The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is interested in determining the approach that it may take if it decides to pursue conservation and limited development as a strategy to preserve land. In using conservation and limited development, the Conservancy may put into practice its core values by employing this intensely-collaborative conservation tool and informing itself about development, conservation, collaboration and financing, in order to meet multiple community needs. Information about the limited development process was collected from books, news articles and personal communications with professionals to determine its components. Each chapter of this report analyzes one component, putting authors’ strategies into conversation, critiquing these and then offering conservancies several different approaches to accomplish each component. This report concludes that the most important decision that a conservancy must make when pursuing conservation and limited development, is determining the level of involvement appropriate for its conservation mission, resources, expertise, and role in realizing project goals. The final portion of the report provides two case studies that draw upon telephone interviews with professionals, and analyze the contrasting levels of involvement that each project’s conservancy assumed. Since this report was requested by the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, it addresses some concerns and realities particular to the county; however, most recommendations are generally applicable to other land conservancies.

To keep in mind while reading and focus of the thesis: -       Sustainable tourism, what is it and who is it for?  -       How can the tourist industry affect cultures?  -       Why do some hosting population fear culture losses but happily receive tourists?  -       Why do people choose to travel?  -       What and how can I as an individual contribute?    The numbers of international tourists are steadily increasing along globalization, which makes it an important phenomenon to highlight. The tourist industry contributes to global development, which would preferably be done through sustainability’s three pillars: economically, socially, and environmentally. Sustainable development and eco-tourism are the main fields for this research. Based on the wish to avoid disturbing peace and harming people, the topic is relevant to investigate. The field study aims to explore and understand the correlations between the development of the tourist industry and the Maasai communities.    Different stakeholders were defined within the tourist industry, to collect various perspectives on this matter through semi-structured interviews and field observations. I choose to investigate the topic by focusing on the world known ethnic group Maasai´s. By centering the conditions of a village based in Siana conservancy, which is located next to Maasai Mara in Kenya. The village consists of habitats who practice traditional and culture settlements. Thus, the interest of the study is to explore and explain why Maasai cannot be viewed as an homogenic ethnic group, with the aim to reduce assumptions.    Social Exchange Theory (SET) was applied as a lens to analyze the findings. To discuss possible reasonings when calculating expected outcomes made by the stakeholders, whether to socially interact based on the key principles in the theory: evaluating profits versus costs before socially engaging.    The findings identify complications with the social exchange that the tourist industry implies. However, the Maasai´s culture based on livestock came to be a central topic from the stakeholder’s perspectives while I was processing and writing the findings. Furthermore, other topics that were highlighted were: education, equity, and education. Lastly, the village members shared a significant fear regarding culture loss, even though they welcomed the root cause of it to continue and even expand - tourism.

No description available.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is one of the most endangered large carnivores. Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) and Savè Valley Conservancy (SVC) that hold part of the few remaining viable populations report that wild dog populations continue to decline due to high rates of habitat loss and fragmentation. This leads to low pup survival rates due to predators and reduced formation of new packs as the wild dogs have become reluctant to leave the safety of their original packs in pursuit of mating partners in fragmented habitats where higher risks of danger exist. Consequently, this reduces population growth for Lycaon pictus. Therefore, the study sought to identify additional suitable habitat for wild dog outside GNP and SVC and a corridor connecting the two areas using the ecological niche theory. Wild dog satellite collar data from the African Wildlife Conservation Fund (AWCF) was used with spatial and climate data for GNP and SVC from PeaceParks and WorldClim. This data was used to firstly, identify dens using ArcGIS 10.1. Secondly, map geographic and temporal distributions using Time Local Convex Hull (T-LoCoH). Thirdly, to assess