
Figure 1:
Satellite image of Telperion Nature Reserve (South Africa) indicating the sampling locations associated with the open grassland, shrubland with rocky outcrops and riparian zone habitats.

Figure 2:
The (A) total rainfall and (B) temperature (mean, minimum, and maximum) for the 90 days prior to each sampling event at Telperion Nature Reserve (South Africa).
Table S1.
Investigated soil properties measured at the open grassland, shrubland with rocky outcrops and riparian zone habitats in the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga province, South Africa).
| Habitat | Sand (%) | Silt (%) | Clay (%) | Organic carbon (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open grassland | 91.77 ± 3.03 | 3.75 ± 2.33 | 4.47 ± 0.94 | 0.78 ± 0.24 |
| Shrubland with rocky outcrops | 86.45 ± 4.44 | 6.99 ± 3.13 | 6.54 ± 2.08 | 1.65 ± 0.84 |
| Riparian zone | 86.48 ± 7.18 | 8.18 ± 5.16 | 5.33 ± 2.24 | 1.59 ± 1.26 |
Table S2.
Occurrence and abundance of herbivores in 250 cm3 soil samples obtained from open grassland, shrubland with rocky outcrops and riparian zone sites in the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga province, South Africa) as part of an ecological study that was conducted over four seasons from 2015 to 2016.
| Open grassland | Shrubland with rocky outcrops | Riparian zone | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family | Genus or Family | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn |
| Anguinidae (He1) | Subanguina | 1.36 ± 4.52 | 0 | 2.73 ± 9.05 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 |
| Belondiridae (He5) | Axonchium | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 3.64 ± 4.52 | 0 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0 | 5.00 ± 12.69 | 3.00 ± 7.89 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 |
| Belonolaimidae (He3) | Tylenchorhynchus | 1.82 ± 6.03 | 0 | 0 | 30.91 ± 65.91 | 18.00 ± 56.92 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 25.00 ± 36.82 | 8.00 ± 13.98 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Criconematidae (He3) | Criconematidaea | 1.82 ± 4.62 | 5.00 ± 13.42 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 3.00 ± 3.50 | 3.00 ± 6.32 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 4.50 ± 9.56 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 |
| Criconema | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | |
| Criconemoides | 6.36 ± 15.67 | 10.45 ± 17.24 | 7.27 ± 11.91 | 8.18 ± 22.39 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 9.00 ± 21.19 | 5.00 ± 14.14 | 0 | 5.00 ± 11.18 | 5.00 ± 11.18 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | |
| Hemicriconemoides | 0 | 1.82 ± 6.03 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | 0 | |
| Hemicycliophora | 5.91 ± 19.60 | 2.27 ± 7.54 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 1.82 ± 6.03 | 1.50 ± 4.74 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 165.00 ± 301.58 | 13.00 ± 29.07 | 69.00 ± 154.29 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | |
| Dorylaimellidae (He5) | Dorylaimellus | 58.18 ± 98.82 | 6.36 ± 13.80 | 8.64 ± 18.04 | 11.36 ± 31.23 | 21.50 ± 25.28 | 12.50 ± 20.85 | 8.50 ± 16.51 | 12.00 ± 25.19 | 0 | 5.00 ± 11.18 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 55.00 ± 122.98 |
| Heteroderidae (He3) | Meloidogyne | 4.09 ± 10.68 | 2.27 ± 7.54 | 1.82 ± 4.05 | 25.45 ± 71.40 | 154.50 ± 350.55 | 13.00 ± 19.32 | 11.50 ± 16.67 | 8.00 ± 17.03 | 0 | 162.00 ± 342.90 | 45.00 ± 81.70 | 54.00 ± 120.98 |
| Hoplolaimidae (He3) | Hoplolaimidaea | 6.36 ± 10.51 | 7.27 ± 16.94 | 0 | 2.27 ± 4.10 | 15.50 ± 26.29 | 14.00 ± 26.01 | 10.50 ± 31.49 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 |
