Table 4 Predictor variables of the boosted regression tree model to distinguish sandy plateau from slope communities

Cattle density

0–14 km⁻²

13

Temperature seasonality

30.2–35.7 °C

12

Elevation

1077–1173 m

10

Distance to fossil rivers

0–22 km

9

Aspect

0–359°

9

Distance to the Okavango river

0–49 km

8

Distance to main roads

0–35 km

8

Mean temperature warmest quarter

25.2–26.0 °C

7

Slope

0–4.3°

6

Annual rainfall

531–625 mm

5

Landscape curvature

-

5

Rainfall warmest quarter

144–195 mm

5

Rainfall seasonality

102 %–111 %

4