Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor (GCBC): wetlands

This shapefile (GCBC_ sensitive-wetlands_gw.shp ) was taken from the sensitive wetlands layer (sensitive_wetlands.shp) The original shapefile was clipped to the boundary of the GCBC Planning Domain by Glynnis Barodien (CPU) in June 2004.The original data layer was created by Kevin Shaw (CNC). Information about the original shapefile: Wetland boundaries were delineated on 1:50,000 topographical maps. Wetlands are defined by DEA and T Wetlands Conservation Programme (August 1998 draft) as lands supporting predominantly hydrophytes, or where the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil, or where the substrate is non-soil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at time during the growing season. However, hydric soils cannot be distinguished without a detailed field visit (as suggested by the Wetland Fix Programme). Consequently, boundaries were defined with the help of aerial photographs and personal knowledge to include wetland habitats (open water, reedbeds, salt marshes, mud flats, floodplains) and dams (which are known to have a established floral and faunal component i.e. have some biological functioning and are not sterile). Please note that these names and types have still to be vetted by Kevin Shaw. Consequently these data should be viewed as in prep until these data have been vetted. There are still some 1:50 000 maps that must still be digitised. For a comprehensive list, please refer to the metadata of the wetlands layer that can be obtained through the CPU. Wetlands typically consist of permanent (saturated or water-logged throughout the year), seasonal (water-logged for approximately three to six months of the year) and temporary (water-logged for a matter of weeks or only during wet years) zones. Existing boundaries reflected in the database often only reflect permanent zones and should be checked to reflect the at least the seasonal zones, but preferably also the temporary zones. Attribute data (name and classification of wetland) still need to be added. Some spot checking has been done against the 1:500,000 wetlands. For additional information, refer to the Cederberg Project Technical Report. Although the greatest care has been taken to ensure that the information we serve is up to date and spatially accurate, the BGIS unit and its partner organizations give no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, utility or completeness of this information. Users of this information assume all responsibility and risk.