A gradient analysis of grassed mountain catchments in the Natal Drakensberg.

Abstract

An indirect gradient analysis was carried out on vegetation and environmental data from the Mdedelelo Wilderness Area of Cathedral Peak State Forest in Highland Sourveld. Vegetation ordination axes were correlated with environmental variables deduced to have influenced species-composition. Altitude proved a significant conjugate variable in the absence of tractable fire data.Language: English

Keywords: cathedral peak; Elevation; Environment; environmental data; environmental variable; environmental variables; fire; gradient analysis; highland sourveld; Indirect gradient analysis; mdedelelo wilderness area; Natal Drakensberg; ordination; south africa; species composition; Vegetation; Vegetation environment relationships