Ecology of the plant-dwelling spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of the Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa

As part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida in the Grassland Biome, foliagedwelling and grass-dwelling spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) were collected in the Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve in the central Free State Province from November 2005 to August 2007. Foliage-dwelling spiders were collected from three common tree or shrub species (Acacia karroo, Searsia ciliata and Searsia lancea) and grass-dwellers from four contrasting grasslands (uniform Themeda triandra, mixed, weedy and woodland grasslands). From the grass layer, 1649 spiders were collected, representing 15 families and 82 species, whilst 496 tree-dwelling spiders were collected that represented 17 families and 52 species. There was some overlap in the fauna of the two strata, resulting in a total of 108 species from 18 families being collected. The Araneidae, Philodromidae, Salticidae and Thomisidae were consistently the most abundant in all grassland types and tree species, although Salticidae were scarce on A. karroo. Assemblage analysis indicates high similarity and overlap in the fauna of the four grassland types, suggesting that the structural complexity of grasslands has a limited effect on species composition. In contrast, the foliage-dwelling assemblages were more distinct, with only some overlap between the faunas of S. ciliata and A. karroo, suggesting a stronger vegetation structural effect in shaping arboreal spider assemblages. The isolation of trees and shrubs within the extensive grassy habitat may contribute to the more unique fauna and lower species richness of the woody vegetation. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: This study uncovered a rich diversity of plant-dwelling spiders from central South Africa. Grassland faunas show considerable temporal variation and some variability in microhabitat preferences, and sampling protocols should take this into account when spiders are considered in management plans and biodiversity surveys in reserves and private land.Additional supporting information may be found in the online version of this article as an Online Appendix: http://dx.doi. org/10.4102/koedoe. v55i1.1113-1.Scan this QR code with your smart phone or mobile device to read online.This study formed part of R.F.’s (University of the Free State) MSc on spider ecology in the Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve. R.F. conducted field work, sorted and tallied specimens, performed some statistical analyses and wrote part of the manuscript. C.R.H. (University of the Free State) supervised R.F., performed initial identifications, performed some statistical analyses and wrote part of the manuscript. A.S.D-S. (Agricultural Research Council – Plant Protection Research Institute) conducted final identifications and contributed to writing the manuscript. A.G. (University of the Free State) assisted with field work and sorting specimens.This study forms part of the first author’s MSc at the University of the Free State and funded through a National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) grant in the NRF Thuthuka programme to the second author (Grant number TTK2008050500003).http://www.koedoe.co.zaam2013ab201

Effects of a fast-burning spring fire on the ground-dwelling spider assemblages (Arachnida : Araneae) in a central South African grassland habitat

Fire is widely used as a management strategy in grasslands to maintain vegetation structure and improve grazing quality for large herbivores. The impacts of burning on invertebrates in South Africa remain poorly understood. A study was initiated in spring 2005 to determine the impact of a fast hot burn on ground-dwelling spider assemblages in a grassland habitat in the central Free State. Pitfall traps were set out at six sites in the reserve, with three sites each in the burnt and unburnt areas, to sample spiders over a 12-month period. A total of 5 253 spiders were collected, representing 33 families and 120 species. Spider abundance was significantly lower in the burnt (n = 1 956) than unburnt sites (n = 3 297), and burnt sites had, on average, considerably fewer species than unburnt sites. The dominant families in the burnt sites were Lycosidae (29.5%), Gnaphosidae (16.9%), Ammoxenidae (9.6%) and Zodariidae (5.7%), whereas Ammoxenidae (22.7%), Lycosidae (20.6%), Gnaphosidae (15.3%) and Amaurobiidae (10.2%) dominated the unburnt sites. Of the nine most abundant families collected, only Caponiidae were more abundant in the burnt than unburnt sites. Our data suggest that fast-burning hot spring fires cause a considerable initial post-fire decline in spider abundance, and have a negative influence on the abundance as well as the resistance of assemblages to disturbances other than fire (e.g. rain). However, most of the dominant families had abundances comparable to unburnt areas within a year post-burn.http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tafz202016-12-31hb201

Is microclimate-driven turnover of dung beetle assemblage structure in regenerating coastal vegetation a precursor to re-establishment of a forest fauna?

