bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The identification and description of the management units of the Goegap Nature Reserve
Authors: Rosch Helga
Published: August 2012

Goegap Nature Reserve, near Springbok, is situated in the floral paradise of Namaqualand. This 15 000 ha reserve falls within the Namaqualand Broken Veld and in the transition zone between this Veld type and the False Succulent Karoo. Otherwise, it could be said that the reserve falls within the Upland Succulent Karoo and the transition zone between this vegetation type and the Bushmanland vegetation type. With the use of stratified aerial photographs of the reserve, random sample plots were placed within each homogeneous physiographic-physionomic unit and 284 releves were compiled in September 1998. With the use of the BBPC computer program, the resulting TWINSPAN split the data into two tables, one predominantly for the Plains and one for the Rocky Hills. After refining these tables, 13 plant communities were identified. These communities, together with the stratified aerial photographs, land type and habitat information were used to determine ten management units for the reserve. These units will be used in effective management and monitoring on the reserve. Table 1 and 2 will be uploaded as a supplementary file in due course.
Dietary shifts: do grazers become browsers in the Thicket Biome?
Authors: Landman M. , Kerley G.I.H.
Published: August 2012

The diet of buffalo (Syncerus coffer) and Burchell's zebra (Equus burchelli) was investigated in the Addo Elephant National Park to test the hypothesis that the shortage of grass associated with thicket vegetation results in grazers increasing the proportion of dicotyledonous plant species in their diet. Diet composition, estimated from faecal analysis, indicated that 19 and 21 plant species were identified in the faeces of zebra and buffalo, respectively. Buffalo proved to have a higher percentage dicotyledonous (28.1 vs. 8.5 ) and lower percentage monocotyledonous (71.9 vs. 91.5 ) species in their diet than zebra. The grass Eragrostis curvula was found to be the dominant food item for both buffalo (18 of diet) and zebra (39 of diet) during the period of study. The present study indicated that a great proportion of the buffalo diet does in fact consist of grass, thereby refuting the perception that the Addo buffalo are primarily browsers. Both buffalo and zebra are specialised grazers and unsuited to a diet of browse. The probability of dietary shift by these grazers in the grass limited thicket vegetation is therefore challenged.
A Brief History of Kafue National Park, Zambia.
Authors: Mwima H.K.
Published: August 2012

This paper presents the first documentation of the history of Zambia's oldest and largest national park: Kafue National Park. The movement of people out of the park is systematically presented. Furthermore, access and resource use and exploitation rights granted to people who lived inside the park are summarised. The paper looks at park administration, wildlife management, tourism and briefly presents areas for future studies.
Selective habitat utilisation and impact on vegetation by African elephant within a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Steyn A. , Stalmans M.
Published: August 2012

Since 1992, a total of 33 elephants have been reintroduced to a 31 000 ha game-fenced section of the Songimvelo Game Reserve in the Barberton Mountainland, South Africa. The impact from elephant was assessed on the attainment of the primary management objectives which are the conservation of plant community and plant species diversity. A total of 160 semi-quantitative plots were systematically sampled along foraging paths. Vegetation was assessed in terms of dominant species composition and species utilised. Elephant activity is mostly confined to a rugged 1 200 ha portion of the reserve. Forest, thickets and woodlands are positively selected, whereas shrublands and grasslands are little utilised. A total of 73 woody species were recorded within the sample plots. Thirtynine of these species were utilised in the woodlands, 31 in the forest and thickets, and only 18 in the shrublands. Acacia ataxacantha, Dalbergia armata and Acacia caffra are ranked highest in dominance and in utilisation values. In contrast, Cussonia spicata and Pterocarpus angolensis are less common but are much selected. Continued utilisation at present levels could significantly threaten their persistence. These preliminary results indicate that the present low overall density of elephants relative to many other conservation areas already has a marked effect on certain plant species. Absolute elephant density figures are relatively meaningless within a heterogeneous landscape. The specific community and species make-up of the landscape needs to be taken into account for the determination of bounds to elephant numbers in order to ensure the maintenance of present plant species diversity levels.
Conservation business: sustaining Africa's future
Authors: Sonnekus I.P. , Breytenbach G.J.
Published: August 2012

Protected areas in Africa are threatened by a lack of funds to conduct their work effectively and by extremely poor communities that surround their resource-rich areas. We believe that conservation staff suffer from mental blocks. They assume that business and profitability reflect unethical processes that destroy natural resources. We developed a workshop process that allows conservationists to integrate entrepreneurial thinking with conservation principles and ethics. We measured perceptions both before and after such a workshop to assess the impact of the process. The process assisted conservationists at the Southern African Wildlife College to develop the integrated mental frameworks that are required to develop conservation into a sustainable business. The group internalised the new mental framework, whereby conservation and business, when integrated in an ethical manner, are viewed as virtually synonymous. The group also identified many innovative ways in which they could derive sustainable income from their natural resources while simultaneously achieving their conservation objectives.
Reply to the comments from the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC)
Authors: Sonnekus I.P. , Breytenbach G.J.
Published: August 2012

