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1
Cronje, HP, MD Panagos, and BK Reilley. "The plant communities of the Andover Game Reserve, South Africa." Koedoe: Research Journal of the South African National Parks, 2008. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1001060.
Full textAbstract:
Floristic characteristics of the Andover Game Reserve (AGR) were surveyed using an area-based survey
technique and classified according to the data recorded from 88 relevés, using the PHYTOTAB-PC
software package. Three plant communities, of which two each contain two variants, were described
and mapped. The plant communities and their causative environmental factors were validated
through detrended- and canonical correspondence multivariate analyses. The plant communities of
the AGR were found to typify the floristics associated with the catenal sequences located in undulating
areas on granite. Broad-leaved savanna is located at the crest and upper mid-slopes while fine-leaved
savanna occurs along the footslopes of the AGR. Seeplines, a characteristic occurrence along catenas,
are found at the transitional zone between the upper broad- and lower fine-leaved savanna plant
communities. This study forms the basis for the compilation of a revised ecological management plan
for the Andover Game Reserve.
2
O'Brien, John William. "The ecology and management of the large carnivore guild on Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002604.
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Shamwari Game Reserve was the first enclosed conservation area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to reintroduce free ranging lions, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs back into their historic range. At that time (2000 – 2001), little information was available on the ecology and behaviour of these predators in the habitats of the Eastern Cape, and management decisions were based on assumptions and unfounded comparisons with extant populations but from quite different habitats. The aim of this study was therefore to obtain a better understanding of the feeding ecology and space use of the predator guild, and the carrying capacity of Shamwari Game Reserve to enable more informed management decisions. In addition, the reserve is a photographic based tourism venture and understanding both the ecological and financial sustainability of the predator guild was important. The diets of the predators were similar to those reported in other studies; larger predators killed a greater range of prey species than did smaller predators and a small number of prey species made up the majority of the kills. The larger predators had a higher mean kill mass than the smaller species and prey selection was influenced by prey size, prey abundance and prey habitat preference, and risk associated with hunting the species. Diet was flexible and responded to natural and management induced changes in prey abundance. There was a considerable overlap in space use by the lions, cheetahs and leopards with their core areas being centred on and around the Bushmans River. Space use was driven by resource distribution and landscape attributes, and by the presence of other predators of the same or different species. The long term viability of wild dog within the reserve was explored and the results confirmed that there was neither the required space nor the ecological processes and the wild dogs were removed from the reserve. A carrying capacity of the reserve for the predator guild was determined using the Maximum Sustainable Yield method to assess the potential prey species off take and a resultant density of 3.3 to 6.6 lion female equivalent units per 10 000 ha was established. The natural carrying capacity of the reserve with respect to predators will not sustain the tourism objectives and consequently prey supplementation was necessary to maintain predator density at levels high enough to sustain tourism. Under these conditions the large predator guild is still sustainable financially although careful, responsible management is needed to provide ecological sustainability.
3
Smallwood, Samuel. "Evaluating ecological monitoring systems on Mabula Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2010. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02162010-105501.
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Gerber, Johann. "Impacts of impala on subtropical thicket in the Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/509.
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Subtropical thicket supports a large variety of indigenous browsing herbivores, such as elephants, black rhino, kudu and bushbuck, but impala historically never occurred in the Eastern Cape. The aim of this study was to determine what impacts extralimital impala (Aepyceros melampus) have on subtropical thicket. The thicket of the Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, was used for the study. To quantify the effects of impala, feeding behaviour and diet was investigated during summer and winter. Sixteen impala were also enclosed in a camp of subtropical thicket where they would be limited to feedings on thicket. Vegetation composition and structure were monitored for a period of 12 months in the enclosure. Impala followed the expected high percentage graze and a low percentage browse in thicket in summer. However, the expected was not observed during winter: at this time grazing and browsing were equally important. Field collection of feeding behaviour data showed that impala are attracted to fringes of intact bush clumps or degraded thicket. Analysis of the impala diet confirmed this, with a significantly higher percentage graze (48 percent) than browse (22 percent) during summer. However, during winter, diet analysis indicated grazing to be much higher (36 percent) than browsing (6 percent) with the impala temporarily taking advantage of nutritious grasses still present. The enclosed portion of thicket was originally at 80 percent ecological status but it showed significant changes after addition of 16 impala. Animal trails increased in number and in width, resulting in a trampling effect. Grass cover was significantly different inside the enclosure after 12 months compared to outside. The amount of available browse of the enclosed thicket was also significantly different after addition of the impala. It is concluded that impala have a negative effect on thicket, with trampling the most significant effect. Long term monitoring of the effects of extralimital impala in different types of thicket will be required to accurately quantify their direct effects on subtropical thicket in the Eastern Cape. The main aim of this study was to determine the impacts of impala on Thicket. The study showed significant impacts on Thicket as found in Shamwari, and therefore the aim of the study was achieved.
5
Lehmann, MB, PJ Funston, CR Owen, and R. Slotow. "Reproductive biology of a pride of lions on Karongwe Game Reserve, South Africa." African Zoology, 2008. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000674.
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The reproductive biology of a pride of lions (Panthera leo) was studied on the 8500 ha
Karongwe Game Reserve from 1999 to 2005. Over this period, the pride consisted of between
four and 11 lions with a paired coalition of adult males during the first three years and a single
adult male for the next three years.We recorded shorter than normal interbirth intervals, high
birth rates of 1.3 cubs/lioness/year, very high cub survival rates, and subadults leaving the
pride at young ages. This translated into substantially faster growth rates than are typical in
large lion populations in ecologically similar circumstances such as Kruger National Park, but
are similar to those of lions in Serengeti National Park. These demographic characteristics
were probably induced initially by a lack of intense intraspecific competition and high prey
availability, but population stability was maintained through the removal of young subadults
by management. Interestingly, variability in conception rates between lionesses resulted in
lower growth rates than have been found in other similar reintroduced lion populations. These
demographic traits characterize many of the small reintroduced lion populations, and call for
appropriate management to avoid the consequences of high predator densities.
6
Wiseman, Ruth. "Woody vegetation change in response to browsing in Ithala Game Reserve, South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10786.
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Bibliography: leaves 43-49.Wildlife populations in southern Africa are increasingly forced into smaller areas by the demand for agricultural and residential land, and many are now restricted by protective fences. Although numerous studies have focused on the impacts of elephants and other browsers on vegetation in large, open areas, less is known of their effects in restricted areas. The woody vegetation in Ithala Game Reserve, a fenced conservation area of almost 30 000 ha, was monitored annually from 1992 to 2000 to assess the impact of browsers on vegetation structure and composition. Three categories of tree were identified: those declining in abundance (e.g. Aloe marlothii and A. davyi), those increasing in abundance (e.g. Seolopia zeyheri and Euclea erispa), and those with stable populations (e.g. Rhus lucida and Gymnosporia buxifolia).
7
Nyama, Cynthia. "Investigating aspects of corporate citizenship on private game farms : the case of Mtshelezi Game Reserve in Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape Province /." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2008. http://eprints.ru.ac.za/1288.
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Ntantiso, Lundi Norman. "Bovine trypanosome prevalence at game/livestock interface of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/29705.
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In South Africa, trypanosomosis also known as Nagana, transmitted by Glossina brevipalpis and G. austeni, is the major cause of anaemia and chronic debilitating condition in cattle. There is a wealth of entomological information on the ecology of the two tsetse species generated following the devastating outbreak in cattle due to Nagana in 1990. However, it is unfortunate that these entomological data has not been supported by parallel studies on the epidemiology of the disease. Therefore, the present study presents the first intensive epidemiological investigations since 1990 to address the problem of animal trypanosomosis in South Africa. The relationship between trypanosomes herd average prevalence (HAP), herd average anaemia (HAA) and herd average packed cell volume (HA-PVC) were investigated in cattle in three communal diptanks located by the Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve by regular monthly sampling for 15 months. The tsetse challenge with G. brevipalpis in two of the diptanks, Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni, was high but low in the third (Ocilwane). In addition, G. brevipaplis and G. austeni coexist in Mvutshini diptank. This high and low tsetse challenge presented different disease scenarios. Cattle at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks had the highest HAP of 12.3% and 8.9%, respectively, which is significantly different (p = 0.001) from the HAP obtained from cattle at Ocilane (2.9%). Both cattle herds at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks also had the highest HAA, 27.7 and 33.4%, respectively, while cattle at Ocilwane had the lowest, 11.1% (statistically different; p = 0.001). Conversely, cattle at Ocilwane diptank had the highest HA-PCV, ranging between 29-32% while cattle at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks had the lowest HA-PCV (24-29%). The interaction between HAP and HAA is significant (p = 0.021). The overall effect of HAP on the animal health condition is clearly demonstrated when comparing the anaemia in trypanosomes infected and uninfected cattle at the 3 diptanks. Fifty percent, 63% and 100% of trypanosomes infected cattle were anaemic at Mvutshini, Ekuphindisweni and Ocilwane diptanks, respectively. In comparison, the prevalence of anaemia in uninfected cattle in the 3 diptanks was 20, 30 and 10% at Mvutshini, Ekuphindisweni and Ocilwane diptanks, respectively. By combining the data from the 3 diptanks (1,800 observations), the overall HAA in infected and uninfected cattle was 62 and 20%, respectively The results of trypanosomes seasonal surveys conducted at 7 communal diptanks in tsetse infested areas, showed that all cattle at the diptanks were infected with trypanosomes with mean HAP and HAA of 10.3 and 35.3%, respectively. The highest HAP (range 15-31%, n=4) was recorded in Ngwenyambili diptank. This high infection in the cattle herds produced high values of HAA (50%; range 40-60). The infection rate with trypanosomes in G. brevipalpis caught from the field showed immature infections in the midgut of 3.5% (16/458) while only one fly was found with mature infection in the proboscis (1/458, 0.22%). Very few G. austeni were collected (total of 9) during the same period and dissected. The infection rate with trypanosomes immature and mature infections was found to be very high; 5/9 (55.5%). Blood samples were collected from a total of 132 buffaloes randomly immobilized for tuberculosis testing by the Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve Authority. Two buffaloes were found to have T. congolense infection by the buffy coat technique. The presence of trypanosomes infected buffaloes in this study confirms the occurrence of sylvatic cycle at the tsetse/livestock/Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve, thus, presenting a high risk of serious disease to cattle. The objective of the study on the strategic treatment of trypanosomosis conducted on one farm in endemic area was to treat adult cows and calves at an arbitrary HAP threshold before the disease produces any clinical symptoms or production losses. The strategic use of ethidium bromide and novidium chloride produced attractive results whereby cattle were protected for an extended period of 3 to 6 months with no development of anaemia during this period. Therefore, two to four treatments per year may be sufficient to keep cattle productivity on the farm under the tsetse challenge CopyrightDissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Veterinary Tropical Diseases
unrestricted
9
Dyer, Siobhan Margaret. "Population size, demography and spatial ecology of cheetahs in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002058.