We questioned the capability of post-mining rehabilitation and successional changes in coastal vegetation to achieve restoration of dune forest, dung beetle assemblages in the Maputaland Centre of Endemism, South Africa. A repeat 2010 study of structural turnover between dung beetle assemblages across a 33 year successional sere of rehabilitating vegetation and old-growth forest (>73 years) produced comparable results to an earlier study across the 23 year chronosequence of 2000. Despite overlap, three structural patterns along the 33 year chronosequence were associated with specific stages of vegetation succession and their characteristic microclimates as in 2000. Although species biased to unshaded habitat dominated the earliest succession, there was rapid re-establishment of dominance by shade-associated forest species. In concert with progression from unshaded, post-mining vegetation to strongly shaded, early successional, Acacia shrub-woodland, there was an initial increase in similarity of the dung beetle fauna (species-poor, low abundance) to that in strongly-shaded forest (also species-poor, low abundance). However, in concert with decreasing shade cover in late successional woodland, the dung beetle fauna became species-rich with high abundance so that the early successional trajectory of increasing similarity to forest fauna either levelled off to a plateau (species in 2000; abundance in 2010) or declined (species in 2010, abundance in 2000). It remains to be seen if gaps forming in the oldest Acacia woodland permit forest tree saplings of the exposed understorey to recreate a forest canopy that would be tracked by dung beetles to re-establish a typically species-poor, deep shade, forest assemblage with low abundance.The study was funded through grants to RJvA from Richards Bay Minerals, the Department of Trade and Industry (THRIP), and the National Research Foundation (NRF).http://www.springerlink.com/content/100177/hb2013ab201

First fungal genome sequence from Africa : a preliminary analysis

Some of the most significant breakthroughs in the biological sciences this century will emerge from the development of next generation sequencing technologies. The ease of availability of DNA sequence made possible through these new technologies has given researchers opportunities to study organisms in a manner that was not possible with Sanger sequencing. Scientists will, therefore, need to embrace genomics, as well as develop and nurture the human capacity to sequence genomes and utilise the ’tsunami‘ of data that emerge from genome sequencing. In response to these challenges, we sequenced the genome of Fusarium circinatum, a fungal pathogen of pine that causes pitch canker, a disease of great concern to the South African forestry industry. The sequencing work was conducted in South Africa, making F. circinatum the first eukaryotic organism for which the complete genome has been sequenced locally. Here we report on the process that was followed to sequence, assemble and perform a preliminary characterisation of the genome. Furthermore, details of the computer annotation and manual curation of this genome are presented. The F. circinatum genome was found to be nearly 44 million bases in size, which is similar to that of four other Fusarium genomes that have been sequenced elsewhere. The genome contains just over 15 000 open reading frames, which is less than that of the related species, Fusarium oxysporum, but more than that for Fusarium verticillioides. Amongst the various putative gene clusters identified in F. circinatum, those encoding the secondary metabolites fumosin and fusarin appeared to harbour evidence of gene translocation. It is anticipated that similar comparisons of other loci will provide insights into the genetic basis for pathogenicity of the pitch canker pathogen. Perhaps more importantly, this project has engaged a relatively large group of scientists including students in a significant genome project that is certain to provide a platform for growth in this important area of research in the future.We thank the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, members of the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme, the THRIP initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology (DST)/NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology and the Oppenheimer Foundation for funding.http://www.sajs.co.zanf201

