Browsing Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) - MSc (Biodiv & Cons Biol) by Title
Now showing items 62-81 of 131
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Identifying and mapping invasive alien plant individuals and stands from aerial photography and satellite images in the central Hawequa conservation area
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)The Cape Floristic Region, situated at the southern tip of Africa, is one of the world’s most botanically diverse regions. The biodiversity of this region faces various types of threats, which can be divided into three ... -
Impacts and control of alien Proteaceae invasion in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Research focused on ecological impacts and control of invasive alien species (IAS) is gaining attention worldwide. The eradication and control of invasive alien plants (IAP) is essential for the restoration of native plant ... -
Impacts of the invasive reed Arundo donax on biodiversity at the community-ecosystem level
(University of the Western Cape, 2007)Arundo donax is an invasive species that mostly impacts on sensitive riparian ecosystems. Arundo is also invasive in South Africa, though less is known about its ecology, biology, and impacts. Since California and the ... -
Implications of potential biome boundary shifts for small mammal assemblages in the arid zone
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Desertification deteriorates the landscape functionality of rangelands, affecting the resilience of biome boundaries which have a cascade effect not only in vegetation composition and characteristics but also in animal ... -
In vivo effects of crinum macowanii on the rat cardiovascular system
(University of the Western Cape, 2007)Crinum macowanii (C. macowanii) (Amaryllidacea) as authenticated by Mr. F. Weitz at the Herbarium, University of the Western cape, is widely used a traditional remedy and is thought to have therapeutic value (Fennell and ... -
The inorganic pollution of the Franschhoek River : sources and solutions
(University of the Western Cape, 2011)The aim of the study was to quantify the extent of inorganic chemical pollution of the Franschhoek River and draw relationships between contaminants in water, sediment and plants. The invasive Acacia mearnsii and Salix ... -
Interannual changes in abundance and distribution of jellyfish along the west coast of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)Hydromedusae are mostly carnivorous planktivores that under ideal conditions can reproduce and accumulate to form dense masses of jellyfish, known as blooms. These jellyfish blooms may have various impacts on their surrounding ... -
Intra- and inter-population variation in the bladder grasshopper Bullacris unicolor
(University of the Western Cape, 2014)Although the processes that promote biodiversity and speciation remain poorly understood, ecological factors are thought to be one of the causal agents responsible for promoting variation. Bladder grasshoppers (Orthoptera; ... -
Intra- and interspecific variability in the distribution patterns and diet of the two most common catsharks caught in demersal trawls off the West and South coasts of South Africa: Evidence for habitat and resource partitioning?
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)The objective of this thesis was to elucidate intra- and interspecific variability in the distribution patterns and diet of the two most common demersal catsharks taken as by-catch by the commercial trawling industry ... -
The invasive guttural toad, Amietophrynus gutturalis
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)The guttural toad, Amietophrynus gutturalis, Power 1927, is a common toad with a broad geographic range through much of temperate, sub-tropical and tropical southern and central Africa. Introduced to the islands of Mauritius ... -
Investigating phytoplankton fluctuations and drum filter effectiveness on an abalone farm in Hermanus, South Africa.
(University of the Western Cape, 2021)Aquaculture is a growing industry in South Africa, with the production of abalone, Haliotis midae, at the forefront. The Western Cape Province hosts 12 of the 18 abalone farms in South Africa, with a concentration of ... -
Investigating the diet selection and genetic variation of small ruminants in a dryland pastoral system in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Small ruminants found in pastoral dryland systems face many challenges regarding constant environmental and climate changes. These variable environments are home to many pastoralists who use the natural resources to ... -
Investigating the relationship between novel farming practices and zoonotic disease transmission at the wildlife/livestock interface: A case study at a commercial farm and conservancy in Beaufort West, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022)In recent years, the intensification of agricultural activities in South Africa, has led to many of the sectors farmers adopting novel farming practices as a means of promoting economic productivity. One such practice, is ... -
Lichen thermal sensitivities, moisture interception and elemental accumulation in an arid South African ecosystem
(University of the Western Cape, 2010)Elevated temperatures accompanying climate warming are expected to have adverse effects on sensitive lichen species. This premise was examined by measuring the sensitivity of different lichen species to elevated temperatures ... -
Long-term vegetation monitoring – a 33 year record from table mountain
(2013)Nearly 40 years ago McLachlan and Moll highlighted the need for a well-defined path system on the Western Table of Table Mountain in the immediate vicinity of the Upper Cable Station (UCS). At that time the numbers of ... -
Managing ichthyophonus in multi-species exhibits at the two oceans aquarium
(University of the Western Cape, 2020)Ichthyophonus hoferi has been diagnosed in multiple species at the Two Oceans Aquarium, this study focuses on Rhabdosargus globiceps (White stumpnose). I. hoferi is a mesomycetozoan parasite that multiplies in blood rich ... -
Medicinal plant use in the Dwarsrivier Valley, Stellenbosch
(University of the Western Cape, 2013)Plants have been used as medicine since antiquity. Passed on by word of mouth through the generations, this oral tradition is at risk of becoming extinct due to westernization and lack of documentation. The community in ... -
Monitoring of heavy metals in the Bottelary River using Typha capensis and Phragmites australis
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)The aim of this study was to use plants to determine the degree of heavy metal contamination in water and sediments in order to effectively monitor and provide possible recommendation to improve the water quality in the ... -
Monitoring water quality with riparian trees along the Berg River, Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)Heavy metals and nutrients have long been regarded as pollutants to freshwater ecosystems. These elements have a detrimental effect on plants, animals and the water quality of rivers in South Africa. The Berg River flows ... -
Observations on the biology and seasonal variation in feeding of the East Coast redeye round herring (Etrumeus wongratanai) (Clupeiformes), off Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)The basic biology and ecology of Etrumeus wongratanai was investigated from samples of fish collected by jigging off Scottburgh, Kwazulu-Natal throughout 2014 and 2015. A total of 516 otoliths, 401 gonads, 140 stomachs and ...