Spider checklist for the Blouberg, in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa

Background: The north-eastern mountainous region of South Africa has been identified as a spider diversity hotspot and centre of endemisim. The Blouberg is an isolated inselberg that forms part of the Soutpansberg geological complex, the northernmost mountain in South Africa. Objectives: This articl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bothalia 2019, Vol.49 (1), p.1-13
Main Authors: Schoeman, Colin, Foord, Stefan, Haddad, Charles R, Dippenaar-Schoeman, Anna S, Lyle, Robin, Hahn, Norbert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodiversity Conservation
Biosphere
Conservation
Conservation status
Distribution
Distribution patterns
Ecosystems
Endangered species
Endemicity
Exotic species
Foothills
Hot spots (geology)
Identification and classification
Introduced species
Invasive species
Limpopo province
Mountains
Observations
Protected species
Protection and preservation
Provinces
Sampling methods
South African Survey of Arachnida
Spiders
Taxonomy
Threatened species
Threats
Wildlife conservation
Zoogeography
Zoology
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Summary:Background: The north-eastern mountainous region of South Africa has been identified as a spider diversity hotspot and centre of endemisim. The Blouberg is an isolated inselberg that forms part of the Soutpansberg geological complex, the northernmost mountain in South Africa. Objectives: This article provides an updated species list of the Blouberg spiders, which includes details of the distribution patterns and conservation statuses of all taxa. Exotic species and species of special conservation concern are identified. Method: Surveys were conducted between 2005 and 2012, and a range of collecting methods were used to sample both the ground and field layers. Results: A total of 47 families were sampled in 210 genera and 346 species. The families of Salticidae (45 spp.), Gnaphosidae (32 spp.), Thomisidae (31 spp.), Araneidae (26 spp.) and Lycosidae (24 spp.) were the most diverse. Five species are of conservation concern, one species is Vulnerable, one is possibly exotic and 62 species are South African endemics. Conclusion: Presently, 17% of South African species are protected on the mountain and its surrounding foothills. The latter are of particular conservation concern, while the mountaintop and its associated habitats are under-sampled.
ISSN:0006-8241
2311-9284
2311-9284
DOI:10.4102/abc.v49i1.2455