Impact of bush encroachment on African savannah rangelands in the face of climate change and variability
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
In the African continent, especially in the southern part of the continent, climate change has been associated with significant changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. Some of the signs of climate variability noted in Southern Africa are low and erratic precipitation that leads to drought, along with increases in temperature. Due to the climate variability, terrestrial ecosystems such as savannah rangelands have been adversely affected which has led to the disruption of ecosystem services and spatial configuration. For example, studies have shown that rainfall variability in the arid savannah regions is the primary determinant of the rate of bush encroachment. In rangelands, climate change has a significant impact on the transition from grass-dominated species to woody species, which is influenced by the specific weather patterns in the area. In this regard, it is pivotal to understand the rate of bush encroachment within the savannah rangelands of South Africa. The impact of bush encroachment on savannah rangelands amid climate variability in (un)protected areas remains under explored, despite extensive works in bush encroachment in general. In order to gain a thorough understanding of how environmental changes affect the growth of bushes, both in untouched landscapes and in human-manipulated environments. The main aim of this study was to assess the utility of remotely sensed data in detecting and mapping the extent of bush encroachment in the African savannah rangelands in the face of climate change and variability. To address the overarching aim of this study, four specific objectives were set. Firstly, a review of literature on advancements in satellite sensing of the impacts of climate and variability on bush encroachment in savannah rangelands was conducted.
Description
Keywords
Bush encroachment, Climate change and variability, African savannah rangelands, Native invasive species, South Africa