DOCSLIB.ORG

Kalumines Baseline Biodiversity Assessment

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Kalumines Baseline Biodiversity Assessment 2010 Sani Pass Road Upgrade: Baseline Biodiversity Assessment of the Aquatic Ecosystems of the Sani Pass Region, Southern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal GroundTruth Biomonitoring Services and Environmental Consultants January 2010 i Sani Pass - Aquatic Biodiversity Baseline Assessment 2010 Executive Summary A joint venture between the Department of Transport (DoT) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (KZN DoT) plans to upgrade the current Sani Pass road between the old Good Hope Trading Post and its summit at the Lesotho border. The proposed road upgrade plans to re-surface the existing gravel road to a hardened- surface, all-weather road. The road passes through the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site and thus has significant importance in terms of its conservation and biodiversity value. This report provides a description of the current ecological condition of the aquatic environment associated with the Sani Pass project, and reports on the results obtained from a wet season biological survey conducted during 2008/2009. The primary focus was on establishing a biodiversity baseline against which to reference the impacts that may occur as a result of construction and operation of the proposed road upgrade, as well as identifying the key impacts and issues which are likely to arise for the biodiversity assets of the area. As part of the baseline investigations, various aquatic biomonitoring methods were used to determine the current condition of the aquatic environment within the Sani Pass area. These methods were used to give an indication of the current ecological status using indices based on water clarity, benthic diatoms and aquatic macroinvertebrates. Preliminary findings from the biomonitoring indicators showed that the aquatic ecosystems within the area are in a good condition. However, observations have shown that these systems have, for some time, been heavily impacted upon due to large quantities of sediments (largely generated from the current road condition), entering the aquatic ecosystems. This has serious long-term implications in terms of the future sustainability of these systems. Ultimately there is the risk of a loss in valuable ecological goods and services. To highlight the importance of aquatic habitats within the context of the Sani Pass area, efforts were made to determine the species composition of important taxonomical groups, i.e. amphibians and ichthyofauna, and to establish whether there are any species that occur or potentially occur in the area which have a high ecological significance. This was achieved through desktop studies and field surveys. The results of this exercise highlighted that the Sani Pass, and its immediate surrounds, support a wide array of important species that are dependent on the ongoing protection of aquatic habitats. For the Mkhomazana River system, these include several important frog species, some protected based on their conservation status, as well as the Maloti Minnow whose Mkhomazana River population is apparently now extinct. Beyond the extent of the Sani Pass project, and extending into Lesotho, is a small population of the endangered Maloti Minnow, along with high-altitude endemic frog species. This emphasises the importance of managing the broader area (beyond the immediate extent of the Sani Pass project) and its surroundings to ensure i Sani Aquatic Baseline Biodiversity Assessment 2010 environmentally sensitive developments follow the Sani Pass road upgrade, and once accessibility to the summit of the pass and beyond into Lesotho is undoubtedly made easier. To facilitate the protection of the aquatic environment, the various aquatic habitats occurring within the Sani Pass area were assessed through an identification and mapping process to determine the location of these systems in relation to the Sani Pass road. Particular emphasis was given to identify which of these areas are considered important and/or sensitive within the context of the proposed road upgrade. Within the complex network of aquatic systems occurring within the area, several rivers and wetlands were noted as being particularly important. Key issues associated with the aquatic environments for this project include impacts related to: sedimentation (from road runoff) – an existing problem in this system due to poor management and design of the current Sani Pass road, chemical contamination, modified hydrology, habitat degradation and loss, and loss of biodiversity road crossings which may impact on wetlands within the project area. Of these, sedimentation was determined as the most significant issue with the potential to negatively impact on the aquatic ecosystems in the Sani Pass area. Driving the problems associated with sedimentation, modified hydrology was also considered to be an important impact that requires consideration during the proposed road upgrade. Chemical contamination, habitat degradation and loss, and loss of biodiversity were found to have a low impact rating. However, consideration of such issues throughout the construction and operation of the road is still important. Recommendations are given for the mitigation of the aforementioned issues. Should these be incorporated into the management interventions of the road upgrade, impacts may be considerably reduced, and improvements over the current state of the aquatic ecosystems realised in the road upgrade. Therefore the upgrading of the Sani Pass road has potential to reduce current impacts, particularly from the outset of the operational phase, and allow for ecosystem restoration to take place. Most notable improvements relate to significant reductions to impacts associated with sedimentation and modified hydrology. However, the potential for cumulative impacts arising in the long term are probable given the increased development opportunities that will evolve through improved road access. Such issues, although beyond the scope of this project, would need to be considered in terms of their potential impacts on the aquatic environment. The conclusions drawn from this report are a reflection of the results available during this stage of the project and cover a single season of fieldwork and sampling. The findings that will be documented in the final report will include both wet and dry season surveys and the recommendations adapted to reflect the findings from the final assessment. ii Sani Aquatic Baseline Biodiversity Assessment 2010 Table of Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................................... i Table of Contents ...................................................................................................... iii List of Tables and Figures .......................................................................................... v Tables ................................................................................................................... v Figures .................................................................................................................. vi Abbreviations ........................................................................................................... vii Definitions ............................................................................................................... viii 1. Indemnity and Conditions Relating to this Report........................................... 