Comparing tree functional traits and species diversity along an increasing rainfall gradient in northern Namibia
| dc.contributor.advisor | Fabiano, E. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Shikongo, Albertina M.N. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-10-01T10:34:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-10-01T10:34:19Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description | A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Wildlife Management and Ecotourism | |
| dc.description.abstract | Changes in precipitation patterns have the ability to affect the composition and the variety of species within a plant community by altering their functional traits. However, there has been a tendency to underestimate the importance of functional diversity. This is particularly common in Namibia, despite a clear, gradient in precipitation and where forecasts have predicted changes in precipitation regimes in the future. This study examined how tree species diversity and functional traits changed along an increasing rainfall gradient in northern Namibia. It employed a quantitative approach with systematic sampling at 13 points along an approximately 1200 km transect. Tree species diversity fluctuated along the gradient and average annual rainfall did not appear to have a significant effect, yet species diversity was highest at sites with high rainfall. There was no statistical difference in the species diversity among sites, but the estimated beta diversity was high. Plant functional diversity indices and plant functional traits varied along the gradient. All three functional diversity indices revealed weak relationships with species diversity. Among the three functional diversity indices, only functional richness was significantly affected by annual average rainfall. While the current study presents some contrasting results, it remains relevant by providing an understanding of the dynamics between plant species diversity and functional diversity. The results of the current study support the conclusion that plant species diversity and plant functional diversity are both vital components of ecosystem functioning, and that future research should incorporate a wider array of functional traits and use more comprehensive data collection methods that can build on the findings to further elucidate these complex interactions | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4156 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Namibia | |
| dc.subject | Climate change | |
| dc.subject | Plant ecology | |
| dc.subject | Precipitation | |
| dc.subject | Species composition | |
| dc.subject | Functional indices | |
| dc.subject | Species evenness | |
| dc.subject | Species richness | |
| dc.subject | Functional traits | |
| dc.subject | Namibia | |
| dc.subject | University of Namibia | |
| dc.title | Comparing tree functional traits and species diversity along an increasing rainfall gradient in northern Namibia | |
| dc.type | Thesis |