1.0

Ostriches have and continue to have a significant impact on the natural veld in the

Klein Karoo – mainly as a result of over stocking and particularly the trampling effect that they have on the veld. Due to this ostrich farming has been identified as one of the major threats to biodiversity in the Klein Karoo. Using the above-mentioned shapefiles it is possible to identify areas where ostrich farming should not take place (Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable vegetation types), areas which have been completely transformed as a result of cultivation that has taken place, and those areas where ostriches could be stocked according to the recommended stocking rates. It is vitally important that these stocking rates must not be

exceeded, as this will result in the remaining areas becoming decimated such as the veld between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn. These shapefiles should be useful to the Department of Agriculture, the Ostrich industry, extension staff and regional ecologists of CapeNature as well as local land managers.

Interpretation based on the Transformation map of the Little Karoo by

(Thompson et al. 2008)

Capture Source: Jan Vlok (Regalis Environmental Services) & AnneLise Schutte-Vlok (CapeNature)

Derived from existing 1: 50 000 datasets

Derived from the transformation shapefile for the Little Karoo

(little_karoo_transf_gw.shp) compiled by Thompson (2005). All the areas under cultivation were selected for this layer. This shapefile identifies areas where ostriches can be kept, but land managers need to be mindful of erosion potential, as many of these areas are located within river floodplains.

SANS 1878

FGDC-STD-001-1998