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The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has experienced a drastic decline in numbers over the last 20 years globally and is currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In South Africa, there are only an estimated 763 free-ranging cheetahs and conflict with humans is arguably the most significant reason for this low number. The aim of my study was to determine the population size and demographic characteristics of the cheetah population within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR), South Africa, and to contribute to a better understanding of cheetah space use and habitat selection. The research was conducted on TPNR between November 2009 and June 2011 and I used a photographic survey to assess cheetah population size and demographic characteristics. Location data was obtained by collaring two adult male cheetahs with GPS/GSM collars and ad hoc sightings data from across the reserve for an adult female with cubs and three adolescent females. A relatively high minimum population density of 4.46 cheetahs/100km² was estimated, signifying a relatively healthy cheetah population. The sex ratio data indicated a higher male to female ratio and an average litter size of three cubs. The relatively high cub survival rate and density is promising in terms of the status of species within the area, as the data denote the success and potential persistence of the species. Cheetah home ranges varied between 20.97km² for the female with cubs and 659.65km² for the younger collared male. Season did not appear to be a determining factor in terms of home range sizes for the three social groups within the TPNR. However, the males did show a slight increase in their home range sizes during the dry season when resources where presumably more widespread. My results indicate that the cheetah is an adaptable species, flexible in behaviour and able to tolerate a variety of habitat types. Such knowledge is fundamental for planning and implementing the effective management and conservation of cheetahs in South Africa.
10
Pasternak, Graham M. "Environmental effects on group structure and vigilance in vervet monkeys." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2011, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3147.
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Narrow riparian woodlands along non-perennial streams have made it possible for vervet monkeys to penetrate the semi-arid karoo ecosystem of South Africa, while artificial water points have more recently allowed these populations to colonize much more marginal habitat away from natural water sources. In order to determine the sequelae of life in these narrow, linear woodlands for historically 'natural' populations, I determined the size of troops in relation to their reliance on natural and artificial water sources and collected detailed data from two river-centred troops on activity, diet and ranging behaviour over an annual cycle. These data indicate that river-centred troops were distinctive primarily for their large group sizes and, consequently, their large adult cohorts, and the extent of home range overlap in what is regarded as a territorial
species. While large group size carried the corollary of increased day journey length and longer estimated interbirth intervals, there was little other indication of ecological stress. Specifically, the rate of predation appears to be lower than observed at other sites. Predation encounters here, encourage the use of predator vigilance rather than influencing the use of space within the habitat. The high density of Acacia karoo, which accounted for a third of annual foraging effort in what was a relatively depauperate floristic habitat, allows for an adequate energy intake for groups of this size. I ascribed the large group size and home range overlap to the inability of groups to undergo fission.xiii, 79 leaves : ill., maps ; 29 cm
11
Bissett, Charlene. "The feeding and spatial ecologies of the large carnivore guild on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006195.
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The reintroduction of lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa created the opportunity to study the biology and behaviour of these large carnivores in an enclosed system. The research focused on space utilisation and feeding ecology of the predators, using standard observational methods. Changes in the structure of the carnivore guild, and changes in the prey base that occurred during the study were used as natural experiments to examine factors affecting space use and diet. In general, the diets of the predators were similar to previous studies and prey abundance was more important than prey species size in determining prey selection. Changes in the abundance of certain prey species was matched by a dietary switch in lions from kudu to warthog and an increase in the proportion of springbok kills by the cheetahs. There was no significant difference in the proportions of prey species detected by ad hoc or continuous observations. Core areas occupied by the predators were significantly smaller than home ranges except when females were denning. Home ranges overlapped both within and between species, but there was very little overlap of core areas. An increase in the number of lion prides in the area during the study resulted in an increase in overlap of home ranges of lions and cheetahs, but did not result in a change in home range size. Space use by female cheetahs with cubs increased as the cubs grew older. The use of thicket vegetation by cheetahs decreased with an increase in the number of lion prides. Minimum Daily Energy Expenditure, energy intake and net benefit were calculated for the predators using data from continuous observations. All predators exhibited a large net benefit and the net benefit for single female cheetahs was greater than for the members of the coalition. Net benefit for the alpha pair of African wild dogs was lower than that of the pack.
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Makin, Douglas Ferguson. "How does the ungulate community respond to predation risk from cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in Samara Private Game Reserve?" Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018461.
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Predator reintroductions are becoming increasingly more common for multiple reasons, including assisting with the conservation of a predator species, the restoration of ecosystem functions and the economic benefits of their reintroduction for ecotourism ventures. There remains however, little knowledge on prey species responses to these predator reintroductions. As such, the reintroduction of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) into Samara Private Game Reserve provided an opportunity to investigate prey responses to predator reintroduction across a range of spatial and temporal scales. More specifically, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cheetah predation risk on habitat use and behavioural responses of the resident ungulate community. Samara is divided into “predator present” and “predator absent” sections, providing the opportunity to conduct a comparative study investigating the effect of cheetah on prey responses. It was hypothesized that different ungulate species would respond differently to the presence of cheetah, depending on differences in perceived vulnerability to cheetah predation. To address this, shifts in habitat use, and behavioural responses of the ungulate community reflected at landscape and patch scale were investigated. Overall, ungulate species have not shifted habitat use since cheetah reintroduction, this was possibly related to life history strategy constraints and the need for individuals to obtain suitable forage and therefore remain in specific habitats. While no shift in habitat use was observed for the majority of ungulate species, a shift in behaviour was observed for kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) at a landscape scale, where kudu dedicated more time to vigilance and less time to foraging within the predator section. In addition, individuals within smaller kudu groups were observed to be more vigilant than individuals within larger groups of kudu within the predator section. Although the other three ungulate species monitored did not increase time spent vigilant within the predator section, they still maintained relatively high levels of vigilance, potentially as a means of social monitoring. At a patch level, ungulate species responded strongly to a predator cue as a proxy for cheetah proximity, and increased time spent vigilant with a trade-off of lower foraging effort. This vigilant response was strongest for kudu. Differences in perceived predation risk were reflected within eland (Tragelaphus oryx) and kudu species demographic classes, with juvenile eland and kudu, adult female kudu and subadult female kudu spending more time vigilant within manipulated patches than respective males of each species. Kudu were also observed adopting fine-scale behavioural responses to minimize predation risk within patches. The asymmetrical prey species response to perceived predation risk from cheetah supports the hypothesis that different species respond differently to the presence of a predator. Furthermore, this study illustrated the importance of measuring prey responses to predation risk across multiple scales and highlighted the need to replicate this study for a number of different sites where predators have been reintroduced, to better understand the range of factors influencing these predator-prey interactions.
13
Bissett, Charlene. "The feeding ecology, habitat selection and hunting behaviour of re-introduced cheetah on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Province." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005384.
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The re-introduction of cheetah onto small reserves in the Eastern Cape Province has created the opportunity to study this species in an environment (Valley Bushveld) in which it has not previously been studied and which is quite different from the less wooded habitats in which previous studies have occurred. Thus the aim of this study is to add to the growing number of studies of cheetah in more wooded habitats and to contribute a better understanding of the level of specialization or adaptability in space use, habitat selection, diet and hunting behaviour that the cheetah possesses. The research was conducted on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve from February 2003 to August 2004. Direct observations, scat analysis and continuous observations were used to avoid bias towards large sized prey found when only using direct observations to study diet. The cheetah killed 15 species and four of the five most important prey species (kudu, springbok, grey duiker and bushbuck) were hunted according to their abundance on the reserve, while impala, the fifth most important prey species, was avoided (i.e. preference index less than one) by the cheetah. The cheetah’s main prey was medium sized ungulates, although the three male coalition killed larger prey than females and females with cubs. The daily food intake per cheetah per day was calculated to range from 5.3kg/cheetah/day for the coalition to 8kg/cheetah/day for a solitary female. Home range areas ranged from 11.1 km² for female cheetah with cubs in a den to 65.6 km² for single female cheetah and core areas ranged from 6 km² for the three male coalition to 26.5 km² for independent cubs. Habitat selection by cheetah on Kwandwe varied between the social groups depending on their susceptibility to predation by lions, their need for cover and need for water, and was similar to what has been previously reported. The home range of the coalition incorporated the most open vegetation type (karroid shrubland) with surrounding denser vegetation, while females occupied areas of denser vegetation. Activity patterns and hunting behaviour varied between different cheetah social groups with female cheetah being more active during day light hours compared to males which made 38% of their kills after dark. The average chase distances for the various cheetah groups varied considerably, and the chase distance for successful hunts was longer than for unsuccessful for all groups except single female cheetah. The percentage of kills’ kleptoparasitised on Kwandwe was very low compared to other studies possibly due to the low density of direct competitors, which in turn lead to longer mean kill retention times. These results suggest that cheetah are more adaptable than previously thought and this adaptability may have important implications for their conservation.