The SAWC as an organisation has a laudable and major role to play on the African continent.
Third cumulative index for Koedoe: volumes 35/2-44/1
Authors: Rautenbach J.C.
Published: August 2012

Index to Koedoe: volumes 35/2 - 44/1 Authors85 Subjects98 Botany 98 Ecology and behaviour 100 Wildlife conservation & techniques 100 Zoology102 Invertebrata 102 Pisces 103 Amphibia 103 Reptilia 103 Aves104 Mammalia 104 Archaeology and History 105 Bibliography 106 Climate 106 Geologyand Pedology 106 Environmental impact on rivers & water quality 106 Check list 107 Issues in conservation 107 Maps 108 Social Science 108 Parks
Variation in population size of Bouton’s snake-eyed skink (Reptilia: Scincidae) at Black Rock in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Haacke W.D.
Published: August 2012

Bouton’s snake-eyed skink Cryptoblepharus boutonii sp. occurs in scattered island or coastal populations in the Indian Ocean. The most southern known population occurs on Black Rock on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. This tiny population was monitored over a period of 14 summer seasons and a final check was made 10 seasons later. This population consisted of an average of about 58 individuals, but has fluctuated by more than 100 %, suggesting that its existence is very tenuous. The re-check during October 2001 produced very positive figures, indicating that this population, observed over 23 years, is doing very well, is maintaining its numbers within acceptable parameters and is in a good position to survive without special precautions.
The birds of Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho
Authors: Kopij G.
Published: August 2012

A total of 117 bird species has been recorded in Sehlabathebe National Park, south-east Lesotho, consisting of 29 vagrants, 18 visitors and 70 breeding and probable breeding residents. For each species status was determined and abundance roughly estimated. Quantitative studies on breeding bird communities were carried out by means of the line transect method on four transects with the total length ca 30 km in the park and on two transects with the total length of ca 20 km outside the park. In the park, dominant species were represented by the Stonechat Saxicola torquata, Ayres’ Cisticola Cisticola ayresii, Yellow-rumped Widow Euplectes capensis and Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais. Outside the park dominants were represented by Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis, Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus, Cape Canary Serinus canicollis, Common Quail Coturnix coturnix, Stonechat, Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis and Drakensberg Siskin Pseudochloroptila symonsi. Characteristic, high-altitude species in the park included Drakensberg Siskin, Mountain Pipit Anthus hoeschi, Orange-breasted Rockjumper Chaetops auriantius, Banded Martin Riparia cincta and Sentinel Rock Thrush Monticola explorator. Species such as the Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis, Sicklewinged Chat Cercomela sinuata, Mountain Chat Oenanthe monticola, Thick-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris, Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio, Alpine Swift Apus melba Cape Sparrow, Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus, Red Bishop Euplectes orix and Golden Bishop Euplectes afer were absent or occurred in very low densities in the park, although they are widespread and common in the Maluti/Drakensberg grasslands (including areas neighbouring to the park). The lack of trees and shrubs for nesting, the lack of cultivated fields as feeding places and competition with related species both for food and nesting sites, may partly play a role in this regard.
An analysis of Skukuza climate data
Authors: Kruger A.C. , Makamo L.B. , Shongwe S.
Published: August 2012

Data from the climate station at Skukuza, which has been open from 1912 to the present, are analysed. This exercise was done to provide the South African Regional Science Initiative (SAFARI-2000) experimental program with long-term climate statistics and trends. Climate parameters analysed are rainfall, temperature, humidity and sunshine. In the case of rainfall and temperature, the data was first tested for homogeneity and in only three out of 36 monthly cases, the data proved not to be homogeneous. No monthly rainfall trends proved to be significant (at the 5 % level), with five months indicating slightly negative trends and seven slightly positive. Only the monthly maximum temperature series for June proved to be non-homogeneous. The June maximum temperature trend and the February, March, May, July and December minimum temperature trends were significantly positive. The annual time series for minimum temperature were also significantly positive. The monthly results were reiterated by the seasonal results, with the winter maximum temperature trend and the autumn and summer minimum temperature trends significantly positive. Ten months showed negative temperature diurnal range trends with only March being significant. All long-term statistics of rainfall, temperature, humidity and sunshine were found to be typical of a savanna type climate in the southern hemisphere, although average monthly sunshine hours were somewhat less than the norm, due to frequent influx of moist air from the Mozambique Channel.
The potential distributions, and estimated spatial requirements and population sizes, of the medium to large-sized mammals in the planning domain of the Greater Addo Elephant National Park project
Authors: Boshoff A.F. , Kerley G.I.H. , Cowling R.M. , Wilson S.L.
Published: August 2012

