DOCSLIB.ORG

Characterising Historic Land Use and Land Cover Change

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Characterising Historic Land Use and Land Cover Change CHARACTERISING HISTORIC LAND USE AND LAND COVER CHANGE USING LANDSAT EARTH OBSERVATION DATA IN THE WATERBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE By Tsedzuluso Dylan Mundalamo (0711253K) A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing) at the School of Geography, Archaeology & Environmental Studies Supervisor: Dr Elhadi Adam Co Supervisor: Dr Darragh Woodford Johannesburg, 2019 DECLARATION I, Tsedzuluso Dylan Mundalamo, declare that this research report is my own unaided work. It is submitted for the Degree of Master of Science in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any degree or examination at any other University. Signature ………………………………………………. Date……27/05/2019………………………....… i ABSTRACT Information about Land use and land cover (LULC) is important for making a better decision, planning, and management of human activities and natural resources in protected, conserved and unprotected areas such as river catchment area and biosphere reserve. The study was conducted in the Waterberg region to characterize and compare historical landscape modification within the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve (WBR) and the surrounding river catchments, both prior to and after its promulgation with United Nation Education Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Man and Biosphere Programme in 2001. The research objectives of this study were to map the LULC classes from 1984 to 2016 in successive five years interval using the Landsat 4-5, 7 and 8 images, quantify LULC changes within and outside the WBR (River catchment areas) and lastly, quantify the impact of the WBR on urban and agriculture. Information about LULC was derived using Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm with 140 reference data for each LULC class (70% as training data and the remaining 30% as validation data). The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and statistical testing (paired t-test) were computed and performed, respectively. The overall accuracies range from 80.29% to 90.12%, User’s accuracies (50.65 to 100%), producer’s accuracies (45.24% to 100% and kappa indices (0.78 to 0.81) Landscape has insignificantly modified over the analysis period (P >0.05) on both sides of the study whilst the NDVI shows significant change (P<0.05). Cultivated land decreased on both sides of the WBR as land covered by this LULC type was 8.41% (Inside) and 7.52% (Outside) in 1984 and decreased to 4.04% and 4.90% inside and outside the WBR respectively, in 2016. Built up area increased outside the WBR as it was 1.04% in 1984 and 1.59% in 2016. However, built up area decreased from 0.79% in 1984 to 0.69% in 2016 outside the WBR. Mines occur outside the periphery of the WBR and increased from 0.04 %( 1984) to 0.13% (2016). Waterbody also increased from 0.10% inside and 0.01% outside the WBR in 1984 to 0.13% and 0.04% respectively, in 2016. The area is experienced rapid urban and mine growth which raise concern on the quality of water, aquatic species and ecosystem functionality as the WBR did not halt these developments within the region as it holds the potential coalfields to supply coal for fossil energy generation. The conversion of cropland to game farming caused revegetation which could influence the ecological functioning of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Proper planning and management of both human activities and natural resources are recommended to conserve the biodiversity while promoting local community involvement in sustainable development structures. ii DEDICATIONS In lovely memory of my mother and grandmother: Ms Mashudu Ratshitaka and Mrs Mukatshelwa Singo. The dedication also goes to my siblings: Vhutshilo Mundalamo, Masha Mundalamo, and Seani Mundalamo. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Praises go to the almighty God for his guidance and protection during my entire study at the University of the Witwatersrand. I would like to express my appreciation to my supervisors: Dr Elhadi Adam and Dr Darragh Woodford for their guidance and supervision they offered throughout this research project. I would like to thank my siblings for their social and financial support. Without you, this research project would be impossible Special thanks go to Dr Fhatuwani James Mundalamo for his encouragement during this project. I would like to extend my appreciation to the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies Staff for sharing their knowledge with me and also giving me an opportunity to do a Master of Science iv LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Locality Map (Source: DWS and DEA) ................................................................................... 7 Figure 2: Methodology Flow Diagram .................................................................................................. 10 Figure 3: LULC map of WBR in 1984, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 .................................... 18 Figure 4: LULC coverage (%) for 1984, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011,and 201 .................................... 20 Figure 5: NDVI maps for the year 1984, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 .................................. 23 Figure 6: NDVI trend from 1984 to 2016 .............................................................................................. 24 Figure 7: LULC coverage (%) inside and outside WBR for 1984, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 ............................................................................................................................................................ 