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How to classify South African indigenous forests: approach, methods, problems, perspectives

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Date
2002
Type
Book Chapter

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Mucina, L. & Geldenhuys, C.J. 2002. How to classify South African indigenous forests: approach, methods, problems, perspectives. In: Seydack, A.H.W., Vorster, T., Vermeulen, W.J. & van der Merwe, I.J. (eds), Multiple use management of natural forests and savanna woodlands: policy refinements and scientific progress: pp 1-9. Dept. of Water Affairs & Forestry, Indigenous Forest Management, Pretoria.
Source Title
Multiple use management of natural forests and savanna woodlands: policy refinements and scientific progress
Faculty
School of Agriculture and Environment
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Department of Environmental Biology
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This item may be available from Professor Ladislav Mucina

Email: L.Mucina@curtin.edu.au

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Abstract

South African indigenous forests were the subject of a classification exercise aimed at definition of major forest types and construction of a simple hierarchical vegetation system for the purposes of biodiversity conservation and large-scale planning. Field data (in total almost 4500 vegetation relevés) were classified (and subject to other numeric-analytical pattern seeking tools) to achieve our goals. This paper is describing and discussing the major features of the approach used. Points of departure and their consequences for the data-analyses are presented, motivation for particular choice of techniques is revealed and technical issues of the analyses discussed in detail. The approach featured in this paper can serve as a raw pattern for methodological basis for other endeavours involving classification of vegetation in South Africa.