaraland Uplift the SW-NE trending Waterberg-Omaruru Fault zone is interpreted as a sinistral oblique-slip fault that compartmentalised the South Atlantic rift. This fault controlled accommodation space of the entire Triassic Omingonde Formation and the Early Jurassic Etjo Formation in its associated pull-apart and transtension structures. A locally well developed angular unconformity defines a hiatus between the two formations. Correlation with the main Karoo Basin in South Africa confirms that this gap is of a regional extent and not only a local, fault induced feature. Furthermore, it might also correlate with an orogenic pulse of the Cape Fold Belt. In general, the Mesozoic megasequences record the long-lived history of the southern Atlantic rift evolution. Rifting has been controlled by orogenic pulses derived from the Samfrau active margin throughout the Mesozoic. The associated intracratonic E-W extension caused the formation of grabens and conjugated oblique-slip zones. The generation of voluminous flood basalts marks the climax of intracratonic extension that was accompanied by enhanced uplift of the rift shoulders. / Das Mesozoikum in Nordwest-Namibia gliedert sich in (1) eine karbonisch-permische, (2) eine triassisch-jurassische und (3) eine kretazische Megasequenz, welche die Entwicklung des südatlantischen Rifts widerspiegeln. Die tektonische Position der karoo-zeitlichen Ablagerungsräume Nordwest-Namibias verändert sich sukzessive von der Küste bis ins Innere des Kontinents, welches sich in der Verbreitung und Größenordnung mehrerer Hiaten ausdrückt. So dominieren in der Küstenregion listrische Störungen, die dem N-S Trend des südatlantischen Rifts folgen. Dabei zeigen keilförmige Geometrien assoziierter Sedimentkörper den syn-sedimentären Charakter dieser Störungen an. In der küstennahen Region ist die Karoo Abfolge nur durch permische Sedimente in der Huab Region überliefert. Eine Diskordanz innerhalb des Perms läßt sich aus der Korrelation mit zeitäquivalenten Ablagerungen im Großen Karoo Becken Südafrikas und dem Paraná Becken Südamerikas herleiten. Wahrscheinlich hängt dieser Hiatus mit einem orogenen Impuls im Kap-Ventana Faltengürtel zusammen. Die permische Abfolge ist wiederum diskordant überlagert von der unterkretazischen Etendeka Gruppe. Dieser Trias und Jura umfassende Hiatus ist vermutlich durch die Anhebung der südatlantischen Riftschulter verursacht worden. Die damit verbundene hohe tektonische Aktivität drückt sich deutlich in der Fazies- und Mächtigkeitsverteilung der unterkretazischen sedimentären Ablagerungen und Laven aus. Dabei spiegeln mehrere Diskonformitäten einzelne Phasen tektonischer und vulkanischer Aktivität wider, welche die bevorstehende Öffnung des Südatlantiks ankündigen. Südöstlich der Huab Region wird die Karoo Abfolge zunehmend vollständiger. So ist im Bereich des Brandberges bereits die triassische Omingonde Formation vertreten, während noch weiter im Südosten die unterjurassischen Sandsteine des Waterberg Gebietes hinzukommen. Die Sedimentation in diesem Raum wurde maßgeblich durch das SW-NO streichende Damaralandhoch beeinflußt. Südlich des Damaralandhochs stellt die prominente SW-NO streichende Waterberg-Omaruru Störungszone eine Transferzone dar, die das Südatlantikrift unterteilt. Entlang dieser Transferzone erreicht die triassische und jurassische Abfolge ihre höchsten Mächtigkeiten, welches durch eine erhöhte Subsidenz innerhalb verschiedener Extensionsbecken begründet ist. Eine entlang der Transferzone zu beobachtende Diskordanz zwischen der triassischen Omingonde Formation und der unterjurassischen Etjo Formation ist nicht nur von lokaler Bedeutung, sondern korreliert mit einer entsprechenden Diskordanz im Großen Karoo Becken Südafrikas. Letztere läßt sich wiederum einem orogenen Impuls im Kap-Ventana Faltengürtel zuordnen.

