Floodplain and aquatic vegetation survey, Okavango Panhandle, 2004
Citation
Makati K, Bethune S (2020). Floodplain and aquatic vegetation survey, Okavango Panhandle, 2004. Version 1.3. Okavango Research Institute. Sampling event dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/encqea accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-08-24.Description
This once-off study was conducted with a view to characterize different floodplain biodiversity using species composition, standing stock and structure. The focus of the campaign was flood-plain vegetation along Okavango Delta 'Panhandle'.Sampling Description
Study Extent
The study area was the Panhandle section of the Okavango River in Botswana from Mohembo in the North to Guma Lagoon in the south.Sampling
An initial reconnaissance trip was conducted from 18 – 23 November 2004, access to and suitability of all the selected floodplain sites.Then plants were collected for initial identification and the proposed method was tested, the most appropriate size for each quadrat determined (5m diameter) and equipment needs verified.Quality Control
All sites were geo-referenced. Plants were collected for initial identification and the proposed method was tested, the most appropriate size for each quadrat determined (5m diameter circular plot) and equipment needs verified. Plant identifications were verified by the Herbarium at HOORC (now Okavango Research Institute-ORI), the National Herbarium at the National Botanical Research Institute, NBRI, in Namibia and the National Herbarium at the South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI, in Pretoria.Method steps
- At each site 1 – 3 Transects (usually 2) were laid out across the floodplain, transect length varied from 50 – 120m, the orientation was noted and 2 – 5 Quadrats (usually 3) were sampled and except where the habitat sampled was too small, a replica quadrat, b, some 10m away from the first quadrat, a, was surveyed too. In each, all the species present were noted and the cover class of each determined. Unknown of doubtful species were collected for later identification, a soil sample, 10- 15 cm depth was taken in each quadrat a and b, and the nature of the substrate noted, unless the quadrat was flooded or an open water site, when a water sample was taken instead. The percentage bare earth or open water in each quadrat were recorded as a component of cover.
Taxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
The study area was the Panhandle section of the Okavango River in Botswana from Mohembo in the North to Guma Lagoon in the south.
Coordinates: 19°38'33.32''S and 18°18'46.12''S Latitude; 21°35'56.84''E and 23°17'27.66''E Longitude
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
Kaelo Makatioriginator
position: Senior Technician Environmental Monitoring Unit
Okavango Research Institute (ORI)
Old Shorobe Rd, Sexaxa
Maun
BW
Telephone: 2676861833
email: makatik@ub.ac.bw
homepage: http://www.ori.ub.bw
userId: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=linkedin.com/in/kaelo-makati-20114046
Shirley Bethune
metadata author
position: Senior Lecturer in Aquatic Ecosystems Management
Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST)
NA
email: bethuneshirley@gmail.com
Wilfred Khaneguba
processor
position: Field Assistant
Okavango Research Institute (ORI)
Old Shorobe Rd, Sexaxa
Maun
BW
Telephone: 2676861833
email: wkhaneguba@ub.ac.bw
homepage: http://www.ori.ub.bw
Thebe Kemosedile
processor
position: Research Field Assistant
Okavango Research Institute (ORI)
Old Shorobe Rd, Sexaxa
Maun
BW
Telephone: 2676861833
email: tkemosedile@ub.ac.bw
homepage: http://www.ori.ub.bw
David Roberts
administrative point of contact
position: Veterinarian
SANCCOB (South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds)
Cape Town
ZA
Shirley Bethune
administrative point of contact
position: Senior Lecturer in Aquatic Ecosystems Management
Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST)
NA
email: bethuneshirley@gmail.com
Mike Murray-Hudson
administrative point of contact
position: Senior Research Scholar
Okavango Research Institute (ORI)
Old Shorobe Rd, Sexaxa
Maun
BW
email: mmurray-hudson@ub.ac.bw
homepage: http://www.ori.ub.bw
userId: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6873-0913