Academic literature on the topic 'Pomadasys – South Africa – Great Fish River'
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Journal articles on the topic "Pomadasys – South Africa – Great Fish River"
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Næsje, Tor F., Amber-Robyn Childs, Paul D. Cowley, Warren M. Potts, Eva B. Thorstad, and Finn Økland. "Movements of undersized spotted grunter (Pomadasys commersonnii) in the Great Fish Estuary, South Africa: implications for fisheries management." Hydrobiologia 582, no. 1 (May 2007): 25–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-006-0563-8.
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Moodley, Nerave, Graham Moore, and David Wylie. "A Case Study of the Retrofitting of the Great Fish River Bridge." MATEC Web of Conferences 199 (2018): 10006. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201819910006.
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In developing countries and economies such as South Africa, retrofitting is a vital tool to maximise and extend the service life of existing infrastructure. The transportation sector plays a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth, and retrofitting existing bridges to meet the growing capacity needs of South Africa’s roads supports continued economic growth and development. This paper outlines the technical and practical challenges encountered and the solutions developed by the design team to retrofit the existing 215 m long, 9-span, Great Fish River Bridge in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. These challenges included jacking up the existing bridge under traffic loading to replace 108 existing bearings and erecting 32.5t precast beams at heights of 10.5m above a major river whilst accommodating high volumes of traffic on a busy National road.
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Kgopa, A. H., S. I. Bulani, B. S. Wilhelmi, and J. M. Brand. "Antioxidant activity of selected plants of the Great Fish River Reserve,Eastern Cape, South Africa." African Journal of Range & Forage Science 27, no. 2 (August 11, 2010): 109–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2010.503581.
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Du-Pont, Tamika, Cebokuhle Mandisa Nonzwakazi Vilakazi, Gladman Thondhlana, and Pål Vedeld. "Livestock income and household welfare for communities adjacent to the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, South Africa." Environmental Development 33 (March 2020): 100508. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2020.100508.
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Tanser, Frank, and Anthony R. Palmer. "Vegetation mapping of the Great Fish River basin, South Africa: Integrating spatial and multi-spectral remote sensing techniques." Applied Vegetation Science 3, no. 2 (February 24, 2000): 197–204. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1478998.
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Holmes, M., and JC Taylor. "Diatoms as water quality indicators in the upper reaches of the Great Fish River, Eastern Cape, South Africa." African Journal of Aquatic Science 40, no. 4 (November 3, 2015): 321–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2015.1086722.
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HENDRIXSON, BRENT E., and JASON E. BOND. "A new species of Stasimopus from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Ctenizidae), with notes on its natural history." Zootaxa 619, no. 1 (August 27, 2004): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.619.1.1.
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A new species of ctenizid trapdoor spider is described, Stasimopus mandelai sp. nov., from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This species occurs syntopically with S. schoenlandi Pocock and a number of other mygalomorph spiders at the Great Fish River Nature Reserve. Illustrations, photographs, and additional notes on burrow architecture and general natural history are provided.
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Nodo, P., NC James, A.-R. Childs, and MDV Nakin. "The impact of river flooding and high flow on the demersal fish assemblages of the freshwater-dominated Great Fish Estuary, South Africa." African Journal of Marine Science 39, no. 4 (December 1, 2017): 491–502. http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/1814232x.2017.1404494.
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Lent, Peter C., Henk Eshuis, Ralph Van Krimpen, and Willem F. De Boer. "Continued decline in tree euphorbias (Euphorbia tetragona and E. triangularis) on the Great Fish River Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa." African Journal of Ecology 48, no. 4 (November 10, 2010): 923–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2009.01193.x.
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James, N. C., and T. D. Harrison. "A preliminary survey of the estuaries on the southeast coast of South Africa, Cape Padrone – Great Fish River, with particular reference to the fish fauna." Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa 65, no. 3 (November 2010): 149–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00359191003652165.