Late Carboniferous to Permian strata of the Lower Karoo sequence in the Kalahari Karoo Basin, Botswana, contains suitably preserved palynomorphs for biostratigraphic classifications. All taxa described from eight out of the nine coreholes sampled for the study comprise sixty-eight genera made of one hundred and sixty-five miospore species, eleven arcritarchs species, seven prasinophytes species, and 1 chlorophyte species. Two wellsampled coreholes, namely STRAT 1 and CKP6, have lacial facies, to warm and drier conditions during deposition of the lower Ecca sequences. Palaeoclimatic conditions ultimately turned wet during middle Ecca times generating coal-forming settings. Palaeoenvironmental interpretations based on palynofacies data indicate a predominantly proximal palaeo-depositional setting for the entire Lower Karoo sequence at STRAT 1 borehole. The broader depositional environment transformed from glacial sub-environments, during deposition of the Dwyka Group, into a relatively wider basin punctuated by some rare marine incursions, in the early Ecca Group, and ultimately developing into a deltaic system.

No description available.

Covering approximately (57%) of the country's surface area the main basin of the geology of the Karoo Supergroup in South Africa has an important influence on the materials used in the construction of transport infrastructure in South Africa. The Karoo Dolerite Suite often serves as the only competent material in this otherwise sedimentary basin but on numerous occasions rapid premature failures of pavements constructed with Karoo Dolerite base courses have been attributed to the poor durability of these materials. The research presented here attempts to determine if the cause of such rapid failures can be attributed to dolerite durability deficiencies and if so if the durability of the material can be predicted using the current specifications to which these materials are required to conform with. The methodology followed was to perform comprehensive material investigations on selected pavement sections where Karoo Dolerite had been used as a base course aggregate. Eight suitable sites, ranging in age from two months to 10 years, were selected and comparative testing performed on samples of material obtained from the source quarries and pavement layers at each. Three of these sites experienced rapid failure that was suspected to be due to base course aggregate degradation. The tests performed included those specified by South African standards and a selection of new tests derived from published literature on alternative tests and proposed basic igneous rock degradation models. Well established tests were completed with relative ease while newer tests and newly proposed tests required additional development. The materials from at least two poor performance sites was shown to have undergone various degrees of degradation after quarrying which manifested itself primarily as a loss in resistance to attrition and abrasion forces. The variability in the inherent resistance of the material to these forces was also noted to have contributed to the poor performance of at least two sites. It is therefore proven that degradation of Karoo Dolerites after quarrying can occur and contribute to the poor performance of pavements but also that the variability in a source quarry can result in poor performance without material degradation. The prediction of material durability is possible but requires numerous tests to be performed on representative samples, particularly to identify variations in material properties. Petrographic properties that result in variable material properties and a susceptibility to further alteration included high degrees of deuteric and metasomatic alteration of primary minerals, especially the fine matrix minerals. It has been shown that the accurate quantification of such alteration is not feasible using easily available analysis techniques and therefore that no specifications can be based thereon. The current material specifications have been shown to not accurately predict the durability of Karoo Dolerite, primarily due to the inability to activate the mechanism by which material physical degradation occurs, namely the expansion of clay minerals within the aggregate. The only exception was the water absorption test performed on core samples, which was able to identify poor materials. Tests that were able to predict the durability included the modified versions of previously specified tests (e.g. ethylene glycol soaked aggregate impact value and ethylene glycol soaked modified durability mill index) and newly proposed testing methods (e.g. modified ethylene glycol durability index and shear wave velocity). Preliminary specifications for these have been proposed. The initial development of an aggregate expansion test has also shown a strong ability to predict Karoo Dolerite durability and is proposed for further development. Ultimately the use of poor durability Karoo Dolerite results in two changes in the material properties. The first effect is the production of more fines during construction, which can result in an unsuitable amount of fines (as identified by a low coarse sand ratio). The second effect is an increase in plasticity index and linear shrinkage of the material<0.425mm to levels considered marginal based on the current specifications. The shear strength of a Karoo Dolerite base course layer has been shown to be sensitive to such changes in plasticity index and linear shrinkage and the reduction of the current specification limit to ensure materials are non-plastic and/or non-expansive may therefore be justified.

