Symposium 2015 Programme and Abstracts · Symposium 2015 Programme and Abstracts Kimberley,...

The Southern African Wildlife Management Association

Responsible wildlife management: A key to biodiversity conservation

Symposium

2015

Programme

and Abstracts

Kimberley,

Northern Cape

Printing sponsored by Global Supplies (http://www.globalsupplies.co.za/)

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Contents Acknowledgements 2

Organising committee 2

Sponsors & Exhibitors 3-4

General information 5-6

Programme at a glance 7-8

Invited speakers 9-11

Scientific Programme 12-17

Paper Abstracts 18-46

Poster Abstracts 47-50

Participant Contact List 51-58

About SAWMA 59

Host

Southern African Wildlife Management Association

Executive Council (2014 - 2016): President: Harriet Davies-Mostert Endangered Wildlife Trust, Conservation Science Vice-President: Paul Grobler Dept. of Genetics, University of the Free State Treasurer: Pieter Nel North West Parks & Tourism Board Scientific Editor: Dan Parker Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Rhodes University Council Members: Nicholus Funda Dept. Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology Kelly Marnewick Endangered Wildlife Trust, Carnivore Conservation Group Frans Radloff Dept. Biodiversity & Conservation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Michael Somers Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria Craig Tambling African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Louw Hoffman ex-officio SAWMA president; Dept. of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch David Marneweck Student member; Endangered Wildlife Trust, Carnivore Conservation Group Secretariat & Newsletter Editor: Elma Marais P.O. Box 217, Bloubergstrand 7436, South Africa +27 (0)21 554 1297; [email protected] www.sawma.co.za

Photographs courtesy of Nico Smit

Hosted by:

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sawma.co.za/


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Acknowledgements The SAWMA would like to thank the following people and organisations for their valuable contributions to SAWMA 2015:

Host Organisation: Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape

(DENC)

The organising and scientific committee

Staff of the Horseshoe Inn, especially Deon de Wet

The adjudicators for student presentations

The chair persons of the various sessions

The symposium sponsors – see page 3-4

The invited guest speakers – see page 9-11

The photographer, Nico Smit, for kindly supplying the photographic images

Organising & Scientific Committee Christine Kraft (co-ordinator) & Marnus Smit (DENC), Beryl Wilson (McGregor Museum), Julius Koen

(private), Joh Henschel (SAEON), Charlene Bissett & Hugo Bezuidenhout (SANParks), Paul Grobler

(UFS), Elma Marais (SAWMA secretariat)


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Sponsors & Exhibitors

Registration bags Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape (DENC)

Sponsored session - Responsible Wildlife Management: Bridging the divide!

SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA)

Wine Meet & Greet & Gala Dinner: Orange Rivers Cellars Monday dinner: SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) Tuesday dinner: Wintershoek Safaris

Prizes Cash prize (deserving project/paper which most effectively addresses challenges in the industry): SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association Book prizes

- South African National Parks (SANParks) - Graham Kerley & André Boshoff (African

Conservation Ecology: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University)

- Charles Haddad (University of the Free State) - Nico Smit (University of the Free State) - Bryan Pearce

Gifts and inserts for the conference bags T-shirts: Northern Cape Tourism Authority Information brochures & booklets: DENC, SANParks, McGregor Museum, Northern Cape Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (NC WESSA) Pens & bags: Toyota Kimberley Lanyards: SACNASP Thank you gifts: African SAN Taxidermy Studio, McGregor Museum – Zoology Department Lucky draw: Matt Hayward

Student registration fees (partially): SAWMA

Field trip (Conservation fees): SANParks

Exhibitors Global Supplies, Bryan Peirce (Adventures With Nature), SANParks, SAHGCA, SACNASP, Orange River Cellars.


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Printing sponsored by Global Supplies


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General information

Important contact numbers during the symposium:

Elma Marais (SAWMA Secretariat) 071 352 3226

Christine Kraft (DENC) 072 199 6796

Deon de Wet (Horseshoe Inn) 053 832 5267

Horseshoe Inn Conference Centre

Check in at Horseshoe Inn and Airport Hotel – Check in is from 14:00 at reception. Check out is at

10:00.

Meals – Breakfasts are part of the accommodation package. Full registration includes morning and

afternoon tea, lunch and dinner. The daily registration option does not include dinners, unless

specified on the registration form. Breakfast (both the Horseshoe Inn and Airport Hotel) and Lunch

will be served in the dining hall next to the restaurant of the Horseshoe Inn. Dinners will also be

served in the dining hall, except for the Meet and Greet (6 Sept.) which will be at “The Stables” hall,

and the Gala dinner (9 Sept.) which will take place at the Kimberley Country Club. Transport

arrangements to and from the Country Club will be made for delegates who do not have their own

transport.

Driving directions from Horseshoe Inn to the Country Club:

From Horseshoe Inn, turn right into the N12; At the robot, turn

right into MacDougal Street; Continue over the robot at the

Diamond Pavillion Mall; Stay in the left lane and take the exit

into Oliver Road (N8); Cross the robot at the Diamond Pavillion

Mall; Turn right at the first road; At the T-junction, turn left into

Fabricia Road; Continue into Hercules Street and cross the robots

at Main Road; Follow Hercules Street until you reach Aristotle

Avenue (R64); Cross the fly-over; Turn left into Ernst

Oppenheimer and then right into Dickenson Avenue; Turn left

into the Country Club Conference Centre.


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Drinks – Wines from the Orange River Cellars will be served during dinners. A cash bar will also be

available every evening.

Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi is free but only available in the Main building and Restaurant section. Vouchers for Wi-

Fi will be available at the Horseshoe Inn reception.

Registration

The registration will be at the main conference hall of the Horseshoe Inn. Registrations will be

accepted during the following times: Sunday 6 September (16:00 – 18:00), Monday 7 September

(07:30 – 08:00), Tuesday 8 September (07:30 – 08:00), and Wednesday 9 September (07:30 – 08:00).

SAWMA does not have card facilities.

Presentations

Papers & Posters – To ensure smooth running of the programme, we kindly request all presenters to

submit their presentations (Filename: Surname, Title, Theme) during registration or on the day prior

to presenting. As a last resort, presenters may also submit their presentations during tea and lunch

times. Charl de Beer from DENC will receive and load presentations in the main conference hall

during registration.

Poster – Poster presenters are requested to affix their posters at the designated exhibitor’s area on

Sunday 6 September. Posters should be organised according to the numbers on the poster list which

will be supplied. It is the responsibility of the presenters to remove their posters before 14:30 on

Wednesday 9 September.

Student Evaluations

As usual students will be eligible for the SAWMA awards for best presentations.

When preparing your presentations (paper or poster), pay attention to the following criteria which

will be used for the evaluation:

Evaluation criteria:

(1) Scientific conceptual basis in the context of the conference theme (relevance,

significance/impact of the work).

(2) Approach of the investigation be it descriptive, experimental, comparative, meta-analytical

or a review (quality of the research or methodology; logical sequence, e.g. (i) introduction

including the research or management questions/objectives, (ii) some background

information if applicable, (iii) results or management challenges, and (iv) conclusions and/or

recommendations).

(3) Oral delivery (clarity and audibility of the presentation, visual contact, use of time).

(4) The use of visual aids (slide quality: clarity of slides, quality of images and figures; amount

and size of text per slide; etc.).

(5) Response to questions (clarity of explanations).


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Programme at a Glance Sunday, 6 September 2015

16:00 Registration at the Main Conference hall, Horseshoe Inn [Presenters to load presentations]

18:00 Meet and greet at “The Stables”

Welcome: Christine Kraft

Monday, 7 September 2015

07:00 Breakfast: Horseshoe Inn Dining hall

07:30 Registration continues [Presenters to load presentations]

08:00 Presidential Welcome: Dr Harriet Davies-Mostert

08:10 Mayoral welcome: Ms Moloi (Mayor: Frances Baard District Municipality)

08:15 Opening address: Ms Tiny Chotelo (MEC – DENC)

08:30 Keynote speaker: Dr Andrew Jenkins

09:00 Understanding and managing threats to wildlife and biodiversity

10:00 Tea: Horseshoe Inn Dining hall

10:30 Understanding and managing threats to wildlife and biodiversity

12:30 Lunch: Horseshoe Inn Dining hall

13:30 Biodiversity mitigations and offsets: The future for conservation and wildlife management

14:15 Poster Information Session

15:15 SACNASP information and discussion session: Dr Rolf Becker


16:00 Visit to the Big Hole (optional; own expense)

19:00 Dinner: Horseshoe Inn Dining hall

Tuesday, 8 September 2015



08:00 Keynote speaker: Prof Louwrens (Louw) Hoffman

08:30 Emerging information to aid wildlife management decisions






15:30 SAWMA Annual General Meeting


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18:30 Ghost Tour until about 22.30 (optional; minimum 10 people - pre-booked; own expense)

19:00 Dinner: Horseshoe Inn Dining hall

Wednesday, 9 September 2015



08:00 Invited speaker: Mr Wiaan van der Linde



10:30 Population resilience to pressures

11:00 Legislative impacts on wildlife and biodiversity

12:00 Economic contribution of biodiversity


13:30 Responsible Wildlife Management: Bridging the divide! (An in-practice session sponsored

by SAHGCA)


16:00 Visit to the Big Hole (optional; own expense)

18:30 Gala Dinner, prize giving, and closure: Kimberley Country Club

Invited speaker: Dr Gus Mills

Thursday, 10 September 2015


07:30 Optional field trip to Mokala National Park (own transport to park; pre-booked only)

Nico Smit


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Invited Speakers

Dr Andrew Jenkins (Owner and consultant of AVISENSE Consulting)

Keynote address – Monday, 7 September: Keeping renewable energy green: sustainable standards

for the impacts of proposed wind and solar energy development on South African birds.

After spending his under-graduate years at the University of

Natal, Andrew Jenkins moved to Cape Town and did his PhD at

the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University

of Cape Town, on the factors limiting the Peregrine Falcon

population in South Africa. Since then, he has retained a

connection with “The Fitz,” first as a postdoctoral researcher,

then as contracted research biologist, and more recently as a

research associate. He has been involved in bird impact

assessment work in South Africa and Lesotho since the early

1990s. After a brief sojourn as the research coordinator of what

was then the Wildlife and Energy Interaction Group of the

Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), he went solo and full-time as

an ornithological consultant, and founded AVISENSE Consulting

in 2009.

Andrew is a founding member of the Birds & Renewable Energy Specialist Group (convened by

BirdLife South Africa and the EWT), and is the primary author of the best practice guidelines for avian

monitoring, impact assessment and mitigation at wind and solar energy development sites in

southern Africa. He lives in Cape Town with his wife Zelda and their son Ruben.

Prof Louwrens (Louw) Hoffman (South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) Chair:

Meat Science in genomics to nutriomics, University of Stellenbosch)

Keynote address – Tuesday, 8 September: Changing research paradigms to face realities in wildlife

conservation, management and the wildlife industry.

Louw Hoffman describes himself as a frustrated cattle farmer

who is caught up behind a desk! He was born in Zimbabwe but

received all his tertiary qualifications in South Africa. In 1984

he received a four year BSc degree in Animal Science at

Stellenbosch University and in 1985 a BSC Hons Cum laude and

in 1987 a Masters Degree in Meat Science (Cum laude) at the

same University. In 1995 he received a PhD on “Factors

influencing the meat quality of catfish”. During this period of

working as a researcher in Aquaculture he published 38 peer

reviewed scientific papers.

In 1997 he returned to Stellenbosch University as the resident

Meat Scientist. Since then he has been researching various

factors influencing the meat quality of animals “from stable to

table”. He has published over 225 peer reviewed meat related papers and has attended and

presented papers at numerous International and National Conferences. His major research focus is


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on the more exotic meat types produced from low input agricultural systems such as ostriches and

wild ungulates found in Africa. Of the 85 MSc and 12 PhD students who have completed their studies

under his supervision, a large percentage researched various aspects of game meat.

In 2004 his Institution recognised his contribution to research by awarding him with the Stellenbosch

University’s Prestige Research Award. Similarly, in April 2006 the South African Society for Animal

Scientists recognised his contribution to furthering the animal science discipline by awarding him

their Silver Medallion. In 2010 his research contribution in the discipline of exotic meats was

recognised by the University of Western Australia (Perth) when they invited him to present a public

lecture on this topic during the prestigious Hector and Andrew Stewart Memorial Lecture. In 2012 he

was awarded a prestigious visiting professorship under the Cariparo program of Padova University.

