Succession and Veld Condition: Tracking the Health of Our Ecosystem
How grasses tell the story of veld recovery u2014 or decline
Healthy veld doesnu2019t happen by accident. At Mabalingwe, we constantly monitor how the landscape changes over time u2014 especially the grasses that form the foundation of our ecosystems.
This natural process of change is called succession, and it provides a powerful indicator of veld condition, grazing pressure, and long-term ecological health.
What Is Plant Succession?
Succession is the gradual, predictable change in plant species in an area over time. It begins after disturbance (like fire, overgrazing, or erosion) and moves through several stages until the veld stabilises again.
In simple terms:
- Early species appear first
- Intermediate species follow
- Climax species dominate when the veld is healthy and stable
Succession Stages at Mabalingwe
Our veld condition assessments categorise grasses into four key groups:
1) Decreasers u2013 The u201cGold Standardu201d Grasses
- Thrive under moderate grazing
- Decline when overgrazed or undergrazed
- Indicate excellent veld condition
Examples:
- Themeda triandra (Red Grass)
- Panicum maximum (Guinea Grass)
What they tell us:
u201cThe veld is healthy, balanced, and recovering well.u201d
2) Increaser I u2013 Underutilisation Indicators
- Increase when not grazed enough
- Often accumulate moribund (old, unpalatable) material
- Can lead to lower biodiversity
Examples:
- Heteropogon contortus
- Trachypogon spicatus
What they tell us:
u201cThere is too little grazing or fire here u2014 the veld needs intervention.u201d
3) Increaser II u2013 Overgrazing Indicators
- Increase when the veld is overgrazed, especially near waterholes
- Usually unpalatable and of poor quality forage
- Associated with soil exposure and erosion
Examples:
- Aristida species (Three-awn grasses)
- Eragrostis rigidior
What they tell us:
u201cToo many animals have grazed here u2014 the area needs recovery time.u201d
4) Invaders u2013 Unwanted Colonisers
- Appears when the veld is severely disturbed
- Can dominate quickly
- Often need mechanical or chemical control
Examples:
- Seriphium plumosum (Bankrotbos)
- Alien plants like Lantana or Prickly Pear
What they tell us:
u201cThe veld is degraded and needs active restoration.u201d
How We Monitor Veld Condition at Mabalingwe
Our ecological management team conducts regular veld assessments across the reserveu2019s six ecological zones, checking for:
- Dominant grass species
- Grazing pressure
- Soil exposure and erosion
- Bush densities
- Fire history
Veld condition is then scored and compared annually to track trends and adjust management actions.
Why Succession Matters
Understanding succession helps us:
- Prevent or reverse veld degradation
- Adjust grazing pressure and stocking rates
- Plan controlled burns at the right time
- Prioritise bush clearing where needed
- Restore biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
The grasses that cover Mabalingwe are more than plantsu2014they are bioindicators. They reveal the past, reflect the present, and help us plan for the future.
By tracking veld condition, Mabalingwe ensures the veld remains a thriving, balanced, and resilient ecosystem for wildlife, visitors, and future generations.