Search
Search results for
We found
79 results for you
-
Investigations on the removal by animals of Acacia longifolia (Fabaceae) seed from the soil surface at Banhoek in the southwestern Cape
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: P.J. Pieterse --- , Republic of South Africa A. L.P. Cairns --- Department of Agronomy, Republic of South AfricaStudies on the removal of Acacia longifolia (Andr.) Willd. seed from trays on the soil surface showed that 91,07% of the seed was removed after one week of exposure. Exclusion treatments indicated that ants removed 57,22% of the seed while... -
POSSIBLE ADAPTIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF SEX RATIO AND SEXUAL DIFFERENCES IN SIZE AT MATURITY IN THE ORANGE RIVER LABEO, LABEO CAPENSIS
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Journal of the Limnological Society of Southern Africa • Authors: I.G. Gaigher --- Department of Nature and Environmental Conservation, South Africa K. C.D. Hannnan --- Department of Nature and Environmental Conservation, South Africa S.C. Thorne --- Department of Nature and Environmental Conservation, South AfricaLabeo capensis spawns on inundated vegetation during flood periods. Suitable conditions for spawning are of short duration and do not allow time for extended breeding behaviour. The success of fertilisation is therefore probably independent of the size of males. This... -
OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISTRIBUTION, EMERGENCE AND BEHAVIOUR OF CENTRAL AFRICAN CHAOBORIDAE
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Journal of the Limnological Society of Southern Africa • Authors: SA Mitchell --- Unit for Limnology, South AfricaThe distribution of four species of Chaoboras over selected parts of Zimbabwe is given. The effect of temperature on the duration of the larval life cycle is discussed in relation to the generation time and the lunar periodicity of the... -
Aspects of the seed ecology of Acacia karroo in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: TG O’Connor --- , South Africa CH de Ridder --- , South Africa FO Hobson --- , South AfricaSeed ecology may play a role in the widespread increase of Acacia karroo in savanna and grassland. Accordingly, fecundity, predation, mortality by fire, dispersal by livestock, and seed longevity were studied. Seed production per tree (P of pod production, pods... -
A preliminary assessment of the impact of alien rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on indigenous fishes of the upper Berg River, Western Cape Province, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: DJ Woodford ND ImpsonImpacts of alien rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on critically endangered Berg River redfin (Pseudobarbus burgi), Cape kurper (Sandelia capensis) and Cape galaxias (Galaxias zebratus) in the upper Berg River were investigated in terms of predation and spatial interactions. Trout stomach... -
Macro-invertebrate predators of freshwater pulmonate snails in Africa, with particular reference to Appasus grassei (Heteroptera) and Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda)
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: CC Appleton BV Hofkin A BaijnathA range of African and alien macro-invertebrates has been reported preying on freshwater pulmonate snails, including those that serve as intermediate hosts for bloodflukes of the genus Schistosoma. Predation by five molluscivorous taxa is reviewed here: indigenous leeches (Glossiphoniidae), marsh... -
The predatory impact of invasive alien smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu (Teleostei: Centrarchidae), on indigenous fishes in a Cape Floristic Region mountain stream
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: DarraghJ Woodford N Dean Impson JennyA Day I Roger BillsFish populations in the Rondegat River, a mountain stream in the Olifants-Doring system in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa were surveyed to assess the impact of predatory alien invasive smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu (Lacepède) on the indigenous fishes. This... -
Predation impact of juvenile Gilchristella aestuaria (Clupeidae) and Atherina breviceps (Atherinidae) on the zooplankton in the temperate Kariega estuary, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: PW Froneman --- Coastal Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, South Africa P Vorwerk --- , South AfricaSeasonal changes in the predation impact of juvenile (SL 18–25mm) Atherina breviceps and Gilchristella aestuaria on zooplankton was investigated at three stations in the middle reaches of the permanently open Kariega estuary during 1999 and 2000. Daily rations were estimated... -
The effect of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides on aquatic macro-invertebrate communities in the Wit River, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: PSR Weyl --- Department of Zoology and Entomology, South Africa FC de Moor --- Department of Zoology and Entomology, South Africa MP Hill --- Department of Zoology and Entomology, South Africa OLF Weyl --- , South AfricaFish predation is one of the driving forces of freshwater invertebrate community structures, with alien predators having a pronounced effect. A quantitative assessment of aquatic invertebrates in the Wit River, Sundays River catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa, was undertaken to... -
Factors governing the removal of faecal indicator bacteria in the ecosystem of Lake Timsah, Egypt
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: M Bahgat --- Department of Botany,Persistence of faecal coliforms, presumptive Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus at three stations in Lake Timsah were investigated in 2010. Samples were collected by day and at night. Bacterial counts were highest at the outlet of wastewater discharged into the... -
Influence of waterfalls on patterns of association between trout and Natal cascade frog Hadromophryne natalensis tadpoles in two headwater streams in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: RJ Karssing --- , South Africa NA Rivers-Moore --- , South Africa K Slater --- Department of Environmental Sciences, South AfricaCurrent literature suggests that little, if any, research has been conducted in South Africa to determine the impact of alien trout on indigenous amphibian biodiversity. The aim of this study was to establish whether waterfalls in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park,... -
