Development of a technique for assessing veld condition in the Kruger National Park using key grass species

Abstract

A technique based on key grass species was developed for assessing veld condition in the Kruger National Park in terms of its potential to produce grass forage for consumption by herbivores and fine fuels for veld burning. Fourteen grass species were selected out of a total of 93 species. Forbs were treated as a single separate category. The key species included at least two species from the decreaser and increaser categories. Multiple regression models were developed using these species which are able to estimate accurately the forage and fuel potential of the veld and also indicate trends in the condition of the grass sward.

‘n Tegniek gebaseer op sleutel grasspesies is ontwikkel vir die bepaling van veldtoestand in die Nasionale Kruger Wildtuin in terme van die vermoë daarvan om grasvoer en fyn brandstof vir veld brand te verskaf. Veertien gras en onkruidspesies is uitgesoek uit ‘n totaal van 93 spesies plus onkruide. Die sleutelspesies het minstens twee toenemer en twee afnemer spesies ingesluit. Akkuraat veelvuldige regressie modelle is ontwikkel wat die voer en brandstof produksie kan skat asook neigings in veldtoestand kan bepaal op grond van die voorkoms van die sleutelspesies.

Additional index words:

• Modelling
• nature conservation
• veld
• wild life