biotic and abiotic drivers of different packs and sexes movement and distribution patterns using ARCGIS 10.1 and lastly, map probability distributions (corridor and re-location sites) using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt). Den locations are in areas away from predators and human settlements. Wild dog geographic distributions are smaller in the cold and dry seasons and differ according to sex whilst temporal distributions depend on their use of resources. The most influential biotic and abiotic variables within reserves were distance to human settlements and elevation whilst the least influential were roads and temperature. However, outside the reserves, the most influential variable was distance from reserve. Malilangwe is a potential corridor between GNP and SVC, whilst Masvingo, Beitbridge, and Mwenezi districts have suitable habitat for re-location sites. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Afrika-wildehond (Lycaon pictus) is een van die mees bedreigde groot karnivore. Gonarezhou Nationale Park (GNP) en Savè Vallei Conservancy (SVC) wat deel van die min oorblywende lewensvatbare bevolkings hou rapporteer dat wilde hond bevolkings voortgaan om te daal as gevolg van die verlies en fragmentering van habitat. Dit lei tot 'n lae pup oorlewingsyfer te danke aan predasie asook dalende vlakke van nuwe troppe. Omdat as die wilde honde het huiwerig geword om die veiligheid van hul oorspronklike troppe te verlaat in die soektog na paarmaats in gefragmenteerde habitatte waar hoër risiko van gevaar bestaan. Gevolglik verminder die bevolkingsgroei vir Lycaon pictus. Daarom onderneem die studie addisionele geskikte habitat vir wilde hond buite die GNP en SVC te vind en die stigting van 'n gang Om die twee gebiede te verbind met behulp van die ekologiese nis teorie te identifiseer. Wildehond satelliet kraag data van die African Wildlife Conservation Fund (AWCF) is gebruik met ruimtelike en klimaat data vir die GNP en SVC van PeaceParks en WorldClim. Hierdie data is gebruik om eerstens, kuile te identifiseer met behulp van ArcGIS 10.1. Tweedens, kartering van geografiese en temporale verspreiding met behulp van Time Local Convex Hull (T-LoCoH). Derdens, die ondersoek van biotiese en abioties dryfkragte van verskillende troppe pakke en geslagte bewegings en verspreidingspatrone met ArcGIS 10.1 te evalueer en laastens, kartering van waarskynlikheidsverdelings (korridor en hervestigingsgebiede) van die Maksimum Entropie (MaxEnt). Kuile is in gebiede weg van roofdiere en menslike nedersettings. Wildehond geografiese verspreiding is kleiner in die koue en droë seisoene en verskil volgens geslag, terwyl temporale verspreidings afhang van die gebruik van hulpbronne. Die mees invloedryke biotiese en abioties veranderlikes binne reserwes was die afstand vanaf menslike nedersettings en hoogte, terwyl paaie en temperatuur die laagste invloed gehad. Buite die reserwes was, die mees invloedryke veranderlike afstand vanaf reservaat. Malilangwe is 'n potensiële korridor tussen die GNP en SVC, terwyl Masvingo, Beitbridge en Mwenezi distrikte geskikte habitat bied vir hervestiging.

O Pantanal é um complexo de ecossistemas que exibe grande diversidade de ambientes aquáticos. O objetivo geral deste estudo foi caracterizar a estrutura da comunidade de peixes no Parque Nacional do Pantanal Mato-grossense (PNPM), uma Unidade de Conservação federal localizada no município de Poconé, MT, a fim de apoiar a construção de um instrumento de monitoramento baseado na integridade biótica do ambiente aquático. Tal objetivo foi obtido através da adaptação do Índice de Integridade Biótica para o PNPM (IIBPNPM). Previamente ao capítulo sobre a construção do IIBPNPM, que se espera representativo para uma porção ainda intocada do Pantanal, os dois primeiros capítulos fornecem os dados necessários para subsidiar a aplicação do índice. O primeiro trata da caracterização dos diferentes ambientes que ocorrem no PNPM, agrupados em quatro estratos ambientais: rios principais (rios Cuiabá e Paraguai), corixos (canais de ligação da planície de inundação), baías permanentes (não perdem a conexão na seca) e baías temporárias (aquelas que perdem conexão com os outros elementos da planície). Essa caracterização foi realizada na primeira campanha exploratória ao PNPM, em setembro de 2009, quando foram definidos os pontos de amostragem de água e de peixes. Testes estatísticos foram realizados para verificar a existência de associação entre os diferentes estratos e os fatores abióticos (variáveis físicas e químicas da água), porém, não foram significativos, indicando que os ambientes são homogêneos. As coletas de peixes foram realizadas em 12 pontos dentro do PNPM, no período seco, no final de outubro e início de novembro de 2010 e 2011. No segundo capítulo, foram identificadas 154 espécies de peixes, totalizando 19.839 indivíduos, das quais 146 espécies (18.954 exemplares) foram consideradas para a construção do IIBPNPM, por questões de padronização dos petrechos de pesca. Testes estatísticos também não evidenciaram associação entre a estrutura das assembleias de peixes e os estratos, reforçando a hipótese da homogeneidade dos ambientes. No entanto, os