1 2. Introduction .................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Project description ......................................................................................... 3 2.2 Legislation for the protection of the aquatic environment ............................... 3 2.2.1 The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) .................................. 3 2.2.2 The National Water Act (NWA) ...................................................................... 4 2.3 Objectives ...................................................................................................... 4 3. Methods ......................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Study area ..................................................................................................... 5 3.2 Desktop studies ............................................................................................. 6 3.2.1 Conservation status ....................................................................................... 6 3.3 Appropriate aquatic biomonitoring indicators ................................................. 7 3.3.1 Water quality indicators.................................................................................. 7 3.3.2 Benthic diatoms ............................................................................................. 8 3.3.3 Aquatic macroinvertebrates ........................................................................... 8 3.4 Data analysis and interpretation of data ......................................................... 9 3.5 Establishing aquatic biodiversity assets ....................................................... 11 3.5.1 Herpetofauna – frogs ................................................................................... 11 3.5.2 Ichthyofauna – fish ....................................................................................... 11 3.5.3 Aquatic ecosystems ..................................................................................... 12 3.6 Impact assessment
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Strongylopus Hymenopus (Boulenger, 1920) (Anura: Pyxicephalidae)
    A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF AMIETIA VERTEBRALIS (HEWITT, 1927) AND STRONGYLOPUS HYMENOPUS (BOULENGER, 1920) (ANURA: PYXICEPHALIDAE) Jeanne Berkeljon A dissertation submitted in partial fuIJilment of the requirementsfor the degree of Master of Environmental Science North- West University (Potchefitroom campus) Supervisor: Prof Louis du Preez (North-West University) Co-supervisor: Dr Michael Cunningham (University of the Free State) November 2007 Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the fieedom of the mountaineer... Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares drop ofSlike autumn leaves. John Muir (1838 - 1914) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS VIII 1.1 Background 1 1.2 A review of the literature 3 1.2.2 Taxonomic history of the Aquatic River Frog, Amietia vertebralis 3 1.2.3 Taxonomic history of the Berg Stream Frog, 7 Strongylopus hymenopus 7 1.3 Research aims and objectives 9 2.1 Study area 2.1.1 Lesotho and the Drakensberg Mountains 2.2 Species Description 2.2.1 Description of the Aquatic River Frog, Amietia vertebralis 2.2.2 Description of the Berg Stream Frog, Strongylopus hymenopus 2.3 Species Distribution 2.3.1 Distribution of Amietia vertebralis 2.3.2 Distribution of Strongylopus hymenopus 2.4 Conservation status 2.5 General Methods 2.5.1 Fieldwork 2.5.2 Morphometrics 2.5.3 Molecular analysis CHAPTER3 : MORPHOMETRICASSESSMENT OF AMETIA VERTEBRALIS AND STRONGYLOPUSHYMENOPUS 33 3.1 Abstract
    [Show full text]
  • Factors Affecting the Occurrence and Abundance of the Natal Cascade Frog
    Factors affecting the occurrence and abundance of the Natal Cascade frog, Hadromophryne natalensis, at Mariepskop, South Africa by KATRINA HEATHER DU TOIT Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ECOLOGY FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA PRETORIA SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR WILLEM FERGUSON JUNE 2016 i © University of Pretoria Factors affecting the abundance and occurrence of the Natal cascade frog, Hadromophryne natalensis along streams at Mariepskop, Limpopo Student: Katrina Heather du Toit Supervisor: Professor Willem Ferguson Centre for Environmental Studies University of Pretoria Pretoria, 0002 Email: willemferguson@zoology.up.ac.za Submitted for the degree Master of Science (Environmental Ecology) in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science ii © University of Pretoria SUMMARY Amphibians have long been recognized as excellent indicators of both biological and ecological health of ecosystems, as they occupy many habitats and environments and have a diverse range of impacts on their immediate environments. It is thus important to investigate the critical habitat requirements, as well as the preferred environmental variables that are associated with different amphibian species in order to provide insight into conservation and management plans, and to predict what effects climate change and disease might have on amphibian populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the abundance and occurrence of the Natal cascade frog, Hadromophryne natalensis on Mariepskop Mountain in Limpopo, South Africa. In this regard, we investigated what environmental factors had an effect on the occurrence and temporal variation of H. natalensis (i.e. pH, water temperature, stream substrate) and, determined when the optimal breeding period of H.
