Wetlands of South Africa
Abstract
The alpine mires of the eastern highlands of Lesotho are divided into bogs and fens. Bogs are generally found on the cooler, steeper and moister south facing slopes. They are freshwater systems that
have highly organic soils. They are dominated by short sedges and grasses. Fens are generally much larger than the bogs in the area. They are usually located on the warmer and more gentle north facing slopes. They have mineral soils with very little organic matter. They tend to have large lawns of sedges and grasses with a water table below the surface of the soil for most of the year.
The distribution of mires in the alpine areas of Lesotho are described. The types of bogs and fens are described and their vegetation and their hydrological functions are discussed. Damage to the mires as a result of overstocking the area is cause for concern. The conservation value of the area is established, and
management options are presented.
GI Cowan (ed).1995.
Alpine mires of the eastern highlands of Lesotho
CA Schwabe
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