índices de diversidade de Shannon (H) e equabilidade de Pielou (J) foram significativamente diferentes entre os estratos. A homogeneidade dos ambientes pode ser explicada pelo fato do PNPM estar situado num pantanal de alta inundação, que pode durar até oito meses de um único ciclo hidrológico. Analisando o que os resultados indicaram, os poucos meses de estiagem parecem não ser suficientes para gerar variablidade ambiental detectável pelos métodos utilizados. O IIBPNPM final é composto por nove métricas e três classes de integridade biótica: excelente, regular e pobre, com intervalos específicos de pontuação. A maioria das métricas se enquadrou na classe excelente, algumas na classe regular e nenhuma na classe pobre, o que era esperado pelo fato de não haver indícios de degradação ambiental no interior do PNPM. A comunidade de peixes, portanto, é bem estruturada, rica e abundante. Não houve diferença significativa nas pontuações do IIBPNPM entre os anos (2010 e 2011). Embora a localização privilegiada do PNPM amorteça o efeito dos impactos antrópicos, eles estão presentes de maneira difusa em todo o Pantanal, com intensidade e magnitude diversas. Aliado a isso, há de se levar em conta que o PNPM é uma área de berçário de muitas espécies de peixes, e exerce papel fundamental no recrutamento de recursos pesqueiros. Por isso, recomenda-se aos gestores do PNPM a implementação de um programa de monitoramento ambiental que tenha a ictiofauna como indicadora dos processos ecológicos. Nesse sentido, a aplicação sistematizada do IIBPNPM pode auxiliar na síntese das informações e na comunicação dos resultados à sociedade. / The Pantanal is a complex of ecosystems that displays high diversity of aquatic habitats. The overall objective of this thesis was to characterize the structure of the fish assemblages in the Pantanal National Park, a federal protected area located in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, to back up the construction of a monitoring instrument based on the biotic integrity of the aquatic environment. This objective was achieved by adapting the Index of Biotic Integrity for the Pantanal National Park habitats. Prior to the chapter on the construction of this index (IIBPNPM), expected to be representative of a quite pristine Pantanal portion, the first two chapters provide the necessary data to support the application of the index. The first one deals with the characterization of the different hábitats that occur in PNPM, grouped into four environmental strata: main rivers (Cuiabá and Paraguai rivers), corixos (channels that connect the floodplain elements), permanent bays (do not lose the river connection in the dry season) and temporary bays (lose the connection in the dry season). This characterization was performed in the first PNPM exploratory campaign, in September 2009, when the future sampling sites were defined by collecting water and fish. Statistical tests were performed aiming to detect the existence of an association between the different strata and abiotic factors (water quality variables). However, they were not significant, indicating that the hábitats are homogeneous. Fish sampling were performed at 12 points within the PNPM, during the dry season in late October and early November of 2010 and 2011. In the second chapter, we identified 154 species of fish, totaling 19,839 individuals from which 146 species (18,954 individuals) were considered for the IIBPNPM framing for reasons of standardization of the fishing gears. Statistical tests also showed no association between the structure of the fish assemblage and strata, reinforcing the hypothesis of homogeneity of environments. However, the Shannon diversity index (H\') and evenness (J) were significantly different between the strata. The homogeneity of the environments can be explained by the PNPM being located in a wetland of high flooding, which can last up to eight months of a single hydrological cycle. Analyzed results indicate that the few dry months are not sufficient to generate environmental variability detectable by the methods used. The final IIBPNPM consists of nine metrics and three classes of biotic integrity: \"excellent\", \"regular\" and \"poor\", with specific ranges of scores. Most metrics are framed in \"excellent\" class, some in \"regular\" and none in \"poor\" one, which was expected because there was no evidence of environmental degradation within the PNPM. The fish community is well structured, rich and abundant. There was no significant difference in scores between IIBPNPM years (2010 and 2011). Although the location of PNPM cushions the effect of human impacts, they are present in a diffuse manner throughout the Pantanal, with various intensities and magnitudes. Allied to this, one should take into account that the PNPM is a nursery area for many fish species, and plays an essential role in the recruitment of fishery resources. Therefore, we emphatically recommend to the PNPM managers that implement an active monitoring program considering the fish assemblage as an indicator of ecological processes. The periodic performance of IIBPNPM can assist in summarizing information and to communicate the results to society.