| Helicotylenchus | 38.64 ± 43.25 | 139.09 ± 246.41 | 42.27 ± 112.37 | 40.45 ± 64.67 | 52.00 ± 82.27 | 67.50 ± 102.29 | 31.50 ± 57.40 | 61.50 ± 12.83 | 6.00 ± 13.42 | 83.00 ± 185.59 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | 73.00 ± 139.45 | |
| Rotylenchulus | 34.55 ± 71.57 | 50.91 ± 128.78 | 31.82 ± 47.29 | 55.91 ± 125.89 | 34.50 ± 92.87 | 46.00 ± 143.72 | 53.00 ± 139.92 | 96.00 ± 275.77 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 28.00 ± 59.85 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | |
| Rotylenchus | 29.55 ± 42.51 | 21.36 ± 38.61 | 0 | 16.36 ± 22.59 | 18.50 ± 35.04 | 5.50 ± 11.65 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 7.00 ± 10.59 | 15.00 ± 28.28 | 0 | 0 | 8.00 ± 7.89 | |
| Scutellonema | 110.45 ± 131.25 | 172.73 ± 231.38 | 38.64 ± 71.91 | 35.45 ± 36.77 | 44.00 ± 51.47 | 64.00 ± 92.04 | 131.00 ± 343.24 | 21.00 ± 23.78 | 19.00 ± 26.55 | 40.00 ± 58.74 | 35.00 ± 57.77 | 137.00 ± 275.83 | |
| Leptonchidae (He4) | Xiphinemella | 6.82 ± 22.61 | 0 | 1.36 ± 3.23 | 5.45 ± 9.34 | 4.50 ± 14.23 | 2.50 ± 7.91 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 5.50 ± 12.57 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 2.00 ± 4.47 |
| Longidoridae (He5) | Longidorus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | 0 | 0 |
| Xiphinema | 6.82 ± 13.65 | 2.27 ± 4.10 | 7.27 ± 10.81 | 5.91 ± 10.68 | 20.22 ± 31.09 | 3.00 ± 5.37 | 11.50 ± 16.17 | 11.00 ± 16.96 | 3.00 ± 4.47 | 2.00 ± 2.74 | 6.00 ± 13.42 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | |
| Pratylenchidae (He3) | Pratylenchus | 10.45 ± 19.42 | 22.73 ± 44.74 | 2.27 ± 3.44 | 5.91 ± 13.38 | 27.00 ± 34.50 | 16.00 ± 35.81 | 15.50 ± 29.67 | 5.50 ± 10.66 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Psilenchidae (He2) | Psilenchus | 0.91 ± 2.02 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 ± 9.49 | 0 | 31.00 ± 69.32 | 7.00 ± 15.65 | 15.00 ± 33.54 | 0 |
| Trichodoridae (He4) | Nanidorus | 0 | 2.73 ± 9.05 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.50 ± 5.40 | 1.50 ± 4.74 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 5.00 ± 7.07 | 18.00 ± 28.42 | 313.00 ± 683.17 | 28.00 ± 49.32 |
| Paratrichodorus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 6.32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6.00 ± 13.42 | 0 | 0 | |
| Trichodoridaea | 0 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Trichodorus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Tylenchidae (He2) | Filenchus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41.00 ± 80.96 | 0 | 0 |
| Coslenchus | 0 | 2.73 ± 9.05 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Tylenchidaea | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 1.36 ± 3.23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.50 ± 7.91 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 16.00 ± 30.50 | 0 | 0 | |
| Tylenchus | 77.73 ± 73.33 | 33.64 ± 40.38 | 15.91 ± 36.53 | 21.82 ± 24.21 | 121.50 ± 65.75 | 18.00 ± 18.59 | 14.00 ± 11.01 | 26.00 ± 27.37 | 139.00 ± 144.80 | 85.00 ± 100.93 | 246.00 ± 222.64 | 189.00 ± 263.71 | |
| Tylencholaimidae (He4) | Chitwoodius | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tylenchulidae (He3) | Meloidoderita | 3.64 ± 12.06 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tylenchulus | 0 | 0 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 6.32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total herbivores | 407.73 ± 194.43 | 489.09 ± 476.05 | 162.27 ± 214.97 | 270.00 ± 206.95 | 539.00 ± 383.70 | 289.00 ± 240.71 | 326.50 ± 363.48 | 268.50 ± 289.86 | 394.00 ± 353.77 | 516.00 ± 496.61 | 741.00 ± 922.38 | 552.00 ± 734.72 | |
Table S3.