14
Welch, Rebecca Jane. "Population estimates and spatial ecology of brown hyaenas in Kwandwe private game reserve." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017810.
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During the last 25 years, the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa has seen the establishment of many small to medium sized (≤ 440km2) game reserves. These reserves have reintroduced many of the larger indigenous wildlife that had been extirpated by the early 20th century. As such, these reserves and wildlife introductions have created many research opportunities, including investigations on the ecology of reintroduced carnivores in the Thicket biome. Brown hyaenas (Hyaena brunnea) are one of the large carnivore species that have been reintroduced into the area. As these animals have predominantly been studied in more open, arid systems, their reintroduction has provided an excellent opportunity to study the species in an alternate natural habitat. Information gathered from such investigations adds to our knowledge of the species and also provides information for the management of brown hyaenas within small, enclosed reserves. Data were collected over the period of one calendaryear, from February 2013 to February 2014 at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Brown hyaena population estimates were calculated using capture-recapture methods from individually identifiable images captured during a three month camera trapping survey. Images of brown hyaenas were separated into left- and right-side profiles. Twenty-eight individuals were positively identified from left-side images and 27 from right-side images. Non-spatial and spatially explicit capture-recapture analyses were both run in the program DENSITY 5.0. Density estimates ranged from 14 to 20 individuals/100km2 (equivalent to a total abundance of 26-37 individuals) depending on the method used. Despite the range of estimates, all are considerably higher than in other areaswhere densities have been calculated. Satellite/GPS collars were fitted to three individual brown hyaenas (two males and one female) to measure their home range size and use of space. Home range size was calculated using two different methods, Kernel utilisation distributions and Brownian bridges. Home range estimates were similar using both methods; however Brownian bridge methods appeared to exaggerate the use of space by individuals. Kernel home range sizes for the three individuals ranged between 42.62km2 and 79.88km2. These estimates are considerably smaller than previous findings from other parts of Africa and suggest that sufficient resources may be available within this enclosed system. The results from this study suggest that brown hyaenas are successful generalists in this enclosed system and are able to persist at high densities and occupy relatively small home ranges. This information is important for the managers of small reserves who wish to reintroduce brown hyaenas. Should brown hyaenas be introduced into reserves in the Thicket biome with sufficient resources, the numbers are likely to increase rapidly. If high numbers are not desired then preventative measures (e.g. contraception) should be investigated before release.
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Forshaw, Nicola L. "Contingency and context in the relationships of female vervet monkeys." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2011, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3215.
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This study explored the organizing principles of female sociality in free-ranging vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) inhabiting the Klein Karoo, South Africa. Females groomed more than males, grooming peaked at the end of the day and less grooming occurred during the mating season. Although females competed over food, they did not compete over grooming partners, rarely formed coalitions and did not trade grooming against other activities. Instead, they maintained grooming whilst trading between feeding and resting and feeding and moving. Despite seasonal shifts in food competition, grooming was not traded for tolerance and there was an upper limit to cohort size before clique size declined. Inter-population comparisons revealed no troop size effects on clique size, aggression and competition over high-ranking grooming partners. The rarity of coalitions suggests coalitions are unlikely to be a central component of female relationships.xiii, 162 leaves : ill., maps ; 29 cm
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Mametja, Mamolotje Charles Eric. "Local community participation in tourism in the case of Manyeleti Game reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa." Pretoria : [S.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-07302008-090251/.
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Fordyce, Nicholas. "Muddy memories : environmental change at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - evidence from diatoms." Bachelor's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26382.
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Diatoms are microscopic algae found in almost all aquatic environments. They are habitat specific and have silica frustules which preserve well in sediments. They have been used extensively to provide a multitude of palaeoecological data relating to pH, nutrient loads and water levels. Here, the diatoms in a lake sediment core from Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, South Africa, are analysed to show fluctuations in littoral to benthic taxa, and brackish to freshwater taxa as indicators of lake level changes over time. Changes in lake level act as a proxy for warm/dry or cold/wet periods over time. During the last 240 years lake levels have remained consistently low but nevertheless indicate four alternating periods of cold/wet and warm/dry climate. From c. A.D. 1770 (the last few decades of the Little Ice Age) to the c. A.D. 1840 the climate was cool and wet, but nonetheless gradually warmed up and became drier. From c. A.D. 1840 through to c. A.D. 1920 a there was a gradual increase in temperature and corresponding decrease in rainfall. Then, from c. A.D. 1920 till c. A.D. 1980 there was another colder, wetter period. Finally, very recently, from around c. A.D. 1980 till the present day, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi has experienced warmer, drier conditions once. Pollution-tolerant diatoms increase during the last 100 years and indicate eutrophication of the lake, a consequence of anthropogenic activity in the region. The diatom sequence from Phindiswene provides a high resolution climatic proxy for the critical period covering the latter stages of the Little Ice Age (LIA), post LIA warming, and recent increasing anthropogenic impacts.
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Hyvärinen, Olli. "Long-term Vegetation Change Before and After Converting from Livestock farming to Game Ranching in Asante Sana Game Reserve, South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/28930.
Full textAbstract:
Although wildlife production is widely considered beneficial for semi-arid environments, few studies have reported on the long-term environmental effects of converting from livestock production to game ranching. Asante Sana Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape has centuries old land use history, during which it was cultivated and heavily overgrazed by domestic livestock with associated loss in vegetation productivity and subsequent soil erosion. After 1996 game ranching was adopted in the reserve, with observed positive results on vegetation productivity. This thesis investigates the long-term (1987-2017) spatial and temporal change in vegetation in the reserve. It documents the change in vegetation types and cover using Landsat Top of Atmosphere (TOA) reflectance multispectral data and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Correlative relationships between vegetation cover and different drivers (e.g. rainfall, fire and stocking density) are explored using generalized linear mixed models and the implications of the findings for reserve management are discussed. The results show that the relative area of Thicket has increased over time at the expense of Grassland and Shrubland while Bare-ground has expanded into Shrubland and Thicket. A ground-truthing exercise revealed a significant (p<0.01, R2 = 0.6) positive relationship between the vegetation cover estimated on the ground and satellite derived SAVI values, suggesting that SAVI can be used as a proxy for vegetation cover. Overall vegetation productivity increased over time, with the greatest increases in Thicket and Cultivated land and the lowest in Shrubland and Bare-ground. Grassland and Riverine thicket experienced surprisingly small increases in productivity, which can be explained by high prevalence of grazing ungulates and elephants in areas of Grassland and Riverine thicket respectively. Rainfall, burning and stocking numbers all had an effect on productivity in the reserve. Rainfall had clearly the strongest influence, supporting the non-equilibrium theory for semi-arid rangelands. The management can undertake restoration actions such as tree thinning, erosion control and prevention as well as fencing off affected Grassland and Riverine thicket. A long-term ecological monitoring programme should be established for the reserve for improved understanding of the vegetation dynamics so that effective evidence-based management decisions can be undertaken.
19
Freeman, Natalie J. "Some aspects of male vervet monkey behaviour." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, c2012, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3212.
Full textAbstract:
The permanent coresidence of males within a troop is unusual but occurs in vervet monkeys. Several hypotheses have been projected to explain the coexistence of male vervets (predation risk, breeding season length) but these hypotheses fall short in explaining the multimale nature of vervet monkeys. In order to determine the explanation for coresiding males, I collected male behavioural data from two troops over the course of nine months. My dataset was divided into two categories, male-male interactions and female-male interactions. The male-male data indicate that breeding season is the most active time for migration, aggressions and wounds. Coalitions were described for the first time, and affiliative interactions between males highlighted coping tactics of males in regards to their coexistence. The female-male data indicate there was little indication for distinct male or female choice for mating. Specifically, olfactory information appears to lower successful copulations of males, and female resistance also decreased successful copulations. Grooming was not a commodity traded for mating access. Male dominance was not correlated with mating success, and females seem to express their preference for sexual partners. The large cohort of males of my troops appears to alter behaviours observed at other sites. The maintenance of male-female associations after breeding season suggests that males may be preparing for next breeding season, and males may co-reside for breeding purposes.xiii, 123 leaves : ill. maps ; 29 cm
20
Cronje, HP, I. Cronje, and AJ Botha. "The distribution and seasonal availability of surface water on the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa." Koedoe, 2005. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000998.
Full textAbstract:
The availability and abundance of surface water on the Manyeleti Game Reserve was
quantified to provide information towards the development of a water provision policy.
A total of 696 water source sites were located with a mean distance of 223.3 m apart.