O Pantanal é um complexo de ecossistemas que exibe grande diversidade de ambientes aquáticos. O objetivo geral deste estudo foi caracterizar a estrutura da comunidade de peixes no Parque Nacional do Pantanal Mato-grossense (PNPM), uma Unidade de Conservação federal localizada no município de Poconé, MT, a fim de apoiar a construção de um instrumento de monitoramento baseado na integridade biótica do ambiente aquático. Tal objetivo foi obtido através da adaptação do Índice de Integridade Biótica para o PNPM (IIBPNPM). Previamente ao capítulo sobre a construção do IIBPNPM, que se espera representativo para uma porção ainda intocada do Pantanal, os dois primeiros capítulos fornecem os dados necessários para subsidiar a aplicação do índice. O primeiro trata da caracterização dos diferentes ambientes que ocorrem no PNPM, agrupados em quatro estratos ambientais: rios principais (rios Cuiabá e Paraguai), corixos (canais de ligação da planície de inundação), baías permanentes (não perdem a conexão na seca) e baías temporárias (aquelas que perdem conexão com os outros elementos da planície). Essa caracterização foi realizada na primeira campanha exploratória ao PNPM, em setembro de 2009, quando foram definidos os pontos de amostragem de água e de peixes. Testes estatísticos foram realizados para verificar a existência de associação entre os diferentes estratos e os fatores abióticos (variáveis físicas e químicas da água), porém, não foram significativos, indicando que os ambientes são homogêneos. As coletas de peixes foram realizadas em 12 pontos dentro do PNPM, no período seco, no final de outubro e início de novembro de 2010 e 2011. No segundo capítulo, foram identificadas 154 espécies de peixes, totalizando 19.839 indivíduos, das quais 146 espécies (18.954 exemplares) foram consideradas para a construção do IIBPNPM, por questões de padronização dos petrechos de pesca. Testes estatísticos também não evidenciaram associação entre a estrutura das assembleias de peixes e os estratos, reforçando a hipótese da homogeneidade dos ambientes. No entanto, os índices de diversidade de Shannon (H) e equabilidade de Pielou (J) foram significativamente diferentes entre os estratos. A homogeneidade dos ambientes pode ser explicada pelo fato do PNPM estar situado num pantanal de alta inundação, que pode durar até oito meses de um único ciclo hidrológico. Analisando o que os resultados indicaram, os poucos meses de estiagem parecem não ser suficientes para gerar variablidade ambiental detectável pelos métodos utilizados. O IIBPNPM final é composto por nove métricas e três classes de integridade biótica: excelente, regular e pobre, com intervalos específicos de pontuação. A maioria das métricas se enquadrou na classe excelente, algumas na classe regular e nenhuma na classe pobre, o que era esperado pelo fato de não haver indícios de degradação ambiental no interior do PNPM. A comunidade de peixes, portanto, é bem estruturada, rica e abundante. Não houve diferença significativa nas pontuações do IIBPNPM entre os anos (2010 e 2011). Embora a localização privilegiada do PNPM amorteça o efeito dos impactos antrópicos, eles estão presentes de maneira difusa em todo o Pantanal, com intensidade e magnitude diversas. Aliado a isso, há de se levar em conta que o PNPM é uma área de berçário de muitas espécies de peixes, e exerce papel fundamental no recrutamento de recursos pesqueiros. Por isso, recomenda-se aos gestores do PNPM a implementação de um programa de monitoramento ambiental que tenha a ictiofauna como indicadora dos processos ecológicos. Nesse sentido, a aplicação sistematizada do IIBPNPM pode auxiliar na síntese das informações e na comunicação dos resultados à sociedade. / The Pantanal is a complex of ecosystems that displays high diversity of aquatic habitats. The overall objective of this thesis was to characterize the structure of the fish assemblages in the Pantanal National Park, a federal protected area located in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, to back up the construction of a monitoring instrument based on the biotic integrity of the aquatic environment. This objective was achieved by adapting the Index of Biotic Integrity for the Pantanal National Park habitats. Prior to the chapter on the construction of this index (IIBPNPM), expected to be representative of a quite pristine Pantanal portion, the first two chapters provide the necessary data to support the application of the index. The first one deals with the characterization of the different hábitats that occur in PNPM, grouped into four environmental strata: main rivers (Cuiabá and Paraguai rivers), corixos (channels that connect the floodplain elements), permanent bays (do not lose the river connection in the dry season) and temporary bays (lose the connection in the dry season). This characterization was performed in the first PNPM exploratory campaign, in September 2009, when the future sampling sites were defined by collecting water and fish. Statistical tests were performed aiming to detect the existence of an association between the different strata and abiotic factors (water quality variables). However, they were not