Description and Phylogenetic Position of a New Species Of
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Aspects of the Ecology and Conservation of Frogs in Urban Habitats of South Africa
Frogs about town: Aspects of the ecology and conservation of frogs in urban habitats of South Africa DJD Kruger 20428405 Thesis submitted for the degree Philosophiae Doctor in Zoology at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University Supervisor: Prof LH du Preez Co-supervisor: Prof C Weldon September 2014 i In loving memory of my grandmother, Kitty Lombaard (1934/07/09 – 2012/05/18), who has made an invaluable difference in all aspects of my life. ii Acknowledgements A project with a time scale and magnitude this large leaves one indebted by numerous people that contributed to the end result of this study. I would like to thank the following people for their invaluable contributions over the past three years, in no particular order: To my supervisor, Prof. Louis du Preez I am indebted, not only for the help, guidance and support he has provided throughout this study, but also for his mentorship and example he set in all aspects of life. I also appreciate the help of my co-supervisor, Prof. Ché Weldon, for the numerous contributions, constructive comments and hours spent on proofreading. I owe thanks to all contributors for proofreading and language editing and thereby correcting my “boerseun” English grammar but also providing me with professional guidance. Prof. Louis du Preez, Prof. Ché Weldon, Dr. Andrew Hamer, Dr. Kirsten Parris, Prof. John Malone and Dr. Jeanne Tarrant are all dearly thanked for invaluable comments on earlier drafts of parts/the entirety of this thesis. For statistical contributions I am especially also grateful to Dr. Andrew Hamer for help with Bayesian analysis and to the North-West Statistical Services consultant, Dr. -
Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention
Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention: the role of the Convention on Wetlands in the Conservation and Wise Use of Biodiversity edited by A. J. Hails Ramsar Convention Bureau Ministry of Environment and Forest, India 1996 [1997] Published by the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland, Switzerland, with the support of: • the General Directorate of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of the Walloon Region, Belgium • the Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark • the National Forest and Nature Agency, Ministry of the Environment and Energy, Denmark • the Ministry of Environment and Forests, India • the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Sweden Copyright © Ramsar Convention Bureau, 1997. Reproduction of this publication for educational and other non-commercial purposes is authorised without prior perinission from the copyright holder, providing that full acknowledgement is given. Reproduction for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. The views of the authors expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect those of the Ramsar Convention Bureau or of the Ministry of the Environment of India. Note: the designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Ranasar Convention Bureau concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Citation: Halls, A.J. (ed.), 1997. Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention: The Role of the Convention on Wetlands in the Conservation and Wise Use of Biodiversity. -
Zimbabwe Zambia Malawi Species Checklist Africa Vegetation Map
ZIMBABWE ZAMBIA MALAWI SPECIES CHECKLIST AFRICA VEGETATION MAP BIOMES DeserT (Namib; Sahara; Danakil) Semi-deserT (Karoo; Sahel; Chalbi) Arid SAvannah (Kalahari; Masai Steppe; Ogaden) Grassland (Highveld; Abyssinian) SEYCHELLES Mediterranean SCruB / Fynbos East AFrican Coastal FOrest & SCruB DrY Woodland (including Mopane) Moist woodland (including Miombo) Tropical Rainforest (Congo Basin; upper Guinea) AFrO-Montane FOrest & Grassland (Drakensberg; Nyika; Albertine rift; Abyssinian Highlands) Granitic Indian Ocean IslandS (Seychelles) INTRODUCTION The idea of this booklet is to enable you, as a Wilderness guest, to keep a detailed record of the mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that you observe during your travels. It also serves as a compact record of your African journey for future reference that hopefully sparks interest in other wildlife spheres when you return home or when travelling elsewhere on our fragile planet. Although always exciting to see, especially for the first-time Africa visitor, once you move beyond the cliché of the ‘Big Five’ you will soon realise that our wilderness areas offer much more than certain flagship animal species. Africa’s large mammals are certainly a big attraction that one never tires of, but it’s often the smaller mammals, diverse birdlife and incredible reptiles that draw one back again and again for another unparalleled visit. Seeing a breeding herd of elephant for instance will always be special but there is a certain thrill in seeing a Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, cheetah or a Lilian’s lovebird – to name but a few. As a globally discerning traveller, look beyond the obvious, and challenge yourself to learn as much about all wildlife aspects and the ecosystems through which you will travel on your safari. -