He spent three months at this institution teaching the PhD students about game, ostrich and

crocodile production systems as well as the factors that influences their meat quality.

In 2013 his research on game meat and its contribution to international knowledge was recognised

internationally when the American Meat Science Association awarded him the AMSA International

Lectureship Award. This award was established in 1992 to honour an individual for “internationally

recognised contributions to the field of meat science and technology, and active leadership and

promotion of international activities that foster cooperation and open communication, and the

dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of society through meat science and technology.” His

expertise in game meat was emphasised further when he was invited in 2013 to write two chapters

on this topic for the Encyclopaedia of Meat Sciences. As from 2013 he is the incumbent of the highly

competitive SARChI Chair in Meat Science: genomics to nutriomics. This Chair allows him to focus

primarily on research and presently he is providing guidance to 24 MSc and 20 PhD students.

Mr Wiaan van der Linde (Wintershoek Game, Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA)

Director and Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA) Exco member)

Keynote Address - Wednesday, 9 September: Diversification and contribution of the wildlife

industry.

Wiaan van der Linde was born in the eastern Freestate. He

studied at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian

Higher Education (now North-West University) and after

finalising his studies, started farming in 1995. In 1998 he

went to the Northern Cape near Kimberley to build up his

farming activities, expanding his business with game farming

in 1999.

Wiaan is currently boots and all involved in Wintershoek

Game, Wintershoek Safaris, African San Taxidermy Studio

and Tannery, Oryx venison and the Extreme auction.

Together with his partner, Hennie Gouws, these businesses

are managed on approximately 46 000 ha and jobs have

been created for more or less 120 staff members. His biggest

challenge is to develop maximally the full potential of the

game industry and to be part of the total value chain. He also wishes to contribute in making the

authorities in South Africa aware of the value and contribution of the game industry with regards to

training, job creation and food security.


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Dr Michael (Gus) Mills (Previously from South African National Parks)

Dinner presentation – Wednesday, 9 September: Kalahari kaleidoscopes: a naturalist’s

experiences from living for 18 years in this arid wonderland.

Gus Mills spent 40 years conducting research on African large carnivores with South African National

Parks in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier and Kruger National Parks. His initial work was on brown

hyaenas and spotted hyaenas in the southern Kalahari, culminating in the publication of his book in

1990 “Kalahari hyaenas: the comparative behavioural ecology of two species.” He studied lion and

cheetah feeding ecology, ecological relationships between the large carnivores, and wild dog

population ecology in Kruger National Park, before returning to the Kalahari in 2006 to undertake a

six-year study on the cheetah, under the auspices of the Lewis Foundation, the results of which will

soon be published in a book.

He has supervised a number of PhD and MSc theses on aspects of lion, cheetah, wild dog, brown

hyaena, honey badger and African wild cat behaviour and ecology in different areas of southern

Africa. He was the founder of the EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Group. He has written five books

and authored or co-authored over 150 scientific papers, as well as delivered over 80 talks at

conferences and symposia worldwide. He is a senior member of several International Union for

Conservation of Nature Carnivore Specialist Groups, including former Chair of the Hyaena Specialist

Group, and member of the steering committees of the Cat Specialist Group and the Canid Specialist

Group.

He has served as a member on several boards of conservation organisations and scientific journals,

including African Journal of Wildlife Research, and consulted widely on carnivore conservation issues

in Africa and Asia. He and his wife Margie have now retired and are living outside Nelspruit. They

intend to travel to as many natural areas as possible and to only work on what he wants to!


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Scientific Programme Schedule

Responsible wildlife management: a key to biodiversity

conservation

Sunday 6 September 2015 16:00 Registration at the Main Conference hall, Horseshoe Inn

18:00 Meet and Greet: Horseshoe Inn: “The Stables”

Welcome: Christine Kraft

Monday 7 September 2015 07:30 Registration continues

Chair: Paul Grobler

08:00 Mayoral Welcome: Ms Moloi

08:10 Opening address: Ms Tiny Chotelo

08:15 Presidential welcome: Harriet T. Davies-Mostert

08:30 Keynote Presentation: Keeping renewable energy green: sustainable standards for

the impacts of proposed wind and solar energy development on South African

birds. Andrew Jenkins

Understanding and managing threats to wildlife and biodiversity

09:00 Measuring the conservation impact of wildlife ranching practices. Harriet T. Davies-

Mostert & Andrew Taylor

09:15 Impacts of wildlife grazing on ecosystem services and biodiversity in Namibia’s

Kalahari thornveld using bioturbating small mammals as indicators. Mendes Vinte,

Anna Hannapel, Morgan Hauptfleisch & Niels Blaum

09:30 The influence of socioeconomic factors on the effective management of high-value

cross-border species. S.A. Jeanetta Selier, Rob Slotow & Enrico Di Minin

09:45 Sharing the skies – working towards reducing the hazard of bird and wildlife strikes

to aircraft. Melissa Groenewald & Beryl Wilson

10:00 Tea

Chair: Pieter Nel

10:30 Status, purpose and significance of the captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) industry

in South Africa: Conservation or exploitation? S.A. Jeanetta Selier, Kelly Marnewick

& Adrian Tordiffe

10:45 Metapopulation management as a tool for threatened species recovery: a case

study of African wild dogs and cheetahs in South Africa. David G. Marneweck,

Vincent van der Merwe, Kelly Marnewick & Harriet T. Davies-Mostert


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11:00 Responsible genetic management of metapopulations: should inbreeding be

tolerated? Vincent C. van der Merwe & Susan M. Miller

11:15 Conservation in action: a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and

mitigating current conservation threats to African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and

other wildlife in the Zimbabwean Lowveld. Jessica P. Watermeyer & Rosemary J.

Groom

11:30 Human impact and low resilience – with special attention to off-road driving.

Gerhardus P. Nortjé

11:45 Vachellia nilotica bush encroachment in KwaZulu-Natal’s savannas: using science to

guide management. Janet M. Taylor, G. Nico Smit & Ricky H. Taylor

12:00 The AqueouSphereTM and BaoWetlandTM ecologically engineered hybrid

constructed wetland treatment systems: an integrated water quality solution for

protected areas in Africa. Yolandi Schoeman

12:15 Optimising the use of visual and radar-acoustic observations in mitigating the

impact of proposed wind energy facilities on Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)

populations in the Eastern Cape. Frowin K. Becker, Rhonda L. Millikin & Alison J.

Leslie

12:30 Lunch

Biodiversity mitigations and offsets: the future for conservation

and wildlife management

Chair: Joh Henschel

13:30 Lessons learnt in developing biodiversity management plans and offsets for African

development projects. Andrew Cauldwell

13:45 How sustainable is your protected area really? Ecological Engineering: a field whose

time has come for Africa… Yolandi Schoeman

14:00 The Ingula Partnership conservation success: bridging the gap between

development and conservation. Robin Colyn

Poster Information Session

Chair: Charlene Bissett

14:15 Caracal diet and home range on farmlands in the Succulent Karoo. Kristine J.

Teichman, Bogdan Cristescu, Justin O’Riain & Karen E. Hodges

14:20 Genetic differentiation between African catfish populations from West- and East

flowing river systems in South Africa. Sinebongo Mdyogolo, J. Paul Grobler, James E.

Barasa, Romulus Abila & Hesmari Bindeman

14:25 The spotted hyena of Majete Wildlife Reserve. Francois C. Retief & Alison J. Leslie

14:30 Spatial patterns of leopard-livestock conflict in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Bogdan Cristescu, Kristine J. Teichman & Justin O’Riain

14:35 Elephant impact assessment on woody vegetation in Mabalingwe Nature Reserve.

Nittya Simard & Yolanda Pretorius


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14:40 The diversity of carnivores around Sasol’s Secunda plant. Kevin Emslie, Daan Loock,

Wayne Matthews & Michael J. Somers

14:45 Assessing the population characteristics of small mammal communities across a

land-use matrix in the Free State Province. Mmatsawela Ramahlo, Lourens

Swanepoel, Frikkie Kirsten, Emil von Maltitz, Phanuel Malebana & Mark Keith

14:50 Seasonal and daily activity patterns of serval (Leptailurus serval) at Sasol’s Secunda

plant. Calvin Griffiths, Wayne Matthews, Daan Loock, Kevin Emslie & Michael

Somers

14:55 Poster question session

Chair: Harriet Davies-Mostert

15:10 SACNASP information and discussion session:

Conservation Science as new field of practice with South African Council for Natural

Scientific Professions. Dr Rolf Becker

15:30 Tea

Tuesday 8 September 2015

07:30

Registration continues

Chair: Dan Parker

08:00

Keynote Presentation: Changing research paradigms to face realities in wildlife

conservation, management and the wildlife industry. Louw C. Hoffman

Emerging information to aid wildlife management decisions

08:30 Wild and free: what are we conserving and how do we measure it? Matthew F.

Child, S.A. Jeanetta Selier, Andrew Taylor & Harriet T. Davies-Mostert

08:45 Small mammal and small carnivore abundance and diversity in the communal

conservancies of Kavango East, Namibia: is communal conservation leading to

increased biodiversity? Fernandu Khaebeb, Morgan Hauptfleisch & Katie Oxenham

09:00 The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes): a review of the geographical distribution and

conservation status. Beryl Wilson, Nellie de Crom, Brian K. Reilly, Lizanne Roxburgh

& Alexander Sliwa

09:15 Viability of South Africa’s managed metapopulation of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Kenneth G. Buk & Kelly Marnewick

09:30 Establishing a monitoring framework to facilitate the adaptive management of

leopards (Panthera pardus) in KwaZulu-Natal. Gareth Mann, Guy Balme, Shannon

Chapman, Chris Kelly, Simon Morgan, Chris Barichievy, Tarik Bodasing, Dave Druce,

Rickert van der Westhuizen, John Craigie, Sharron Hughes, Brent Coverdale, Peter S.

Goodman


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09:45 Living on the edge: ecological relationships between large carnivores in the arid

Kalahari. M.Gus L. Mills

10:00 Tea

Chair: Kelly Marnewick

10:30 Large felid whisker growth rate and its importance in determining intra-population

dietary variation using stable isotope analysis. Ruwimbo Mutirwara, Frans G.T.

Radloff, Daryl Codron & Guy Balme

10:45 Demographic characteristics of lion (Panthera leo) in the Kalahari Gemsbok National

Park. Otto Beukes, Frans G.T. Radloff & Sam M. Ferreira

11:00 Spatial and temporal variation of lion (Panthera leo) diet within the Kalahari

Gemsbok National Park. Maya Beukes, Frans G.T. Radloff & Sam M. Ferreira

11:15 The effect of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and rainfall on herbivores in Hluhluwe-

iMfolozi Park, South Africa. David G. Marneweck, Dave J. Druce, Kelly Marnewick &

Michael J. Somers

11:30 The diet of caracal (Caracal caracal) and black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) in a

rangeland ecosystem, southern Free State. Carl F. Pohl, Nico Avenant & Alexander

Sliwa

11:45 Diet of key predators responsible for livestock conflict in Namaqualand, South

Africa. Corlé Jansen, Alison J. Leslie, Quinton Martins

12:00 The importance of stocking rate, habitat and feeding preferences of game species

for effective veld management in a semi-arid environment. Marnus Smit, G. Nico

Smit & Johan P. du Preez

12:15 Relationship between woody canopy cover and habitat utilisation by kudu

(Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in the central Free State. Vivian P. Butler, Beanelri B.

Janecke & G. Nico Smit

12:30 Lunch

Chair: Frans Radloff

13:30 Population dynamics of blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) in Madikwe Game

Reserve: Assessing sustainability for future management options. H. Pieter Nel,

Ashley Hodge and Rob Harrison–White

13:45 Agonistic behaviour of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger Harris, 1838): Implications

for captive management. Nadine Jacobs & Hennie Butler

14:00 Post-reintroduction monitoring and proposed management strategies for impala

(Aepyceros melampus) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) in Malawi. Kate Spies

& Alison J. Leslie

14:15 The curious case of Limpopo’s “black-nosed” impalas. J. Paul Grobler

14:30 Phylogeography of the South African endemic Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus).

Riël W.G. Coetzer, Mike R. Perrin, Colleen T. Downs & Sandi Willows-Munro

14:45 Tea


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15:30 Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 9 September 2015 07:30 Registration continues

08:00 Keynote Presentation: Diversification and contribution of the wildlife industry.

