Abundance, population structure and harvesting selection of two palm species (Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata) in Zitundo area, southern Mozambique
- Authors: Martins, Angelina R O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182003 , vital:43789 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.05.005"
- Description: In southern Mozambique, the sap and leaves of the palms Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata are harvested by local people as sources of traditional beverages, weaving, roofing, fencing and furniture material. The harvesting of these palm products may affect palm population structure, dynamics and viability. This work evaluates the abundance, population structure and harvesting selection of these two heavily harvested palm species. Hyphaene coriacea was more abundant, with a mean density of 601.5 ± 455.9 stems ha−1 against the 251.9 ± 527.3 stems ha−1 of Phoenix reclinata. Both species exhibited steeper negative slopes in the regression analyses of the size class distribution, indicating the presence of more individuals in smaller size classes. Although there was a dominance of shorter over taller size classes, limited recruitment was observed through low densities of seedling and juvenile size classes compared to the size class 1–50 cm. The Simpson index of dominance, the permutation index, and the fluctuating quotients between the consecutive size classes showed a degree of instability in both populations. Hyphaene coriacea appears to be more resilient to tapping than Phoenix reclinata, evident in the higher rate of stem survival after tapping. Hyphaene coriacea is favored for tapping compared to Phoenix reclinata. Tappers exhibited positive selection for five out of the six Hyphaene coriacea size classes, against only one Phoenix reclinata size class. The most preferred size class to tap for both species was between 101 cm and 150 cm tall. The instability detected by the indices of population stability, the coincidence between the size classes with high numbers of dead stems and the most preferred and the low level of the sexual reproduction encountered in both population emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring as well as management measures that integrate the resource users, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Aspect and slope as determinants of vegetation composition and soil properties in coastal forest backdunes of Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ruwanza, Sheunesu , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180376 , vital:43358 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12343"
- Description: Coastal sand dune ecosystems are subjected to many stress and disturbance factors that are particularly high in the foredunes compared to the backdunes. Although a few studies have been conducted on eastern coastline sand dunes of South Africa, none have examined the relationship between aspect and slope on vegetation composition and soil properties of coastal forest backdunes. Vegetation and soil sampling were conducted in 11 transects, each with four plots measuring 10 × 10 m, located on the seaward and landward sides and on middle and lower slopes of backdunes of Bathurst coastal forest. A total of 39 species were identified, of which 23 were trees and shrubs, thirteen were forbs and three were grasses. The data show that both aspect and slope had limited influence on vegetation community assemblage and soil properties, but had significant effects on individual species distribution. There was a grass-dominated community on the middle slope and a tree- and shrub- dominated community on the lower slope. These two plant communities act as the required coastal forest ecosystem engineer driving variability in soil properties between the slopes, the most prominent being high soil nutrients and moisture in the lower slopes compared to the middle slopes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Children and wild foods in the context of deforestation in rural Malawi
- Authors: Maseko, Heather N , Shackleton, Charlie M , Nagoli, J , Pullanikkatil, Deepa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182101 , vital:43800 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-017-9956-8"
- Description: There is growing recognition of the contribution of wild foods to local diets, nutrition, and culture. Yet disaggregation of understanding of wild food use by gender and age is limited. We used a mixed methods approach to determine the types, frequencies, and perceptions of wild foods used and sold by children in four villages in southern Malawi that have different levels of deforestation. Household and individual dietary diversity scores are low at all sites. All households consume one or more wild foods. Across the four sites, children listed 119 wild foods, with a wider variety at the least deforested sites than the most deforested ones. Older children can name more wild foods than younger ones. More children from poor households sell wild foods than from well-off households. Several reasons were provided for the consumption or avoidance of wild foods (most commonly taste, contribution to health, limited alternatives, hunger, availability, local taboos).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Ecosystem-scale impacts of non-timber forest product harvesting: Effects on soil nutrients
- Authors: Ruwanza, Sheunesu , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180099 , vital:43309 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12891"
