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List of vegetation types of South Africa

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Vegetation types of South Africa.

This article lists the diverse vegetation types of South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini that have been sampled, classified, described, and mapped by the SANBI VEGMAP project. The resulting vegetation map and its associated database are crucial resources for biodiversity planning and research.[1] The project is ongoing, with updates released as more data becomes available. The first map was published in 2006, with subsequent updates in 2009, 2012, 2018, and 2024.[2] The 2018 revision was the most significant to date, with 47 vegetation types added, 35 removed, and numerous boundary edits.[3] This update also ensured the vegetation map was fully aligned with the National Biodiversity Assessment 2018.[3]

The classification system arranges vegetation types hierarchically within nine defined biomes and a tenth azonal group. Within the biomes, the system describes bioregions, with the vegetation types representing the most detailed level. Each vegetation type consists of a group of plant communities with similar biotic and abiotic features. Using a GIS, the vegetation types are plotted on the map at the highest available resolution.[1]

The mapping of the distribution and extent of South Africa's natural vegetation began in 1918 with the establishment of the Botanical Survey of the Union of South Africa. Previous national vegetation maps by Pole-Evans (1936), Acocks (1953), and Low and Rebelo (1996) preceded the current system, which is a collaborative effort involving participants from various centres across the country.[4]

Savanna

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Savanna biome vegetation types.

88 Savanna vegetation types, code SV:[5]

Grassland

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Grassland biome vegetation types.

73 Grassveld (Grassland) vegetation types, code G:[5]

Fynbos

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Fynbos biome vegetation types.

Following the 2018 SANBI update, the Fynbos Biome now includes 122 vegetation types.[3] It comprises three main vegetation complexes based on climatic and soil (edaphic) features: Fynbos, Renosterveld, and Strandveld.[6][7][8]

Fynbos

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81 Fynbos vegetation types, code FF:[5]

Renosterveld

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Renosterveld was formally grouped under the Fynbos biome in 2018.[3] It contains the highest concentration of threatened plant species in South Africa.[9] There are 29 Renosterveld vegetation types, code FR:[5]

Strandveld

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Strandveld units are retained within the Fynbos Biome.[3] There are 9 Strandveld vegetation types, code FS:[5]

Succulent Karoo

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Succulent Karoo biome vegetation types.

65 Succulent Karoo vegetation types, code SK:[5]

Albany Thicket

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Albany Thicket biome vegetation types

As a result of the 2018 update, the number of Albany thickets vegetation types increased to 44.[3] The list below contains 45 types from the 2012 map.[5]

Nama Karoo

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Nama-Karoo biome vegetation types.

14 Nama Karoo vegetation types, code NK:[5]

Azonal

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Azonal vegetation types.

The Azonal group was reduced from 34 to 18 types in the 2018 map revision due to the reassignment of several estuarine and wetland units.[3] The list below reflects the 35 types on the 2012 map, code AZ:[5]

Forest

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Forest biome vegetation types.

12 Forest vegetation types, code FO:[5]

Indian Ocean Coastal Belt

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Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biome vegetation types.

5 Indian Ocean Coastal Belt vegetation types, code CB:[5]

Desert

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Desert biome vegetation types.

15 Desert vegetation types, code D:[5]

Subantarctic

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8 Subantarctic vegetation types, code ST:[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b "National Vegetation Map". South African National Biodiversity Institute. 4 March 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  2. ^ "National Vegetation Map". SANBI. 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Dayaram, A.; Harris, C.; Grobler, B.A.; van der Merwe, S.; Rebelo, A.G.; Powrie, L.W.; Vlok, J.H.J; Desmet, P.G.; Qabaqaba, M.; Hlahane, K.M.; Skowno, A.L. (2019). "Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland 2018: A description of changes since 2006". Bothalia. 49 (1): a2452. doi:10.4102/abc.v49i1.2452.
  4. ^ "National Vegetation Map Project (VEGMAP) - Map versioning". South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Mucina, L.; Rutherford, M.C.; Powrie, L.W. (eds.). "The Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland". South African National Biodiversity Institute (Version 2012. ed.).
  6. ^ "Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan & Guidelines" (PDF). CapeNature. 2023. p. 10. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Fynbos Endemics Bird-friendly Management Guidelines" (PDF). BirdLife South Africa. 2018. p. 4. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  8. ^ "City of Cape Town Biodiversity Report" (PDF). City of Cape Town. 2018. p. 19. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  9. ^ "State of Biodiversity Report" (PDF). CapeNature. 2023. pp. 4, 13. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
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