Browsing by Author "Muoria, Paul"

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    Spatial-temporal variation of biomass production by shrubs in the succulent karoo, South Africa
    (Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 2021-04-30) Konje, Martha Muthoni; Muoria, Paul; Wabuyele, E.; Vetter, Susanne
    Forage production in arid and semi-arid rangelands is not uniform but varies with seasons and in various landscapes. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal variation in forage production in RNP. Plants sampling was carried out in 225 plots distributed in each of the five vegetation types. In each vegetation strata, sampling points was based on proximity to an occupied stock post, a rain gauge, a foothill and flat plains. A total of were measured in the 5 study sites. Line Intercept Method in combination with harvest method were used in ground measurement of biomass production. To assess biomass production using remote sensing technique, par values were obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imageries which consisted of 8 days composite images at spatial resolution of 1km² pixel size. There was positive correlation between line intercepts and biomass production Biomass production was higher in succulent Karoo biome than in desert biome. There was a strong relationship between biomass production with rainfall and with fpar values. Since leaf and stem succulents’ plants were found to contribute the highest amount of forage production in RNP, they should be given conservation priority.
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    Spatio-Temporal Variation In Forage Production In A Key Resource Area In Succulent Karoo Rangeland, South Africa
    (Researchjournali’s Journal of Ecology, 2021-03-07) Konje, Martha Muthoni; Muoria, Paul; Wabuyele, Emily; Vetter, Susanne
    For herbivores to survive in arid rangelands, they largely depend on landscapes that act as grazing reserves during the dry seasons. In Richtersveld National Park, the dry season forage consists of browse from tree branches, litter and grass that grow along the Orange River. The aim of the study was to determine how browse production by tree species along the riparian zone (a key resource area), vary between the sites, with time and among the tree species, as well as the implication of a dry season key resource in management of rangelands. Sampling of tree species took place at three study sites along the riparian zone. In each site, temporal available standing biomass, browse and litter production by the seven dominant tree species were sampled. To calculate the total biomass production per tree canopy area, branch-count method was used up to a height of 1.5 m. Browse production differed between the tree species and between sampling periods but not between the sampling sites. Key resource area was found to play an important role in sustaining herbivores populations during the dry seasons as well as to reduce the negative effects associated with continuous grazing on the landscapes.