Effect of stocking density on vegetation and animal performance within the semi-arid shrublands of the Karoo,South Africa

As the primary land use in the Karoo, extensive small-stock farming contributes significantly towards the agricultural economy of the region. However, the sustainability of this practice has been questioned for many years. This led to the establishment of a long-term stocking-density trial in 1988 at the Carnarvon Research Station. The trial was designed on a three-camp rotational grazing system under four stocking densities (8, 7, 5.5 and 4 ha SSU^–1). Following continuous treatment over 28 years, the results from a once-off assessment in February 2016 portrayed no significant differences between treatments with regard to plant height, cover, species diversity, ecological and grazing index scores. Animal production varied among treatments where the mean production per hectare was found to be the highest under the high stocking-density treatment. Due to the absence of historical data, the results from this study are not conclusive with regards to changes in the vegetation dynamics over time and therefore does not lend itself to making conclusions concerning stocking densities. It can, however, be concluded that the vegetation of the Western Upper Karoo is remarkably resilient to the perceived higher stocking densities set at the time, on condition that an appropriate grazing management strategy is applied.     

Effect of continuous grazing in the dohne sourveld on species composition and basal cover

Abstract

In a grazing trial conducted at the Dohne Agricultural Research Station, natural grassland was grazed continuously for 36 years with cattle. In a second investigation conducted on similar grassland, paddocks were grazed or rested, in all combinations of the four seasons of the year, over a ten year period. Changes in botanical composition and cover of the sward were monitored at regular intervals. The results of these investigations indicate that under a regime of non‐selective grazing the composition of Dohne Sourveld is remarkably stable. After 36 years of continuous grazing the species composition of the sward was largely maintained. Floristically Dohne Sourveld is dominated by a small number of grass species of which Andropogon appendiculatus, Elionurus muticus, Heteropogon contortus, Sporobolus africanus, Themeda triandra and Tristachya leucothrix are the most important. These species react differently to under‐utilization or increasingly severe defoliation, enabling them to be classified into decreaser or increaser categories. Severe defoliation resulted in a marked decrease in basal cover but only small changes in relative species composition. As the intensity of defoliation increases, decrease in grass cover is associated with an increase of forbs, such as Senecio retrorsus.     

The effects of fire-breaks on plant diversity and species composition in the grasslands of the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve,South Africa

There is a dearth of knowledge on the effects of annual burning of fire-breaks on species composition, plant diversity and soil properties. Whittaker's plant diversity technique was used to gather data on species composition and diversity in four grassland communities on the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve (LDNR). The study demonstrated that fire-beaks did not have a negative effect on plant diversity and an increase was even noted in various diversity parameters in the grassland on abandoned cropland. Fire-breaks were changing the species composition, as three of the four communities illustrated a clear separation in species composition between fire-break and unburnt plots. There was not a strong association between specific species and the fire-break or unburnt plots, except for Themeda triandra and Tristachya leucothrix, known for their association with and without fire, respectively. The change in species composition was not negatively affecting range condition. Carbon and nitrogen concentrations were slightly lower in the fire-break than unburnt soils, but the reduced concentrations were unlikely to cause severe soil degradation in fire-break zones. From a management perspective, fire-breaks appear to be a sustainable management tool as they are not adversely affecting plant diversity or range condition in the grassland association on LDNR.     

Spatial patterns of encroaching shrub species under different grazing regimes in a semi-arid savanna,eastern Karoo,South Africa

Woody plant encroachment is increasing in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. We investigated the structure and fine-scale spatial pattern of encroaching species and how these patterns vary with different grazing regimes in semi-arid regions. In this study, we investigated how four encroaching shrub species (Searsia erosa, S. burchellii, Diospyros lycioides and Eriocephalus ericoides) in Middelburg (Eastern Cape, South Africa) coexist and partition space under different grazing regimes (viz. continuous rest, and continuous, summer and winter grazing). We used point-pattern analysis to assess the spatial ecology of these species. We also used an index of integration (mingling index), where low values indicate that they are surrounded by conspecifics and high values indicate that they are surrounded by heterospecifics. The three shrub species were highly mingled except in the winter-grazing plot, where S. burchellii and D. lycioides clustered. We found that the shrub species were generally aggregated in most of the grazing plots. These findings indicate that (1) at a fine spatial scale, grazing in the wet season promotes shrub encroachment, and (2) there is a tendency to aggregation among encroaching shrub species in the grazing plots.     

