Dolomitic vegetation of the Sterkfontein Caves World Heritage Site and its importance in the conservation of Rocky Highveld Grassland

Abstract

An analysis of the vegetation of the Sterkfontein Caves (i.e. the natural area surrounding the caves) is presented. Releves were compiled in 24 stratified random sample plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed six plant communities, also referred to as vegetation units. For each of these vegetation units the species richness was determined. Plant communities of conservation importance were identified and new associations were formally described.

Keywords

• biodiversity
• conservation
• dolomite
• Gauteng
• grassland
• phytosociology
• species richness.