- Description: The harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is a global phenomenon, the sustainability of which has been studied for many species at the individual and population level. However, the broader scale impacts of NTFP harvesting have been acknowledged but rarely examined. We assessed plant size and the soil attributes undercanopy and in the open, in replicate, paired harvested and non-harvested sites for three NTFPs differing in the extent of biomass removed, i.e. timber for firewood from a tree (Acacia karroo), fruits from a cactus (Opunita ficus-indica) and flowering culms from a grass (Cymbopogon marginatus). Soil variables tested included pH, resistivity, P, total N, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, K, Na, Ca and Mg. The extent of loss of soil nutrients decreased across the three NTFPs relative to the proportion of biomass removed. Thus, significant differences in more soil variables were evident for the firewood species, least for the fruit species and intermediate for the grass species. Lower soil pH, P, C and K were evident in soils collected underneath A. karroo, while losses in cations of Na, Ca and Mg were reported in soils underneath C. marginatus, and only NO3N losses were recorded underneath O. ficus-indica. Our study reveals that while non-timber forest product (NTFP) harvesting may affect soil nutrients, this is not uniform between species and is likely to be a function of the extent of biomass removed and harvesting frequency. This indicates the need for caution in generalisations about the ecosystem-level impacts of NTFP harvesting as well as a concerted effort to better understand impacts at a greater range of scales than has been the case to date.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Forest degradation and invasive species synergistically impact Mimusops andongensis (Sapotaceae) in Lama Forest Reserve, Benin
- Authors: Sinasson, Gisèle K , Shackleton, Charlie M , Glèlè Kakaï, Romain L , Sinsin, Brice
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182038 , vital:43792 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.12370"
- Description: Harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) can threaten target species, especially those with limited distribution and density. Exploited species also face threats from habitat fragmentation, fire, and invasive species. We assessed the impact of human disturbances and invasive species on the population of a key multipurpose NTFP species, Mimusops andongensis, in Lama Forest reserve (Benin). The densities of adult trees and regenerative stems decreased with increasing degradation. Mimusops andongensis contributed less to total tree density with increasing human disturbance. There were significantly fewer M. andongensis recruits with increasing cover of invasive Chromolaena odorata. Smaller diameter individuals predominated in non-degraded and moderately degraded sites while in degraded sites, the structure showed a negative exponential trend with the density of small diameter individuals being less than two trees/ha. Larger individuals were also rare in degraded sites. The low density of both mature trees and seedlings in degraded sites may undermine the long-term viability of M. andongensis, despite existing protection against NTFP harvesting and other anthropogenic pressures. Management should emphasize facilitating recruitment subsidies and limiting the presence of C. odorata.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
How compatible are urban livestock and urban green spaces and trees?: An assessment in a medium-sized South African town
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Guild, Jenny , Bromham, B , Impey, S , Jarrett, Mitchell , Ngubane, S , Steijl, K
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181048 , vital:43694 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2017.1314968"
- Description: Urban green spaces and trees provide multiple benefits to urban residents and the sustainability of cities. A poorly examined benefit is the provision of fodder to urban livestock. However, the presence and activities of livestock may be incompatible with other uses, although this has been little studied. We examined the impacts of livestock on trees and parks along a gradient of declining livestock density, complemented with a tree planting experiment to monitor damage. Neighbouring residents and park managers were interviewed regarding their perceptions of damage caused by livestock. The negative impacts on soil compaction, tree damage and death increased with increasing livestock densities. Thorny tree species were damaged significantly less (13 %) than non-thorny species (77 %), as were protected trees (25 %) relative to unprotected ones (65 %). There was more tree damage in public green spaces (PUGS) (54 %) than control sites (38 %). The majority of local residents felt that livestock should not be allowed in formal PUGS, and most urban park managers regarded livestock damage as a strong disincentive to plant trees. These results show the need for management of the trade-offs caused by livestock and greater appreciation of livestock as agents shaping aspects of PUGS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Integrating biodiversity considerations into urban golf courses: Managers’ perceptions and woody plant diversity in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Jarrett, Mitchell , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180353 , vital:43356 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1747423X.2017.1325525"
