Environmental Impact of Traditional Farming
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Questions and Answers

What was the average standing 'dead grass' abundance across the catchment during the 2000 dry season?

  • 0.5–12.5% (correct)
  • 10–20%
  • 20–30%
  • 0–5%

    • The abundance of perennial grasses significantly increased in the wet season of 2000 compared to the dry season of 2000.

    False

    What was the minimum standing 'dead grass' abundance observed closest to water points?

    0%

    The 2000 wet season had a significantly greater annual grass abundance than the ____ wet season.

    <p>1999</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following grass types with their seasonal abundance:

    <p>Annual Grasses = Greater in wet season than dry season Perennial Grasses = Little seasonal difference observed Annual Forbs = Greater abundance in wet seasons than dry season Standing Dead Grass = Minimum observed close to water points</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What statistical value indicates a significant seasonal difference in forb abundance?

    <p>p = 0.018</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Annual grasses showed a decrease in abundance within 1.0 km of a water point, which was significant.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the 2000 dry season, what was the variance of the standing 'dead grass' abundance?

    <p>79.23%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may have been a flaw in the studies referenced by Sullivan (1999)?

    <p>Ignoring abiotic factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The average rainfall serves as a reliable predictor for seasonal rainfall in the arid north-west.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the annual grasses and forbs usually do during the dry season?

    <p>They usually do not survive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In 1995, Sesfontein received ____ mm of rain.

    <p>335</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following rainfall data with its associated year:

    <p>1995 = 335 mm of rain 1981 = 0 mm of rain 1999 = 70% of long-term mean rainfall 2000 = 170% of long-term mean rainfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of grasses are characterized by forming tufts and retaining leaves throughout the year?

    <p>Perennial grasses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method was used for field sampling in the study?

    <p>Zurich–Montpellier method</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All transects were established at a distance from any water sources.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What vegetation community dominates the 50–100 mm rainfall zone?

    <p>S.uniplumis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The long dry season has no impact on domestic stock and wildlife.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect of below-average rainfall on grazing and browsing?

    <p>Limited grazing and browsing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The area around water sources is dominated by __________.

    <p>annual forbs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the vegetation with the corresponding rainfall zone:

    <p>C.mopane woodlands = 350 to 100 mm rainfall zone Perennial grasses (S.uniplumis) = 50–100 mm rainfall zone Annual forbs = High-impact zone around water sources F.albida = Seed pods available during drought</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of grazing do domestic stock and wildlife rely on during drought?

    <p>Browsing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are animals observed eating during the dry season from previous growth?

    <p>Dried stalks of grass, fallen leaves, bark, buds of trees, and seed pods of F.albida.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Vegetation diversity and abundance increase around water sources.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which trees were primarily observed to be browsed by wildlife during the dry season in the Hoanib River catchment?

    <p>C.mopane and F.albida</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Domestic stock, particularly goats, could easily browse extensively on F.albida trees due to low browse heights.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of vegetation was most available for livestock immediately before and right after the first rains?

    <p>New leaves on tree species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Elephants, giraffes, and gemsbok were observed consuming the bark and pods of ________ and ________ trees.

    <p>F.albida, C.mopane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the animals with their feeding habits:

    <p>Cattle = Grass-dominated Camels = Browse-dominated Goats = Mixed feeders Sheep = Mixed feeders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of feed was mainly obtained by livestock such as cattle?

    <p>Dry grasses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wildlife would prefer to graze in riverbeds only during the wet season when new vegetation was available.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major source of nitrogen intake for sheep and goats during the dry season?

    <p>Seedpods of A.tortilis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following studies focuses on the ecological implications related to ungulate diversity in African savannas?

    <p>Functional significance of ungulate diversity in African savannas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The document includes a study on seasonal vegetation changes in the Hoanib River catchment.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the study conducted by Jacobson, Jacobson, and Seely in 1995?

    <p>Ephemeral rivers and their catchments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The study by Giess in 1971 provides a preliminary vegetation map of __________.