Full textDissertations / Theses on the topic "Pomadasys – South Africa – Great Fish River"
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Childs, Amber-Robyn. "Movement patterns of spotted grunter, Pomadasys commersonnii (Haemulidae), in a highly turbid South African estuary." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005149.
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The principal objective of this thesis was to gain an understanding of the movement patterns of spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii, an estuarine-dependent fishery species, in the turbid, freshwater dominated Great Fish Estuary. Both manual and automated telemetry methods were used to monitor the movements of spotted grunter during two separate studies conducted in summer and spring 2003 and 2004. Acoustic transmitters were surgically implanted into twenty spotted grunter with lengths between 263 and 387 mm TL in the first study and twenty spotted grunter ranging between 362 and 698 mm TL in the second study. The specific objectives were to gain an understanding of (i) the time spent in the estuarine environment (ii) the space use and home range size, and (iii) the abiotic factors governing the movement patterns of spotted grunter in the estuary. The nursery function of estuarine environments was highlighted in this study as adolescent spotted grunter spent a significantly larger proportion of their time in the estuary than adult fish (p < 0.0001; R² = 0.62). The increased frequency of sea trips, with the onset of sexual maturity, provided testimony of the end of the estuarinedependent phase of their life-cycle. Although considered to be predominantly marine, the adult spotted grunter in the Great Fish Estuary utilised the estuary for considerable periods. Adults are thought to frequent estuaries to forage, seek shelter and to possibly rid themselves of parasites. During this study, the number of sea trips made by tagged fish ranged from 0 to 53, and the duration ranged from 6 hours to 28 days. The tidal phase and time of day had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the sea trips undertaken by fish. Most tagged spotted grunter left the estuary during the night (84%) on the outgoing tide, and most returned in the evening (77%) during the incoming tide. Sea temperature (p < 0.0001; R² = 0.34), barometric pressure (p = 0.004; R² = 0.19) and wind (p = 0.01) had a significant effect on the number of spotted grunter recorded in the estuary. Spotted grunter were more prone to return to the estuary after high barometric pressure, when low sea temperatures (upwelling events) prevailed. There was a significant positive relationship between home range size and fish length (p = 0.004; R² = 0.20). Small spotted grunter (< 450 mm TL) appeared to be highly resident, with a small home range (mean size = 129 167 m²), that was generally confined to a single core area. Larger individuals (> 450 mm TL) occupied larger home ranges (mean size = 218 435 m²) with numerous core areas. The home ranges of small and large spotted grunter overlapped considerably yielding evidence of two high use areas, situated 1.2 km and 7 km from the mouth of the Great Fish Estuary. Tagged spotted grunter were located in a wide range of salinity, turbidity and temperature, but were found to avoid temperatures below 16 ºC. The daily change in environmental variables (salinity, temperature and turbidity) had a significant effect on the change in fish position in the estuary (p < 0.0001; R² = 0.38). The distribution of tagged spotted grunter, particularly the larger individuals, in the Great Fish Estuary was influenced by the tidal phase (p < 0.05); they moved upriver on the incoming tide and downriver on the outgoing tide. This study provides an understanding of the movement patterns of spotted grunter in the estuary and between the estuarine and marine environments. Consequently, it provides information that will assist in the design of a management plan to promote sustainability of this important fishery species. The techniques used and developed in this study also have direct application for further studies on other important estuarinedependent fishery species.
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Fike, Bradley Robin. "The demography and population dynamics of a re-introduced black rhinoceros population on the Great Fish River Reserve, Eastern Cape Province." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020869.
