T.A. Groen : "Spatial diversity in savannas reduces risks of bush encroachment"

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5 Sep 2007 13:30
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr. H.H.T. Prins (Resource ecology)
Co Promotor: Dr. F. van Langevelde, Dr. C.A.D.M. van de Vijver

 Around twelve percent of the earth surface is covered with savannas, an ecosystem where grasses and trees grow heterogeneously distributed through space. One fifth of the world population depends on these savannas for an income. Through bush encroachment, sometimes the system can shift from a savanna into a bush land. Computer simulations showed that spatially heterogeneous savannas had a lower risk of becoming bush encroached compared with homogeneous savannas. Aerial photographs showed that herbivores and fire could assist in maintaining spatially heterogeneous savannas. The density of herbivores and its foraging behavior are important determinants. When herbivores return frequently to patches where they previously foraged, a mosaic of foraged and not foraged patched is maintained, which enhances the spatial heterogeneity.

Title Thesis: "Spatial matters: how spatial processes & patterns affect savanna dynamics"
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