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Journal articles on the topic 'Drakensberg Park'

Author: Grafiati

Published: 4 June 2021

Last updated: 1 February 2022

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1

Sieben, E. J. J., D. C. Kotze, and C. D. Morris. "Floristic composition of wetlands of the South African section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park." Bothalia 40, no. 1 (July 22, 2010): 117–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/abc.v40i1.201.

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A survey was conducted on the wetlands in the South African section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park (MDTP), along altitudinal gradients from the foothills to the summit plateau in six different catchments. Environmental indices of soil wetness, texture and organic contents of the soil were determined to relate wetland community types to their environment. Thirty-six plant communities were recognized with a total of 56 subcommunities. These communities fall into five different categories: I, the high-altitude fens and seepages are a loose grouping of distinct vegetation types from the summit plateau and just below; 2, hygrophilous grasslands are the marginal areas of the wetlands that are temporarily wet and dominated by grasses, most of which are common outside wetlands; 3, shrubby wetlands are in most cases hygrophilous grasslands that have been invaded by shrubby species due to disturbance; 4, mixed sedgelands are the largest grouping and are dominated by sedges or grass species that are specifically adapted to wet conditions; 5, low-altitude sedge and reedlands are vegetation types that occur only marginally in the Maloti-Drakensberg area and are dominated by Carex acutiformis and Phragmites australis.The most important variables that explain the variation in wetland egetation are altitude and soil wetness.

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2

Prinsloo, Linda C., Werner Barnard, Ian Meiklejohn, and Kevin Hall. "The first Raman spectroscopic study of San rock art in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, South Africa." Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 39, no. 5 (2008): 646–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jrs.1901.

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3

Everard, D. A. "The effects of fire on the Podocarpus latifolius forests of the Royal Natal National Park, Natal Drakensberg." South African Journal of Botany 52, no. 1 (February 1986): 60–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0254-6299(16)31603-9.

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4

Grab, Stefan, and Faith Kalibbala. "‘Anti-erosion’ logs across paths in the southern uKhahlamba–Drakensberg Transfrontier Park, South Africa: Cure or curse?" CATENA 73, no. 1 (March 2008): 134–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2007.10.002.

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5

Mazel, Aron. "Presenting the San Hunter-Gatherer Past to the Public: A View from the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, South Africa." Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites 10, no. 1 (February 2008): 41–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/175355208x404330.

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6

Krüger, Jan Paul, Heinz Beckedahl, Gerhard Gerold, and Hermann F. Jungkunst. "Greenhouse gas emission peaks following natural rewetting of two wetlands in the southern Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, South Africa." South African Geographical Journal 96, no. 2 (October 14, 2013): 113–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03736245.2013.847798.

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7

Bentley, Luke K., and Tim G. O’Connor. "Temperature control of the distributional range of five C3 grass species in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa." African Journal of Range & Forage Science 35, no. 1 (May 2, 2018): 45–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2018.1459841.

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8

Carbutt, Clinton, and Trevor J. Edwards. "Plant–soil interactions in lower–upper montane systems and their implications in a warming world: a case study from the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, southern Africa." Biodiversity 16, no. 4 (October 2, 2015): 262–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14888386.2015.1116409.

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9

Karssing, RJ, NA Rivers-Moore, and K. Slater. "Influence of waterfalls on patterns of association between trout and Natal cascade frogHadromophryne natalensistadpoles in two headwater streams in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa." African Journal of Aquatic Science 37, no. 1 (April 2012): 107–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2012.666381.

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10

Büdel, B., D. C. J. Wessels, and D. Mollenhauer. "Massenentwicklung von Nostoc cf. microscopicum (CARMICHAEL) Harvey ex Bornet & Flahault in alkalischem, salzhaltigem Milieu einer Höhle in den Drakensbergen Südafrikas (Golden Gate Highlands National Park)." Archiv für Protistenkunde 143, no. 1-3 (March 1993): 229–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0003-9365(11)80290-3.

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11

Kopij, G. "The birds of Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho." Koedoe 45, no. 1 (December 14, 2002). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v45i1.15.