Wiaan van der Linde


Chair: Beryl Wilson

08:30 The use of permanent passageways to mitigate fence damage by warthogs

(Phacochoerus africanus). Monlee Swanepoel, Alison J. Leslie & Louwrens C.

Hoffman

08:45 Good fences make good neighbours: a qualitative interpretive study of human–

baboon and human–human conflict on the Cape Peninsula. Renelle Terblanche

09:00 A combination of electric and virtual fencing as a new strategy for managing

baboons. Phil R.K. Richardson, Robyn E. Khoury, Sieglinde C. Rode & Lana Müller.

09:15 The development and use of an optimal camera trap survey design to assess

mammalian species richness and distribution on the Cape Peninsula. Robin Colyn,

Frans G.T. Radloff, Justin O’Riain & Tali Hoffman

09:30 Management implications of monitoring programmes at the Doornkloof Nature

Reserve: A practical overview. Heath P. Cronje

09:45 Science Education Outreach as a future for environmental management. Omphile

Khutsoane & Joh Henschel

10:00 Tea

Chair: Marnus Smit

Population resilience to pressures

10:30 Adaptive behavioural responses of a blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)

population to spatiotemporal environmental variability in a fragmented semi-arid

Kalahari, Botswana. Moses Selebatso, Richard W. S. Fynn & Glyn Maude

10:45 Assessing the impacts of changing land use on forest mammals in the fragmented

coastal forests of southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Yvette C. Ehlers Smith,

David A. Ehlers Smith, Colleen T. Downs and Tharmalingam Ramesh

Legislative impacts on wildlife and biodiversity

11:00 Draft policy for the hunting of Opportunity Species within the Northern Cape

Province. F. Christina Kraft

11:15 Legal and institutional frameworks for natural resources management: implications

for managing threats to wildlife and biodiversity in the Middle Zambezi Biosphere

Reserve, Zimbabwe. Olga L. Kupika & Edson Gandiwa


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11:30 The M99 conundrum and its implications for the wildlife ranching sector in South

Africa. Tariro Kamuti

11:45 Transfrontier elephant populations: challenges to their management. S.A. Jeanetta

Selier, Rob Slotow, Andy Blackmore & Arie Trouwborst

Economic contribution of biodiversity

12:00 The brown locust (Locustana pardalina) as a pivot of conservation in the Karoo. Joh

Henschel

12:15 The economic contribution of wildlife ranching. Andrew Taylor & Harriet T. Davies-

Mostert

12:30 Lunch

Responsible wildlife management: bridging the divide! (An in-practice

session sponsored by SAHGCA)


13:30 South African wildlife ranching at a crossroad. Brian K. Reilly & Lizanne E.J. Nel

13:45 Reputational risk: is certification a solution for the wildlife management sector in

South Africa? Johan G. Nel & Chris Conradi

14:00 The South African law and responsible wildlife management. Andy Blackmore &

Andrew Muir

14:15 Do we manage for growth in numbers or sustainable contribution? Lizanne E.J. Nel

14:30 Hunting, its socio-economic benefits and responsibilities towards genetic

sustainability. Kevin Robertson

14:45 Ecotourist trends and responsible wildlife management – an integral relationship.

Annemie de Klerk

15:00 Responsible wildlife management question session

15:30 Tea

18:30 Gala Dinner, prize giving, and closure

Chair: Julius Koen

Dinner presentation:

Kalahari kaleidoscopes: a naturalist’s experiences from living for 18 years in this arid

wonderland. Gus Mills


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Paper Abstracts


Keynote address:

Keeping renewable energy green: sustainable standards for the impacts of proposed wind and solar energy

development on South African birds

Andrew Jenkins AVISENSE Consulting, Simon’s Town, South Africa

Presenter: Andrew Jenkins, AVISENSE Consulting, 5 Osmond Close, Simon's Town 7975,

South Africa, +27 (0)82 959 9238, [email protected] While there are strong environmental arguments for favouring renewable energy (RE) development in South Africa over both the fossil-fuel and nuclear alternatives, the downsides of RE include the sheer extent of utility-scale projects, the number of such projects required to meet our energy demands, and the particular impacts of RE on already threatened elements of our biodiversity. Wind and solar energy developments make up the bulk of the considerable number of RE developments already in process in South Africa. These have the potential to destroy tracts of important avian habitat, to displace or disturb birds from areas that sustain significant populations, and to kill birds (either by collision trauma or by electrocution) in possibly unsustainable numbers. The Birds & Renewable Energy Specialist Group – an advisory body constituted and convened by BirdLife South Africa and the Endangered Wildlife Trust – has compiled ‘Best Practice Guidelines’ documents for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the impacts of RE development on birds. These guidelines require the systematic collection of field data describing the abundance and movements of birds in and around proposed developments (and in a comparable reference area) over at least 6-12 months, with these data subsequently informing the avian impact assessment. Should a project be approved and built, the guidelines also stipulate a further two years of post-construction monitoring be done to determine the actual impacts of the plant, to refine mitigation of these impacts, and to improve our collective understanding of the effects of RE on our birds.

Understanding and managing threats to wildlife and biodiversity

Measuring the conservation impact of wildlife ranching practices

Harriet T. Davies-Mostert1,2

& Andrew Taylor1

1The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Modderfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa

2Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: Harriet Davies-Mostert, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Pinelands Office Park, Building K2, Ardeer Road,

Modderfontein 1609, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 (0)11 372 3600, [email protected]

Wildlife ranchers comprise a large and growing segment of the South African farming community, with as many as 10,000 properties using wildlife commercially, covering an area >200,000 km

2. Although tangible

conservation benefits have arisen as a result of the growth of the sector, such as the huge concurrent increase in game numbers on private land (from <1 million head in 1960 to >10 million today), and the recovery of some threatened herbivore species, the overall impact of wildlife ranching on biodiversity conservation has not been fully assessed. There are concerns that some aspects of wildlife ranching have negative impacts on biodiversity, or that the overall benefits accrued fall short of what could potentially be achieved. Common undesirable


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features of the sector include fencing species into unnaturally small areas, overstocking, introductions of extra-limital and exotic species, and persecution of predators to protect valuable stock. As part of a national study on the scale of wildlife ranching in South Africa and its contribution to the green economy, we surveyed 200 commercial wildlife ranchers to assess the level at which ranchers factored environmental and conservation considerations into their management practices. Questions about the persecution of predators, use of trip wires and control of alien invasive species, amongst others, formed the basis of an index of potential conservation impact. Here we discuss the circumstances in which this impact is likely to be greatest and make recommendations for securing optimal conservation benefits from the commercial wildlife sector.

Impacts of wildlife grazing on ecosystem services and biodiversity in Namibia’s Kalahari thornveld using

bioturbating small mammals as indicators

Mendes Vinte1, Anna Hannapel

2, Morgan Hauptfleisch

1 & Niels Blaum

2

1Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences, Polytechnic of Namibia, Namibia

2Department of Plant Ecology, Potsdam University, Germany

Presenter: Mendes Vinte, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences, Polytechnic of Namibia,

P.O. Box 13388, Windhoek, Namibia, +264 (0)81 124 1365, [email protected]

The study compared densities and diversity of bioturbating small mammals between neighbouring commercial livestock and game farms in the Kalahari thornveld of Namibia’s Omaheke region. It further related differences in small mammal parameters to ecosystem services such as soil moisture, rainfall infiltration and soil nutrient cycling. Grids of Sherman traps were baited with standard small mammal attractants in areas of low, medium and high degradation in each farm over four trap nights during the growing season of early 2015. The trapping period yielded 137 successful captures of six species of small mammals. Of these 105 were trapped on the livestock farm, and 32 on the game farm. Gerbillurus paeba was found to be the dominant species at 85% (n=117) of all captures and occurred on both farms. Mastomys coucha and Gerbilliscus leucogaster were also captured at both farms. Gerbilliscus brantsii, Mus indutus and Saccostomys campestris were only captured on the livestock farm. The results indicated that the livestock farm had a higher density and species richness of bioturbating small mammals compared to the game farm. This suggests that ecosystem services associated with these species would be greater on the livestock farm, leading to better soil moisture infiltration and retention, as well as more effective soil nutrient cycling. Results of ecosystem services experiments are in progress to confirm this. Considering similar habitats and substrate, causes of the differences were investigated, and related to grazing management challenges such as selective and continuous grazing, as commonly experienced in game farms in southern Africa.

The influence of socioeconomic factors on the effective management of high-value cross-border species

S.A. Jeanetta Selier

1,2, Rob Slotow

1 & Enrico Di Minin

1, 3

1 Amarula Elephant Research Programme, School of Life Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban, South

Africa 2 South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa

3 Finnish Centre of Excellence in Metapopulation Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki,

Finland

Presenter: S.A. Jeanetta Selier, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, +27 (0)12 843 5117, [email protected]

Setting aside conservation areas for the protection of species is not enough. Socioeconomic factors need to be taken into consideration together with ecological factors if species are to be effectively protected. This is especially important when setting aside cross-border conservation areas, where corruption, poverty and other socio-political factors could constrain the effectiveness of protection of species inside and straying outside of protected areas. We used elephant abundance data from aerial surveys conducted in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area over a 12 year period in generalised linear models to investigate the effect of seven socioeconomic variables on the abundance of elephant at different spatial scales. We ran models at the country and site level. Overall, our results suggest that accounting for socioeconomic factors are


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important in determining the abundance of a large, wide-ranging, mammal species such as elephant. Human and livestock densities were important at the country and site levels in predicting elephant abundance. Further elephant densities were higher on privately owned reserves than on state-owned reserves. Our results indicate that even though globally corruption and poverty may be important for species persistence, at a local level human densities and land ownership are important drivers in species persistence. To reduce the impact of increasing human populations, the development of coordinated legislation and policies to improve land-use planning and the development of conservation corridors to link current protected areas between range countries are needed.

Sharing the skies – working towards reducing the hazard of bird and wildlife strikes to aircraft

Melissa Groenewald

1 & Beryl Wilson

2

1Airports Company South Africa, Bird and Wildlife Department, Kimberley Airport, South Africa

2McGregor Museum, Kimberley, South Africa

Presenter: Melissa Groenewald, Airports Company South Africa, Bird and Wildlife, Kimberley Airport, Private

Bag X5052, Kimberley 8300, South Africa, +27 (0)53 830 7131, [email protected] Bird and wildlife strikes pose a significant safety hazard to the aviation industry. Annually the industry suffers huge financial losses in both direct and indirect costs as a result of strikes on aircraft. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requires licenced aerodromes to establish effective measures to address bird and wildlife hazards within a 13 km radius around airports. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) manages the nine major airports within South Africa and has established comprehensive wildlife management programmes at each of its airports. The area around the Kimberley Airport poses some unique challenges and a very wide variety of wildlife is encountered in this area that could affect airport and flight operations. Continued Risk Assessments (CRA) ensures that both proactive and reactive measures are implemented to mitigate current and perceived risks identified. Measures include the establishment of an airport Bird and Wildlife Committee with relevant seconded local specialists. The monitoring of species and the collection of data on the identification, prevalence, areas inhabited and the behaviour of all species encountered on and around the airport is routinely carried out in an effort to working towards reducing risks through habitat management and food source manipulation. Animals identified within the airport precinct are captured and relocated in safe areas away from the airport. In addition, staff members receive specialised training on subjects such as bird identification, dangerous animal management, and in turn present awareness sessions to staff and stakeholders.

Status, purpose and significance of the captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) industry in South Africa:

conservation or exploitation?

S.A. Jeanetta Selier1, Kelly Marnewick

2 & Adrian Tordiffe

3

1Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa

2Carnivore Conservation Programme, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa

3Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: Kelly Marnewick, Carnivore Conservation Programme, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Pinelands Office

Park, Building K2, Ardeer Road, Modderfontein 1609, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 (0)82 477 4470, [email protected]

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are highly sought after animals for captivity due to their financial value and ability to be tamed into exotic pets and the threat of trade has become an international concern for cheetah conservation. In South Africa, cheetahs are protected by legislation and their international trade is governed under CITES Appendix I. South Africa is obliged as a member of CITES to show that any trade in CITES listed species is non-detrimental to wild populations. However, conservationists in South Africa have become increasingly concerned that this captive trade is impacting on wild populations through removals. During the last 10 years, 27% (n=50) of wild cheetahs removed from fenced reserves have been sent to captive facilities.


