Botilo Thato Tshimologo* ( ), Richard P. Reading ( ), Michael G.L Mills, Mpaphi C. Bonyongo ( ), Lucas Rutina ( ), Kai Collins ( ) & Glyn Maude* ( ) CLAWS Conservancy, P.O. Box 121 Seronga, c/o Jumbo Junction, Botswana Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 East 104th Avenue, Westminster, CO 80020, U.S.A. School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, South Africa Okavango-River Basin Water Commission, P.O. Box 25741 Gaborone, Botswana United Nations Environment Program, Katima Mulilo, Namibia 6 Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa Kalahari Research and Conservation, P.O. Box 25650, Gaborone, Botswana National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, Maun, Botswana
Rapid population growth of reintroduced lions (Panthera leo) poses several ecological and management challenges in small (<1000 km2), fenced wildlife reserves. Changes in the natural social-ecological conditions of reintroduced lions can lead to a breakdown of natural predator–prey relationships and this is undesirable from both a biodiversity conservation and wildlife management perspective. Here, we present lion population vital rates across 16 small, fenced reserves in South Africa to test whether varying social ecological conditions, associated with lion population structures, can drive changes in vital rates. Study reserves were categorized (A–D) according to the number of resident prides and male coalitions. Lion population structure within a reserve affected lion vital rates differentially, and lion population growth was highest in reserves that contained a single resident pride. The presence of more than one pride in a reserve resulted in a younger age at first birth and marginally longer birth intervals. The presence of extra-pride adult males reduced cub survival, lioness age at first birth and birth intervals. These results can inform lion management decisions and, in particular, how lion population structure affects management outcomes. Our results also inform appropriate management protocols for lions depending on the specific social and ecological context of an individual reserve.
Global COVID-19 responses by governments restricted international travel, imposed national lockdowns, reduced economies, and influenced people's livelihoods. Travel restrictions and national lockdowns may constrain international illegal supply chains of high value wildlife products such as rhinoceros (rhino) horn. We evaluated whether the COVID-19 lockdown responses by South Africa induced a poaching pause on rhinos in Kruger National Park. We collated information on poaching incidences from 2017 and made predictions for expected incidences during 2020 using trends noted between 2017 and 2019. Rangers observed substantially fewer incidences of poaching during South Africa's hard lockdown. As restrictions eased, poaching incidences increased. Despite the COVID-19 poaching pause, both black and white rhinos continued to decline in Kruger National Park as recruitment could not offset poaching and natural deaths.
Globally, anthropogenic land conversion has resulted in reduced natural land available for free-roaming wildlife, and a shift in species composition. Certain mesocarnivores exhibit an ability to adapt and expand distribution ranges under differing anthropogenic pressures. Our study addressed the socio-ecological attitudes and general perspectives towards mammalian mesocarnivores across a land-use gradient (rural–urban) from the uMgungundlovu to eThekwini municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We determined threats, conflicts and attitudes towards mammalian mesocarnivores using an online questionnaire survey. The public held a range of opinions on mesocarnivores. Participants from both land-use types generally regarded mesocarnivores as non-threatening and vital for the environment. However, not all mesocarnivores were regarded with equal benevolence. Black-backed jackals, Canis mesomelas, were consistently singled out as a problematic species by rural inhabitants and this intensified reactions when a confrontation occurred. Smaller and more behaviourally flexible mesocarnivores (mongoose spp. and Cape genets, Genetta tigrina) were the most observed species in both land-use types, indicating potential population increases. Vehicle collision was the leading cause of mesocarnivore fatalities. Overall, perceived impacts and threats of mesocarnivores differed across the land-use gradients. Our study illustrates the importance of citizen science and community engagement across a land-use gradient in wildlife conservation efforts.