Occurrence and abundance of bacterivores in 250 cm3 soil samples obtained from open grassland, shrubland with rocky outcrops and riparian zone sites in the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga province, South Africa) as part of an ecological study that was conducted over four seasons from 2015 to 2016.
| Open grassland | Shrubland with rocky outcrops | Riparian zone | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family (functional guild) | Genus or Family | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn |
| Alaimidae (Ba4) | Alaimus | 98.64 ± 91.33 | 17.73 ± 19.15 | 2.27 ± 11.07 | 12.73 ± 19.02 | 92.00 ± 57.07 | 21.50 ± 22.74 | 18.50 ± 22.61 | 57.50 ± 63.56 | 10.00 ± 14.14 | 22.00 ± 49.19 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 |
| Amphidelus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.51 ± 1.58 | 5.50 ± 7.62 | 5.00 ± 11.55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | |
| Aphanolaimidae (Ba3) | Aphanolaimus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cephalobidae (Ba2) | Cephalobidaea | 0 | 13.18 ± 18.07 | 87.73 ± 192.33 | 113.64 ± 198.92 | 0 | 19.00 ± 45.26 | 32.00 ± 38.82 | 36.50 ± 45.03 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 ± 2.74 | 10.00 ± 14.14 |
| Acrobeles | 122.27 ± 112.48 | 69.09 ± 103.46 | 36.82 ± 55.51 | 160.45 ± 192.57 | 51.50 ± 69.76 | 52.50 ± 123.52 | 18.00 ± 39.24 | 24.50 ± 36.40 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | 47.00 ± 64.58 | 32.00 ± 54.15 | 13.00 ± 16.43 | |
| Acrobeloides | 60.45 ± 41.44 | 20.45 ± 21.62 | 25.00 ± 53.06 | 23.64 ± 23.67 | 24.00 ± 43.83 | 66.50 ± 152.19 | 43.00 ± 103.98 | 21.50 ± 39.86 | 25.00 ± 30.00 | 52.00 ± 52.51 | 62.00 ± 107.62 | 63.00 ± 105.69 | |
| Cephalobus | 3.18 ± 9.02 | 42.27 ± 59.22 | 54.09 ± 47.21 | 97.73 ± 171.37 | 18.00 ± 50.01 | 64.50 ± 118.75 | 116.00 ± 272.01 | 63.50 ± 76.52 | 0 | 75.00 ± 148.66 | 58.00 ± 57.07 | 26.00 ± 28.59 | |
| Cervidellus | 0 | 8.64 ± 15.51 | 7.27 ± 15.55 | 7.73 ± 10.09 | 0 | 8.00 ± 15.67 | 3.50 ± 5.30 | 4.50 ± 6.43 | 0 | 50.00 ± 111.80 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 5.00 ± 8.66 | |
| Chiloplacus | 20.45 ± 22.52 | 4.09 ± 6.25 | 3.18 ± 10.55 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 13.00 ± 15.49 | 13.50 ± 17.49 | 2.00 ± 6.32 | 16.00 ± 44.02 | 60.00 ± 128.65 | 4.00 ± 8.94 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | |
| Eucephalobus | 0 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 1.82 ± 4.62 | 0 | 0 | 121.00 ± 380.88 | 8.50 ± 16.34 | 5.50 ± 11.17 | 0 | 9.00 ± 20.12 | 167.00 ± 365.10 | 40.00 ± 61.64 | |
| Heterocephalo-bellus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Seleborca | 53.64 ± 90.11 | 57.73 ± 84.42 | 89.55 ± 186.83 | 57.73 ± 71.39 | 8.00 ± 22.01 | 18.50 ± 46.19 | 7.50 ± 6.35 | 14.50 ± 16.24 | 0 | 17.00 ± 30.33 | 6.00 ± 10.84 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | |
| Zeldia | 28.18 ± 32.96 | 35.45 ± 77.05 | 2.73 ± 5.18 | 13.18 ± 16.17 | 6.00 ± 7.38 | 8.00 ± 12.74 | 8.50 ± 13.75 | 4.00 ± 6.58 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | 22.00 ± 49.19 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 4.00 ± 8.94 | |
| Chromadoridae (Ba3) | Punctodora | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 0 | 0 | 9.00 ± 12.45 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chronogasteridae (Ba3) | Chronogaster | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.83 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 279.00 ± 509.20 | 12.00 ± 14.40 | 95.00 ± 212.43 | 28.00 ± 57.18 |
| Cyatholaimidae (Ba4) | Achromadora | 0 | 0 | 4.55 ± 15.08 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9.00 ± 15.17 | 2.00 ± 2.74 | 18.00 ± 40.25 | 0 |