21

There are currently over 600 cheetahs in approximately 79 captive facilities in South Africa, yet a recent audit of 13 facilities showed only 36 cubs being born during the last year, a figure far lower than the average annual number of live cheetah exports 80. Most facilities cannot trace individual animals and the permitting system is ineffective in monitoring the movement of animals between facilities and out of the country. Additionally, there are irregularities in the CITES permitting system e.g. some hunting trophies were exported from South Africa despite there not being a hunting quota for cheetahs and provincial data do not reconcile with CITES trade database data. Here we discuss the negative impact of captive cheetahs on cheetah conservation in the wild and offer potential solutions.

Metapopulation management as a tool for threatened species recovery: a case study of African wild dogs

and cheetahs in South Africa

David G. Marneweck1,2

, Vincent van der Merwe1, Kelly Marnewick

1 & Harriet T. Davies-Mostert

1,2

1Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa

2Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: David G. Marneweck, National Wild Dog Metapopulation Project, Endangered Wildlife Trust,

Hluhluwe Research Station, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, P.O. Box 515, Hluhluwe 3960, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, +27 (0)82 448 1721, [email protected]

Large carnivores have high space demands with their conservation historically relying on large protected areas. However, with a burgeoning human population these areas are decreasing in size and numbers, becoming more fragmented and under increasing pressure due to edge effects. Globally, the key threats to large carnivores are direct human persecution and habitat fragmentation. Prime examples are African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa. The South African human population has grown by 15% in the last 10 years, and safe natural areas for these carnivores are under increasing pressure. Often only pockets of natural areas are left to maintain South Africa’s biodiversity and aid in the recovery of threatened species. Here, we highlight the managed metapopulation approach practiced in South Africa as a mechanism for aiding in the recovery and conservation of African wild dogs and cheetahs. This approach has significantly increased the safe area available and the number of functional breeding units for both species. Additionally, it has also increased cooperation between reserves and the proactive management of these species. Therefore, the managed metapopulation approach in South Africa has had measurable conservation success. In an area of increasingly isolated and fragmented reserves, we suggest that a managed metapopulation approach is a viable solution for the conservation of species requiring large, safe areas to persist. We predict that this approach will become a requisite tool for effective endangered species recovery and persistence. We discuss this approaches’ applicability to other threatened species and geographical areas.

Responsible genetic management of metapopulations: should inbreeding be tolerated?

Vincent C. van der Merwe

1 & Susan M. Miller

2,3

1Carnivore Conservation Programme, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa

2Onderstepoort Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

3Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: Vincent van der Merwe, Carnivore Conservation Programme, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Pinelands Office Park, Building K2, Ardeer Road, Modderfontein 1609, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 (0)74 166 0410,

[email protected]

Between 1965 and 2015, cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) were reintroduced into 52 small fenced reserves in South Africa. These reintroductions resulted in a current population of 315 cheetahs. These cheetahs are managed as a metapopulation in five geographically separated management clusters and constitute approximately 25% of South Africa’s wild cheetah population. For this population to maintain its genetic and demographic integrity, dispersals between reserves need to be simulated through translocations. However, several reserves have adopted a lax approach towards inbreeding. Game viewing opportunities are prioritised over genetic management. Relocating established individuals that have high tourism value is risky and expensive whilst the detrimental effects of inbreeding are not immediately apparent. Since the establishment of the Cheetah


22

Metapopulation Project in 2011 there have been 14 recorded cases of inbreeding, and 15% of the animals in the metapopulation are thought to be the product of inbred matings. One reserve has not exchanged individuals for 24 years. Here we discuss the long-term impact of inbreeding depression in wild populations and the specific implications within a metapopulation. Metapopulation management is a tool that will become increasing utilised as human population growth continues to reduce and fragment natural habitats. Managed metapopulations require responsible management to ensure their genetic health in perpetuity.

Conservation in action: a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and mitigating current conservation

threats to African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and other wildlife in the Zimbabwean Lowveld

Jessica P. Watermeyer & Rosemary J. Groom

African Wildlife Conservation Fund, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Presenter: Jessica P. Watermeyer, African Wildlife Conservation Fund, Chishakwe Ranch, Savé Valley

Conservancy, P.O. Box 47, Birchenough Bridge, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, +263 (0)776 494 240 / +27 (0)76 825 0624, [email protected]

The African Wildlife Conservation Fund (AWCF) is a Zimbabwean-based organisation focused on large carnivore conservation, particularly that of endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Our current project objectives are geared at better understanding the main conservation threats to large carnivores in the region, in an effort to implement responsible and meaningful mitigation measures. Our multidisciplinary approach involves management-driven research, hands-on conservation, population monitoring and addressing human-carnivore conservation pressures through education and outreach initiatives. All of our programs are evaluated, and we will present preliminary findings on the efficiency of our mitigation efforts and the conservation benefit being derived from our main objectives. This will contribute towards better understanding which activities are more likely to ensure the viable long-term conservation of the large carnivore species in the region, particularly for endangered African wild dogs. African wild dogs require management on a significant geographical scale. In creating ‘safe’ habitat and secure passage for wild dogs, there is undoubtedly conservation benefit for other wide-ranging carnivores and wildlife which require significantly less space.

Human impact and low resilience – with special attention to off-road driving

Gerhardus P. Nortjé

Research Fellow, Department Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa

Presenter: Gerhardus P. Nortjé, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0001, Pretoria, South Africa, +27 (0)83 501 8680, [email protected]

The global changes that will strike the hardest blows on people and on other creatures, in the next 20 to 50 or 100 years, will not be those of climate change. If the world is in environmental extremes today it is more through the rapid physical and chemical changes to our soils and the rapidly changing of our air and water. The rapid rate at which our surface soil is being lost by erosion, surface crusting and sub-soil compaction is a major threat to our very existence. Because of South Africa's geographic position in the world, its soils are especially vulnerable to the impacts of human activities compared to other areas of the world. This means that even small mistakes in land use planning and land management can be disturbing, with little chance of recovery once the degradation has been caused. The negative physical impacts on our soils due to human recreational activities by off-road driving, has been proven and is a case in point. This presentation focuses on both the physical and chemical characteristics of South Africa's soils, and its vulnerability and low resilience due to these human impacts.


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Vachellia nilotica bush encroachment in KwaZulu-Natal’s savannas: using science to guide management

Janet M. Taylor1, 2

, G. Nico Smit2

& Ricky H. Taylor3

1KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, South Africa

2Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, South Africa

3Department of Hydrology, University of Zululand, South Africa

Presenter: Janet M Taylor, KwaZulu Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Private Bag

X9059, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa, +27 (0)33 355 9212, [email protected] Within KwaZulu-Natal, the encroachment of Vachellia nilotica can occur either as an increase in tree density at sites in which they naturally occur or as an infestation of new areas. This encroachment is a threat to rangelands within the province as it reduces biodiversity and grazing potential. To gain an understanding of V. nilotica thicket formation, a conceptual understanding of the mechanisms and processes of this needs to be developed. This will provide a framework to guide and implement management strategies. To control this plant effectively, the most appropriate management interventions need to be identified. To be most effective, it is likely that a suite of actions will need to be used and an individualized management strategy developed for each particular situation. This will take into account the nature and extent of the problem at the site, as well as the ambient conditions. This presentation will discuss knowledge relating to bush thickening by V. nilotica and give examples of steps towards the development of management strategies for areas currently experiencing V. nilotica thickening or encroachment as well as for areas that have the potential to experience this problem in the future.

The AqueouSphere

TM and BaoWetland

TM ecologically engineered hybrid constructed wetland treatment

systems: an integrated water quality solution for protected areas in Africa

Yolandi Schoeman Water Node, Monash South Africa, Krugersdorp, South Africa

Presenter: Yolandi Schoeman, Monash South Africa, Postnet Suite #547, Private Bag X37, Lynnwoodridge 0040,

South Africa, +27 (0)82 562 3621, [email protected]

The health of rivers and wetlands is measured by the diversity and health of the species we share these resources with. The ‘water resource’ is a living resource, complete with microbes, plants and animals that interact with, and control, the water and chemical cycles. Protected areas are faced with a myriad of water quality problems internally (including wastewater treatment, potential contamination from waste management activities) and externally (mining, agriculture, domestic and industrial activities effluent) to its boundaries that can negatively impact on conservation efforts. Subsequently, protected areas are mostly remotely located with limited access to energy, have remote infrastructure, possible resource constraints and limited funding being available. The AqueouSphere

TM and BaoWetland

TM hybrid constructed wetland treatment systems (based on ecological

engineering) are used to filter nitrates, phosphates, organic compounds, heavy metals, and other run-off contaminants including being effective in reducing suspended solids and dissolved organic carbon. These wetland systems also enhance the ecology and water quality of the water body and subsequently create a micro-habitat for surrounding species. As part of the research, the contaminant removal of five plant species were investigated together with field tests at three localities, including in protected areas. A social sustainability assessment was also completed and the results discussed. The results discussed include the social sustainability assessment outcome, the amount of contaminants removed by each plant species, the merit of installing hybrid constructed wetland treatment systems and potential design configurations of AqueouSphere

TM and BaoWetland

TM hybrid wetland treatment systems

treating various types of wastewaters in protected areas.


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Optimising the use of visual and radar-acoustic observations in mitigating the impact of proposed wind energy facilities on Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) populations in the Eastern Cape

Frowin K. Becker

1, Rhonda L. Millikin

2,3 & Alison J. Leslie

1

1Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

2EchoTrack Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

3Population Assessment Unit, Environment Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Presenter: Frowin K. Becker, Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University,

Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, +27 (0)84 048 9093, [email protected]

South Africa’s latest energy crisis has reiterated the need for the accelerated development of the country’s renewable energy sector. While the need for carbon-free energy can hardly be met with criticism, attention has to be paid to any related impacts on the environment. Airborne wildlife often bears the brunt of these developments. In order to mitigate such impacts effectively, reliable monitoring protocols are required to ensure accurate assessments. The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres), in particular, has been identified as vulnerable to wind energy developments, and is the primary subject of interest in this study. By challenging conventional bird monitoring techniques (i.e. visual) with a more technological approach, we look to (1) test the efficacy of both visual and radar-acoustic monitoring and (2) determine the most accurate method of assessing temporal and spatial movement patterns of the Cape Vulture. By making use of a state-of-the-art radar-acoustic system (EchoTrack Inc.) we are set to complete five sampling replicates between November 2014 and June 2015 at three different sites near Komga in the Eastern Cape Province, which is one of the species’ strongholds. Four days are spent at each site for every replicate. One replicate is still to be completed and the analyses of the data collected so far are still pending. Regardless of this, we aim to not only evaluate the limitations of each technique but ultimately design a monitoring protocol which combines both optimally and one which is specific to the Cape Vulture.

Biodiversity mitigations and offsets: The future for conservation and wildlife management

Lessons learnt in developing biodiversity management plans and offsets for African development projects

Andrew Cauldwell

Environmental Resources Management South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Gauteng Province, South Africa

Presenter: Andrew Cauldwell, Environmental Resources Management South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Woodlands Office Park, Woodlands Drive 2148, Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 (0)11 798 4300,

[email protected], (website: www.erm.com) Environmental Resources ERM South Africa has extensive experience in development of Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) in many African countries and lessons learnt from various situations are shared, with emphasis on why BMP’s were developed. (i) An operational copper mine in the southern DRC, where heavy metal-rich rocky outcrops supporting endemic plant species required a BMP to guide implementation procedures to meet the ‘No Net Loss’ requirements of international standards. Reasons are shared why offsetting in that situation was not considered feasible. (ii) A Zambian hydropower project required a BMP to consolidate several environmental impact and flow studies and to assess the local feasibility and implications of offsetting the residual biodiversity loss. (iii) A tea estate in the forest-covered Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania required a BMP to guide procedures for international certification. Procedures followed by ERM for the development of BMPs to international standards have involved summarising the ecological and social context, active stakeholder engagement, assessment of risk, analysis of gaps, an emphasis on management actions (covering expected impacts, unplanned conditions and additional management measures) following the mitigation hierarchy, monitoring requirements and assessment of the residual impact.


25

Lessons learnt in offsetting biodiversity impacts are presented. Technical requirements can be addressed but local governance and practical implementation requirements are over-riding determinants that dictate the feasibility of offsets. Many more country-specific approaches and legislation are required before biodiversity offsets will become a reality.