significant, indicating that the hábitats are homogeneous. Fish sampling were performed at 12 points within the PNPM, during the dry season in late October and early November of 2010 and 2011. In the second chapter, we identified 154 species of fish, totaling 19,839 individuals from which 146 species (18,954 individuals) were considered for the IIBPNPM framing for reasons of standardization of the fishing gears. Statistical tests also showed no association between the structure of the fish assemblage and strata, reinforcing the hypothesis of homogeneity of environments. However, the Shannon diversity index (H\') and evenness (J) were significantly different between the strata. The homogeneity of the environments can be explained by the PNPM being located in a wetland of high flooding, which can last up to eight months of a single hydrological cycle. Analyzed results indicate that the few dry months are not sufficient to generate environmental variability detectable by the methods used. The final IIBPNPM consists of nine metrics and three classes of biotic integrity: \"excellent\", \"regular\" and \"poor\", with specific ranges of scores. Most metrics are framed in \"excellent\" class, some in \"regular\" and none in \"poor\" one, which was expected because there was no evidence of environmental degradation within the PNPM. The fish community is well structured, rich and abundant. There was no significant difference in scores between IIBPNPM years (2010 and 2011). Although the location of PNPM cushions the effect of human impacts, they are present in a diffuse manner throughout the Pantanal, with various intensities and magnitudes. Allied to this, one should take into account that the PNPM is a nursery area for many fish species, and plays an essential role in the recruitment of fishery resources. Therefore, we emphatically recommend to the PNPM managers that implement an active monitoring program considering the fish assemblage as an indicator of ecological processes. The periodic performance of IIBPNPM can assist in summarizing information and to communicate the results to society.

Große unzerschnittene, verkehrsarme Räume (UZVR) sollen möglichst vor weiterer Inanspruchnahme durch Siedlung und Verkehr geschützt werden. Die in dem Bericht dargestellten Ergebnisse bilden die Grundlage für eine neue raumordnerische Zielsetzung im Landesentwicklungsplan 2013 zum Schutz der UZVR. Dazu wurden diese für das Gebiet des Freistaates Sachsen erstmals nach der in der Länderinitiative Kernindikatoren (LIKI) abgestimmten Methodik (LIKI-/UMK Kernindikator Nr. 10) ermittelt. In die Berechnung der UZVR fließen neben Informationen zum Verkehrsnetz und zu den Siedlungsflächen auch Daten zur Verkehrsbelegung der Straßen ein. Der Bericht enthält außerdem eine Analyse der Entwicklung der UZVR im Freistaat Sachsen.

Thesis (M.E.S.)--Evergreen State College, 2009. / "March 2009." Title from title screen (viewed 4/8/2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 101-105).

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-09-12T13:20:39Z No. of bitstreams: 1 veronicaalinebelchiorsilva.pdf: 7988644 bytes, checksum: e9c529bc6f0764529a674fc9bbc1d0e4 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Diamantino Mayra (mayra.diamantino@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-09-13T13:08:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 veronicaalinebelchiorsilva.pdf: 7988644 bytes, checksum: e9c529bc6f0764529a674fc9bbc1d0e4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-13T13:08:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 veronicaalinebelchiorsilva.pdf: 7988644 bytes, checksum: e9c529bc6f0764529a674fc9bbc1d0e4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-15 / As pesquisas etnoecológicas baseiam-se na visão de que a conservação da natureza vincula-se diretamente a questões sociais, econômicas, culturais e biológicas. Define-se o conhecimento tradicional como um saber-fazer a respeito do mundo que rodeia as populações envolvidas e é transmitido oralmente através das gerações. Os seringueiros da Amazônia são extrativistas e agricultores, que produzem em regime familiar. Nas reservas extrativistas, desenvolvem suas atividades e conhecem os detalhes e particularidades do ambiente. Conhecer a relação que estas comunidades possuem com o meio e o modo como conduzem suas práticas é de suma importância para a manutenção de Unidades de Conservação. Além disto, o modo de vida dos seringueiros favorece a hipótese de que existam conflitos entre estas populações e os animais que vivem no entorno de suas moradias. O presente estudo foi realizado nas Reservas Extrativistas Federal e Estadual do Rio Cautário, em Rondônia, e utilizou como ferramenta entrevistas guiadas por questionários previamente elaborados. Foi dividido em dois capítulos temáticos. O primeiro traçou um perfil sócio-econômico dos moradores e investigou a percepção ambiental dos mesmos em relação às reservas. O segundo abordou potenciais conflitos homem-animal e suas implicações para conservação de espécies ameaçadas. Foi visto que há conflitos consideráveis entre estas populações e animais silvestres e que, dentre medidas tomadas