- Description: Rapid rates of urbanisation affect biodiversity through habitat fragmentation and loss. Because urban golf courses are large green spaces, they potentially harbour much biodiversity if managed for such. The area of untransformed land of golf courses in the Eastern Cape (South Africa) was determined using Geographic Information System (GIS), the woody plant composition of a subsample was determined by field sampling and the greenkeepers were interviewed. There was a significant relationship between climate and woody cover, species richness and percentage native plants but not species diversity. There was no relationship between management scores and species richness, diversity and percentage native. Significant relationships were evident between woody plant species richness and course income, number of grounds staff, number of club members and greenkeepers’ years of experience. These results suggest a complex suite of factors that play a role in the woody plant composition of urban golf courses and their contribution to urban biodiversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Local knowledge on the uses, habitat, and change in abundance of multipurpose mimusops species in Benin
- Authors: Sinasson Gisèle K , Shackleton, Charlie M , Assogbadjo, Achille E , Sinsin, Brice
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181105 , vital:43699 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-017-9370-6"
- Description: Multipurpose NTFP species typically experience higher harvest demand because of their multiple uses, which, when combined with unsustainable land use practices, may threaten population viability. We assessed local knowledge on the uses, habitat, and population status of Mimusops andongensis and Mimusops kummel, both multipurpose NTFP species in Benin, to promote their valorization and conservation and thus sustain local knowledge on their uses for domestication issues. One hundred households were randomly selected for structured interviews for M. andongensis and 500 for M. kummel. The relationship between age, sex, and ethnic groups and the species uses was assessed using comparison and correspondence analyses. Nearly all organs of the species were used. Both species were mainly exploited for medicinal purposes but also in construction and as firewood. We found similarities in some uses of the species organs, although the species occur in different ecological zones and are used by different ethnic groups. This result should be considered for the valorization of the species. Most informants reported that populations of M. andongensis were decreasing, although some felt that they were increasing, whereas less than one-third said that M. kummel was decreasing. There were strong relationships between gender, age, and ethnic affiliation of the users and the exploited organs of both species. Potential uses exist based on both the past and current uses of the species and in comparison to other countries where they are exploited. Local ethnoecological knowledge and practices will help to valorize and conserve the species. However, further research on the species’ seed germination and propagation ability are also necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Population size and development history determine street tree distribution and composition within and between Eastern Cape towns, South Africa
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180468 , vital:43392 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.04.014"
- Description: Street trees are a common feature of urban nature, providing ecological, economic and social benefits. These public functions are highly dependent on specific design principles, including the composition and diversity of tree species within the urban forest. Consequently, it is important to understand the patterns and correlates of street tree distribution and diversity to assess benefit flows. This requires sampling across and within towns. This paper reports on an assessment of the distribution, composition and diversity of street trees between and within multiple South African towns, and ascertains the correlations between tree density and composition with social contexts. Randomly selected streets were sampled in the affluent, township and low cost housing suburbs of ten Eastern Cape towns. Sixty-nine out of 300 sampled transects had street trees, with 888 trees enumerated, spanning 97 species. Alien tree species accounted for 71% of all the enumerated trees while indigenous trees species accounted for 12%. Tree density and composition were significantly lower in smaller towns and those marginalised during the previous racially-based political regime. Within towns, the poor areas had fewer street trees, with many streets having none. Collaboration and constant communication between the various government departments involved in suburb development is crucial to ensure a more rigorous incorporation of green infrastructure into the building and development plans of new housing developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The contribution of NTFP trade to rural livelihoods in different agro-ecological zones of South Africa
- Authors: Mugido, Worship , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398370 , vital:69404 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1505/146554817821865063"
