Understanding the spatio-temporal distribution of bush encroachment in savannah rangelands, South Africa

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dc.contributor.authorMaphanga, Thabang
dc.contributor.authorShoko, Cletah
dc.contributor.authorSibanda, Mbulisi
dc.date.accessioned2025-02-03T13:06:20Z
dc.date.available2025-02-03T13:06:20Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractBush encroachment threatens rangelands’ biodiversity and productivity, impacting savannah ecosystems based on location, management practices, and factors like erratic rainfall, climate change, and environmental variability. Considering these challenges, this study therefore seeks to evaluate bush encroachment changes over-time (1992–2022) in the Southern part of Kruger National Park and surrounding communities of South Africa. The study estimated the proportion and extent of encroacher plants in relation to native bush species. To achieve this objective, bioclimatic variables, and a digital elevation model in conjunction with the Random Forest model were utilized. Classified satellite imageries achieved an overall accuracy of 72 and 93%, respectively. A gradual increase in bush encroachment was observed from 41,947 hectares (ha) (3.4%) in 1992 to 61,225 ha (10%) in 2022. Additionally, this study observed a decline in the spatial extent of native plant species by 178,163.4 ha, while invasive species have expanded by 44,022.17 ha from 1992 to 2022 wet season.
dc.identifier.citationMaphanga, T., Shoko, C., Sibanda, M., Thamaga, K.H. and Dube, T., 2024. Understanding the spatio-temporal distribution of bush encroachment in savannah rangelands, South Africa. Geocarto International, 39(1), p.2366515.
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2024.2366515
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/19961
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherTaylor and Francis Ltd.
dc.subjectbioclimatic variables
dc.subjectBiological invasion
dc.subjectclimate change
dc.subjectmulti-date analysis
dc.subjectseasonal variability
dc.titleUnderstanding the spatio-temporal distribution of bush encroachment in savannah rangelands, South Africa
dc.typeArticle

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