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The re-introduction of black rhinoceros onto the Great Fish River Reserve in the Eastern Cape, following the species absence for over a century, created an opportunity to study this species in the thicket biome, and in particular the succulent thicket of the Great Fish River valley. The thicket biome is quite different from the habitats in which other extant populations of these animals are found and where studies of their demography have been undertaken. Data collection occurred from May 1986, with the arrival of the first four animals to December 2008, when the population was estimated to be 144 individuals. A variety of monitoring techniques were used including direct ground observations, aerial helicopter census, aerial monitoring by microlight aircraft, camera traps and opportunistic observations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The combination of methods and effort has resulted in the population being recognized as completely known with up to 97% of the animals being located at least once per year with a mean frequency of sightings of 11.5 per animal per year. In 2008, the population was about 20% juvenile, 36% sub-adult and 44% adult with a female biased sex ratio of 1.3 females per male. Mean age at first birth was about 80 months and this increased significantly with increasing density of black rhinoceroses. Mean intercalf interval was about 28 months and 41% of adult females gave birth each year. Mortality rates were low for juveniles, higher for sub-adults and higher for males than females. There was a weak but significant positive effect of density on male mortality. Population growth rate was about 10% and was not significantly affected by density. These results suggest that this population is beginning to show the first indications of density dependant constraints and that harvesting should be implemented in order to maintain the productive tempo. A secondary goal of the Management Plan will then be realized as the population functions as a donor to establish founder populations elsewhere within the Diceros bicornis minor range.
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Laurenson, Lawrie Jon Bain. "Colonisation theory and invasive biota : the Great Fish river, a case history." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005905.
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Colonisation theory relative to introduced populations was examined with a view to determining the usefulness of theoretical concepts in the prediction of the success of an invasion by a species. To this end, the Great Fish River, with reference to species introduced by the Orange/Fish Tunnel, was used as a case history. It was concluded that theoretical descriptions of population growth, control and decline are useful only when considering individual ecosystems or species. The highly variable nature of species and environments nullifies attempts to simplify behavioural characteristics into a predictive framework. There is an abundance of terminology associated with introduced organisms and frequently many of these terms are used synonymously. Eleven terms have been defined in this thesis with a view to standardising terminology. Characteristics of species and environments which enhance their susceptibility to invasions by exotic ichthyofauna were discussed and summarised. Distribution data concerning exotic fish introduced into the Great Fish River by the Orange/Fish Tunnel has demonstrated that, with the exception of Clarias gariepinus, all remaining exotics have restricted distributions. Only Barbus aeneus appears to be extending its range down the drainage. Age, Growth, reproduction and condition data support the conclusion that, excluding B. aeneus and C. gariepinus, invasive species in the drainage are not performing well. Of the five invasive species (B. aeneus, Labeo capensis, L. umbratus, Gephyroglanis sclateri and Cyprinus carpio), only two have established populations (B. aeneus· and C. gariepinus). Labeo umbratus and C. carpio were present on the Great Fish River prior to the construction of the tunnel and populations of the species could not be distinguished. It was concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that exotic species introduced into the Great Fish River are having a deleterious effect on indigenous, endangered ichthyofauna. Monitoring of the drainage should be continued to ensure that a danger to indigenous species does not develop.
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Mbatyoti, Owen A. "Spatio-temporal ecology of the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata in the Great Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa)." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006856.
