Impacts of Afforestation with Pines on Assemblages of Native Biota in South Africa

SYNOPSIS

An overview of the impacts of pine afforestation on indigenous biota in South Africa is presented. Changes in the soil, hydrology. habitat structure, micro-environment, food resources and ecological processes of the afforested area occur. These changes influence native organisms and biotic assemblages in various ways. Generally, species richness and numbers of plants and animals indigenous to the native habitat are reduced in plantations. Species may be eliminated from the planted areas.

Woodland and forest species may benefit from pine plantations in terms of food and sites for germination and maturation, nesting, sleeping or resting, and the pines may facilitate the expansion of their local distributions.

Few indigenous species are pests of pines, though some can cause considerable damage and economic expense in plantations. Native species are generally beneficial to the forestry industry through their contribution to the maintenance of ecosystem functioning, pest control and additional revenue generation. Correct management of unplanted areas, such as rotational mosaic burning within the natural fire regime, can ensure the continuing presence of many native species in forestry areas. These well-managed areas may be important for the persistence of some species in a region, especially where surrounding land use practices are detrimental to their habitats.