28 Figure 8: NDVI comparison between inside and outside the WBR......................................................... 29 v LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Satellite/sensor properties ......................................................................................................... 9 Table 2: LULC classes ......................................................................................................................... 12 Table 3: Reference datasets for the LULC............................................................................................. 12 Table 4: LULC coverage of the study area for the years 1984,1990,1996,2001,2011 and 2016 ............... 21 Table 5: NDVI values from 1984 to 2016 ............................................................................................. 24 Table 6: LULC coverage within and outside the WBR from 1984 to 2016 ............................................. 26 Table 7: The confusion matrix for the 1984 classified image ................................................................. 29 Table 8: The confusion matrix for the 1990 classified image ................................................................. 30 Table 9: The confusion matrix for the 1996 classified image ................................................................. 30 Table 10: The confusion matrix for the 2001 classified image ............................................................... 31 Table 11: The confusion matrix for the 2006 classified image ............................................................... 31 Table 12: The confusion matrix for the 2011 classified image ............................................................... 32 Table 13: The confusion matrix for the 2016 classified image ............................................................... 32 Table 14: LULC changes within and outside WBR from 1984 to 2016 .................................................. 35 Table 15: NDVI Changes and Statistical testing .................................................................................... 36 vi ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ANN Artificial Neural Networks ASTER Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer AVHRR Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer BIC Bushveld Igneous Complex BR Biosphere Reserve DEA Department of Environmental Affairs DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism DRDLR Department of Rural Development and Land Reform DMR Department of Mineral Resources DWS Department of Water and Sanitation ENVI Environment for Visualising Images ETM+ Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus FLAASH Fast Line of Sight Atmospheric Analysis of Hyperspectral Cubes GCP Ground Control Points GDP Gross Domestic Product GIS Geographic Information Systems GPS Global Positioning System K2C Kruger to Canyon LULC Land use and land cover MAB Man and Biosphere MODIS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer MSS Multi-spectral scanner NGI National Geospatial Information OLI Operational Land Imager PCA Principal Component Analysis RDP Reconstruction and Development Programme RMSE Root Mean Square Error RS Remote Sensing SANLC South African National Land Cover SPOT Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre SVM Support Vector Machine TIRS Thermal Infrared Sensor vii TM Thematic Mapper UNESCO United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization USGS United States Geological Survey UTM Universal Transverse Mercator VBR Vhembe Biosphere Reserve WGS World Geodetic System WBR Waterberg Biosphere Reserve viii Contents DECLARATION .................................................................................................................................... i ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................................... ii DEDICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Waterberg Biosphere Reserve 2001 - 2012
    WATERBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE 2001 - 2012 APPLICATION FOR EXPANSION OF RESERVE TO UNESCO MAB COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY September 2012 1 INTRODUCTION Some years ago renowned conservationist Clive Walker predicted that the Waterberg would yet emerge as one of the most important and significant conservation areas in South Africa. With a great potential for tourism, game ranching, hunting and environmental awareness, together with the richness and abundance of biodiversity in both plant and animal life, the Waterberg is an incredibly important area for conservation in the South African context. Recent conservation plans at both the provincial and national levels recognise the importance of the Waterberg Mountain Complex ecosystem and with this support the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve’s next step to ensure good governance of the area is to expand the current biosphere to include all of the Waterberg Mountain Complex to provide ecosystem and land use planning integrity. A biosphere reserve is a designated area of importance that falls outside the confined protected areas network such as provincial game reserves and national parks. It is also an area where people live and work. The area can include villages, towns, farming and agriculture, tourism, hunting, businesses and services. The main aim of the biosphere reserve is to ensure that while people utilise the area for their livelihoods and produce a strong economy, negative impacts on the environment and the area‟s reputation as a tourism destination are kept to a minimum and ecosystems remain intact and in good health. There are specific criteria that an area must have to qualify for biosphere reserve status.
