Riparian Woody Vegetation Composition and Structure in Long-Term Monitoring Plots Along the Sabie River, Kruger National Park (2011-2012)

This dataset contains measurements of woody vegetation composition and structural attributes collected in 2009 and 2010 from 15 long-term riparian monitoring plots located along the Sabie River in the southern region of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The Sabie River is the park’s most perennial river system and supports diverse riparian plant communities influenced by hydrological variability, flooding dynamics, sediment deposition, herbivory, and climate-driven disturbance. Within each monitoring plot, field teams recorded woody species identity, stem density, plant height, and stem diameter. Additional structural and condition indicators were collected, including canopy breakage, evidence of bark stripping, resprouting status, and whether individuals were toppled or alive at the time of sampling. These structural attributes provide detailed assessments of disturbance impacts and vegetation condition within riparian zones. Data collection followed the same standardized protocols as the Southern Granites long-term vegetation monitoring program, allowing for cross-site comparisons between upland savanna and riparian systems. This dataset provides a baseline for evaluating long-term ecological change in riparian woody plant communities and supports ongoing research on the ecological functioning and resilience of river corridors in Kruger National Park.