- Description: In South Africa, there is extensive NTFP trade within communities and via external markets. However, there is a limited indication of the proportion of all households trading one or more NTFPs, and how it varies in relation to local context. Therefore, this study sought to establish the proportion of households trading in NTFPs in sites of different distances to urban markets and agro-ecological zones of South Africa. The results showed that about 6.4% households reported selling NTFPs for various reasons, with many (22%) citing the need to earn cash income and limited employment opportunities (16.9%). Even though the returns from trading NTFPs are relatively low, every earning is very important to many cash-strapped rural households. This was demonstrated by the fact that many sellers of NTFPs used their earnings to augment household income and cover their living expenses.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2017
The effects of expansive shrubs on plant species richness and soils in semi-arid communal lands, South Africa
- Authors: Sholto-Douglas, Craig , Shackleton, Charlie M , Ruwanza, Sheunesu , Dold, Tony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398394 , vital:69408 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2745"
- Description: Expansion by expansive species can have severe ecological, social and economic impacts through the reduction of ecosystem goods and services and species richness. However, expansion by expansive species may also offer benefits to ecosystems and humans, through the supply of ecosystem goods and services (such as firewood, fodder and fruits), as well as potentially offering refugia in heavily used landscapes. Here, we examine the effects of four expansive dwarf shrub species (Aspalathus subtingens, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Pteronia incana and Oedera genistifolia) on plant species richness (at the point scale), vegetation cover, soil properties and whether the expansive species offer refugia to other species. Plant species richness, cover and soil properties were recorded in 1-m2 quadrats located within a mosaic of expanded and non-expanded patches for the four expansive shrub species. Plant species richness was significantly higher in the non-expanded areas compared to the expanded ones for all four expansive species. Some of the expansive shrubs provided refugia to certain plant species and limited the frequency of other species. With regard to species composition, there was little separation of expanded and non-expanded samples within sites, indicating that the site factors were stronger determinants of plant species richness and composition than expansion. Therefore, it is more likely that the reduction in species richness in expanded sites is caused by multiple drivers, including vegetation attributes cover, litter cover and soil nutrients (organic C, Zn and P) and soil compaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The safety net function of NTFPs in different agro-ecological zones of South Africa
- Authors: Mugido, Worship , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180111 , vital:43311 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11111-017-0285-z"
- Description: Various South African studies have shown that rural households use NTFPs as safety nets in times of misfortune. However being focused on one or two sites, they do not show the prevalence of NTFP use as safety nets across multiple sites. In addition, they do not show the use of NTFPs as safety nets by rural households in different agro-ecological zones. The results of the study showed that about 79% of the total households interviewed experienced at least one shock of some magnitude in the previous 12 months. The most experienced shocks were illness, death, crop failure, and hunger. The households employed various coping strategies in response to different types of shocks, with the three widely used strategies being assistance from friends and relatives, using cash savings, and using NTFPs. Households in low agro-ecological zones used NTFPs as safety nets more than households in high agro-ecological zones.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Voices of the hungry: A qualitative measure of household food access and food insecurity in South Africa
- Authors: Chakona, Gamuchirai , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398443 , vital:69412 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-017-0149-x"
- Description: South Africa is rated a food secure nation, but large numbers of households within the country have inadequate access to nutrient-rich diverse foods. The study sought to investigate households’ physical and economic access and availability of food, in relation to local context which influences households’ access to and ability to grow food which may affect the dietary quality. We sought to understand self-reported healthy diets, food insecurity from the perspective of people who experienced it, barriers to household food security and perceptions and feelings on food access as well as strategies households use to cope with food shortages and their perceptions on improving household food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Woody plant species richness, composition and structure in urban sacred sites, Grahamstown, South Africa
- Authors: De Lacy, Peter J G , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180079 , vital:43307 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-017-0669-y"
