Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
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Phylogenetic assessment and historical biogeography of the Psammophis leightoni complex
Stable and accurate taxonomy remains a primary component of conservation. By overlooking taxonomic disorder, conservation management strategies may ineffectively distribute resources. The Psammophis leightoni species complex ... -
An Investigation of Benthic Epifauna to Support Classification and Mapping of Outer Shelf Ecosystems in KwaZulu-Natal
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Ecosystem classification and mapping are foundational steps for effective ecosystem-based marine spatial planning, marine ecosystem assessment and integrated ocean management. The aims of this study were to interrogate and ... -
Seaweed extract effects on potato (Solanum Tuberosum 'BP1') and grape (Vitis Vinifera Var. Sultana) Production
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Field trials were conducted to determine the effects of a locally produced seaweed extract product (Afrikelp LG-1), on the growth parameters and yield of Solanum tuberosum 'BP1'potato crop and Vitis vinifera var. sultana ... -
Assessing livestock farmers' ecological knowledge and adaptation to climate and environmental change in arid regions of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Challenges that come with micro-level climate change projections have resulted in the inadequacy of our understanding of local climatic changes and the appropriate adaptation strategies. This has resulted in indigenous ... -
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 ... -
Systematics of geophytic Othonna (Senecioneae, Othonninae)
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)A member of the Senecioneae subtribe Othonninae, Othonna L. is a genus of some 120 species mainly concentrated in the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa, with a few species extending into southern Namibia, ... -
A web-based biodiversity toolkit as a conservation management tool for natural fragments in an urban context
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)The collection of biological information has a long history, motivated by a variety of reasons and in more recent years is largely being driven for research and academic purposes. As a result biological information is often ... -
Towards an unravelling of the taxonomy of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa; Semaeostomeae; Pelagiidae) from around South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Historically, two species of Chrysaora are known from the Benguela Current Ecosystem: C.fulgida (Reynaud 1830) and C. africana (Vanhöffen 1902). However a third morphotype is now seen, which bears a resemblance to both. ... -
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 ... -
Systematics, diversification and ecology of the Conophytum-clade (Ruschieae; Aizoaceae)
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)The Ruschieae is the most diverse and speciose tribe within the large subfamily Ruschioideae (Aizoaceae), with approximately 71 genera and a distribution centred in the arid parts of the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) ... -
Using Ulva (Chlorophyta) for the production of biomethane and mitigation against coastal acidification
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)In South Africa the green macroalga Ulva armoricana is the main species of macroalgae cultured. The species is currently the largest aquaculture (2884.61 tonnes) product by weight with a corresponding capacity for biogas ... -
Assisted flocculation of Chlorella Sorokiniana by co-culture with filamentous fungi
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)Biofuel production from microalgae is currently not economically competitive with fossil fuels due to high operational costs. A sustainable system needs to be developed which considers cultivation, harvesting and conversion ... -
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 ... -
Studies on the diversity and spatial distribution of deep-water sponges along the west and south coasts of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2013)This thesis explores the diversity, spatial patterns and community structure for the sponges (Porifera) along the west and south coasts of South Africa. Species collected were identified to the lowest level of lowest ... -
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 ... -
The Effects of Cadmium and Lead on Phaseolus vulgaris
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)The demand for better quality produce by consumers is on the increase, as higher heavy metal concentrations pose a problem in agriculture. They result in decreased yield and unsuitable food for human consumption. This ... -
Taxonomy and diversity of the sponge fauna from Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the Western Indian Ocean region
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)Seamounts are poorly understood ubiquitous undersea features, with less than 4% sampled for scientific purposes globally. Consequently, the fauna associated with seamounts in the Indian Ocean remains largely unknown, with ... -
Assessing the quality of forage for livestock in a semi-arid pastoral system in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)This study evaluated the nutritional quality of the forage plants in Namaqualand Granite Renosterveld vegetation in the Kamiesberg uplands of the Leliefontein communal area, South Africa. Determining the quality of forages ... -
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 ... -
Genetic analysis of the Cape Sand Frog, Tomopterna delalandii (Tschudi 1838)
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)Tomopterna delalandii occurs throughout the west coast, Western Cape and south coast of South Africa. This range stretches across three distinct biogeographical assemblages. Based on historical records and the fact that ...
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