Evaluation of Afforestable Montane Grasslands for Wildlife Conservation in the North-Eastern Cape, South Africa. Part 1. Methods

Abstract

Wildlife conservation evaluations of afforestable Afromontane grasslands are required. The methodology given is for rapid evaluation by a single person with minimal equipment. Grasshoppers, butterflies, birds and small mammals are key taxa for sampling. A survey of these taxa in different environments using an obligatory design and gradient-directed transect sampling is suitable. Sampling sites within an environment cover the variability in topography and aspect. Sampling at a site covers variability in the habitat. A visual description or the step-point method can be used to give an indication of habitat composition. Grasshoppers, butterflies and birds are adequately sampled by timed walk-through counts, and small mammals by trapping on a grid. The survey should be done between November and March.