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An anthropogenic transformation of the natural sphere of Africa
Píšová, Šárka ; Romportl, Dušan (advisor) ; Kliment, Zdeněk (referee)
Africa is a heterogeneous environment that is affected by natural and anthropogenic processes. This thesis uses a review method to characterize the natural environment of the continent, present possible classifications of natural conditions and to describe the transformation of this environment. The main methodological aim of the thesis was to determine areas threatened by biodiversity loss due to anthropogenic pressures based on a new classification of the natural environment on a continental level. This was executed by methods of environmental stratification and subsequent environmental classification. Thus, this thesis presents a classification of the natural environment on the basis of homogenous units determined by bioclimatic variables and terrain, which are subsequently related to the biodiversity of birds, amphibians and mammals and to an anthropogenic influence represented by anthropogenic biomes. Finally, the share of protected areas is executed in relation to this anthropogenic transformation of the natural environment. Therefore, the thesis is quite a unique approach, as it takes into account a combination of both physical and socio-economic factors at a continental level. The final output consists of a map of the anthropogenic transformation of Africa's natural environment in the...
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Changes of the natural environment in southern Africa
Píšová, Šárka ; Kliment, Zdeněk (advisor) ; Romportl, Dušan (referee)
The diverse region of southern Africa is affected by several changes of the natural environment. This thesis characterizes the region of southern Africa and evaluates the state and development of these natural conditions and environmental problems in four main categories of physical geography - climate, vegetation, soils and water. A literature review is compiled and processed focusing on studies by field experts, which describe the main issues in these categories. Particular problems which the region encounters are described on a global, regional and local scale. The main problems are: changes in temperature and precipitation, land cover change, deforestation, desertification, threats to biodiversity, soil erosion and water availability. Overall, changes of the natural environment in southern Africa are caused by climate change and anthropogenic activity. However, human activities cause a greater impact as a result of their "indirect influence" on climate conditions and "direct influence" on vegetation conditions. Key words: Africa, southern Africa, natural environment, climate, vegetation, soils, water
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