Endemic grasshopper species distribution in an agro-natural landscape of the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa
This article reports on species distribution models developed for 4 flightless Euloryma grasshopper species
Abstract
Conservation biologists and ecologists often make use of models to consider what decisions to make, to identify important biotic factors (such as animals, birds, plants, fungi) and abiotic factors (such as water, air, soil, sunlight, and minerals) that restrict the distribution of species in an area.
This article reports on species distribution models developed for 4 flightless Euloryma grasshopper species of the same genus characteristic of the western Cape area of South Africa, which consists of tracts of uncultivated, open land with infertile, often sandy soil covered with rough grasses and small bushes with hard leaves (known as fynbos). The researchers chose this group, because it is insufficiently studied. Results showed that: Vegetation type and soil characteristics are the most important environmental factors affecting local distribution of all four species; the four species have a narrow habitat range; no significant differences in the distribution of species associated with fynbos as well as both fynbos and vineyards occur; and two species are likely to be the most affected in the event of further habitat transformation from fynbos to agricultural production.
The Geo-Information Unit theme area of Landscape Dynamics – Land Degradation and Deforestation Mapping is supported by the Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM) of the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), and by the UK Department for International Development, a core donor of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology.
Citation
Adu-Acheampong S., Samways M.J., Landmann T., Kyerematen R., Minkah R., Mukundamago M. and Moshobane C.M. (2017) Endemic grasshopper species distribution in an agro-natural landscape of the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Ecological Engineering 105, 133–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2017.04.037