The burrowing behaviour of Bulinus nyassanus, intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium, in Lake Malaŵi
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: H Madsen --- DBL Centre for Health Research and Development, Faculty of Life Sciences, JR Stauffer --- School of Forest Resources, USAThere is evidence that transmission of Schistosoma haematobium has increased in some areas in the southern part of Lake Malaŵi, where transmission occurs both along open shorelines and at inland sites. Transmission along open shores in the lake is via... -
An assessment of the impact of predation by Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus on seabirds at Dyer Island, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Azwianewi B Makhado --- Branch Oceans and Coasts, Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa Robert JM Crawford --- Branch Oceans and Coasts, Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa Lauren J Waller --- CapeNature, South Africa Les G Underhill --- Animal Demography Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, South AfricaAt Dyer Island, South Africa, observations of predation of seabirds by Cape Fur Seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus were made during 2004 and 2006/07. It was estimated that seals killed about 7% of adult African Penguins Spheniscus demersus annually. This may... -
Aquarium Experiments Comparing the Feeding Behaviour of Rock Lobster Jasus Lalandii on Abalone and Sea Urchins at Two Sites on the West Coast of South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: R. F. Van Zyl S. Mayfield G. M. BranchPredation by the rock lobster Jasus lalandii is influential in regulating the composition of shallow-reef communities on the west coast of South Africa. Two previous and independent studies addressing this topic, but conducted 600 km apart (one in Cape Town... -
Seabirds in the diet of Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus at three mainland breeding colonies in Namibia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: S Mecenero SP Kirkman J-P RouxPredation by Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus on seabirds has previously been attributed to a few individuals, mainly males. Scat samples were collected at three mainland breeding colonies of seals in Namibia to determine the extent of seabird predation... -
A symbiotic shell-encrusting bryozoan provides subtidal whelks with chemical defence against rock lobsters
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: CA Gray CD McQuaid MT Davies-ColemanThe subtidal whelk Burnupena papyracea co-occurs with a voracious predator, the rock lobster Jasus lalandii, in situations where other potential prey are largely eliminated. The survival of B. papyracea has been ascribed to a symbiotic bryozoan, Alcyonidium nodosum, which characteristically... -
Impact of predation by Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus on Cape gannets Morus capensis at Malgas Island, Western Cape, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: AB Makhado RJM Crawford LG UnderhillCape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus were estimated to kill some 6 000 Cape gannet Morus capensis fledglings around Malgas Island in the 2000/01 breeding season, 11 000 in 2003/04 and 10 000 in 2005/06. This amounted to about 29%,... -
Temporal changes in kelp forest benthic communities following an invasion by the rock lobster Jasus lalandii
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: LK Blamey --- , South Africa GM Branch --- , South Africa KE Reaugh-Flower --- , South AfricaThe rock lobster Jasus lalandii expanded its centre of distribution south-eastwards into an area known as ‘East of Cape Hangklip’ on the south-west coast of South Africa in the early 1990s. Using historical and present data, we analysed differences in... -
The frequency and effect of shark-inflicted bite injuries to the reef manta ray Manta alfredi
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: AD Marshall --- School of Biomedical Sciences, Australia MB Bennett --- School of Biomedical Sciences, AustraliaShark bite injuries on reef manta rays Manta alfredi off the coast of Inhambane, Mozambique, were examined over a three-year period (2003–2006). The frequency and seasonality of attacks, the rate of wound healing, and the possible identities of attackers were... -
Deja vu? A second mytilid mussel, Semimytilus algosus, invades South Africa's west coast
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: K de Greef --- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Invasion Biology, South Africa C L Griffiths --- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Invasion Biology, South Africa Z Zeeman --- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Invasion Biology, South AfricaA second marine mussel is shown to have invaded South Africa's west coast. Molecular techniques, based on intraspecific gene sequence divergences, prove its identity as Semimytilus algosus, a member of the family Mytilidae, native to Chile. The identity of an... -
Diet and prey selection in late-stage larvae of five species of fish in a temperate estuarine nursery
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: NA Strydom --- Department of Zoology, South Africa K Sutherland --- Department of Zoology, South Africa TH Wooldridge --- Department of Zoology, South AfricaThe plankton assemblage of the permanently open Sundays Estuary in South Africa was sampled seasonally to provide further information on the feeding ecology of the larval stages of fishes in temperate estuaries. Collections were made between winter 2007 and autumn... -
The effect of fish predation on benthic macroinvertebrates in a seasonal stream in north-western Zimbabwe
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: Albert Chakona Brian Marshall Luc BrendonckThe cumulative impact of the entire fish assemblage on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages was investigated over four months in a removal experiment in isolated pools that persist through the dry season, in an intermittent stream in north-western Zimbabwe. Macroinvertebrate taxonomic richness... -