    [Show full text]
  • Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) Categories Approved by Recommendation 4.7, As Amended by Resolution VIII.13 of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
    Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) Categories approved by Recommendation 4.7, as amended by Resolution VIII.13 of the Conference of the Contracting Parties. Note for compilers: 1. The RIS should be completed in accordance with the attached Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for completing the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands. Compilers are strongly advised to read this guidance before filling in the RIS. 2. Once completed, the RIS (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Ramsar Bureau. Compilers are strongly urged to provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the RIS and, where possible, digital copies of maps. 1. Name and address of the compiler of this form: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY. DD MM YY Ms Limpho Motanya, Department of Water Affairs. Ministry of Natural Resources, P O Box 772, Maseru, LESOTHO. Designation date Site Reference Number 2. Date this sheet was completed/updated: October 2003 3. Country: LESOTHO 4. Name of the Ramsar site: Lets`eng - la – Letsie 5. Map of site included: Refer to Annex III of the Explanatory Note and Guidelines, for detailed guidance on provision of suitable maps. a) hard copy (required for inclusion of site in the Ramsar List): yes (X) -or- no b) digital (electronic) format (optional): yes (X) -or- no 6. Geographical coordinates (latitude/longitude): The area lies between 30º 17´ 02´´ S and 30º 21´ 53´´ S; 28º 08´ 53´´ E and 28º 15´ 30´´ E xx 7. General location: Include in which part of the country and which large administrative region(s), and the location of the nearest large town.
    [Show full text]
  • Influence of Waterfalls on Patterns of Association
    INFLUENCE OF WATERFALLS ON PATTERNS OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TROUT AND NATAL CASCADE FROG HADROMOPHRYNE NATALENSIS TADPOLES IN TWO HEADWATERSTREAMS OF THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE by ROBERT JEFFERY KARSSING Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA) SUPERVISOR: DR K. SLATER CO-SUPERVISOR: DR. N. RIVERS-MOORE JUNE 2010 I INFLUENCE OF WATERFALLS ON PATTERNS OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TROUT AND NATAL CASCADE FROG TADPOLES HADROMOPHRYNE NATALENSIS IN TWO HEADWATER STREAMS OF THE UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE Robert Jeffrey Karssing Supervisors: Dr. K. Slater1 Dr. N. River-Moore2 Departments: 1Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA) 2 Consulting Freshwater Ecologist Submitted for the degree of Master of Science (Environmental Science) in the School of Environmental Sciences. SUMMARY Current literature suggests that little, if any, research has been conducted in South Africa to determine the impact of alien invasive trout on indigenous amphibian biodiversity. The primary aim of the research project was to establish whether waterfalls are seasonally important in protecting the indigenous Natal Cascade Frog Hadromophryne natalensis tadpole populations from predation by alien rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta at two sampling areas located at Injesuthi and Monk‟s Cowl Nature Reserve within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site (UDPWHS). The dissertation argues in favour of a biotic rationale, namely trout predation, as being the primary cause for the decline of H. natalensis tadpoles below the waterfalls and systematically negates the influence of geo-physical (abiotic) environmental factors on II tadpole abundance.