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A total of 117 bird species has been recorded in Sehlabathebe National Park, south-east Lesotho, consisting of 29 vagrants, 18 visitors and 70 breeding and probable breeding residents. For each species status was determined and abundance roughly estimated. Quantitative studies on breeding bird communities were carried out by means of the line transect method on four transects with the total length ca 30 km in the park and on two transects with the total length of ca 20 km outside the park. In the park, dominant species were represented by the Stonechat Saxicola torquata, Ayres’ Cisticola Cisticola ayresii, Yellow-rumped Widow Euplectes capensis and Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais. Outside the park dominants were represented by Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis, Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus, Cape Canary Serinus canicollis, Common Quail Coturnix coturnix, Stonechat, Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis and Drakensberg Siskin Pseudochloroptila symonsi. Characteristic, high-altitude species in the park included Drakensberg Siskin, Mountain Pipit Anthus hoeschi, Orange-breasted Rockjumper Chaetops auriantius, Banded Martin Riparia cincta and Sentinel Rock Thrush Monticola explorator. Species such as the Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis, Sicklewinged Chat Cercomela sinuata, Mountain Chat Oenanthe monticola, Thick-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris, Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio, Alpine Swift Apus melba Cape Sparrow, Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus, Red Bishop Euplectes orix and Golden Bishop Euplectes afer were absent or occurred in very low densities in the park, although they are widespread and common in the Maluti/Drakensberg grasslands (including areas neighbouring to the park). The lack of trees and shrubs for nesting, the lack of cultivated fields as feeding places and competition with related species both for food and nesting sites, may partly play a role in this regard.

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12

Armstrong, Adrian J., and Robert F. Brand. "Invertebrates on isolated peaks in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa." Koedoe 54, no. 1 (January 18, 2012). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v54i1.1082.

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A survey to document and describe the alpine flora and various focal faunal taxa on six isolated inselberg-like peaks (total area of 31.9 ha), all 3000 m or higher, located in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa, was undertaken in early summer in 2005. Study of the fauna of these peaks should be informative because the impacts of controllable anthropogenic threats on the invertebrate communities on them should be minimal or absent in comparison with those on the main massif. A total of 341 invertebrate individuals representing 61 species were recorded from the focal taxa (Oligochaeta, Gastropoda and certain groups of Insecta, i.e. focal taxa within the Blattoidea, Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera). The 61 species recorded consisted of two species from the Oligochaeta, one species from the Gastropoda and 58 species from the Insecta. Eleven species (one from the Oligochaeta, ten from the Insecta) are endemic and 11 species (one from the Oligochaeta, ten from the Insecta) are probably endemic to the Drakensberg Alpine Centre, constituting 36.1% of the total species recorded. The results suggest that the Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC), as for plants, is a centre of endemism for invertebrates. Cluster analysis showed that the species composition of the two northern peaks, Sentinel and Eastern Buttress, clustered together, separate from a cluster formed by the Outer Horn, Inner Horn and Dragon’s Back and from the cluster formed by the southernmost peak, Cathkin. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling results indicated that distance from the Sentinel, the most northerly peak sampled, and mean minimum temperature for July had the strongest correlations with the species data, reflecting change over a straight-line distance of nearly 60 km in a south-easterly direction.Conservation implications: Only a small proportion (ca. 5.5%) of the DAC is conserved, the majority of which lies in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Conservation of more of the DAC, including more of its latitudinal extent, is required to adequately conserve its unique plant and invertebrate communities.

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13

Armstrong, Adrian J., and Robert F. Brand. "Online appendix 1:Invertebrates on isolated peaks in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa." Koedoe 54, no. 1 (October 30, 2012). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v54i1.1082-1.

