An ecological study of the grasslands of the jack scott nature reserver, transvaal, with special reference to plant production and ungulate-habitat relationships

Abstract

An ecological study of the grasslands of Jack Scott Nature Reserve, in the Krugersdorp District of the Transvaal, was done to investigate phytomass changes and ungulate-habitat relationships over a period of one year. Included in the study are a determination of the botanical composition of the grasslands and estimates of aerial net primary production and productivity rates during the year, as well as notes on the seasonal changes in m.1nbers, activities and distributions of 10 ungulate types in the study area. Some guidelines regarding stocking rates and stock ratios are given, as well as suggestions regarding ecological monitoring and other management considerations for the study area and Jack Scott Nature Reserve as a whole.