Classification and ordination of plant communities of the Naukluft Mountains, Namibia

To determine the relationship between vegetation and environmental paramete rs in a desert-savanna ecotone, vegetation in the Naukluft Mountains of Nam ibia (southern Africa) was described and analysed in terms of environmental parameters determining the observed patterns. 12 plant communities, largel y characterized by low shrubs, were described on the basis of a classificat ion. Through ordination altitude, clay, potassium content of the substrate and, to a lesser extent, habitats were identified as underlying environment al factors determining the composition of these plant communities. The edap hic parameters showed some correlation with subsurface geology, but microcl imatic conditions, water availability and level of disturbance appeared to override the effect of nutrient composition provided by different substrate . Communities of conservation importance, such as plant communities composed of Karoo shrubs, are prevalent on the mountain plateau, presenting an isola ted outpost of Nama Karoo vegetation. The transitional status between deser t and savanna, remnant patches of Nama Karoo and the high habitat diversity mark the importance of this high altitude area for biodiversity conservati on.