Tree community diversity (composition and structure) along piosphere gradients in Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

Fifty-nine 50m-long vegetation transects were conducted at 0.5, 1, 2 and 5km and sometimes 8km away from 13 permanent waterholes in Hwange National Park. Along each transect, all woody plants taller than 50cm were surveyed within a 2m strip on each side of the transect, extended to a 10m strip for tall trees (>8m). Information recorded on all individual plant included species identity, height, basal circumference and other information (see variables-description.txt file). Grass height was recorded every 5m along each transect, unless the location was under a tree/bush. These vegetation surveys were conducted between April and June 2008.