Evaluating seal–seabird interactions in southern Africa: a critical review
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: SP KirkmanThrough predation and displacement, the Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus poses a threat to several seabird species that breed in southern Africa. Measures such as the culling of 'problem' seals have been introduced to negate the effects on these... -
Nest position and type affect predation rates of artificial avian nests in the tropical lowland forest on Mount Cameroon
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Eric Djomo Nana --- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Czech Republic Ondřej Sedláček --- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Czech Republic Jana Vokurková --- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Czech Republic David Hořák --- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Czech RepublicNest predation is the leading cause of reproductive failure in birds and thus it shapes their life history strategies. Intensities of nest predation appear to differ among nest locations and types in both temperate and tropical regions. However, there is... -
Species-specific impact of introduced largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in the Groot Marico Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: PK Kimberg --- Hydrocynus Consulting, South Africa DJ Woodford --- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), South Africa H Roux --- Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development, South Africa OLF Weyl --- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), South AfricaLargemouth bass Micropterus salmoides are among the world's 100 worst invaders and negatively affect aquatic biodiversity in many regions worldwide. In South Africa there is a paucity of empirical studies describing their impacts. The impact of M. salmoides on the... -
First record of predation by the alien invasive freshwater fish Micropterus salmoides L. (Centrarchidae) on migrating estuarine fishes in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Olaf L. F. Weyl --- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, South Africa Hylton Lewis --- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, South AfricaThis study presents results from stomach content analysis of 123 largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, sampled at the mouth of the fishway leading into a 3 m high weir at the tidal limit of the Kowie River, Eastern Cape Province (33°32‘39“S,... -
Preliminary observations on the diet of leopards (Panthera pardus) from a conservation area and adjacent rangelands in the Baviaanskloof region, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Theresia Ott --- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, South Africa Graham I. H. Kerley --- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, South Africa André F. Boshoff --- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, South AfricaPastoralists on rangelands adjacent to the Baviaanskloof Provincial Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape, report stock losses through predation by leopards (Panthera pardus). This leads, in certain cases, to persecution of the leopards. This study attempted to quantify livestock depredation by leopards... -
The impact of fish and drought on frog breeding in temporary waters in Zimbabwe
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: T. Muteveri --- Department of Biological Sciences, Zimbabwe B. E. Marshall --- Department of Biological Sciences, ZimbabweThe breeding of frogs in four ponds near Harare, Zimbabwe, was investigated during a wet rainy season (2000/01) and a dry one (2001/02). During 2000/01 eight and nine species bred in two ponds in abandoned gravel pits that never contained... -
Predator control, mesopredator release, and impacts on bird nesting success: a field test
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Penn Lloyd --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, South AfricaThe mesopredator release hypothesis predicts that reductions in top-predator abundance in a community will increase the abundance or activity of smaller ‘mesopredators’, and increase predation pressure on mesopredator prey, including bird nests. Top predators have been extensively controlled in rangelands... -
Decline of large mammals in the Katavi-Rukwa ecosystem of western Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Tim Caro --- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, U.S.A.In the Katavi-Rukwa ecosystem of western Tanzania, aerial censuses carried out between 1988 and 2002 show that populations of several large ungulate species had declined. Five competing factors that could be responsible for these changes were investigated. (i) Rainfall increased... -
Aardvark burrows: a potential resource for animals in arid and semi-arid environments
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: G.M. Whittington-Jones --- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, South Africa R.T.F. Bernard --- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, South Africa D.M. Parker --- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, South AfricaArid and semi-arid environments are characterized by extreme fluctuations in temperature and low rainfall, which present significant challenges to the animals inhabiting these areas. However, the presence of burrows may allow animals to avoid climatic extremes and predators and may... -
Activity of the greater padloper, Homopus femoralis (Testudinidae), in relation to rainfall
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Victor J.T. Loehr --- Homopus Research Foundation, NetherlandsThe greater padloper, Homopus femoralis, is largely endemic to South Africa. Its ecology remains unstudied, yet the efficient planning of field research is complicated by lack of data on its activity patterns. I studied a population in spring, summer and... -
Phenology, nest-site selection and breeding success of a North African colony of the yellow-legged gull, Larus michahellis
