Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Southern African Savanna Rangelands: Threats, Impacts and Solutions

Abstract

Savanna rangelands provide diverse communities across southern Africa with livestock and wildlife-based livelihoods, as well as extensive ecosystem services. Historical usage patterns, however, are increasingly challenged by widespread degradation. While regional- and local-scale policy initiatives have attempted to minimize damage and increase the sustainability of savanna rangelands, poverty, land tenure and shifting climate conditions all exacerbate ongoing degradation. Here, we detail the environmental and political setting of southern African savanna rangelands, causes and implications of rangeland degradation, and discuss possible strategies toward improved regional ecosystem management. We present recent knowledge on how degradation by bush encroachment influences biodiversity and biodiversity-mediated ecosystem functioning of semiarid savanna rangelands with the aim of improving rangeland management strategies. Improved rangeland management requires a broad approach which integrates both socioeconomic and ecological frameworks, built upon improved understanding of the strong couplings between flora, fauna, water and land-management strategies.