Dramatic population declines of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) led to a managed metapopulation approach for wild dog conservation in South Africa. Monitoring the survival and habitat use of packs reintroduced into protected areas (PAs) is an essential part of adaptive management and improving the health and, ultimately, the survival of the metapopulation. Our study describes the territoriality and habitat selection of a pack of wild dogs reintroduced into Manyoni Private Game Reserve (219 km(2)) in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Despite being introduced into a small PA, the pack only utilized half their available space (121 km(2)) and avoided the central areas of the reserve. Post hoc analysis of African lion (Panthera leo) localities suggested competitive avoidance was a strong factor in shaping the habitat usage of the pack; however, further research is required. Habitat selection also varied seasonally and with denning. Ultimately, we showed that spatio-temporal analyses can help identify high-risk areas within wild dog territories, such as hotspots of activity along fencelines. These analyses can then be used to increase targeted management of these areas, such as improving the maintenance of well-used fencelines, which is an important consideration for the sustained success of the metapopulation across small PAs.
African Journal of Wildlife Research is a multidisciplinary journal that has been published since 1971 and covers the scientific, applied, managerial, methodological, and sociological issues related to wildlife research.
The evolution of the tourism sector has been subjected to massive changes in demand and technology, as well as increasing competition amongst destinations to such a degree that product diversification is now core to development strategies in order to maintain competitiveness and remain abreast of contemporary trends. The study sought to determine the demand for ecotourism products in view of developing a diversification strategy. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect demand-side data at Maun and Kasane airports; these data were then analysed quantitatively. Findings revealed a strong preference for wildlife/wilderness and nature products, whereas events and hunting were least liked. The country attracts mature tourists who prefer soft adventure and activities that prioritize conservation, interpretation, and environmental education. Factors related to entertainment, the construction of entertainment facilities, a post office, and golf courses were strongly resented. It was established that related diversification, focused on expanding services and enhancing existing products, is the most appropriate strategy. Practically, the research offers a specific diversification strategy based on ecotourism, detailing how and what to diversify. The study makes a valuable contribution to demand-side diversification literature as well as empirical research, which is lacking in Botswana.
In South Africa, blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) are routinely captured for relocation purposes. To monitor the stress caused by this practise, a non-invasive method assessing adrenocortical function as a measure of stress would minimize disturbance during sample collection. In our study, an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge, and a mass-capture event were used to examine the suitability of five enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring stress-related physiological responses using faeces as a sample matrix. The tested 11-oxoaetiocholanolone I EIA performed best, showing a 2126% increase above baseline after 22 h for a male, and a 474% increase for a female 23 h post-ACTH injection. Baseline faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations did not differ between animals captured on either day 1 or day 2 of the capture event, indicating that the frequent presence of a helicopter during the two days did not influence fGCM concentrations. However, during capture-related restraint for up to 10 h, an overall 1.5-fold elevation in (fGCM) concentrations was found. Storage of faeces at ambient temperature post-defecation indicated a fair stability of fGCMs for up to 8 h. The ability to reliably assess adrenocortical function provides a solid basis to examine endocrine responses to putative stressful circumstances in blue wildebeest.
INTRODUCTION The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park (hereafter ‘UDP’) is a World Heritage Site in South Africa, which harbours globally significant biodiversity (UNEP/WCMC, 2011), and serves as the most important conservation area for montane habitats in southern Africa. Part of this conservation effort pertains to maintaining its complement of large mammal species, including the common eland (Tragelaphus oryx), grey rhebuck (Pelea capreolus), southern reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula), oribi (Ourebia ourebi ), klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus), grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), and Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus). Blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi ) occur in the Drakensberg as an alien species (source for nomenclature: Kingdon, 2015). Large mammals of the UDP face several conservation challenges.We considered three key potential global environmental drivers of change in animal numbers. Firstly, the ongoing loss of habitat on adjacent land under either communal or commercial tenure that results in a reduction of the larger area available to mammals (Everson & Morris, 2006). Secondly, an apparent increase in poaching (Patel, O’Connor, Parrini & Krüger, 2019), and an expected increase in predation from black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) owing to the cessation of control of this species (Barnes, 2003), may both impact small antelope numbers (Rowe-Rowe, 1976; Rowe-Rowe, 1983a). Thirdly, the introduction of alien species may result in competition, all of which could reduce population numbers. Concerns based on field observations have been expressed about apparent population declines of klipspringer, mountain reedbuck, grey rhebuck, and oribi during the 1970s (Oliver, Short & Hanks, 1978; Rowe-Rowe, 1983b), but there has been no subsequent assessment of population trends. Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife initiated a ranger-based census of relative abundance, but no formal assessment has been made of the information collected. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess whether populations of the afore-mentioned herbivore species might be declining, and that of jackals might be increasing. In addition, with 58% of the baboon population in KwaZulu-Natal found in protected areas (Stone, Laffan, Curnoe, Rushworth & Herries, 2012), and the UDP serving as the most important of these, it was appropriate to assess their population trend. Furthermore, to determine the accuracy of the technique in obtaining recent and accurate population numbers to ultimately identify which species currently require conservation attention.