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Afef Baaloudj --- Laboratoire de Recherche et de Conservation des Zones Humides University of Guelma, Algeria Farrah Samraoui --- Laboratoire de Recherche et de Conservation des Zones Humides University of Guelma, Algeria Ahmed H. Alfarhan --- Center of Excellence for Research in Biodiversity King Saud University, Saudi Arabia Boudjéma Samraoui --- Center of Excellence for Research in Biodiversity King Saud University, Saudi ArabiaGulls are good biological models to investigate anthropogenic changes affecting the environment. We studied the breeding ecology of a monospecific colony of yellow–legged gulls, Larus michahellis on the Algerian island of Srigina, during three consecutive years (2009–2011) and attempted to... -
Predation drives nesting success in moist highland grasslands: the importance of maintaining vegetation cover for bird conservation
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Ian T Little --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST–NRF Centre of Excellence, South Africa Philip AR Hockey --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST–NRF Centre of Excellence, South Africa Raymond Jansen --- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, South AfricaBy focusing on process-oriented data rather than inventory-type data, this study provides a robust understanding of the effects of agricultural management on grassland bird reproductive output in the moist highland grasslands (MHGs) of South Africa. Four-hundred and four nests of... -
Food availability and seasonal variation in nest predation pressure as factors influencing the timing of breeding of Namaqua sandgrouse in the Nama Karoo, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Penn Lloyd --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, South Africa Robin M. Little --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, South Africa Timothy M. Crowe --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, South AfricaThe Namaqua sandgrouse, Pterocles namaqua, is an opportunistic granivore that feeds exclusively on the seeds of ephemeral plants. These plants germinate after rainfall and have a short growing season before producing abundant quantities of seed as they dry out and... -
Feeding biology of the giant clingfish Chorisochismus dentex – implications for limpet populations
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Y.A.R.G. Lechanteur --- Marine Biology Research Institute, South Africa K. Prochazka --- Marine Biology Research Institute, South AfricaThe behaviour of the giant clingfish, Chorisochismus dentex, feeding on limpets was investigated in the laboratory and in the field. Prey size and species preference were determined in captivity, and compared with observations of stomach contents obtained from fishes in... -
Decapitation of the tortoise Chersina angulata: is the large grey mongoose a headhunter?
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Scot L. Ramsay --- Department of Zoology, South AfricaThis paper reports a previously undescribed form of predation upon the angulate tortoise, Chersina angulata, in the West Coast National Park, South Africa. Twelve recently killed C. angulata were found, within an area of 4–5 hectares, during April 2000. The... -
Diets of Cape clawless otters at two South African coastal localities
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: W. Emmerson --- Department of Zoology, South Africa S. Philip --- Department of Zoology, South AfricaThe diet of the Cape clawless otter Aonyx capensis was investigated at the Dwessa Nature Re serve and Mkambati Nature Reserve on the Wild Coast, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Their diet was more varied at Mkambati (15 prey species)... -
Prey selection by a reintroduced lion population in the Greater Makalali Conservancy, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Dave Druce --- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, South Africa Heleen Genis --- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, South Africa Jonathan Braak --- Makalali Private Game Reserve, South Africa Sophie Greatwood --- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, South Africa Audrey Delsink --- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, South Africa Ross Kettles --- Makalali Private Game Reserve, South Africa Luke Hunter --- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, South Africa Rob Slotow --- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, South AfricaLion prey selection was studied on the Greater Makalali Conservancy (140 km2), Limpopo Province, South Africa, in order to assist with management strategies. Monitoring was carried out between February 1998 and December 2001. Lion killed 15 species, with warthog, blue... -
Diversification of prey capture techniques among the piscivores in Lake Tana’s (Ethiopia) Labeobarbus species flock (Cyprinidae)
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Martin de Graaf --- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands Gerco H. van de Weerd --- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands Jan W.M. Osse --- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands Ferdinand A. Sibbing --- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen, the NetherlandsLake Tana harbours the only known intact species flock of large cyprinid fishes (15 Labeobarbus spp.). One of the most curious aspects of this species flock is the large number (8) of piscivorous species. Cyprinids are not well designed for... -
Assessing the threat of avian predation on a small viperid snake
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Bryan Maritz --- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, South Africa Samantha Scott --- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, South AfricaPredators are important because they influence survival rates, population density and behaviour of prey species. However, assessing the predation pressure facing a particular species is difficult when that species faces a suite of predators. We aimed to characterize the suite... -
Distribution and community structure of Ostracoda (Crustacea) in shallow waterbodies of southern Kenya
