In:
Vegetation Classification and Survey, Pensoft Publishers, Vol. 3 ( 2022-11-03), p. 199-219
Abstract:
Aims : This study identified, classified and mapped the different plant communities found on the Telperion Nature Reserve. Study area : Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumulanga, South Africa. Methods : Using a 1:10,000 aerial photograph, Telperion was delineated into homogenous physiognomic-physiographic units. 294 sample plots (100 m 2 ) were placed in a randomly stratified manner within identified homogenous units. Plant species present in sample plots were recorded and allocated a modified Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale value. Sample plot data were captured into TURBOVEG and exported for editing, classification and processing in JUICE. A modified TWINSPAN classification was applied to derive a first approximation of the plant communities in a synoptic table that was refined using Braun-Blanquet procedures. Species were manually arranged into groups. Diagnostic, constant and dominant species were statistically determined from the synoptic table. Threshold values for fidelity, frequency and canopy cover were set and a final phytosociological table was produced for describing the plant species composition for the different plant communities. Results : 22 plant communities were identified for Telperion. Five were major communities, 14 were sub-communities and 13 were variants. The five major plant communities were Cyathea dregei – Ilex mitis ravine woodland, Paspalum urvillei – Phragmites australis valley bottom wetland, Diospyros lycioides – Combretum erythrophyllum riparian woodland, Eragrostis curvula – Seriphium plumosum midslope plateau grassland, and Combretum molle – Englerophytum magalismontanum rocky ridge woodland. The plant communities were also described and mapped. Conclusions : The classification, description and mapping of Telperion’s vegetation provides a basis for management decision making about wildlife stocking rates, fire planning, and vegetation management. Findings indicate that Bankenveld vegetation is heterogeneous with a variety of habitats including woodland and grassland components. Telperion has a variety of plant communities and a high plant species diversity, making it a reservoir for plant species and an important conservation area. Taxonomic reference : SA-Plant Checklist-2019–2020, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2020, Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA) (http://posa.sanbi.org/) [accessed January 2022]. Abbreviations : BB = Braun-Blanquet; m a.s.l. = metres above sea level; TWINSPAN = Two-way indicator species analysis.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2683-0671
DOI:
10.3897/VCS.85209.figure1
DOI:
10.3897/VCS.85209.figure2
DOI:
10.3897/VCS.85209.figure3
DOI:
10.3897/VCS.85209.figure4
DOI:
10.3897/VCS.85209.suppl1
DOI:
10.3897/VCS.85209.suppl2
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Pensoft Publishers
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3025473-5