    <p>South West Africa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following authors with their respective studies:

    <p>Du Toit &amp; Cumming = Ungulate diversity in savannas Ellison = Grazing and plant succession Leggett, Fennessy &amp; Schneider = Water sources and usage in Namibia Malan &amp; Owen-Smith = Ethnobotany of Kaokoland</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Namibia's ecology does the study by Maggs, Craven, and Kolberg (1998) investigate?

    <p>Botanical diversity in Namibia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Rural Development published a comprehensive land use plan for the Sesfontein Constituency in 1997.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who authored a rapid survey method for estimating density and cover in desert plant communities?

    <p>J.R. McAuliffe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Overview of Grazing Impact Studies

    • Previous studies indicated significant grazing impact due to local herdsmen overuse, with flawed methodologies cited by later researchers.
    • Flaws include neglecting spatial and temporal interpretations of ecological data, the role of abiotic factors, and misconceptions about traditional farming practices.

    Rainfall Variability in the North-West

    • Rainfall is highly variable both spatially and temporally, complicating agricultural predictions.
    • Example: Sesfontein recorded an average rainfall of 107 mm, but extreme values of 0 mm (1981) and 335 mm (1995) were noted.
    • Seasonal rainfalls fluctuate, affecting vegetation growth and species survival.

    Vegetation Types and Dynamics

    • Annual grasses and forbs thrive during wet seasons but typically die out in dry seasons.
    • Perennial grasses maintain a tufted structure and retain leaves throughout the year, showing less seasonal variation.
    • The abundance of grass species (annual vs. perennial) fluctuates significantly between wet and dry seasons.

    Field Sampling Techniques

    • Vegetation transects were established in eight focal areas, mostly originating from permanent water sources.
    • Surveys during dry seasons noted standing ‘dead grass’ abundance ranging from 0.5% to 12.5% across distances from water sources.
    • Proximity to water affects standing grass abundance with the closest areas showing reduced ‘dead grass’ levels.

    Seasonal Changes in Grass and Forb Abundance

    • Annual grass abundance was notably higher during the 2000 wet season compared to 1999 as indicated by statistical significance.
    • Perennial grass abundance showed no significant annual variation, remaining consistently low.
    • A significant increase in forb abundance occurred during wet seasons compared to dry seasons; however, annual differences were not significant.

    Impact of Grazing on Conservation

    • Areas with high concentrations of domestic stock experienced limited grazing options during the dry season.
    • Both wildlife and domestic stock forage on dried leaves, pods, and other plant materials, affecting overall vegetation patterns.

    Browsing Behavior of Domestic and Wild Animals

    • Various species, including elephants and giraffes, were observed feeding on specific trees (F.albida, C.mopane) during dry seasons.
    • Domestic stock, particularly goats, require diverse diets, including browsing on shrubs and trees, impacting vegetation health and diversity.

    Response of Vegetation to Rainfall Patterns

    • Vegetation in the Hoanib River catchment is influenced by annual rainfall variability rather than land use.
    • Four vegetation communities correspond to varying rainfall zones, showcasing a mix of woodland and grassland types.
    • The presence of annual forbs dominates near water sources, with reduced vegetation diversity.

    Environmental Challenges

    • Long dry seasons pose significant grazing challenges; animals resort to consuming dried vegetation and tree pods.
    • Rainfall fluctuations lead to variability in grazing intensity, with browsing becoming more crucial during drought periods.
    • Severe droughts result in catastrophic losses within animal populations due to inadequate feed sources.

    Acknowledgements

    • Appreciation extended to various organizations and individuals aiding in the study, including DRFN staff and local communities of the Hoanib River catchment.

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    Related Documents

    Seasonal Vegetation Changes in the Hoanib River Catchment, Northwestern Namibia (2002) PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the ecological implications of traditional communal farming practices, particularly in arid regions. It discusses research critiques regarding the assessment of spatial and temporal scales in ecological studies, and examines the influence of abiotic factors on local ecosystems.

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