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A survey to document and describe the alpine flora and various focal faunal taxa on six isolated inselberg-like peaks (total area of 31.9 ha), all 3000 m or higher, located in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa, was undertaken in early summer in 2005. Study of the fauna of these peaks should be informative because the impacts of controllable anthropogenic threats on the invertebrate communities on them should be minimal or absent in comparison with those on the main massif. A total of 341 invertebrate individuals representing 61 species were recorded from the focal taxa (Oligochaeta, Gastropoda and certain groups of Insecta, i.e. focal taxa within the Blattoidea, Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera). The 61 species recorded consisted of two species from the Oligochaeta, one species from the Gastropoda and 58 species from the Insecta. Eleven species (one from the Oligochaeta, ten from the Insecta) are endemic and 11 species (one from the Oligochaeta, ten from the Insecta) are probably endemic to the Drakensberg Alpine Centre, constituting 36.1% of the total species recorded. The results suggest that the Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC), as for plants, is a centre of endemism for invertebrates. Cluster analysis showed that the species composition of the two northern peaks, Sentinel and Eastern Buttress, clustered together, separate from a cluster formed by the Outer Horn, Inner Horn and Dragon’s Back and from the cluster formed by the southernmost peak, Cathkin. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling results indicated that distance from the Sentinel, the most northerly peak sampled, and mean minimum temperature for July had the strongest correlations with the species data, reflecting change over a straight-line distance of nearly 60 km in a south-easterly direction.Conservation implications: Only a small proportion (ca. 5.5%) of the DAC is conserved, the majority of which lies in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Conservation of more of the DAC, including more of its latitudinal extent, is required to adequately conserve its unique plant and invertebrate communities.

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14

Groenewald, G. H. "Geology of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park." Koedoe 29, no. 1 (December 1, 1986). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v29i1.529.

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The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is underlain by stratigraphic units belonging to the upper part of the Karoo Sequence. These units include part of the Beaufort Group and the Molteno, Elliot, Clarens and Drakensberg Formations. Dolerite dykes and sills are intruded into the succession while recent alluvium and scree cover the valley floors and mountain slopes. The Beaufort Group is represented by red mudstone and light brown fine-grained feldspathic sandstone of the Tarkastad Subgroup. The Molteno Formation consists of medium- to coarse-grained trough cross-bedded sandstone, while the Elliot Formation comprises a thick succession of red mudstone, siltstone and interlayered fine- to medium-grained, light yellow-brown sandstone. The most characteristic feature of the park is the yellowish sandstone cliffs of the Clarens Formation. Cave formation is caused by exudation, differential weathering due to different degrees of carbonate cementation and undercutting of the sandstone. The highest peaks are capped by numerous layers of amygdaloidal and massive varieties of basaltic lava of the Drakensberg Formation. A possible volcanic pipe occurs in the eastern part of the park. The Elliot and Clarens Formations are rich in vertebrate fossil remains, especially Massospondylus sp. Remains of Notochampsa sp., Pachygenelus monus, Clarencea gracilis, Lanasaurus scalpridens and a cluster of unidentified dinosaur eggs have also been found. The formations underlying the Golden Gate Highlands National Park were formed during the Late Triassic Epoch and the Jurassic Period (roughly 150 to 230 million years ago). The strata in the park show very little structural deformation and the only obvious structures are faults which are intruded by dolerite.

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15

Kopij, G. "Lower vertebrates of Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho." Biosystems Diversity 25, no. 4 (November 14, 2017). http://dx.doi.org/10.15421/011747.

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Five snake, four lizard, nine amphibian (all anurans) and three fish species were recorded in the Apline grasslands of the Sehlabathebe National Park, South-Eastern Lesotho, Southern Africa. They include rare, threatened and endemic species, some of which are restricted to the Drakensberg / Maloti region. The following species were recorded: snakes Lamprophis aurora, L. fuscus, Hemachatus haemachatus, Bitis arietans, B. atropos; lizards Trachylepsis punctatissima, Tropidosaura montana, Pseudocordylus melanotus, Afroedura nivaria; amphibians (anurans) Xenopus laevis laevis, Bufo gariepensis nubicolus, Cacosternum striatum, Amietia dracomontana, A. angloensis, A. fuscigula, A. umbraculata, Strongylopus fasciatus, Semnodactylus wealii; fishes Labeobarbus aeneus, Pseudobarbus quathlambae and Oncorhynchus mykiss. Species with high conservation priorities include: Lamprophis fuscus, Tropidosaura cottrelli, Pseudocordylus spinosus, Amietia umbraculata, A. drakomontana, Strongylopus fasciatus and Pseudobarbus quathlambae.

