Gross vegetation changes in the dune area between Richards Bay and the Mfolozi River, 1937—1974

Abstract

Marked changes in dune vegetation as shown on air photos taken in 1937 and 1974 are described and quantified. About fifty-five per cent of the study area changed from one mapping unit to another. The changes are due mainly to secondary successions e.g. from grassland to  Acacia karroo Woodland and  Acacia karroo Woodland to Secondary Dune Forest. They result from protection by the Department of Forestry, which is also responsible for extensive afforestation. It is estimated that under the existing favourable climatic conditions it takes some dune grassland only 25-60 years to develop to mature Acacia karroo Woodland and a further 30 to 150 years to proceed to Secondary Dune Forest.