| Diplogasteridae (Ba1) | Butlerius | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.50 ± 3.37 | 4.50 ± 14.23 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 0 |
| Diplogasteroididae (Ba1) | Diplogasteroididaea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14.00 ± 31.30 | 1.00 ± 2.24 |
| Elaphonematidae (Ba3) | Elaphonema | 8.64 ± 17.76 | 1.82 ± 4.62 | 8.64 ± 15.51 | 12.73 ± 42.21 | 6.50 ± 11.56 | 0 | 7.00 ± 22.14 | 1.50 ± 3.37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mesorhabditidae (Ba1) | Mesorhabditis | 0 | 3.18 ± 10.55 | 0 | 8.18 ± 27.14 | 0 | 12.50 ± 32.68 | 1.50 ± 3.37 | 2.00 ± 6.32 | 0 | 14.00 ± 21.91 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 |
| Metateratocepha-lidae (Ba3) | Euteratocephalus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.00 ± 8.66 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Monhysteridae (Ba2) | Monhystera | 1.82 ± 6.03 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.50 ± 4.86 | 2.00 ± 6.32 | 0 | 0 | 8.00 ± 13.04 | 4.00 ± 6.52 | 3.00 ± 4.47 | 6.00 ± 10.84 |
| Monhystrella | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | ||
| Neodiplogastridae (Ba1) | Fictor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Koerneria | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 6.32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | 0 | |
| Odontolaimidae (Ba3) | Odontolaimus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osstellidae (Ba2) | Drilocephalobus | 0 | 0 | 18.18 ± 50.71 | 37.73 ± 71.46 | 0 | 0 | 3.50 ± 4.74 | 12.00 ± 14.57 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 |
| Panagrolaimidae (Ba1) | Panagrolaimus | 26.36 ± 25.31 | 15.00 ± 23.02 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 17.27 ± 35.31 | 17.50 ± 14.19 | 17.50 ± 39.32 | 12.50 ± 23.83 | 4.00 ± 7.38 | 39.00 ± 39.12 | 15.00 ± 21.21 | 19.00 ± 21.33 | 6.00 ± 6.52 |
| Plectidae (Ba2) | Anaplectus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ceratoplectus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.91 ± 2.02 | 10.50 ± 33.20 | 4.50 ± 11.17 | 2.50 ± 7.91 | 11.00 ± 25.03 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 0 | |
| Plectus | 5.45 ± 12.34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.00 ± 12.65 | 0 | 1.50 ± 2.42 | 3.50 ± 11.07 | 4.00 ± 4.18 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | |
| Wilsonema | 3.18 ± 7.83 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 1.36 ± 2.34 | 6.50 ± 10.55 | 1.50 ± 2.42 | 2.50 ± 5.40 | 6.50 ± 17.17 | 0 | 6.00 ± 13.42 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | |
| Prismatolaimidae (Ba3) | Prismatolaimus | 0.91 ± 2.02 | 0.91 ± 2.02 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 3.18 ± 10.55 | 6.50 ± 11.80 | 7.00 ± 11.35 | 7.50 ± 13.99 | 7.00 ± 12.52 | 3.00 ± 2.74 | 5.00 ± 11.18 | 6.00 ± 13.42 | 3.00 ± 4.47 |
| Rhabditidae (Ba1) | Cruznema | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rhabditidaea | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Rhabditis | 1.36 ± 3.23 | 2.27 ± 4.67 | 0 | 3.18 ± 5.13 | 18.00 ± 31.55 | 12.50 ± 34.42 | 2.00 ± 4.22 | 5.00 ± 11.55 | 7.00 ± 13.04 | 6.00 ± 8.94 | 0 | 0 | |
| Rhabdolaimidae (Ba3) | Rhabdolaimus | 0 | 0 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Teratocephalidae (Ba3) | Teratocephalus | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.00 ± 11.01 | 0 | 0 | 4.00 ± 6.52 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total bacterivores | 435.45 ± 275.30 | 293.64 ± 291.33 | 349.09 ± 507.99 | 573.18 ± 517.51 | 288.50 ± 147.82 | 460.50 ± 719.66 | 306.00 ± 435.38 | 308.00 ± 126.34 | 476.00 ± 506.13 | 368.00 ± 364.02 | 496.00 ± 603.15 | 212.00 ± 129.79 | |
Table S4.
