Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Joshua, Q. I., Hofmeyr, M. D., Henen, B. T., & Weitz, F. M. (2005). Seasonal changes in the vegetation of island and mainland habitats of angulate tortoises in the western cape, south africa. South African Journal of Science, 101(9-10), 439–445.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:32:47 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Joshua2005 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Chersina, Chersina angulata, Ernährung = nutrition, Habitat = habitat, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Südafrika = Southern Africa, Testudinidae Creators: Henen, Hofmeyr, Joshua, Weitz Collection: South African Journal of Science |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Chersina angulata Understanding variation in vegetation communities is integral to characterizing resource requirements of herbivores over their range. We evaluated seasonal environmental effects on the plant composition of two contrasting angulate, tortoise habitats in the southwestern Cape. Plant cover, species diversity and the variety of growth forms were substantially greater at the West Coast National Park (WP) than on Dassen Island (BI). Although shrubs and grasses were dominant growth forms at the WP, herbs, succulents, restios, sedges and parasitic plants contributed 30% of the cover. Most species had low relative cover indices, and a few perennial species provided most of the cover. On the island, succulents and herbs were the only growth forms, and ephemeral plants contributed more than perennials did to plant cover throughout the year. Seasonal fluctuations in plant cover, species richness and diversity on DI were larger than in the WP, despite the island experiencing higher annual rainfall and milder temperatures. The perennial flora in the WP provided greater stability with smaller responses to high summer aridity and large temperature fluctuations. Although the WP supports a greater variety of herbivores, the island has a higher density of angulate tortoises, showing this species' adaptability to a depauperate flora.
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