The population dynamics of some woody species in the kalahari sand vegetation of Hwange national park
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Date
2014-12-17
Authors
Childes, Susan Lawley
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Abstract
The nopulaHon dynamics and principal controlling
factors of six woody species found in the Kalahari
Sand vegetation of Hwange Nation?1 Park are
Investigated. The populations fror- woodland and sc
areas of known human disturbance (logging) are
compared with undisturbed sites. The effects of
edaphic factors, frost-, fire and elephant damage on
the woody species are examined.
The results show the populations from the
disturbed are?s vo be generally unstable with a
decline in the woodlands. The estimated rerr litment
of pluri lug a is 0,2 ?f the rate p.eedel to
woodlands In the presen state* T1
influence of soil mo,svure is of major importance in
determining vegetation 'hysiognomy an^ species
composition. Frost and fire =*lso have a strong
modifying influence on the vegetation through the
differing sensitivities of each species. Frost,
fire and elephant account for 57'''., and 19* of
the damage (excluding unknown factors).
In conclusion a hypo*-hes s showing *-he
interaction of abiotic and bioMc factors on the
three stages of vegetation cycling : woodland, scrub
and grassland, Is presented.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Science
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
for the Degree of Master of Science