Story

Arid conditions stimulate plant trait diversity – UP part of worldwide study that offers hope for biodiversity conservation

The University of Pretoria (UP) has been part of a groundbreaking international study to understand how plants found in drylands have adapted to these extreme habitats. The results of this large-scale study, which involved 120 scientists from 27 countries, were recently published in scientific journal Nature and have significant implications for protecting biodiversity as the planet warms and...

Gallery

Experience how scientists selected samples for analysis across South Africa's drylands

UP researchers contributed datasets from South African drylands, with sampling being carried out in the vicinities of Graaff Reinet and Prince Albert in the central Karoo, and around Lichtenburg in the North-West province. These sites provided unique data as South Africa’s drylands are particularly rich in plant species compared with many of the other sites included in the study.

Podcast

Where weird plants thrive: aridity spurs diversity of traits

Listen to the Nature podcast where a round up of the UP and partners study is mentioned explaining what happens when environments get more dry and plant species numbers drop, but the number of traits increase and the global significance of this research.

Story

UP scientists contribute to a key global study on the effects of grazing in deserts

Two University of Pretoria scientists have contributed to the first-ever global field assessment of the ecological impacts of grazing in drylands.