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16

Venter, F. J., and J. W. Bristow. "An Account of the Geomorphology and Drainage of the Kruger National Park." Koedoe 29, no. 1 (December 1, 1986). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v29i1.524.

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An outline is presented of the geomorphic history as well as the present terrain morphology and drainage of the Kruger National Park which forms part of the eastern Transvaal Lowveld. The Lowveld represents the footslope of the Drakensberg, the escarpment of which withdrew parallel from the Indian Ocean in response to the disruption of Gondwanaland. The Lowveld is typically undulating, gently undulating or flat and positive relief is caused mainly by lithological differences. The area is drained from west to east by a vast number of drainage channels, ranging from large rivers to dongas (gullies).

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17

Avenant, N. L. "Mammals recorded in the QwaQwa National Park (1994-1995)." Koedoe 40, no. 1 (January 19, 1997). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v40i1.261.

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Distribution, relative abundance, and habitat preferences of mammals were studied in the newly proclaimed QwaQwa National Park (QQNP) and compared with those of the adjacent 33 year-old Golden Gate Highlands National Park, a nearby protected area in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, Lesotho, and the rest of the Free State Province. In total, 53 mammal species were recorded inside the park and the probability of another 14 likely inhabitants, discussed. The fact that the QQNP contains ca. 70 of mammalian fauna recorded in the Free State and between five and 10 Red Data species stresses the importance of this park and the necessity for correct management of this ca. 21 000 ha conservation area. The low small mammal numbers, variety, and mean diversity found on 17 transects in the QQNP is attributed to previous human habitation and activities@some of which are still present in the park.

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18

Brand, Robert F., Charles R. Scott-Shaw, and Timothy G. O’Connor. "The alpine flora on inselberg summits in the Maloti–Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa." Bothalia 49, no. 1 (March 12, 2019). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/abc.v49i1.2386.

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Background: Inselberg summits adjacent to the Maloti–Drakensberg escarpment occupy an alpine zone within the Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC). Inselbergs, the escarpment and surrounding mountains such as Platberg experience a severe climate; inselberg summits are distinct by being protected from human disturbance.Objectives: The aim of this article was to describe for the first time the flora of inselberg summits and to assess their potential contribution to conservation of DAC plant diversity.Method: We investigated whether the flora of inselberg summits formed a representative subset of the DAC flora in terms of shared, especially endemic or near endemic, species and representation of families. All species were listed for six inselbergs between Giant’s Castle and Sentinel, located in the Royal Natal National Park (RNNP) during November 2005. Comparisons, using literature, were made with floras of the DAC, as well as Platberg, an inselberg approximately 60 km north from Sentinel in the RNNP.Results: We recorded 200 species of pteridophytes and angiosperms on inselbergs, 114 DAC endemics or near endemics, one possible new species, and several range and altitudinal extensions. Asteraceae, Poaceae and Ericaceae comprised 42.1% of endemic and near endemic species, with Scrophulariaceae and Hyacinthaceae contributing 8.8%. Inselberg and DAC floras differed in respective rankings of Crassulaceae (8th vs. 15th), Polygalaceae, Apiaceae and Rosaceae (10th, 11th, 12th vs. 15th), Poaceae (2nd vs. 5th), Cyperaceae (3rd vs. 4th) and Scrophulariaceae (6th vs. 2nd). Growth forms on inselbergs were consistent with DAC flora. Inselbergs shared 40% of species with Platberg.Conclusion: Inselbergs, which supported 7.9% of species occurring in the DAC flora, are well protected from human impact, lack alien plants, but, despite this, are highly vulnerable to climate change. Conservation importance of inselbergs will increase as escarpment vegetation becomes increasingly degraded as a consequence of intensifying land use.

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19

Brand, Robert F., Nacelle Collins, and P. Johann Du Preez. "A phytosociology survey and vegetation description of inselbergs in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa." Koedoe 57, no. 1 (March 25, 2015). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v57i1.1233.