Identification and selection of benchmark sites on litholitic soils of the western grassland biome of South Africa

Abstract

An approach to identify benchmarks for different ecological situations in the grassland biome is described. The approach is illustrated by using information on vegetation change, role of habitat factors and the relative palatability differences between the species of the vegetation on shallow soils of the litholitic complexes in the western parts of the grassland biome. The information was obtained from the ordination and interpretation of vegetation and habitat data gathered at different distances from watering points and in vegetation under different grazing pressures.     

放牧方式和施肥梯度对高寒草甸群落生产力和物种丰富度的影响

通过比较青藏高原东部高寒草甸植物群落的地上生物量、物种丰富度及其相关关系对两种放牧方式和4种施肥梯度的响应, 分析了放牧方式和施肥梯度对该类草甸群落的影响。结果表明, 放牧显著增加了物种丰富度 (P0.001), 减小了群落生物量, 增加了杂类草在生物量中的比重, 抑制了禾草类物种的生长, 而施肥则显著降低了物种丰富度(P0.001), 但是增加了群落生物量, 抑制了杂类草类的生长, 增加了禾草类在生物量中的比重。在全年放牧的所有施肥区, 物种丰富度均未呈现显著变化(P0.05), 而在全年封育的所有施肥区, 物种的丰富度均显著下降(P0.001), 这表明放牧是主效应, 施肥效应被放牧效应所掩盖。在放牧处理或施肥处理下的所有试验小区中, 群落生物量和物种丰富度均呈负相关关系, 且这种负相关程度随着施肥水平增加或封育禁牧而显著增强。本研究还发现在该地区牧场中进行适度的氮肥撒施可以既不影响物种的丰富度, 又能增加群落的生产力, 而且可以提高优质牧草在群落中的比重, 这是一种最佳的群落性能, 能够承载更多的牲畜进而带来更高的经济效益且不会导致当地草原的退化, 适宜在该地区牧场中进行推广。     

山西关帝山亚高山灌丛、草甸物种多样性的研究

运用12个多样性指数对12个灌丛群落样地和21个草甸群落样地进行了数量分析,结果如下,1)关帝山亚高山灌丛、草甸群落的物种多样性与海拔有较密切的关系,随着海拔的升高,其丰富度指数明显下降;均匀度指数表现为升高趋势;综合多样性指数也呈下降趋势;2)关帝山亚高山灌丛、草甸群落的物种多样性与坡度有较密切的关系,随着坡度的下降,灌丛、草甸的丰富度呈现平缓下降的趋势;均匀度和综合多样性呈现明显上升的趋势;3)在各多样性指数的变化幅度上,灌丛群落较草甸群落明显.     

Macro and trace elements of 26 browse species growing in semi-arid grazing lands of Eastern Cape,South Africa

ABSTRACT

Leaves and twigs from woody plants provide essential nutrients to range animals. We examined variation in the mineral status of 26 woody species, and the influence of harvesting height as well as the interactions of the main effects on minerals levels. Leaves were harvested from five individual plants per species at two height levels: low (<1 m) and upper (>1.5 m). For trees, all mineral levels showed variation (p < 0.05) between species. For shrubs and intermediate growth forms (between shrubs and trees), mineral levels except potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) were influenced (p < 0.05) by height × species interactions. Most browse species had calcium (Ca) contents (8.5–50 g kg^-1) above the required levels, with the majority of the species having Ca beyond the maximum tolerable limit. Most browse plants had sufficient K, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron and Zn concentrations to meet the requirements for ruminants. Copper was deficient in many browse leaves, thus supplementation should be considered in winter. We conclude that such knowledge is essential for sustainable use of browses as mineral supplements, especially during critical periods when climatic conditions limit the feed value of grasses.     

Ecological status of species on grazing gradients on the shallow soils of the western grassland biome in South Africa

Abstract

Grasses on the shallow soils of the western grassland biome of South Africa were classified on their ecological status on the basis of their reaction to grazing. Vegetation data were gathered in such a way that those of different successional stages could be identified. An ordination technique was used to define the grazing gradient. Species abundance curves were statistically fitted to the grazing gradient and used to classify the species into decreaser and increaser categories.     

Simpson指数和Shannon-Wiener指数若干特征的分析及"稀释效应"

基于一种假设的群落条件,对目前应用较广的两种α多样性指数--Simpson指数和Shannon-Wiener指数的特征进行对比和分析,以期能够对其进行更好地理解、应用和解释.通过假设的群落条件及情景设计证明,Simpson指数比Shannon-Wiener指数对物种均匀度更为敏感,而Shannon-Wiener指数对物...     

