What shapes the range edge of a dominant African savanna tree, <i>Colophospermum mopane</i>? A demographic approach

Stevens, Nicola

doi:10.1002/ece3.7377

Cited by 12 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 89 publications

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“…Differences in tree stem density relative to unburnt plots across the driest landscape (Mopani) are likely due to the coppicing response of C. mopane to topkill caused by fire, thereby increasing stem densities. These trees are known to coppice after fire, re‐sprouting to form multi‐stem structures, with increased branching (stems) and a reduction in main stem height (Stevens, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of long‐term fixed fire regimes on African savanna vegetation biomass, vertical structure and tree stem density

Singh

Boucher

Hockridge

et al. 2023

Journal of Applied Ecology

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1. Fire plays an integral role in shaping the vegetation structure of savanna ecosystems. However, the effects of fire regime characteristics, such as frequency and season of burn, on savanna vegetation structure, biomass and tree abundance across landscape types are largely unknown.2. We used high-resolution airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to investigate the long-term effects of fire manipulation on savanna vegetation in Kruger National Park, South Africa. We analysed the effects of fire exclusion and experimental burns every 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 years and during different seasons on aboveground biomass (AGB), tree stem densities and vegetation vertical height profiles across a rainfall gradient and on contrasting geologies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These trees are known to coppice after fire, re-sprouting to form multi-stem structures, with increased branching (stems) and a reduction in main stem height (Stevens, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of long‐term fixed fire regimes on African savanna vegetation biomass, vertical structure and tree stem density

Singh

Boucher

Hockridge

et al. 2023

Journal of Applied Ecology

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“…ENM findings can also help determine a species’ physiological tolerance, which, when combined with knowledge of life history, physiological and behavioral characteristics, could help select the most plausible predictions (Escobar and Craft, 2016). Climate change is also influencing mopane populations, raising concerns about the future of woodlands in southern Africa (Stevens et al, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling the effects of bioclimatic characteristics and climate change on the potential distribution of a monospecific species Colophospermum mopane (Benth.) Léonard in southern Africa

Schneider

2021

Preprint

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Global climate change is gradually changing species distribution and their patterns of diversity. Yet, factors that influence the local distribution and habitat preferences for southern African species remain largely unexplored. Here, we computed the suitable habitats in the southern African region for Colophospermum mopane (Benth.) using the maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling approach. We utilized one Global Circulation Model (GCM) and three Representative concentration pathways (RCPs) to determine the current and future distribution of C. mopane. The results showed that the distribution of C. mopane was mainly influenced by solar radiation, annual temperature range, and annual precipitation. According to the species response curves, this species preferred habitats with annual precipitation of 130-200 mm, an annual temperature range of 28˚ C, and elevations of about 500 m above sea level. The results highlight that the geographic range of C. mopane is likely to expand along the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe in the future, particularly in the miombo plains. Conversely, suitable habitat areas reduce significantly in the eastern area of the southern African region, while the western areas expand. Overall, the appropriate habitat areas will likely decline in the 2050s under both RCPs and expand in the 2070s under the two scenarios. This knowledge is important for landscape planners and rangeland managers working to safeguard biodiversity from extinction.

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“…Considering the high fire sensitivity of woody seedlings and saplings ( Gignoux et al 2009 ;Joubert et al 2012 ;Stevens 2021 ), all new tree cover colonization from the past 2 yr is removed after a fire event. Technically, the model stores information on the tree cover increase over 2 yr and in case of a fire subtracts it from the tree cover.…”

Section: Firementioning

confidence: 99%

Balanced Functional Herbivore Composition Stabilizes Tree-Grass Coexistence and Productivity in a Simulated Savanna Rangeland Ecosystem

Szangolies

Lohmann

Hauptfleisch

et al. 2023

Rangeland Ecology & Management

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What shapes the range edge of a dominant African savanna tree, Colophospermum mopane? A demographic approach

Abstract: Deciphering the determinants of species distribution ranges is a question that has intrigued ecologists for decades (Darwin, 1859;

Cited by 12 publications

References 89 publications

Effects of long‐term fixed fire regimes on African savanna vegetation biomass, vertical structure and tree stem density

Effects of long‐term fixed fire regimes on African savanna vegetation biomass, vertical structure and tree stem density

Modelling the effects of bioclimatic characteristics and climate change on the potential distribution of a monospecific species Colophospermum mopane (Benth.) Léonard in southern Africa

Balanced Functional Herbivore Composition Stabilizes Tree-Grass Coexistence and Productivity in a Simulated Savanna Rangeland Ecosystem

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