The Greater Addo Elephant National Park project (GAENP) involves the establishment of a mega biodiversity reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Conservation planning in the GAENP planning domain requires systematic information on the potential distributions and estimated spatial requirements, and population sizes of the medium to largesized mammals. The potential distribution of each species is based on a combination of literature survey, a review of their ecological requirements, and consultation with conservation scientists and managers. Spatial requirements were estimated within 21 Mammal Habitat Classes derived from 43 Land Classes delineated by expert-based vegetation and river mapping procedures. These estimates were derived from spreadsheet models based on forage availability estimates and the metabolic requirements of the respective mammal species, and that incorporate modifications of the agriculture-based Large Stock Unit approach. The potential population size of each species was calculated by multiplying its density estimate with the area of suitable habitat. Population sizes were calculated for pristine, or near pristine, habitats alone, and then for these habitats together with potentially restorable habitats for two park planning domain scenarios. These data will enable (a) the measurement of the effectiveness of the GAENP in achieving predetermined demographic, genetic and evolutionary targets for mammals that can potentially occur in selected park sizes and configurations, (b) decisions regarding acquisition of additional land to achieve these targets to be informed, (c) the identification of species for which targets can only be met through metapopulation management,(d) park managers to be guided regarding the re-introduction of appropriate species, and (e) the application of realistic stocking rates. Where possible, the model predictions were tested by comparison with empirical data, which in general corroborated the predictions. All estimates should be considered as testable hypotheses.
Freshwater mollusc diversity in the Kruger National Park: a comparison between a period of prolonged drought and a period of exceptionally high rainfall
Authors: De Kock K.N. , Wolmarans C.T. , Du Preez L.H.
Published: August 2012

Most of the previous records of the freshwater molluscs from the Kruger National Park date back to 1966 and earlier. On account of several droughts between 1966 and 1995, a survey was done in 1995 to evaluate the effect of these droughts on the mollusc population. As a result of extensive rainfall between 1995 and 2000 another survey was conducted to establish the effect of a period of exceptionally high rainfall on the species’ diversity of the mollusc population. With the exception of three habitats, an increase in mollusc diversity was recorded for all the other habitats previously surveyed. One of the invader freshwater snail species, Aplexa marmorata, collected in only one habitat in 1995, was found in seven habitats located mainly in the south during the 2001 survey. Another interesting finding was that juvenile specimens of Lanistes ovum, of which large specimens were present prior to 1966 but none found in 1995, were present in the Sirheni Dam in 2001. From this study the positive effect of the high rainfall on the species’ diversity is highly evident.
Confirmation of the occurrence of Mus neavei in South Africa
Authors: Newbery C.H. , Bronner G.N.
Published: August 2012

Neave’s mouse, Mus neavei (Thomas, 1910), occurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa (Petter 1981; Musser & Carleton 1993), with the latter record based on material from owl pellets taken at Makapansgat (Pocock 1974). Pocock’s record was disputed by Swanepoel et al. (1980), and in the absence of complete voucher specimens, the occurrence of this species in South Africa was regarded as doubtful. However, it was supported by Meester et al. (1986) and accepted by Musser & Carleton (1993).
Prey selection of lions Panthera leo in a small, enclosed reserve
Authors: Power R.J.
Published: August 2012

Annual trends in numbers of ungulate species on a 15 km² reserve from 1993 to 1998, were evaluated in the context of lion Panthera leo reintroduction during 1996, and subsequent predation by them. The ungulate prey base was enumerated annually by aerial counts and a road count that took place during 1998. The lion prey record was obtained from direct observations of a radio-located pride of eight lions and daily reserve management records. All ungulate species that underwent precipituous declines were also the most important prey to lions, comprising over 80 % of their prey, and they were preyed upon according to their availability. Lion predation was causal for the declines in wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus, Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi and Warthog Phacochoerus africana, while the decline in Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros was only partly ascribed to lions, as other non-lion related mortality sources were identified. The only ungulate species to increase subsequent to lion reintroduction was the Impala Aepyceros melampus, which was furthermore under-selected by lions. The uncontrolled population growth of Impala could have elicited ecological degradation, and it was advised to either not stock Impala, or otherwise control their numbers if lions are unable to do so. Lion hunting success and kill rate, were 21 % (n = 63) and 1 kill/4.4 days, respectively. Three bushpigs Potamochoerus larvatus were killed but not utilised,and this finding is corroborated by an intensive study in Kwazulu-Natal, and this aversion is discussed. Predators can cause unprecedented declines of their prey where the prey are confined to small reserves that have no refuge from predation. On an annual basis, prey may need to be augmented to sustain predators on small reserves
Precision of helicopter-based total-area counts of large ungulates in bushveld
Authors: Reilly B.K.
Published: August 2012

