The extent of grass species composition in Braklaagte, Zeerust District, North-West Province, South Africa

Abstract

Grassland retrogression in tribal areas is evident. Long-term overgrazing by livestock plays an important role in grassland retrogression. Palatable species are the first to disappear and are then followed by the non-palatable species. Mismanagement and the incorrect grazing strategies by local farmers contribute to the problem. Vegetation in Braklaagte, in the Zeerust District is overgrazed and is a clear example of land degradation. Twelve target sites in Braklaagte were identified and the vegetation was compared with the vegetation in the nearby Madikwe Game Reserve that served as a benchmark reference.

Keywords: benchmark, Braklaagte, grassland retrogression, Madikwe Game
Reserve, mismanagement

African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2005, 22(3): 177–184