Phytosociology of Golden Gate Highlands: A focus on Drakensberg-Amathole Afromontane Fynbos

Abstract

Vegetation mapping with details of plant communities plays an important role in managing and conserving the natural environment. Vegetation types mapping by Du Preez, including the current Drakensberg-Amathole Afromontane Fynbos (Gd6) in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, somewhat differs from that of Mucina and Rutherford. Recent research indicated that the Gd6 vegetation type is very restricted in the park. Apart from these shortcomings, there are also questions about the occurrence of other fynbos components within the grassland biome. Using the Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale, 108 sample plots were placed in three transects across the mapped and proposed sections of Gd6 to collect vegetation data. A TWINSPAN classification in JUICE suggests the phytosociological classification of two distinct plant communities. These two communities were further confirmed by ordination, which indicated that the communities had different environmental preferences. The combination of different plant families found during the study confirms the composition of fynbos elements within the grassland. Our research findings indicate that Gd6 is present within Golden Gate Highlands National Park and serves as a baseline for plant communities related to this vegetation type. The results further suggest that both mapped and proposed sections should be combined to create a single, more detailed map.
Conservation implications: The analysis of plant species and communities in the proposed and mapped sections of the Drakensberg-Amathole Afromontane Fynbos indicated the presence of this vegetation type within Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The description of these communities helped to define and assist with the criteria for the management and protection of fynbos components in the grassland.