    [Show full text]
  • 21 the Use of F10 As a Treatment for Bacterial
    THE USE OF F10 AS A TREATMENT FOR BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL DISEASE IN ANURANS Michelle Barrows, BSc, BVMS, CertZooMed,1* Katja Koeppel, BVMS, MSc, CertZooMed1 and Gabby Drake, BSc, BVSc2 1Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; 2Birch Heath Veterinary Clinic, Birch Heath Road, Tarporley, Cheshire, UK ABSTRACT F10 is a veterinary disinfectant which contains quaternary ammonium and biguanidine compounds which act synergistically to kill a wide range of viruses, bacteria, fungi and spores. It is available in various formulations, including a concentrated disinfectant for dilution with water (F10SC; Health and Hygiene) and an ointment (F10 germicidal barrier ointment; Health and Hygiene). These products have been used by the authors and others on a wide variety of vertebrates and show efficacy at low concentrations, with short contact times and with minimal tissue irritation.1-4 In amphibians the systemic absorption of topical medications is a particular concern, however there is one report of the topical use of F10SC to treat ulcerative skin disease in 21 Tomato Frogs Dyscophus guinetti.5 Here we report the use of F10 products in other anurans, including painted reed frogs Hyperolius marmoratus, guttural toads, Amietophrynus gutturalis and a Natal ghost frog, Helophryne natalensi. Two guttural toads presented with skin discolouration, vesicles and ulcers of the rostrum and plantar surfaces of the distal limbs. Inappropriate substrate was thought to be the underlying cause with bacteria and yeasts cultured as secondary contaminants (Acinetobacter sp, Cryptococcus laurentii and Candida tropicalis). Daily application of F10 germicidal barrier ointment in combination with systemic enrofloxacin at 5 mg/kg s.i.d.
    [Show full text]
  • Supporting Information Tables
    Mapping the Global Emergence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Deanna H. Olson, David M. Aanensen, Kathryn L. Ronnenberg, Christopher I. Powell, Susan F. Walker, Jon Bielby, Trenton W. J. Garner, George Weaver, the Bd Mapping Group, and Matthew C. Fisher Supplemental Information Taxonomic Notes Genera were assigned to families for summarization (Table 1 in main text) and analysis (Table 2 in main text) based on the most recent available comprehensive taxonomic references (Frost et al. 2006, Frost 2008, Frost 2009, Frost 2011). We chose recent family designations to explore patterns of Bd susceptibility and occurrence because these classifications were based on both genetic and morphological data, and hence may more likely yield meaningful inference. Some North American species were assigned to genus according to Crother (2008), and dendrobatid frogs were assigned to family and genus based on Grant et al. (2006). Eleutherodactylid frogs were assigned to family and genus based on Hedges et al. (2008); centrolenid frogs based on Cisneros-Heredia et al. (2007). For the eleutherodactylid frogs of Central and South America and the Caribbean, older sources count them among the Leptodactylidae, whereas Frost et al. (2006) put them in the family Brachycephalidae. More recent work (Heinicke et al. 2007) suggests that most of the genera that were once “Eleutherodactylus” (including those species currently assigned to the genera Eleutherodactylus, Craugastor, Euhyas, Phrynopus, and Pristimantis and assorted others), may belong in a separate, or even several different new families. Subsequent work (Hedges et al. 2008) has divided them among three families, the Craugastoridae, the Eleutherodactylidae, and the Strabomantidae, which were used in our classification.
