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Abstracts
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| Details of the abstract |
| Presentation |
Poster presentation |
| Title |
Soil factors that influence the abundance and distribution of threatened and endangered species in the Okavango Delta; with particular emphasis on Eulophia angolensis
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| Short title |
Eulophia angolensis in the Okavango Delta
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| Author(s) |
Middleton, S. (1); Mfundisi, K.B. (2); Kurugundla, N. (3)
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| Presenting author |
Mfundisi, K.B.
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| Institution(s) |
(1) Environmental Sciences Department, University of Botswana, Gaborone; (2) Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, University of Botswana, Maun; (3) Department of Water Affairs, Maun
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| Keywords |
Eulophia angolensis; Okavango Delta; nutrients, endangered species
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| Abstract |
Eulophia angolensis is an endangered plant species found in the Okavango Delta. Generally, there is lack of botanical information on this species in Botswana, which is necessary for its in-situ and ex-situ conservation. The objective of this study was to establish soil factors that influence the abundance and distribution of E. angolensis in the Okavango Delta. A survey of the area where the plant was sighted in 2004 was carriedout using recorded GPS points. Soil samples were collected at 0-20cm depth from the floodplain where the species occurred to determine the nutrients (N, P, and K) and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents. A floodplain where the species did not occur was selected as a control site. A new site was discovered for the species. The results from a t-test showed a significant difference in N, P, K and SOC contents between the floodplain where the plant occurred and the control site with (P ≤ 0.05) at 95% confidence interval. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in K within the E. angolensis habitat, with more concentrations directly around the plant. Therefore, E. angolensis needs critical amounts of N, P, K and SOC, with SOC, K and water being the crucial factors.
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| Congress Topic |
Not assigned
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| Topic No. |
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| Notes |
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| Ref. No. |
656 |
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