    [Show full text]
  • Resource Partitioning Between Black-Backed Jackal and Brown Hyaena in Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa
    Ramnanan et al. Jackal and hyaena in South Africa Copyright © 2016 by the IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group. ISSN 1478-2677 Research report Resource partitioning between black-backed jackal and brown hyaena in Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa Rivona Ramnanan1, Michelle Thorn1, Craig J. Tambling2 and Michael J. Somers 1, 3* 1 Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. 2 Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa. 3 Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Email: [email protected] * Correspondence author Keywords: apex predators, dietary niche, human modification, resource partitioning. Abstract Understanding resource partitioning by predators is important for understanding coexistence patterns, with this becoming more relevant as historical food webs are altered through human impacts. Using scat analysis, we investigated the diet overlap of two sympatric meso-carnviores, the black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas and brown hyaena Hyaena brunnea, in Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. Scats (n = 30 jackal, 42 brown hyaena) were collected in April 2012 from game and livestock farms. When comparing main prey categories (medium-large mam- mal, small mammal, fruit, invertebrate, reptile, and bird) we found little difference in diets, with both carnivores con- suming predominantly medium-large mammals (10-100kg). Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus was the most commonly consumed large mammal species for both predators. Jackal and brown hyaena had, on average, 1.3 and 1.4 main prey categories per scat respectively which resulted in diet diversities of 3.9 for jackal and 2.5 for brown hyaena.
    [Show full text]
  • South African Biosphere Reserve National Committee
    SOUTH AFRICAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE NATIONAL COMMITTEE BIENNIAL REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LIMA ACTION PLAN UNESCO MAN AND BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME ICC INTERNATIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL 31ST SESSION, PARIS, FRANCE 17-21 JUNE 2019 JUNE 2019 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 Coordination of Man and Biosphere Programme South Africa has started participating in the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme since 1995 at the Seville Conference in Spain. The South African National Biosphere Reserve Committee (SA BR NATCOM), which is chaired by the National Department of Environmental Affairs coordinates the Man and Biosphere Programme in South Africa. The SA MAB NATCOM is financially supported by the National Department of Environmental Affairs. The SA MAB NATCOM is operational in accordance with the Lima Action Plan and is comprised of representatives from National, Provincial, local, Non-Profit Organisations and research institutions. SA National BR Committee has met once since the previous MAB ICC Session, in June 2018. South Africa is the current member of the MAB International Coordinating Committee (ICC) elected in November 2017 and also a member of the African Network of Man and Biosphere (AfriMAB) Bureau as coordinator for Southern Africa sub-region, elected in September 2017. The provinces supports Biosphere Reserves with operational funding. At the local level, there are Biosphere Reserve Forum, which meets on quarterly basis. These Forums are comprised of Provincial Government, Local Government, Non-Governmental Organizations and Biosphere
    [Show full text]
  • Know Your National Parks
    KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS 1 KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS Our Parks, Our Heritage Table of contents Minister’s Foreword 4 CEO’s Foreword 5 Northern Region 8 Marakele National Park 8 Golden Gate Highlands National Park 10 Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage site 11 Arid Region 12 Augrabies Falls National Park 12 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 13 Mokala National Park 14 Namaqua National Park 15 /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park 16 Cape Region 18 Table Mountain National Park 18 Bontebok National Park 19 Agulhas National Park 20 West Coast National Park 21 Tankwa-Karoo National Park 22 Frontier Region 23 Addo Elephant National Park 23 Karoo National Park 24 DID YOU Camdeboo National Park 25 KNOW? Mountain Zebra National Park 26 Marakele National Park is Garden Route National Park 27 found in the heart of Waterberg Mountains.The name Marakele Kruger National Park 28 is a Tswana name, which Vision means a ‘place of sanctuary’. A sustainable National Park System connecting society Fun and games 29 About SA National Parks Week 31 Mission To develop, expand, manage and promote a system of sustainable national parks that represent biodiversity and heritage assets, through innovation and best practice for the just and equitable benefit of current and future generation. 2 3 KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS KNOW YOUR NATIONAL PARKS Minister’s Foreword CEO’s Foreword We are blessed to live in a country like ours, which has areas by all should be encouraged through a variety of The staging of SA National Parks Week first took place been hailed as a miracle in respect of our transition to a programmes.
