A Classification of East African Rangeland, with an Appendix on Terminology

Abstract

Two complementary classification systems recommended by the East African Range Classification Committee are described, to indicate respectively site potential and the present physiognomy and species composition of the vegetation. The first recognizes six broad ecological zones, defined primarily by climate but incorporating vegetation and land-use descriptions, which can be subdivided, as new survey data become available, according to soil and topography, to give more critical ecological land-units. The second comprises a series of physiognomic vegetation types, recognized by the form of the vegetation and the relative contributions of woody plants and grass, with sub-types defined by species composition and grassland type. Profile diagrams are given. Three maps are presented to illustrate the application of the classification systems, though the systems are designed primarily for more detailed range survey. In all cases it is recommended that a permanent base map showing land potential should be prepared separately from that showing present and perhaps temporary vegetation type, and that the same order of preparation should be followed in written texts.