Occurrence and abundance of fungivores in 250 cm3 soil samples obtained from open grassland, shrubland with rocky outcrops and riparian zone sites in the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga province, South Africa) as part of an ecological study that was conducted over four seasons from 2015 to 2016.
| Open grassland | Shrubland with rocky outcrops | Riparian zone | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family | Genus or Family | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn |
| Anguinidae (Fu2) | Ditylenchus | 8.64 ± 13.98 | 29.55 ± 40.28 | 28.18 ± 33.86 | 10.91 ± 13.75 | 1.50 ± 4.74 | 20.50 ± 38.18 | 19.00 ± 19.97 | 23.50 ± 30.56 | 0 | 25.00 ± 34.64 | 130.00 ± 144.27 | 110.00 ± 186.38 |
| Aphelenchidae (Fu2) | Aphelenchus | 15.91 ± 16.71 | 133.18 ± 190.56 | 86.36 ± 246.80 | 24.55 ± 35.67 | 12.50 ± 13.59 | 51.50 ± 63.20 | 80.00 ± 161.57 | 9.00 ± 9.66 | 0 | 19.00 ± 26.08 | 72.00 ± 102.02 | 68.00 ± 141.01 |
| Aphelenchoididae (Fu2) | Aphelenchoides | 8.64 ± 15.34 | 10.45 ± 15.72 | 21.36 ± 61.08 | 5.91 ± 7.01 | 13.00 ± 23.12 | 284.50 ± 887.40 | 16.00 ± 30.26 | 4.00 ± 6.58 | 15.00 ± 23.98 | 13.00 ± 13.04 | 21.00 ± 20.74 | 12.00 ± 21.39 |
| Diphtherophoridae (Fu3) | Diphtherophora | 23.18 ± 22.28 | 8.64 ± 13.62 | 5.00 ± 7.42 | 0.91 ± 2.02 | 24.00 ± 19.55 | 3.00 ± 6.32 | 23.50 ± 67.37 | 32.50 ± 86.35 | 9.00 ± 15.17 | 6.00 ± 13.42 | 34.00 ± 73.26 | 32.00 ± 35.81 |
| Leptonchidae (Fu4) | Leptonchus | 0 | 1.36 ± 3.23 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.11 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | 0 |
| Proleptonchus | 0 | 0 | 3.18 ± 10.55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Neotylenchidae (Fu2) | Neotylenchidaea | 5.91 ± 10.20 | 3.64 ± 5.05 | 8.64 ± 15.02 | 10.00 ± 13.04 | 5.00 ± 15.81 | 11.50 ± 20.15 | 12.50 ± 18.45 | 18.50 ± 19.87 | 0 | 17.00 ± 28.20 | 23.00 ± 51.43 | 10.00 ± 17.32 |
| Paraphelenchidae (Fu2) | Paraphelenchus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 6.32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | 9.00 ± 20.12 | 0 |
| Tylencholaimellidae (Fu4) | Tylencholaimellus | 6.36 ± 11.85 | 0 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0.45 ± 1.15 | 3.50 ± 8.18 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 2.00 ± 6.32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 |
| Tylencholaimidae (Fu4) | Tylencholaimidaea | 2.73 ± 9.05 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tylencholaimus | 7.27 ± 24.12 | 1.82 ± 4.05 | 24.09 ± 65.83 | 1.36 ± 4.52 | 7.00 ± 14.76 | 0 | 9.00 ± 28.46 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 8.00 ± 15.25 | 0 | |
| Total fungivores | 78.64 ± 54.13 | 188.64 ± 229.54 | 178.18 ± 342.99 | 55.00 ± 41.23 | 68.50 ± 35.83 | 372.50 ± 863.64 | 162.00 ± 179.20 | 88.50 ± 120.21 | 28.00 ± 22.53 | 81.00 ± 93.10 | 297.00 ± 341.31 | 233.00 ± 360.60 | |
Table S5.
