The study aimed at evaluating tree and shrub vegetation concerning the slope of the soil in Seasonal Deciduous Forest. The vegetation assessment was conducted in 14 plots systematically distributed in the forest and divided into subplots of 10 x 10 m, in which individuals with circumference 1.3 m of soil (CAP) ≥ 30 cm were observed. These individuals represented class I while individuals with a CAP ≥ 15 < 30 cm represented class II. Vegetation was analyzed by means of the TWINSPAN (Two-way Indicator Species Analysis) method to classify groups, within which the horizontal structure of the forest was studied. In 36 subplots, morphological description of the soil profile was carried out, samples were collected for chemical analysis and clay was determined at three depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm), as well as slope, which was classified as low slope (1 ≥ 15), medium slope (15 ≥ 35) and high slope (≥35). The relationship between clusters of vegetation, slope and soil characteristics was studied by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In G1, indicator species were Trichilia claussenii, Cupania vernalis and Crysophyllum marginatum and, in G2, Luehea divaricata and Sebastiania commersoniana. In terms of horizontal structure, these species were among the three best represented ones. Both clusters occurred in areas of variable slope, however, G2 took place in an environment which was more susceptible to interference in the vegetation. From PCA, it could be observed that soil characteristics and slope explained 26% of the total variability, and, out of these, 72% was explained in the main component 1, showing a strong correlation between soil characteristics and the presence of phytosociological groups in different slopes. This relationship is stronger for the presence of the two groups in the ranges of medium and high slope, on the other hand, in terms of low slope, the two groups showed no positive correlation with soil characteristics. For G1 in high slope and G2 in medium and high slope, correlation is positive concerning the whole characteristics of cationic exchange. However, G1 in medium slope was strongly correlated to the complex of exchangeable acidity. G2 at higher slopes also shows high correlation with clay, the finer texture may confer a greater degree of aggregation and reactivity, allowing the development of large species such as Luehea divaricata and Cordia americana. In general, due to restrictions of soil and slope, maintaining of the remnants is prior, aiming at important environmental services for the region. / O estudo objetivou avaliar a vegetação arbórea e arbustiva em relação à formação de agrupamentos, declividade do terreno e influência do solo nos agrupamentos em Floresta Estacional Decidual. A avaliação da vegetação foi realizada em 14 parcelas distribuídas sistematicamente na floresta e divididas em subparcelas de 10 x 10 m, onde foram observados os indivíduos com CAP (circunferência a 1,3 m do solo) ≥ 30 cm, os quais representaram a classe I, e indivíduos com 15 ≤ CAP < 30 cm, representando a classe II. Na análise da vegetação utilizou-se o método TWINSPAN (Two-way Indicator Species Analysis) para classificação de grupos, dentro dos quais foi estudada a estrutura horizontal da floresta. Em 36 subparcelas foi realizada a descrição morfológica do perfil do solo, coletada amostra para análise química e determinação de argila em três profundidades (0-10, 10-20 e 20-30 cm), além da declividade, que foi classificada em baixa (1 ≥ 15º), média (15 ≥ 35º) e alta (≥ 35º). A relação com os grupos e características do solo foi estudada por meio de Análise de Componente Principal (PCA). No G1 as espécies indicadoras foram Trichilia claussenii, Cupania vernalis e Crysophyllum marginatum e no grupo G2 Luehea divaricata e Sebastiania commersoniania. Na estrutura horizontal essas espécies estiveram entre as três melhores representadas. Ambos os agrupamentos ocorreram em áreas com variáveis declividades, entretanto, o G2 ocorreu em ambiente mais susceptível às interferências na vegetação. A partir do PCA observou-se que as características do solo e declividade explicaram 26% da variabilidade total, sendo que desses 72% foi explicado no componente principal 1, demonstrando forte correlação entre as características dos solos e a presença dos grupos fitossociológicos em diferentes declividades. Essa relação foi mais expressiva para a presença dos dois grupos nos intervalos de média e alta declividade, por outro lado, em declividade baixa os dois grupos não apresentaram correlação positiva com as características do solo. Para G1 em alta e G2 em média e alta declividade, a correlação é positiva em relação ao conjunto de características de troca catiônica. Entretanto, o G1 em declividade média teve forte correlação com o complexo de acidez trocável. O G2 em maior declividade também apresenta alta correlação com a argila, essa textura mais fina talvez confira um maior poder de agregação e reatividade, permitindo o desenvolvimento de espécies de grande porte como Luehea divaricata e Cordia americana. De forma geral, devido às restrições de solo e declividade, a manutenção do remanescente é prioritária visando importantes serviços ambientais à região.

As part of a vegetation survey program for the newly acquired farms incorporated into the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, the vegetation of the Hondekraal Section was investigated. The study provides an ecological basis for establishing an efficient wildlife management plan for the Reserve. From a TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, 12 plant communities, which can be grouped into eight major plant communities, were identified. A classification and description of the major plant communities are presented as well as a management plan. Descriptions of the plant communities include characteristic species as well as prominent and less conspicuous species of the tree, shrub, herb and grass strata. This study proves that the extended land incorporated into the Reserve contributes to the biological diversity of the Reserve. / Environmental Sciences / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)

