RT Journal
T1 VEGETATION DYNAMICS PRIOR TO WILDLIFE REINTRODUCTIONS IN SOUTHERN UMFURUDZI PARK, ZIMBABWE
A1 V. K. Muposhi1
A1 M. Ndlovu
A1 E. Gandiwa
A1 J. Muvengwi
A1 N. Muboko
JF Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences
JO JAPS
SN 1018-7081
VO 24
IS 6
SP 1680
OP 1690
YR 2014
FD 2014/12/01
DO DOI NA
AB <p>Vegetation assessments are critical in the status and success of reintroduction programs and are an important aspect in ecological restoration. Vegetation structure and composition influences the suitability and availability of unique habitats for different wildlife species. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish the vegetation structure and composition, and (2) determine the soil-vegetation associations in southern Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe, prior to the reintroduction of wildlife species. Using a stratified random design, 15 rectangular plots from three strata were assessed in April and May 2012. A total of 23 woody plants from 58 tree and 68 shrub families as well as 30 grass species were recorded. Tree basal area, canopy cover, tree density, tree and grass species diversity, and tree height for the riverine strata were significantly different from the miombo and vlei strata. The influence of soil properties on the occurrence and diversity of woody and grass species was evident across the three strata. Long-term changes in the vegetation dynamics and primary productivity in southern Umfurudzi Park due to the reintroduced mega-herbivores is recommended for the success of the restoration program.</p>
K1 restoration ecology, miombo ecosystem, herbivores, species diversity, vegetation structure
PB Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum
LK https://thejaps.org.pk/AbstractView.aspx?mid=2014-JAPS-241