Precision in helicopter total-area counts in bushveld for a range of common species are evaluated. Counts were conducted on properties ranging in size from 250 ha to 10 000 ha as part of experiments on precision and power. Counts were conducted in three vegetation types: mopane veld, sourish mixed bushveld and arid bushveld. Scant regard is given to precision as a factor in large herbivore monitoring, with more effort often devoted to accuracy. Coefficients of variation varied from 3.2 % to 70.9 %. Median values are generally acceptable for the establishment of trends for long-term monitoring, but might be inadequate for annual population size monitoring and evaluation. A regression of all species and vegetation types by the standard error showed a significant correlation. Similar regressions were also developed for impala, kudu, warthog, and zebra. Regressions by vegetation type for mopane veld, sourish mixed bushveld, and northwest arid bushveld were also significant. However, the high correlation for some vegetation types might be an artifact of the small sample sizes.
Experimental burn plot trial in the Kruger National Park: history, experimental design and suggestions for data analysis
Authors: Biggs R. , Biggs H.C. , Dunne T.T. , Govender N. , Potgieter A.L.F.
Published: August 2012

The experimental burn plot (EBP) trial initiated in 1954 is one of few ongoing long-termfire ecology research projects in Africa. The trial aims to assess the impacts of differentfire regimes in the Kruger National Park. Recent studies on the EBPs have raised questions as to the experimental design of the trial, and the appropriate model specificationwhen analysing data. Archival documentation reveals that the original design was modified on several occasions, related to changes in the park's fire policy. These modifications include the addition of extra plots, subdivision of plots and changes in treatmentsover time, and have resulted in a design which is only partially randomised. The representativity of the trial plots has been questioned on account of their relatively small size,the concentration of herbivores on especially the frequently burnt plots, and soil variation between plots. It is suggested that these factors be included as covariates inexplanatory models or that certain plots be excluded from data analysis based on resultsof independent studies of these factors. Suggestions are provided for the specificationof the experimental design when analysing data using Analysis of Variance. It is concluded that there is no practical alternative to treating the trial as a fully randomisedcomplete block design.
Searching for common ground, a scientific approach to subjective environmental impact assessments: an example from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Authors: Castley J.G. , Bezuidenhout H. , Knight M.H.
Published: August 2012

In order to break away from the frequent subjective nature of assessing potential environmental impacts and alternative scenarios when undertaking new developments a structured scientific approach was adopted in the present analysis. An assessment of the proposed upgrading of a 31-km stretch of road between Leeudril and Kij-Kij waterholes on the dry Nossob River in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) was undertaken. Relocation of the existing road was proposed as an alternative to upgrading the road as the potential and future impacts on the riverbed ecosystem could be reduced. A systematic assessment of biophysical variables within the riverbed habitat was made. A multivariate clustering analysis revealed a high level of congruency with a purely subjective assessment that potentially supports an “apples and oranges” comparison of such approaches in environmental assessments. Furthermore, the present and potential environmental impacts of each of the various upgrading options were compared. Significant environmental impacts were envisaged when considering surface and ground water hydrology, flora and the sensitive nature of the landscape. Given the requirements of the park in terms of providing a tourism product the preferred action in terms of upgrading the road would require a compromise between ecological and aesthetic requirements in order to provide reasonable tourism opportunities. The scientific approach adopted in the current analysis appears to offer a more defendable result upon which management decisions can be based compared to purely subjective assessments but is not without limitations.
A check list of the spiders of the Kruger National Park, South Africa (Arachnida: Araneae)
Authors: Dippenaar-Schoeman A.S. , Leroy A.
Published: August 2012

As part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA), projects are underway to determine the biodiversity of arachnids present in protected areas in South Africa. Spiders have been collected over a period of 16 years from the Kruger National Park, South Africa. A check list is provided consisting of 152 species, 116 genera and 40 families. This represents about 7.6 % of the total known South African spider fauna. Of the 152 species, 103 are new records for the park. The ground dwelling spiders comprise 58 species from 25 families. Of these, 21 % are web dwellers and 62 % free living, while 17 % live in burrows. From the plant layer, 94 species have been collected of which 53 % were web builders and 47 % free living wandering spiders.
Semi-arid savanna of the Potlake Nature Reserve and surrounding areas in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa
Authors: Siebert S.J. , Matthee M. , Van Wyk A.E.
Published: August 2012

A hierarchical classification, description, and ecological and floristic interpretations are presented on the vegetation types of the semi-arid northern savanna of the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism. Relevés were compiled in 47 stratified random plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed eight plant communities, classified as four associations, one of which is subdivided into five sub-associations. For each plant community, the floristic richness, endemism and conservation status was determined. Much of the plant community distribution can be ascribed to environmental factors and anthropogenic disturbance. An ordination (DECORANA), based on floristic data, showed environmental gradients that possibly exist between plant communities and associated habitats. The floristic information, proposed classification, general description and vegetation key, can be used for the identification and monitoring of protected areas, land-use planning, and further conservation research.
The micromorphology of the blesbuck louse Damalinia (Damalinia) crenelata as observed under the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Turner M.L.
Published: August 2012