    [Show full text]
  • Biosphere Reserves in the Mediterranean Region: Development of a 14
    MAB Report Seville+5 page1(EN) 18/09/01 9:47 Page 1 (Noir/Process Black film) The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this publication do not imply the impression of any opinion on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The opinions expressed in this digest are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of UNESCO or the authors’ employers. Published in 2001 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP France (SC-2001/WS/28) Previous reports in this series 1. International Co-ordinating Council of the Programme on Man and the Biosphere 34. Regional meeting on integrated ecological research and training needs in the (MAB). First session. Paris, 9–19 November, 1971. southern Asian mountain systems, particularly the Hind u Kush-Himalayas. 2. Expert panel on the role of systems analysis and modelling approaches in the Kathmandu, 26 September–2 October, 1975. Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). Paris, 18–20 April, 1972. 35. Regional meeting on integrated ecological research and training needs in tropical 3. Expert panel on Project 1: Ecological effects of increasing human activities on deciduous and semi-deciduous forest ecosystems of South Asia. Varanasi, tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems. Paris, 16–18 May, 1972. 5–11 October, 1975. 4. Expert panel on Project 12: Interactions between environmental transformations 36. Regional meeting on integrated ecological research and conservation activities in and genetic and demographic changes.
    [Show full text]
  • Shakati Private Game Reserve in Malaria-Free Waterberg/Vaalwater -Only 2 Hours from Pretoria
    Shakati Private Game Reserve in Malaria-free Waterberg/Vaalwater -only 2 hours from Pretoria Waterberg. There is so much to see and do…. Waterberg is the area of magnificent views, panoramic savannah and bush landscapes, spectacular mountains and cliffs, crystal clear streams and an unbelievable abundance of wild animals, trees and flowers. Game viewing in the Waterberg area is absolutely fantastic and recognised among the best in the country –hence the Waterberg is one of the preferred eco-tourism destination in South Africa. Furthermore Waterberg with its unspoilt nature has been designated as UNESCO “Savannah Biosphere Reserve” –the first in Southern Africa. And Waterberg is MALARIA-free… Marakele National Park Shakati Private Game Reserve is hidden away on the lush banks of the Mokolo river in the deep heart of the untamed Waterberg bushveld paradise. Near Vaalwater and only 2 hours drive from Pretoria. Time spent at Shakati Game Reserve is about getting away from city life, work, traffic and stress. It is about peace and tranquillity, clean fresh air and clear skies with the brightest stars you have probably ever seen. It is about being quiet and listen to the jackal calling at night, to the paradise flycatcher singing in the morning. It is about seeing and walking with the animals, touching the fruits of the bush willow -and wonder about nature. It is about quietly sitting at the water hole watching game and taking life easy Its time to leave the city sounds, the hustle, the bustle and find some place that speaks to you who you really are inside.
    [Show full text]
  • Limpopo Conservation Plan V2 Technical Report (EDET/2216/2012)
    Limpopo Conservation Plan v2 Technical Report (EDET/2216/2012) SEPTEMBER 2013 Report Title: Limpopo Conservation Plan v.2: Technical Report Date: 28 September 2013 Version: Final v2 Authors & contact details: ECOSOL GIS: 21 Neapolis, Pier Street, South End, Port Elizabeth, 6001 1. Dr Phillip Desmet: ([email protected]) 2. Dr. Stephen Holness ([email protected]) 3. Mr. Andrew Skowno ([email protected]) Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET), Sub-Directorate: Conservation Planning & Assessment, Directorate: Biodiversity Management, Private Bag X 9484, Polokwane, 0700 4. Dr. Vincent Egan ([email protected]) Client: Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET) Principle funding agent: Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET) Citation: Desmet, P. G., Holness, S., Skowno, A. & Egan, V.T. (2013) Limpopo Conservation Plan v.2: Technical Report. Contract Number EDET/2216/2012. Report for Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET) by ECOSOL GIS. ______________________________ View of the Polokwane Plateau from Makapansgat Mountains (photograph: Philip Desmet) Summary The primary objective of this project was to produce a revised There are also 5 listed threated, non-vegetation type ecosystems in conservation plan for Limpopo Province that conformed to the Limpopo, namely: Malmani Karstlands, Sekhukune Mountainlands, Bioregional Planning guidelines published by SANBI in 2009. Sekhukune Norite Bushveld, Blouberg Forest and Mapungubwe Forest. Together these ecosystems make up just over 1% of the province This document describes how the Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (LCPv2), and its two primary products - the map of Critical Biodiversity The protected areas gap analysis which assesses protection levels of the Areas and associated land-use guidelines – were developed.
