SABONET Reports

The SABONET project (South African Botanical Diversity Network) published a series of reports and monographs, known as the "SABONET Reports". Of these, three have been compiled by the staff of the NBRI, with a fourth publication sponsored by SABONET (but not part of the series). These are:

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A checklist of Namibian plant species

Report 7

This checklist of Namibian plant species started as an updated list of previous publications. Over the past few years, however, it evolved to become a list that needs checking, that is, it is not necessarily a list of what occurs in Namibia, but what has been recorded as occurring here! The aim was to find out what 'may' occur here so that a means of identifying such taxa could be found, for example, suitable literature. The sources for the list were herbarium specimens, literature, and communication with botanists all over the world. Obviously, it was not possible to verify taxonomic status or include all herbarium specimens not yet computerised, hence the inclusion of notes to indicate problem areas.

[P. Craven (ed.), 1999. SABONET Report No. 7, ISBN 1-919795-37-5. A4, soft cover, spiral-bound, 206 pp. Out of print.]

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Checklist of grasses in Namibia

Report 20

The aim of this book is to provide information on the grasses of Namibia from local sources. Whereas much of the information on Namibian grasses in previous publications was derived from southern Africa, this book focuses specifically on Namibia. The information was sourced from notes on Namibian specimens and Namibian ethnobotanical studies. The book discusses and maps the 391 grasses indigenous to Namibia-10% of the total indigenous flora. Fourteen naturalised and nine cultivated species, as well as twelve escapees, are also included. Species are arranged alphabetically. In addition to a distribution map, each listing includes the following information: PRECIS number, synonyms, common names (Afrikaans, English, German, Ju|'hoan, Khoekhoegowab, Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, Rugciriku, Rukwangali, Shishambyu, Silozi, and Thimbukushu), life form, abundance, habitat, distribution, uses, voucher specimens, and references. The book also contains three indexes: an index to species and genus names, a numerical index of generic names, and a common name index.

[E.S. Klaassen & P. Craven, 2003. SABONET Report No. 20, ISBN 99916-63-16-9. A4, soft cover, colour plates, 130 pp.]

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A Red Data Book of Namibian plants

Report 38

This comprehensive Red Data book lists 3,961 rare, endemic, and threatened Namibian plant species. It provides extensive information, as well as a distribution map, for each plant on the list. Species and infraspecific taxa are arranged alphabetically by family. Appendixes provide a detailed description of the 2001 IUCN criteria used to make the assessments, as well as a list of Data Deficient taxa. An index listing species names concludes the work. The book includes magnificent colour photographs of the listed species in 24 colour plates. The following information is included for each taxon on the list:

• Synonyms
• Endemism
• IUCN Status
• Description of the growth form and major distinguishing characters of each taxon
• Brief explanation of the reasons for listing and the factors that contributed to a particular assessment
• Short description of habitat
• List of the main factors that threaten the taxon with extinction in Namibia
• Additional notes and common names

[S. Loots, 2005. SABONET Report No. 38, ISBN 1-919976-16-7. A4, soft cover, colour plates, 124 pp.]

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Guide to the common plants of the Cuvelai wetlands

Common plants of the Cuvelai wetlands

SABONET also sponsored the publication of another book, Guide to the common plants of the Cuvelai wetlands by N.V. Clarke in 1998. The oshanas of the Cuvelai wetlands are a source of water and pasture for a great number of livestock and provide a livelihood for many people. This booklet is a step towards understanding the plants and their important role in the oshana ecosystem.

[N.V. Clarke, 1998. ISBN 0-86976-444-6. A5, soft cover, line drawings, 48 pp.]

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Full details of all SABONET publications can be found at www.sabonet.org.