云雾山本氏针茅草地群落恢复演替过程中的物种多样性变化动态

采用样方法对云雾山干草原区本氏针茅草地群落进行长期定位监测,对未封育样地和封育5,10,15,20和25年样地群落的平均高度、盖度、多度和地上生物量以及植物多样性进行实地调查分析,以研究围栏封育对草地植物群落特征动态变化的影响.结果表明,围封10年样地群落的高度、多度以及地上生物量最大,而群落的盖度则随封育年限的增加呈显著增加趋势,在封育25年达到最大;围栏封育的不同年限也显著影响了群落的物种多样性,在围封10年样地群落具有最高的多样性指数,围封15年样地具有最高的丰富度指数,而均匀度指数则是在未封育群落中表现为最高值,最低值是在物种丰富度最高时出现.由此可见,围栏封育在一定时间范围内可以显著改善群落的特征,增加群落的生产力,对于本研究地本氏针茅群落的最佳封育期限为10～15年,但围封时间过长在草地退化方面有一定程度的影响.     

放牧季节及放牧强度对高寒草地植物多样性的影响

在海北高寒草地进行了7年轻度放牧、中度放牧和重度放牧试验,并用围栏控制放牧进行对照.试验显示,物种丰富度和均匀度在夏季牧场和冬季牧场出现不同的变化.在夏季牧场,物种丰富度随着放牧强度的增强而增强,而均匀度则随着放牧强度的增强而下降;在冬季牧场,物种丰富度和放牧之间呈现驼峰反应模式,说明植物的丰富度在中度放牧强度时达到最大.不同牧场生物多样性变化的模式说明夏季牧场放牧强度不足.     

Examining the evidence for ecologically sustainable ostrich breeding practices on natural veld in the Little Karoo,South Africa

Land degradation in the Little Karoo is extensive. Overstocking of breeding ostriches on natural veld has been among the main causes of this. The National Department of Agriculture has set a general stocking rate of 60 ha LSU^?1 as a guideline for livestock on natural veld in the Little Karoo, which equates to 22.8 ha ostrich^?1. The aim of this review is to examine the scientific principles, data and assumptions the current recommended stocking rate for breeding ostriches on natural veld in the Little Karoo is based on and to investigate if there is a stocking rate (or range of stocking rates) that has been demonstrated to be ecologically and/or economically sustainable. We found no evidence that the recommended stocking rate of 22.8 ha ostrich^?1 is economically or ecologically sustainable in the Little Karoo. Most studies only addressed a single dimension of sustainability, and stocking rates deemed to be economically sustainable were several times higher than ecologically based recommendations. Given that economic and ecological objectives appear irreconcilable on open veld, an industry switch from extensive to intensive breeding practices may be a solution. Further research is required that integrates the socio-economic and ecological aspects of ostrich farming in the Little Karoo.     

Effect of Prosopis (mesquite) invasion and clearing on vegetation cover in semi-arid Nama Karoo rangeland,South Africa

The Nama-Karoo is the largest of the three biomes that comprise the semi-arid Karoo-Namib ecoregion of southern Africa. Large tracts of Nama-Karoo rangeland have been invaded by alien leguminous trees of the genus Prosopis. We assessed the impact of Prosopis invasion and clearing on vegetation cover in heavily grazed Nama-Karoo rangeland on two sheep farms in the Beaufort West district of the Western Cape province of South Africa. Our results suggest that, below critical threshold cover levels, Prosopis trees do not affect indigenous vegetation and add to overall rangeland vegetation cover. However, once Prosopis cover exceeds critical thresholds, the trees begin to negatively impact on indigenous vegetation (especially grasses) and overall vegetation cover. In addition, our data suggest that vegetation cover recovers after Prosopis clearing, being temporarily higher than pre-invasion levels possibly as a result of enhanced post-invasion soil fertility. Lastly, our results suggest that Prosopis trees reduce rangeland erosion potential at low cover and increase it after they exceed critical threshold cover. Information about thresholds of Prosopis impact can be used to direct clearing efforts for maximum benefit when resources are limited.     

Impact of Prosopis (mesquite) invasion and clearing on vegetation species composition and diversity in semi-arid Nama-Karoo rangeland,South Africa

The Nama-Karoo biome occupies 28% of South Africa’s land area. Alien leguminous trees of the genus Prosopis have invaded large tracts of Nama-Karoo rangeland. We evaluated the impact of Prosopis invasion and clearing on vegetation species composition and diversity (alien and indigenous species richness and cover) in Nama-Karoo rangeland on two sheep farms in the Beaufort West district of the Western Cape province of South Africa. Our results suggest that Prosopis invasion and clearing can significantly change Nama-Karoo rangeland species composition. Invasion and clearing appear to have no effect on alien species richness. Invasion, however, increases alien species cover, while clearing restores it to pre-invasion levels. In contrast, invasion reduces indigenous species richness while clearing restores it to pre-invasion levels. Invasion appears to have no effect on indigenous species cover. This lack of effect appears to be the serendipitous result of a site-specific trade-off between a decline in cover of grasses that are negatively affected by Prosopis invasion and a concomitant increase in the cover of positively affected grasses. Clearing increases indigenous species cover to above pre-invasion levels. The higher than usual indigenous species cover after clearing could be a transient legacy of Prosopis soil nutrient enrichment.     

