Conservative Biology Research Papers/Topics

Intraspecific and interspecific olfactory interactions and density of leopards Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Abstract: The olfactory behavioural ecology of large solitary carnivores is still poorly understood. Meanwhile, these species represent challenging cases in conservation and management. They are frequently involved in conflicts with farmers, depredating livestock and being killed in retaliation. Low densities and large territories also make it hard to assess their population status accurately. This thesis aimed to improve our understanding of the African leopard (Panthera pardus) olfactory e...

The distribution and abundance of macro-invertebrates in the major vegetation communities of Marion Island and the impact of alien species

Abstract: In this study macro-invertebrates were sampled quantitatively in 10 lowland vegetation communities on Marion Island over a one-year period commencing in May 1996 as part of a larger investigation into the distribution, abundance and species energy use of invertebrates across an altitudinal transect on Marion Island. The data collected for this particular study were used to investigate the habitat specificity and seasonality of the macro-invertebrates, as well as the impact of alien...

The ecology of the leopard (Panthera Pardus) in the Waterberg

Abstract: Although the opportunistic feeding habits of leopards were evident in this study, scat analysis showed that ungulates were by far the predominant food, with impala being the most frequent item. The fact that cattle calves were only taken up to ± 100 days old, emphasize the relevance of a proper stock management program to prevent stock losses. In addition, where such measures were impractical, temporary physical barriers such as electric fencing showed potential for application. M...

The ecology and conservation of Juliana’s golden mole (Neamblysomus julianae)

Abstract: Despite an IUCN conservation status of critically endangered, Juliana’s golden mole (Neamblysomus julianae) has received no ecological research attention to date. The species urgently requires conservation attention, but a poor understanding its biology, ecology and distribution makes effective conservation planning almost impossible. In light of this, a thorough understanding of the habitat requirements for this habitat specific species was needed. Additionally, the cryptic life...

Avian diversity in Southern Africa : patterns, processes and conservation

Abstract: Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document

Genetic structure of the savannah elephant population (Loxodonta africana (Blumenbach 1797)) in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area

Abstract: Earlier studies investigated the genetic structure of fragmented or isolated elephant populations by comparing the genetic characteristics of pre-defined populations. This study aimed to determine if there was genetic evidence for spatial structuring in a continuous elephant population in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA). I sequenced one mtDNA gene region for 88 individuals and genotyped 100 individuals for 10 nuclear microsatellite loci. Bayesian Clu...

ASSESSMENT OF WOODY SPECIES DIVERSITY, BIOMASS AND CARBON STOCK POTENTIAL OF DZALANYAMA FOREST RESERVE, MALAWI

Abstract: Deforestation and forest degradation affect livelihoods variously including diminished ability of forests for climate mitigation. This study aimed to estimate vegetation structures, species diversity and carbon stocks potential of Dzalanyama Forest reserve in Malawi. A forest inventory was conducted in 31 concentric cluster sample plots. Trees ≥ 5cm Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) were recorded and identified to species level. Floristic composition and diversity were evaluated. S...

DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF AVIFAUNA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION AND ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN SUBA FOREST, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract: Birds are among essential taxa in various ecosystems where their presence/absence and status indicate conditions of the habitats. Hence, a detailed understanding of species biogeography, diversity, and abundance is critical ecological information to evaluate or develop conservation strategies. The present study was conducted during dry and wet seasons from March 2021 to April 2021 and June 2021 to July 2021, respectively, to assess species diversity and abundance of avifauna as pot...

A global-scale expert assessment of drivers and risks associated with pollinator decline

Abstract: Pollinator decline has attracted global attention and substantial efforts are underway to respond through national pollinator strategies and action plans. These policy responses require clarity on what is driving pollinator decline and what risks it generates for society in different parts of the world. Using a formal expert elicitation process, we evaluated the relative regional and global importance of eight drivers of pollinator decline and ten consequent risks to human well-bei...

Reduction of Grazing Capacity in High-Elevation Rangelands After Black Locust Invasion in South Africa

Abstract: The growing invasion of ecosystems by invasive alien plants (IAPs) has substantially affected biodiversity worldwide, compromising provision of ecosystem services. In this study, we present evidence of the impacts of an IAP, Robinia pseudoacacia L., on native plant diversity in montane rangelands of South Africa and its threats to grazing, an ecosystem service. We assessed stand characteristics, understory vegetation composition and rangeland condition similarities in invaded and u...

Potential effects of changes in climate, population density and land use land cover on spatial distribution of Adansonia digitata suitable habitats in Africa

Abstract: The objective of the current study was to determine the potential effects of changes in climate, population density and land use land cover (LULC) on the spatial distri-bution of Adansonia digitata (baobab tree) suitable habitats in Africa using MaxEnt. Across its distribution, A. digitata is confined to Africa's mainland and isolated parts of the continent such as Madagascar. The geographical distribution of A. digitata will shrink gradually under climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5...

A global-scale expert assessment of drivers and risks associated with pollinator decline

Abstract: Pollinator decline has attracted global attention and substantial efforts are underway to respond through national pollinator strategies and action plans. These policy responses require clarity on what is driving pollinator decline and what risks it gener ates for society in different parts of the world. Using a formal expert elicitation process, we evaluated the relative regional and global importance of eight drivers of pollinator decline and ten consequent risks to human well-be...

Spatial Distribution of Cocoon Nests and Egg Clusters of the Silkmoth Anaphe panda (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) and its Host Plant Bridelia micrantha (Euphorbiaceae) in the Kakamega Forest

Abstract: A study on the spatial distribution of the silkmoth Anaphe panda (Boisduval) cocoon nests, egg clusters and the host plant Bridelia micrantha (Hochst) Baill. was conducted in two different habitats of the Kakamega Forest of western Kenya: Ikuywa (indigenous forest) and Isecheno (mixed indigenous forest). The mean densities of cocoon nests, egg clusters and B. micrantha were significantly different in the two blocks and were not semi-randomly distributed in the two habitats. The hos...

Semi-captive Rearing of the African wild Silkmoth Gonometa postica (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) on an Indigenous and a Non-indigenous Host Plant in Kenya

Abstract: The life cycle of the African wild silkmoth Gonometa postica Walker was studied between September 2000 and September 2001 in the Uasin Gishu District of western Kenya with Acacia mearnsii deWild and Acacia hockii deWild as host plants. The initial population of G. postica was set up from healthy live pupae in cocoons collected from host plants in the study area. Oviposition was carried out in net sleeves and small plastic cages. Moth emergence and oviposition were bimodal, occurrin...


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