Forest
The Forests biome are restricted to area with a mean annual rainfall of between 525 and 725 millimetres, and is mainly distributed in patches along the eastern side of South Africa. The biome covers less than one percent (0.25%) of South Africa, making it the smallest biome in South Africa. The canopy cover of the forests is continuous thanks to mainly evergreen trees (649 woody species) and beneath the canopy the vegetation is multi-layered (636 herbaceous). The ground layer of forest is poor developed due dense shade levels.
Linkage:
All the species described is collectively at risk, due to the small habitat and the fragmented nature of the habitat. The small size of the natural habitat, is due to forestry (Black Stinkwood and Outeniqua Yellowwood in particular), the replacement of natural forest with exotic tree plantation (pines) and invasive trees (Blackwood). Great conservation efforts should be made to link the isolated forest patches, promote sustainable forestry and reduce invasive species. Population sizes and species richness would greatly increase of each species described, if conservation efforts is met.
Linkage:
All the species described is collectively at risk, due to the small habitat and the fragmented nature of the habitat. The small size of the natural habitat, is due to forestry (Black Stinkwood and Outeniqua Yellowwood in particular), the replacement of natural forest with exotic tree plantation (pines) and invasive trees (Blackwood). Great conservation efforts should be made to link the isolated forest patches, promote sustainable forestry and reduce invasive species. Population sizes and species richness would greatly increase of each species described, if conservation efforts is met.