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: B Rumes --- Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Belgium T Van der Meeren --- Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Belgium K Martens --- Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Belgium D Verschuren --- Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, BelgiumThe current study presents the ostracod communities recovered from 26 shallow waterbodies in southern Kenya, combined with an ecological assessment of habitat characteristics. A total of 37 waterbodies were sampled in 2001 and 2003, ranging from small ephemeral pools to... -
Factors affecting the breeding success of the African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini): a perspective on protection and food availability
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Douglas Loewenthal --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, South Africa Dane M Paijmans --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, South Africa Philip AR Hockey --- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, South AfricaBreeding success (fledglings pair−1 y−1) of the Red-listed African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) is highly variable, both spatially and temporally. Despite a diversity of natural factors causing this variability, there is evidence that two anthropogenic factors, i.e. disturbance and an... -
Selective predation and prey class behaviour as possible mechanisms explaining cheetah impacts on kudu demographics
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Douglas F Makin --- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, South Africa Graham IH Kerley --- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, South AfricaA number of predator–prey studies show that certain prey demographic classes are targeted over others. The possible mechanisms driving these effects can be two-fold. Firstly, a preference for a certain demographic class results in selective predation by a predator. Secondly,... -
Laryngotracheal and cervical muscular anatomy in the genus Uroplatus (Gekkota: Gekkonidae) in relation to distress call emission
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Herpetology • Authors: Anthony P. Russell --- , , Canada Heather A. Hood --- , , Canada Aaron M. Bauer --- , , USAThe gekkonid Uroplatus exhibits many autapomorphic features. The laryngotracheal region has long been noted to display unusual characteristics, with a widely expanded and membrane-roofed anterior portion of the trachea being prominent among these. It has been proposed that this tracheal... -
Human–wildlife conflict and attitude of local people towards conservation of wildlife in Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Aberham Megaze --- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ethiopia Mundanthra Balakrishnan --- Department of Zoological Sciences, Ethiopia Gurja Belay --- Department of Zoological Sciences, EthiopiaHuman–wildlife conflict is a serious challenge undermining the integrity of protected areas in developing countries. Developing effective human–wildlife conflict mitigation strategies requires an understanding of the conflict patterns, species involved and attitudes of local people living along protected area boundaries... -
Camera-trapping and seed-labelling reveals widespread granivory and scatter-hoarding of nuts by rodents in the Fynbos Biome
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Joseph DM White --- Department of Biological Sciences, South Africa Gary N Bronner --- Department of Biological Sciences, South Africa Jeremy J Midgley --- Department of Biological Sciences, South AfricaMany plant–animal interactions can be challenging to directly observe, due to species being small, cryptic and/or nocturnal. Previous research on seed predation and dispersal by rodents in the Fynbos Biome of South Africa has relied on indirect evidence, as methods... -
Birds as major predators of fishes in the East Kleinemonde Estuary
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Paul D Cowley --- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), South Africa Anja I Terörde --- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), South Africa Alan K Whitfield --- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), South AfricaThis study provides a quantitative account of fish predation by piscivorous birds in the temporarily open/closed East Kleinemonde Estuary and represents the first global attempt to simultaneously relate such consumption to production by a fish community in the same estuary... -
Distribution and breeding ecology of the Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in Algeria
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Assia Djelailia --- Laboratoire de Conservation des Zones Humides, Algeria Nasser Baaziz --- Department of Animal Biology, Algeria Farrah Samraoui --- Laboratoire de Conservation des Zones Humides, Algeria Ahmed H Alfarhan --- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Saudi Arabia Boudjéma Samraoui --- Laboratoire de Conservation des Zones Humides, AlgeriaWe conducted a survey of the distribution of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca across Algeria and analysed the influence of nest-site characteristics on nesting success at a Ramsar site, Lake Tonga. The species was found to occupy different wetlands (freshwater lakes,... -
Benthic freshwater nematode community dynamics under conditions of Tilapia aquaculture in Egypt
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: AEA Abada --- Zoology Department, Egypt NF Ghanim --- Zoology Department, Egypt AH Sherif --- Department of Fish diseases, Kafrelsheikh Provincial Laboratory, Egypt NA Salama --- Zoology Department, EgyptStudies of the influence of fish aquaculture on benthic freshwater nematode assemblages are scarce, but could provide a way of gauging environmental effects. The abundance and diversity of nematode assemblages in response to Oreochromis niloticus aquaculture were investigated in Kafr... -
Diet and feeding in the Cape Cobra, Naja nivea
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Herpetology • Authors: Inshaaf Layloo --- , , South Africa Caitlin Smith --- , , South Africa Bryan Maritz --- , , South AfricaIt is widely reported that African cobras (genus Naja) are generalist predators, but examination of formal literature yields relatively little evidence of this for most species. Here, we review the diet of cape cobras (Naja nivea) based on examination of... -
Does partial concealment influence predation attempts on small model snakes in South Africa?
