Floristic composition of wetlands of the South African section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park

A comprehensive survey of wetlands in the South African section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park (MDTP) identified 36 distinct plant communities, categorized into five main types based on altitude and soil conditions. These include high-altitude fens, hygrophilous grasslands, shrubby wetlands, mixed sedgelands, and low-altitude sedge and reedlands. The study found that altitude and soil wetness are the primary factors influencing wetland vegetation composition. Conducted across six catchments along altitudinal gradients, this research provides critical insights into the ecological diversity of MDTP wetlands, contributing to conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sieben, E. J. J., Kotze, D. C., & Morris, C. D. (2010). Floristic composition of wetlands of the South African section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park. Bothalia, 40(1), 117–134. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v40i1.201