The effects of fragmentation of South Coast Renosterveld on vegetation patterns and processe

This thesis investigates the effects of fragmentation on vegetation patterns and processes of South Coast Renosterveld at three hierarchical levels. South Coast Renosterveld is a grassy shrubland derived from shales on the coastal forelands of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The area forms part of the Cape Floristic Region. It occurs on fine-grained, moderately fertile soils. Thus, most South Coast Renosterveld has been replaced by agriculture. This vegetation type is particularly rich in geophytes, many of which have highly localised distributions. Almost no research has been carried out on the composition and structure of South Coast Renosterveld. However, fragmentation theory suggests that the fragmentation process iof South Coast Renosterveld would cause a loss of biodiversity. Although South Coast Renosterveld is one of the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa, only 0.8% of its area is formally conserved.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

1997

Author dc:creator

• Kemper, Jessica

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Cowling, Richard M
• Richardson, David Mark

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/21713

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/21713