Naturescope Consulting

Grass Species Diversity and Forage Quality in Zoroga, Nata Region Our range assessment in Zoroga, Nata Region recorded a total grass abundance of 1209 individuals, equivalent to a density of 134,333 individuals per hectare—highlighting the area’s significant grass cover. ? Dominant Grass Species: The four most abundant grasses (80% of total density) were: ?? Cenchrus ciliaris (15778/ha) – Highly palatable ?? Eragrostis rigidior (12333/ha) – Medium palatable ?? Schmidtia pappophoroides (7778/ha) – Highly palatable ?? Stipagrostis uniplumis (54889/ha) – Medium palatable ? High Species Richness & Forage Quality 11 herbaceous species were recorded, with the Eragrostis genus being the most diverse. 9 out of 11 species are palatable, with 6 highly palatable grasses, indicating excellent forage quality for livestock. Successional status: The area has a mix of climax (2), sub-climax (7), and pioneer (2) grasses, suggesting an evolving grassland ecosystem. These findings confirm that the ranch provides high-quality grazing, making it suitable for livestock production. However, bush encroachment may impact grass availability, requiring proper rangeland management strategies. #Zoroga #RangelandAssessment #ForageQuality #SustainableGrazing

Here is our key findings of the range assessment..the ranch at Zoroga Bush Encroachment in the Ranch: Our range assessment confirms that the surveyed ranch is experiencing bush encroachment, with a woody plant density of 2147 individuals per hectare—far exceeding the 1000 trees/ha limit (Field, 1978). ? 89% of the woody plants recorded were under 2m, showing high recruitment of young trees. ? The most dominant species were Colophospermum mopane (Mophane), Grewia bicolar (Mogwana), and Vachellia herbaclada (Sekhei). ? Taller trees (>2m) included Combretum apiculatum (Mohudiri) and Vachellia erioloba (Mokala wa phaletshe). ? Some of these species serve as important fodder for livestock, offering forage even during the dry season. The high density of woody plants highlights the need for sustainable range management strategies to balance forage availability and prevent further bush encroachment.

Why Range Assessment Is an Investment, Not an Expense Here’s the truth: our services are designed to save you money, improve your operations, and secure your future. 1. Helping You Get Funding Did you know that many financial institutions require a range assessment report before approving funding for ranch improvements or herd expansion? Our detailed reports provide the data and recommendations financiers need to confidently back your plans. 2. Making Informed Ranch Purchases Buying a ranch is a big decision. But how do you know if the land can sustain your goals? Through our assessments, you’ll understand the vegetation, grasses, and trees on the property. We’ll calculate the stocking rate so you know exactly how many cattle the land can support without risking overgrazing.

From Communal Grazing to Ranch Ownership: A Journey in Zoroga In Zoroga, one of my recent client's dreams of transitioning from communal grazing to owning a private ranch When this client approached me, they had a clear vision: to purchase a ranch and increase their cattle numbers. To support this move, I conducted a detailed range assessment of the prospective property. During the assessment, we analyzed key factors such as vegetation health, forage availability, and the land’s potential to sustain a larger herd. With this groundwork completed, I’ll be preparing a comprehensive report to guide the client’s purchase decision and ensure their expansion is sustainable. Why This Matters Transitioning to private ranching provides an opportunity for better grazing control and improved productivity. This story highlights the importance of informed land acquisition and livestock management decisions.

Our client at Western sandvelds sought our expertise to achieve a key goal: increasing his cattle numbers sustainably. He needed an assessment of his ranch’s grazing capacity to ensure that expansion wouldn’t compromise the land’s health. Services Provided: Range Assessment: Conducted an evaluation of the rangeland to analyze vegetation cover, forage availability, and the impact of current grazing practices. Stocking Rate Calculation: Provided data-driven recommendations on the optimal number of cattle his ranch could support. Comprehensive Report: Delivered a detailed report outlining: A revised stocking rate to safely increase his livestock numbers. Sustainable management practices, including rotational grazing and ongoing monitoring. Outcome: With the new stocking rate and management plan, our client is now equipped to expand his herd confidently. He has a clear path toward improving productivity while maintaining the ecological balance of his ranch.

Throwback to when Mokula Gaisekwe was just a client needing a range assessment report During the field survey, he jumped right in, helping us collect data and learning about range ecology along the way. It was amazing to see his interest grow. Today, Reflecting on moments like these reminds me of how collaboration can build both skills and connections.

To celebrate someone very special – my cousin and incredible field partner, Arnold Tuahuku. Together, we have navigated countless roads, conducting rangeland assessments and making a difference. Arnold’s dedication, hard work, and unwavering support have been vital to our success. Working alongside him is not just about getting the job done it’s about the shared commitment, trust, and memories we have built along the way. I’m so grateful for his partnership and the role he plays in our work.

Managing Livestock: Controlling What You Can, Adapting to What You Can't In managing livestock you don't have control over some of the biophysical factors e.g climate, topography however these affect vegetation community livestock and wildlife Nonetheless you have control over is the grazing management decisions such as livestock species, stocking rate and grazing plans

Findings western sandveld Ranch; The five woody plant species (79%) with the highest abundance/density values were Dichrostachys cineria (Moselesele), Bauhinia pertersiana, Tarchonanthus camphorotus (Moologa), Grewia flava (Moretlwa) and Doryalis caffa (Letlhajwa) respectively . These same woody species also had the highest frequency compared to other species in the area. The densities of the rest of the recorded woody plant species ranged from 8 to 483 individuals per hectare. However, after categorising the woody plants by height (more than 2 meters), the results show that the woody plants that were dominant are Terminalia sericea (Mogonono), Senegalia fleckii and Grewia reternivis in the ranch.

Findings from the range assessment in the Western Sandvelds, Central District The total abundance of all grass species in the surveyed quadrats (80 m2) was 325 individuals, equivalent to a density of about 54166.67 individuals per ha. The four grass species (79%) with the highest abundance/density values (individuals/ha.) were Digitaria eriantha (10666.67), Schmidtia pappophoroides (6000), Stipagrostis uniplumis (5000) and Uroclhoa tricophus (4000). The same grass species were also the most frequently encountered and two of them, Digitaria enriantha and Schmidtia pappophoroides, are classified as highly palatable. This classification indicates the presence of high-quality forage for livestock within the ranch. Density estimates for the rest of the other grass species ranged from 333 to 3500 individuals per ha.