1.0

Used as a feature in the conservation plan.

Data Capture Source: DESMET 2009

Methodology: Kloofs are an important habitat for biodiversity for a variety of reasons:

• The representation of rare or unique features that are not encountered more widey in the landscape

• Associated with keystone ecological process features such as springs and

caves

• Are an important refuge habitat in the face of climate change

This document describes a GIS model developed to identify the location of kloofs in the landscape. Kloofs have a very characteristic physical shape or landform comprising a fairly narrow valley with a stream at the bottom and steep valley sides. This model essentially

searches for the combination of these two attributes – streamlines with steep slopes on both sides. In developing this model two models were generated. Model 1 used the SRTM 90m digital elevation model. Model 2 used the Surveyor General 25m DEM generated from 1:50 000 topographical maps. Ultimately Model 2 is used as the final model as it more accurately identifies areas of the landscape that we would describe as kloofs. The analyses were performed in ArcView 3.2 with the Spatial Analysis extension.

Available documentation:

Central Karoo District Biodiversity Assessment (August 2009)

SANS 1878

FGDC-STD-001-1998