    [Show full text]
  • Resilient Waters Program
    Can TFCAs be seen catalysts for Climate Change Adaptation? KRISTINE MACIEJEWSKI RESILIENT WATERS PROGRAM 1 • Build more resilient communities and ecosystems in southern African • Improve management of transboundary natural resources • Increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation services 2 Resilient Waters’ Theory of Change Outcomes RESILIENT INSTITUTIONS MORE ROBUST INFORMATION SYSTEMS INNOVATIVE PRACTICES 3 4 5 6 How do you build climate change resiliency? 7 A Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) is defined in the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement (1999) as a component of a large ecological region that straddles the boundaries of two or more countries encompassing one or more protected areas as well as multiple resource use areas. Transboundary level KAZA/Okavango Fisheries Management Plan Groundwater management in KAZA - Freshwater Resource Standardized Wildlife Monitoring System Management Strategy Country level Chobe National Park Moremi Game Reserve Zinave National Park Banhine National Park Regional level Massinger Massingir Dam Waterberg BR Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Issues Local level - Food security - Human-Wildlife Conflict - Crop raiding - Poaching - Lack of freshwater - Sanitation issues Solutions - Climate Smart farming - Elephant Aware farming - Alien species removal - Mangrove restoration - Pit-latrines - Tippy taps - Rural Water Supply infra - Access to rural drinking water supply & sanitation Lessons Learnt - TFCAs provides a holistic approach to building resilient communities and
    [Show full text]
  • Waterberg Meander Vol 1
    the Waterberg Meander vol 1 Limpopo | South Africa | www.waterbergmeander.co.za HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The Waterberg Meander guides visitors through the vast and scenic wilderness of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and surrounds. It showcases prime tourist attractions within the area, exposes a series of community linked projects and provides a rich informative self-drive tour of historical, geological, cultural and environmental sites along the route. The brochure starts with a map of the route, an introduction to the Waterberg Meander and an overview of the Waterberg as a wildlife and cultural destination. This is followed by three sections: a series of 13 community linked projects along the route; a series of 22 sites of interest along the route; and advertisements for commercial tourism as well as arts and crafts businesses within the area. Each of these aspects of the route is colour coded and accompanied with detailed maps. The brochure is completed by information on the birding hotspots within the area and an overview of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. All road junctions along the route, as well as all community linked projects, sites of interest and commercial businesses, are numbered and marked on the maps. The GPS co-ordinates of all road junctions and sites of interest are also provided, both on the signage and on the maps in the most common format (hdd mm.mmm). The position of the sites of interest sign posts relate to a good position on the public roads from which these scenic or historic sites can be viewed. They should under no circumstances be construed as an invitation to enter private property or explore areas away from the public roads.
    [Show full text]
  • Preliminary Biodiversity Conservation Plan For
    APPENDIX A – DATASETS USED IN THE P-LCP FEATURES DATASET DATA TYPE DATE DATA SOURCE / CUSTODIAN COMMENT GIS VIEWER Agricultural Fields LP_fields_030507_ll.shp Vector 2007 AGIS Yes Conservation Farms all_conservation_farm_accurate.shp Vector SANBI Data records limited - not representative of whole province Conservation Features Cons_Features.shp Vector 2011 MetroGIS Composite dataset Species: Birds, Plants, Reptiles SANBI / MetroGIS Point data (SANBI) referenced on surrogate data, e.g. steep slopes, ridges, vegetation (grasslands), geology (dolomite) Vegetation 2006 SANBI High Yield Quaternary Catchments DWA Nylsvley - Modimolle corridor 2011 MetroGIS Contours 20m_contours.shp Vector Chief Directorate: Surveys & Used to compile shaded relief map Mapping Critical Biodiversity Areas (C-Plan) Cplan_Union3.shp Vector 2011 MetroGIS, Environomics, 4Life Compiled from Marxan process. Yes Promotions Protected Areas incorporated Development Pressure Mining rights Mining_Rights_all.shp Vector 2010 MetroGIS 5km Buffer around built-up areas Builtup_Final_Buffer_5km.shp Vector 2011 MetroGIS Eco Region vegm2006_Limpopo Vector 2006 SANBI Utilise field name [BIOREGION] Yes Ecological Corridors EcologicalCcorridors2.shp Vector 2011 MetroGIS Yes Farm Portions farm_portion.shp Vector Land-Surveyor Genl Yes High Yield Catchments Quaternary_Catchments_High_Yield.shp Vector DWA Top 10% to be used for high yield Yes interpretation Landcover landcover1.shp Vector 2000 SCIR / DWA / ARC-ISCW Built-up areas updated in places by MetroGIS Limpopo Province Boundary
