Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Montane Palustrine Wetlands of Lesotho: Vegetation, Ecosystem Services, Current Status, Threats and Conservation

  • Wetlands in the Developing World
  • Published:
Wetlands Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Although palustrine wetlands cover only about 6% of the earth’s surface, they are among the most productive and socio-economically valuable ecosystems globally. However, these ecosystems are facing various threats. The current study uses literature and field observations to explore the montane palustrine wetlands of Lesotho, in terms of their distribution, coverage, vegetation, ecosystem services, status, major threats and conservation. The study found that despite occurring throughout the country, the highest density of the wetlands is associated with the central and eastern parts, and generally declines towards the south and west as the rainfall decreases and the altitude becomes lower. The wetlands are rich in plant diversity and deliver various ecosystem services, including water, livestock grazing, harvestable resources, carbon storage and crop cultivation. Therefore, these wetlands play an important role at the local, national and regional scales and form an important water resource for Lesotho, South Africa and Namibia. Despite their value, some of the wetlands have been lost and the condition of those remaining is declining, mainly due to anthropogenic factors. Nevertheless, various conservation and restoration activities have been implemented in an attempt to conserve and manage these ecosystems. Despite these efforts, wetland loss and degradation continue, to the detriment of wetland biodiversity and ecosystem service delivery. Thus, this study recommends the scaling-up of the conservation efforts, as well as mainstreaming wetland conservation and management, including emphasising the wise use of these systems. Emphasis should be placed on regulating livestock grazing and trampling, harvesting of natural resources, infrastructure development and cultivation in the wetlands.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

There is no specific data associated with this manuscript.

References

  • Albert JS, Destouni G, Duke-Sylvester SM, Magurran AE, Oberdorff T, Reis RE, Winemiller KO, Ripple WJ (2020) Scientists’ warning to humanity on the freshwater biodiversity crisis. Ambio. 50:85–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01318-8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Backéus I (1989) Flarks in the maloti, Lesotho. Geografiska Annaler. Series A, Physical Geography 71(1/2):105–111. https://doi.org/10.2307/521014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Backéus I, Grab S (1995) Mires in Lesotho. Gunneria 70:243–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Bentley LK, Robertson MP, Barker NP (2019) Range contraction to a higher elevation: the likely future of the montane vegetation in South Africa and Lesotho. Biodivers Conserv 28(1):131–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-018-1643-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brand RF, Du Preez PJ, Brown LR (2013) High altitude montane wetland vegetation classification of the eastern Free State, South Africa. South African J Botany 88:223–236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2013.07.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brand RF, Scott-Shaw CR, O'Connor TG (2019) The alpine flora on inselberg summits in the maloti—Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bothalia-African Biodivers Conserv 49(1):1–15. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v49i1.2386

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brander LM, Florax RJGM, Vermaat JE (2006) The empirics of wetland valuation: a comprehensive summary and a meta-analysis of the literature. Environ Resour Econ 33(2):223–250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10640-005-3104-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Breen CM, Quinn NW, Mander JJ (eds.) (1997) Wetland conservation and management in Southern Africa: Challenges and opportunities; summary of the SADC wetlands conservation survey reports. IUCN Wetlands Programme, Harare

  • Bureau of Statistics. (2009). Statistical Yearbook 2008. Report no. 12:2009. Statistical Reports, Maseru, Lesotho: Bureau of Statistics, Government of Lesotho, 90 pp.

  • Carbutt C, Edwards TJ (2006) The endemic and near-endemic angiosperms of the Drakensberg Alpine Centre. South African J Botany 72(1):105–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2005.06.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carbutt C, Edwards TJ (2015) Reconciling ecological and phytogeographical spatial boundaries to clarify the limits of the montane and alpine regions of sub-Sahelian Africa. South African J Botany 98:64–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.01.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CBD Secretariat. (2015). World Wetlands Day Monday, 2 February 2015: Wetlands for our Future [online]. Montreal, Canada: United Nations convention on biological diversity (CBD). Available: https://www.cbd.int/waters/doc/wwd2015/wwd-2015-press-briefs-en.pdf [accessed: 30/04/ 2019]

  • Chatanga P. (2019). The ecology, plant functional composition and ecosystem services across a range of Afromontane and Afroalpine palustrine wetlands in Lesotho. Ph.D. Research, University of KwaZulu-Natal

