A geomorphological approach to the ecological management of rivers in the Kruger National Park: The case of the Sabie River

The management of river systems in conservation areas in South Africa is problematic: a policy for the provision of water for conservation is still evolving and many rivers (being bedrock-controlled and with highly variable flows) do not conform to established alluvial river theory. A framework is developed for predicting changes in river state under different (natural and controlled) flow regimes. The approach involves river classification at ecologically relevant scales, conceptual modelling, process monitoring and mathematical modelling. The ecological relevance of the approach is demonstrated and the results form an appropriate base from which conservationists can negotiate with other water users.