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Very little is known about the spatio-temporal ecology of the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata, despite this small carnivore being widely distributed in the southern African subregion. Until the present study, activity patterns and daily movement distances had only been investigated over a single season, and information on home range sizes was only available from a few populations. Here, I aimed at determining the activity patterns and the space use of yellow mongooses over the different seasons of the year in the Great Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). In addition, I tested some predictions related to environmental factors (variations in photoperiod, climatic conditions and food availability over the year), as well as life cycle (reproduction) and morphological and physiological characteristics (sexual dimorphism and thermoregulatory aspects associated to the possession of an elongated body). From September 2005 to August 2011, spatio-temporal data were collected through 102 continuous tracking sessions (84 during the day and 18 during the night) of 12 adult individuals (seven males and five females) fitted with motion-sensor radio-collars. Additional data were obtained through semi-continuous tracking sessions and random locations. Yellow mongooses were essentially diurnal and crepuscular. Activity levels averaged 57 percent during the day (n = 11,807 fixes) and only 11 percent at night (n = 3,623 fixes). Yellow mongooses emerged from their burrows on average (± SD) 85 ± 62 min after sunrise (range: –11 to +369 min) and returned 21 ± 84 min before sunset (range: –518 to +225 min). The duration of the daily activity period varied between 12 min and 15 h 36 min, with a mean of 9 h 28 min. Both sexes exhibited some overground activity after sunset, but this was most pronounced in males than in females. Nocturnal activity outside the activity period was generally restricted to short underground bouts of activity occurring at anytime of the night. Diurnal resting, with up to 11 bouts per activity period, occurred in 98.8 percent of activity periods. Overall, yellow mongooses were active during 68 ± 17 percent of the time spent outside the burrow. Photoperiod acted as a zeitgeber and activity was negatively affected by adverse climatic conditions (very hot or conversely low temperatures, rain, wet soil) and probably low terrestrial arthropod activity/availability. No intersexual difference in activity levels was found, although the higher body mass of males (on average 16 oercent) implies higher metabolic demands. The total home range size (MCP 100 percent ) averaged 0.55 ± 0.65 km2 (range: 0.10–2.36 km2) and the related total perimeter measured on average 2.80 ± 1.71 km (range: 1.17–7.36 km). Male home ranges were on average more than twice large than those of females, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. However, males had larger daily home ranges (0.13 ± 0.15 km2) than females (0.05 ± 0.05 km2). In addition, daily movement distances of males were longer (1.99 ± 1.07 km) than those of females (1.29 ± 0.66 km). Males also travelled at a faster speed (0.29 ± 0.13 km/h) than females (0.18 ± 0.07 km/h). Overall, sex clearly appeared to play a role in the spatial ecology of yellow mongooses, but the underlying explanation does not seem to be linked to sexual dimorphism (body mass) or reproductive activity. Whilst the role of food availability on the space use of yellow mongooses is unclear, it is likely that low temperatures negatively affect yellow mongoose movements, as they do for their activity levels.
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Page, Samantha Karin. "The feasibility of reintroducing African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) into the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016078.
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With a declining population of roughly 3000-5000 individuals in Africa, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are one of the most endangered carnivores in the world. As the global human population expands, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that large portions of land will be set aside for conservation, especially in developing countries. Thus, recent wild dog conservation efforts in South Africa have concentrated on establishing a managed metapopulation. A metapopulation is a group of geographically isolated subpopulations of a species that are managed (using supplementation and harvesting) to mimic natural gene flow. The Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa has been identified as a potential reserve to become part of the national wild dog metapopulation. My research aimed to conduct a feasibility assessment of the long-term (~ 25 years) success of a wild dog reintroduction into the GFRNR. This assessment included biological modelling of wild dogs and their expected prey, and determining the potential anthropogenic threats to wild dogs on the private and communal land surrounding the reserve. I used VORTEX population modelling and determined that the GFRNR is likely to have a wild dog carrying capacity of ~22 individuals. Using a 25-year modelling simulation, the most appropriate wild dog reintroduction scenario would be to reintroduce six females and four males initially and supplement the population with one female and two males in years 3, 10, 15 and 23. In addition, the harvesting/removal of one male and one female in years 10 and 20 would be required to ensure 100% population persistence and adequate genetic diversity. Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) are expected to be the two most important prey species for reintroduced wild dogs in the GFRNR. Furthermore, wild dogs are likely to prefer the north-western and south-western sectors of the reserve because of the relatively high prey densities in these areas. However, regular monitoring of both the potential prey and the wild dog populations is essential to ensure persistence of the wild dogs and to prevent prey populations decreasing precipitously. Using structured questionnaire interviews (n = 128), I found that while neighbouring land owners and local communities were generally positive about the potential wild dog reintroduction (56 % of all respondents), several threats to wild dogs were identified along the reserve boundary and on the adjoining unprotected land. Some private landowners and members of rural communities around the reserve (34 %) stated that they would kill any wild dogs that dispersed onto their land. In addition, some respondents (8 %) admitted to believing in traditional uses for wild dog products (e.g. fur) which could result in the illegal killing of wild dogs outside of the GFRNR for traditional purposes. Poaching and the presence of unvaccinated domestic dogs on neighbouring land were also identified as being potential threats to a reintroduced wild dog population. However, such anthropogenic threats appear to be localised to the western and southern boundaries of the reserve. Therefore, by implementing preventative measures (such as anti-snare collars, anti-poaching patrols and vaccination against rabies and canine distemper) the likelihood of such threats occurring can be reduced. I conclude that the GFRNR can sustain a population of wild dogs and successfully contribute to South Africa‘s national metapopulation. An additional reserve will benefit the country‘s metapopulation by increasing the number of wild dogs available for translocation, thereby increasing genetic diversity and overall resilience (to environmental change, disease etc.) of South Africa‘s wild dog population. This will contribute towards the future conservation of this endangered species.
