Structure and diversity of the dry woodland savanna of northern Namibia

Abstract

Abstract by author:

The first section deals with the ecological setting of the dry woodlands savanna, highlighting the interconnectedness of various determinant and modifying factors that affect vegetation development. This is dealt with in the following publications:

Graz, F. P. 2003. An HTML-based concept model of the dry savanna woodland ecosystem, for teaching and learning. Conservation Ecology 7 (1) : 9. URL: http://www. consecol. org/vol7/iss1/art9

Graz, F. P. submitted. Determinants of vegetation patterns in the dry woodland savanna of northeastern Namibia

These are supported by the following four publications that deal with specific species found in the woodlands, but are of lesser significance

Graz, F. P. 2004. Description and Ecology of Pterocarpus angolensis in Namibia. Dinteria 29:27-39

Graz, F. P. 2002. Description and Ecology of Schinziphyton rautanenii (Schinz) Radcl. -Sm. In Namibia. Dinteria 27:19-35

Graz, F. P.. 2003. Fire damage to Schinziphyton rautanenii (Schinz) trees in North-Eastern Namibia. Dinteria 28:39-43. v

Graz, F. P. 2003. The growth of Schinziphyton rautanenii seedlings under different shade conditions. Dinteria 28:44-46

The second section deals with two different aspects of woodland structure in three subsections. Population structures of two prominent woodland species are described and analysed in relation to the ecological background. Based upon these descriptions and interpretations a yield regulation system is proposed for use in northern Namibia in the absence of growth data. The system considers the natural mortality rates of the woodland species as well as desired quantities of timber in a specific finalsize class. This is dealt with in the following publication:

Graz, F. P. & von Gadow, K. submitted. Application of a Stem Number Guide Curve for sustainable harvest control in the dry woodland savanna of northern Namibia

Finally, the importance of the spatial aspects of woodland structure is considered. A simulation model was developed and used to investigate the behaviour of the mingling index, Msp, that was subsequently used to quantify aspects of spatial structure. This is dealt with in the two publications below:

Graz, F. P. 2004. The behaviour of the species mingling index Msp in relation to species dominance and dispersal. European Journal of Forest Research 1:87-92

Graz, F. P. in press. Assessing the spatial diversity of a dry savanna woodland stand in Northern Namibia using neighbourhood-based measures. Biodiversity and Conservation