Occurrence and abundance of omnivores in 250 cm3 soil samples obtained from open grassland, shrubland with rocky outcrops and riparian zone sites in the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga province, South Africa) as part of an ecological study that was conducted over four seasons from 2015 to 2016.
| Open grassland | Shrubland with rocky outcrops | Riparian zone | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family | Genus or Family | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn |
| Dorylaimidae (Om4) | Dorylaimidaea | 55.91 ± 22.89 | 20.45 ± 23.07 | 11.36 ± 19.25 | 17.27 ± 21.14 | 49.00 ± 29.23 | 14.00 ± 14.10 | 17.50 ± 29.65 | 16.00 ± 16.96 | 15.00 ± 12.75 | 15.00 ± 14.14 | 6.00 ± 6.52 | 18.00 ± 40.25 |
| Dorylaimus | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 0 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Mesodorylaimus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 ± 9.49 | 1.50 ± 4.74 | 0 | 2.50 ± 7.91 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 3.00 ± 4.47 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | |
| Tylencholaimidae (Om4) | Discomyctus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6.00 ± 13.42 |
| Mydonomidae (Om4) | Dorylaimoides | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total omnivores | 57.27 ± 23.60 | 20.91 ± 23.00 | 11.36 ± 19.25 | 17.27 ± 21.14 | 52.50 ± 31.38 | 15.50 ± 14.990 | 18.50 ± 29.160 | 18.50 ± 20.010 | 19.00 ± 9.62 | 18.00 ± 16.81 | 7.00 ± 5.70 | 26.00 ± 52.73 | |
Table S6.
Occurrence and abundance of predators in 250 cm3 soil samples obtained from open grassland, shrubland with rocky outcrops and riparian zone sites in the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga province, South Africa) as part of an ecological study that was conducted over four seasons from 2015 to 2016.
| Open grassland | Shrubland with rocky outcrops | Riparian zone | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family | Genus or Family | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn |
| Actinolaimidae (Pr5) | Neoactinolaimus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 |
| Anatonchidae (Pr4) | Iotonchus | 4.09 ± 7.01 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 9.50 ± 12.79 | 1.50 ± 2.42 | 3.00 ± 4.22 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 14.00 ± 31.30 | 4.00 ± 8.94 |
| Aphelenchoididae (Pr2) | Seinura | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44.00 ± 98.39 |
| Aporcelaimidae (Pr5) | Aporcelaimidaea | 1.36 ± 4.52 | 0 | 0 | 1.82 ± 4.62 | 0 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 ± 6.71 |
| Aporcelaimellus | 16.36 ± 16.75 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 5.91 ± 9.95 | 1.36 ± 4.52 | 3.50 ± 11.07 | 3.50 ± 4.12 | 9.50 ± 13.83 | 4.50 ± 9.56 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Aporcelaimus | 1.36 ± 3.23 | 5.00 ± 9.49 | 5.00 ± 9.22 | 4.09 ± 12.00 | 0 | 3.50 ± 5.80 | 3.50 ± 11.07 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 2.00 ± 2.74 | 6.00 ± 13.42 | 19.00 ± 39.75 | |
| Makatinus | 0 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.50 ± 4.74 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Ironidae (Pr4) | Ironus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.00 ± 8.94 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mononchidae (Pr4) | Mononchidaea | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 2.74 | 0 | 0 |
| Cobbonchus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Granonchulus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.50 ± 4.74 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Mononchus | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 1.82 ± 6.03 | 14.00 ± 29.04 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 2.74 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Mylonchulidae (Pr4) | Mylonchulus | 0 | 0 | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.83 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Paraxonchiidae (Pr5) | Paraxhonchium | 4.55 ± 10.60 | 1.36 ± 3.23 | 3.64 ± 12.06 | 0 | 1.50 ± 4.74 | 0 | 3.00 ± 7.89 | 6.00 ± 14.49 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Qudsianematidae (Pr4) | Discolaiminaea | 1.36 ± 4.52 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.83 | 0 | 0 | 4.00 ± 8.76 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Discolaimoides | 9.09 ± 14.80 | 2.73 ± 5.18 | 12.73 ± 25.43 | 20.91 ± 27.28 | 1.50 ± 3.37 | 0 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 9.00 ± 12.87 | 2.00 ± 2.74 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 ± 6.71 | |
