Changes in area of grasslands on the dunes between Richards Bay and the Mfolozi River, 1937 to 1974.

Abstract

Grasslands on the dunes between Richards Bay and the Mfolozi river have diminished rapidly during the last 34 years (1973: 2 829 ha, 32%; 1974: 399 ha, 4, 8% of study area). They have been replaced by Acacia karroo Woodland, Secondary Dune Scrub and plantations of Eucalyptus spp. and Pinus spp. The changes are due to measures adopted by the Department of Forestry against fire, woodcutting, grazing and shifting cultivation as well as extensive reafforestation programmes. If conditions persist, the grasslands will soon disappear from the region.

Keywords: acacia karroo; botany; coastal dune forest; cultivation; dune scrub; dunes; eucalyptus; fire; forestry; grasslands; grazing; kwazulu-natal; land use; mfolozi river; pinus; plantations; richards bay; south africa; vegetation change