Abstract
The Kammanassie Mountain is a declared mountain catchment area and a Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra population is preserved on the mountain. The high number of springs on the mountain not only provides water for the animal species but also contributes to overall ecosystem functioning. Long-term conservation of viable ecosystems requires a broader understanding of the ecological processes involved. It was therefore decided that a classification, description and mapping of the spring vegetation of the Kammanassie Mountain be undertaken. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed 11 major plant communities that could be related to geological origin. Habitat factors associated with differences in vegetation include topography, soil type and grazing. Descriptions of the plant communities include diagnostic species as well as prominent and less conspicuous species of the tree, shrub and herbaceous layers. The results also indicate a high species richness compared to similar regions and the difference between plant communities of wet and dry springs. This data is important for long-term monitoring of the spring ecosystems as well as for the compilation of management plans.
Highlights
The Kammanassie Nature Reserve was established in 1978 to conserve the Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra population present in the area and the natural ecosystems as part of the mountain catchment area
The analysis resulted in the identification of the following fourteen plant communities, which can be grouped into 11 major community types: 1. Blechnum tabulare-Hippa frutescens fern community
The plant species identified from this study can be included into the Kammanassie Nature Reserve Management Plan and will result in a more comprehensive plant species list for the reserve
Summary
The Kammanassie Nature Reserve was established in 1978 to conserve the Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra population present in the area and the natural ecosystems as part of the mountain catchment area. A large number of springs is found scattered throughout the reserve contributing to the high species richness and different ecosystem functioning while providing drinking water to various animals, especially the Cape mountain zebra (Cleaver 2004). It was decided to determine the floristic composition of springs to give an indication of what flora is currently found at the springs and what species could be lost should further flowing springs dry up on the reserve. This information is important for future management purposes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