How sustainable is your protected area really? Ecological Engineering: a field whose time has come for

Africa…

Yolandi Schoeman Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: Yolandi Schoeman, Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa, Postnet Suite #547, Private Bag X37,

Lynnwoodridge 0040, South Africa, +27 (0)82 562 3621, [email protected]

Ecological engineering has been defined as the design of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both. One of the core principles of ecological engineering is to recognize that humanity is inseparable from and dependent on natural systems. The main idea of ecological engineering and ecological design has been to establish a new engineering discipline with ecological science as its basis. The discipline is based on (1) the self-designing capacity of ecosystems; (2) systematic testing of ecological theories; (3) system approaches, which includes to think of the ecosystem as a whole, instead of linear relationship between cause and effects; (4) conservation of non-renewable energy sources; and (5) biological conservation, primarily build on increased recognition of ecosystem values, both economic and intrinsic values. In Africa many conservation efforts (and infrastructure management) are subjected to an island approach with little integration of ecological engineering applications and disciples emphasising that there is indeed merit in applying an integrated ecologically engineered approach for conservation and wildlife management. A couple of questions subsequently arise pertaining to sustainable development and sustainability resilience in protected areas: How sustainable are protected areas really? How are management approaches and associated infrastructure of and in protected areas adapting to changing global and local conditions and needs? How are internal and external impacts to protected areas managed and buffered? During the discussion ecological engineering design, principles and applications will be discussed and a case study presented illustrating the contribution (and the application of) ecological engineering can make to sustainable conservation and wildlife management in Africa. Ecological Engineering is indeed a field whose time has come for Africa.

The Ingula Partnership conservation success: bridging the gap between development and conservation

Robin Colyn

1

1 Ingula Project Manager, BirdLife South Africa, Ladysmith, South Africa

Presenter: Robin Colyn, Project Manager, BirdLife South Africa, 73 Farquhar Road, Ladysmith 3370, South

Africa, +27 (0)76 833 8454, [email protected]

Situated between Ladysmith and Van Reenen, Ingula straddles the escarpment between Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Upon completion Ingula will be Eskom’s third pumped storage scheme with an envisioned output of 1 332 MW. The development includes the construction of two dams on either side of the escarpment, connected by an underground waterway and powerhouse with generators. As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process and subsequent Record of Decision (ROD), Eskom purchased over 8 000 ha of land to be set aside and managed for conservation in light of the development footprint needed for the pumped storage scheme. In light of this, the Ingula Partnership was established in 2003 between Eskom, BirdLife South Africa and the Middelpunt Wetland Trust, with the primary purpose of ensuring the conservation of key habitats and priority


26

species on site, including the Critically Endangered White-winged Flufftail. Currently over 8 500 ha of irreplaceable high-altitude grasslands, palustrine wetlands and Afrotemperate escarpment forest are conserved within Ingula. The value and significance of these habitat types for avian conservation are displayed in the area hosting an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), as well as 290 bird species, of which 32 are listed as threatened according to Regional Red List Criteria. It is a significant example of how an industrial undertaking can be integrated within a conservation area and will hopefully provide a model for future conservation initiatives. Ingula and its surrounding nature reserve provide a core conservation area and acts as a catalyst to encourage conservation-based management principles for surrounding landowners and for socio-economic development for local communities.

Tuesday, 8 September 2015

Keynote address:

Changing research paradigms to face realities in wildlife conservation, management and the wildlife industry

Louwrens C. Hoffman SARChI Chair: Meat Science in genomics to nutriomics, Department Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University,

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Presenter: Louwrens C. Hoffman, Department Animal Sciences, P.O. Box 3318, Matieland 7602, South Africa, +27 (0)21 808 1717, [email protected]

Within the wildlife management discipline, three major changes have occurred the past two decades that has

changed the manner in which scientists approach wildlife research in South Africa. These three should not be

seen in isolation as they are very closely interwoven.

The first was the era of post-independence when South Africa suddenly became the “sexy kid on the block” and

“THE” place for international researchers as they could now, with public support conduct research in South

Africa. With them came their foreign dollars, technology and sometimes arrogance. At the same time there

was a huge explosion in research technology, especially on the analytical and molecular levels (think for

example genetics) as well as more powerful statistical analyses. These allowed the development of research

programmes and the “in-words” became meta-populations and “-omics”.

All of this, linked with our new independence status allowed us to do research all over the continent (did we

then become arrogant with our Rands?). The third major change was the phenomenal growth in the game

ranching/farming industry. This growth stimulated debate around definitions of “preservation”, “conservation”,

“management”, “biodiversity” and many more. Yet, researchers seem to have missed an opportunity to utilise

this new industry as a new “laboratory”; it is only now that researchers are beginning to look at the possibilities

that have arisen from this “new” industry.

This discussion will look at these aspects and critically assess whether we as researchers, have squandered our

national laboratory or whether we have seized the opportunities that these changes have created.


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Wild and free: what are we conserving and how do we measure it?

Matthew F. Child1, S.A. Jeanetta Selier

2, Andrew Taylor

1 & Harriet T. Davies-Mostert

1,3

1Conservation Science Unit, Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa

2Scientific Authority, Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring, South African National Biodiversity Institute,

South Africa 3Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: Matthew Child, Conservation Science Unit, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag X11,

Modderfontein 1609,Johannesburg, South Africa, +27 (0)72 199 2454, [email protected] Saving a species from extinction is the minimum goal for conservationists. Ideally, we should conserve (and where necessary create) wild, flourishing, adaptive and self-sustaining populations. The IUCN recognises this ideal and states that only wild subpopulations can be considered for Red Listing. But what is wild? The absence of a measurable definition of wildness results in inconsistent Red Listing and thus inaccurate conservation progress reporting. However, as wildness exists along a spectrum from captive-bred to completely free-roaming, establishing objective, empirical and biologically meaningful thresholds is challenging. Following two expert workshops held in 2014 and 2015, we designed a framework, comprising five variables relating to short-term subpopulation viability and four variables influencing long-term population resilience, to measure the species-specific wildness of subpopulations subject to varying management interventions. We used this framework to assess populations on a sample of 250 formally protected areas, private nature reserves, conservancies, wildlife ranches and game farms; and extrapolate adjusted Red List statuses for currently threatened species. This allowed us to pinpoint the facets of the framework that need refining through practice and application. Ultimately, the framework is a first attempt at providing a consistent and objective method to identify subpopulations that possess conservation value. As such, it will provide a foundation for policy-makers to provide different incentives to landowners focusing on biodiversity conservation versus commercial production. Importantly, developing an overall wildness status for our mammals, to complement their Red List status, will provide a holistic measure of conservation success rather than simply reporting risk of extinction.

Small mammal and small carnivore abundance and diversity in the communal conservancies of Kavango East,

Namibia: is communal conservation leading to increased biodiversity?

Fernandu Khaebeb1, Morgan Hauptfleisch

1 & Katie Oxenham

2

1Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences, Polytechnic of Namibia, Namibia

2Namibia Nature Foundation, Windhoek, Namibia

Presenter: Fernandu Khaebeb, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences, Polytechnic of

Namibia, P.O. Box 13388, Windhoek, Namibia, +264 (0)81 124 1365, [email protected] The study presents results of a major mammal atlas expedition to three communal conservancies where very little data on biodiversity has been collected to date. The survey data will act as a baseline for long term biodiversity research in the communal conservancies. Pitfall traps, Sherman traps, camera traps and small carnivore (Tomahawk) traps were set in eight separate transects within each of three communal conservancies of the Kavango East, Namibia. They were: George Mukoya and Muduva Nyangana conservancies bordering Khaudum National Park, and Josef Mbambangandu in the Okavango River floodplain. The event yielded 15 small mammal species, five small carnivore species and 12 large mammal species. Two small mammal species could not yet be identified, and two species were found >200 km beyond their previously published range. The value of identified mammal species to the sustainable use aims of communal conservancies is explored.


28

The results of the study provide interesting trends relating to mammal abundance and diversity in the vicinity of mixed use (conservation and agriculture) compared to strictly conservation use areas in conservancies. It also assesses the methodology employed as a viable tool for comprehensive mammal assessments in development planning (e.g. Environmental Impact Assessment) and wildlife monitoring planning.

The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes): a review of the geographical distribution and conservation status

Beryl Wilson

1,2, Nellie de Crom

2, Brian K. Reilly

2, Lizanne Roxburgh

3 & Alexander Sliwa

4

1McGregor Museum, Kimberley, South Africa

2Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

3The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa

4Cologne Zoo, Cologne, Germany

Presenter: Beryl Wilson, McGregor Museum, P.O. Box 316, Kimberley 8300, South Africa, +27 (0)53 839 2727,

[email protected] / [email protected] The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) is one of the rarest cat species in Africa and is restricted to the southern African subregion. A review of historical and current geographical distribution ranges was made from 2006 to 2014. Locality records (790) were assembled from literature reviews, museum records, field surveys, web-based resources and citizen scientist observations. Maps were digitised and analysed using Geographical Information Systems. Historical geographical distributions contained a limited number of records and underestimated the range of the species. The current mapping suggested a wider but more fragmented geographical range than previously assumed. A replicable mapping method was developed to estimate population sizes in South Africa and regionally to allow for more informed decision-making in future conservation assessments. Until recently, the species had a South African national conservation status of Least Concern that is in the process of being uplifted to Vulnerable. The findings here support this change in conservation status, as well as the continued IUCN global listing of Vulnerable.

Viability of South Africa’s managed metapopulation of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Kenneth G. Buk

1 & Kelly Marnewick

2,3

1Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa 2Carnivore Conservation Programme, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa

3Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: Kenneth G. Buk, Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

0001, South Africa, +27 (0)72 262 1919, [email protected]

We analysed the population viability of the South African Cheetah Metapopulation (SACM) using life history data from the metapopulation and Vortex 10 software. We found the SACM to be viable, and projected it to grow to >500 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in 20 years, or if recruitment of new reserves continues at a moderate pace to >1 000 cheetahs in 100 years. Carrying capacity (K) placed the upper limit on the metapopulation size (N), while how much of that potential could be realised depended on whether reserves allowed breeding and subpopulation increase, the translocation regime and its implementation, lion (Panthera leo) density and more. Particular concerns were three large reserves with fewer cheetahs than expected and 16 reserves without breeding which, if unchanged, would reduce projected N by 53% and 32%, respectively. The current lion density was not a threat to metapopulation viability, and the reserves with lions were not collectively a sink. However, small cheetah subpopulations were very sensitive to increases in lion density. We recommended a minimum of 33 internal translocations per year of which ⅔ should be nationwide rather than regional, and a minimum of four translocations per year involving cheetahs from outside the metapopulation. The metapopulation was very sensitive to loss of females, while it was possible to remove up



29

to 40% of male cubs or up to 30% of male adults annually, while still maintaining 95.0% genetic diversity, >91% of N and >97% of growth potential. Subpopulations with K≤5 detracted from metapopulation viability, and their removal was projected to increase N.

Establishing a monitoring framework to facilitate the adaptive management of leopards (Panthera pardus) in

KwaZulu-Natal

Gareth Mann1, Guy Balme

1, Shannon Chapman

1, Chris Kelly

2, Simon Morgan

2, Chris Barichievy

3, Tarik

Bodasing3, Dave Druce

3, Rickert van der Westhuizen

3, John Craigie

3, Sharron Hughes

3, Brent Coverdale

3 &

Peter S. Goodman4

1Panthera, New York, USA

2Wildlife ACT, Cape Town, South Africa

3Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 4Wildlife Conservation Solutions, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Presenter: Gareth Mann, c/o Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3,

Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa, +27 (0)79 530 9897, [email protected] Successful adaptive management of wildlife requires reliable long-term monitoring of population trends at the scale necessary to inform management decisions. The scale and accuracy of monitoring must be balanced against its costs. Site-specific studies that use intensive monitoring techniques can generate robust abundance estimates but they are typically too localised to achieve population-level inferences. In contrast, regional studies that employ extensive monitoring methods can provide indications of population trend but often without the accuracy or precision required for management. A combination of intensive and extensive monitoring may therefore be the best approach. We developed a monitoring framework that combines rigorous estimates of leopard (Panthera pardus) population density from camera-trap surveys undertaken at key surveillance sites in KwaZulu-Natal with indices of leopard population trend derived from harvest and hunt effort data to inform adaptive management of the species. This framework has potential to act as a standard for monitoring leopard population trends throughout South Africa, as well as other large carnivore species more widely.