The water source sites (natural and artificial) were monitored seasonally to describe the
seasonal availability of surface water on the Manyeleti Game Reserve. There were significant
relationships between seasonal rainfall and the number of water source sites and
maximum distance between sites. The large number of water sources is regulated by climatic
progression and thus water provision on the Manyeleti Game Reserve follows a
natural cycle linked primarily to rainfall. Water sources that dry up towards the dry seasons
need to be supplied with water during drought periods in order to maintain game
numbers without causing rangeland degradation. A water provision model that incorporates
all the variables of the Greater Kruger Park Conservation Area, with particular reference
to the smaller conservation areas within it, should become a research priority.
21
Mamfengu, Phozisa Faith. "An assessment of habitat suitability of the proposed Tyefu community game reserve in Ngqushwa (fomerly Peddie) district, Eastern Cape." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/736.
Full textAbstract:
Land use forms such as cultivation and livestock farming have become less productive and unsustainable in the Tyefu communal villages of Ngqushwa (Formerly Peddie) district, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is manifest in abandoned and severely degraded cultivation fields as well as transformed vegetation, making it difficult to earn a land based livelihood. Against the backdrop of severe land degradation and poverty levels in these communal villages, game farming has been recommended as an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable form of land use. Tyefu Community Reserve is a project, recommended by the Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Project (STEP) backed by the Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), for hunting and venison selling. The proposed area has been fenced and animals to be stocked in the reserve have been requested on a loan basis. Such an undertaking requires an understanding of the abundance and condition of vegetation, terrain parameters, and an assessment of potential wildlife species, as well as the carrying capacity of the recommended reserve as a habitat. With the aid of orthophoto maps, Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning (STEP) shapefiles, ASTER satellite imagery and a High Resolution Digital Camera Image, vegetation types were mapped and their condition was assessed. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the area was used to extract terrain parameters such as slope and aspect. The carrying capacity of the proposed reserve was determined using a model originally developed by Boshoff et al. (2001) for estimating potential wildlife and abundance. The proposed reserve is predominantly covered by dense thicket as compared to the adjacent Tyefu communal villages where thicket has been severely degraded. The prominent topographic characteristics such as slope reveal an escarpment ringing the proposed reserve with gentle slopes towards the centre. Slope direction has also influenced the distribution of vegetation in the proposed reserve, as the moist south facing slopes tend to have a greater proportion of dense thicket as opposed to the warm north facing slopes. Vegetation types and topography of the reserve can provide suitable habitat to a variety of wildlife species and are likely to influence the distribution of mammals in the proposed reserve. The carrying capacity model developed has been useful in determining potential species that can be supported by the reserve, and estimating their abundance. Given the small size of the proposed community reserve (about 1800ha), it has been recommended that it should be stretched to link up with the existing Great Fish River Game Complex. It will then fit within the framework as envisaged by STEP (2004), in the form of Fish River Biodiversity Initiative, a conservation corridor bordering the Great Fish River.
22
Roux, Candice. "Feeding ecology, space use and habitat selection of elephants in two enclosed game reserves in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2006. http://eprints.ru.ac.za/298/.
Full text
23
Thomas, Brittany L., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Population density, spatial dynamics and territoriality in vervet monkeys." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2013, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3456.
Full textAbstract:
Vervet
monkeys
(Chlorocebus
pygerythrus)
are
generally
described
as
a
territorial
species,
though
variations
in
territoriality
have
been
observed.
This
research
examined
the
impact
of
high
population
density,
large
group
sizes
and
extensively
overlapping
home
ranges
on
the
expression
of
territoriality
in
a
population
of
vervet
monkeys.
Over
a
period
of
eighteen
months,
data
were
collected
on
three
large
troops
of
vervet
monkeys
(PTN
=
31,
RBMN
=
39,
RSTN
=
57)
on
the
Samara
Game
Reserve,
South
Africa.
I
examined
the
spatial
dynamics
demonstrated
in
this
population,
assed
the
extent
and
use
of
home
range
overlap
and
examined
the
occurrence
of
intertroop
encounters
in
relation
to
mate
defence,
resource
defence
and
home
range
defence.
The
home
ranges
of
the
troops
in
this
study
population
overlap
substantially,
and
overlap
areas
are
exploited
extensively.
The
frequency
of
occurrence
of
intertroop
encounters
does
not
increase
in
the
mating
season,
nor
is
there
evidence
of
the
defence
of
particular
food
patches
or
home
range
defence.
The
findings
from
this
thesis
emphasize
the
importance
of
examining
the
expression
of
territoriality
of
a
population
within
the
context
of
its
environment.xvi, 125 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm
24
Teversham, Edward Mark. "Representations and perceptions of the Kruger National Park and the Manyeleti Game Reserve, 1926-2010." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2014. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:0ccbdeef-b98e-4753-b627-bb19cdf080c1.
Full textAbstract:
In 1926 the Kruger National Park in South Africa became the first national park in Africa to accept visitors. Since that date there has been a propaganda campaign to convince people outside of the administration of the importance of the national park project and the value of the wildlife inside the parks. As a large tract of land in a land-hungry region of the country, the Kruger Park required both political and public support to ensure its survival. This attempt to communicate with the public is the subject of my thesis. The idea of the national park, and the natural world that it contained, altered dramatically since 1926. At times the message was tightly managed, and at others that control was loosened. As various interests intervened and encroached, new discourses developed and struggled for influence. Contained within the messages around the park and its wildlife were ulterior strands and ideologies that impacted in various ways on the idea of the national park. Nationalism, race, gender, class and status all became constituent parts of a heterogeneous construction. My thesis interrogates those strands within the discourse on the Kruger National Park. In 1967 the Manyeleti game reserve, on the western borders of the Kruger Park, became the first segregated game reserve for the exclusive use of black South Africans. Through this parallel project African visitors, who had been generally ignored in the Kruger Park setting, became the focus of propaganda efforts intended for a black audience. Race, gender, and class merged with the environmental messages in this unique setting to create new directions in conservationist rhetoric. My thesis sets these diverse messages communicated at Manyeleti alongside those transmitted through and about the Kruger Park.
25
Fortescue, Alexander Kenneth John. "The use of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, to interpret savanna ecosystem patterns in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga province." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005533.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis explores techniques which ultimately strive to optimize production systems in rangeland areas of southern Africa. By linking spatially significant, satellite derived data to practical measurements of vegetation structure, valuable insight has been derived on processes of ecosystem function, in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. A broad ecosystem response mechanism has been established from a conventional Normalized Differentiation Vegetation Index (NDVI). By responding to increases in production, which are driven by disturbance, this index has allowed quantitative systems theory in savanna to be tested and refined. Methods of biomass and production estimation which are specifically designed to reduce the cost and time involved with the more conventional method of destructive harvesting have been tested in the savanna at the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Results from these estimates relate well with data derived through destructive harvesting in structurally similar savanna. Moreover, by relating the above-ground woody production estimates to remere sensing indices, it was possible to demonstrate that the problem of extrapolation, universal to most biomass and production studies can be overcome. Since remote sensing encompasses an array of tools fundamental to rangeland inventory, monitoring and management, valuable spatially significant information pertaining to ecosystem structure and function has been provided for managers in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
26
Botha, Susan. "Estimating seasonal diet selectivity and quality of four ungulates species using stable isotopes in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Natal, South Africa." Thesis, University of Cape Town, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26642.
Full text
27
Van, der Westhuizen Rickert. "Biology and management affecting the decline of a black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis minor (Linnaeus, 1758), population in Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/31147.
Full textAbstract:
Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) are classified as critically endangered on the IUCN
red data list (IUCN 2010). In Ndumo Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa, a black rhino population has seen a decline in numbers from nearly 50 rhino in
1988 to only eight in 2006. This study aimed to determine the factors or events
responsible for the decline in black rhino numbers in Ndumo.
The first part of this study focuses on the historical data and literature on
Ndumo’s black rhino population. Specifically, I examined historical data regarding
Ndumo’s black rhino population estimates, recruitment patterns, mortality rates, number
of removals, introductions, densities and other large herbivore population estimates.
Results suggest that a combination of high removals due to inaccurate estimates and
competition from other herbivore populations, specifically nyala (Nyala angasi) and
impala (Aepyceros melampus), played a role in this population’s decline. Also, a change
in the Usuthu River course negatively affected the population’s social structure,
movement patterns and recruitment success. The introduction of five black rhino from
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in 2008 seems to have been a success, and should increase
reproductive success. Secondly, we determined the amount of browse currently (2008) available to
black rhino in Ndumo, the proportional species composition of this browse and its
suitability for black rhino. The results show that browse availability is fairly high
(average of 17.8%) in Ndumo but the suitability is low. Croton menyhartii is the single
biggest contributor to browse availability in Ndumo, contributing 25% of all available
browse. This plant species is unfortunately rejected by black rhino and most other
browsers. Furthermore, two invasive alien plant species (Chromolaena odorata and
Lantana camara) are amongst the four most abundant plant species in Ndumo and are
also rejected by black rhino. An effective alien plant clearing programme is needed to
eradicate invasive alien species in Ndumo, which will help alleviate the poor browse
conditions.
A population viability analysis (PVA) was done during the last part of the study to
predict the possibility of extinction or survival of this black rhino population in future.
The VORTEX model was used in this study. Data and trends as actually observed in
Ndumo since 1988 was used as the first simulation’s input parameters, to test whether the
model will predict a similar decline in black rhino numbers as observed in Ndumo.
Furthermore, sensitivity analyses with different input parameters were done to test the
probability of extinction or survival under all possible circumstances. The model
predicted a high probability of survival, even with most of the sensitivity analyses,
suggesting that small populations of less than 50 individuals are viable if managed
correctly. Parameters that impacted negatively on the growth rate of this population were
density dependant breeding, a low recruitment rate and a decline in carrying capacity.Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Centre for Wildlife Management
MSc
Unrestricted
28
Vorster, Paul Hendrik. "The feeding and spatial ecology of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo) in the Little Karoo, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005379.
