Includes bibliographical references.This study investigated the nature, extent and rate vegetation change in the Karoo Midlands region of South Africa at multiple spatial and temporal scales in relation to local and global drivers. This is important because changes in land cover have major implications for the conservation and management of biodiversity in the region. The thesis is comprised of an historical analysis of climate as well as three cases studies which use repeat photography and long-term surveys to assess vegetation change in the region