Selfagting en lokus van kontrole as voorspellers van aggressie

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Aggression is an everyday occurrence in South Africa. If the detrimental effect of aggression on the individual, as well as society, is taken into account, it becomes necessary to conduct more research on the factors that can enhance and lower aggression. The main aim of this research was to gain insight into the relationship between level of self-esteem, stability of self-esteem, locus of control, and aggression. An additional aim was to establish whether male and female students differed in their level of aggression towards men and women. In this regard four types of aggression were distinguished, namely physical and verbal aggression, anger and hostility. The results of this study can be utilised to combat aggression by limiting the emergence and execution of aggression. Male and female first year students attending Stellenbosch University were asked to participate in this study. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Altogether 149 people (40 male students and 109 female students) completed the questionnaires. The study group spoke either Afrikaans or English at horne. The ages of the participants fell between 17 and 27 years. Five measuring instruments were used. The researcher compiled a biographical questionnaire to gain information about the participant's sex, age, horne language and citizenship. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) was used to measure level of self-esteem. The RSE was also adapted to measure the stability of self-esteem. Stability of self-esteem was also measured with the Rosenberg Stability of Self Scale (RSSS). The Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) was used to determine the level of aggression the individual had towards others. The AQ also distinguished between four types of aggression, namely physical and verbal aggression, anger and hostility. The Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control Scale (ANSIE) was used to measure locus of control. Significant relationships were found between the following variables: • Level of self-esteem, stability of self-esteem, locus of control, and aggression for female students. Only locus of control was a significant predictor of aggression; • Level of self-esteem, stability of self-esteem, locus of control, and aggression for male students. None of the predictor variables were significant. The following significant differences were found: • Male students were significantly more physically aggressive towards their own sex than female students towards their own sex; • Female students were significantly more physically aggressive towards the opposite sex than male students towards the opposite sex.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Aggressie is 'n alledaagse verskynsel in Suid-Afrika. Indien die nadelige invloed daarvan op die individu, sowel as die samelewing, in ag geneem word, is dit noodsaaklik dat meer navorsing gedoen word oor die faktore wat aggressie kan verhoog en verlaag. Die hoofdoelstelling van hierdie ondersoek was om die verband tussen vlak van selfagting, stabiliteit van selfagting en lokus van kontrole, en aggressie te verken. Verdere spesifieke doelstellings was om te bepaal of mans- en damestudente van mekaar verskil in die vlak van aggressie wat hulle gebruik teenoor mans en vroue. In hierdie opsig is daar onderskei tussen vier tipes aggressie, naamlik fisiese en verbale aggressie, woede en vyandigheid. Die resultate van hierdie ondersoek kan benut word om aggressie teen te werk deur die ontstaan en uitvoering van aggressie te beperk. Manlike en vroulike eerstejaarstudente aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch is by die ondersoek betrek. Deelname was vrywillig en anoniem. Altesame 149 persone (40 mansstudente en 109 damestudente) het die vraelyste voltooi. Die ondersoekgroep was Afrikaans of Engels as huistaal magtig. Die ouderdomme van die deelnemers was tussen 17 en 27 jaar. Vyfmeetinstrumente is gebruik. 'n Biografiese vraelys is deur die navorser self opgestel om inligting te verkry oor die deelnemer se geslag, ouderdom, huistaal en burgerskap. Die Rosenberg Selfagting Skaal (RSAS) is gebruik om vlak van selfagting te meet. Die RSAS is ook aangepas om die stabiliteit van selfagting te meet. Stabiliteit van selfagting is ook gemeet deur die Rosenberg Stabiliteit van Self Skaal (RSSS). Die Aggressie Vraelys (AV) is gebruik om die vlak van aggressie van die individu teenoor ander te bepaal. Die AVonderskei ook tussen vier tipes aggressie, naamlik fisiese en verbale aggressie, woede en vyandigheid. Die Nowicki- Strickland Skaal vir Interne-Eksterne Kontrole vir Volwassenes (N-SIEV) is gebruik om lokus van kontrole te meet. Daar is beduidende verbande tussen die volgende veranderlikes gevind: • Vlak van selfagting, stabiliteit van selfagting en lokus van kontrole, en aggressie by damestudente. Slegs lokus van kontrole was 'n beduidende voorspeller van aggressie by damestudente; • Vlak van selfagting, stabiliteit van selfagting, lokus van kontrole, en aggressie by mansstudente. Geeneen van die voorspellerveranderlikes was beduidend by mansstudente nie. Die volgende beduidende verskille is gevind: • Mansstudente was beduidend meer fisies aggressief teenoor hul eie geslag as damestudente teenoor hul eie geslag; • Damestudente was beduidend meer fisies aggressief teenoor die teenoorgestelde geslag as mansstudente teenoor die teenoorgestelde geslag