The blesbuck is an important game animal on many game farms and reserves in South Africa. Damalinia crenelata, a biting louse, host-specific to the blesbuck, feed upon epidermal debris of this antelope, leading to severe skin irritation and dermatitis. Symptomatic scratching by the host aggravates these conditions. High infestations may lead to decreased population numbers. Live lice were collected from a blesbuck in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve and prepared for selectron microscopic investigation. Micrographs were recorded. The SEM investigation revealed several micromorphological features not previously described in D. crenelata. Besides the obvious anatomical differences in the reproductive organs of the male and female, several other differences were noted. The antennal flagellae showed morphological differences as well as certain features on the ventral surfaces of the head. Dorsally the forehead was markedly emarginated and showed an acute invagination (clypeo labral suture) in the pulvinal area. The ventral surface of the head clearly demonstrated the structures of the preantennal regions such as ventral carina, pulvinus, labrum, mandibles and clypeus. The epipharynx appeared as an underlying extension of the labrum. The rims of the clypeus were more raised and thickened in the female than in that of the male. The mandibles were not notched and were noted to be angular in shape. The three segments of each of the antennae of the male were thicker and more robust than than those of the female. This could suggest sexual dimorphism in this species. The sensilla basoconica comprised 10 pegs. Pit organs were seen within the pore organs. The prothorax and mesothorax were clearly distinguished. The abdominal segments showed six pairs of spiracles. The male andfemale terminalia were confirmed to be strongly sexually dimorphic. The three pairs oflegs each terminated in a single, long and slender, claw.
Auditing wildlife
Authors: Reilly B.K. , Reillly Y.
Published: August 2012

Reilly B.K. and Y. Reilly. 2003. Auditing wildlife. Koedoe 46(2): 97–102. Pretoria. ISSN 0075-6458. Accountants and auditors are increasingly confronted with the problem of auditing wildlife populations on game ranches as their clients' asset base expands into this industry. This paper aims to provide guidelines on these actions based on case study data and research in the field of wildlife monitoring. Parties entering into dispute on numbers of animals on a property often resort to their auditors for advice. This paper tracks a method of deciding on whether or not to audit the population based on wildlife value and an initial sample count. This will act as a guideline for the accounting profession when confronted by this problem.
Determining the economic value of game farm tourism
Authors: Van der Merwe P. , Saayman M.
Published: August 2012

Internationally tourism is accepted as one of the world's fastest-growing industries. The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) indicated that tourist arrivals in 1998 grew by 2.4 % worldwide. The WTO has forecast that the number of people travelling internationally will increase from 613 million in 1997 to 1.6 billion by the year 2020. Ecotourism, which according to the WTO is any form of tourism to an unspoilt nature area,is responsible for 20 % of the world's total tourism expenditure and is also rated the fastest growing of all tourism sectors. It is also a fact that 80 % of nature conservation in South Africa is taking place on privately owned land such as game farms, and this forms part of ecotourism. The above endorses that ecotourism is an important product for South Africa and a drawcard for international as well as local tourists. The main objective of this study was to determine the economic value of game farm tourism. This will be done by determining the economic value of each of the four pillars on which game farming is based, namely hunting, ecotourism, breeding rare game species andvenison sales. Data collation was done in two ways. Firstly, research was conducted in the form of questionnaires. Game farms were randomly sampled from the database of registered game farms. The aim of this questionnaire was threefold and determined the economic contribution of game farm tourism to ecotourism. Secondly, a literature study was conducted that included the latest data by PHASA (Professional Hunters Association of South Africa), Nature Conservation and trophy hunting in South Africa. This paper will argue that game farm tourism makes a significant economic contribution to the economy of South Africa, apart from the substantial economic contribution game farm tourism already makes to conservation. This paper will be organised as follows: The first section deals with the introduction, which indicates the growth of game farm tourism; the second section explains the methodology; the third section discusses the results; and the last section concludes the paper.
The vegetation of Tshanini Game Reserve and a comparison with equivalent units in the Tembe Elephant Park in Maputaland, South Africa
Authors: Gaugris J.Y. , Matthews W.S. , Van Rooyen M.W. , Bothma J. Du P.
Published: August 2012

The Tembe Elephant Park was proclaimed in 1983 after negotiations between the then KwaZulu Bureau of Natural Resources and the Tembe Tribal Authority in consultation with the local communities of northern Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The park boundaries were subsequently fenced and animal numbers started to increase. The fence has kept the utilisation of renewable natural resources by the local communities at bay for the past 19 years. In this period, the vegetation of the park has been utilised only by the indigenous fauna, but it has been affected by management decisions and possibly also regional environmental changes.
Distribution and status of marine invasive species in and bordering the West Coast National Park
Authors: Robinson T.B. , Griffiths C.L. , Kruger N.
Published: August 2012