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Lamani, Siviwe. "Diet and microhabitat use of the woodland dormouse Graphiurus murinus at the Great Fish River Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019854.
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The diet of the woodland dormouse Graphiurus murinus was studied in a riverine Combretum forest at the Great Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Food remains were collected seasonally from a maximum of 45 different nest boxes between December 2010 and November 2011. An overall mean of 1.32 ± 0.51 food categories (range 1–4) were identified in each nest box used as “larder” during the year. Dietary diversity and standardized diet breadth were low to intermediate, with a peak in summer and a nadir in winter. In terms of percentage occurrence, arthropods were dominant (99%) in all seasons, followed by molluscs (16%) and fruits (14%). When relative percentage occurrence and percentage weight were considered, arthropods were still dominant, but a slight decrease was observed in summer. Besides spiders (order Araneae), nine arthropod families were found in the diet of the woodland dormouse; Tenebrionidae (40%), Spirostreptidae (30%), Carabidae (15%) and Blattidae (14%) were the most dominant families in terms of percentage weight. Grewia robusta and Ziziphus mucronata were the only fruit species present in the diet. Pianka’s diet overlap indices were very high (>0.93), indicating that the diet of the woodland dormouse was similar between pairs of seasons. This study also investigated whether woodland dormice Graphiurus murinus positively select or avoid specific microhabitat types or structures, and whether a set of predictor variables related to microhabitat characteristics can explain the presence and rates of visits to specific trapping stations. Trapping was conducted seasonally, over 5 days, between June 2011 and April 2012. A grid of 96 stations (16 rows × 6 lines) was established. Trap stations were set at 10-m intervals. At each station two Sherman traps were placed. The 192 traps were distributed relatively equitably among four height categories (0–0.5 m, 0.51–1 m, 1.01–1.5 m, and 1.51–2.5 m). On average, trapping success was 4.70 ± 4.17 dormice per 100 traps. Dormice were trapped at an average height of 136 ± 64 cm, which was significantly higher than the average height at which traps were set (99 ± 75 cm). Bonferroni Z tests indicated that dormice positively selected areas with high canopy cover and connectivity, possibly to decrease predation risk. Generalized Linear Models showed that trap use and numbers of visits and different animals caught were positively associated with a high arboreal connectivity, hence supporting the hypothesis that woodland dormice may depend on wooden “corridors” for their movements.
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Ter, Morshuizen Leslie David. "Distribution patterns of fishes in the head region of a turbid Eastern Cape estuary." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005105.
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Two and a half years of data were collected from the Great Fish River and estuary using seine nets and gill nets to determine the fish species composition within these regions. The head region of the Great Fish River estuary was found to have a rich fish fauna, with the euryhaline marine fish component totally dominating the catch in all three regions. Gilchristella aesiuaria was the single most common species and several euryhaline marine species were captured in freshwater for the first time. Physical parameters were also measured in an effort to ascertain the possible factors which may affect the distribution and length frequency of the most common species within this area. Salinity was found to be the single most important factor affecting the species composition, and the sampling area was consequently divided into three regions, viz. river (< I ‰), head (1-4 ‰) and estuary (> 4 ‰). In addition, it was determined that river flow rate during the month prior to sampling also had a profound effect on species composition in all three regions. Based on the available evidence it is suggested that for most species this is related to conductivity levels rather than flow per se.