The Family Testudinidae (Suborder Cryptodira) is represented by 40 species worldwide and reaches its greatest diversity in southern Africa, where 14 species occur (33%), ten of which are endemic to the subcontinent. Despite the strong representation of terrestrial tortoise species in southern Africa, and the importance of the Karoo as a centre of endemism of these tortoise species, there is a paucity of ecological information for most tortoise species in South Africa. With chelonians being protected in < 15% of all southern African reserves it is necessary to find out more about the ecological requirements, status, population dynamics and threats faced by South African tortoise species to enable the formulation of effective conservation measures. The Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) is the largest of the southern African species and has a wide distribution range, occurring in a variety of habitats. There is a paucity of ecological information about Leopard Tortoises in most of these habitats, especially arid and semi-arid regions. The broad aim of the study was to comprehensively investigate the ecology of Leopard Tortoises on farmland in the semi-arid Nama-Karoo biome, and use the ecological information to make recommendations for conservation. An investigation was made to determine the population size, sex and age distributions, density, biomass, and morphometrics of Leopard Tortoises in the Nama-Karoo. It was predicted that Leopard Tortoises would either be similar in size to Leopard Tortoises in other habitats or larger in order to buffer the effects of extreme temperatures by decreasing the surface-to-volume ratio. In addition, it was predicted that Leopard Tortoises would have a smaller population size, and occur at a lower density and biomass per hectare than those tortoises in mesic habitats. A total of 92 tortoises were caught, and 3899 observations made on Leopard Tortoises on 5500 hectares of farmland. Fourteen tortoises were radio tracked which allowed for repeated observations throughout the year. The population was skewed towards adults, and indicates a low hatchling recruitment. Female Leopard Tortoises were significantly larger than males with respect to all morphometric measurements. A male to female sex ratio of 1: 1.6 was obtained, which was not significantly different from 1: 1. A population estimate of 57.64 ± 3.99 tortoises for the 5500 ha area was obtained using a mark-recapture sampling method. Density of tortoises was extremely low at 0.017 tortoises.ha ¯¹, with a biomass of 0.002 kg.ha ¯¹. Population size, density, biomass and morphometrics were compared with Leopard Tortoise populations in other areas. Leopard Tortoises were larger in size in the semi-arid Nama-Karoo compared with Leopard Tortoises in other areas, probably a mechanism to reduce the effects of extreme temperature fluctuations, and were found at a much lower density. Knowledge of the home range size, home range overlap and seasonal change in home range is imperative to the understanding and conservation of the Leopard tortoise. Home range size, percentage overlap and mean daily distances moved were investigated for Leopard Tortoises as a function of season, gender and body mass. Home range and movement data were calculated for 36 Leopard Tortoises (22 females, 14 males), 14 of which were telemetered (8 females, 6 males), and 22 of which were recaptured 10 or more times (14 females and 8 males) over a period of two years. Mean (±SE) home range size for adult Leopard Tortoises was 205.41 ± 45.57 ha. Home range size was not significantly different between males and females, however females had larger home ranges than males. Mean home range size of males was 133.27 ± 32.90 ha, and of females was 251.32± 70.56 ha. There was a significant difference in home range size between telemetered tortoises (413.81 ± 89.46 ha), and those recaptured 10 or more times (72.79 ± 18.89 ha). It is suggested that unacceptable variation in home range size estimations occur when radio telemetry is not used to recapture tortoises throughout the year. No significant relationship between home range size and body mass was found for all tortoises or between sexes. Significant seasonal and gender variation existed in the seasonal home range sizes. Females had larger home ranges than males in all seasons except spring. Mean daily distance moved by Leopard Tortoises was 136.13 ± 8.94 m with males moving further overall daily than females (males: 161.10 ± 11.8 m; females: 117.07 ± 12.87), but not significantly so. Mean daily distance moved per season was significantly different between the sexes. Females covered the largest mean daily distance in autumn and males in spring. Considerable variation existed in the amount of home range overlap both within and between sexes. Overlap percentages ranged from 5% to 90%, with home ranges most frequently overlapping by 20%. Home range size and daily distances moved in the Nama-Karoo are larger than for Leopard Tortoises in other habitats. This has strong implications for the size of reserves needed in conservation efforts with regard to this and perhaps other, species in arid or semi-arid areas. Seasonal activity patterns of Leopard Tortoises were investigated as a function of rainfall, sex, time of day, temperature and time after sunrise. It was predicted that due to seasonal rainfall, and the subsequent increase in food available, the activity patterns of Leopard Tortoises would vary greatly between seasons, but that the primary constraint on activity levels within a season, would be ambient temperature. Type of activity, time of day that the activity was performed, and amount of time spent performing each activity, differed significantly between the seasons. There was no overall seasonal significant difference between the sexes and the level of activity, however, in certain seasons and with regard to specific activities, there were significant differences between the sexes. Activity patterns were primarily bimodal in summer and autumn, and unimodal in winter and spring, with non-thermoregulatory activities, for example walking and feeding, being performed primarily in the afternoon. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of tortoises caught and rainfall per season, but activity levels and the percentage of tortoises walking and feeding was not correlated with seasonal rainfall. The time of day that an activity was first performed in each season, was primarily a function of the time after sunrise and only secondarily of temperature. The response of Leopard Tortoise activity to rainfall, time of day, temperature and time after sunrise, is discussed. With Leopard Tortoises being ectotherms, they rely largely on behavioural thermoregulation to moderate the effects of daily and seasonal fluctuations in ambient temperature on body temperature. Extensive use is made of refuges to facilitate this behavioural thermoregulation. The Nama-Karoo experiences wide temperature fluctuations both daily and seasonally, and therefore the types and seasonal use of refuges by the Leopard Tortoise, in addition to the orientation of the exits and of the tortoises within the refuges, was investigated. A wide variety of refuges were used, but Lycium spp., Eberlanziaferox (Doringvygie), Opuntiajicus (American Prickly Pear) and grass clumps were preferred as refuges. There was seasonal variation in the use of these refuges that further depended on whether the refuges were used as forms or shelters. Leopard Tortoises in spring and winter often remained in the same refuge for the entire season, or returned to the same refuge on consecutive nights. There was seasonal and behavioural variation in a) compass direction that the tortoises were facing within a refuge, b) compass direction that exits of the refuges were open to, and c) portion of the shell of each Leopard Tortoise within a refuge that was exposed to sun radiation. Tortoises in winter and spring used these three factors to maximise the amount of solar radiation received on their carapace, while tortoises in summer and autumn used them to minimise solar radiation received. Therefore, using a combination of refuge type, exit orientation and tortoise orientation, Leopard Tortoises were able to passively thermoregulate and further control temperature fluctuations experienced in an extreme environment. Leopard Tortoises on farmland in the Nama-Karoo had lower densities, larger body sizes and much larger home ranges than Leopard Tortoises in other habitat types. This is an important aspect to take into account when planning for the conservation of Leopard Tortoises in semi-arid areas, and may hold further implications for other arid or semi-arid tortoise species. Activity patterns and patterns of thermoregulation allow for further understanding of the interactions between tortoises and their environment, habitat, and climate in the wild. In addition, it further aids in the understanding of the methods used by ectotherms to thermoregulate and manipulate body temperatures, especially when living in regions of unpredictable rainfall and extreme temperatures. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Literature on ecotourism and sustainable tourism emphasises the responsibilities and opportunities in protecting national parks through appropriate tourism development. National parks assist in addressing the economic and social challenges facing local, and mostly small, rural communities adjacent to the national parks. Most of South Africa's national parks are situated in rural areas giving tourists access to villages and towns surrounding the park, contributing to the economic and social upliftment of local communities such as in the case with Karoo National Park (KNP). National Parks in South Africa are seen as major tourism assets due to the wildlife and various activities for international and local visitors, but little is known about the socio-economic impact (contribution) of these parks on their respective local economies and communities. This was first realised by Saayman and Saayman who developed a socio-economic impact model that can be used to do socio-economic impact studies on national parks. Tourists to national parks frequently visit local communities. These tourists then spend money on aspects such as crafts, lodging, food and entrance fees, thus enhancing the economy of the villages/towns in the area. These tourists also have a social impact which can contribute positively or negatively on the quality of life of the local community. The aim of this research is to determine the socio-economic impact of the Karoo National Park in South Africa. The research was conducted from 27 March 2007 to 1 April 2007. To achieve the goal of the research, three surveys were conducted: a community survey (240 questionnaires), a business survey in Beaufort West (86 questionnaires) and a visitor survey (104 questionnaires) of tourists visiting the Karoo National Park. The community