Full textAbstract:
The re-introduction of large carnivores into relatively small conservation areas that fall within the historic distribution range of the species is becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The success of such re-introductions depends very much on the quality of the information that is available to guide management decisions, but in many cases, little information is available. The re-introduction of lions and cheetahs to Sanbona created the opportunity to monitor the behaviour of re-introduced predators to a relatively large system that was characterised by a low ungulate stocking density and little standing water. The broad aims were to study the feeding and spatial ecologies of the lions and cheetahs, to collect standard base-line data, and to examine the effects of the low prey density and limited standing water on habitat selection, range size and diet. The diet (data collected from direct observation and faecal analysis) was similar to that reported in previous studies, and lions and cheetahs preferred greater kudu, black wildebeest and springbok. Lions preferred medium to large prey items, and cheetahs preferred medium to small prey items. The hilly and mountainous terrain of much of the reserve meant that only 50% of the total space was available to the predators. Home ranges of most of the predators were focused around the single large body of standing water. This is likely to have been a response to the water, the vegetation, and the prey that was attracted to these. Habitat selection was also influenced by inter and intra-specific interactions at least for a solitary male lion and female cheetahs. Range sizes were larger than on some other reserves and it is suggested that this was a result of the low prey density. These results form the basis for management recommendations including the importance of continuing to monitor the system and opening up additional parts of the reserve to the predators.
29
Burgoyne, Christopher Nicholas. "An investigation of human activity and vegetation change around Mkuze Game Reserve, South Africa." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11314.
Full textAbstract:
M.A. (Geography)In the last century, the establishment of protected areas has become an important part of managing South Africa’s wilderness and wildlife. The notion of untouched protected areas is becoming contested in a time when developing nations are seeking to improve quality of life for their citizens. With the promulgation of the NEM: PAA of 2003, resource sharing with local rural communities has become an important policy guideline for protected area management authorities. An example of a protected area where management has sought to facilitate resource access in neighbouring rural communities is Mkuze Game Reserve (MGR), now part of the greater Isimangaliso Wetland Park. This study uses a mixed methods approach to combine local rainfall records, census archives, and remotely sensed data with qualitative interview data in order to investigate spatial, social and quantitative aspects of anthropogenic land-cover change between 1979 and 2008. If the proposed balance between development and conservation is to be achieved in this ecologically diverse locale, a deeper understanding of contextual relationships between human activity and environmental change will be vital. Results showed that while rainfall was cyclic, natural land-cover decreased consistently in densely populated rural areas. In contrast, protected areas such as MGR showed little change in land-cover indicating that human activity and cattle have a significant impact on the land surface in the Mkuze Region. While many local residents in the rural communities living adjacent to MGR recognise their role in the achievement of development-conservation objectives, a history of exclusion from MGR has left a legacy of negative perceptions towards MGR in these communities. In order to mitigate natural land-cover loss, local communities must have positive perceptions about MGR and become involved in its management. Useful inferences have been made from the results regarding the management of human population and activities around the borders of protected areas in South Africa.
30
Goodman, Peter Styan. "Soil, vegetation and large herbivore relations in Mkuzi Game Reserve, Natal." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/11291.
Full text
31
Havemann, Paul. "Maximizing the benefits of patrol systems in protected areas : using area coverage as a foundation for effective patrol planning in the uMkhuze Game Reserve." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/9818.
Full textAbstract:
The uMkhuze Game Reserve in South Africa is a key biodiversity asset which protects diverse natural resources of regional, national and international importance. The park has a notorious history of poaching, which is considered to be the second most important threat to biodiversity. Paramilitary patrol operations are crucial to regulating poaching in the park, and to the collection of data important for the monitoring of the state of biodiversity. The effectiveness of the patrol system as a whole is gauged primarily from enforcement-related data, and it was the intention of this study to present a landscape level perspective that would bolster current evaluation metrics. Home range and use-availability analyses of patrol data collected in 2009 and 2010 were used to construct area coverage boundaries, and to understand whether the distribution of patrol effort within patrol areas was influenced by habitat type. Results suggest that average monthly patrol area coverage ranged from 8.38 km² to 23.15 km². This indicates that although designated patrol areas could be covered with relative ease within a few months, information gaps were consistently occurring in the system. To determine how differences in the amount of area covered by patrol units influenced the quantity of information collected, annual area coverage was correlated with the number of biological sightings, illegal incidents and snares reported. Results show that differences in the size of the area covered did not necessarily influence the quantity of information collected in the field. However, certain areas of the park remained unpatrolled annually. All patrol units visited habitats differently than expected based on the proportion of habitat types that were available to them. The preferential use of habitat types could result in incorrect inferences being made about information outputs generated by the patrol system. The number of biological sightings, illegal incidences and snares reported were associated with the total area of each habitat emphasizing the importance of covering habitats proportionately to their availability in the park.Thesis (M.Env.Dev)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.
32
Mathekga, Henrietta Laurencia. "Towards ranger resilience : a social work model to assist rangers in dealing with workplace challenges." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/23819.
Full textAbstract:
Rangers, as vanguards of wildlife conservation, are constantly fighting off armed
poachers. That makes their work stressful and dangerous. In spite of this, their needs are
neglected and are not considered as the focus is on saving wildlife. Undoubtedly, the African
continent is not spared from the unrelenting poaching menace that threatens to drive the world’s
wildlife spicies into extinction. In response to this scourge, countries, in their quest to
safeguard these species from extermination, have signed various treaties, continuously come up with different strategies and pledged their support to fight illegal wildlife trading.
This study was conducted at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HIP) and Mkhuze Game Reserve, which are under
the management of Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Wildlife Management. These parks have turned into a battlefield between poachers and rangers. The intrinsic case study approach, which is explorative and interpretive in perspective, was used to unravel and describe the experiences from the world view of rangers. A descriptive qualitative research design was used to gain insight from the rangers about their challenges and needs in the workplace.
Furthermore, developmental research was used to design and develop a tailor- made technology – a ranger resilience-building model – to assist rangers to deal with their workplace challenges. Focus group discussions were conducted with a group of rangers, while individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers in order to solicit information from purposively selected
sample of rangers and managers at HIP and Mkhuze Game Reserve, that assisted in the development of
the model.
Ethical considerations, which involve the informed consent of the participants,
confidentiality and privacy, participants’ right to withdraw from the study and the
management of information, were applied to ensure that the participants were
protected from harm.
The collected data was analysed by using codes and themes that best described the experiences of
the rangers, and data verification was done before the process of model development. It was evident
that rangers are faced with a variety of workplace challenges, such as poor quality of work life,
unpleasant living conditions, coupled with poor amenities, inadequte wellness interventions, and the poor management and implementation of policies by the Human Resources (HR) Department.
Nevertheless, teamwork and their cultural practices were positive aspects that promoted their coping capacities in dealing with their everyday challenges.Social Work
D. Litt. et Phil.(Social Work)
33
Berjak, Stephen Gary. "Spatial modelling of fire dynamics in Savanna ecosystems." Thesis, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/5755.
Full textAbstract:
Fire is used in the management of ecosystems worldwide because it is a relatively inexpensive means of manipulating thousands of hectares of vegetation. Deciding how, where and when to apply fire depends primarily on the management objectives of the area concerned. The decision to ignite vegetation is generally subjective and depends on the experience of the fire manager. To facilitate this process, ancillary tools, forming a decision support system, need to be constructed. In this study a spatial model has been developed that is capable of simulating fire dynamics in savanna ecosystems. The fire growth model integrates spatial fuel and
topographic data with temporal weather, wind settings and fuel moistures to produce a time-evolving fire front. Spatial information required to operate the model was obtained through remote sensing techniques, using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite imagery, and existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) coverage's. Implementation of the simulation model to hypothetical landscapes under various scenarios of fuel, weather and topography produced fire fronts that were found to be
in good agreement with experience of observed fires. The model was applied actual fire events using information for prescribed burning operations conducted in Mkuze Game Reserve during 1997. Predicted fire fronts were found to accurately resemble the observed fire boundaries in all simulations.Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.
34
Shackleton, Charles Michael. "The grassland dynamics of Mkambati game reserve." Thesis, 1989. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24238.
Full textAbstract:
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Master of Science.This work describes the coastal grasslands of Mkambati Game Reserve and their suitability for the present large herbivore complement. The initial description makes use of both field survey and quantitative sampling and multivariate analysis which facilitated the production of soil and vegetation maps at tre scale of 1: 10 000. Suitability of these grasslands for herbivores is assessed in terms of both quantity and quality of food available and the present herbivore impact. Local variation in soil type was considerable. Eight standard soil forms were distinguished as well as severaI others previously undescribed. Most of the soils were dystrophic although nutrient 'hot-spots' were common. This determined floristic composition of the various communities to some extent. Three grassland communities and four subcommunities were recognized which contributed 81, 5% to the total area of the reserve. The remaining area comprised forest. wetlands. exposed rock and accommodation camps. Each grassland community was associated with particular ranges of the measured environmental variables. The standing crop of the three communities was high relative to other areas of Southern Africa. Absolute amounts varied seasonally being highest in summer and lowest in winter Partitioning between the phytomass, necromass and litter components also varied seasonally. Total standing crop increased with increasing interval since the last fire. Litter breakdown rates differed between communities and species. Forage quality was poor being lowest in autumn and winter and declining with age. This was probably a result of the dystrophic soils. Crude protein and phosphorus were limiting for several months of the year. Total forage quantity was in excess of the present herbivore needs although availability declined with age and during the non-growing season. However, the poor quality reduced the amount available such that present herbivore impact was low, at all times being less than 9%.. Removal by herbivores was highest several months after a fire when absolute amounts of various nutrients were at a maxinum per unit area. Thereafter it declined to less than 1% with aging of the sward. The implications of the results for management are discussed and future research needs identified.
