Ecosystem Guidelines for Environmental Assessment

JAN VLOK
MAINLAND THICKET
Avoid disturbing transitional areas between thicket and non-thicket vegetation types.
What broad spatial guidelines can be given with respect to
the best approach to development and disturbance
Prevent further fragmentation of thicket and where possible reconnect thicket. Transformation of
thicket habitat should never sever patches or connecting corridors. Corridor areas must be restored
to reconnect Mainland Thicket types. Ensure dedicated rehabilitation of corridor areas through disturbed
habitat.
Boundaries between thicket and non-thicket biomes must be maintained.
Grazing must be carefully monitored and co-ordinated with fire management, alien clearing and other
types of land-use planning and management. This is critically important for effective thicket conservation.
Any area where thicket does or used to occur needs a fire management plan. Alien clearing should
also be prioritised. Properties in thicket areas must have uniform fire management guidelines.
Conservancies and other land management initiatives must be organised to incorporate the natural
fire zone, or broader ecosystem or habitat unit for that particular region.
No surface or ground water abstraction should be allowed if it may impact on thicket vegetation.
Groundwater abstraction must also be monitored for impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function.
MAINLAND THICKET ECOSYSTEMS : 65