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No previous scientific surveys have been conducted on inselbergs in the Drakensberg. The aim of this study was to collect specimens, identify, describe and name the vegetation clusters and assess biogeographical connections with other Afromontane regions. A total of 103 relevés where sampled from six inselbergs. The plant sampling was carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet method with the plant and environmental data entered in TURBOVEG and exported as a Cornell Condensed format file (CC!) into Juice. Classification was completed using TWINSPAN (Two-way Indicator Species Analysis) (modified), resulting in 4 major communities, 11 communities, 13 sub-communities and 18 variants. Ordination (indirect) was carried out using CANOCO (version 4.5) to investigate the relationship between species. The four major communities identified are Rhodohypoxis rubella (wetland grass and forblands), Scirpus ficinioides – Crassula peploides (sheet rock grass and forblands), Pentaschistis exserta (high-altitude alpine grassland), previously undescribed, and Merxmuellera drakensbergensis – Helichrysum trilineatum (high-altitude alpine fynbos grassland), described in other vegetation and floristic studies. Four habitats were identified, namely wetlands, sheet rock shallow soil, highaltitude alpine grassland and deep soil high-altitude fynbos grasslands. Substrate and moisture availability appeared to be the defining micro-climatic conditions determining the different vegetation clusters whilst altitude is the overriding environmental factor influencing all vegetation.Conservation implications: Rising temperatures as a result of carbon dioxide increase is predicted to drastically decrease the number of endemic and near-endemic montane species, whilst altering the composition of vegetation units which comprise the alpine vegetation.

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20

Patel, Tamanna, Tim O'Connor, Francesca Parrini, and Sonja Krüger. "Common Eland (Tragelaphus oryx) Population Trends in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and Surrounds, South Africa, between 1942 and 2018." African Journal of Wildlife Research 49, no. 1 (October 29, 2019). http://dx.doi.org/10.3957/056.049.0121.

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21

Brand, Robert F., Nacelle Collins, and P. Johann Du Preez. "Online appendix 1:A phytosociology survey and vegetation description of inselbergs in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa." Koedoe 57, no. 1 (April 16, 2015). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v57i1.1233-1.

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No previous scientific surveys have been conducted on inselbergs in the Drakensberg. The aim of this study was to collect specimens, identify, describe and name the vegetation clusters and assess biogeographical connections with other Afromontane regions. A total of 103 relevés where sampled from six inselbergs. The plant sampling was carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet method with the plant and environmental data entered in TURBOVEG and exported as a Cornell Condensed format file (CC!) into Juice. Classification was completed using TWINSPAN (Two-way Indicator Species Analysis) (modified), resulting in 4 major communities, 11 communities, 13 sub-communities and 18 variants. Ordination (indirect) was carried out using CANOCO (version 4.5) to investigate the relationship between species. The four major communities identified are Rhodohypoxis rubella (wetland grass and forblands), Scirpus ficinioides – Crassula peploides (sheet rock grass and forblands), Pentaschistis exserta (high-altitude alpine grassland), previously undescribed, and Merxmuellera drakensbergensis – Helichrysum trilineatum (high-altitude alpine fynbos grassland), described in other vegetation and floristic studies. Four habitats were identified, namely wetlands, sheet rock shallow soil, highaltitude alpine grassland and deep soil high-altitude fynbos grasslands. Substrate and moisture availability appeared to be the defining micro-climatic conditions determining the different vegetation clusters whilst altitude is the overriding environmental factor influencing all vegetation.Conservation implications: Rising temperatures as a result of carbon dioxide increase is predicted to drastically decrease the number of endemic and near-endemic montane species, whilst altering the composition of vegetation units which comprise the alpine vegetation.

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22

Patel, Tamanna, Tim O'Connor, Francesca Parrini, and Sonja Krüger. "Using a Relative Abundance Index to Determine Population Trends of Large Mammals in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, South Africa, between 2000 and 2010." African Journal of Wildlife Research 51, no. 1 (July 1, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0068.

