Diversity and species turnover on an altitudinal gradient in Western Cape, South Africa : baseline data for monitoring range shifts in response to climate change
Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
A temperature and moisture gradient on the equator-facing slope of Jonaskop on the Riviersonderend Mountain, Western Cape has been selected as an important gradient for monitoring the effects of climate change on fynbos and the Fynbos-Succulent Karoo ecotone. This study provides a description of plant diversity patterns, growth form composition and species turnover across the gradient and the results of four years of climate monitoring at selected points along the altitudinal gradient. The aim of this study is to provide data for a focused monitoring strategy for the early detection of climate change-related shifts in species' ranges, as well as gaining a better understanding of the role of climate variability in shaping species growth responses, their distributions, and other ecosystem processes.
Description
CITATION: Agenbag, L. et al. 2008. Diversity and species turnover on an altitudinal gradient in Western Cape, South Africa : baseline data for monitoring range shifts in response to climate change. Bothalia, 38(2): a287, doi:10.4102/abc.v38i2.287.
The original publication is available at https://abcjournal.org
The original publication is available at https://abcjournal.org
Keywords
Plant diversity -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Fynbos, Succulent plants, Fynbos ecology -- South Africa
Citation
Agenbag, L. et al. 2008. Diversity and species turnover on an altitudinal gradient in Western Cape, South Africa : baseline data for monitoring range shifts in response to climate change. Bothalia, 38(2): a287, doi:10.4102/abc.v38i2.287.