em retaliação a estes eventos, matam-se muitos animais. Dos animais citados, 23,3% encontra-se em categorias de ameaça da IUCN. O conhecimento de que tais relações existem é de suma importância para que medidas sejam tomadas pelos órgãos competentes pelas reservas do estudo. Instruções sobre manejo das criações, roças, educação ambiental e acompanhamento da situação foram apontadas como de relevado potencial para mitigar tais eventos. / Ethnoecological researches are based on the view that nature conservancy is directly linked to biological, cultural, economical and social issues. In this sense, traditional knowledge can be defined as knowledge and know-how concerning natural and supernatural world, orally passed down from generation to generation. Rubber tappers in the Amazon are gatherers and agriculturists, who produce under family, selling the surplus for additional income. They live in wooden houses built on stilts, most adapted to the system of flood. In the extractive reserves rubber tapper develops their own activities and knows the details and peculiarities of the environment. Knowing the relationship that these communities have with the environment and the way they conduct their practices, besides presenting the situation in which they live, is of paramount importance for the conservation of protected areas. Knowing their needs and how to improve their conditions may reflect upon the maintenance of environmental integrity as well. Moreover, the livelihood of rubber tappers and the fact that they have livestock, small gardens and simple houses favor the hypothesis that conflicts exist between those populations and animals that live around their homes. This study was conducted at Federal and State Extractive Reserves of Cautário River, in Rondônia. It has been divided into two chapters. The first depicts a socio-economic profile of residents and investigates the environmental perception of ourselves in relation to reserves. The second deals with potential human-animal conflict and its implications for the conservancy of endangered species. It was seen that there is a considerable number of conflicts between these populations and wildlife, and that among the measures being taken in retaliation to these events, they kill many animals. Out of the animals mentioned, 23.3% are in the IUCN categories of threat. Knowing that such relationships exist is of paramount importance in order that measures are taken by the competent agents in the reserves of the study. Instructions on the handling of livestock, gardens, environmental education and monitoring the situation were highlighted as notably potential to mitigate such events.

The fast growing local human population, especially through immigration from countries north of South Africa, is placing the Soutpansberg and Blouberg areas under increasing pressure. The insatiable demand for more arable land within these agriculturally marginal and semi-arid areas is leading to severe degradation of the remaining natural resources. The Soutpansberg–Blouberg region has been recognized as a Centre of Endemism and is regarded as a region of exceptionally high biological diversity. The Soutpansberg Conservancy and the Blouberg Nature Reserve reveal extremely rich diversities of plant communities relative to the sizes of these conservation areas. The Major Vegetation Types and plant communities of the Soutpansberg Centre of Endemism are described in detail with special reference to the Soutpansberg Conservancy and the Blouberg Nature Reserve. Phytosociological data from 466 sample plots were ordinated using a Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DECORANA) and classified using Two–way Indicator Species Analysis(TWINSPAN). The resulting classification was further refined with table–sorting procedures based on the Braun–Blanquet floristic–sociological approach of vegetation classification using MEGATAB. Eight Major Vegetation Types were identified and described as Eragrostis lehmanniana var. lehmanniana–Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra BNR Northern Plains Bushveld, Euclea divinorum–Acacia tortilis BNR Southern Plains Bushveld, Englerophytum magalismontanum–Combretum molle BNR Mountain Bushveld, Adansonia digitata–Acacia nigrescens Soutpansberg Arid Northern Bushveld, Catha edulis–Flueggia virosa Soutpansberg Moist Mountain Thickets, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon–Burkea africana Soutpansberg Leached Sandveld, Rhus rigida var. rigida–Rhus magalismontanum subsp. coddii Soutpansberg Mistbelt Vegetation and Xymalos monospora–Rhus chirendensis Soutpansberg Forest Vegetation. Plant communities of each of the Major Vegetation Types are described. The primary ecological drivers of the event-driven and the classic climax vegetation types are discussed and management recommendations are made for effective conservation of these last remaining pockets of wilderness. The available data supports the recognition of the region as an important Centre of Plant Endemism and Biological Diversity requiring conservation attention. Copyright / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Plant Science / unrestricted