Introduction:
The fynbos biome (Figure 1) is the most species rich biome in South Africa. Most people are under the impression that the fynbos biome is synonymous with the Cape Floral Kingdom, but the fynbos biome refers to only two vegetation groups namely the Fynbos and Renosterveld region. The Cape Floral Kingdom refers to the general geographical area and includes vegetation types such as Forest, Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Thicket Biomes. The fynbos biome only covers about 6, 7 % of South Africa and has the highest number of plant species than any other biome in our country. About 7 500 plant species are found within the fynbos biome.
Figure 1: Map of the fynbos biome
Apart from its uniqueness, the fynbos biome is also very threatened …show more content…
These factors firstly include alien invader species and has the biggest impact in the conservation of this biome. These factors firstly include alien invader species. Two of the most significant alien invaders that influence the biome negatively are Hakea gibbosa and Hakea serica. These plants were introduced in the 1830’s from Australia. They form massive monospecific stands, which ultimately replaces indigenous species found in the biome. Acacia cyclops and Acacia saligna are both invader plants from Australia that was introduced in the late 19th century to stabilise shifting sand on the Cape flats. It can either be trees or small shrubs and thus eliminates the chances for fynbos species to survive. Pinus pinaster originates from the western Mediterranean region of Europe and was established as plantations by the French Huguenots. This species transforms the landscape, reduces the carrying capacity of the land and increase the risk of unwanted fires. (Bromilow,C. 2010). These are the species that invade the area mostly although other alien invaders are also found.
The second major influence on the fynbos biome is due to urbanisation. There are a few fynbos species that are only found in a certain area which are called “centres of endemism”. Cape Town is found in two of these centres which results in about 700 fynbos species now being threatened by urbanisation. The Cape Flats for example, …show more content…
Man-made fires should be quickly extinguished or controlled properly when it is done as an alien plant control method. Fires that are caused naturally, for example, through lightening but are in the wrong season should be extinguished and controlled. More research regarding fire and the fynbos biome should be done to ensure that the process and needs of the biome are properly understood. Orothamnus zeyheri is a perfect example, during the 1960’s only 10 of these plants were found in the Kogelberg area. This was due to the fact that the authorities stopped any fires in the area and led to the seeds not germinating. After a fire was started more of these plants were found and they are now not critically
The fynbos biome (Figure 1) is the most species rich biome in South Africa. Most people are under the impression that the fynbos biome is synonymous with the Cape Floral Kingdom, but the fynbos biome refers to only two vegetation groups namely the Fynbos and Renosterveld region. The Cape Floral Kingdom refers to the general geographical area and includes vegetation types such as Forest, Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Thicket Biomes. The fynbos biome only covers about 6, 7 % of South Africa and has the highest number of plant species than any other biome in our country. About 7 500 plant species are found within the fynbos biome.
Figure 1: Map of the fynbos biome
Apart from its uniqueness, the fynbos biome is also very threatened …show more content…
These factors firstly include alien invader species and has the biggest impact in the conservation of this biome. These factors firstly include alien invader species. Two of the most significant alien invaders that influence the biome negatively are Hakea gibbosa and Hakea serica. These plants were introduced in the 1830’s from Australia. They form massive monospecific stands, which ultimately replaces indigenous species found in the biome. Acacia cyclops and Acacia saligna are both invader plants from Australia that was introduced in the late 19th century to stabilise shifting sand on the Cape flats. It can either be trees or small shrubs and thus eliminates the chances for fynbos species to survive. Pinus pinaster originates from the western Mediterranean region of Europe and was established as plantations by the French Huguenots. This species transforms the landscape, reduces the carrying capacity of the land and increase the risk of unwanted fires. (Bromilow,C. 2010). These are the species that invade the area mostly although other alien invaders are also found.
The second major influence on the fynbos biome is due to urbanisation. There are a few fynbos species that are only found in a certain area which are called “centres of endemism”. Cape Town is found in two of these centres which results in about 700 fynbos species now being threatened by urbanisation. The Cape Flats for example, …show more content…
Man-made fires should be quickly extinguished or controlled properly when it is done as an alien plant control method. Fires that are caused naturally, for example, through lightening but are in the wrong season should be extinguished and controlled. More research regarding fire and the fynbos biome should be done to ensure that the process and needs of the biome are properly understood. Orothamnus zeyheri is a perfect example, during the 1960’s only 10 of these plants were found in the Kogelberg area. This was due to the fact that the authorities stopped any fires in the area and led to the seeds not germinating. After a fire was started more of these plants were found and they are now not critically