Remote Sensing Techniques for Mangrove Mapping
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An Ecological Study of the Plant Communities in the Proposed Highveld Published: 26 Apr
An ecological study of the plant communities in the proposed Highveld National Park Original Research An ecologicAl study of the plAnt communities in the proposed highveld nAtionAl pArk, in the peri-urbAn AreA of potchefstroom, south AfricA Authors: Mahlomola E. Daemane1 ABSTRACT Sarel S. Cilliers2 The proposed Highveld National Park (HNP) is an area of high conservation value in South Hugo Bezuidenhout1 Africa, covering approximately 0.03% of the endangered Grassland Biome. The park is situated immediately adjacent to the town of Potchefstroom in the North-West Province. The objective of Affiliations: this study was to identify, classify, describe and map the plant communities in this park. Vegetation 1Conservation Services sampling was done by means of the Braun-Blanquet method and a total of 88 stratified random Department, South African relevés were sampled. A numerical classification technique (TWINSPAN) was used and the results National Parks, were refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures. The final results of the classification procedure were South Africa presented in the form of phytosociological tables and, thereafter, nine plant communities were described and mapped. A detrended correspondence analysis confirmed the presence of three 2School of Environmental structural vegetation units, namely woodland, shrubland and grassland. Differences in floristic Sciences and composition in the three vegetation units were found to be influenced by environmental factors, Development, North-West such as surface rockiness and altitude. Incidences of harvesting trees for fuel, uncontrolled fires University, South Africa and overgrazing were found to have a significant effect on floristic and structural composition in the HNP. The ecological interpretation derived from this study can therefore be used as a tool for Correspondence to: environmental planning and management of this grassland area. -
Mangrove Kingfisher in South Africa, but the Species Overlap Further North in Mozam- Bique, and Hybridization May Occur (Hanmer 1984A, 1989C)
652 Halcyonidae: kingfishers Habitat: It occurs in summer along the banks of forested rivers and streams, at or near the coast. In winter it occurs in stands of mangroves, along wooded lagoons and even in suburban gardens and parks, presumably while on mi- gration. Elsewhere in Africa it may occur in woodlands further away from water. Movements: The models show that it occurs in the Transkei (mainly Zone 8) in summer and is absent June– August, while it is absent or rarely reported November– March in KwaZulu-Natal, indicating a seasonal movement between the Transkei and KwaZulu-Natal. Berruti et al. (1994a) analysed atlas data to document this movement in more detail. The atlas records for the Transkei confirm earlier reports in which the species was recorded mainly in summer with occasional breeding records (Jonsson 1965; Pike 1966; Quickelberge 1989; Cooper & Swart 1992). In KwaZulu-Natal, it was previously regarded as a breeding species which moved inland to breed, despite the fact that nearly all records are from the coast in winter (Clancey 1964b, 1965d, 1971c; Cyrus & Robson 1980; Maclean 1993b), and there were no breeding records (e.g. Clancey 1965d; Dean 1971). However, it is possible that it used to be a rare breeding species in KwaZulu-Natal (Clancey 1965d). The atlas and other available data clearly show that it is a nonbreeding migrant to KwaZulu-Natal from the Transkei. Clancey (1965d) suggested that most movement took place in March. Berruti et al. (1994a) showed that it apparently did not overwinter in KwaZulu- Natal south of Durban (2931CC), presumably because of the lack of mangroves in this area. -
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 -
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. -
Proposed Expansion of Quarry Near Matjiesfontein, Western Cape Province
PROPOSED EXPANSION OF QUARRY NEAR MATJIESFONTEIN, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT Ecological Assessment and Wetland Assessment for the proposed expansion of the existing quarry near Matjiesfontein Compiled by JANUARY 2018 Matjiesfontein Quarry: Biodiversity Assessment 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background It is the intention of Concor Infrastructure to expand an existing quarry on the farm Tweedside No.151 RD in the Lainsburg Municipal District, Western Cape Province. The quarry is approximately 13km west of Matjiesfontein. The expanded quarry will be less than 5ha in extent, including crushing facilities. Flori Scientific Services cc was appointed as the independent consultancy to conduct a strategic (desktop) biodiversity assessment, which includes a terrestrial ecological assessment and a wetland assessment, for the study site. No field investigations were conducted by the author of the report, but by other EAPs involved in the project. Location of the study area The study site consists of an existing quarry area and a proposed expansion area for the quarry. The study area is situated approximately 13km west of Matjiesfontein, on the farm Tweedside 151 RD, in the Lainsburg Municipal District, Western Cape Province. The site is just over 1km due north of the N1 National route and is 4,78ha in area. TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY Vegetation Due to the complexity and lack of botanical data, the Fynbos Biome is not divided up into Bioregions in the same way, or sense, as that of Savanna or Grassland Biomes. For simplicity of explanation, the Fynbos Biome currently is divided into three ‘Bioregions’ of Fynbos, Renosterveld and Strandveld, with numerous sub-vegetation units and veldtypes. -
Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps
Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps DRAFT May 2009 South African National Biodiversity Institute Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Contents List of tables .............................................................................................................................. vii List of figures............................................................................................................................. vii 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 8 2 Criteria for identifying threatened ecosystems............................................................... 10 3 Summary of listed ecosystems ........................................................................................ 12 4 Descriptions and individual maps of threatened ecosystems ...................................... 14 4.1 Explanation of descriptions ........................................................................................................ 14 4.2 Listed threatened ecosystems ................................................................................................... 16 4.2.1 Critically Endangered (CR) ................................................................................................................ 16 1. Atlantis Sand Fynbos (FFd 4) .......................................................................................................................... 16 2. Blesbokspruit Highveld Grassland -
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK © Lonelyplanetpublications Atmosphere All-Enveloping
© Lonely Planet Publications 464 Kruger National Park Almost as much as Nelson Mandela and the Springboks, Kruger is one of South Africa’s national symbols, and for many visitors, it is the ‘must-see’ wildlife destination in the country. Little wonder: in an area the size of Wales, enough elephants wander around to populate a major city, giraffes nibble on acacia trees, hippos wallow in the rivers, leopards prowl through the night and a multitude of birds sing, fly and roost. Kruger is one of the world’s most famed protected areas – known for its size, conserva- tion history, wildlife diversity and ease of access. It’s a place where the drama of life and death plays out daily, with up-close, action-packed sightings of wildlife almost guaranteed. One morning you may spot lions feasting on a kill, and the next a newborn impala strug- gling to take its first steps. Kruger is also South Africa’s most visited park, with over one million visitors annually and an extensive network of sealed roads and comfortable camps. For those who prefer roughing it, there are 4WD tracks and hiking trails. Yet, even when you stick to the tarmac, the sounds and scents of the bush are never far away. And, if you avoid weekends and holidays, or stay in the north and on gravel roads, it’s easy to travel for an hour or more without seeing another vehicle. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Southern Kruger is the most popular section, with the highest animal concentrations and easiest access. -
Safari 14D/13N
GROUP ADVENTURES Kruger, Swaziland & Lesotho Safari 14D/13N Safari 14 Days / 3 Countries South Africa , Lesotho & Eswatini (Swaziland) Departure city: Johannesburg, South Africa End city: Port Elizabeth, South Africa HIGHLIGHTS Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of southern Africa on this 14-day safari. • Go on wildlife drives at Kruger View captivating sights of landscapes and wildlife on game drives and hikes. National Park and the Hluhluwe- Imfolozi Game Reserve • Hike through the Drakensberg MAP Mountains • Swim and sunbathe on Durban’s Golden Mile coastline What is included Group Adventures Group Adventures are designed to forget about all the travel logistics and let our guides take you to the best places with a group of like minded travelers Accommodation: 13 • 13 Nights accommodation in tent camping or lodges, depending on package Transport: 1 • Truck Truck transport between each location Meals: 34 • 13 Breakfast(s), 9 Lunch(es), 12 Dinner(s), Guides: • Guides during all activities What is not included • *Airport pick-up/drop-off *Personal expenses • *Other meals/drinks *Tips • *Optional activities (and entrance/other fees *Visa fees associated with them) *Travel insurance (MANDATORY) *Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on your trip. Additional information ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • Please be sure to arrive 1 day before your tour is due to depart, and plan to travel to your next location 1 day after the tour ends. • You must check and comply with visa requirements for your nationality and for the countries you are visiting. • If you choose the camping option for this trip, you are required to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, and towel. -
Alien Invasive Plants in the Kruger National Park
ALIEN INVASIVE PLANTS IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Butterfly ginger Hedychium coronarium This is sweetly scented when in flower but is also escaping into the streams of KwaZulu-Natal 7 Kahili ginger Hedychium gardnerianum This is a most attractive species, with scented flowers. It is escaping into riverine systems in KwaZulu-Natal. Do not let it into your system in the KNP. 8 Red ginger Hedychium coccineum Another species with the potential to escape into the riverine fringes. Wild ginger Zingiber zerumbet This species is closely related to culinary ginger. The image on the left is of the flower spike. 9 Shell ginger Alpinia zerumbet This is found in both the green and variegated forms. The image below is of the seeds setting on the variegated form. Left: The variegated form of the shell ginger Spiral ginger Costus speciosus This species has not shown any signs of setting seed but it has the potential of reproducing veg- etatively. It has a twist in the stem hence its common name. 10 CREEPERS Goose-foot plant Syngonium podophyllum This plant has the potential to escape. It is able to produce viable seed in South Africa as well as growing very easily from cuttings. The mature fruits are shown below. A close-up of the fruits of the Barbados goose- berry. Birds and mammals will spread this species as they do with the other members of the cactus family. 11 Barbados gooseberry Pereskia aculeata The images on p.11 and below are of the plant in the staff vil- lage in house number 3. -
