Abstract: This thesis addresses questions within the research fields of invasion biology and spatial ecology, with a focus on species distribution patterns, biogeographical regions and ecological transition zones, or ecotones. More specifically, species distribution patterns in alien plants at large spatial scales using atlas data, and invertebrate patterns making use of field data collected at a smaller scale (total extent ca. 30 km). First I show that alien plants form largescale geographi...
Abstract: Heaviside‟s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, are among the least known cetaceans. They are endemic to the coastal waters along the west coast of southern Africa. The occurrence, behaviour and group dynamics were investigated for these dolphins in Table Bay, South Africa during the summer of 2008 and 2009. Markrecapture photographic identification techniques, modelling techniques and Geographical Information System (GIS) were used to analyse the data. The dolphins were observ...
Abstract: No abstract available.
Abstract: Biodiversity perceptions of conservation managers in the North West Parks and Tourism Board are "teased out" to find how they view biodiversity issues in general and also how they perceive the functioning of their organisation. This report is the discussion and interpretation of responses to the questionnaire by managers at different ranks of the organisational structure. The results intend to show areas where the organisation is seen to be doing well and where it seen to be lackin...
Abstract: The mean dissociation constant (± SEM) of the uterine progesterone receptor for progesterone in eight rock hyraxes, culled at Elandsrand Mine Reserve, was 1.78 nM (±O.l07). The receptor also showed a high relative binding affinity (RBA) for the synthetic hormones norethindrone (%RBA = 185), levonorgestrel (%RBA = 179) and RU486 (%RBA = 221). The binding of norethindrone is similar to that of the African elephant and thus allows for the use of the hyrax as a biological model for t...
Abstract: Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document
Abstract: The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a large spiral-horned antelope that occurs in sub-Saharan Africa. The species is predominantly a browser and inhabits a diverse range of habitats including savanna woodland, scrub and open forests. The geographical distribution extends from south-eastern Chad, northern Central African Republic (CAR), through eastern Africa, to southern Africa. Throughout its range the species is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, diseases and h...
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: The general architecture of the skin of the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, is comparable to that described for other cetacean species. As found in bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, of the same family, southern right whales possess an acanthotic epidermis and a notably thick hypodermis. Epidermal rods and extensive papillomatosis support these unique characteristics. A "fat-free" reticular dermis makes the integument of southern right whales more like that of odontocet...
Abstract: Distributional data from 32 years of aerial surveys of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) along the south coast of South Africa were investigated using GIS, over a variety of spatial and temporal scales to test whether their discontinuous yet predictable distribution is related to environmental characteristics. Most whales were found in areas that provided reasonable protection from open ocean swell and seasonal winds as well as having sedimentary floors with gentle slopes...
Abstract: The objectives of this study were(1) to analyse a data-set on cheetah home range size, habitat utilisation, prey selection and hunting behaviour in the Kruger National Park (KNP), and (2) conduct a comparative study on the above aspects of cheetah ecology across a variety of African savanna ecosystems. Cheetah home range sizes in the KNP for territorial male cheetahs were 173 km2, 438 km2 for a nomadic male cheetah coalition, and 193 km2 and 179 km2 for two female cheetahs. Cheetah...
Abstract: In May 1994 IFAW funded the relocation of 50 elephants from the Kruger National Park to Welgevonden Private Game Reserve in the Northern Province, South Africa. Impact by the elephants on the vegetation of this reserve has since become a concern. The aim of this study was to quantify impact by the elephants on the woody vegetation by investigating vegetation and habitat use by elephant bachelor and breeding groups. This was determined by comparing resource use between sexes within ...
Abstract: Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document
Abstract: In this study macro-invertebrates were sampled quantitatively in 10 lowland vegetation communities on Marion Island over a one-year period commencing in May 1996 as part of a larger investigation into the distribution, abundance and species energy use of invertebrates across an altitudinal transect on Marion Island. The data collected for this particular study were used to investigate the habitat specificity and seasonality of the macro-invertebrates, as well as the impact of alien...