About My Research

Scientific knowledge of diversity and assemblage of arthropod groups is essential for conservation priorities. Knowing the diversity and assemblages of these groups is fundamental to biology and conservation. Although knowledge of diversity and assemblages of various groups has increased over the past few years, it has been mainly focused on short-term studies. However, long-term studies will provide knowledge on which global change drivers are essential in changing diversity and assemblage of arthropods over time. Recent studies show alarming rates of decline in insect biomass. These declines are mainly attributed to habitat transformation, pollution, and invasive species. This is especially concerning as similar threats to biodiversity are also present in South Africa.

This study is conducted in a transect range from sea level at Lambert’s Bay to Sneeukop (1926 m a.s.l.) then down the eastern slopes to Wupperthal (c. 500 m a.s.l.) in Cederberg Wilderness Area. A total of 17 altitudinal bands were sampled at 200-m altitudinal intervals across the transect representing Strandveld Succulent Karoo (one site), Mountain Fynbos (15 sites), and Lowland Succulent Karoo (one site). This study will use historical (2002-2012, Botes et al. 2006, 2007) and newly collected arthropod diversity data, molecular and morphological taxonomic methods, to understand how arthropod assemblages respond to climate change and other disturbances such as land-use and fire along an elevational gradient. The main interest is the altitude and climate change over time, and different vegetation types, which will provide us with an understanding of what is structuring arthropod diversity in various areas of the Cederberg Mountain. As microclimate temperature has been measured along this transect from 2002-2020 and from 2022, data will show if temperature has increased at a microclimate level over the past two decades. If temperature has increased, we expect the arthropod assemblages to change in response. We will also be able to detect if any new invasive species are present, as these are expected to increase with climate change.

This study will also generate new knowledge and update existing data, by discovering and describing new species of selected groups. The knowledge gained will help in the management and conservation purposes of biodiversity in a region that is a major biodiversity hotspot and is vulnerable to global change drivers.

Watch the video about this project below