Karoo research update : progress, gaps and threats
Date
2021-01-29
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ASSAf
Abstract
It has been more than three decades since the conclusion of the Karoo Biome Project (KBP).1 At its height in the
late 1980s, the KBP coordinated the efforts of nearly 100 research projects across a range of mainly ecological
and agricultural disciplines. In this brief update we examine the research that has occurred in the Nama-Karoo and
Succulent Karoo biomes since then and describe the relative contributions made by different disciplines to this
body of knowledge. We also highlight efforts to synthesise knowledge across the disciplinary divides. Finally, we
identify notable gaps in the research, especially considering the major land-use changes that are occurring across
the Karoo. We conclude that new questions should be asked and that significantly greater collaboration between
disciplines should be fostered in order to address the pressing challenges facing the Karoo more effectively. This
necessitates a far more coordinated response than has been the case to date. Institutional leadership and additional
funding will also be required to achieve this.
Description
CITATION: Hoffman, M. T. et al. 2021. Karoo research update : progress, gaps and threats. South African Journal of Science, 117(1/2):8695, doi:10.17159/sajs.2021/8695.
The original publication is available at https://sajs.co.za
The original publication is available at https://sajs.co.za
Keywords
Karoo Biome Project (KBP), Arid regions climate -- South Africa -- Great Karoo, Arid regions ecology -- South Africa -- Great Karoo, Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Great Karoo, Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Great Karoo, Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Great Karoo, Land use -- South Africa -- Great Karoo, Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Great Karoo, Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Great Karoo, Great Karoo (South Africa) -- Research
Citation
Hoffman, M. T. et al. 2021. Karoo research update : progress, gaps and threats. South African Journal of Science, 117(1/2):8695, doi:10.17159/sajs.2021/8695.