Abstract
The objectives of this study is to assess the role of termite mounds as patches in vegetation dynamics of mopane vegetation. Vegetation was surveyed using quadrats and spots on each termite mounds. Totally 26 quadrats, 13 on- and 13 off-the-mound, and 70 mounds were surveyed. On-the-mound vegetation was classified into three types, as well as off-the-mound vegetation. At each vegetation type, tree number and species richness were much higher on termite mounds than surrounding. Some species were unique to the mounds, and appearance of evergreen trees and pioneer species were strongly linked to the mounds. Active mounds had fewer trees and species, compared with inactive ones.
