The landscape pattern surrounding the Venda sacred site of Thathe Forest

• Main Author: Israel, Adina
• Other Authors: Wynberg, Rachel
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2014
• Subjects: Environmental and Geographical Science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10715

Includes bibliographical references. === Natural sacred sites are areas protected by traditional groups as a point of connection to the land. They are also acknowledged for their disproportionate biodiversity contribution. These natural remnant patches have, however, recently come under threat from surrounding anthropogenic land-uses. This study aims to establish the spatial landscape pattern and associated land-uses surrounding the Venda sacred site of Thathe Forest in north-eastern Limpopo, South Africa, while investigating links to landscape governance. A terrain analysis of the study area is conducted using the thematic layers of geology and soils, gradient, aspect, and hydrology. This analysis is contrasted with a land-cover classification of the study area, further linking results to land-use decision-making.