| Discolaimus | 0.91 ± 3.02 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 0 | 1.36 ± 4.52 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 2.50 ± 5.40 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 2.00 ± 2.74 | |
| Eudorylaimus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 4.47 | 0 | |
| Labronema | 0 | 1.82 ± 6.03 | 0 | 0 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 0 | 0 | 6.00 ± 8.94 | 0 | |
| Tobrilidae (Pr4) | Tobrilus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 ± 2.74 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 1.00 ± 2.24 | 1.00 ± 2.24 |
| Tripylidae (Pr3) | Tripyla | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.45 ± 1.51 | 1.50 ± 4.74 | 0.50 ± 1.58 | 1.00 ± 3.16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total predators | 40.00 ± 28.81 | 14.55 ± 20.30 | 28.64 ± 24.40 | 31.82 ± 27.04 | 37.5 ± 34.56 | 15.5 ± 11.20 | 24.5 ± 21.67 | 26.5 ± 24.23 | 18.00 ± 13.51 | 6.00 ± 4.18 | 32.00 ± 39.15 | 76.00 ± 131.79 | |

Figure 3:
Rarefaction curves illustrate the sample-based observed (solid line) and extrapolated (dotted line) Mau Tau richness of nematode genera at the open grassland (OG), shrubland with rocky outcrops (SRO), and riparian zone (RZ) habitats in Telperion Nature Reserve (South Africa). The shaded bands represent the 95% confidence intervals.

Figure 4:
Log10(x + 1)-transformed nematode abundances (mean, minimum, and maximum) per trophic group at the open grassland (OG), shrubland with rocky outcrops (SRO), and riparian zone (RZ) habitats in Telperion Nature Reserve (South Africa). Bars with common superscript do not differ significantly (p > 0.05).
Table 1
Mixed linear models reveal the effect (singularly and interactively) of the independent variables, season and habitat, on the calculated nematode-specific indices.
| Variable | Source | F ratio | p value | Variable | Source | F ratio | p value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maturity index 2–5 | Habitat | 3.66 | 0.04 | Bacterivore footprint | Habitat | 0.04 | 0.96 |
| Season | 14.73 | <0.001 | Season | 2.46 | 0.07 | ||
| Habitat × Season | 0.42 | 0.86 | Habitat × Season | 0.58 | 0.75 | ||
| Channel index | Habitat | 2.49 | 0.11 | Fungivore footprint | Habitat | 0.35 | 0.71 |
| Season | 11.67 | <0.001 | Season | 1.52 | 0.22 | ||
| Habitat × Season | 1.38 | 0.24 | Habitat × Season | 1.01 | 0.42 | ||
| Basal index | Habitat | 4.96 | 0.01 | Omnivore footprint | Habitat | 0.76 | 0.48 |
| Season | 11.08 | <0.001 | Season | 2.54 | 0.06 | ||
| Habitat × Season | 0.35 | 0.91 | Habitat × Season | 0.29 | 0.94 | ||
| Enrichment index | Habitat | 8.77 | <0.001 | Predator footprint | Habitat | 1.45 | 0.26 |
| Season | 7.65 | <0.001 | Season | 4.53 | <0.01 | ||
| Habitat × Season | 1.08 | 0.38 | Habitat × Season | 0.71 | 0.65 | ||
| Structure index | Habitat | 2.00 | 0.16 | Enrichment footprint | Habitat | 1.49 | 0.25 |
| Season | 13.33 | <0.001 | Season | 0.29 | 0.83 | ||
| Habitat × Season | 0.64 | 0.70 | Habitat × Season | 0.84 | 0.54 | ||
| Herbivore footprint | Habitat | 0.56 | 0.58 | Structure footprint | Habitat | 0.11 | 0.90 |
| Season | 1.60 | 0.20 | Season | 4.73 | <0.01 | ||
| Habitat × Season | 1.34 | 0.25 | Habitat × Season | 0.52 | 0.79 |

Figure 5:
Maturity index 2-5 violin plot of values recorded during the studied seasons at the open grassland (OG), shrubland with rocky outcrops (SRO), and riparian zone (RZ) habitats in Telperion Nature Reserve (South Africa). The bold line within each plot indicates the median value, dashed lines are quartiles, minimum, and maximum are the bounds of the plot and data distribution is shown by plot shape outline.

