Abstract: In the past 3 decades, arboviruses have become a major cause of re-emerging epidemic diseases in the world. Amongst the arboviruses, dengue and chikungunya fevers which are transmitted by Aedes spp have become more prevalent and have spread far beyond traditional areas of distribution - mainly in Africa and Asia - to cause severe morbidity, mortality, and economic harm. Currently control of these diseases solely depends on vector control as there is no treatment or vaccine. This ca...
Abstract: Mining activities greatly contribute to economic growth and development in South Africa. However, post-mining soils have limited land-use potential due to low fertility, deficiency in organic matter content and poor physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. Mechanical methods to improve soil conditions, such as ripping, are expensive and provide temporary improvements. Alternatively, exploring biological methods could aid in creating arable land from degraded soils, where...
Abstract: The reproductive biology of spotted hyaenas was studied from a sample of 39 females and 36 males collected in game reserves in south~rn Africa. A method for age estimation, based on the relative attrition of PM2 was developed. Female spotted hyaenas attain sexual maturity at three years of age, are polyoestrus with recurring oestrous cycles throughout the lactation period. Females were still reproducing when 16 years old. Breeding was not restricted to a particular season, as bi...
Abstract: The presence of huge quantities of nutrients in water bodies heavily promotes the growth of algae. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in discharged wastewaters can lead to downstream eutrophication thereby damaging the ecosystem. Algae bioremediation involves the use of live algae in the removal of excess dissolved nutrients from wastewater and subsequently diminish the pollution load. It is an alternative economical and sustainable way of treating sewage wastewater compared to convent...
Abstract: Patterns of ectoparasite burden among hosts can be linked to differences in abiotic (i.e. climatic conditions) and biotic (i.e. host characteristics) factors. Although this is well documented for small mammals in the northern hemisphere, similar data for southern Africa, particularly South Africa, is scant. In addition, interspecific interactions in parasite communities may contribute to the distribution of parasites across a host population, however, they are not fully understood ...
Abstract: Please read the abstract in the dissertation
Abstract: The flightless Cape High-mountain stag beetle genus Colophon (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) is studied. Represented by 17 species, which are restricted to the highest mountain peaks of the Cape Floristic Region in the Western Cape, South Africa, and show a strict association with the fynbos biome. The study aimed to determine the specific and phylogenetic status of the described species of Colophon and to determine the main factors driving their evolution by testing hypotheses of relation...
Abstract: There has been a widespread assessment of the capacity of grasslands to restore after several forms of disturbance. In South Africa forestry is a significant habitat disturbance within the Eastern Highveld grasslands where this study was conducted. The study compared ant communities between disturbed grasslands that have been rehabilitated after pine forestry and undisturbed grasslands. Ant sampling was conducted using pitfall traps within rehabilitated sites of age 10 years to 40 ...
Abstract: Desmodium spp. are leguminous plants mainly used as livestock fodder. In Kenya and neighbouring countries they are also used in a „push-pull‟ strategy by smallholder farmers to protect maize (Zea mays) against two major groups of pests, stemborers (Lepidoptera) and witchweed, Striga spp., by repelling the former away from the cereal crop and suppressing growth of the latter. However, smallholder seed production of Desmodium spp. is compromised by blister beetles Hycleus spp. (C...
Abstract: Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document
Abstract: Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document
Abstract: Investigating the extent of local scale heterogeneity in assemblages is necessary to achieve a sound understanding of the processes giving rise to local assemblage patterns and the variation between them. Moreover, a clear understanding of local scale heterogeneity of assemblages is imperative in the development of effective regional conservation strategies. Previous studies examined the local scale heterogeneity in dung beetle assemblages between mixed woodland and sand forest hab...
Abstract: When provided with the opportunity to select their diet, most insect herbivores regulate their nutrient intake. However, in a nutritionally heterogeneous environment and with changing demands for growth, development and reproduction, obtaining the required amount and balance of nutrients is a challenge. This is especially true for social insects where the workers bring food into the colony to be shared by nestmates. The ability of insects to self-select their diet is an important t...
Abstract: Please read the abstract in the front section of this document
Abstract: Please read the abstract in the section, 00front of this document