Field Trips

An introduction to long-term fire, herbivory and drought experiments in Kruger National Park

The experimental burn plots in the Kruger National Park are amongst the longest, ongoing fire manipulation trials in the world, having been established in the 1950s with the aim of assessing the impacts of different fire regimes on the four dominant vegetation landscapes in the park. These plots – which experience controlled manipulations of fire frequency and seasonality, have supported numerous research projects that have informed our understanding of the effects of fire across many aspects of savanna ecology, including fire behaviour, vegetation dynamics, soil properties, invertebrate and herbivore communities, and carbon sequestration.

This morning excursion will be led by Professor Dave Thompson of SAEON and will visit some of the experimental burn plots in the knob-thorn marula savannas of central KNP. The group will be joined by Dr Tercia Strydom, senior manager for systems ecology in KNP, who will give an overview of the history of the burn plots, as well as their value as a research platform. In addition, the group will see and discuss experimental infrastructure linked to two ongoing research projects sited on the burn plots; one a 20-year investigation into the interactive effects of fire and herbivory, the other an investigation into the additive impacts of artificial extremes of fire, herbivory and drought disturbance.

Mariepskop,  at 1,947 m above sea level, is one of the highest peaks in the northern Drakensberg, and the highest point of the Blyde River Canyon. The mountain is bordered by sheer cliff faces on several sides, and is composed of Proterozoic sedimentary rocks of the Transvaal Supergroup. Several distinguishable plant communities as you go up the mountain. The foothills comprise low altitude woodlands, which are distinguished as lowveld gallery forest, savanna on mountain slopes, savanna on rocky terrain and submontane forest. At and near the summit, the high mountain grassland is locally replaced by a type of fynbos vegetation. The higher elevations are home to the mountain plateau, Widdringtonia and montane forest plant communities. (For more information, see van der Schijff, H. P.; Schoonraad, E. (1971). The Flora of the Marysol Complex. Bothalia. 10 (3): 461–500. doi:10.4102/abc.v10i3.1554)

This will be a morning expedition up Mariepskop, guided by TBC and Dr. Tony Swemmer, who has been involved in some of the rehabilitation work on the mountain. Unfortunately, we can only accommodate a small number of delegates on this expedition, as only a few 4x4 vehicles will be able to access the track up the mountain.

You might like to drive to the base of the mountain and then continue on your journey home (via Abel Erasmus Pass) in the afternoon.

There is a small entrance fee, but this might be waivered – TBC.

Other Activites you might like to do on your own:

1. Visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (near Kampersrus); Daily Tours: Mon – Sat (09h30 and 15:00). https://www.moholoholo.co.za/
2. Visit the Khamai Reptile Centre (on R527 en route to Hoedspruit)
3. Visit the Kruger National Park: Self drive; Book an early morning drive
4. Manyeleti Game Reserve: Self-drive