The suitability of the degradation gradient method in arid Namibia
2005 | journal article; research paper. A publication with affiliation to the University of Göttingen.
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Details
- Authors
- Getzin, Stephan
- Abstract
- The Degradation Gradient Method (DGM) is a sophisticated technique for the assessment of range condition. It applies multivariate analyses of herbaceous species data to detect subtle degrees of overgrazing. The suitability of this multivariate method was tested in the central Highland Savanna of Namibia by comparing its results against a univariate analysis of herbaceous data in a simple but robust Range-Unit Model. Despite aridity and topographical heterogeneity, the DGM performed unexpectedly well under these conditions. The relative instability of this dry savanna system favoured the applicability of the DGM by promoting a clear grazing gradient. Using species density data only resulted in an incorrect outcome of the multivariate analysis. The sensitivity of the DGM could be improved by combining density and cover data.
- Issue Date
- 2005
- Journal
- African Journal of Ecology
- Organization
- Fakultät für Forstwissenschaften und Waldökologie ; Büsgen-Institut ; Abteilung Ökosystemmodellierung
- ISSN
- 0141-6707; 1365-2028
- Language
- English
- Subject(s)
- Aridity; Cover and density data; Grazing gradient; Ordinations; Species response curves; Topographical heterogeneity