Effects of heuweltjies and utilization on vegetation patterns in the Succulent Karoo, South Africa

► Heuweltjies are an example of ecosystem engineering. ► Higher soil nutrient contents in the centre than in the border areas of heuweltjies. ► Fewer highly palatable plants on heuweltjies lead to less utilization by livestock. ► Grazing and heuweltjies are key determinants of Succulent Karoo vegetation patterns. ► Multifactorial approach reveals they cause a homogenization of perennial vegetation.