Appendix O2 - Biophysical Report.pdf - Zitholele.co.za

February 2011 64 12619Eastern Valley BushveldThe Eastern Valley Bushveld is characteristic of the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces,occurring in deeply incised valleys of rivers including the lower reaches of the Thukela, Mvoti,Mgeni, Mlazi, Mkhomazi, Mzimkulu, Mzimkulwana, Mtamvuna, Mtentu, Msikaba, Mzimvubu (andits several tributaries), Mthatha, Mbhashe, Shixini, Qhorha and Great Kei Rivers. This vegetationunit very seldom extends to the coast.Figure 7-13: Eastern Valley Bushveld with Aloes in the foreground and Euphorbia in thebackground.The unit comprises of semi-deciduous savanna woodlands in a mosaic with thickets, oftensucculent and dominated by species of Euphorbia and Aloe. Most of the river valleys run along anorthwest-southwest axis which results in unequal distribution of rainfall on respective north-facingand south-facing slopes since the rain-bearing winds blow from the south. The steep north-facingslopes are sheltered from the rain and also receive greater amounts of insulation adding toxerophilous conditions on these slopes.This unit is considered least threatened with a conservation target of 24%. Only 0.8% is statutorilyconserved, mainly in the Luchaba Wildlife Reserve and small patches are also conserved in theOribi Gorge Nature Reserve. Approximately 15% has been transformed mainly by cultivation. Alieninvasive species are a serious threat with Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara and Caeslpiniadecapetala being most problematic.ZITHOLELE CONSULTING