Living on the edge: ecological relationships between large carnivores in the arid Kalahari

M. Gus L. Mills

Sonpark, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Presenter: Gus Mills, P.O. Box 7814, Sonpark 1206, South Africa, [email protected]

Much of Africa comprises arid regions, yet little is known about the ecological interactions between large carnivores in these landscapes. A review of the densities, feeding and foraging ecology, as well as the relations between the large carnivores in the arid Kalahari, illustrates how they have successfully adapted to arid conditions, and highlights some of the differences in these relationships with those in more mesic areas. In the arid Kalahari, the relative densities of the large carnivores are more even, but community structure is different, with the inclusion of the brown hyaena and the disappearance of the African wild dog. Resource partitioning is more acute and diet flexibility is evident. The relative contribution to animals killed by predation is more equitably shared by the predator community, and high rates of food loss by smaller carnivores to larger ones have not been recorded. There is even an example of a smaller carnivore (brown hyaena) deriving benefits from a larger one (lion). Arid regions are clearly important areas for large carnivores and more attention should be given to research and conservation of carnivores in arid areas.


30

Large felid whisker growth rate and its importance in determining intra-population dietary variation using stable isotope analysis

Ruwimbo Mutirwara

1, Frans G.T. Radloff

1, Daryl Codron

2,3 & Guy Balme

4

1Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South

Africa 2

Florisbad Quaternary Research, National Museum, Bloemfontein, South Africa 3Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

4Panthera, Mowbray, Cape Town, South Africa

Presenter: Ruwimbo Mutirwara, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences,

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa, +27 (0)71 359 1718, [email protected]

Understanding dietary choices and feeding behaviour of large predators is crucial for their successful conservation. Numerous techniques such as scat analysis, stomach content analysis, GPS cluster analysis, direct observations and spoor tracking have been used to investigate large predators’ diets. All these methods contribute to a better understanding of carnivore foraging ecology but often fail to address inter- and intra-population variation in diet as large sample sizes of kill records for specific individuals are required. Longitudinal diet records for individuals can be obtained through stable isotope profiles from the growth axes of incremental tissues such as whiskers. In order to interpret and compare these time series, knowledge of tissue growth rate and pattern is required. We investigated whisker growth rates in four lions (Panthera leo) and one leopard (Panthera pardus) over a period of 185 days at the National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria. These felids are sustained on a C4 based diet of chicken and beef and we used the meat of C3 plant-feeding giraffe (Giraffa cameleopardalis) characterised by a low

13C/

12C ratio to mark actively growing whiskers at three pre-selected time periods. The average whisker

growth rate of the study animals was 0.74 mm d-1

, although this varied between 0.70 and 0.77 mm d-1

, slowing down as the whisker reached its matured length. These results allow for time frames to be fitted to whisker data from free-ranging animals. We present isotope profiles from whiskers of six leopards from Zululand that show clear intra-population variations in diet over the growth period.

Demographic characteristics of lion (Panthera leo) in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

Otto Beukes¹, Frans G.T. Radloff¹ & Sam M. Ferreira²

¹Department of Conservation and Marine Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa

² Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa

Presenter: Otto Beukes, Department of Conservation and Marine Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa, +27 (0)71 255 2220,

[email protected].

In the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, lions (Panthera leo) are an iconic species that is highly valued by tourists and are a key ecological driver. Understanding the dynamics of lion demography, as well as the drivers and limiting factors thereof thus plays a critical role in informing management decisions. Historically this lion population showed some variation in sex and age class structures but a 2010 study suggested an alarming sex skew favouring males in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (KGNP). Consequently a detailed two year demographic study (May 2013 – June 2015) of the KGNP lion population was initiated. For the first time, an attempt was made to locate and identify all the lions within the population. A combination of opportunistic encounters, tracking, call-up stations and following of five collared females were used to maximise lion encounter rates. Once found, lions were aged, sexed and their whisker spot patterns discerned with the help of 500 mm telephoto lens photography. After 24 months of fieldwork an excess of 48 000 km were travelled in the park over 330 sample days. This resulted in 328 lion sightings comprising of 1 158 individuals. The combination of age, sex, location and whisker


31

spot patterns enabled the identification of 266 individual lions. The preliminary results suggest that there are 45% male lions in the population which bodes well for the persistence of the population. The final results for the full study will be presented and its consequences discussed.

Spatial and temporal variation of lion (Panthera leo) diet within the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

Maya Beukes

1, Frans G.T. Radloff

1 & Sam M. Ferreira

2


Africa 2Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa

Presenter: Maya Beukes, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape

Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa, +27 (0)84 235 9602, [email protected]

A survey conducted in 2010 suggested that the lion (Panthera leo) population of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (KGNP) was exhibiting an excessively skewed sex ratio in favour of males. This can cause a decline in the lion population and may ultimately lead to localised extinction. Changes in mammalian diet and consequent body condition have been found to influence the sex ratio of offspring. In the KGNP artificial water provision has influenced the abundance of resident prey and potentially lion diet and body condition. To investigate this issue, a two year study (May 2013 – June 2015) on lion diet was initiated. Direct observations of lions feeding, scat analysis and Global Positioning System (GPS) cluster analysis were used to obtain data. Five lionesses from different parts of the KGNP were fitted with GPS satellite collars that provided hourly locality data. At the end of May 2015 location point downloads have revealed 801 points where lions spend >4 hours and evidence of prey remains was found at 37% of these sites. In addition 51 kill sites were located from direct observations and 221 faecal samples collected and analysed. Results from the different data gathering techniques are compared and discussed in relation to spatial variation across the park. Our findings are also compared to historic dietary records.

The effects of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and rainfall on herbivores in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa

David G. Marneweck

1,2, Dave J. Druce

3,4, Kelly Marnewick

2 & Michael J. Somers

1,5


2Carnivore Conservation Programme, Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa

3Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa

4School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 5Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: David G. Marneweck, National Wild Dog Metapopulation Project, Hluhluwe Research Station, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, P.O. Box 515, Hluhluwe 3960, KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa, +27 (0)82 448 1721,

[email protected]

Despite multiple studies showing bottom-up effects to be the main driver of herbivore populations, many reserve managers still perceive top-down effects as having a greater influence and, therefore, of more concern. Such bottom-up and top-down effects can be exacerbated in fenced and isolated reserves. In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Kwazulu-Natal, there has been a steady decline of small to medium-sized herbivores, which managers attribute to high numbers of large carnivores. Management is considering the removal of some of the carnivores, in particular African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). We investigated the temporal effects of various demographic variables of wild dogs and rainfall on herbivore numbers in the park. We found that no wild dog demographic variable could explain the decline in herbivore species over the previous 35 years. We also found no significant relationship between rainfall and herbivore numbers. Finally, we found that neither interactive nor time-lag effect of wild dogs and rainfall on herbivore numbers. We acknowledge that there could be a cumulative effect of all large carnivores in the system but we argue predation is not the main driver. We rather suggest alternate drivers such as (1) excessive historical live and


32

dead removals, (2) change in the distribution and abundance of grazing lawns and (3) historical overstocking of the area. We also caution managers to be wary of disturbing an intact large carnivore guild as this disrupts natural processes that have potential negative tourism and ecological effects.

The diet of caracal (Caracal caracal) and black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) in a rangeland ecosystem,

southern Free State

Carl F. Pohl1, Nico L. Avenant

2&3 & Alexander Sliwa

4

1Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

2Department of Mammalogy, National Museum, Bloemfontein, South Africa

3Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

4 Zoologischer Garten Köln, Cologne, Germany

Presenter: Carl F. Pohl, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences,

University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, +27 (0)51 401 7585, [email protected]

The dearth of scientific information on the actual magnitude of caracal (Caracal caracal) and black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) as stock slayers, as well as their role in rangeland ecosystems, add to the current controversy regarding their management over large parts of southern Africa. In this study their scats, collected on heavily impacted small stock rangeland, were analysed over a 13 month period (May 2011 – May 2012; mean monthly sample sizes 11.2 ± 4.3 and 13.2 ± 7.0, respectively). Both caracal and black-backed jackal fed predominantly on mammalian prey, with relative contributions of specific items changing throughout the year. The main prey items consumed by caracal were hares and rock rabbits (mean monthly: 28.5% Occ; 28.0% Vol), hyrax (17.5% Occ; 17.3% Vol), springhares (15.2% Occ; 15.2% Vol) and domestic sheep (13.6% Occ; 13.6% Vol); for black-backed jackal, these were mice (34.43% Occ; 28.55% Vol), hares (19.94% Occ; 16.98% Vol), springbok (13.92% Occ; 12.92% Vol), sheep (9.09% Occ; 8.24% Vol) and mountain reedbuck (9.82% Occ; 9.42% Vol). Prey niche breadth of caracal was markedly narrower than that of black-backed jackal, and niche overlap was lowest in winter and highest in autumn. Both carnivores preyed significantly more on sheep during the two lambing seasons (March-April and September-October). Black-backed jackal predated less on sheep than caracal, but more than caracal on springbok (also economically important). The large contribution of natural prey in their diet, as well as their opportunistic usage, also emphasized the important role that these predators play in this specific ecosystem.

Diet of key predators responsible for livestock conflict in Namaqualand, South Africa

Corlé Jansen¹, Alison Leslie¹ & Quinton Martins²

¹Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa ²Snow Leopard Conservancy, California, United States of America

Presenter: Corlé Jansen, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Private

Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, +27 (0)82 401 6169, [email protected]

Livestock farming is an important part of South Africa’s economy and an intrinsic component of the country’s culture. With the expansion of livestock farming in Namaqualand, human-predator conflict increases and threats to predator populations become an ever increasing problem. Assessing the diet of these predators as compared between two different land types, namely farmlands and a protected area is essential for devising conflict mitigation measures tailored to the predator species most commonly responsible for livestock predation. Caracal (Caracal caracal) diet was analysed by utilising GPS location clusters from eight radio-collared individuals. Kill sites were determined and prey remains were collected for analysis. Scat analysis for caracal, black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and leopard (Panthera pardus) were used to identify which predators are more likely to be involved in conflict. Diet was also compared between seasons as most farmers move their livestock to the Bushmanland in the drier months. Prey abundance was determined from data collected from ~178 camera traps set out across the study area (410 km²) for medium and large prey, whereas smaller mammalian prey abundance was determined from small mammal traps set out in spring 2014. This work is critical for informing the planning of non-lethal depredation mitigation techniques which are currently


33

being tested by the Cape Leopard Trust, as well as assessing prey availability on these two separate land uses.

The importance of stocking rate, habitat and feeding preferences of game species for effective veld

management in a semi-arid environment

Marnus Smit

1, G. Nico Smit

2 & Johan P. du Preez

3

1Department of Environment & Nature Conservation, Kimberley, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

2Department of Animal, Wildlife & Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

3Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Presenter: Marnus Smit, Department of Environment & Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province, Private

Bag X6102, Kimberley 8300, South Africa, +27 (0)53 807 7473, [email protected]

Effective veld management is important for the sustainable management of game species in constrained environments such as fenced game reserves. Veld management is largely dependent on appropriate stocking rates, the correct combination of game species, as well as a thorough understanding of the habitat and feeding preferences of game species. A study was conducted in the Doornkloof Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape Province with the objective of assessing the influence of stocking rate, as well as the habitat and feeding preferences of game species on the condition of the vegetation, as well as the grazing and browsing capacity of each vegetation unit that was identified. The habitat preference of all game species were also studied during the wet and dry seasons of 2011 - 2012. At the time of the study the reserve as a whole was only stocked at 46% of its calculated grazing capacity, while the number of browsers exceeded the calculated browsing capacity by 160%. These findings were not reflected in the veld condition scores since the herbaceous layer, but not the woody layer, showed clear evidence of degradation. Not all vegetation units were equally utilised, with some suffering from severe over-utilisation, while others were under-utilised. This unbalanced utilisation of the herbaceous layer was due to differences in habitat preferences of different game species. The findings of this study suggest that the type of game species may be more important than absolute stocking rates. It also emphasises the complexity of environmental factors which influence the habitat selection of game species.

Relationship between woody canopy cover and habitat utilisation by kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in the

central Free State

Vivian P. Butler, Beanelri B. Janecke & G. Nico Smit Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, South Africa

Presenter: Vivian P. Butler, Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State,

P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, +27 (0)76 187 3334, [email protected]

The greater kudu is highly adaptable, occurring in a wide variety of habitats, from thickets and savannas to karroid broken veld. Cover plays an important role in habitat selection with suitable woody canopy cover not only providing food, but also shelter and better camouflage. The objective of this study is to determine if woody canopy cover has an effect on the habitat utilisation of kudu in the central Free State. The study area was divided into 150 m² grid blocks that were used for the survey of the woody layer as well as an assessment of the habitat preferences of kudu. An adult kudu cow, that formed part of larger family groups, was fitted with a satellite collar that recorded her location on an hourly basis from February 2013 to November 2014. Kudu showed a strong preference for areas containing high woody canopy cover throughout the year. They were, however, less selective of woody canopy cover during the day compared to the night. The results indicate that diet preferences play a much larger role in habitat selection during the day, when kudu utilise more open habitat and cover larger areas in search of food. By comparison, their movement during the night was more constrained, preferring habitat with a high woody canopy cover, irrespective of the plant species present. Fenced wildlife properties containing kudu in the central Free State must therefore not only have sufficient plant diversity for feeding, but must also provide enough cover for shelter.