survey included questions relating to demographic aspects, impact questions pertaining to specific park impacts in the community and personal impacts on residents. A descriptive analysis, statistical analysis and factor analysis was done to interpret the social data and to determine the most relevant social impact factors. The business survey asked questions regarding employment creation, leakages, and income changes as a result of the park. The visitor survey included questions relating to demographic aspects and expenditures. The factors influencing the economic impact of tourism were identified in the study and include the following: production factors, politics, expenditure, inflated processes, leakages and seasonality to name but a few. The results indicated that the Park has an impact on employment, production and general income in the region. Only 4% of businesses' existence is due to the Karoo National Park, yet many of these businesses rely on tourists spending. Guest houses and Bed and Breakfast establishments indicated that they benefit most from the Park. Curio shops indicated that 8.8% of their business is due to the Park, with restaurants indicating 15%. Retailers and service stations also indicated that they give 8% and 20% respectively of their turnover to the Park and tourism and recreation services estimated this contribution at 15%. The results confirm that rural areas face high leakages. However, in terms of employment creation, the fact that 98% of all workers live in the area under consideration, is an indication that the benefits of the park reach the locals. The total economic impact of the Park on the local economy is R4 187 378. The community felt that the park does have a positive to very positive effect on the quality of life of the community. The positive aspects of the Karoo National Park are the fact that the park attracts tourists and assists in conservation. The appearance and image of the town has improved due to property value increase, a significant drop in crime levels, an improvement in entertainment opportunities, an increase in interaction between locals and tourists which is perceived to be positive, an increase in social and moral values and an increase in pride among members of the community. The results show that the park has a greater social impact than an economic impact on the community of Beaufort West. The Karoo National Park impact is not as significant as that of larger National Parks such as Addo Elephant National Park due to its size. From this it is learned that the smaller the operation the lesser the socio-economic impact. This research adds to the much needed research regarding socio-economic impacts of national parks in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Literature on ecotourism and sustainable tourism emphasises the responsibilities and opportunities in protecting national parks through appropriate tourism development. National parks assist in addressing the economic and social challenges facing local, and mostly small, rural communities adjacent to the national parks. Most of South Africa's national parks are situated in rural areas giving tourists access to villages and towns surrounding the park, contributing to the economic and social upliftment of local communities such as in the case with Karoo National Park (KNP). National Parks in South Africa are seen as major tourism assets due to the wildlife and various activities for international and local visitors, but little is known about the socio-economic impact (contribution) of these parks on their respective local economies and communities. This was first realised by Saayman and Saayman who developed a socio-economic impact model that can be used to do socio-economic impact studies on national parks. Tourists to national parks frequently visit local communities. These tourists then spend money on aspects such as crafts, lodging, food and entrance fees, thus enhancing the economy of the villages/towns in the area. These tourists also have a social impact which can contribute positively or negatively on the quality of life of the local community. The aim of this research is to determine the socio-economic impact of the Karoo National Park in South Africa. The research was conducted from 27 March 2007 to 1 April 2007. To achieve the goal of the research, three surveys were conducted: a community survey (240 questionnaires), a business survey in Beaufort West (86 questionnaires) and a visitor survey (104 questionnaires) of tourists visiting the Karoo National Park. The community survey included questions relating to demographic aspects, impact questions pertaining to specific park impacts in the community and personal impacts on residents. A descriptive analysis, statistical analysis and factor analysis was done to interpret the social data and to determine the most relevant social impact factors. The business survey asked questions regarding employment creation, leakages, and income changes as a result of the park. The visitor survey included questions relating to demographic aspects and expenditures. The factors influencing the economic impact of tourism were identified in the study and include the following: production factors, politics, expenditure, inflated processes, leakages and seasonality to name but a few. The results indicated that the Park has an impact on employment, production and general income in the region. Only 4% of businesses' existence is due to the Karoo National Park, yet many