An Ecological Perspective
Image Credit · Eye Poetry Photography
The sound and smell of semi-arid thornveld unlocks the door to a captivating world of discovery. Unbeknownst to the fast-paced jitter of economic uncertainty, technological progression and worldwide lockdown, lies the age-old conviction of nature’s serenity. Every step through the Kameelhoek landscape entices the senses to an unfamiliar but natural encounter. Whether on foot or on horseback, brushing through tall grassland and navigating across open savanna allows nature to tell its story without even the slightest murmur of a single word.
The story of nature can be heard from the subtlest of places, often borne from the soil and expressed through the diversity of plant-life occurring in different areas. What ecologists refer to as “plant communities” can be ascribed to the grouping of special characters in the form of different plant species, each with their own distinct function and ability to influence the environment. Like that of a worldly community of career driven entrepreneurs, corporate businessmen, engineers and other service rendering individuals, each plant species has its own ecological niche(1) where it can provide unique qualities contributing to the well-being of the ecological economy.
Figure 1. The occurrence of Tribulus terrestris near an old watering hole on Kameelhoek.
Ecological niche (1) – the physical and biological limits within which a species can survive, grow and reproduce.
Easily overlooked and sometimes hidden amongst the more pronounced of characters, lies smaller species, some with unknowingly significant affect. An example of such a character and named according to its function can be seen in the bright-yellow flowered Tribulus terrestris (Figure 1). Translated from Latin as the little “spiny-earth-plant”, it has by no means a little attitude. In contrast to its modest appearance, the “spiny-earth-plant” is known for its ability to transform bare ground and regulate the presence of seemingly unwelcome characters (species). The little “spiny-earth-plant” is therefore the embodiment of ecological law enforcement, safeguarding adequate rest to previously overutilised habitat.
This one example, along with many others, opens the world to nature’s story, revealing secrets of the past and foretelling the future. If only for a moment you are willing to crouch down and embrace an ecological perspective.
Ecological niche – the physical and biological limits within which a species can survive, grow and reproduce.