characterization, classification and inventory

Savanna Wetland ProjectKruger, Marakele and Mapungubwe

National Parks, South Africa: Characterization, classification and

inventoryApril 2009

Jonathan S. Price, Piet‐Louis Grundling, Althea T. Grundling and Albert P. Grootjans

([email protected])

LOCATION

www.selftours.co.za/maps.htm

Mapungubwe

Marakele

Problem Statement: A comprehensive wetland inventory does not exist for these 3 parks

What is a wetland?1. Presence of water at the surface or in the rooting zone2. Unique soil conditions3. Vegetation adapted or tolerant of wet conditions (or the absence

of flood‐intolerant species)Photo by Rina Grant

Key question: what constitutes a wetland in these parks

• Reed beds on deep sandy alluvium?

• Floodplains?

• Pans?

• Springs ?

Reedbed in Kruger (Olifants)

Objectives

1. Characterize wetlands by ecozone• Geology and geomorphology, • Climate and hydrology,• Soils and vegetation.

Wetland on Letaba Tshokwane road

Objectives

2. Classify wetlands based on the hydro-geomorphic setting, vegetation cover and habitat type

Maloutsa Pan in Mapungubwe

Objectives3. Determine wetland health - e.g.

erosion impacts, grazing pressure, trampling, etc.

Nkumbe view point

Objectives

4. Compile an inventory on a 1:50 000 scale.

Wetlands of Marakele National Park: understanding the geo‐hydrological setting

Piet‐Louis Grundling , Jonathan S. Price and Sarah WebbDepartment of Geography

April 2009

Marakele Wetland objectives:

• Determine the type and ecological status of the Matlabas headwater wetland

• Establish its hydrological function

• Determine rehabilitation priorities and measures

Matlabas headwater wetland

Variety of wetland zones

Photo: Rina Grant

Peat dome

Peatland desiccation

Hydrological monitoring

Piezometer nest

Flow level in channels

Groundwater level and piezometer head ‐ seep on edge of wetland (P1)

Groundwater level and piezometer head ‐ peat dome in wetland (P2)

Google Image – note the underlying geologic structure

Geology Map

Oulande se Vlei

Photo: Cathy Griever

Basic geohydrology framework

Sandstones

Sandstones

Sandstones/shales

Sandstones/shales

Future work• Do a detailed survey of flux points to establish a water balance

• Map different wetness zones in the wetland, as well as erosion and desiccation features

• Work out a strategy to monitor impact sites

• Compile a management plan (including a restoration*) for comment by management

• Map and investigate the rest of the Marakele wetlands

characterization, classification and inventory

Documents