Open AccessDolomitic vegetation of the Sterkfontein Caves World Heritage Site and its importance in the conservation of Rocky Highveld Grassland
Author(s) -
Frances Siebert,
S.J. Siebert
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
koedoe
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.419
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 2071-0771
pISSN - 0075-6458
DOI - 10.4102/koedoe.v48i1.163
Subject(s) - vegetation (pathology) , grassland , cave , geography , species richness , ecology , plant community , vegetation types , world heritage , forestry , environmental science , archaeology , habitat , biology , medicine , tourism , pathology
An analysis of the vegetation of the Sterkfontein Caves (i.e. the natural area surrounding the caves) is presented. Releves were compiled in 24 stratified random sample plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed six plant communities, also referred to as vegetation units. For each of these vegetation units the species richness was determined. Plant communities of conservation importance were identified and new associations were formally described