  • Chatanga P, Kotze DC, Janks M, Sieben EJJ (2019) Classification, description and environmental factors of montane wetland vegetation of the maloti-Drakensberg region and the surrounding areas. South African J Botany 125:221–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2019.04.028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chatanga P, Kotze DC, Okello TW, Sieben EJJ (2020) Ecosystem services of high-altitude Afromontane palustrine wetlands in Lesotho. Ecosystem Services 45:101185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chatanga P, Sieben EJJ (2019) Ecology of palustrine wetlands in Lesotho: vegetation classification, description and environmental factors. Koedoe 61(1):a1574. https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v61i1.1574

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chatanga P, Sieben EJJ (2020) Variation in plant functional composition of the Afromontane palustrine wetlands along an altitudinal gradient in Lesotho. Wetlands 40(6):2539–2552. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-020-01345-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chatterjee A, Blom E, Gujja B, Jacimovic R, Beevers L, O'Keeffe J, Beland M, Biggs T (2010) WWF initiatives to study the impact of climate change on Himalayan high-altitude wetlands (HAWs). Mountain Res Dev 30(1):42–52. https://doi.org/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-09-00091.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costanza R, de Groot R, Sutton P, van der Ploeg S, Anderson SJ, Kubiszewski I, Farber S, Turner RK (2014) Changes in the global value of ecosystem services. Global Environ Change 26:152–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2014.04.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crochet P-A, Chaline O, Surget-Groba Y, Debain C, Cheylan M (2004) Speciation in mountains: phylogeography and phylogeny of the rock lizards genus Iberolacerta (Reptilia: Lacertidae). Mol Phylogen Evol 30(3):860–866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2003.07.016

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Daryadel E, Talaei F (2014) Analytical study on threats to wetland ecosystems and their solutions in the framework of the Ramsar convention. Intl J Social Behav Educ Econ Business Ind Eng 8(7):2100–2110 https://waset.org/publications/9998721

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson NC (2014) How much wetland has the world lost? Long-term and recent trends in global wetland area. Marine Freshwater Res 65(10):934–941. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF14173

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davidson NC, van Dam AA, Finlayson CM, McInnes RJ (2019) Worth of wetlands: revised global monetary values of coastal and inland wetland ecosystem services. Marine Freshwater Res 70(8):1189–1194. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF18391

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Department of Environment. (2014). Lesotho environment outlook report 2014: environment for national prosperity. Maseru, Lesotho: Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture, 280 pp.

  • Díaz S, Demissew S, Carabias J, Joly C, Lonsdale M, Ash N, Larigauderie A, Adhikari JR, Arico S, Báldi A, Bartuska A, Baste IA, Bilgin A, Brondizio E, Chan KMA, Figueroa VE, Duraiappah A, Fischer M, Hill R, Koetz T, Leadley P, Lyver P, Mace GM, Martin-Lopez B, Okumura M, Pacheco D, Pascual U, Pérez ES, Reyers B, Roth E, Saito O, Scholes RJ, Sharma N, Tallis H, Thaman R, Watson R, Yahara T, Hamid ZA, Akosim C, Al-Hafedh Y, Allahverdiyev R, Amankwah E, Asah ST, Asfaw Z, Bartus G, Brooks LA, Caillaux J, Dalle G, Darnaedi D, Driver A, Erpul G, Escobar-Eyzaguirre P, Failler P, Fouda AMM, Fu B, Gundimeda H, Hashimoto S, Homer F, Lavorel S, Lichtenstein G, Mala WA, Mandivenyi W, Matczak P, Mbizvo C, Mehrdadi M, Metzger JP, Mikissa JB, Moller H, Mooney HA, Mumby P, Nagendra H, Nesshover C, Oteng-Yeboah AA, Pataki G, Roué M, Rubis J, Schultz M, Smith P, Sumaila R, Takeuchi K, Thomas S, Verma M, Yeo-Chang Y, Zlatanova D (2015) The IPBES conceptual framework — connecting nature and people. Curr Opin Environ Sustain 14:1–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2014.11.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drovetski SV, Semenov G, Drovetskaya SS, Fadeev IV, Red'kin YA, Voelker G (2013) Geographic mode of speciation in a mountain specialist avian family endemic to the Palearctic. Ecol Evol 3(6):1518–1528. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.539

