The use of structural species size classes in the description of the woody vegetation of a nature reserve

The need for a scientifically based wildlife management plan and more knowledge on the vegetation ecology of the Borakalalo Nature Reserve prompted an ecological investigation of the Reserve. One of the aims was to develop a structural classification of the woody component using species size (SPIZE) classes. A further aim was to compare the various structural classes identified with the recognized floristically derived plant communities of the Reserve. The frequency, density, percentage crown cover and importance value for each woody species were calculated. A classification of the woody component was done using a TWINSPAN classification algorithm on this structural density data. Fifteen structural SPIZE classes were identified, described and compared with the described plant communities. The results of this study indicate that structural SPIZE classes could also be used to explain the spatial distribution of woody species within and between various plant communities.