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Herpetology • Authors: Gareth Coombs --- , South AfricaPredation risk may be high in small snakes and most small snakes are thought to avoid certain behaviours, such as basking in open areas to reduce predation risk. The extent to which this concealment limits predation during basking is not... -
Identification of land predators of African Penguins Spheniscus demersus through post-mortem examination
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Ralph ET Vanstreels --- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, South Africa Nola J Parsons --- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, South Africa Cuan McGeorge --- Stony Point Nature Reserve, South Africa Renata Hurtado --- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, South Africa Katrin Ludynia --- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, South Africa Lauren Waller --- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, South Africa Monique Ruthenberg --- Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, South Africa Arne Purves --- Environmental Management Department, Transport and Urban Development Authority, South Africa Lorien Pichegru --- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, South Africa Pierre A Pistorius --- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, South AfricaThe African Penguin Spheniscus demersus is an endangered seabird endemic to southern Africa, and killing sprees by terrestrial predators have been one of the main threats for its mainland colonies. The methods employed to manage predators may differ depending on... -
Playing with food: Detection of prey injury cues stimulates increased functional foraging traits in Xenopus laevis
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Josie South --- DST/NRF Research Chair in Inland Fisheries and Freshwater Ecology, South Africa Tarryn L Botha --- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, South Africa Nico J Wolmarans --- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, South Africa Victor Wepener --- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, South Africa Olaf LF Weyl --- DST/NRF Research Chair in Inland Fisheries and Freshwater Ecology, South AfricaAnimal behavioural traits determine trophic interaction strength, which in turn structures ecological communities. Behavioural responses to prey cues can inform upon how prey are perceived and detected and therefore determine whether certain stimuli can increase or dampen predatory efficiency and... -
Nesting ecology and hatching success of the hawksbill turtle (2004–2014) on Cousine Island, Seychelles
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: J Gane --- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, South Africa CT Downs --- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, South Africa I Olivier --- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, South Africa M Brown --- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, South AfricaPopulations of the Critically Endangered hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata in the Seychelles showed significant declines in the past. They have since recovered and nesting numbers are increasing because of increased protection and management intervention. Data on their nesting ecology on... -
All washed up: spatial and temporal variation in the wash-up and fate of chondrichthyan egg cases along a section of the Garden Route, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: S Schmöle --- , The Netherlands M Brown --- , South Africa M Witteveen --- , South AfricaWashed-up chondrichthyan egg cases were collected along three different sandy beaches around Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, between April 2016 and March 2017. GPS location was recorded upon collection, and, after being soaked in fresh water for 12 hours, egg cases... -
Rats and prions at Tristan da Cunha Island
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Ben J Dilley --- , South Africa Delia Davies --- , South Africa Julian Repetto --- , United Kingdom (South Atlantic Ocean) George Swain --- , United Kingdom (South Atlantic Ocean) Peter G Ryan --- , South AfricaTristan da Cunha is a 96 km2 volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Black Rats Rattus rattus reached the island from a shipwreck in 1882 and their depredation of seabirds’ eggs and chicks are likely partly responsible for the... -
Winter breeding season of Brown-throated Martins Riparia paludicola in Morocco
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Peter W Greig-Smith --- , United KingdomUniquely among birds of coastal North Africa, Brown-throated Martins breed during the northern winter. Over ten years, the amount of rainfall in the six months before the breeding season was positively correlated with numbers of nests in November, and negatively... -
Effects of nest management methods on hatching success and predation rates of hawksbill turtles on Cousine Island, Seychelles
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: J Gane --- , South Africa CT Downs --- , South Africa I Olivier --- , South Africa M Brown --- , South AfricaSea turtle populations have declined globally and are of conservation concern. We investigated the effects of nest management methods on hatching success and egg/hatchling predation rates of hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata on Cousine Island, Seychelles. We determined the effectiveness of... -
First report of the thick-tailed bushbaby (Otolemur crassicaudatus) being preyed upon by an endemic carnivore (Caracal caracal) in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: FP Cuozzo --- , South Africa A Halajian --- , South Africa ML Sauther --- , United States KM Rampedi --- , Hungary JB Millette --- , United StatesTo date, there have been few published reports of Caracal spp. (or other non-domestic carnivores) preying upon nocturnal strepsirrhine primates anywhere in continental Africa. However, in South Africa, most studies of caracal diet have been conducted outside of the known... -
Beach profiling and ghost crab densities on a hawksbill turtle nesting beach in the Seychelles
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Julie A Gane --- , South Africa Colleen T Downs --- , South Africa Benjamin Harris --- , South Africa Mark Brown --- , South AfricaIncreasing beach sediment loss from erosion and high levels of crab Ocypode spp. predation are threatening turtle nests and nesting habitat. The 900 m long beach on Cousine Island, Seychelles, supports a nesting population of approximately 70–130 hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys... -
