Guiding conservation efforts in the Hantam–Tanqua–Roggeveld (South Africa) using diversity parameters

dc.contributor.authorVan der Merwe, Helga
dc.contributor.authorVan Rooyen, Margaretha W.
dc.date.accessioned2012-05-07T06:46:44Z
dc.date.available2012-05-07T06:46:44Z
dc.date.issued2011-09-15
dc.description.abstractThe Hantam–Tanqua–Roggeveld subregion falls within the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos Biomes, which are both recognised as global biodiversity hotspots that should be conserved. The objective of this study was to gather baseline biodiversity information that can be used to guide conservation efforts. A total of 40 Whittaker plots were surveyed in the subregion and the various diversity parameters calculated from the data were compared across the subregion and to available data for the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos Biomes. Species richness per 1000 m2 ranged from nine to 100 species across the subregion. Species richness for all plot sizes < 1000 m2 was significantly lower for the Tanqua Karoo than for both the Winter Rainfall Karoo and Mountain Renosterveld. The latter two areas did not differ significantly from each other with regard to species richness. Species richness was significantly higher only at the 1000 m2 scale in the Mountain Renosterveld compared to the Winter Rainfall Karoo. Evenness and Shannon and Simpson indices did not differ significantly between the Mountain Renosterveld and Winter Rainfall Karoo; however, these values were significantly higher than for the Tanqua Karoo. A principal coordinate analysis of species richness data at seven plot sizes produced three distinct clusters. One cluster represented the Tanqua Karoo, with low species richness, evenness, and Shannon and Simpson indices. Another cluster represented mostly Mountain Renosterveld vegetation, which was characterised by a high species richness, evenness, and Shannon and Simpson indices. The third cluster was formed by the remaining Mountain Renosterveld plots as well as the Winter Rainfall Karoo plots. The high species richness values found in the various vegetation units can add valuable information to the conservation planning arena by providing information on biodiversity parameters and their spatial distribution. This information can assist with conservation efforts in the Hantam, Tanqua and Roggeveld areas. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: Conservation and development of the Hantam–Tanqua– Roggeveld subregion is hampered by a lack of information on floristic diversity. The results of the current study indicated areas of low diversity and contrasting areas of high diversity. These data can be used to guide effective conservation and management of the floristic diversity.en
dc.description.librariannf2012en
dc.description.sponsorshipThe Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) through the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Plan/Programme (SKEP) initiative and the National Research Foundation under grant 61277.en_US
dc.description.urihttp://www.koedoe.co.za/en_US
dc.identifier.citationVan der Merwe, H. & Van Rooyen, M.W., 2011, ‘Guiding conservation efforts in the Hantam–Tanqua–Roggeveld (South Africa) using diversity parameters’, Koedoe 53(1), Art. #1018, 9 pages. DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v53i1.1018en
dc.identifier.issn0075-6458 (print)
dc.identifier.issn2071-0771 (online)
dc.identifier.other10.4102/koedoe.v53i1.1018
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/18680
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherSouth African National Parksen_US
dc.rights© 2011. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.en_US
dc.subjectDiversity parametersen
dc.subjectHantam–Tanqua–Roggeveld subregionen
dc.subjectFloristic diversity conservationen
dc.subject.lcshBiodiversity conservation -- South Africaen
dc.titleGuiding conservation efforts in the Hantam–Tanqua–Roggeveld (South Africa) using diversity parametersen
dc.typeArticleen

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