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Thondhlana, Gladman, and Juliette V. Lagesse. "The effect of land-use on small mammal diversity inside and outside the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa." Elsevier B.V, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67823.
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Publisher versionThis study investigated small mammal species diversity at 10 paired contrast sites along a fence line inside and outside the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), Eastern Cape, South Africa. The sites outside the GFRNR are used for subsistence land-based activities including livestock production and fuelwood harvesting. From 145 live captures, a total of 114 unique individuals of five small mammal species (four rodents and one elephant shrew) were recorded over 1170 trap nights. Average small mammal species diversity and abundance were significantly higher inside the reserve than outside. Human activities such as livestock grazing seemed to explain low levels of small mammal diversity and abundance at the communal sites. Vegetation variables showed a complex interplay with small mammal diversity. In general, high vegetation diversity had a positive influence on small mammal diversity though the influence of some environmental variables was species-dependent. We conclude that the GFRNR is effective in protecting small mammals but the findings raise questions around the influence of land use practices such as livestock grazing on biodiversity, especially given that local communities in South Africa are continuously seeking greater access to reserves for livestock grazing and other provisioning services.
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Kadye, Wilbert Takawira. "Assessing the impacts of invasive non-native African sharptooth catfish Clarias Gariepinus." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005070.
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Invasive species are of particular concern as they have the potential to alter community structure and food web relationships within their invaded habitats. African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus, a generalist predator, was introduced through an inter-basin water transfer scheme into the Great Fish and Sundays Rivers, Eastern Cape, South Africa, where it threatens the native riverine biota. This thesis assessed its impact from a trophic perspective. Patterns in catfish distribution and abundance revealed an upstream to downstream gradient that was associated with spatial distribution of most species within the mainstream, and a mainstream to tributary gradient that was associated with the spatial distribution of native minnows. The catfish was predicted to occur widely within the mainstem habitats and to decrease progressively along the mainstrem to tributary gradient with the physico-chemical environment being a good proxy for predicting both its occurrence and abundance. The results suggest the catfish proliferated within mainstem habitats where invasion resistance was possibly reduced due to alteration of flow. Population dynamics and size structuring of two native cyprinid minnows Pseudobarbus afer and Barbus anoplus, threatened by catfish, were examined within uninvaded headwater streams in relation to their proximate physical habitats. Their habitats were characterised by seasonal variation in physico-chemical conditions and a spatial variation in substrata compositions. No evidence of differences was found between seasons for density and capture probability for either species. The population size and density for P. afer was found to increase with increasing proportion of boulders. In comparison, B. anoplus population size and probability of capture increased with increasing proportion of bedrock and bank vegetation, respectively. Size structuring was explained predominantly by seasonality and habitat variables for P. afer and B. anoplus, respectively. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen were used to compare the spatial variation in both the community-wide and catfish-specific niches and to estimate catfish prey sources from different habitats within the invaded systems. Aquatic community and catfish niches were statistically different among localities, suggesting that each locality had a distinct community-wide trophic structure. Dispersion metrics indicated no evidence of differences in the clustering among individuals, but provided evidence of differences in path trajectories for the comparisons of catfish populations that suggested dietary plasticity within different localities. Dietary studies revealed both ontogenetic shift and omnivory that suggested that catfish may exhibit less pronounced top-down effects within its invaded habitats. Manipulative experiments were used to test the response of benthic macroinvertebrates within two rivers that were differentially impacted by catfish as a presstype disturbance. Macroinvertebrates were non-responsive to catfish presence within a system where catfish had previously been established. In contrast, excluding catfish in this system indicated a response that suggested the importance of refuge within invaded habitats and the possible recovery pattern of certain macroinvertebrate taxa. By comparison, introduction of catfish within previously uninvaded localities provided evidence of direct catfish impact through elimination of conspicuous taxa. Acoustic telemetry was used to investigate catfish movement patterns within an invaded lentic habitat and provided evidence that habitat utilisation was non-random. The shallow and structured river mouth habitat, which was most utilised, was probably the most ideal for its breeding and feeding. This inferred potential overlap with native species and suggested the risk of predation and competitive interference. Catfish also exhibited both nocturnal and diurnal activity patterns that were probably related to feeding.