    [Show full text]
  • Implications for Mitigating Human–Carnivore Conflict on South African Farmland
    Determinants of attitudes to carnivores: implications for mitigating human–carnivore conflict on South African farmland M ICHELLE T HORN,MATTHEW G REEN,KELLY M ARNEWICK and D AWN M. SCOTT Abstract Human–wildlife conflict is increasingly prevalent, Introduction particularly in relation to carnivores in non-protected areas of Africa. Quantifying the attitudes of land owners towards he current rate of the extinction of species is estimated fl carnivores and understanding the factors that in uence these Tto be 1,000 times higher than in the fossil record (Pimm attitudes are instrumental in conservation planning and et al., 1995). The main causes of this biodiversity crisis are reducing persecution-related threats to carnivores. However, human population growth and range expansion, and information about attitudes to carnivores in Africa, and increased consumption of natural resources (Baillie et al., South Africa in particular, is scarce. To obtain such data we 2010). Impacts on terrestrial mammals include widespread 170 interviewed commercial game and livestock farmers in reduction in range, fragmentation and loss of habitat, loss of two ecologically important rural areas of northern South prey, population decline and local, regional and, in some Africa. Responses to statements about carnivore manage- cases, global extirpation of species (Baillie et al., 2010). ment, stock protection and predation were generally positive. Species of the order Carnivora are especially susceptible to 62 However, % of respondents believed carnivores to be these threats because their high trophic position restricts fi 35 nancially damaging and % thought them overly abun- them to low-density populations that are inherently 41 dant. Many respondents ( %) were unwilling to tolerate vulnerable to demographic and environmental stochasticity even low levels of predation and considered persecution of (Woodroffe & Ginsberg, 2000).
    [Show full text]
  • Climate-Change Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Strategies for Africa's
    CLIMATE-CHANGE VULNERABILITIES AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FOR AFRICA’S CHARISMATIC MEGAFAUNA CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS Jonathan Mawdsley Martha Surridge RESEARCH SUPPORT Bilal Ahmad Sandra Grund Barry Pasco Robert Reeve Chris Robertson ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Deb Callahan Matthew Grason Anne Marsh Ralph and Alice Mawdsley Christine Negra Thomas Nichols Conn Nugent Stacia Van Dyne REVIEWERS Matthew Lewis, WWF Shaun Martin, WWF Dennis Ojima, Colorado State University Robin O’Malley, USGS Wildlife and Climate Change Science Center Karen Terwilliger, Terwilliger Consulting, Inc. Cover photo credit: Martha Surridge CITATION OF THIS REPORT The Heinz Center. 2012. Climate-change Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies for Africa’s Charismatic Megafauna. Washington, DC, 56 pp. Copyright ©2012 by The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment 900 17th St, NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20006 Phone: (202) 737-6307 Fax: (202) 737-6410 Website: www.heinzctr.org Email: [email protected] Climate-change Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Strategies for Africa’s Charismatic Megafauna TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary 1 Introduction 3 Methods 6 Results and Discussion 8 Future Directions 10 Species Profiles The Big Five African Elephant 11 African Lion 13 Cape Buffalo 15 Leopard 17 Rhinoceros, Black 19 Rhinoceros, White 21 African Wild Dog 23 Bongo 25 Cheetah 27 Common Eland 29 Gemsbok 31 Giraffe 33 Greater Kudu 35 Hippopotamus 37 Okapi 39 Wildebeest, Black 41 Wildebeest, Blue 43 Zebra, Grevy’s 45 Zebra, Mountain 47 Zebra, Plains 49 Literature Cited 50 Climate-change Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Strategies for Africa’s Charismatic Megafauna EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The phrase “African animals” brings to mind elephants, lions and other iconic large mammals often referred to as “charismatic megafauna.” The powerful appeal of these animals is demonstrated in the many African wildlife documentaries on television and enduring public support for zoos and museums featuring African animals.
    [Show full text]