A Plant Ecological Study and Management Plan for Mogale's Gate Biodiversity Centre, Gauteng
A PLANT ECOLOGICAL STUDY AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MOGALE’S GATE BIODIVERSITY CENTRE, GAUTENG By Alistair Sean Tuckett submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in the subject ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: PROF. L.R. BROWN DECEMBER 2013 “Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher 'standard of living' is worth its cost in things natural, wild and free. For us of the minority, the opportunity to see geese is more important that television.” Aldo Leopold 2 Abstract The Mogale’s Gate Biodiversity Centre is a 3 060 ha reserve located within the Gauteng province. The area comprises grassland with woodland patches in valleys and lower-lying areas. To develop a scientifically based management plan a detailed vegetation study was undertaken to identify and describe the different ecosystems present. From a TWINSPAN classification twelve plant communities, which can be grouped into nine major communities, were identified. A classification and description of the plant communities, as well as, a management plan are presented. The area comprises 80% grassland and 20% woodland with 109 different plant families. The centre has a grazing capacity of 5.7 ha/LSU with a moderate to good veld condition. From the results of this study it is clear that the area makes a significant contribution towards carbon storage with a total of 0.520 tC/ha/yr stored in all the plant communities. KEYWORDS Mogale’s Gate Biodiversity Centre, Braun-Blanquet, TWINSPAN, JUICE, GRAZE, floristic composition, carbon storage 3 Declaration I, Alistair Sean Tuckett, declare that “A PLANT ECOLOGICAL STUDY AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MOGALE’S GATE BIODIVERSITY CENTRE, GAUTENG” is my own work and that all sources that I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references. -
Original Articles
ORIGINAL ARTICLES NO~OUSTOADSANDFROGSOF all over the body, whereas granular glands are localised in special regions, such as the paratoid poison glands behind the SOUTH AFRICA head in toads. Because of their locality the paratoid glands, which do not secrete saliva, are often erroneously referred to as L Pantanowitz, TW aude, A Leisewitz 'parotid' glands. Granular glands produce a thicker, more toxic secretion. However, secretion from both mucous and granular glands may be poisonous.' While nearly all amphibians have a The major defence mechanism in frogs is via the secretion of trace of toxin in their skin: this is not equally developed in the toxins from their skin. In humans, intoxication may occur different genera. Both gland types are under the control of when part of the amphibian integument is ingested, as in the sympathetic nerves and discharge following a variety of l form of herbal medicines. Two groups of South African frogs stimuli. " Mucous glands secrete mainly when stimulated by have skin secretions that are potentially lethal to humans and dryness, whereas granular glands require pressure, injury or animals. Toad (BlIfo and Schismademla pecies), the any stress to the animal to cause secretion."'" With some amphibian with which man and his pets most frequently exceptions, notably BI/fv lIlaril/lIS (not a South African toad), have contact, secrete potent toxins with cardiac glycoside pre-metamorphic larvae lack toxic properties as granular activity. Topical and systemic intoxication, while seen in glands develop only at metamorphosis." humans, remains predominantly a veterinary problem. Amphibians are not equipped for speed, nor do they have Intoxication by the red-banded rubber frog, which secretes an any armament; as such they rely predominantly on chemical unidentified cardiotoxin, is far less common. -
[email protected] June 2017 CONTENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED ESKOM INYANINGA SUBSTATION AND INYANINGA – MBEWU 400KV POWERLINE, KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE: FAUNA & FLORA SPECIALIST REPORT FOR EIA PRODUCED FOR NSOVO ON BEHALF OF ESKOM DISTRIBUTION BY [email protected] June 2017 CONTENTS Executive Summary ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Scope of Study ........................................................................................................................ 3 1.2 Assessment Approach & Philosophy ............................................................................... 4 1.3 Relevant Aspects of the Development ........................................................................... 7 2 Methodology ..................................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Data Sourcing and Review .................................................................................................. 8 2.2 Site Visit ..................................................................................................................................... 9 2.3 Sampling Limitations and Assumptions ....................................................................... 10 2.4 Sensitivity Mapping & Assessment ............................................................................... -
