the vegetation types and veld condition - Maremani Nature Reserve

one-camp system (lack of control over animal movements), are taken into consideration in the calculation
of the economic carrying capacity for game.
The grazing capacity for livestock is given in large animal units per hectare or hectares per large animal
unit (LAU). One large animal unit is regarded as a steer of 450 kg. Conversion values to convert from
game to large animal units or vice versa are used (see Table 12) and on the basis of the metabolizable
energy requirements and probable food intake of the animals, comparisons are then made in large animal
units. For example a value of 6.03 impala is given as equivalent to one large animal unit.
However, because the conversion table does not take into account the differences in food and habitat
preferences of the different game species, the diversity in vegetation types, their condition and production,
availability of browse and grazing, and accessibility of the terrain, these tables should be used with
circumspection and only as a broad and general guideline. Nevertheless, it is a practical method with
which the different habitat types on a game ranch can be compared to estimate the potential economic
carrying capacity of the ranch.
The predictive value of this approach can be enhanced with an intensive study of the habitats on a game
ranch, which includes surveys of the veld condition and grass and browse production of each of these
habitats. The area covered by each habitat and its suitability for different game species should be
included when determining grazer/browser capacity. Varying rainfall influences range condition and
frequent assessments are essential to assist in management decisions.
Results and discussion
The total economic carrying capacity for Maremani was calculated from the economic capacities of the
individual plant communities, excluding communities 1 (rocky outcrops) and 17 (riverine areas) (Table 12).
The present economic capacity with a mean annual rainfall of 340 mm is calculated as 39.2 ha/LAU for
game. The area will be able to support a high number of browsers as browsing material is in abundance.
However, it should be emphasized that the carrying capacity decreases drastically during prolonged
periods of drought. The carrying capacity according to the previous Department of Agriculture was 17
ha/LAU, but presently the Limpopo extention officers prescribe a stocking rate of 25 ha/LAU.
The veld condition and economic capacities for the individual plant communities are discussed below:
Communities 1 (rocky outcrops) and 17 (riverine vegetation) are not included. A veld condition index lower
than 45%, reflects a low grass cover, unpalatable grasses, low biomass production and annual grass
species, and consequently indicates veld in poor condition for grazing species. Veld in good condition
should have an index of higher than 60%, with a high grass cover and a high presence of perennial
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