On a global scale, species are constantly being moved from their areas of origin to new locales. Such range extensions can occur naturally, but are frequently aided (intentionally or non-intentionally) by humans (Mack et al. 2000). As a result, the marked world-wide increase in animal, plant, and microbial immigrations, has been found to roughly track the increase in human commerce (Mack et al. 2000). The principal vectors of human-mediated marine invasions are ballast water (Williams et al. 1988), mariculture (Minchin 1996), sediment held in ballast tanks (Carlton 1985), and ship hull fouling (Minchin 1996).
Impact of harvesting and fire on Phragmites australis reed quality in Tembe Elephant Park, Maputaland
Authors: Van Rooyen M.W. , Tosh C.A. , Van Rooyen N. , Matthews W.S. , Kellerman M.J.S.
Published: August 2012

In Maputaland, South Africa, the common reed (Phragmites australis) is used extensively for hut building, fencing, craftwork and thatching. As a result of over-harvestingmost reed beds in communal areas have been degraded and are no longer producing reeds of the desired quality. At present the most productive reed beds are all found inconservation areas. The KwaMsomi area of the Muzi Swamp in the Tembe Elephant Park has been allocated to the Sibonisweni community for harvesting purposes. Thiscommunity has recently requested Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife for additional areas for harvesting on the grounds that the current site was no longer yielding reeds of suitable quality. The main objective of this study was therefore to determine whether there was a decline in reed quality in the KwaMsomi harvested area. The results of thisstudy suggest that harvested areas contained more thin, short reeds than unharvested areas. Fire can be used to increase reed diameter in harvested areas, but will not significantly affect reed height. Ideally, reeds should only be harvested after the active growth period, when most of the nutrient reserves have been translocated to the rhizomes andthe buds are still dormant. To improve reed quality a three-year rotational harvesting programme should be implemented to allow the reeds to recover fully before being harvested again.
A vegetation description and floristic analyses of the springs on the Kammanassie Mountain, Western Cape
Authors: Cleaver G. , Brown L.R. , Bredenkamp G.J.
Published: August 2012

The Kammanassie Mountain is a declared mountain catchment area and a Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra population is preserved on the mountain. The high number of springs on the mountain not only provides water for the animal species but also contributes to overall ecosystem functioning. Long-term conservation of viable ecosystems requires a broader understanding of the ecological processes involved. It was therefore decided that a classification, description and mapping of the spring vegetation of the Kammanassie Mountain be undertaken. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed 11 major plant communities that could be related to geological origin. Habitat factors associated with differences in vegetation include topography, soil type and grazing. Descriptions of the plant communities include diagnostic species as well as prominent and less conspicuous species of the tree, shrub and herbaceous layers. The results also indicate a high species richness compared to similar regions and the difference between plant communities of wet and dry springs. This data is important for long-term monitoring of the spring ecosystems as well as for the compilation of management plans.
Macro channel riparian vegetation of the Olifants River System in the Savanna Biome, Mpumalanga
Authors: Myburgh W.J. , Bredenkamp G.J.
Published: August 2012

The vegetation associated with the macro channel of the Olifants River System was investigated to identify plant communities mappable at a spatial scale of 1:250 000. The results obtained by applying the PHYTOTAB PC classification and mapping program package revealed nine distinct plant communities associated with that section of the river system that flows through the Savanna Biome.
Plant communities and landscapes of the Parque Nacional do Limpopo, Moçambique
Authors: Stalmans M. , Gertenbach W.P.D. , Carvalho-Serfontein Filipa
Published: August 2012

The Parque Nacional do Limpopo (PNL) was proclaimed during 2002. It covers 1 000 000 ha in Moçambique on the eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park (KNP) and forms one of the major components of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. A vegetation map was required as one of the essential building blocks for the drafting of its management plan (Grossman & Holden 2002).
Short Note: New breeding locality for Crowned Cormorant
Authors: Whittington P.A.
Published: August 2012

The Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus is endemic to the southern African subregion with an estimated population of about 2700 pairs, breeding at 48 localities between Walvis Bay, Namibia and Cape Agulhas, South Africa (Crawford et al. 1994, Crawford 1997). The easternmost point at which breeding has previously been recorded is 2 km west of Aasfontein (34°46'S, 19°50'E), where 35 nests were recorded in January 1981 (Crawford et al. 1982). Non-breeding birds have been seen further to the east as far as Holkom Meester se Baai (34°23'S, 21°49'E) (Crawford et al. 1982).
The distribution and extent of declared weeds and invader plants in the macro channel of the Olifants River System, Mpumalanga
Authors: Myburgh W.J. , Bredenkamp G.J.
Published: August 2012

The vegetation associated with the macro channel of the Olifants River System was investigated to distinguish plant communities at a spatial scale of 1:250 000. The floristic data were analysed in terms of the sectional and longitudinal distribution and extent of declared weeds and invaders recorded during the survey. The results gained using the PHYTOTAB PC-classification and mapping program package revealed eight Grassland Biome and nine Savanna Biome plant communities from it's origin near the town of Breyten up to the border of the Kruger National Park. It was found that different invader species/weeds are associated with different biomes and habitats along the river system and that an alarming number of these species occur throughout the system.
The spiders of the Swartberg Nature Reserve in South Africa (Arachnida: Araneae)
Authors: Dippenaar-Schoeman A.S. , Van der Walt A.E. , De Jager M. , Le Roux E. , Van der Berg A.
Published: August 2012