Mixed-species flocks of insectivorous birds (‘bird parties’) in Afrotropical forests and woodlands: a review
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Adrian JFK Craig --- , South AfricaMixed-species flocks of foraging insectivorous birds are found worldwide and have been best studied in the Neotropical region. A survey of the published literature reveals that mixed-species flocks (often termed ‘bird parties’) comprised of 2–30 species and sometimes >70 individual... -
The influence of nest location and the effect of predator removal on Cape Gannet Morus capensis egg predation by Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus vetula
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Zanri Strydom --- , South Africa Lauren J Waller --- , South Africa Mark Brown --- , Hervé Fritz --- , South Africa Jan A Venter --- , South AfricaThe breeding range of the Cape Gannet Morus capensis currently extends to six of the ten islands formerly utilised by this species. The Cape Gannet is classified as an endangered species with a rapidly declining population. Since the mid-1950s, the... -
Crested Guineafowl and samango monkey associations
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Jacco J Leemans --- , The Netherlands Birthe Linden --- , South Africa Frank van Langevelde --- , The NetherlandsAssociations between animals of different species have been observed for a large variety of taxa. These polyspecific groups are thought to provide advantages to at least one of the species involved, especially foraging benefits or reduced predation risk. In the... -
Frequency of tail autotomy in the African Olive Grass Snake, Psammophis ‘phillipsii’ from three habitats in southern Nigeria
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: The Journal of the Herpetological Association of Africa • Authors: GodfreyC. Akani --- Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria Luca Luiselli --- F.I.Z.V. (Ecology) and Centre of Environmental Studies “Demetra”, Italy SundayM. Wariboko --- Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria Linda Ude --- F.I.Z.V. (Ecology) and Centre of Environmental Studies “Demetra”, Italy FrancescoM. Angelici --- F.I.Z.V. (Ecology) and Centre of Environmental Studies “Demetra”, Italy -
Aggregation behaviour of lizards in the arid western regions of South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Herpetology • Authors: P. Le FrasN. Mouton --- University of Stellenbosch, South AfricaInvestigations of aggregation behaviour in five lizard species (three diurnal rock-dwelling species, one nocturnal rock-dwelling species, and one diurnal terrestrial species) occurring in the arid western regions of South Africa revealed that there is no single set of causal factors... -
Predation on the eggs of ground-nesting birds by Dasypeltis scabra (Linnaeus, 1758) in the moist highland grasslands of South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Herpetology • Authors: Michael F. Bates --- , , South Africa Ian T. Little --- , South AfricaWe provide evidence for predation by the Common Egg-eater (Dasypeltis scabra) on the eggs of three species of ground-nesting birds, namely African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus), Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis) and Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix). Although egg-eaters have been recorded as... -
Further insights into killer whales Orcinus orca preying on white sharks Carcharodon carcharias in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: A Towner --- Rhodes University, South Africa P Micarelli --- University of Siena, Italy D Hurwitz --- , South Africa MJ Smale --- Nelson Mandela University, South Africa AJ Booth --- Rhodes University, South Africa C Stopforth --- , South Africa E Jacobs --- , South Africa FR Reinero --- Sharks Studies Centre – Scientific Institute, Italy V Ricci --- Sharks Studies Centre – Scientific Institute, Italy A Di Bari --- Sharks Studies Centre – Scientific Institute, Italy S Gavazzi --- Sharks Studies Centre – Scientific Institute, Italy G Carugno --- Sharks Studies Centre – Scientific Institute, Italy M Mahrer --- Claremont McKenna College, United States E Gennari --- Rhodes University, South AfricaPhotography and video footage, captured by researchers and tourists on board two vessels, provided insights into the predation techniques employed by an adult male killer whale Orcinus orca in Mossel Bay, South Africa. The incapacitation of its prey, a juvenile... -
The potential predators of pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) in Kenya
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Jacob Mueti Ngwava --- Hainan Normal University, China Fanrong Xiao --- Hainan Normal University, China Patrick Kinyatta Malonza --- , Kenya Beryl Akoth Bwong --- , Kenya Hai-Tao Shi --- Hainan Normal University, ChinaStudying the interactions between prey and predators is crucial for understanding the intricacies of predator-prey dynamics and for formulating effective conservation strategies. Yet there is almost no systematic analysis of pancake tortoise predation, and its consequences on the tortoise populations... -
First record of a large breeding colony of the Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus in mainland Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Mohamed Radi --- , Morocco El-Mustapha Laghzaoui --- Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco Aouissa Salek --- , Morocco Rhimou El Hamoumi --- Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco Mohamed Dakki --- , Morocco Abdeljebbar Qninba --- Scientific Institute, Mohamed V University, Morocco El Hassan El Mouden --- Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco Mohamed Aourir --- Ibn Zohr University, MoroccoA breeding colony of the Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus was discovered at the Khenifiss lagoon on the Atlantic coast of southern Morocco. In June 2022, 222 nests were counted and, in 2023, 62 nests were present. Nests were built... -
Contrasting three diet datasets for the African brown house snake, Boaedon capensis
