Determination of Hydrological Niche of Restionaceae Species in Silvermine, South Africa | Chapter 1 | Current Advances in Geography, Environment and Earth Science Vol. 1

 

The Fynbos biome's Restionaceae plants are part of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), one of the world's only six floristic kingdoms. Urbanization, agricultural growth, and groundwater extraction are all threats. As a result, the Restionaceae family must be assessed and monitored. Because South Africa is a semi-arid country, hydrological considerations play a big role in determining species niches. This study looks at the microclimate at Silvermine and the role of hydrological variables in plant distribution, resulting in the formation of a hydrological niche. For the purpose of modelling species niche, this study creates its own unique microclimate hydrology information. In addition, at a microclimate level in a semi-arid environment, this study evaluated and modelled the effectiveness of using hydrological factors to estimate species hydrological niche. It also offered evidence for the study's significance in terms of conservation and future climate change impacts on plant species and species richness. Many studies have predicted range constriction and species losses since the CFR has been frequently used as a test example for modelling climate change impacts on biodiversity at the biome and species level. This work should be looked at further as a sample of species interaction with the Restionaceae species' hydrological niche over time.

Author(S) Details

Danni Guo
Climate Change and Land Degradation Unit, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa

Judith L. Arnolds
Climate Change and Land Degradation Unit, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa.

Guy F. Midgley
Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Yoseph N. Araya
Department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems, Open University, UK.

Jonathan Silvertown
Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Ashworth Laboratories, Edinburgh University, UK.

Charles F. Musil
Climate Change and Land Degradation Unit, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa.

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