The Swartberg Nature Reserve is situated in the Large Swartberg mountain range, in the Oudtshoorn district of the Western Cape Province. Spiders were collected from the reserve over a 10-year period. This is one of the inventory projects of the South African National Survey (SANSA) for spiders of the Succulent Karoo Biome. A total of 45 families comprising 136 genera and 186 species were collected, all which are new records for the area. This represents about 9.4 of the total known South African spider fauna. Of the spiders collected 142 species (76.5 ) were wanderers and 44 (23.5 ) web dwellers. The plant dwellers comprised 43.3 of the total number of species and the ground dwellers 56.7 . The Gnaphosidae was the most diverse family represented by 33 species, followed by the Salticidae with 23 and Thomisidae with 15. Ten species are possibly new to science and the Filistatidae is a first record for South Africa. An annotated checklist with information on the guilds, habitat preference and web types are provided.
Vegetation classification as the basis for baboon management in the Bourke’s Luck Section of the Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga
Authors: Brown L.R. , Marais H. , Henzi S.P. , Barrett L.
Published: August 2012

The Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve (BCNR) was identified as an important conservation area due to of its extraordinary diversity of plant species. Plant communities represent ecosystems and form the basis of any management plan for natural areas. If these ecosystems and their different potentials are unknown, they cannot be managed successfully. Baboons exploit diverse habitats including human environments where they often cause damage to crops and forest plantations. Baboons are regarded as particularly problematic residents of protected areas as conventional fences do not readily enclose them, their eclectic diets allow them to benefit from a range of agricultural endeavours, and they are behaviourally opportunistic. Thus as a first step to implementing a conservation policy to manage chacma baboons in the BCNR, it was necessary to have some understanding of their exploitation of natural habitats adjacent to areas where they do cause problems. Although a broad vegetation map of the BCNR exists, no detailed vegetation studies have been conducted on the largest part of the reserve. It was therefore decided to ndertake a detailed vegetation study of the home range of a single baboon troop within the Bourke’s Luck section of the BCNR. From a TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, 13 plant communities, which can be grouped into seven major groups, were identified. A classification and description of these communities, as well as a vegetation map are presented. Data collected as part of this study also revealed that the baboons show preference to certain communities whilst avoiding others. These have important consequences in terms of the management strategies followed on the reserve.
The biodiversity and species composition of the spider community of Marion Island, a recent survey (Arachnida: Araneae)
Authors: Khoza T.T. , Dippenaar S.M. , Dippenaar-Schoeman A.S.
Published: August 2012

Marion Island, the larger of the Prince Edward Islands, lies in the sub-Antarctic biogeographic region in the southern Indian Ocean. From previous surveys, four spider species are known from Marion. The last survey was undertaken in 1968. During this study a survey was undertaken over a period of four weeks on the island to determine the present spider diversity and to record information about the habitat preferences and general behaviour of the species present. Three collection methods (active search, Tullgren funnels and pitfall traps) were used, and spiders were sampled from six habitat sites. A total of 430 spiders represented by four families were collected, Myro kerguelenesis crozetensis Enderlein, 1909 and M. paucispinosus Berland, 1947 (Desidae), Prinerigone vagans (Audouin, 1826) (Linyphiidae), Cheiracanthium furculatum Karsch, 1879 (Miturgidae) and an immature Salticidae. The miturgid and salticid are first records. Neomaso antarticus (Hickman, 1939) (Linyphiidae) was absent from samples, confirming that the species might have been an erroneous record.
A checklist of spiders from Sovenga Hill, an inselberg in the Savanna Biome, Limpopo Province, South Africa (Arachnida: Araneae)
Authors: Modiba M.A. , Dippenaar S.M. , Dippenaar-Schoeman A.S.
Published: August 2012

The South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA) was initiated to make an inventory of the arachnid fauna of South Africa. Various projects are underway to prepare inventories of the spider fauna of the different floral biomes and provinces of South Africa. During April and May 2004 five different collecting methods were sed to sample spiders from four slopes on Sovenga Hill, an inselberg situated in the Savanna Biome, near Polokwane, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A total of 793 specimens represented by 29 families, 62 genera and 76 species were recorded over the twomonth period. The Thomisidae was the most abundant (n = 167) representing 21.1 % of all spiders sampled, followed by the Gnaphosidae (n = 101) with 12.7 % and the Lycosidae (n = 77) with 9.7 %. The most abundant species was a thomisid Tmarus comellini Garcia-Neto (n = 82), representing 10.3 % of the total, followed by a clubionid Clubiona godfreyi Lessert (n = 66) with 8.3 %. The Thomisidae was the most species-rich family with 12 species, followed by the Gnaphosidae with 11 species and the Araneidae with 10 species. Of the species collected 83.9 % were wandering spiders and 16.1 % web builders. This is the first quantitative survey of the Savanna Biome in the Polokwane area.
Activity patterns of African buffalo Syncerus caffer in the Lower Sabie Region, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Ryan S.J. , Jordaan W.
Published: August 2012