Applying GIS in the evaluation of landscape aesthetics

Thesis (MA (Geography and Environmental Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.Scenic beauty, or landscape aesthetics, should be regarded as a valuable resource, to be protected and enhanced in order to generate income. Current environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies do not include the evaluation of scenic beauty as a resource properly, due to the lack of effective evaluation methods. A general dilemma lies in objectively evaluating beauty. If scenic preferences can be associated consistently with the physical landscape features, the latter can be used as predictors of the former. Analysis of aesthetics can therefore be done with a degree of objectivity, based on these general preferences. A large number of these preferences are morphologically measurable. In other words, these preferences can be mapped in a Geographical Information System (GIS), rated, and evaluated quantitatively. The first step in objectively evaluating landscape aesthetics entailed identification and compilation from the literature of conceptual components in a landscape, i.e. the units defining a landscape. Four components were identified: landform, vegetation, water features and man-made features. Each of the four components can be subdivided into several elements. Secondly, scenic preferences that can be consistently associated with landscape features were identified. It was found that any subjective experience of landscape aesthetics would be either one of calmness or one of excitement. The presence or absence of the landscape elements, and specific combinations of elements and element variables within the context of an individual landscape, will determine the type and extent of the aesthetic experience of the viewer. Finally, this theory was put into practice. Coverages were created of a test region, with landscape elements as the features of the coverages, and element variables or characteristics as feature attributes. These landscape elements, as they enhance either calmness or excitement, were quantified by assigning value ratings to the elements according to the extent of the influence of the elements on the aesthetic value of the landscape. ArcInfo GRID functionality was used to convert the coverages to raster (or grid) overlays, using the element variables enhancing both calmness and excitement. A simple cumulative summing function was used to derive an aggregate Calm Aesthetic Experience map by adding grids enhancing calmness. An aggregate Exciting Aesthetic Experience map was constructed by adding grids enhancing excitement. Finally, these two grids were summed in order to construct a Total Aesthetic Experience map, which is an indication of the total aesthetic value of the test region. The outcome of this research was a method for analysis and objective evaluation of a landscape, using a GIS for data creation, analysis and map construction. The resultant map is an indication of aesthetic value, showing the test region graded according to intrinsic aesthetic value

A revision of the purse-web spider genus Calommata Lucas, 1837 (Araneae, Atypidae) in the Afrotropical Region

The purse-web spider genus Calommata Lucas, 1837 is revised in the Afrotropical Region. Following examination of the female type material, C. transvaalica Hewitt, 1916 is removed from synonymy with C. simoni Pocock, 1903 and revalidated. The females of both species are redescribed and their males described for the first time. While C. simoni is very widespread across tropical Africa, C. transvaalica is endemic to northern South Africa. Four new species are described, all known only from males: C. megae sp. n. (Zimbabwe), C. meridionalis sp. n. (South Africa), C. namibica sp. n. (Namibia) and C. tibialis sp. n. (Ivory Coast and Togo). Notes are presented on the biology of each species

First fungal genome sequence from Africa: A preliminary analysis

Some of the most significant breakthroughs in the biological sciences this century will emerge from the development of next generation sequencing technologies. The ease of availability of DNA sequence made possible through these new technologies has given researchers opportunities to study organisms in a manner that was not possible with Sanger sequencing. Scientists will, therefore, need to embrace genomics, as well as develop and nurture the human capacity to sequence genomes and utilise the ’tsunami‘ of data that emerge from genome sequencing. In response to these challenges, we sequenced the genome of Fusarium circinatum, a fungal pathogen of pine that causes pitch canker, a disease of great concern to the South African forestry industry. The sequencing work was conducted in South Africa, making F. circinatum the first eukaryotic organism for which the complete genome has been sequenced locally. Here we report on the process that was followed to sequence, assemble and perform a preliminary characterisation of the genome. Furthermore, details of the computer annotation and manual curation of this genome are presented. The F. circinatum genome was found to be nearly 44 million bases in size, which is similar to that of four other Fusarium genomes that have been sequenced elsewhere. The genome contains just over 15 000 open reading frames, which is less than that of the related species, Fusarium oxysporum, but more than that for Fusarium verticillioides. Amongst the various putative gene clusters identified in F. circinatum, those encoding the secondary metabolites fumosin and fusarin appeared to harbour evidence of gene translocation. It is anticipated that similar comparisons of other loci will provide insights into the genetic basis for pathogenicity of the pitch canker pathogen. Perhaps more importantly, this project has engaged a relatively large group of scientists including students in a significant genome project that is certain to provide a platform for growth in this important area of research in the future

A review of canine babesiosis: the European perspective

Canine babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease caused by various species of the protozoan genus Babesia. Although it occurs worldwide, data relating to European infections have now been collected for many years. These data have boosted the publication record and increased our working knowledge of these protozoan parasites. Both the large and small forms of Babesia species (B. canis, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, and B. microti-like isolates also referred to as "B. vulpes" and "Theileria annae") infect dogs in Europe, and their geographical distribution, transmission, clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis vary widely for each species. The goal of this review is to provide veterinary practitioners with practical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of babesiosis in European dogs. Our hope is that these guidelines will answer the most frequently asked questions posed by veterinary practitioners