    [Show full text]
  • Zootaxa, Maluti Mystery: a Systematic Review of Amietia Vertebralis (Hewitt, 1927) And
    Zootaxa 1962: 33–48 (2008) ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2008 · Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) Maluti Mystery: A systematic review of Amietia vertebralis (Hewitt, 1927) and Strongylopus hymenopus (Boulenger, 1920) (Anura: Pyxicephalidae) JEANNE TARRANT1,3, MICHAEL J. CUNNINGHAM2 & LOUIS H. DU PREEZ1 1School of Environmental Science & Development, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520,South Africa. Email: Louis.duPreez@nwu.ac.za 2Department of Zoology,University of the Free State, Private Bag x 13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, South Africa. Email: cunninghammj@qwa.ufs.ac.za 3Corresponding author. E-mail: jeannetarrant@ymail.com Abstract The taxonomic status of Amietia vertebralis and Strongylopus hymenopus, two frogs restricted to the Maluti-Drakens- berg highlands in southern Africa, is unclear. Here, morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses elucidate the systematic position of these two species. Type specimens of both species were examined and compared with more recent collections to clarify their identity. These comparisons revealed discrepancies between the original application of these names and their current usage. The holotype and original description of A. vertebralis match specimens from an extant population at that species’ type locality that are currently assigned to S. hymenopus. Furthermore, the type specimen of S. hymenopus is of uncertain provenance and does not match well with either of the forms currently associated with these names. We assessed both intraspecific and interspecific variability using DNA sequence data. Broad sampling of the form currently assigned to A. vertebralis revealed very little genetic variation thereby dispelling the hypothesis that this is a compound taxon.
    [Show full text]
  • Umsonti Private Nature Reserve
    uMsonti Private Nature Reserve KwaZulu-Natal South Africa Protected Area Management Plan July 2018 Authorisation This Management Plan for uMsonti Private Nature Reserve is approved: TITLE NAME SIGNATURE AND DATE KwaZulu-Natal MEC: Mr Sihle Zikalala Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Recommended TITLE NAME SIGNATURE AND DATE Chief Executive Officer: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Chairperson Biodiversity Conservation Operations Management Committee Chairperson People and Conservation Operations Committee Chairperson: Mr Rob Hoatson uMsonti Private Nature Prepared by Endangered Wildlife Trust Citation uMsonti Private Nature Reserve: Management Plan. Version 1.0, (2018) [Endangered Wildlife Trust]. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 Purpose of the plan ...................................................................................................... 7 1.2 Structure of the plan .................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 9 1.4 The values of uMsonti Private Nature Reserve.......................................................... 10 1.4.1 Protection of the values ..................................................................................... 12 1.4.2 Ecosystem-based management ........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Risk and Benefit Assessment for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) in South Africa
    Biodiversity Risk and Benefit Assessment for Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in South Africa Prepared in Accordance with Section 14 of the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, 2014 (Government Notice R 598 of 01 August 2014), promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004). September 2019 Biodiversity Risk and Benefit Assessment for Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in South Africa Document Title Biodiversity Risk and Benefit Assessment for Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in South Africa. Edition Date September 2019 Prepared For Directorate: Sustainable Aquaculture Management Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Private Bag X2 Roggebaai, 8001 www.daff.gov.za/daffweb3/Branches/Fisheries- Management/Aquaculture-and-Economic- Development Originally Prepared By Dr B. Clark (2012) Anchor Environmental Consultants Reviewed, Updated and Mr. E. Hinrichsen Recompiled By AquaEco as commisioned by Ecosense (2019) 1 | P a g e Biodiversity Risk and Benefit Assessment for Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in South Africa CONTENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................... 4 LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................. 7 LIST OF TABLES.................................................................................................................................... 8 1. INTRODUCTION
    [Show full text]
  • Impact Assessment Report
    WAAIHOEK BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM AND RESEVOIR: TERRESTRIAL BIODVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT PROPOSED WAAIHOEK BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEM AND RESEVOIR, EMADLANGENI LM, KWAZULU-NATAL TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT Prepared for: Waaihoek Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd A subsidiary of South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power Developments (Pty) Ltd 4th Floor, Mariendahl House, Newlands on Main Corner Main and Campground Roads Claremont, 7708, Cape Town 021 657 4045 www.mainstreamrp.com Prepared by: Cape Town Also, in Cape Town, East London, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Maputo (Mozambique) and Romsey (UK) www.cesnet.co.za JANUARY 2021 Terrestrial Biodiversity Impact Assessment Report REVISIONS TRACKING TABLE CES Report Revision and Tracking Schedule Document Title: Waaihoek Battery Storage System and Reservoir Ecological Impact Assessment Report Client Name & Mainstream Renewable Power Address: Status: Final Issue Date: January 2021 Authors: Ms Tarryn Martin T.Martin@cesnet.co.za Dr Greer Hawley G.Hawley@cesnet.co.za Ms Amber Jackson A.Jackson@cesnet.co.za Reviewer: Dr Greer Hawley G.Hawley@cesnet.co.za No. of hard No. electronic Report Distribution Circulated to copies copies Report Version Date 12 January 2021 This document has been prepared in accordance with the scope of CES’s appointment and contains intellectual property and proprietary information that is protected by copyright in favour of CES. The document may therefore not be reproduced, used or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of CES. This document is prepared exclusively for use by CES’s client. CES accepts no liability for any use of this document other than by Info@cesnet.co.za its client and only for the purposes for which it was prepared.
