Thicket

Thickets are characterized by dense plant life, a low closed canopy, deep shale-derived soil, and high levels of soil carbon and nitrogen. Plants present within a thicket generally reach a maximum of 4 to 6 meters in height. The boundaries between a thicket and its nearby forest are defined by a lack of precipitation and overall dry environment within the thicket area, while forests receive higher levels of precipitation. and South America. One of the most studied and well-recognized thickets is the Albany thicket biome, located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Due to their overlapping ranges and similarity of plant species, thicket biomes may be misidentified as being portions of savannas. However, these areas can be differentiated through a thicket's lack of C4 grasses and relatively low fire exposure. == Significance and use ==

Ecological significance While thickets tend to have a small number of plant species present, as they are often dominated by one species of tree or shrub, the biome provides ecological resources to a large group of species. Thickets frequently make up sections of the home ranges of native species, including ptarmigan and hares in the tundra, cheetahs and lions in Africa, and frogs and alligators in North America. In particular, a thicket's high plant density and resulting low visibility allows for predator species to succeed in tracking, stalking, and capturing their prey. Recently, the primary human activity taking place in thickets is game hunting, both for recreational purposes and for ecotourism. The increase in game hunting within thickets has also led to the rise of manmade game farms, which has prompted discussion regarding the impact of game farms on the biome and its health. Alternatively, farmers and many locals suggest that the formation of game farms is an effective manner in which to preserve land area and minimize human impact on a thicket. ==References==