The activity budgets of three herds of African buffalo in the Lower Sabie region of Kruger National Park, recorded between 1991 and 1992 were quantified to examine both nocturnal and seasonal effects on feeding activity and 24-hr movement in an area of dense bushveld. We found that the average 24-hr distance traveled by herds (3.35 km) was shorter than that found in other studies and that there was no seasonal effect on this distance, which we attribute to ready availability of water in both seasons. We found that the buffalo spent a similar amount of time feeding (9.5 hrs) as in other studies, but that the proportional feeding and resting time was influenced by the time of day and the season. These herds spent proportionally more time feeding at night (44.5 % vs 32.0 %) and more time resting in the day (28.4 % vs 16.0 %). In addition, they appeared to rest more during the day and feed more at night during the wet season, when it was hotter.
Micromorphology of the springbok louse Damalinia (Tricholipeurus) antidorcus found at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve near Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Turner M.L.
Published: August 2012

This report provides additional information on the morphology of Damalinia (Tricholipeurus) antidorcus, previously described only by light microscopy. Live lice were collected and prepared for viewing by SEM. Micromorphological features investigated included aspects of the forehead, mandibles and spiracles. The average length of the males was 2.0 mm and females 2.04 mm. The anterior hyalin region of the head was notably emarginated. Awell-developed medial groove on the ventral surface of the head between the mandibles was noted. The surface of the epipharynx was smooth. The labrum with its typical scale-like appearance gradually changed into the pulvinal area of the clypeus. Both genders had notched left mandibles. The mandibles were highly serrated on the oral surfaces. Situated ventrally below and caudal to the mandibles were a pair of labial palpi. The immediate area between, and surrounding the labial palpi was littered with numerous spiked setae and two well developed larger setae raised at their bases. The tips of the palpi bore three larger and longer sensory setae. Palpi of this nature are described here for the first time in D. antidorcus.
Check list of the mammals of Tussen-die-Riviere Provincial Nature Reserve, Free State Province, South Africa
Authors: Watson J.P.
Published: August 2012

Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve falls within the Eastern Mixed Nama-Karoo Biome. The surface area is approximately 23 000 ha and it is located in a summer rainfall region. Sixty six different mammal species were recorded for the reserve over the past 13 years which constitutes 65 % of the indigenous mammals recorded for the Free State Province. The highest number of species for the rodents and insectivores were recorded in riverine habitat but the highest abundance were recorded in rocky habitat and was constituted by only one species, Aethomys namaquensis.
Habitat preferences and seasonal activity of the Microstigmatidae from Ngome State Forest, South Africa (Arachnida: Araneae)
Authors: Dippenaar-Schoeman A.S. , Van der Merwe M. , Van den Berg A.M.
Published: August 2012

As part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA) inventories are underway to determine the arachnid biodiversity of various biomes. Asurvey of groundliving spiders was conducted over a year period (1992-1993) at Ngome State Forest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Spiders were collected with 180 pitfall traps from five different habitat types ranging from indigenous forest to a pine plantation and grassland. A total of 186 specimens of the rare Mygalomorphae family Microstigmatidae were sampled, representing 2 % of the total spider fauna collected during the study. Two species, Microstigmata longipes (Lawrence) and M. zuluensis (Lawrence), occur sympatrically. Both species were more active in the indigenous forest, and were absent or present in low numbers in the open grass and pine plantation. Microstigmata zuluensis was slightly more abundant (59 % of total) and was recorded from three of the five habitats, while M. longipes (41 %) was found in four of the habitat types. Both species were active throughout the year with the lowest numbers recorded in winter (June to August). The males of M. longipes peaked in November while those of M. zuluensis peaked in April.
New records of 43 spider species from the Mountain Zebra National Park, South Africa (Arachnida: Araneae)
Authors: Dippenaar-Schoeman A.S.
Published: August 2012

This study forms part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA), initiated in 1997 with the main aim to create an inventory of the arachnid fauna of South Africa (Dippenaar-Schoeman & Craemer 2000). One of the objectives of SANSA is to assess the number of arachnid species presently protected in conserved areas in the country. Check lists of spiders are now available for three national parks, three nature reserves and a conservancy. These areas include: Mountain Zebra National Park (Dippenaar-Schoeman 1988); Karoo National Park (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al. 1999); Kruger National Park (Dippenaar- Schoeman & Leroy 2002); Roodeplaatdam Nature Reserve (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al. 1989); Makelali Nature Reserve (Whitmore et al. 2001, 2002); Swartberg Nature Reserve (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al. 2005); and the Soutpansberg Conservancy (Foord et al. 2002).