of these businesses rely on tourists spending. Guest houses and Bed and Breakfast establishments indicated that they benefit most from the Park. Curio shops indicated that 8.8% of their business is due to the Park, with restaurants indicating 15%. Retailers and service stations also indicated that they give 8% and 20% respectively of their turnover to the Park and tourism and recreation services estimated this contribution at 15%. The results confirm that rural areas face high leakages. However, in terms of employment creation, the fact that 98% of all workers live in the area under consideration, is an indication that the benefits of the park reach the locals. The total economic impact of the Park on the local economy is R4 187 378. The community felt that the park does have a positive to very positive effect on the quality of life of the community. The positive aspects of the Karoo National Park are the fact that the park attracts tourists and assists in conservation. The appearance and image of the town has improved due to property value increase, a significant drop in crime levels, an improvement in entertainment opportunities, an increase in interaction between locals and tourists which is perceived to be positive, an increase in social and moral values and an increase in pride among members of the community. The results show that the park has a greater social impact than an economic impact on the community of Beaufort West. The Karoo National Park impact is not as significant as that of larger National Parks such as Addo Elephant National Park due to its size. From this it is learned that the smaller the operation the lesser the socio-economic impact. This research adds to the much needed research regarding socio-economic impacts of national parks in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This study examines the environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the karoo. This is the first study of its kind on oldman saltbush and serves as an important scoping exercise in assessing the impact of saltbush on its surrounds and in identifying additional aspects which require investigation. The environmental parameters investigated include microclimatic effects, soil induced changes, salinity effects on the germination of selected karoo species and compositional changes in the indigenous plant community within a saltbush plantation. When compared to indigenous karoo plant species oldman saltbush is found to ameliorate soil temperatures and increase surface soil salinity (specifically sodium chloride), on an individual plant basis. Salinity is shown to have a differential effect on the germination of selected karoo shrubs. The indigenous plant community within a forty year old saltbush plantation is impoverished with both density of individuals and species richness being markedly reduced. Saltbush is identified as an unsuitable nurse plant for the majority of karoo shrubs. Farm size in relation to both actual and intended area established to saltbush is considered. The area of saltbush already established in the karoo is considered too insignificant to have any wide socio-economic impact. Farmers who intend planting large areas of their farms to saltbush are in the minority. It is those farmers who already have some saltbush planted, who intend planting more. Ecologically based management guidelines are presented, suggesting practices which minimize the detrimental effects of saltbush on soil salinity and the indigenous plant community. These guidelines are practical and in keeping with the overall objectives of optimum resource utilisation and the national grazing strategy for South Africa.

This study examines the environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the karoo. This is the first study of its kind on oldman saltbush and serves as an important scoping exercise in assessing the impact of saltbush on its surrounds and in identifying additional aspects which require investigation. The environmental parameters investigated include microclimatic effects, soil induced changes, salinity effects on the germination of selected karoo species and compositional changes in the indigenous plant community within a saltbush plantation. When compared to indigenous karoo plant species oldman saltbush is found to ameliorate soil temperatures and increase surface soil salinity (specifically sodium chloride), on an individual plant basis. Salinity is shown to have a differential effect on the germination of selected karoo shrubs. The indigenous plant community within a forty year old saltbush plantation is impoverished with both density of individuals and species richness being markedly reduced. Saltbush is identified as an unsuitable nurse plant for the majority of karoo shrubs. Farm size in relation to both actual and intended area established to saltbush is considered. The area of saltbush already established in the karoo is considered too insignificant to have any wide socio-economic impact. Farmers who intend planting large areas of their farms to saltbush are in the minority. It is those farmers who already have some saltbush planted, who intend planting more. Ecologically based management guidelines are presented, suggesting practices which minimize the detrimental effects of saltbush on soil salinity and the indigenous plant community. These guidelines are practical and in keeping with the overall objectives of optimum resource utilisation and the national grazing strategy for South Africa.