Where to with reserve selection and conservation planning in South Africa?

A critical evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses associated with the ‘minimal set’ approach to designing an optimal reserve network tor vertebrate species is offered. Strengths are the rational and efficient manner in which full species representation is achieved, and the planning benefits that can be gained through its flexibility. Weaknesses include the inappropriateness of the ‘minimal set’ as a framework for a reserve network, and the frequent confusion between top-down relational species criteria and bottom-up site attributes. It is suggested that the distinct ‘top-down’ relational and ‘bottom-up’ representation approaches may act synergistically to form the basis of a National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. These complementary approaches may require different forms of protection and monitoring, but could also be amalgamated to develop a conservation strategy for non-protected areas. Sufficient attention should also be paid to encouraging the free flow of information and to incorporating the principles of taxonomic and environmental uncertainty into future conservation policies

Towards conserving regional mammalian species diversity: a case study and data critique

Species richness maps were derived for the Transvaal region from two different databases, namely a primary point database based on actual survey records and a generalized distribution map database. It is shown that sixteenth degree grid square (= QDS in Lombard 1995) species richness maps based on these two data sets for the region are highly disparate, which may be attributed to overestimation of species distributions by distribution maps and uneven sampling reflected in the primary point database. The limitations and problems associated with the two databases are discussed. Of the 10% most species-rich grid squares based on distribution maps and primary point data, 33,3% and 12% respectively are fully encompassed by existing conservation areas and are well represented in the sixteenth degree grid square networks selected by two iterative reserve selection algorithms

Plasma androgen concentrations in initial samples from spotted hyaenas immobilized with Zoletil (CI-744) reflect hormonal status estimated by GnRH challenge and immobilization stress response

The use of single samples to assess the androgen status of animals can be problematic owing to extensive short-term fluctuations in the concentrations of these hormones. Thus, this study evaluated a number of estimates for both testosterone and androstenedione status in the spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta),namely, initial samples, the immobilization stress response and the response to exogenous GnRH administration, for their mutual consistency. This study found that in animals immobilized with Zoletil and maintained on halothane, all three estimates show a good consistency. Moreover, the large variance in androgen status reported here within the sexes explains earlier contradictory results, and implies that the debate concerning the sex-specific differences in plasma androgens is confounded by other variables such as the reproductive and social status of the individuals included in the analysis

Scale and conservation planning in the real world

Conservation planning is carried out on a variety of geopolitical and biogeographical scales. Whereas considerable consensus is emerging about the most appropriate procedures for identifying conservation areas, the spatial implications of conducting conservation planning at divergent scales have received little attention. Here we explore the consequences of planning at different geopolitical scales, using a database of the mammalian fauna from the Northern Provinces of South Africa. The conservation network resulting from treating the region as one unit is compared with networks generated separately for the provinces nested in that region. These outcomes are evaluated in terms of (i) their land use efficiencies, (ii) their spatial overlap, and (iii) the impact of algorithm attributes. Although land use efficiencies are greater on broader scales, on average the spatial congruence between the broad-scale regional network and fine-scale provincial networks was less than 14%. Algorithms using different selection rules fail to improve this disturbing outcome. Consequently, scale has an overwhelming influence on areas identified as conservation networks in geopolitical units. This should be recognized in conservation planning

International review of the Globio model version 3

In April 2005, a review committee gathered to assess the scientifically validity and policyrelevance of the GLOBIO3 model as part of the International Biodiversity project. Four members of the committee are scientists with a great experience in biological research assessing the GLOBIO3 model from a scientific perspective, while two members are working at UNEP assessing the model from a user¿s perspective. Their judgment and recommendations are presented in this report. The conclusions are important in order to keep the modelling work scientifically sound as well as focussed on the major political key questions in the international arena. The review committee concluded the GLOBIO3 project is well suited to play in important role in providing information on understanding ongoing trends and depicting future trends in regional and global assessments. However, the scientific imbedding and acceptance has to improve, while, simultaneously, the dialogue with policy makers needs to be strengthened. This report serves primarily as guidance for the International Biodiversity project but can also serve as an independent review on the validity of the model for any potential end user

Adaptations in three species of large mammals (Antidorcas marsupialis, Hystrix africaeaustralis, Hyaena brunnea) to arid environments

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Article Bone-collecting habits of spotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta in the Kruger National Park

An examination of 18 Crocuta crocuta dens in the Kruger National Park, showed that this species can be responsible for bone assemblages at dens, more so at permanent sites such as granite or calcrete caves than at temporarily occupied aardvark holes or road culverts. Because of the facultative nature of food-transporting behaviour, the rate at which bones are accumulated at dens varies, ranging from no bones collected to nine food items collected per month. The relative abundance of ungulate species represented in the large assemblages resembles that of ungulates living in the region surrounding a den

Digestion in the porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis

No Abstract