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • du Preez PJ, Brown LR. (2011). Impact of domestic animals on ecosystem integrity of Lesotho high altitude peatlands. In: Grillo, O. & Venora, G. (eds.) Ecosystems biodiversity. Rijeka, Croatia: InTech. 249–271

  • Ellery W, Grenfell M, Grenfell S, Kotze D, McCarthy T, Tooth S, Grundling P-L, Beckedahl H, le Maitre D, Ramsay L. (2009). WET - Origins: Controls on the Distribution and Dynamics of Wetlands in South Africa. WRC report TT 334/09. Breen, C., Dini, J., Ellery, W., Mitchell, S. & Uys, M., (eds). Wetland management series, Pretoria: Water Research Commission (WRC), South Africa, 104 pp.

  • Gopal B (2016) Should ‘wetlands’ cover all aquatic ecosystems and do macrophytes make a difference to their ecosystem services? Folia Geobotanica 51(3):209–226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12224-016-9248-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Government of Lesotho. (2014). Wool and Mohair Promotion Project (WAMPP): Final Project Design Report. Report no. 3549-LS. Maseru: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Government of Lesotho, 247 pp.

  • Grab SW, Deschamps CL (2004) Geomorphological and geoecological controls and processes following gully development in alpine mires, Lesotho. Arctic, Antarctic Alpine Res 36(1):49–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grobbelaar JU, Stegmann P (1987) Limmnological characteristics, water quality and conservation measure of a high altitude bog and rivers in the Maluti Mountains, Lesotho. Water SA 13(3):151–158

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grundling PL, Linström A, Fokkema W, Grootjans AP (2015) Mires in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho. Mires and Peat 15(9):1–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardin G (2009) The tragedy of the commons. JNatural Resour Policy Res 1(3):243–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390450903037302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Howard-Williams C, Thompson K (1985) The conservation and management of African wetlands. In: Denny P (ed) The ecology and Management of African Wetland Vegetation. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 203–230

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hu S, Niu Z, Chen Y, Li L, Zhang H. (2017). Global wetlands: potential distribution, wetland loss, and status. Science of the Total Environment, 586(supplement C): 319-327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.001

  • Hughes RH, Hughes JS. (1992). A directory of African wetlands. Cambridge: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK/UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya/WCMC

  • Jacot-Guillarmod A (1962) The bogs and sponges of the Basutoland Mountains. South African J Sci 58(6):179–182

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacot-Guillarmod A (1963) Further observations on the bogs of the Basutoland mountains. South African J Sci 59(4):115–118

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacot-Guillarmod A (1972) The bogs and sponges of river catchment within the Orange River catchment within Lesotho. Civil Engineering= Siviele Ingenieurswese 14(2):84–85

    Google Scholar 

  • Janse JH, van Dam AA, Hes EMA, de Klein JJM, Finlayson CM, Janssen ABG, van Wijk D, Mooij WM, Verhoeven JTA (2019) Towards a global model for wetlands ecosystem services. Curr Opin Environ Sustain 36:11–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2018.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jayachandran KS. (2013). Conservation of high altitude wetlands in Arunachal Pardesh: international day for biological diversity report. Water & Biodiversity, Arunachal Pardesh, India: Utter Pardesh State Biodiversity Board, 104–108

  • Jianping L, Minrong L, Jinnan W, Jianjian L, Hongwen S, Maoxing H (2014) Global environmental issues and human wellbeing. In: Jianping L, Minrong L, Jinnan W, Jianjian L, Hongwen S, Maoxing H (eds) Report on global environmental competitiveness. Springer, Berlin, pp 3–21

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Junk WJ, An S, Finlayson CM, Gopal B, Květ J, Mitchell SA, Mitsch WJ, Robarts RD (2013) Current state of knowledge regarding the world’s wetlands and their future under global climate change: a synthesis. Aquatic Sciences 75(1):151–167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-012-0278-z

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kahlolo N, Mapeshoane B, Chatanga P, Seleteng-Kose L, Marake MV (2021) Assessing wetland functionality using soil surface indicators in Letšeng- la-Letsie wetland in Quthing District, Lesotho. African J Range Forage Sci 38(1):110–121. https://doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2020.1854345