    [Show full text]
  • Taxonomy of African River Frogs (Pyxicephalidae, Amietia) on the Drakensberg Mountains in Southern Africa
    Zootaxa 3925 (2): 271–280 ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ Article ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2015 Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3925.2.8 http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EDA5F834-F90A-46E7-A987-448A02F77AC9 The Maluti Mystery revisited: Taxonomy of African River Frogs (Pyxicephalidae, Amietia) on the Drakensberg Mountains in southern Africa ALAN CHANNING Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa Abstract The taxonomy of two similar frogs from the top of the Drakensberg escarpment, the Maluti River Frog and the Phofung River Frog is not settled. I examine the relevant types and type descriptions, and discover a number of errors in the liter- ature. Some of the recent taxonomic changes were found to be unsupported. The Maluti River Frog is assigned to Amietia vertebralis (Hewitt, 1927), and the Phofung River Frog to Amietia hymenopus (Boulenger, 1920). Key words: Drakensberg, taxonomy, Amietia, Strongylopus, types Introduction The Maluti-Drakensberg highlands are the home to three River Frogs: Queckett's River Frog, the Maluti River Frog and the Phofung River Frog. The latter two possess umbracula, and have been confused in collections. Tarrant et al. (2008) suggested the common names Maluti River Frog for the larger species, and Phofung River Frog for the smaller species. Queckett's River frog Amietia quecketti (Boulenger, 1895) was recognised as a good species by Channing & Baptista (2013). The taxonomy of the other two species is not stable. The Maluti River Frog has recently been referred to Amietia vertebralis and later Amietia umbraculata, while the Phofung River Frog may be Amietia vertebralis, Amietia hymenopus, or it may be in the genus Strongylopus (Poynton 1964, Tarrant et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Systematics of the African River Frog Genus Amietia (Anura
    University of Texas at El Paso DigitalCommons@UTEP Open Access Theses & Dissertations 2015-01-01 Systematics Of The African River Frog Genus Amietia (anura: Pyxicephalidae) From Eastern Democratic Republic Of The onC go Thornton Robert Larson University of Texas at El Paso, larson_thornton@yahoo.com Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.utep.edu/open_etd Part of the Biodiversity Commons, Biology Commons, Developmental Biology Commons, and the Evolution Commons Recommended Citation Larson, Thornton Robert, "Systematics Of The African River Frog Genus Amietia (anura: Pyxicephalidae) From Eastern Democratic Republic Of The onC go" (2015). Open Access Theses & Dissertations. 1085. https://digitalcommons.utep.edu/open_etd/1085 This is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UTEP. It has been accepted for inclusion in Open Access Theses & Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UTEP. For more information, please contact lweber@utep.edu. SYSTEMATICS OF THE AFRICAN RIVER FROG GENUS AMIETIA (ANURA: PYXICEPHALIDAE) FROM EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO THORNTON LARSON Department of Biological Sciences APPROVED: Eli Greenbaum, Ph.D., Chair Jerry D. Johnson, Ph.D. Shizue Mito, Ph.D. Charles Amber, Ph.D. Dean of the Graduate School Copyright © by Thornton R. Larson 2015 SYSTEMATICS OF THE AFRICAN RIVER FROG GENUS AMIETIA (ANURA: PYXICEPHALIDAE) FROM EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO by THORNTON R. LARSON, B.S. THESIS Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at El Paso in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Biological Sciences THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO May 2015 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like thank my family for their support through the whole graduate process and encouraging me to have a fascination with nature and the outdoors.
    [Show full text]