African Journal of Wildlife Research is a multidisciplinary journal that has been published since 1971 and covers the scientific, applied, managerial, methodological, and sociological issues related to wildlife research.
Human–wildlife conflict in unprotected areas, especially those bordering reserves, has resulted in the global home range and population size reduction of naturally occurring wildlife. Simultaneously, rural communities and commercial farmlands at the interface of human development and natural habitat face severe threats to their livelihoods and agricultural security, often resulting in the vast eradication of real or perceived damage-causing animals (DCAs). The knowledge of local people was relied on to elucidate the dynamic and interwoven social, economic and ecological factors giving rise to the largely undocumented conflict between landowners and wildlife adjacent to the Boland Mountain Complex, South Africa. Subsequently, the spatial location of observed and expected zones of species-specific risk on a regional level was anticipated and mapped using a maximum entropy algorithm. The highest level of tolerance by farmers was shown for primates and ungulates, while tolerance for carnivores, avifauna and invasive or feral species were comparatively lower. The results presented in this manuscript will enable the prioritization of locations and species to create improved mitigation and management plans. It will furthermore provide for more accurate allocation of conservation resources to minimize conflicts, optimize agricultural yield, reduce wildlife off-take, and ultimately ameliorate human–wildlife conflict.
African Journal of Wildlife Research is a multidisciplinary journal that has been published since 1971 and covers the scientific, applied, managerial, methodological, and sociological issues related to wildlife research.
Pedro Vaz Pinto ( ), Raquel Godinho ( ), Luis M. Verissimo, Francisco M.P. Gonçalves ( ) & Michael S.L. Mills ( ) Fundação Kissama, Rua 60 Casa 560, Lar do Patriota, Luanda, Angola CIBIO/InBio, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal TwinLab CIBIO/ISCED-Instituto de Ciências da Educação da Huíla, Rua Sarmento Rodrigues No. 2, C.P. 230 Lubango, Angola Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006 South Africa Herbário do Lubango, ISCED-Huíla, Rua Sarmento Rodrigues No. 2, C.P. 230 Lubango, Angola A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, University of Jos, P.O. Box 13404, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
We provide a comparison of bat activity levels recorded during long-term acoustic monitoring through 188 microphones at pre-construction wind energy facility (WEF) sites in 12 South African ecoregions, and discuss the implications of the results for wind energy development. We summed all bat passes and detector hours over microphones, sites and years for each month, and fitted a negative binomial regression model with total bat passes as the response and ecoregion as the predictor. Overall, there was a significant effect of ecoregion on the number of bat passes per detector hour recorded near ground level, and in the turbine rotor sweep. Pairwise comparisons revealed that the sites in Maputaland coastal forests and woodlands, and KwaZulu-Natal-Cape coastal forests, were most distinct due to exceptionally high levels of recorded activity. As such, we strongly advise against WEF development in these ecoregions. In lowland fynbos and renosterveld, Limpopo lowveld, and Albany thickets, where intermediate to high bat activity was recorded, we recommend that the conditions of WEF-authorizations must include rigorous bat impact mitigation measures. For operational WEFs, our results provided valuable benchmark information for devising bat fatality thresholds that reflect the variation in bat activity across South Africa's diverse landscape.
African Journal of Wildlife Research is a multidisciplinary journal that has been published since 1971 and covers the scientific, applied, managerial, methodological, and sociological issues related to wildlife research.
