A floristic assessment of the Turfloop Nature Reserve

Abstract

The aim of the study was to generate new ecological data for the Turfloop Nature Reserve (TNR), which would lead to practical management recommendations that should reduce or minimise the current negative anthropogenic and ecological impacts on the TNR. A limited ethnobotanical survey was conducted at the two villages, Badimong and Ga-kama, surrounding the TNR. Questionnaires were used to ascertain these communities’ attitude towards the reserve and their use of the reserve. Results show that the surrounding communities have great interest in the reserve for various socio-economic reasons. These include collecting wood for building, firewood and grass for thatching, resulting in serious damage to the reserve. Utilisation of the reserve is motivated by high levels of poverty, and a general absence of environmental knowledge. A phytosociological study of the vegetation was undertaken using the Braun Blanquet method. A total of 33 plots were sampled and classified by means of TURBOVEG, TWINSPAN and MEGATAB. The study revealed that the vegetation of the TNR could be divided into five main communities, some with a number of sub-communities and variants. The TNR is composed of two different vegetation types, namely the Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld and Polokwane Plateau Bushveld. Recommendations on viable ecological vegetation management, to minimize current anthropogenic influences on the reserve, are provided.