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

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Authors
Mucina, Ladislav
Geldenhuys, C.
Date
2002
Type
Book Chapter

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Citation
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
Remarks

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.