The ecological functioning of an environment is influenced by how lions, Panthera leo, utilize their prey at various spatial and temporal scales. Aspects of the spatial and temporal variation in lion diet were investigated in the southwestern Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) between May 2013 and June 2015 using evidence of prey remains identified through GPS cluster analysis (n = 278) and lion scat analysis (n = 189). Spatial variation in diet was investigated between three regional landscape types (north, south and west), based on the different vegetation types represented within each area, and two terrain types (riverbeds and dunes). Seasonal variations were assessed according to the hot-wet season (November to April), and cold-dry season (May to October). Lion diet profiles varied between landscape types and terrain type, but not seasonally. The most notable spatial differences in lion diet profiles were between the dune and riverbed terrains. Blue wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus, contributed significantly to lion diet in the riverbeds (36%), but not in the dunes (2%). Gemsbok, Oryx gazella, was the primary contributor to lion intake biomass across all seasons, landscape types, as well as in the dune terrain (range 55–82%). Being largely independent of surface water and the most widespread and abundant of the large prey species, gemsbok are expected to remain the primary food source for lions and are likely to be a key driver of lion population dynamics in the KTP.
Understanding the environmental drivers that influence the spatial distribution of wildlife is paramount to the conservation of endangered carnivore species. However, presence data on most carnivore species (e.g. cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus) are not readily available to assist conservation efforts. In this study, we used MaxEnt to tease out the key determinants of the spatial distribution of cheetahs using presence-only data of cheetah against five environmental variables, i.e. distance to water (a proxy for prey density), elevation, slope, terrain ruggedness, and soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI; a proxy for vegetation quality and condition). Our MaxEnt model was successful (AUC = 0.98) in predicting the potential distribution of cheetahs in Gonarezhou National Park. We observed that amongst the five environmental variables, elevation and distance to water contributed most (88%) to the potential distribution of cheetahs. The contribution of SAVI, slope and terrain ruggedness (12%) was negligible. We also estimated that the potential predicted habitat of cheetahs was 2572.9 km2 (51.2% of Gonarezhou National Park). In addition to providing baseline information, these findings are both novel and specific to Gonarezhou National Park, and provide important insights into cheetah conservation and management.
In fenced protected areas with limited opportunities to disperse, resources and constraints vary in space and time, affecting herbivore behaviour. The distribution, availability and quality of resources, burnt areas, and potential inter-specific competition all play a role in sustaining populations of large sympatric African herbivores. We investigated the role of resources, constraints and interspecific relationships on habitat use by three ruminants – black and blue wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou, C. taurinus) and red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus), and a non-ruminant, plains zebra (Equus quagga), across seasons and in different landscape types in a South African reserve. Black wildebeest, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest preferred the open grassland landscape, with homogeneous vegetation, while zebra favoured the wooded grassland landscape, with more heterogeneous vegetation. Burnt areas and vegetation greenness were important for all species, while elevation represented a constraint for black wildebeest only. The presence/absence of other species was important in shaping landscape use for black and blue wildebeest, and this suggests the possibility of competition. Our findings confirm the importance of heterogeneity and, in particular, the important role of a planned burning regime in maintaining such heterogeneity to sustain multi-species herbivore assemblages in small fenced nature reserves, where competition might arise between species using similar resources.
In contrast to other game species and domestic livestock, there is a paucity of evidence concerning yields and thus meat obtained from the African savanna buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer ). The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of age (categorized) and sex on buffalo carcass yields. Towards this goal, male (n = 17) and female (n = 13), and adult (n = 23) and subadult (n = 7) buffaloes were slaughtered, and the weight of the carcass and various organs/offal and six major muscles [(biceps femoris (BF), semimembranosus (SM), semitendinosus (ST), longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), infraspinatus (IS) and supraspinatus (SS)] determined. Buffaloes had a high dressing percentage, calculated from the warm carcass weight, and with the heaviest muscle weights measured for the BF, SM and LTL muscles. Adults had heavier muscle weights than subadults, and all parameters except the heart and IS muscle weight differed significantly between these age groups. In addition, the skin and head weight differed significantly between males and females. In summary, African savanna buffalo yields (∼58%) compared favourably to other domestic animals, with the heavy weight of valuable muscles suggesting their commercial potential as a high-end value-added product.