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Tanser, Frank Courteney. "The application of a landscape diversity index using remote sensing and geographical information systems to identify degradation patterns in the Great Fish River Valley, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005488.
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Using a range of satellite-derived indices I describe. monitor and predict vegetation conditions that exist in the Great Fish River Valley, Eastern Cape. The heterogeneous nature of the area necessitates that the mapping of vegetation classes be accomplished using a combination of a supervised approach, an unsupervised approach and the use of a Moving Standard Deviation Index (MSDI). Nine vegetation classes are identified and mapped at an accuracy of 84%. The vegetation classes are strongly related to land-use and the communal areas demonstrate a reduction in palatable species and a shift towards dominance by a single species. Nature reserves and commercial rangeland are by contrast dominated by good condition vegetation types. The Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSA VI) is used to map the vegetation production in the study area. The influence of soil reflectance is reduced using this index. The MSA VI proves to be a good predictor of vegetation condition in the higher rainfall areas but not in the more semi-arid regions. The MSA VI has a significant relationship to rainfall but no absolute relationship to biomass. However, a stratification approach (on the basis of vegetation type) reveals that the MSA VI exhibits relationships to biomass in vegetation types occurring in the higher rainfall areas and consisting of a large cover of shrubs. A technique based on an index which describes landscape spatial variability is presented to assist in the interpretation of landscape condition. The research outlines a method for degradation assessment which overcomes many of the problems associated with cost and repeatability. Indices that attempt to provide a correlation with net primary productivity, e.g. NDVI, do not consider changes in the quality of net primary productivity. Landscape variability represents a measure of ecosystem change in the landscape that underlies the degradation process. The hypothesis is that healthy/undisturbed/stable landscapes tend to be less variable and homogenous than their degraded heterogenous counterparts. The Moving Standard Deviation Index (MSDI) is calculated by performing a 3 x 3 moving standard deviation window across Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) band 3. The result is a sensitive indicator of landscape condition which is not affected by moisture availability and vegetation type. The MSDI shows a significant negative relationship to NDVI confirming its relationship to condition. The cross-classification of MSDI with NDVI allows the identification of invasive woody weeds which exhibit strong photosynthetic signals and would therefore be categorised as good condition using NDVI. Other ecosystems are investigated to determine the relationship between NDVI and MSDI. Where increase in NDVI is disturbance-induced (such as the Kalahari Desert) the relationship is positive. Where high NDVI values are indicative of good condition rangeland (such as the Fish River Valley) the relationship is negative. The MSDI therefore always exhibits a significant positive relationship to degradation irrespective of the relationship of NDVI to condition in the ecosystem.
Books on the topic "Pomadasys – South Africa – Great Fish River"
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O'Keeffe, J. H. Changes in the physico-chemistry and benthic invertebrates of the Great Fish River, South Africa, following an interbasin transfer of water. 1988.
Find full textBook chapters on the topic "Pomadasys – South Africa – Great Fish River"
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Næsje, Tor F., Amber-Robyn Childs, Paul D. Cowley, Warren M. Potts, Eva B. Thorstad, and Finn Økland. "Movements of undersized spotted grunter (Pomadasys commersonnii) in the Great Fish Estuary, South Africa: implications for fisheries management." In Developments in Fish Telemetry, 25–34. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 2007. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6237-7_4.
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