Indigenous forest and woodland in the Kingdom of Lesotho

Leslie, Andrew ORCID logo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6327-1711 (1991) Indigenous forest and woodland in the Kingdom of Lesotho. South African Forestry Journal, 158 (1). pp. 97-103. Full text not available from this repository.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/00382167.1991.9630382

Abstract

From historical accounts the extent of indigenous forest in Lesotho has decreased since the middle of the last century. However, in historic times forest was never extensive, being confined to small patches. Fire was probably the main limiting factor to the spread of forest. Although indigenous forest covers less than 4,5% of Lesotho, many products, especially fuelwood, are obtained from them by neighbouring rural populations. The largest individuals of seven species of indigenous trees or shrubs are describe. Indigenous forest is divided into three broad types: a. Leucosidea sericea forest, b. Mixed forest and thicket, c. Open shrubland with forest or isolated trees. An ecological inventory is proposed to identify and classify the remaining areas of indigenous forest. This would provide information for a rational conservation programme. The two present areas under protection, Matsitise Nature Reserve and Sehlabethebe National Park are briefly described as is the proposed “Biosphere Reserve” at Mount Morosi. Four areas with relatively undisturbed indigenous forest are listed.

Item Type: Article
Journal / Publication Title: South African Forestry Journal
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISSN: 0038-2167
Departments: Academic Departments > Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies (SNROS) > Forestry and Conservation
Additional Information: Paper delivered at the 13th meeting of the SARCCUS Standing Committee for Forestry held in Knysna, South Africa, on 24 October 1990.
Depositing User: Insight Administrator
Date Deposited: 17 Nov 2010 12:48
Last Modified: 11 Jan 2024 17:15
URI: https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/675
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