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Population dynamics of blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) in Madikwe Game Reserve: assessing sustainability for future management options

H. Pieter Nel

1, Ashley Hodge

2 & Rob Harrison–White

2

1Conservation Management Division, North West Parks Board, North West Province, South Africa

2Clyde Films, P.O. Box 783540, Sandton, 2146, Johannesburg, South Africa

Presenter: Pieter Nel, Conservation Management Division, North West Parks Board, P.O. Box 21272, Protea

Park 0305, Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa, +27 (0)83 654 8415, [email protected]

Madikwe Game Reserve (MGR) is located in a semi-arid savanna region on the northwestern border of North West Province, South Africa. The reserve covers an area of approximately 60 000 ha, and was established to generate socio-economic benefits through wildlife-based tourism. The tourism product is based on a Big Five experience, which includes lion (Panthera leo) and other large predators. The populations of the important prey animals have shown huge variation and although most of these can be attributed to high predation rates, access to key resource areas have declined and is impacting on the prey population’s ability to sustain themselves. Therefore, even under moderate predator densities, impact on prey populations may still be unsustainable. This was investigated specifically for blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) in the park. Vegetation structure in the park has been altered through management actions, i.e. fire, elephant (Loxodonta africana), waterholes and has shown an increase in the density of the woody layer. Distribution data from game counts and field observations were used to determine wildebeest range. We have found that wildebeest aggregate in open areas in the park during the night to avoid predators, and we explored the location and extent of these open areas in relation to key resource areas. We also found that availability of these key resource areas influences adult and calf survival of wildebeest. This has important implications for the management of prey species in Madikwe and the maintenance of an adequate prey base to achieve the objective of maintaining a competitive tourist product.

Agonistic behaviour of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger Harris, 1838): implications for captive management

Nadine Jacobs & Hennie J.B. Butler

Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, South Africa

Presenter: Nadine Jacobs, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural

Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, +27 (0)72 220 9229, [email protected]

Sable antelope are considered to be one of the most profitable wildlife species in southern Africa, favoured by photographers and trophy hunters. Intensive wildlife production of this species is practiced to improve reproductive rate, which is normally hindered by deficiencies and mortalities in extensive management systems. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of management strategies practiced in intensive wildlife production on the rate and nature of agonistic interactions as well as the reproductive success of populations of sable antelope under intensive management. Agonistic behaviour of three sable antelope populations was compared under different management regimes. The probable cause of agonistic behaviour was determined by comparing hourly rates of agonistic interactions to the daily variation in activity pattern. Though the implementation of intensive management strategies increased reproductive success, it also resulted in increased rates of agonistic interactions. The occurrence of aggressive displays that could result in injury however, was not abnormally high in intensively managed populations compared to that observed in an extensively managed population. However, in intensively managed populations, agonistic interactions directed at immature individuals were not only more numerous but also more aggressive in nature. Increased rates of agonistic behaviour were primarily as a result of the provision of dry feed. Intensive management strategies definitely succeed in increasing productivity but in practice, these strategies could adversely affect aspects of social behaviour of sable antelope in intensively managed systems.


35

Post-reintroduction monitoring and proposed management strategies for impala (Aepyceros melampus) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) in Malawi

Kate Spies & Alison J. Leslie

Wildlife Ecology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

Presenter: Kate Spies, Wildlife Ecology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa, +27 (0)71 326 2878, [email protected] Majete Wildlife Reserve in southern Malawi was decimated of most large mammals by the early 2000’s. In 2003, African Parks entered into an agreement with the Malawian government and conducted one of Africa’s biggest wildlife reintroduction programmes, which is currently a classic example of a successful reintroduction programme. Of 14 reintroduced species, impala (Aepyceros melampus) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) were chosen as study animals. The aim of this study was to propose management strategies for the impala and waterbuck populations in the 700 km

2 fenced reserve, by studying the basic ecology of the species and estimating population increases post

reintroduction. Methodologies included DISTANCE sampling, waterhole counts, isotopic diet analysis, camera trapping and GPS mapping of observed individuals and groups in 2013 and 2014. Results show that impala and waterbuck were prolific in areas that were close to good water sources and they were able to vigorously compete for forage. Both populations have increased significantly since reintroduction, which indicates that these two species are well-established. It is of high importance to monitor and actively manage reintroduced species, to ensure sustainability of the populations and to establish and minimise the effects on the environment and other species.

The curious case of Limpopo’s “black-nosed” impalas

J. Paul Grobler

Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Presenter: J. Paul Grobler, Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, +27 (0)51 401 3844, [email protected]

The common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) occurs widely in the south to south-eastern regions of Africa, with the black-faced impala (A. m. petersi) confined to a small area in northern Namibia and south-western Angola. The two subspecies are primarily distinguished by the presence of a prominent black facial marking stretching from the nose to the horns in A. m. petersi. A privately-owned game farm in the Limpopo region of South Africa reported the presence of a significant proportion of prominently “black-nosed” impala, based on scrutiny of camera-trap records. Common A. m. melampus individuals often display a shaded area between the nose and horn base, but the black facial markings on the impala photographed in Limpopo closely mimic the dark phenotype found in A. m. petersi. There is also anecdotal evidence of “black-nosed” individuals observed at low frequencies in other parts of northern Limpopo, and in the Kruger National Park. Black-nosed individuals were sampled and sequenced at the mtDNA D-loop region. These individuals were then compared to reference sequences for A. m. melampus and A. m. petersi available on the GenBank database. There was strong (100%) bootstrap support for the clustering of A. m. petersi and A. m. melampus individuals as distinct clades, and the individuals from Limpopo clustered firmly with known South African impala of the subspecies A. m. melampus. It is concluded that the “black-nosed” genotype is probably present in both subspecies, but at a very low frequency in A. m. melampus. The use of these “black-nosed” impala from South Africa by the game industry is also discussed.


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Phylogeography of the South African endemic Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus)

Riël W.G. Coetzer, Mike R. Perrin, Colleen T. Downs & Sandi Willows-Munro School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Presenter: W.G. Coetzer, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rabie Saunders Building, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa, +27 (0)73 211 7019, [email protected]

The Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus) is the only endemic parrot species in South Africa. Current population estimates suggest less than 1 600 Cape Parrots left in the wild. Habitat loss is one of the major factors linked to the Cape Parrot population decline. The Cape Parrot is found almost exclusively along the southern mistbelt (Afrocarpus/Podocarpus) forests of South Africa, with a relic subpopulation (n < 100) in the Magoebaskloof area in Limpopo. Habitat fragmentation can lead to reduced levels of gene flow between subpopulations and accumulation of deleterious mutations. We investigated the genetic structure of Cape Parrot populations using 16 microsatellite loci. Wild caught (n = 85) and archival specimens (n = 29) from across the Cape Parrot distribution range were analysed. Slight differences in genetic diversity between contemporary and historic specimens were observed (Contemporary, HE = 0.587; Historic, HE = 0.553). Bayesian clustering identified three genetic clusters which were geographically correlated – Southern, Central and Northern clusters. These three subpopulations were supported by highly significant FST values. The Northern (Limpopo) cluster is most genetically distinct from the other clusters, highlighting its uniqueness. These results will aid conservation authorities with the planning and implementation of future conservation endeavours.

Wednesday, 9 September 2015

Keynote address:

Diversification and contribution of the wildlife industry

Wiaan van der Linde

Wintershoek Game, Modder River, South Africa Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA), Pretoria, South Africa

Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA), Centurion, South Africa

Presenter: Wiaan van der Linde, Wintershoek Game, P.O. Box 134, Modder River 8700, South Africa, +27 (0)53 204 0042, [email protected]

The wildlife industry has the potential to make a substantial impact in South and southern Africa, not only to the fauna but also to the people of the region. The positive potential of this can only be unlocked and developed fully if all concerned parties, namely government, scientists, conservationists and private game ranchers understand this principle and work together within the industry. However one of the most important issues at stake is understanding the difference between biodiversity conservation and commercial conservation.

The use of permanent passageways to mitigate fence damage by warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus)

Monlee Swanepoel

1,2, Alison J. Leslie

1 & Louwrens C. Hoffman

2

1Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

2Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Presenter: Monlee Swanepoel, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University,

Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, +27 (0)21 808 4949, [email protected]

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has been introduced to farms and reserves in the Northern Cape and Free State provinces. Warthogs are known for their ability to damage and undermine agricultural



37

fences which allow previously excluded predators to gain access to livestock and game animals. This study investigated the use of two types of permanent passageways in fences to allow movement of warthogs and other small mammals whilst discouraging predator movement. The first type of passageway consisted of a steel frame with chains covering the opening, and the second of a steel frame with a wire mesh swing gate covering the opening. Passageways were installed across four existing holes along an 800 m game fence on a mixed livestock and game farm and observed with camera traps (n=469 trap days between November 2013 and March 2015). Passageways were not installed as complete structures but in stages during a ‘conditioning’ period, while recording animal behaviour and movement. Warthogs and other small mammals were recorded to regularly use both types of passageways, while black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) were observed to use chain passageways on three occasions. The number of new holes created was also reduced. The results suggest that wire mesh swing gates can be used as permanent passageways in fences to mitigate fence damage whilst allowing small mammal movements and discouraging predator movements. Conditioning and monitoring aids in introducing passageways to animals.

Good fences make good neighbours: a qualitative interpretive study of human–baboon and human–human

conflict on the Cape Peninsula

Renelle Terblanche Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Presenter: Renelle Terblanche, Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University,

Private Bag x1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, +27 (0)21 975 7947, [email protected]

Picturesque Cape Town is the epitome of an urban/nature interface. Its chacma baboons (Papio ursinus), however, face slandering for transgressing both the socially constructed human/animal and nature/culture divide and/or the actual, physical borderline separating these constructs. The difficulties associated with retaining baboons in nature, because of their ability to traverse physical boundaries, have led to human–baboon conflict which is a subset of the broader category human–wildlife conflict. Even though research focusing on baboon biology on the Cape Peninsula is abundant, comparably little attention has been paid to the human aspects. The Cape Peninsula’s baboon-management structure is impacted by a growing diversity of stakeholder groups, along with an increasing individualisation of people involved in human–wildlife conflict issues. By obtaining the views of a variety of stakeholders on human–baboon conflict and baboon-management on the Cape Peninsula, this social research project is well positioned to critically assess the theoretical validity of the claim that human–wildlife conflict is grounded in human–human conflict. On a related but more pragmatic note, this research project highlights the need to establish a working, interdisciplinary relationship between wildlife managers and social scientists and the importance of social sciences disciplines in addressing such conflict. By establishing cross-disciplinary linkages, wildlife managers will perhaps be able to gain a better understanding of why human–wildlife conflicts occur and of the magnitude of these conflicts, and to identify strategies that can be used to increase stakeholder participation in the development and implementation of potential solutions.

A combination of electric and virtual fencing as a new strategy for managing baboons

Phil R.K. Richardson, Robyn E. Khoury, Sieglinde C. Rode & Lana Müller

Human Wildlife Solutions CC, Cape Town, South Africa

Presenter: Phil R.K. Richardson, Human Wildlife Solutions, P.O. Box 31150, Tokai 7966, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 (0)21 712 9544, [email protected]

Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) on the Cape Peninsula are actively managed by 2-4 rangers per troop in four day shifts. This practise is highly successful (keeping baboons 98.5% of time out of town), but labour intensive and therefore expensive. Electric fencing is also used to exclude baboons from a few suburbs, and is highly successful, although few areas are suited to full electric fencing because of roads, suburb shape,


38

landownership, terrain, finance and maintaining animal corridors. By contrast, strategically placed electric fencing along the most porous urban boundaries combined with the use of rangers at the edges, is a highly successful strategy. The use of rangers can be further reduced by installing virtual fences through the less vulnerable areas outside town. Virtual fences are designed to create landscapes of fear, like territorial boundaries, by using a variety of stimuli including sound, sight and smell. Ultimately virtual fences will be remotely operated and require very low maintenance and labour costs. Virtual fences are being developed to provide long term solutions to managing baboons on farms, urban edges, small holdings and possibly plantations.