Msc Dissertation ZIMMERMANN
The occurrence of piroplasms in various South African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) populations by David Edwin Zimmermann Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Magister Scientiae (Veterinary Tropical Diseases) in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria April 2009 1 © University of Pretoria Dedication To my lovely wife Marilyn, for enduring my absence during field trips, my ‘absence’ while working on my dissertation and for her continued love and support. 2 Acknowledgements It is with sincere gratitude that I want to thank the following people and institutions: My supervisor and co-supervisor for their continued guidance and support. South African National Parks (SANParks) for allowing the project and financial support during my three years of studying. The Veterinary Wildlife Services team of SANParks, especially Cathy Dreyer and Rudi Williams, for their assistance during the capture of the study animals. Prof Ivan Horak and Milana Troskie of the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, for their technical support and guidance. Peter Brothers, Peter Buss, Markus Hofmeyr and Danny Govender for the support and advice during my study years. This dissertation emanates from project V071/07, approved by the Research Committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Science and the Animal Use and Care Committee of the University of Pretoria. The project was funded from a grant (GUN 44403) from the National Research Foundation to B L Penzhorn 3 The occurrence of piroplasms in various South African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) populations by David Edwin Zimmermann Supervisor: Prof B L Penzhorn Co-supervisor: Dr M C Oosthuizen Department: Veterinary Tropical Diseases Degree: MSc (Veterinary Tropical diseases) Abstract Between November 2002 and October 2006, blood samples were collected from 46 black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) originating from various national parks and game reserves within South Africa. -
SOUTH AFRICA Birding and Wildlife Safari 13 DAYS | Choose Your Dates
BLUE WAXBILL BY DEREK KEATS SOUTH AFRICA Birding and Wildlife Safari 13 DAYS | Choose your dates Immerse yourself in the natural PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS wonders of South Africa, • Explore South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park, one of the continent’s largest game reserves, for the chance to spot nearly 500 home to amazing scenery, bird species, as well as the “Big 5” — lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, iconic African wildlife, and leopards, and rhinoceros. • Seek out Highveld grassland species such as Wing-snapping more than 800 bird species. Cisticola, Eastern Long-billed Lark, and Denham’s Bustard at Verloren World-renowned habitats Vallei Nature Reserve. • Hike the escarpment forest of Mount Sheba and look for area and biological diversity are specialties like the Knysna Turaco, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, and Narina Trogon. the focus as you journey from • View stunning landscapes as you watch the sun set over Blyde River the Highveld grasslands of Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world. Mpumalanga province to the • Explore the grassland around Wakkerstroom and track down scarce inhabitants like Blue Korhaan, Secretarybird, and Grey Crowned cliffs and gorges of the Blyde Crane, plus the globally threatened Rudd’s Lark and Botha’s Lark. River Canyon, and through transitional habitats before WHAT’S INCLUDED? leveling out in the bush plains • Bilingual local guide of Kruger National Park. For • Driver • Accommodations birders, this translates to a • Activities superb range of species to be • Private transportation • Meals seen, including many regional • Beverages with meals and country-specific endemics. • Carbon offsetting LION IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111 BLYDE RIVER CANYON BY DR. -
Controlled Burning in the Kruger National Park- History And
Controlled Burning in the Kruger National Park History and Development of a Veld Burning Policy A. M. BRYNARD M. Sc. Deputy Director of National Parks of the Republic of South Africa Pretoria, South Africa To those who are not familiar with the general features of the Kruger National Park, a very brief description of the situation, topography, rainfall, animal life and vegetation is given below: SITUATION The Park is situated in the Eastern Transvaal Lowveld and oc cupies the area between 22° 25' to 25° 32' latitude south and 30° 50' to 32° 2' longitude east. It extends approximately 200 miles (322 km) in length with an average width of about 40 miles (64 km), covering a total area of 7340 square miles (19,010 km2 ). TOPOGRAPHY Topographically the Kruger National Park presents an undulating aspect, although it appears rather flat generally. The highest altitudes are attained in the south-west [2,750 feet (838 m) above sea level] and the country declines towards the Lebombo flats on the east, which are only 600-800 feet (183-244 m) above sea level. The Le- 219 A. M. BRYNARD bombo Mountain range on the eastern boundary reaches its highest level at Shilowa-poort in the North [1,628 feet (496 m)]. The Park is traversed from west to east by five perennial rivers, and drained by numerous dongas, dry water courses, and seasonal rivers. The rolling plains are frequently interrupted by small hills and koppies formed by weather-resistant rocks belonging to the Swaziland sys tem, archaic granite and dolerite. Although high mountains are not found in the Park, the Malelane area, the Lebombo range on the eastern boundary and the Punda Milia area may be described as mountainous.