Floodplain and aquatic vegetation survey, Okavango Panhandle, 2004

Study Extent

The study area was the Panhandle section of the Okavango River in Botswana from Mohembo in the North to Guma Lagoon in the south.

Sampling

An initial reconnaissance trip was conducted from 18 – 23 November 2004, access to and suitability of all the selected floodplain sites.Then plants were collected for initial identification and the proposed method was tested, the most appropriate size for each quadrat determined (5m diameter) and equipment needs verified.

Quality Control

All sites were geo-referenced. Plants were collected for initial identification and the proposed method was tested, the most appropriate size for each quadrat determined (5m diameter circular plot) and equipment needs verified. Plant identifications were verified by the Herbarium at HOORC (now Okavango Research Institute-ORI), the National Herbarium at the National Botanical Research Institute, NBRI, in Namibia and the National Herbarium at the South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI, in Pretoria.

Method steps

1. At each site 1 – 3 Transects (usually 2) were laid out across the floodplain, transect length varied from 50 – 120m, the orientation was noted and 2 – 5 Quadrats (usually 3) were sampled and except where the habitat sampled was too small, a replica quadrat, b, some 10m away from the first quadrat, a, was surveyed too. In each, all the species present were noted and the cover class of each determined. Unknown of doubtful species were collected for later identification, a soil sample, 10- 15 cm depth was taken in each quadrat a and b, and the nature of the substrate noted, unless the quadrat was flooded or an open water site, when a water sample was taken instead. The percentage bare earth or open water in each quadrat were recorded as a component of cover.

The study area was the Panhandle section of the Okavango River in Botswana from Mohembo in the North to Guma Lagoon in the south. Coordinates: 19°38'33.32''S and 18°18'46.12''S Latitude; 21°35'56.84''E and 23°17'27.66''E Longitude