AC 2018
35
"Stress in the African elephant on Mabula game reserve, South Africa." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/2509.
Full textAbstract:
The current study contributes to the science of biology in that it describes different methods of measuring stress in animals and distinguishes between different types of stress that animals are exposed to. The main aim of this type of research is to obtain as much information as possible on what more specifically elephants require from their environment in order to create a more suitable habitat under conditions that vary considerably from the environment in which the elephant evolved in. Two types of possible stress for elephants on small reserves were investigated: social stress and stress caused by direct human disturbances (for example tourists on game drive vehicles in fenced reserves without wilderness areas). The study group of elephants which were introduced to the study reserve ten years earlier as a group of unrelated juveniles from culling operations differed significantly according to social role play and behaviour from normal elephant societies as described by literature. None of the adult elephants from the study group initiated change of activity more than the other adult elephants on the reserve and although one of the female cows was dominant over all the other adult female cows she was dominated by the twenty-year-old bull on the reserve. The twenty-year-old bull was with the cowherd for most of the time and was aggressive towards other cowherd members when present. All the stress parameters used to monitor the influence of direct human disturbances also changed significantly in the presence and absence of game drive vehicles in the elephant's environment. The group of elephants moved more and clustered together more, individual elephants showed more behaviours associated with stress and vocalized more and adult female elephants secreted more from their temporal glands in the presence of game drive vehicles compared to periods when game drive vehicles were absent. Stress hormone metabolite levels in the dung of elephant differed significantly among individuals being highest for the twenty-year-old bull on the reserve. One section area on the reserve with the highest load of human activity also produced the highest levels of stress for elephants when group mobility, group spacing and faecal stress hormone metabolite levels were used as stress parameters. Social stress for the study group of elephants may have enhanced stress response of elephants towards direct human disturbances. Small fenced reserves hosting elephants should monit.or and control game drive vehicle activity around elephants and should consider expanding their property in order to first of all provide wilderness areas to where animals can escape to when stressed by direct human disturbances and secondly to be able to introduce older female and male elephants to control and lead young animals if not present. Implementation of stress monitoring programs as part of the elephant management plan of a reserve may reduce and possibly prevent any future incidences of aggression from elephants towards humans and other species.Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.
36
Smallwood, Samuel. "Evaluating ecological monitoring systems on Mabula Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa." Diss., 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/29234.
Full textAbstract:
Ecological monitoring is an integral part of the ecological active adaptive management of wildlife reserves. The present study was conducted as an initial trial of a holistic ecological monitoring programme for Mabula Game Reserve using three existing survey methods. The information gained after each monitoring period and relevant management decisions are: - Large herbivore monitoring: This monitoring system gave specific information on which vegetation community each of the types of large herbivores are utilising and selecting. This information was used in conjunction with the two vegetation monitoring systems and the wildlife count data to determine the stocking rate for each large herbivores on the reserve. If required, the populations can be increase or decreased, which was found to be necessary for browsers on Mabula Game Reserve.
- Herbaceous monitoring: This monitoring system provides information on the economic and ecological grazing capacity of the individual vegetation communities in terms of Grazing Units. The herbivore monitoring provides an estimation of the actual Grazing Units occurring in a vegetation community. The total stocking rate should be less than the economic grazing capacity (70% of the ecological grazing capacity).
- Woody monitoring: This monitoring system provides information on the economic and ecological browsing capacity of the individual vegetation communities in terms of Browser Units. The herbivore monitoring provides an estimation of the stocking rate of browsers occurring in a vegetation community, which should be less than the economic grazing capacity (70% of the cological grazing capacity).
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
Animal and Wildlife Sciences
unrestricted
37
Kemper, Nigel Palmer. "The structure and dynamics of riverine vegetation in the Umfolozi game reserve." Thesis, 1991. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/26143.
Full textAbstract:
A dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Science,
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,
for the Degree of Master of Science.
.The cyclone Domoina floods of 1984 were responsible for the large scale destruction and devastation of riverine vegetation in the Umfolozi Game Reserve. This event highlighted the need to gain an understanding af the structure and dynamics of riverine vegetation and to use this knowledge to develop a management strategy directed at the future recovery and maintenance of riverine vegetation in the Umfolozi Game Reserve. (Abbreviation abstract)
Andrew Chakane 2018
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Mbenga, Emelda. "Visitor wildlife viewing preferences and experiences in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4529.
Full textAbstract:
Wildlife viewing is a form of recreation that is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world,
particularly in African protected areas. In order for protected area managers to cater for this demand
effectively, managers need to incorporate wildlife viewing recreation into the planning and
development of protected areas.
Protected area management has traditionally focused on the management of wildlife populations and
habitats to the exclusion of visitor recreational needs. Where visitor needs have been incorporated
into the planning and development of protected areas, this has been through the provision of inputs
such as facilities and wildlife. The experience-based management (EBM) approach to recreation
however proposes that people engage in particular recreation opportunities in order to attain certain
desired benefits or outcomes.
Madikwe Game reserve provides visitors with the opportunity to view a wide variety of game. The
aims of this study were to (1) provide an understanding of what visitors sought from their experience~
regarding wildlife viewing in Madikwe Game Reserve (2) classify the types of experiences desired by
visitors to the reserve using the EBM model as a framework and (3) examine management
implications of results. A survey of visitors was conducted in the reserve using a Pre-visit and a Postvisit
questionnaire.
Results from 178 respondents indicated that well-known species as well as rare/endangered specie:
were the most popular among visitors. Respondents were generally very satisfied with their wildlife
viewing experiences in terms of species abundance and variety, and information received about
animals. The results also suggest that additional information about items other than wildlife could
enhance the experiences of visitors to Madikwe. Three distinct wildlife viewing experiences desired
by visitors were identified, namely a High Involvement Experience, which had the highest interest in
almost all recreational opportunities, a Generalist Experience characterised by a moderate interest in
recreational opportunities and an Occasionalist Experience that displayed the least interest. While the
Occasionalist Experience is presently adequately catered for in Madikwe, lodge and park manager
can provide for the High Involvement and Generalist Experiences more efficiently by expanding the wildlife viewing experience that is currently offered in the reserve. This would be done primarily
through the expansion of informational items provided, and the development of activities associated
with wildlife viewing. The success of such measures would be dependent on the adoption of a
cooperative strategy between lodge managers, park managers and other relevant stakeholders.Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
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De, Hoog Jeanette. "Habitat selection of African elephants (Loxodonta Africana) after reintroduction in Dinokeng Game Reserve." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/15073.
Full textAbstract:
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, May 2014.Conservation has led to African elephants (Loxodonta africana) being reintroduced to small game reserves. However, only a few studies have been done on how elephants react to their new environment after a translocation. Dinokeng Game Reserve introduced a herd of 10 elephants (Loxodonta Africana) in October 2011. Using Global Positioning System collar locations of one female elephant, I aimed to determine whether an elephant’s exploration resulted in an expansion of its home range as the elephant settled in its new environment. Secondly, I aimed to determine how the use of resources and conditions in an elephant’s environment changed from release to the end of the study period. To achieve my first objective, I calculated the elephant’s daily distance movement distances and home ranges over 16-day and seasonal periods. I used logistic regression to assess the habitat selection of the elephant over the study period. The results of the research demonstrated that the elephant slowly explored its new environment, which resulted in an expansion of its home range over time. However, it took almost two years before the elephant displayed signs of settling in its home range. The elephant used habitats further away from buildings, closer to fence boundaries and water sources, with low elevation and high greenness at the start of the study. Over time, the elephant’s habitat selection was no longer constrained by buildings and it demonstrated stronger evidence of using habitats with lower elevation towards the end of the study period. The findings suggest that elephants do not necessarily explore extensively before finding an area to remain in, and it may take longer than a year for them to settle. Furthermore, human settlements seem to limit elephant’s habitat selection a translocation, but this influence decreases as the elephant settles in its new environment.
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Bosch, Almero Deon. "The vegetation management of the Botsalano Game Reserve in the North West Province, South Africa." Thesis, 2011. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000662.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MTech. degree in Nature Conservation)--Tshwane University of Technology, 2011.The study was conducted on the Botsalano Game Reserve with the support of the North West Tourism and Parks Agency. No formal management plan is available for the game reserve and therefore the need for an ecological management plan and guidelines for the formulation of a vegetation monitoring plan constituted the basis of the study. The objectives of the study were: 1. To classify and map the plant communities of the Botsalano Game Reserve; 2. To provide quantitative data, collected during a formal vegetation classification, for use by the reserve management in terms of current vegetation condition; 3. To ascertain whether a classification of the vegetation on the BGR could be used for the objective placement of vegetation monitoring sites. Monitoring site placement will be based on representation of plant communities, reflecting community and topographical unit utilization and thus stocking rates based on management decisions.
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Nakale, Gisbertus Shanyengange. "Using photo identification to estimate the population size of nyala (tragelaphus angasii) in Umkhuzi Game Reserve." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/19320.
