Climate Change Impacts on Dwarf Succulents in Namibia as a Result of Changes in Fog and Relative Humidity

The Succulent Karoo is well known for being rich in species with approximately 5,000 vascular plant species, and has a high floral endemicity. In this study, we investigate the current status of the dwarf succulents of Namibia, as represented by two genera in the Aizoaceae: Conophytum (restricted distribution) and Lithops (wider distribution) and examine possible climate change impacts on these genera by studying the effects on non-rainfall moisture availability (number fog days and relative humidity). Both genera show a contraction and loss of habitat, despite their drought resistant nature and adaptation to the current arid environment. This study demonstrates that climate-change induced alterations to the number of fog days in Namibia results insignificant changes in the distribution of the dwarf succulents, and shows the Atlantic coast and Orange River areas as potential refuge areas for dwarf succulents such as Conophytum and Lithops. KeywordsClimate Change; Conophytum; Lithops; Dwarf Succulents; Fog; Relative Humidity; Succulent Karoo; Namibia