Composition, pattern and diversity of some Transkeian grasslands

Abstract

Species composition, pattern and diversity of selected grassland communities were determined by using point samples, transects and quadrats. The continuously grazed grasslands of Dohne Sourveld generally had the richer species composition, the highest diversity and the most variable intra‐community pattern. Forb species were mainly responsible for the higher diversity in these grasslands compared with more severely disturbed sites (e.g. old fields). The intra‐community pattern was, however, determined by the relative proportions and distribution of the grass species.

Uittreksel

Spesiessamestelling, patroon en diversiteit van geselekteerde grasveldgemeenskappe is bepaal deurpunt‐, transek‐ en kwadraat opnames. Die aanhoudend beweide grasvelde van die Dohne Suurveld het oor die algemeen die rykste spesiessamestelling, die hoogste diversiteit en die mees veranderlike intra‐gemeenskap patroon gehad. Kruidagtige spesies was hoofsaaklik verantwoorde‐lik vir die hoër diversiteit in die grasveld in vergelyking met die meer oorbenutte gebiede (bv. ou lande). Die intra‐gemeenskap patroon, aan die anderkant, is deurdie relatiewe verhoudingen verspreiding van die grasspesies bepaal.

Additional index words:

• Dohne Sourveld
• grazing pressure
• management
• veld condition