Full textAbstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015.Wildlife conservation and management requires an in-depth understanding of the demographics and dynamics of the population concerned to enable sound management decisions. Yet it is often very challenging to obtain reliable information of cryptic and highly migratory species. I used photo identification and capture-recapture methods to study the population of nyala, a highly secretive species, in the Umkhuzi game reserve. The nyala species is individually identifiable by the mark pattern on their body. Photographs used for this project were taken at a waterhole in Umkhuzi game reserve between June 23rd and 01 July 2014, representing nine sampling occasions. Identification of individuals was achieved with a computer-assisted technique using open source pattern identification software called Wild-ID version 1.0.1. A total of 652 photographs were taken at the sampling site and from these pictures wild-ID identified 372 distinct animals. An encounter history for each individual during the nine sampling occasions was also produced using Wild-ID. The encounter histories of all individuals were entered into Program MARK. I used the closed population models in Program MARK to obtain population estimates. Program MARK indicated that Mh was the most appropriate model to fit this data as indicated by the AICc ranking. Mh showed population estimates as follows: adult males: 111.90 ± 16.07, adult females: 298.01 ± 36.66; young adult males: 21.33 ±19.34; juvenile males: 37.15 ±16.84; yearling males: 37.73 ±8.51; yearling females: 96.48 ±22.75 and juvenile unidentified: 69.03. ±28.96 Closure test performed to ascertain demographic and geographic closure during the sampling period showed a χ2= 21.74, p= 0.08, df = 14, for the Stanley & Burnham test and a p and z-values of 0.06 and -1.51 respectively for the Otis et al test. These results shows marginal violation of population closure, nevertheless closed population models were used to estimate population abundance due to the fact the violations are marginal and the sampling period iii was very short, nine days. The study revealed that there is as much as twice the number of females compared to males.
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Vowles, Kathleen Frances. "Faunal occurrence at naturally-forming waterholes in Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa." Thesis, 2018. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/26658.
Full textAbstract:
Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science, Johannesburg 2018This research examines the influence of surface water availability, which depends on rainfall, and temperature on faunal occurrence patterns at naturally-forming waterholes in Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The objectives assess the occurrence and diversity of species at three naturally-forming waterholes and to examine the implications that rainfall and temperature have on species visitation patterns at naturally-forming waterholes. On a local scale, this research makes use of camera trap images activated by motion sensor, capturing at 10 second intervals to establish the faunal occurrence patterns and to determine wallowing activity of elephants, white rhino, and warthog at the waterholes over a short-time scale (June 2016 to November 2016). The frequencies of mammal species visiting times per hour were grouped into daily and monthly periods. Monthly data were examined, as this was a short-term study, hence shifts in faunal activity could be easily identified with local weather conditions monthly rather than seasonally (as seasonality was not the focus of the study). The occurrence of different species per hour at the waterholes was established over a period of six months (June to November). Distribution curves were created to determine species peak visitation times per hour, both daily and monthly, and pie charts were produced to determine shifts in individual species abundance each month. Local weather data were statistically analysed (Pearson`s correlation coefficient and cross-correlation) with faunal occurrence to determine the influence of these local weather conditions on faunal behaviour. Species-specific occurrences (daily and monthly) were established for all species that visited the three selected waterholes. Herbivore visitation occurred predominantly during diurnal hours and carnivores were observed during nocturnal hours. Temperature influenced species visitation times at these waterholes. As temperatures peaked (Tmax and Tmin), there was a decrease in species sighted at the waterholes. However, surface water availability, which is influenced by rainfall, was the crucial variable that drove faunal occurrence at the naturally-forming waterholes. More species were observed at the waterholes after rainfall events, compared to before rainfall. A delay in faunal occurrence was evident at the waterholes, two weeks after rainfall events. This lag exists due to the surface water, which was made available after rainfall events. Surface water availability and temperatures were, however, not the only factors that drove the occurrence of species at these waterholes. Other factors such as predator-prey relationships, tourist presence, cloud cover, inter- and intra-species competition, vegetation, soil type, and waterhole morphology influenced faunal occurrence patterns. iii Other objectives were to establish wallowing activity at the naturally-forming waterholes and to determine if there is a relationship between local weather variables and wallowing behaviour. As elephants, white rhino, and warthog are sparsely haired mammals, it is essential that they wallow for means of thermoregulation. Wallowing activity of these species only occurred during diurnal hours. In Shamwari at the three naturally-forming waterholes, warthogs wallowed more frequently than elephants and white rhino. Local weather variables influenced the wallowing behaviour of these species. An increase in temperature corresponded with an increase in wallowing activity. In addition, peak wallowing activity occurred at midday, when temperatures were at their highest. However, this depended on whether there was surface water available in these waterholes. A significant two week interval occurred between rainfall and wallowing activity (cross correlation function = 0.75), where the quantity of rainfall directly influenced the presence of surface water available in these waterholes. Without rainfall, the three naturally-forming waterholes remained dry and species did/could not undergo wallowing activity. It is essential to understand faunal visitation patterns and wallowing behaviour in relation to local weather variables, in particular with projected climate change scenarios. This study contributes to the knowledge necessary for the management decisions that ensure sustainability of wildlife in protected areas in South Africa. This can provide essential information for the construction of artificial waterholes, which should mimic natural waterholes and faunal distribution.
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Serfontein, Daniel Johannes. "An evaluation of the veld management practices of Mabula Game Reserve, Limpopo Province." Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2474.
Full textAbstract:
M.Sc.Mabula Game Reserve initiated an extensive grass-monitoring programme ten years ago. At the same time, management kept records of factors such as rainfall, burning, game numbers and game composition that might have an influence on grass production. They also conducted an extensive mapping programme over a number of years to familiarise themselves with the physical phenomena of Mabula, namely geology, soils, slope and aspect, that influence grass growth. The most important aspect of their mapping programme was to divide the reserve into different vegetation communities. The objective of the study is to supply Mabula Game Reserve with clear-cut evidence of the condition of the grazing resources at Mabula. The aim of the study is to assist the management of Mabula with future guidelines in the veld management of the reserve. The overall purpose of this study was to investigate the veld management efficiency of Mabula Game Reserve by establishing whether the ecological status of the grazing had been degraded or improved over the study period. This researcher analysed the grass monitoring data to determine veld condition indices, grazing values, perenniality and to establish the amount of climax and pioneer grass. He sequenced his research by: • classifying grass species in terms of the ecological index method to determine whether grass had been utilised in a sustainable manner or over-utilised;. • calculating the grazing capacity for each vegetation community over the past ten years; • highlighting those grass species in the analyses that showed abnormal growth or decline over the ten years; and • interpreting the results in terms of the ecological status of the relevant area.. The study was conducted firstly by categorising the grass monitoring stations into different vegetation communities. Ecological indices for each vegetation community was determined. The grass species that showed the biggest increase/decrease in the ten years of monitoring were seperated to determine the ecological significance of the increase/decrease. The ecoloical indices of the different vegetation communities were compared with each other to determine the overall improvement or deterioration of the veld quality. By re-calculating the game numbers for every year, this researcher was able to determine the Game Livestock Unit for the area. With this figure, he was able to differentiate between the grass utilisers, comparing them from year to year in terms of their grazing capacity. The study revealed that in order to obtain an objective view of the condition of the veld, it is necessary to evaluate the condition of the veld in terms of each vegetation community, as well as the total area. Such an approach would enable the manager to plan according to a specific vegetation community. The study also made it clear that it is necessary to reduce the number of game, but that this must be done by culling the appropriate group of utilisers. The necessity of introducing a browsing monitoring programme soon became evident. The study showed how the grass and game monitoring analyses for the area can be applied in association with the rainfall figures in forward planning in order to manage the sustainable utilisation of biological resources and to minimise the effects of drought conditions. The researcher concluded this study by highlighting the shortfalls of the ecological index method in determining the condition of the veld, and recommended other methods i.e. the Benchmark Method, Key Species Method, and the Weighted Key Species Method to supplement the present method. Another recommendation was to collect two different sets of data during monitoring to avoid conflicting results, as was the case with the 2004 survey. One data set should include herbs and forbs while the other set should only contain grass species.
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Meer, Talia. "FINDING THE COMMUNITY IN COMMUNITY-BASE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: THE CASE OF NDUMO GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10222/13091.
Full textAbstract:
In South Africa Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) has recently gained popularity as the dominant approach to conservation due to its perceived environmental and social benefits and as a form of restitution for communities that were forcibly evicted from their land during apartheid. This dissertation investigates the disconnect between the rhetoric and reality of CBNRM in South Africa, by focusing on the case of Ndumo Game Reserve. It aims to critically evaluate the social justice and economic impacts of CBNRM on the neighbouring Mbangweni and Mathenjwa communities. It argues that there are significant tensions between the community focused rhetoric of CBNRM, the predominantly fortress-style of conservation, and the neo-liberal eco-tourism venture at Ndumo Game Reserve. I conclude that CBNRM at Ndumo is largely guided by western conservation and economic ideologies and driven by the support of state and private interests while alienating local people from their land and its management.
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Beringer, Grant. "The efficiency of some structures to prevent soil erosion - a case in Mabula private Game Reserve." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/459.
