The landscape pattern surrounding the Venda sacred site of Thathe Forest

Natural sacred sites are areas protected by traditional groups as a point of connection to the land. They are also acknowledged for their disproportionate biodiversity contribution. These natural remnant patches have, however, recently come under threat from surrounding anthropogenic land-uses. This study aims to establish the spatial landscape pattern and associated land-uses surrounding the Venda sacred site of Thathe Forest in north-eastern Limpopo, South Africa, while investigating links to landscape governance. A terrain analysis of the study area is conducted using the thematic layers of geology and soils, gradient, aspect, and hydrology. This analysis is contrasted with a land-cover classification of the study area, further linking results to land-use decision-making.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Environmental and Geographical Science

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Israel, Adina

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Wynberg, Rachel

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10715

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/10715