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kopij G (2006) Lepidoptera fauna of Lesotho. Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia-Series B: Invertebrata 49(1–2):137–180. https://doi.org/10.3409/000000006783995256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lai CH, Smith AT (2003) Keystone status of plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae): effect of control on biodiversity of native birds. Biodivers Conserv 12(9):1901–1912. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024161409110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lannas K, Turpie J (2009) Valuing the provisioning services of wetlands: contrasting a rural wetland in Lesotho with a peri-urban wetland in South Africa. Ecol Soc 14(2):18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee S-Y, Ryan ME, Hamlet AF, Palen WJ, Lawler JJ, Halabisky M (2015) Projecting the hydrologic impacts of climate change on montane wetlands. PLoS One 10(9):e0136385. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0136385

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lesotho Land Cover Atlas. (2017). Rome: food and agricultural organization

  • Lesotho Meteorological Services. (2013). Climate of Lesotho [Online]. Maseru: Ministry of Energy, Meteorology and Water Affairs. Available: http://www.lesmet.org.ls/cimatology/climate-lesotho [Accessed: 23/01/ 2019]

  • Letšela T, Witkowski ETF, Balkwill K (2003) Plant resources used for subsistence in Tšehlanyane and Bokong in Lesotho. Economic Botany 57(4):619–639. https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2003)057[0619:PRUFSI]2.0.CO;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Low AB, Rebelo AG (1996) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Pretoria

    Google Scholar 

  • Macfarlane DM, Kotze DC, Ellery WN, Walters D, Koopman V, Goodman P, Goge C. (2007). WET-Health: A Technique for Rapidly Assessing Wetland Health. WRC report no TT 340/08. Breen, C., Dini, J., Ellery, W., Mitchell, S. & Uys, M., (eds). Wetland management series, Pretoria, South Africa: Water Research Commission (WRC), 176 pp.

  • Maltby E, Acreman MC (2011) Ecosystem services of wetlands: pathfinder for a new paradigm. Hydrol Sci J 56(8):1341–1359. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2011.631014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mapeshoane BE. (2013). Soil hydrology and hydric soil indicators of the Bokong wetlands in Lesotho. PhD, University of the Free State

  • Marake M, Mokuku C, Majoro M, Mokitimi N. (1998). Global Change and Subsistence Rangelands in Southern Africa: Resource Variability, Access and Use in Relation to Rural Livelihoods and Welfare, INCO-DC Project No. ERBIC18CT970162 Roma: National University of Lesotho, 48 pp.

  • McNeely JA, Faith DP, Albers HJ, Dulloo E, Goldstein W, Groombridge B, Isozaki H, Marco DE, Polasky S, Redford K, Robinson E, Schutyser F (2005) Biodiversity. In: Chopra K, Leemans R, Kumar P, Simons H (eds) Ecosystems and human well-being: policy responses, vol 3. Island Press, Washington DC, pp 119–172

    Google Scholar 

  • MDTP. (2007). Spatial Assessment of Biodiversity Priorities in Lesotho Highlands. GDP-GEF/002. Technical report, Maseru, Lesotho: Department of Environment, Ministry of Tourism, environment and culture, 148 pp.

  • Meakins RH, Duckett JD (1993) Vanishing bogs of the mountain kingdom. Veld and Flora 79(2):49–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) Ecosystems and human well-being: wetlands and water synthesis. World Resources Institute, Washington DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Ministry of Energy Meteorology and Water Affairs (2016) Long-term water and sanitation strategy: water sector Programme. Ministry of Energy, Meteorology and Water Affairs, Government of Lesotho, Maseru

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell SA (2013) The status of wetlands, threats and the predicted effect of global climate change: the situation in sub-Saharan Africa. Aqua Sci 75(1):95–112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-012-0259-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitra S, Wassmann R, Vlek PLG. (2003). Global Inventory of Wetlands and their Role in the Carbon Cycle. ZEF – Discussion Papers On Development Policy No. 64, Center for Development Research. Bonn: Zentrum für Entwicklungsforschung (ZEF)

  • Mitsch WJ, Gosselink JG (2015) Wetlands, 5th edn. Wiley & Sons, Hoboken

    Google Scholar 

  • Mokotjomela T, Schwaibold U, Pillay N (2009) Does the ice rat Otomys sloggetti Robertsi contribute to habitat change in Lesotho? Acta Oecologica 35:437–443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2009.01.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mokuku C, Lepono T, Mokhothu M, Khasipe T, Mokuku T (2004) Lesotho: second state of the environment report, 2002. National Environment Secretariat, Ministry of Tourism, Environment & Culture, Government of Lesotho, Maseru