Full textAbstract:
Accelerated erosion is a major environmental, social and economical threat in South Africa. It is estimated that in excess of 400 million tones of soil is lost every year in South Africa, with much of this erosion being attributed to improper land management and little or no erosion control methods. This study was aimed to determine the efficiency of soil erosion structures, which were constructed in the Mabula Private Game Reserve (Limpopo Province), in reducing the amount of sediment eroded at the sites as well as to determine the amounts of sediments deposited due to their presence. Factors such as rainfall, slope, soil type and particle size were measured to determine their influence on sediment erosion and the ultimate deposition of this sediment. The geology of the area is characterised by Waterberg Sandstones and igneous intrusions of mostly granite. Rainfall in the area occurs between the October and April, with an average of 550 – 750 mm. The temperatures range from 18°C - 32°C during the summer months and 4°C to 22°C in the winter months. The study area falls within the Sour Bushveld and the Sourish Mixed Bushveld, according to the Acocks classification. These veld types are characterised by open an open savanna of tall trees and shrubs. Five sites affected by soil erosion were selected and at each site structures were constructed, the size and number of structures at each site was dependant on the extent of the sites area. The structures are made from a shade net product known as T65, a shade cloth developed by Alnet, which has not been UV treated allowing it to disintegrate in the open atmosphere after 2-3 years. Soil measurements and samples were taken before the rainfall season to establish baseline data to compare the results with once the filed work has been concluded. Thereafter samples and measurements were taken every month during the rainfall season, which extended from October 2004 to April 2005. In conjunction with the measurements taken at each structure the slope of each site was determined and the profiles of the sediment deposited at the structures after the rainfall season were studied. From the measurements it was clear that as the rainfall increased so the amount of sediment being deposited at the structures increased. There were structures that experienced more iii sediment deposition than others and theses differences could be attributed to factors such as parent material, soil texture, slope angle and soil type. Due to the deposition of sediment and the reduction in surface flow caused by the structures, vegetation established itself and began to flourish in the newly deposited soil. Through the establishment of vegetation at the sites an element of success was achieved. With a total of 2 101 mm of sediment being deposited at the structures and the establishment of vegetation in areas where there was none previously it can be concluded that the soil erosion structures are successfully curbing soil erosion in Mabula Private Game Reserve.Professor J.T. Harmse
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Sinclair, Richard Roy. "An analysis of terracettes in a region of Giant's Castle Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa." Thesis, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4353.
Full textAbstract:
Terracettes are a widely occurring form of micro-relief found throughout regions
displaying various climatic and environmental conditions. Much speculation
surrounds the processes responsible for their formation and development.
An investigation of these micro-forms, their associated soil physical properties,
sustaining mechanisms, and their relationship to slope stability was undertaken in Giant's Castle Game Reserve, KwaZulu - Natal Drakensberg, South Africa. The study showed that relationships between terracette morphology and soil physical properties within the Reserve are few, and that current soil conditions cannot be used to infer process related to terracette formation. However dry bulk density data indicated that soil creep is the dominant formative mechanism within the Reserve. Throughflow at riser surfaces was the dominant sustaining mechanism, with needle ice growth, wind, surfacewash and animal disturbance contributing minor retreat at
both treads and risers. Aspect played an important role in determining soil physical characteristics. It was inferred that terracettes imparted stability to the slopes on which they are found, and with continued retreat at both treads and risers the slope was again placed under conditions of instability.Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.
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Jordaan, Hermanus Lukas. "Behavioural-ecology of the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve." Diss., 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3593.
Full textAbstract:
The main aim of this study was to classify and describe the plant communities in the home range of
white rhinoceros in order to understand the animal seasonal foraging ecology. To provide a detailed
habitat description, forty sample plots were stratified randomly. A TWINSPAN classification,
refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, was carried out on the Viewpoint section of the reserve. Ten
plant communities, grouped into five major community types, were identified. The veld condition
and ecological carrying capacity in these communities were measured, stating an abundance of food
on long grass while the short grass equal the number of short grass feeders. A number of behavioural
aspects such as activity data, home range utilization and dietary usage were examined. Statistical
methods such as the Spearman rank-order correlation, Wilcoxon sign test and Student T-test were
used on rhino data. The difference in usage of the home range during wet and dry seasons was
insignificant.Environmental Sciences
M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
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Jordaan, Hermanus Lukas. "Behavioral-ecology of the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve." Diss., 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3593.
Full textAbstract:
The main aim of this study was to classify and describe the plant communities in the home range of
white rhinoceros in order to understand the animal seasonal foraging ecology. To provide a detailed
habitat description, forty sample plots were stratified randomly. A TWINSPAN classification,
refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, was carried out on the Viewpoint section of the reserve. Ten
plant communities, grouped into five major community types, were identified. The veld condition
and ecological carrying capacity in these communities were measured, stating an abundance of food
on long grass while the short grass equal the number of short grass feeders. A number of behavioural
aspects such as activity data, home range utilization and dietary usage were examined. Statistical
methods such as the Spearman rank-order correlation, Wilcoxon sign test and Student T-test were
used on rhino data. The difference in usage of the home range during wet and dry seasons was
insignificant.Environmental Sciences
M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
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Simms, Chenay. "The utilisation of satellite images for the detection of elephant induced vegetation change patterns." Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3104.
Full textAbstract:
South Africa’s growing elephant populations are concentrated in relatively small enclosed protected areas resulting in the over utilisation of the available food sources. Elephants and other herbivores as well as other natural disturbances such as fires and droughts play an important role in maintaining savannah environments. When these disturbances become too concentrated in a particular area the vegetation composition may be negatively affected. Excessive damage to the vegetation would result from exceeding the capacity of a protected area to provide food resources. The effect of the 120 elephants on the vegetation of Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, is not known. The rugged terrain of this reserve makes it a difficult, time consuming and labour intensive exercise to conduct ground studies. Satellite images can be used as a monitoring tool for vegetation change and improve the quantity and quality of environmental data to be collected significantly, allowing more informed management decision-making. This study evaluated the use of satellite imagery for monitoring elephant induced vegetation change on Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. The LANDSAT Thematic Mapper multispectral images, acquired at two yearly intervals from 1993 until 2007 were used. However, no suitable images were available for the years 1997, 2001 and 2003. A series of vegetation change maps was produced and the distribution of water sources and fire occurrences mapped. The areas of change were then correlated with the spatial distribution of water points and fire occurances, with uncorrelated areas of change. This was analysed using large animal population trends, weather data and management practices. On the visual comparison of the vegetation maps, it was seen that over this time period there was some decrease and thinning of woodland, but the most notable change was the increase of open woodland and decrease in grasslands. Using only the digital change detection for the period 1993 to 2007, a general increase in vegetation cover is seen. But this generalisation is misleading, since comparing the digital change detection to the vegetation maps indicates that while vegetation cover may have increased, significant changes occurred in the vegetation types.
Most of the areas of significant change that were identified showed a strong positive correlation with burnt areas. The distribution of the water sources could not be directly linked to the vegetation change although rainfall fluctuations seemed to have accelerated vegetation changes. Years with high game counts, such as 1999, also coincide with very low rainfall making it difficult to differentiate between the effects of heavy utilisation of vegetation and low rainfall. Furthermore, many of the initial vegetation changes could be the result of land use changes due to the introduction of browsers, selective grazers and elephants that allow for more natural utilisation of the vegetation. Remote sensing makes it possible to successfully track changes in vegetation and identify areas of potential elephant induced vegetation change. Vegetation changes caused by disturbances, such as fire and anthropogenic activities, can be accounted for but it is not possible to conclude with a high level of certainty that the further changes seen are solely a result of elephant damage. Further work is required to reliably isolate elephant induced vegetation changes, as well as to establish the effects these changes have on the ecosystem as a whole.Environmental Sciences
(M. Sc. (Environmetal Sciences))
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Madela, Sibongile Rose. "Testing the use of the new generation multispectral data in mapping vegetation communities of Ezemvelo Game Reserve." Thesis, 2017. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24997.
Full textAbstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing) at the School of Geography, Archaeology & Environmental Studies) Johannesburg. 2017Vegetation mapping using remote sensing is a key concern in environmental application using remote sensing. The new high resolution generation has made possible, the mapping of spatial distribution of vegetation communities. The aim of this research is to test the use of new generation multispectral data for vegetation classification in Ezemvelo Game Reserve, Bronkhorspruit. Sentinel-2 and RapidEye images were used covering the study area with nine vegetation classes: eight from grassland (Mixed grassland, Wetland grass, Aristida congesta, Cynadon dactylon, Eragrostis gummiflua, Eragrostis Chloromelas, Hyparrhenia hirta, Serephium plumosum) and one from woodland (Woody vegetation). The images were pre-processed, geo-referenced and classified in order to map detailed vegetation classes of the study area. Random Forest and Support Vector Machines supervised classification methods were applied to both images to identify nine vegetation classes. The softwares used for this study were ENVI, EnMAP, ArcGIS and R statistical packages (R Development Core, 2012) .These were used for Support Vector Machines and Random Forest parameters optimization. Error matrix was created using the same reference points for Sentinel-2 and RapidEye classification. After classification, results were compared to find the best approach to create a current map for vegetation communities. Sentinel-2 achieved higher accuracies using RF with overall accuracy of 86% and Kappa value of 0.84. Sentinel-2 also achieved overall accuracy of 85% with a Kappa value of 0.83 using SVM. RapidEye achieved lower accuracies using RF with an overall accuracy of 82% and Kappa value of 0.79. RapidEye using SVM produced overall accuracy of 81% and a Kappa value of 0.79. The study concludes that Sentinel-2 multispectral data and RF have the potential to map vegetation communities. The higher accuracies achieved in the study can assist management and decision makers on assessing the current vegetation status and for future references on Ezemvelo Game Reserve. Keywords Random forest, Support Vector Machines, Sentinel-2, RapidEye, remote sensing, multispectral, hyperspectral and vegetation communities
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