- Description: Sacred sites are important not only for their traditional, spiritual or religious significance, but may also potentially be valuable for biodiversity conservation in human transformed landscapes. Yet, there has been little consideration of sacred sites in urban areas in this respect. Consequently, to better understand the ecosystem service and conservation value of urban sacred sites, inventories of their floral communities are needed. We examined the richness, composition and structure of the trees and shrubs in 35 urban churchyards and cemeteries in the City of Saints (Grahamstown). The combined area of urban sacred sites (38.7 ha) represented 2.2% of the city area and 13.6% of the public green space area. Species richness of woody plants was high, albeit dominated by non-native species. Levels of similarity among sites were low, indicating the effects of individual management regimens. There was no relationship between age of the site and measured attributes of the vegetation, nor were there any significant differences in vegetation among different religious denominations. However, the basal area and number of woody plants was significantly related to site size. These results indicate the significant heterogeneity of urban sacred sites as green spaces within the urban matrix. The significance of this heterogeneity in providing ecosystem services to users of sacred sites and the broader urban communities requires further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The benefits from and barriers to participation in civic environmental organisations in South Africa
- Authors: Higgins, Olivia , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180813 , vital:43648 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-015-0924-6"
- Description: With growing global public awareness of a wide range of conservation and environmental issues, environmental volunteerism is increasing. In order to attract and retain volunteers, it is useful to understand what benefits they hope for as well as the barriers that hinder their participation. Here we examine the benefits from and barriers to participation in 26 conservation and environmental civic organisations in South Africa, categorised by their primary mission as botanical, wildlife or green. Questionnaires were sent to volunteers on the mailing list of each civic organisation (and 66 responses received), supplemented with direct interviews with key staff and five focus group discussions. There were differences in the perception of benefits obtained and barriers experienced by volunteers between the three groups. Respondents from botanical and green civic organisations rated enjoyment of the task as the primary benefit, whereas the most common response amongst wildlife organisation volunteers was a higher level of life satisfaction. Lack of time was a major barrier across all groups, whilst lack of communication between organisers and volunteers was mentioned frequently by volunteers in wildlife and green organisations. The mean number of hours offered per volunteer was significantly higher amongst wildlife organisations than either botanical or green ones, but for all three, the value of volunteer contributions was, at several millions of rand annually, substantial. There was no relationship between the number of perceived benefits and the number of hours volunteered. This study indicates that motivations and barriers differ amongst volunteers, which is important to acknowledge in attracting and optimising the contributions of conservation and environmental volunteers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The trade in and household use of Phoenix reclinata palm frond hand brushes on the Wild Coast, South Africa: Effects on soil nutrients
- Authors: Mjoli, Nwabisa , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180800 , vital:43647 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-015-9316-9"
- Description: The Trade in and Household Use of Phoenix reclinata Palm Frond Hand Brushes on the Wild Coast, South Africa. This paper reports on an investigation of the harvesting, trade, and use of hand brushes made from fronds of the wild palm, Phoenix reclinata. We considered both the abundance of the resource as well as the demand. Within the harvesting areas, there were approximately 141 palm plants per hectare, of which almost two-thirds showed no signs of frond harvesting. During harvesting, most fronds (82%) were left on the plant, 16% were removed to make brushes, and 2% were cut and discarded. Although the number of harvesters had increased during the last decade, most felt that the number of palm plants had remained stable or even increased over the same period. There was strong consensus that cut fronds were replaced within two months, after which a particular stem could be harvested again. Harvesting and trade were practiced largely by middle-aged to elderly women, who had limited formal education, skills, and employment prospects. Most had entered the trade because of cash income poverty. The main markets for selling the palm brushes were in nearby urban areas. The income earned from the trade was modest, but still rated highly by the traders, for most of whom it was the second most-important source of cash income. For many users, the palm brushes was found to be the only type of brush suitable for cleaning mud and cow-dung flooring and, most importantly for many, their use forms part of a long household use history and culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Household wealth status and natural resource use in the Kat River valley, South Africa
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181301 , vital:43717 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2005.04.011"