Figure 6:
Nematode faunal analysis indicating the food web status during the studied seasons at the open grassland (green), shrubland with rocky outcrops (orange), and riparian zone (blue) habitats in Telperion Nature Reserve (South Africa). Winter and Spring seasonal clusters are circled.

Figure 7:
Redundancy analysis of the relationship between the response (nematode-based indices) and explanatory variables (factors: seasons and habitats; numeric variables: soil texture and total organic carbon). Measurements were taken during four consecutive seasons at open grassland (OG), shrubland with rocky outcrops (SRO), and riparian zone (RZ) habitats in Telperion Nature Reserve (South Africa).
Table 2.
Metabolic footprints calculated from 250 cm3 soil samples obtained from riparian zone, shrubland with rocky outcrops and open grassland sites in the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga province, South Africa) as part of an ecological study that was conducted over four seasons from 2015 to 2016.
| Open grassland (OG) | Shrubland with rocky outcrops (SRO) | Riparian zone (RZ) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | |
| Herbivore footprint | 120 ± 70 | 118 ± 119 | 53 ± 63 | 168 ± 265 | 682 ± 1,326 | 116 ± 111 | 124 ± 117 | 116.11 ± 134 | 97 ± 81 | 683 ± 1,300 | 331 ± 326 | 289 ± 434 |
| Bacterivore footprint | 84 ± 49 | 56 ± 62 | 50 ± 74 | 99 ± 87 | 85 ± 63 | 91 ± 156 | 47 ± 52 | 57.21 ± 30 | 89 ± 62 | 66 ± 58 | 65 ± 67 | 29 ± 12 |
| Fungivore footprint | 14 ± 11 | 23 ± 26 | 25 ± 39 | 9 ± 7 | 11 ± 6 | 34 ± 60 | 23 ± 23 | 17.56 ± 22 | 4 ± 4 | 16 ± 18 | 49 ± 58 | 37 ± 55 |
| Omnivore footprint | 179 ± 97 | 103 ± 110 | 89 ± 94 | 91 ± 155 | 123 ± 67 | 78 ± 69 | 102 ± 124 | 58 ± 50 | 63 ± 34 | 54 ± 53 | 89 ± 150 | 241 ± 477 |
| Predator footprint | 12 ± 11 | 3 ± 4 | 6 ± 10 | 11 ± 11 | 31 ± 26 | 7 ± 9 | 7 ± 8 | 8 ± 8 | 15 ± 14 | 4 ± 3 | 22 ± 42 | 15 ± 13 |
| Enrichment footprint | 16 ± 8 | 30 ± 40 | 19 ± 38 | 21 ± 18 | 46 ± 65 | 68 ± 147 | 24 ± 21 | 23.46 ± 25 | 28 ± 26 | 35 ± 34 | 51 ± 44 | 33 ± 55 |
| Structure footprint | 217 ± 109 | 114 ± 112 | 103 ± 94 | 107 ± 153 | 178 ± 62 | 91 ± 78 | 122 ± 140 | 86 ± 62 | 123 ± 47 | 66 ± 61 | 132 ± 140 | 266 ± 481 |