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23

Seleteng-Kose, Lerato, Khotso Kobisi, Ruida Pool-Stanvliet, and Khotso Mohapi. "A rapid biodiversity assessment of Lesotho’s first proposed Biosphere Reserve: a case study of Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park." Bothalia, African Biodiversity & Conservation 51, no. 2 (August 25, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.38201/btha.abc.v51.i2.6.

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Background: Two of Lesotho’s protected areas, namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park, form the core area of the country’s first proposed Biosphere Reserve. Biodiversity is a key aspect needed to justify nomination of a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. Previously documented biodiversity of the two protected areas is limited in terms of coverage and scope as well as being outdated. The aim of the current study was to conduct a rapid assessment of the biodiversity, including endemism, of the proposed Biosphere Reserve to inform the formal nomination process.Methods: A field survey was undertaken over 112 033 ha in the core, buffer and transition zones of the proposed Biosphere Reserve during which species of both flora and fauna were documented. Purposeful recordings were made during different seasons to incorporate various flowering seasons of the plants, as well as faunal species that may hibernate or migrate seasonally.Results: A total of 380 plant species was recorded, 30 of which are legally protected in the country, 60 endemic to the Drakensberg Mountain Centre, and two species (Aloe polyphylla and Glumicalyx lesuticus) are endemic to Lesotho. The former is the national flower of Lesotho and is under threat due to illegal trade. Sixteen mammal species were recorded, seven of which are legally protected in the country, as well as 53 bird species (including the IUCN Red Listed vulture species, Gyps coprotheres and Gypaetus barbatus). Two fish species were also recorded including Pseudobarbus quathlambae, which is Lesotho’s only known endemic vertebrate species, as well as seven reptile and three amphibian species (two of which are near endemic namely Amietia delalandii and A. vertebralis).Conclusion: This survey has provided valuable baseline information on the biodiversity (particularly regarding the flora and avifauna) of the proposed Biosphere Reserve, which includes two protected areas namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park. The findings reflect the biodiversity value of the area and will contribute towards its nomination as Lesotho’s first Biosphere Reserve.

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24

Daemane, Mahlomola E., Abel Ramoelo, and Samuel Adelabu. "The spatial distribution of the woodland communities and their associated environmental drivers in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa." Koedoe 63, no. 1 (September 23, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v63i1.1672.

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The extreme variability in the topography, altitude and climatic conditions in the temperate Grassland Mountains of Southern Africa is associated with the complex mosaic of grassland communities with pockets of woodland patches. Understanding the relationships between plant communities and environmental parameters is essential in biodiversity conservation, especially for current and future climate change predictions. This article focused on the spatial distribution of woodland communities and their associated environmental drivers in the Golden Gate Highlands (GGHNP) National Park in South Africa. A generalized linear model (GLM) assuming a binomial distribution, was used to determine the optimal environmental variables influencing the spatial distribution of the woodland communities. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) was relatively higher for the topographic ruggedness index (68.78%), topographic roughness index (68.03), aspect (60.04%), coarse fragments (37.46%) and the topographic wetness index (31.33) whereas soil pH, bulk density, sandy and clay contents had relatively less variation (2.39%, 3.23%, 7.56% and 8.46% respectively). In determining the optimal number of environmental variables influencing the spatial distribution of woodland communities, roughness index, topographic wetness index, soil coarse fragments, soil organic carbon, soil cation exchange capacity and remote-sensing based vegetation condition index were significant (p 0.05) and positively correlated with the woodland communities. Soil nitrogen, clay content, soil pH, fire and elevation were also significant but negatively correlated with the woodland communities. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was 0.81. This was indicative of a Parsimonious Model with explanatory predictive power for determination of optimal environmental variables in vegetation ecology.Conservation implications: The isolated woodland communities are sources of floristic diversity and important biogeographical links between larger forest areas in the wider Drakensberg region. They provide suitable habitats for a larger number of forest species and harbour some of the endemic tree species of South Africa. They also provide watershed protection and other important ecosystem services. Understanding the drivers influencing the spatial distribution and persistence of these woodland communities is therefore key to conservation planning in the area.

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