    Google Scholar 

  • Mucina L, Rutherford MC (eds.) (2006). The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19, Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

  • Mugomeri E, Chatanga P, Raditladi T, Tarirai C (2016) Ethnobotanical study and conservation status of local medicinal plants: towards a repository and monograph of herbal medicines in Lesotho. African J Traditional Complement Alternative Medi 13(1):138–151. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v13i1.20

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nüsser M, Grab S (2002) Land degradation and soil erosion in the eastern highlands of Lesotho, southern Africa. Die Erde 133:291–311

    Google Scholar 

  • Olaleye AO. (2016). Assessment of impacts of land-use on wetland health in Lesotho: morphological properties and soil nutrient changes in two contrasting wetlands. In: AGRICULTURE, J. F. I. D. O. N. T. I. F. a. (ed.) Management and Area-wide Evaluation of Water Conservation Zones in Agricultural Catchments for Biomass Production, Water Quality and Food Security. Vienna: joint FAO/IAEA division of nuclear techniques in food and agriculture. 166

  • Olaleye AO, Nkheolane T, Mating R. (2012). Rainfall trends, soil organic carbon and N15 isotope status in selected wetlands in Lesotho. Research Application Summary at the Third RUFORUM Biennial Meeting 24–28 September 2012, Entebbe, Uganda, 2109–2120

  • Olaleye AO, Sekaleli T. (2011). Spatio-temporal variability of rainfall and its impact on selected wetlands of Lesotho. XXV International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG). Melbourne, Australia. June 28 - 7th July, 2010

  • Pomela EM, Mokuku C, Sekoli M, Phororo R, Makoae M, Majoro M, May D, Ambrose D, Talukdar S (2000) Biological diversity in Lesotho: a country study. National Environmental Secratariat, Government of Lesotho, Maseru

    Google Scholar 

  • Pooley E (2003) Mountain flowers: a field guide to the Flora of the Drakensberg and Lesotho, 1st edn. Flora Publications Trust, Durban

    Google Scholar 

  • Puri S. (2016). Development of Catchment Management Plans: Summary Guidelines, Design of Plans Roadmap for Implementation of Plans, and ICM Techniques for Classified Catchments. Technical assistance for integrated catchment management, Maseru: European Union in Maseru and the Lesotho Department of Water Affairs, 67

  • Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (2018) Global wetland outlook: state of the World’s wetlands and their services to people. Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Gland

    Google Scholar 

  • Rebelo L-M, McCartney MP, Finlayson CM (2010) Wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa: distribution and contribution of agriculture to livelihoods. Wetlands Ecol Manag 18(5):557–572. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-009-9142-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reddy KR, DeLaune RD (2008) Biogeochemistry of wetlands: science and applications. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Rolon AS, Maltchik L (2006) Environmental factors as predictors of aquatic macrophyte richness and composition in wetlands of southern Brazil. Hydrobiologia 556(1):221–231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-1364-1

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Russi D, ten Brink P, Farmer A, Badura T, Coates D, Förster J, Kumar R, Davidson N (2013) The economics of ecosystems and biodiversity for water and wetlands. In: London and Brussels: IEEP. Ramsar Secretariat, Gland

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan ME, Palen WJ, Adams MJ, Rochefort RM (2014) Amphibians in the climate vise: loss and restoration of resilience of montane wetland ecosystems in the western US. Front Ecol Environ 12(4):232–240. https://doi.org/10.1890/130145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SADC (2008) Southern Africa environment outlook. SADC, SARDC, IUCN & UNEP, Gaborone

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwabe C. (1995). Alpine mires of the eastern highlands of Lesotho. Cowan, GI (Ed.), 33-40

  • Sharma E, Chettri N, Oli KP (2010) Mountain biodiversity conservation and management: a paradigm shift in policies and practices in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas. Ecol Res 25(5):909–923

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sieben EJJ, Kotze DC, Morris CD (2010) Floristic composition of wetlands of the south African section of the maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park. Bothalia 40(1):117–134. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v40i1.201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith AT, Foggin JM (1999) The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is a keystone species for biodiversity on the Tibetan plateau. Animal Conserv 2(4):235–240. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-1795.1999.tb00069.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan CA, Macfarlane D, Dickens C, Mander M, Teixeira-Leite A, Pringle C. (2008). Keeeping the benefits flowing and growing: quantifying benefits of wetlands in the upper Orange/Senqu Basin. Report to NeWater, a project funded under the sixth research framework of the European Union. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: Institute of Natural Resources, 70 pp.