Reptiles & Amphibians
AWF FOUR CORNERS TBNRM PROJECT : REVIEWS OF EXISTING BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION i Published for The African Wildlife Foundation's FOUR CORNERS TBNRM PROJECT by THE ZAMBEZI SOCIETY and THE BIODIVERSITY FOUNDATION FOR AFRICA 2004 PARTNERS IN BIODIVERSITY The Zambezi Society The Biodiversity Foundation for Africa P O Box HG774 P O Box FM730 Highlands Famona Harare Bulawayo Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Tel: +263 4 747002-5 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.biodiversityfoundation.org Website : www.zamsoc.org The Zambezi Society and The Biodiversity Foundation for Africa are working as partners within the African Wildlife Foundation's Four Corners TBNRM project. The Biodiversity Foundation for Africa is responsible for acquiring technical information on the biodiversity of the project area. The Zambezi Society will be interpreting this information into user-friendly formats for stakeholders in the Four Corners area, and then disseminating it to these stakeholders. THE BIODIVERSITY FOUNDATION FOR AFRICA (BFA is a non-profit making Trust, formed in Bulawayo in 1992 by a group of concerned scientists and environmentalists. Individual BFA members have expertise in biological groups including plants, vegetation, mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, aquatic invertebrates and ecosystems. The major objective of the BFA is to undertake biological research into the biodiversity of sub-Saharan Africa, and to make the resulting information more accessible. Towards this end it provides technical, ecological and biosystematic expertise. THE ZAMBEZI SOCIETY was established in 1982. Its goals include the conservation of biological diversity and wilderness in the Zambezi Basin through the application of sustainable, scientifically sound natural resource management strategies. -
Mammals, Birds, Herps
Zambezi Basin Wetlands Volume II : Chapters 3 - 6 - Contents i Back to links page CONTENTS VOLUME II Technical Reviews Page CHAPTER 3 : REDUNCINE ANTELOPE ........................ 145 3.1 Introduction ................................................................. 145 3.2 Phylogenetic origins and palaeontological background 146 3.3 Social organisation and behaviour .............................. 150 3.4 Population status and historical declines ................... 151 3.5 Taxonomy and status of Reduncine populations ......... 159 3.6 What are the species of Reduncine antelopes? ............ 168 3.7 Evolution of Reduncine antelopes in the Zambezi Basin ....................................................................... 177 3.8 Conservation ................................................................ 190 3.9 Conclusions and recommendations ............................. 192 3.10 References .................................................................... 194 TABLE 3.4 : Checklist of wetland antelopes occurring in the principal Zambezi Basin wetlands .................. 181 CHAPTER 4 : SMALL MAMMALS ................................. 201 4.1 Introduction ..................................................... .......... 201 4.2 Barotseland small mammals survey ........................... 201 4.3 Zambezi Delta small mammal survey ....................... 204 4.4 References .................................................................. 210 CHAPTER 5 : WETLAND BIRDS ...................................... 213 5.1 Introduction .................................................................. -
Morphological and Kinematic Specializations of Walking Frogs
Received: 3 May 2018 Accepted: 7 May 2018 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2182 RESEARCH ARTICLE Morphological and kinematic specializations of walking frogs Crystal M. Reynaga1 Henry C. Astley2 Emanuel Azizi1 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, Abstract California The anuran body plan is defined by morphological features associated with saltatory locomotion, 2Biomimicry Research & Innovation Center, but these specializations may have functional consequences for other modes of locomotion. Sev- Departments of Biology and Polymer Science, eral frog species use a quadrupedal walking gait as their primary mode of locomotion, character- University of Akron, Akron, Ohio ized by limbs that move in diagonal pairs. Here, we examine how walking species may deviate from Correspondence the ancestral body plan and how the kinematics of a quadrupedal gait are modified to accommo- Crystal M. Reynaga, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, date the anuran body plan. We use a comparative analysis of limb lengths to test the hypothesis Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697. that quadrupedal anurans shift away from the standard anuran condition defined by short fore- Email: [email protected] limbs and long hindlimbs. We also use three-dimensional high-speed videography in four anuran Funding information species (Kassina senegalensis, Melanophryniscus stelzneri, Phrynomantis bifasciatus,andPhyllomedusa Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biol- ogy, University of California, Irvine; Graduate hypochondrialis) to characterize footfall patterns and body posture during quadrupedal locomo- Division, University of California, Irvine; Office tion, measuring the angle and timing of joint excursions in the fore- and hindlimb during walk- of Postsecondary Education, Grant/Award ing to compare kinematics between limbs of disparate lengths. -