Effects of animal activity on the absorption rate of soils in the southern Karoo,South Africa

The rates of absorption into various microsites in Karoo soils were compared. The absorption of water by hard, bare intershrub soils was significantly increased by the presence of emergence holes of adult cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) and near nest‐mounds of the harvester ant Messor capensis. Both these insects play an important role in raising the amount of water that penetrates into the soil after rains. Absorption rates were also high in the soils of heuweltjie mounds but were reduced by sustained use of an area by sheep and were particularly poor on sheep paths.     

短期休牧对克氏针茅草原植物群落物种多样性及稳定性影响研究

文章采用野外植物样方采取及实验室数据分析相结合的方法,以阿巴嘎旗北部牧户常年放牧和隔年休牧的冬季草场为例,探讨短期休牧对克氏针茅草原植物物种多样性及群落稳定性的影响。结论如下:(1)两个草场植物群落内植物数量差异不大,主要差异表现在主要植物的平均重要值及两个草场仅有2对共优种。此外,短期休牧冬季草场的禾本科植物比重提升的同时,一年生藜科植物也显著提升;(2)短期休牧冬季草场的植物群落物种多样性指数略高于常年放牧冬季草场,但差异不显著;(3)两个草场植物群落处于中等相似水平,植物种间存在分异化趋势;(4)短期休牧冬季草场植物群落总体呈微弱正联结,种间联结松散,处于正向演替阶段,常年放牧冬季草场呈微弱负相关,群落较不稳定,存在一定退化风险;(5)两个草场的植物群落离稳定性都有一定差距,但短期休牧冬季草场植物群落稳定性略好于常年放牧冬季草场。可见,短期休牧有利于克氏针茅草原植物群落物种多样性和稳定性保持。     

Oviparity in Two South African Skinks of the Genus Mabuya,With Notes on Hatching

This study was conducted as part of the interdisciplinary biodiversity project BIOTA and describes small mammal communities on two differently managed farmlands (cattle and game farm) in Namibia over the course of one year. Species diversity, density and activity are discussed and compared to data on vegetation parameters, and on grazing and trampling effects by large herbivores. Small mammal abundance was related to vegetation cover on both farm areas. Species composition differed between the cattle and the game farm. These differences and the dominance structure are discussed in the view of different grazing techniques of cattle and wild ungulates.     

Patterns of millipede (Diplopoda), centipede (Chilopoda) and scorpion (Scorpionida) diversity in savanna habitats within the Greater Makalali Conservancy,South Africa

Although savanna is one of the most important biomes in southern Africa, it is, apart from the botanical component, one of the least studied. This study aimed to document the distribution patterns, richness and diversity of selected ground-dwelling, flightless arthropods (millipedes, centipedes and scorpions) within savanna habitats to improve invertebrate conservation planning. Five habitat types (white sand bushveld, brown sand bushveld, general mixed bushveld, rocky outcrops and mopane woodland) within the Greater Makalali Conservancy, Limpopo Province, South Africa, were studied using four successful sampling methods (active searching of two types of quadrats, pitfall traps and drive transects) during three sampling periods between February 1999 and March 2000. Millipedes were consistently the most species rich and abundant taxon. Species were not uniformly distributed across all habitat types; some species were unique to certain habitats. Generally, the more heterogeneous habitats supported the greatest millipede, centipede and scorpion diversity, richness and density, and in the case of the millipedes contained the highest number of regional endemics and habitat specialists. There was no significant difference in scorpion diversity among habitats.     

The effect of prolonged heavy grazing pressure on the regrowth of two perennial grass species in a semi-arid communal rangeland

We tested the hypothesis that initial above-ground regrowth of defoliated grass tufts would be reduced in sites which have been exposed to prolonged heavy grazing. The regrowth of Themeda triandra and Urochloa mosambicensis tufts was compared between three heavily grazed sites close to a village and three relatively lightly grazed sites far from a village, in a semi-arid communal rangeland in the South African lowveld. A clipping experiment was done in the field using T. triandra and U. mosambicensis tufts. Regrowth was lower (P≤0.01) in the heavy grazing sites for both species. This was more a function of tiller production rate, in terms of numbers of tillers, than of tiller extension rate. Rate of regrowth was not strongly affected by tuft size.