South African Journal of Wildlife Research最新文献

{"title":"The Impact of COVID-19 Government Responses on Rhinoceroses in Kruger National Park","authors":"Sam M. Ferreira, Cathy Greaver, Chenay Simms, L. Dziba","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0100","url":null,"abstract":"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.","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":"51 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41474321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Measuring Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations as an Indicator of Stress in Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)","authors":"T. Wolf, Adel R. De Haast, L. Meyer, David Gerber, A. Ganswindt","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0090","url":null,"abstract":"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.","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47582646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Influence of Population Demographics on Lion (Panthera leo) Growth Rates in Small, Fenced Wildlife Reserves","authors":"Orla K. McEvoy, Sam M. Ferreira, D. Parker","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0075","url":null,"abstract":"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.","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47757855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using a Relative Abundance Index to Determine Population Trends of Large Mammals in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, South Africa, between 2000 and 2010","authors":"T. Patel, Tim O'Connor, F. Parrini, S. Krüger","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0068","url":null,"abstract":"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.","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43537609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"African Wild Dog Movement Ecology in a Small Protected Area in South Africa","authors":"Michelle Pretorius, G. Distiller, T. Photopoulou, Christopher Kelly, M. O'Riain","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0054","url":null,"abstract":"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 km2) in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Despite being introduced into a small PA, the pack only utilized half their available space (121 km2) 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.","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48040559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Online Survey of Community Perceptions of Mammalian Mesocarnivores Across a Land-Use Gradient in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa","authors":"Jarryd P. Streicher, T. Ramesh, C. Downs","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0041","url":null,"abstract":"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.","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49576572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Demand-Based Analysis of Ecotourism Product Diversification in Botswana","authors":"Tonderai Vumbunu, Pierre-André Viviers, E. Plessis","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0019","url":null,"abstract":"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.","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42441023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishing East Africa's First Endocrinology Laboratory to Aid in Wildlife Conservation","authors":"Maureen W. Kamau, Janine L. Brown, James M. Hassell, Jamie Gaymer, M. Farnham, M. Mutinda, Linus Kariuki, F. Gakuya, D. Martins, S. Murray","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0013","url":null,"abstract":"Africa’s first endocrinology laboratory to aid in wildlife conservation Maureen W. Kamau* ( ), Janine L. Brown ( ), James M. Hassell ( ), Jamie Gaymer ( ), MacDonald W. Farnham, Mathew Mutinda, Linus Kariuki, Francis Gakuya ( ), Dino J. Martins ( ) & Suzan Murray Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington DC 20008, U.S.A. Mpala Research Centre, P.O Box 555-10400, Nanyuki, Kenya Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, U.S.A. Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, P.O. Box 259-10400, Nanyuki, Kenya Kenya Wildlife Service P.O. Box 40241 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, U.S.A.","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43983863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outcomes of Lion, Panthera leo, Translocations to Reduce Conflict with Farmers in Botswana","authors":"M. Morapedi, M. Reuben, Phemelo Gadimang, J. Bradley, W. Given, R. Reading, Keitumetse Ngaka, Moses Selebatso, G. Maude","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0006","url":null,"abstract":"INTRODUCTION Lions, Panthera leo, in sub-Saharan Africa have decreased significantly in both number and distribution during the past two decades (Bauer, Packer, Funston, Henschel & Nowell, 2016). Reasons for this include declines in wild prey species, habitat destruction, and increased conflict with farmers, especially along the borders of conservation areas (Nowell & Bauer, 2006; Karanth & Chellam, 2009; Bauer et al., 2016). Farmers often harbour negative attitudes towards carnivores (Fraser-Celin, Hovorka, Hovorka & Maude, 2017) and lions pose a potential threat to human safety and livelihoods (Mbaiwa & Stronza, 2010; Linnell, Odden & Mertens, 2012). As a result, livestock farmers frequently kill carnivores, even in the absence of direct losses (Marker, Muntifering, Dickman, Mills & Macdonald, 2003; Ripple et al., 2014; Loveridge et al., 2016). In an effort to reduce human wildlife conflict, the translocation of large carnivores that kill livestock commonly occurs, but the effectiveness of this practice remains debatable (Massei, Quy, Gurney & Cowan, 2010; Fontúrbel & Simonetti, 2011). In Africa, some information exists on the fate of large carnivores following translocation (Marnewick, Hayward, Cilliers & Sommers, 2009; Johnson et al., 2010; Weilenmann, Gusset, Mills, Gabanapelo & Schiess-Meier, 2010); however, there are very little data available on lions. One study in northern Namibia showed that lions viewed as occasional livestock-raiders were translocated with some success, whereas there was less success with lions viewed as habitual stock raiders (Stander, 1990). A study in northern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was largely inconclusive, but did have evidence that of eight livestock-raiding lions translocated, two settled into the release area for at least eight months (Van der Meulen, 1977). There was also some success in translocating 16 lions into the In the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), from Pilanesberg National Park and the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa (Trinkel et al., 2008). However, these lions were not livestock-raiders and were moved into the HiP to restore the genetic variation of the inbred lion population and HIP is also a small (900 km) and enclosed park. In Botswana, communities often complain that lions around their settlements cause livestock losses (Gusset, Swarner, Mponwane, Keletile & McNutt, 2009; Valeix, Hemson, Loveridge, Mills & Macdonald, 2012; Weise et al., 2018, Weise et al., 2019). When feasible, the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) translocates lions known to kill livestock from farmlands into protected areas. In order to study the outcome of this management strategy a number of lions released into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) were fitted with satellite collars. In this paper, we analyse the data collected from the collars to find out how the translocated lions moved, what their survival rates were, and, where relevant and possible, th","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44794148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prey Selection by African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Northern Botswana","authors":"Botilo Tshimologo, R. Reading, M. Mills, M. C. Bonyongo, L. Rutina, K. Collins, G. Maude","doi":"10.3957/056.051.0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3957/056.051.0001","url":null,"abstract":"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","PeriodicalId":49492,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Wildlife Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48342833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}