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Herpetology • Authors: JM Barends --- University of Johannesburg, South Africa I Bassier --- University of the Western Cape, South Africa RA Maritz --- University of the Western Cape, South Africa B Maritz --- University of the Western Cape, South AfricaData on the dietary preferences of species can provide important information that deepens our knowledge of their evolutionary history and contemporary ecology. The combination of low detectability and irregular feeding frequency of snakes has limited the resolution of available diet... -
Predation of free-range chickens by invasive House Crows Corvus splendens in Dodoma, Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Kelvin Ngongolo --- University of Dodoma, Tanzania Naza Mmbaga --- University of Dodoma, Tanzania Doreen Mrimi --- University of Dodoma, TanzaniaThis study reports on the perspectives of local farmers on predation on chickens by the invasive House Crow Corvus splendens, together with their coping strategies, in Dodoma, Tanzania. A survey was conducted among 391 farmers of free-range chickens in urban... -
Free-ranging poultry owners’ opinion towards raptors in Plateau State, Nigeria
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Caka Karlsson --- Biota Conservation Hub Foundation, Nigeria Michael M Williams --- Biota Conservation Hub Foundation, Nigeria Josiah Ibrahim --- AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Nigeria Talatu Tende --- AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Nigeria Ulf Ottosson --- AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, NigeriaDespite the importance of the poultry sector in Nigeria, limited research has explored free-ranging poultry farmers’ attitudes towards raptors and the factors influencing these perceptions. Perceptions, whether grounded in evidence or not, can shape behaviours and influence conservation outcomes, as... -
The number of human-simulated predators influences the escape behaviour of bird species in a West African protected area
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Ngozi M Okafor --- AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Nigeria Soladoye B Iwajomo --- University of Lagos, Nigeria Bukola DA Azaki --- University of Cape Town, South Africa Manu A Shiiwua --- AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, NigeriaContinuous human presence in protected and recreational areas can adversely affect wildlife. Birds perceive the approach by humans as predatory and mostly flee in response, which can be energetically costly, and leads to disruption of foraging activities and interactions with... -
The first record of Cape Clawless Otters Aonyx capensis predating on African Penguins Spheniscus demersus
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Albert Snyman --- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), South Africa Arne Purves --- , South Africa Alison Kock --- , South Africa Mashudu H Mashau --- , South Africa Faroeshka Rodgers --- , South Africa Katrin Ludynia --- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), South AfricaThe African Penguin Spheniscus demersus, a critically endangered seabird endemic to southern Africa, faces substantial threats from terrestrial predators at its mainland colonies. Correct identification of the predator species is essential for effective conservation management. This study provides the first... -
Breeding dynamics and threats identified at a small colony of Critically Endangered Rüppell’s Vultures Gyps rueppellii in a Ugandan Forest Reserve
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Ivan Oruka --- Gulu University, Uganda Geoffrey M Malinga --- Gulu University, Uganda Stonewall S Kato --- Gulu University, Uganda Darcy Ogada --- , United States of America Derek Pomeroy --- Makerere University, UgandaThe Critically Endangered Rüppell’s Vulture Gyps rueppelli is a resident species in Uganda, with only one known breeding site in Luku Central Forest Reserve, Arua district. The natural resources in this protected forest reserve are under severe threat due to... -
Understanding the distribution and densities of ghost crabs (Ocypode spp.) to improve management of hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata nesting sites
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Marine Science • Authors: T Godding --- , Seychelles S Evans --- , Seychelles M Brown --- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaPredation on sea turtle nests is a natural occurrence at nesting beaches worldwide, with various animals consuming the eggs and hatchlings as part of the ecosystem. Cousine Island in the Seychelles Archipelago is an important nesting site for the Critically... -
Adding economic and ecological value to communal pastoralism: lessons from implementing a Herding for Health model in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: Edwin I Mudongo --- Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably (CLAWS) Botswana, Botswana Mathata Tomeletso --- Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably (CLAWS) Botswana, Botswana Kelebogile Motshoi --- Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably (CLAWS) Botswana, Botswana Paul Dube --- Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably (CLAWS) Botswana, Botswana Charles Chibidika --- , Botswana Andrew B Stein --- Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably (CLAWS) Botswana, BotswanaThe Herding for Health (H4H) model integrates ecosystem restoration with improved livestock management to address rangeland degradation, livestock losses, and market constraints in pastoral communities. This four-year case study evaluates the implementation of H4H in Eretsha, Botswana, where annual cattle... -
The first record of the tropical tramp millipede Orthomorpha coarctata (de Saussure, 1860) in Cameroon (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae)
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Peter Decker --- , Germany Armand Richard Nzoko Fiemapong --- Laboratoire de Zoologie, Université de Yaoundé I, Cameroon Hans S Reip --- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Germany Samuel Didier Makon --- Laboratoire de Zoologie, Université de Yaoundé I, Cameroon Paul Serge Mbenoun Massé --- Laboratoire de Zoologie, Université de Yaoundé I, CameroonThis study reports the first record of the flat-backed millipede Orthomorpha coarctata (de Saussure, 1860) in Cameroon, and the second for Central Africa. Specimens were collected between 2014 and 2025 at nine localities in anthropogenic habitats, such as agricultural fields...