Southern African Frogs
AFRICAN SNAKEBITE INSTITUTE – Johan Marais Checklist: Southern African Frogs Scientific Name Common Name Afrikaans Common Name Afrixalus aureus Golden Leaf-folding Frog Goueblaarvoupadda Afrixalus crotalus Snoring Leaf-folding Frog Snorkblaarvoupadda Afrixalus delicatus Delicate Leaf-folding Frog Delikate Blaarvoupadda Afrixalus fornasinii Greater Leaf-folding Frog Grootblaarvoupadda Afrixalus knysnae Knysna Leaf-folding Frog Knysna-blaarvoupadda Afrixalus spinifrons Natal Leaf-folding Frog Natalse Blaarvoupadda Amietia fuscigula Cape River Frog Kaapse Rivierpadda Amietia inyangae Inyanga River Frog Inyanga-rivierpadda Amietia poyntoni Poynton’s River Frog Poynton se Rivierpadda Amietia quecketti Queckett’s River Frog Queckett se Rivierpadda Amietia umbraculata Maluti River Frog Maluti Rivierpadda Amietia vandijki Van Dijk's River Frog Van Dijk se Rivierpadda Amietia vertebralis Phofung River Frog Phofung Rivierpadda Amietophrynus garmani Eastern Olive Toad Olyfskurwepadda Amietophrynus gutturalis Guttural Toad Gorrelskurwepadda Amietophrynus lemairii Lemaire's Toad Lemaire se Skurwepadda Amietophrynus maculatus Flat-backed Toad Gestreepte Skurwepadda Amietophrynus pantherinus Western Leopard Toad Westelike Luiperdskurwepadda Amietophrynus pardalis Eastern Leopard Toad Oostelike Luiperdskurwepadda Amietophrynus poweri Western Olive Toad Power se Skurwepadda Amietophrynus rangeri Raucous Toad Lawaaiskurwepadda Anhydrophryne hewitti Natal Chirping Frog Natalse Kwetterpadda Anhydrophryne ngongoniensis Mistbelt Chirping Frog Misbeltkwetterpadda -
Keys to Tadpoles and Frogs
Keys to tadpoles and frogs Extracted from: Du Preez, L.H. & Carruthers, V.C. (2009) Complete guide to Frogs of Southern Africa. Random House Struik, Cape Town. FIELD KEY TO THE GENERA OF ADULT FROGS The first part of this field key deals with adult frogs (as opposed to tadpoles), and enables identification to the generic level only, except in those instances where the genus contains only one species, which is then named. KEY TO FROG GENERA a. Hard claws on b. No hard claws on the toes 1 3 toes of each foot Platannas Xenopus pp.328–337 ...................... 2 2 a. Pupil vertically b. Pupil circular elongated in bright light or horizontally elongated in bright light ................. 3 ................ 10 3 a. Adhesive terminal b. No adhesive terminal discs on fingers discs on fingers or toes or toes (may be no wider than the toe in some instances) ..................... 4 ................... 7 4 a. Terminal discs on b. Terminal discs fingers spatulate on fingers, not (squared off at the tip) squared off at the tip .................. 5 ................. 6 5 a. Known from the b. Known from the extreme north Western Cape of the Eastern and western Cape, KwaZulu- part of the Natal and Eastern Cape Mpumalanga Natal Cascade Frog Ghost Frogs Hadromophryne natalensis Heleophryne pp.196–199 pp.200–213 6 a. Red or pinkish coloration in the groin b. No red or pinkish coloration in the groin Red-legged Kassina Kassina maculata pp.274–275 ................... 7 7 a. Tympanum b. Tympanum clearly visible concealed Leaf-folding Tree Frogs Frogs Leptopelis Afrixalus pp.88–101 pp.222–235 8 a. -
De Vertebrados De Moçambique Checklist of Vertebrates of Mozambique
‘Checklist’ de Vertebrados de Moçambique Checklist of Vertebrates of Mozambique Michael F. Schneider*, Victorino A. Buramuge, Luís Aliasse & Filipa Serfontein * autor para a correspondência – author for correspondence [email protected] Universidade Eduardo Mondlane Faculdade de Agronomia e Engenharia Florestal Departamento de Engenharia Florestal Maputo, Moçambique Abril de 2005 financiado por – funded by IUCN Mozambique Fundo Para a Gestão dos Recursos Naturais e Ambiente (FGRNA) Projecto No 17/2004/FGRNA/PES/C2CICLO2 Índice – Table of Contents Abreviaturas – Abbreviations..............................................................................2 Nomes vernáculos – vernacular names: .............................................................3 Referências bibliográficas – Bibliographic References ......................................4 Checklist de Mamíferos- Checklist of Mammals ................................................5 Checklist de Aves- Checklist of Birds ..............................................................38 Checklist de Répteis- Checklist of Reptiles ....................................................102 Checklist de Anfíbios- Checklist of Amphibians............................................124 Checklist de Peixes- Checklist of Fish............................................................130 1 Abreviaturas - Abbreviations * espécie introduzida – introduced species ? ocorrência duvidosa – occurrence uncertain end. espécie endémica (só avaliada para mamíferos, aves e répteis) – endemic species (only