  • Taylor ARD, Howard GW, Begg GW (1995) Developing wetland inventories in southern Africa: a review. Vegetatio 118(1):57–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00045191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turner RK, van den Bergh JCJM, Söderqvist T, Barendregt A, van der Straaten J, Maltby E, van Ierland EC (2000) Ecological-economic analysis of wetlands: scientific integration for management and policy. Ecol Econ 35(1):7–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8009(00)00164-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turpie J, Barker N, Clark B, Diedericks G, Marneweck G, Allan D, Harvey J, Avenant N, Forsythe K. (2014a). State of the Katse Dam Catchment. Volume I. Synthesis of the 2013/14 Monitoring Studies. Contract 1273: Biological Resources Monitoring within Phase 1 of the LHWP Catchments 2013–14. Submitted by Anchor Environmental Consultants to the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority. Report no. AEC/1540/1. Maseru, Lesotho: Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, 104 pp.

  • Turpie J, Barker N, Clark B, Diedericks G, Marneweck G, Allan D, Harvey J, Avenant N, Forsythe K. (2014b). State of the Mohale Dam Catchment. Volume I. Synthesis of the 2013/14 Monitoring Studies. Contract 1273: Biological Resources Monitoring within Phase 1 of the LHWP Catchments 2013–14. Submitted by Anchor Environmental Consultants to the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority. Report no. AEC/1540/5. Maseru, Lesotho: Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, 102 pp.

  • UNESCO. (2013). World Heritage List: The Maloti-Drakensberg Park (Lesotho/South Africa) [Online]. United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Available: http://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/5133 [Accessed: 10/10/ 2016]

  • van Ginkel CE, Glen RP, Gordon-Gray KD, Cilliers CJ, Muasya AM, van Deventer PP. (2011). Easy identification of some South African wetland plants: Grasses, Restios, Sedges, Rushes, Bulrushes, Eriocaulons and Yellow-eyed grasses. WRC report no TT 479/10. Pretoria, South Africa: Water Research Commission (WRC), 406 pp.

  • van Zinderen Bakker EM, Werger MJA (1974) Environment, vegetation and phytogeography of the high-altitude bogs of Lesotho. Vegetatio 29(1):37–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02390894

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zedler JB, Kercher S (2005) Wetland resources: status, trends, ecosystem services and restorability. Annual Rev Environ Resour 30:39–74. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.energy.30.050504.144248

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Liu J (2003) Burrowing rodents as ecosystem engineers: the ecology and management of plateau zokors Myospalax fontanierii in alpine meadow ecosystems on the Tibetan plateau. Mammal Review 33(3–4):284–294. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2907.2003.00020.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The work is based on a research project supported by the National University of Lesotho (Grant No. P165-9008). Thanks to Mr. Khotso Kobisi for providing some of the photos used in this paper and Mr. Molefe Mokhatla from the Department of Water Affairs for valuable information on wetland management in the country.

Funding

The work is based on research supported by the National University of Lesotho (Grant No. P165–9008).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, National University of Lesotho, P. O. Roma 180, Maseru, Lesotho

    Peter Chatanga & Lerato Seleteng-Kose

  2. Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa

    Lerato Seleteng-Kose

Authors
  1. Peter Chatanga
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lerato Seleteng-Kose
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

P.C. conceptualised the study and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. L.S. critically revised the manuscript and added valuable information. Both authors discussed the results and commented on the manuscript. Both authors also read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter Chatanga.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Animal Research (Ethics)

Not applicable.

Consent to Participate (Ethics)

Not applicable.

Consent to Publish (Ethics)

Not applicable.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chatanga, P., Seleteng-Kose, L. Montane Palustrine Wetlands of Lesotho: Vegetation, Ecosystem Services, Current Status, Threats and Conservation. Wetlands 41, 67 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-021-01470-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-021-01470-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation