Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
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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 ... -
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 ... -
Systematics of the non-geniculate coralline red algae from the South African south coast
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)The aim of this study was to document the intertidal and shallow subtidal species of non-geniculate coralline red algae from the South Africa south coast. The main emphasis of the study are encompassed in four research ... -
Blood cell histology of Homopus areolatus: effects of season and cohort
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)Homopus areolatus is an endemic terrestrial tortoise that resides in a Mediterranean type of climate, which is characterised by winter rainfall and mild winter temperatures. Within ectotherms, such as H. areolatus, ... -
Assessing the vegetation and soil microbial ecology of renosterveld rangelands around Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape Province
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)The Bokkeveld Plateau, a region hosting high plant endemism, is home to two arid mountain centre renosterveld types. One, Nieuwoudtville Shale Renosterveld, has partially been transformed into croplands and pastures, with ... -
Applications of DNA-barcoding in the identification and understanding of grass invasions in Southern Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2014)The spread of invasive species is one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. Alien plant invasions also have serious economic impact in terms of the delivery of ecosystem goods and services. Studies of biological ... -
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 ... -
Chytridiomycosis in amphibian populations in the Western Cape, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2002)There have been many cases reported of amphibian populations declining. These are often due to anthropogenic factors such as habitat destruction and pollution. However, some declines have not had an obvious cause and many ... -
Effects of season and cohort on the haematology of the geometric tortoise Psammobates geometricus.
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)The geometric tortoise is one of the world‟s rarest terrestrial tortoises and is endemic to the Southwestern Cape, South Africa. There has been cause for conservation concern for Psammobates geometricus, yet as is common ...
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