The 2008 data is a subset of the original 2001-2002 data, covering 41 sites, and the 2008 data variables are not the same as the 2001-2002 data variables.

While the 2001-2002 data are the most complete, however, there are several sites with missing variables from the 53 sample sites. The incomplete data issue is complicated on many fronts: In this chapter, we are going one step further, that is, to try to complete all the missing data values, which will allow us to do a more complete comparison. In 2009, Res Altwegg and Cory Merow did a thorough analysis and comparison of between the 2 sets of data, for 35 sites, excluding certain sites due to lack of data for comparisons. In 2008 Graeme Ellis re-sampled a subset of the population, sampling 41 sites. In 20, Wendy Foden and various assistants collected Quiver trees sample data across the whole range, sampling 53 sites in detail. However, data uncertainty accompanied the sample collections as well. To have a complete picture of the Quiver tree’s response to recent climatic changes, samples of Quiver trees were collected from their distributional range in arid Namibia and South Africa, and this is a continuing project funded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Quiver trees in Kaukusib Koppie, Namibia, 2008 Observations has also shown that the Quiver trees might be responding to higher temperatures by shifting its distribution range towards higher and higher altitudes, showing a preference for slightly cooler regions ( Midgley et al., 2009).

Previous onsite observations show that Quiver trees are very sensitive to temperature changes, and does not do well under extreme hot and dry conditions. The Quiver tree can potentially provide a good indication of long term climate changes in the arid regions ( Foden, 2002).

Climate changes is one of the major factors affecting the existence of Quiver trees, while the Quiver tree will unlikely to be affected by small climatic fluctuations, but will be affected larger or long term climatic changes. Today, the Quiver trees are threatened by agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and mining, as well as droughts and other climate changes ( Foden, 2002). Foden’s detailed study of the demographic data of the Quiver trees show that negligible recruitment has occurred in certain populations for 50 years, and the effects of non-climatic variables, such as herbivory, competition, seed availability, fungal pathogens, plant collection. The Quiver tree is important to the ecosystem due to the fact that it is as a source of moisture for a wide variety of mammals, birds, and insects. The Quiver tree has a 200 year life span, and can grow up to 9 meters tall, and it occurs in summer and winter rainfall regions, and can live under a variety of climatic conditions ( Fig. Succulents are able to survive long periods of drought conditions, due to the fact succulent plants has special water-storing tissue which makes part of the plant fleshy, and the Quiver tree has succulent leaf and stem ( Van Wyk and Smith, 1996). This succulent tree species occurs in rocky areas, and it can grow quite rapidly under the right conditions. Aloe dichotoma, common name Quiver tree, is an important part of the arid regions, such as Namaqualand and Bushmanland in South Africa, and in arid parts of southern Namibia.

For more information about this plant, visit its corresponding Wikipedia article.The climate fluctuates and changes naturally, and adding the common problems of land transformation and deforestation, its impact can be very harsh on the natural environment, and cause a decline in the biodiversity of plants and animals.

Quiver tree.