The natural vegetation of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COH WHS) was classified using Braun-blanquet methodology. This identified 22 distinct plant communities and 2 variants. Sampling took place over two growing seasons with a total of 91 releves being compiled. A stratified random approach to sampling used Land Types as a means of primary area stratification, with terrain position providing the means for further refinement. The grassland comprised of 12 plant communities and 2 variants and the woodland comprised of 10 plant communities. The classification of the woodland areas included some bush clumps associated with the entrances of caves which were also described independently in which seven distinct plant communities were identified A positive linear correlation exists between the size of the cave entrances and the extent to which the surrounding woody vegetation extends. This suggests the likelihood of cave entrance size influencing the surrounding vegetation. / Environmental Sciences / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)

As part of a vegetation survey program for the newly acquired farms incorporated into the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, the vegetation of the Hondekraal Section was investigated. The study provides an ecological basis for establishing an efficient wildlife management plan for the Reserve. From a TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, 12 plant communities, which can be grouped into eight major plant communities, were identified. A classification and description of the major plant communities are presented as well as a management plan. Descriptions of the plant communities include characteristic species as well as prominent and less conspicuous species of the tree, shrub, herb and grass strata. This study proves that the extended land incorporated into the Reserve contributes to the biological diversity of the Reserve. / Environmental Sciences / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)

The natural vegetation of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COH WHS) was classified using Braun-blanquet methodology. This identified 22 distinct plant communities and 2 variants. Sampling took place over two growing seasons with a total of 91 releves being compiled. A stratified random approach to sampling used Land Types as a means of primary area stratification, with terrain position providing the means for further refinement. The grassland comprised of 12 plant communities and 2 variants and the woodland comprised of 10 plant communities. The classification of the woodland areas included some bush clumps associated with the entrances of caves which were also described independently in which seven distinct plant communities were identified A positive linear correlation exists between the size of the cave entrances and the extent to which the surrounding woody vegetation extends. This suggests the likelihood of cave entrance size influencing the surrounding vegetation. / Environmental Sciences / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)

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

The Mogale’s Gate Biodiversity Centre is a 3 060 ha reserve located within the Gauteng province. The area comprises grassland with woodland patches in valleys and lower-lying areas. To develop a scientifically based management plan a detailed vegetation study was undertaken to identify and describe the different ecosystems present. From a TWINSPAN classification twelve plant communities, which can be grouped into nine major communities, were identified. A classification and description of the plant communities, as well as, a management plan are presented. The area comprises 80% grassland and 20% woodland with 109 different plant families. The centre has a grazing capacity of 5.7 ha/LSU with a moderate to good veld condition. From the results of this study it is clear that the area makes a significant contribution towards carbon storage with a total of 0.520 tC/ha/yr stored in all the plant communities. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)

The Mogale’s Gate Biodiversity Centre is a 3 060 ha reserve located within the Gauteng province. The area comprises grassland with woodland patches in valleys and lower-lying areas. To develop a scientifically based management plan a detailed vegetation study was undertaken to identify and describe the different ecosystems present. From a TWINSPAN classification twelve plant communities, which can be grouped into nine major communities, were identified. A classification and description of the plant communities, as well as, a management plan are presented. The area comprises 80% grassland and 20% woodland with 109 different plant families. The centre has a grazing capacity of 5.7 ha/LSU with a moderate to good veld condition. From the results of this study it is clear that the area makes a significant contribution towards carbon storage with a total of 0.520 tC/ha/yr stored in all the plant communities. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)

The Blyde Canyon Nature reserve displays its natural beauty for most National and International visitors all over the World. The region is renowned for its high rainfall and misty weather, which enhances the natural beauty of the area. Because of the mist belt effect, the area is one of the largest commercial forestry areas in South Africa. Baboons also seek after the topography and vegetation type (Northeastern mountain sourveld) that is typical of this area and numerous baboon troops occur in this region. This combination is often the cause of conflict between baboons and humans. The need arise for these baboons to be studied and managed as a component of this very important ecosystem. The main aims of the study were firstly to identify a natural ranging baboon troop, to habituate them and gather data regarding home range sizes, troop sizes, densities and seasonal food selection and secondly to give a detailed habitat description and vegetation map of the troop's home range. The baboon activity data was collected in 15-minute intervals over a one year period on a troop at Bourke's Luck. This included all activities such as walking, social, foraging, and resting. The food parts selected as well as the species foraged on was identified. Numerous statistical methods were used on the baboon data such as; the Shapiro Wilk test, Spearman rank-order correlation, ANOVA, and the Kolmogarov-Smirnov two sample test. There was a positive correlation between home range areas and troop sizes and the baboons preferred certain habitats above others during different seasons. To give a detailed habitat description of the troop's home range, 50 sample plots was stratified-randomly distributed in order to include all the different stratification units. a TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures was carried out on the Bourke's Luck section that included the baboons home range. 13 Plant communities, which can be grouped into 7 major community types were identified. This study resulted in the ecological interpretation of baboon activities related to the ecological interpretation of the vegetation in the baboon troop's home range. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M.Tech. (Nature Conservation)

The main aim of this study was to classify and describe the plant communities in the home range of white rhinoceros in order to understand the animal seasonal foraging ecology. To provide a detailed habitat description, forty sample plots were stratified randomly. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, was carried out on the Viewpoint section of the reserve. Ten plant communities, grouped into five major community types, were identified. The veld condition and ecological carrying capacity in these communities were measured, stating an abundance of food on long grass while the short grass equal the number of short grass feeders. A number of behavioural aspects such as activity data, home range utilization and dietary usage were examined. Statistical methods such as the Spearman rank-order correlation, Wilcoxon sign test and Student T-test were used on rhino data. The difference in usage of the home range during wet and dry seasons was insignificant. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)