- Description: Much work has demonstrated the significant role and value of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the livelihoods of rural people in southern Africa and elsewhere. The findings provide a mean or composite picture, averaged across the sample households within each community. Yet, within any given community, there is significant socio-economic differentiation. It is important to acknowledge such differentiation when considering policy and management interventions to support rural livelihoods and promote sustainable resource use. This paper reports on a study in South Africa, the objective of which was to explore wealth-related differences and similarities in the use and value of NTFPs. Data on NTFP consumption, purchase, and sale were collected from households in three rural villages. Households were divided into three wealth classes and patterns of NTFPs use between the classes examined. There was no difference in the proportions of households in each wealth class using NTFPs, nor the total number of NTFPs used per household. Yet, there was some supporting evidence that poorer households derive greater benefits from NTFPs than do wealthy or intermediate households. One clear difference was that, with increasing wealth, households purchased significantly more NTFPs, and a greater proportion of wealthy households did so. Conversely, a greater proportion of poor households were involved in the sale of one or more NTFPs, and they sold a greater number per household, compared to wealthy and intermediate households. Detailed examination of use and value of four NTFPs (fuelwood, wild fruits, edible herbs, and grass hand brushes) revealed that in all instances, the poorest households used more of the resource per capita than the other wealth classes. This was not the case for comparisons based on the total household as the unit of analysis. Gross annual direct-use value did not differ between the wealth classes for any of the four NTFPs examined, at the household level. But on a per capita basis, a significantly higher gross annual direct-use value was evident within poorer households for fuelwood and edible herbs. The significance of these differences is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Harvesting impacts on commonly used medicinal tree species (Catha edulis and Rapanea melanophloeos) under different land management regimes in the Mpumalanga Lowveld, South Africa
- Authors: Botha, Jenny , Witkowski, Ed T F , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181379 , vital:43728 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v47i2.77"
- Description: Harvesting of products from plants in the wild is widespread throughout southern Africa. Particularly important products are plant parts used in traditional medicine. However, the impacts of harvesting practices are rarely quantified, with as yet insufficient generic rules across species and life forms. This limits the predictive ability to monitor and manage the affected populations. This paper examines the harvesting impact on two popular woody medicinal species used throughout sub-Saharan Africa, namely Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl. (bushman’s tea) and Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez. (Cape beech). In both species, basal diameters, heights, and the number of size classes in the harvested populations were lower than in unharvested. Densities of harvested populations were higher in both species, including densities of young plants, but the frequency of individuals in larger size classes was lower. The populations of both species being harvested for medicinal products appeared to be withstanding the current levels of harvesting, but the population structure of C. edulis populations being harvested for poles on the roadside and near human settlements had been substantially altered. Despite the resilience of the two species to harvesting for medicinal products, loss of habitat or changes in land use pose a threat to a number of the assessed populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Impact of fire frequency on woody community structure and soil nutrients in the Kruger National Park
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Scholes, Robert J
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181874 , vital:43776 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v43i1.210"
- Description: Although fire is recognised as an important determinant of the structure and function of South African savannas, there are few studies of long-term impacts. Controlled burning blocks of contrasting fire season and frequency have been maintained throughout the Kruger National Park for almost 50 years. This paper reports on a quantitative study of the Satara plots to determine the long-term impacts of fire frequency on woody community structure and soil nutrients. Increasing fire frequency significantly decreased woody plant basal area, biomass, density, height, and mean stem circumference. The number of stems per plant and the proportion of regenerative stems increased with increasing fire frequency. Effects on species richness of woody plants were inconsistent. There were no significant differences attributable to fire frequency for any of the soil variables except organic matter and magnesium. Organic carbon was highest in the fire exclusion treatment and lowest in soils from plots burnt triennially. Magnesium levels were greatest in the annually burnt soils and least in the triennial plots.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000