The Karoo
Ecological Patterns and Processes

Originally published in 1999, this book was the first to synthesise ecological studies of this unique southern African region.

W. Richard J. Dean (Edited by), Suzanne Milton (Edited by)

9780521126878, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 December 2009

400 pages
24.6 x 18.9 x 2.1 cm, 0.71 kg

Review of the hardback: 'This book provides insight … I loved it. I loved it for the depth of information and the logical presentation, for the beauty of the academic language and the pictures it created in my mind.' Winescape

The succulent and Nama-karoo form part of the arid south-western zone of Africa, a vast region of rugged landscapes and low treeless vegetation. Studies of this unique biome have yielded fascinating insights into the ecology of its flora and fauna. This book, originally published in 1999, is the first to synthesise these studies, presenting information on biogeographic patterns and life processes, form and function of animals and plants, foraging ecology, landscape-level dynamics and anthropogenic influences. Detailed analyses of the factors distinguishing the biota of the Karoo from that of other temperate deserts are given and generalisations about semi-arid ecosystems challenged. The ideas expounded, the ecological principles reviewed, and the results presented are relevant to all those working in the extensive arid and semi-arid regions of the world.

Foreword P. W. Roux
Preface
Acknowledgements
Part I. The Driving Variables W. Dean and S. Milton: 1. The climate of the Karoo - a functional approach P. Desmet and R. Cowling
2. Soils of the arid south-western zone of Africa M. Watkeys
3. Paleoenvironments M. Meadows and M. Watkeys
4. Plant biogeography, endemism and diversity R. Cowling and C. Hilton-Taylor
5. Biogeography, endemism and diversity of animals C. Vernon
Part II. Form and Function B. Lovegrove: 6. Form and function in perennial plants G. Midgley and F. van der Heyden
7. Functional aspects of annual and biennial plants M. van Rooyen
8. Plant reproductive ecology K. Esler
9. Animal form and function B. Lovegrove
10. Animal foraging and food W. Dean and S. Milton
Part III. Dynamics P. Novellie: 11. Population-level dynamics S. Milton, R. Davies and G. Kerley
12. Community patterns and dynamics A. Palmer, P. Novellie and J. Lloyd
13. Modelling populations and community dynamics in Karoo ecosystems K. Kellner and J. Booysen
14. Spatially explicit computer simulation models - tools for understanding vegetation dynamics and supporting rangeland management F. Jeltsch, T. Wiegand and C. Wissel
Part IV. Human Impacts W. Siegfried: 15. Hunters and herders in the Karoo landscape A. Smith
16. Historical and contemporary land use and the desertification of the Karoo M. Hoffman, B. Cousins, T. Meyer, A. Petersen and H. Hendricks
17. Alien plant invaders of the Karoo: attributes, impacts and control S. Milton, H. Zimmerman and J. Hoffman
18. Comparison of ecosystem processes in the Nama Karoo and other deserts W. Whitford
18. The Succulent Karoo in a global context: plant structural and functional concepts comparison with North American winter rainfall deserts K. Esler, P. Rundel and R. Cowling
20. The Karoo: past and present S. Milton and W. Dean
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]