Climate Change Impacts on Hydrological Niches of Restionaceae Species in Jonkershoek, South Africa

Climate change is significantly altering the hydrological niches of Restionaceae species within the Cape Floral Region, posing threats to their survival. This study reveals that microclimatic shifts, driven by changing water availability in South Africa's semi-arid environment, are reshaping plant species distribution and reducing species richness. Researchers generated unique microclimate hydrological datasets for Jonkershoek, a protected area, to model these changes under future climate scenarios. The findings underscore the critical need for monitoring and assessing Restionaceae species to mitigate impacts from urbanization, agriculture, groundwater extraction, and climate change.

Guo, D., Midgley, G. F., Araya, Y. N., Silvertown, J., & Musil, C. F. (2016). Climate Change Impacts on Hydrological Niches of Restionaceae Species in Jonkershoek, South Africa. Journal of Water Resource and Hydraulic Engineering, 5(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.5963/jwrhe0501002