The development and use of an optimal camera trap survey design to assess mammalian species richness

and distribution on the Cape Peninsula

Robin Colyn1, Frans Radloff

1, Justin O’Riain

2 & Tali Hoffman

2


Africa 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Presenter: Robin Colyn, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of

Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa, +27 (0)76 833 8454, [email protected] Repeated species richness estimates are essential for effective conservation management practices within protected areas. Camera trapping is a relatively new, repeatable and reliable surveying method for medium and large terrestrial mammals. However, survey design, including camera spacing and placement, and how this impacts on species richness estimates remains a challenge for this method. In this study we manipulated both camera spacing and camera placement within a grid design to determine the most appropriate camera trap survey design for medium and large mammals in fynbos vegetation. Our results suggest that an intermediate camera spacing of 1 km (versus 0.5 and 2km) and positioning the camera’s a maximum of 120 m from grid points at sites with signs of animals (e.g. scat, spoor and trails), significantly improved rarefaction curves and species richness estimates. We subsequently deployed this survey design in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park and recorded 16 out of a possible 20 mammal species in 4 800 camera days and 80 camera traps. I discuss the importance of camera trap survey design for monitoring mammal species richness within protected areas and how these surveys can be optimised for long-term assessments and subsequent management of wildlife populations.

Management implications of monitoring programmes at the Doornkloof Nature Reserve: a practical

overview

Heath P. Cronje Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Presenter: Heath P. Cronje, Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, P.O. Box 94,

Colesberg 9795, South Africa, +27 (0)51 753 3005, [email protected]

Vegetation monitoring at Doornkloof Nature Reserve (DNR) commenced in 1985 and with the introduction of game species, game observations was also implemented. Rangeland management in a protected area forms part of a dynamic ecosystem that is constantly changing and monitoring rangeland condition provides the means of applying adaptive management. The vegetation and game monitoring programmes at DNR were scrutinised against conventional best practices in protected area management. The strengths and weaknesses of the vegetation and game monitoring programmes at DNR were identified to effect advancements and prioritise research needs. With limited resources available, the involvement of tertiary institutions in the assimilation of knowledge is imperative to the ecological management of the reserve.


39

Science Education Outreach as a future for environmental management

Omphile Khutsoane & Joh Henschel South African Environmental Observation Network, Arid Lands Node, Kimberley, South Africa

Presenter: Omphile Khutsoane, SAEON Arid Lands Node, P.O. Box 110040, Hadison Park, Kimberley 8306, South

Africa, +27 (0)53 831 3751, [email protected] The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) conducts and facilitates environmental monitoring in relation to global change and land use at a national level, including the management and archiving of data. As an institution of the National Research Foundation, SAEON not only employs scientists, but also promotes the future of environmental science through its Science Education Outreach programme for learners. Since wildlife management and conservation depend on professionals with the appropriate passion, knowledge and skills, the SAEON outreach programme that has just been initiated in Kimberley at the Arid Lands Node is an important platform for furthering the development of scientists in the Northern Cape. The programme connects scientists with learners and educators mostly outside of classrooms, focusing on Grades 9 - 11, with the aim of furthering learners and educators who have the passion to improve their knowledge and skills, thus promoting the future of science conducted by South Africans needed to address environmental problems. The programme sets out to help prepare future citizens and leaders to live in a world where scientific knowledge is increasingly essential. We describe how we go about this, and how this will hopefully improve the future of wildlife management in South Africa.

Population resilience to pressures Adaptive behavioural responses of a blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) population to spatiotemporal

environmental variability in a fragmented semi-arid Kalahari, Botswana

Moses Selebatso1, 2

Richard W. S. Fynn1 and Glyn Maude

2

1Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun, Botswana

2Kalahari Research and Conservation Botswana, Maun, Botswana

Presenter: Moses Selebatso, Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, P.O. Box 602403, Gaborone,

Botswana, +267 318 5219, [email protected] African herbivore populations in semi-arid savannah regions face intense spatial and temporal environmental variability over the annual cycle. The population survive by accessing patchy and spatiotemporally variable seasonal ranges. However, the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) population in the Kalahari has lost its critical seasonal ranges outside the protected areas due to human induced landscape changes. Continued decline of the population in this region is believed to be a consequence of these habitat losses and fragmentation. Adaptive strategies of this population to remaining heterogeneity within the fragmented range are not well understood. This paper investigated the adaptive strategies of this isolated population in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), Botswana, with a focus on daily activity, seasonal movement and home range patterns to environmental variability in the semi-arid Kalahari. Ten female wildebeest were fitted with satellite collars to monitor their movement and activity levels between 2011 and 2014. The population coped with heat stress by maximising its activity in the cool hours of the day and avoided predation pressure and losing body condition by minimising activity at night and in dry seasons, respectively. Daily distances and home range sizes did not change with seasons, although one herd showed seasonal migratory behaviour between northern CKGR and Khutse Game Reserve. Temporal and spatial distributions of water played a critical role in the home range of the wildebeest population. Consistency in the availability of water in semi-arid landscapes determines the success of the adaptability and resilience of the wildebeest population to variability of other key resources and predation risks.


40

Assessing the impacts of changing land use on forest mammals in the fragmented coastal forests of southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Yvette C. Ehlers Smith, David A. Ehlers Smith, Colleen T. Downs & Tharmalingam Ramesh

1University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Presenter: Yvette C. Ehlers-Smith, University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Private Bag X01,

Scottsville 3201, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, +27 (0)72 942 8183, [email protected]

KwaZulu-Natal contains 16% of South Africa’s indigenous forests, including the endangered Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Forest (IOCBF). Coastal development has resulted in a mosaic of different land uses such as agriculture, forestry and urban landscapes. Consequently, more than 70% of coastal forest has been lost and are highly fragmented, diminishing habitats for forest-dwelling taxa such as the vulnerable blue duiker (Philantomba monticola). Small forest fragments enhance landscape connectivity and support local populations in vulnerable habitat mosaics where most natural vegetation has disappeared. The effects of changing land use remain largely untested. Therefore, researching the effects of changing land use, habitat fragmentation and encroaching urban environments on forest mammal diversity and survival is crucial. Preliminary results from camera trap data from southern KwaZulu-Natal (in IOCBF patches across 4 land use categories, n=149) indicate that forest patches within villages have comparatively higher species richness than other land uses (villages: 5.26, SD 1.85; farms: 5.11, SD 1.58; Reserves: 4.6, SD 1.75; Estates: 4, SD 1.36), despite the introduction of species into reserves and estates. Additionally, blue duikers are present in significantly higher numbers in villages (94% of camera sites) in comparison to Protected Areas, where only 50% of the sites have duiker present. This paper employs occupancy modelling, incorporating habitat variables, disturbance factors, and forest patch size and isolation distances, to compare site characteristics, and thus highlight factors responsible for the presence/absence of species. Patch occupancy can be used to evaluate fragmentation effects on metapopulation dynamics and identify conservation priorities.

Legislative impacts on wildlife and biodiversity

Draft policy for the hunting of Opportunity Species within the Northern Cape Province

F. Christina Kraft

Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Presenter: F. Christina Kraft, Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Private Bag X6102, Kimberley 8300, South Africa, +27 (0)53 807 7441, [email protected]

Over the past few years the number of applications for Opportunity Species hunts within the Northern Cape Province has increased, specifically for aardwolf (Proteles cristatus), bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) and Cape fox (Vulpes chama). Opportunity Species are defined as non-typical hunting species which are not listed in the Northern Cape Provincial Hunting Proclamation and cannot be registered on the Game Farm Permit of a property. The hunting of these species therefore requires a permit from the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC) as stipulated by the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (No. 9 of 2009). These species play an important ecological role in nature, and due to the increase in hunting applications together with road kills and illegal persecution of these species, the need for active management interventions became evident. However, the lack of sufficient scientifically based data hampers the development of management plans that enable the sustainable utilisation of these species. The DENC therefore developed a draft policy which will serve as a guideline and interim measure to regulate the hunting of these species. The policy provides hunting quotas linked to hunting seasons which are recommended based on currently available ecological information and the protection statuses of the species. The successful implementation of this policy is dependent on public participation. Inputs from the wildlife community can aid in further refining the document to ensure that a practically implementable policy document is produced. The development of this policy will play an important role in ensuring the sustainable utilisation of these wildlife species for the future.


41

Legal and institutional frameworks for natural resources management: implications for managing threats to wildlife and biodiversity in the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve, Zimbabwe

Olga L. Kupika

1 & Edson Gandiwa

2

1 Exxaro Chair in Business & Climate Change, Institute for Corporate Citizenship, University of South Africa,

South Africa 1,2

Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

Presenter: Olga L. Kupika, Institute for Corporate Citizenship, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, South Africa, +27 (0)12 433 4736 / +27 (0)73 683 3447, [email protected] / [email protected]

The Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve is under threat from a myriad of anthropogenic stressors such as habitat encroachment, land degradation, climate change, deforestation, poaching and illegal harvesting of resources. The government, through stakeholders in the wildlife sector, has a mandate to interpret international conventions and adapt them to local conditions, and to inculcate them in local policies and laws. This paper therefore seeks to answer the following questions. 1.To what extent do international, regional and national legal and institutional frameworks address such threats to biodiversity and the need for responsible wildlife management within the Middle Zambezi biosphere reserve? 2. What programmes, projects or strategies have been put in place in pursuit of the goals of sustainable utilisation of wildlife resources? The paper evolved from secondary data gathered through review of technical reports and government publications, as well as empirical data from semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews of experts. Results from the study indicate that there is need to mainstream biodiversity threats, particularly poaching, illegal harvesting of wildlife resources and climate change into local policies. National and local natural resources management institutions should be reviewed in order to integrate strategies to mitigate threats to wildlife and biodiversity.

The M99 conundrum and its implications for the wildlife ranching sector in South Africa

Tariro Kamuti

Department of Geography, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Presenter: Tariro Kamuti, Department of Geography, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, +27 (0)71 182 3396, [email protected]

M99 or etorphine is a drug which is used to tranquilise animals. The drug has a long history of use in the wildlife sector. For example, M99 gained momentum in its use from 1963 during Operation White Rhino, an initiative carried out in present-day KwaZulu-Natal Province to save the southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum). Tension on the discourse of M99 has strained the relationship between game farmers and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The South African Veterinary Council introduced new regulations in 2012 that restricted game farmers from using the drug to immobilise animals in cases of emergency. The regulation involved change of Rule 10 of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, Act 9 of 1982, on 8

th June 2012 to tighten control of the usage of the drug by restricting its administration.

Drawing on data obtained through interviews of key wildlife sector players, observations and documentary evidence, this paper assesses the M99 conundrum and its implications for the wildlife ranching sector in South Africa. The paper uses discourse analysis of relevant issues emanating from the wildlife sector to infer to perceptions on the controversy surrounding the use of M99. The disgruntlement of users of M99 and the insistence of the South African Veterinary Council continues unabated with ramifications to the wildlife ranching sector especially in terms of the operating environment for wildlife ranchers and their relations with state authorities. Various discourses for and against the new regulation of M99 indicate biases from the concerned parties.


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Transfrontier elephant populations: challenges to their management

S.A. Jeanetta Selier1,2

, Rob Slotow2, Andy Blackmore

3,4 & Arie Trouwborst

4

1South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa

2Amarula Elephant Research Programme, School of Life Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban, South

Africa 3Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, South Africa

4University of Tilburg, European and International Public Law Department, Holland

Presenter: S.A. Jeanetta Selier, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria 0001,

South Africa, +27 (0)12 843 5117, [email protected] More than 80% of the African elephant’s (Loxodonta africana) range in Africa still exists outside of formal protected areas, and these areas often span administrative and political boundaries. These ranges comprise of a matrix of multi-use landscapes of potentially divergent administrative, legal and political systems. It is further recognised that the evolution of the various administrative systems, from an elephant conservation perspective, has been ad hoc and has resulted in progressive encroachment of human settlements and agricultural activities on the elephant’s range. The movement of elephants across international boundaries results in a parochial approach to their management, particularly within a context of increasing animal human conflict and an inconsistent consideration of ecological requirements of elephant at a transboundary level. The consequence is a mismanagement of these populations at a transboundary level. This study investigates the management of the Greater Mapungubwe TFCA (GMTFCA) elephant population roaming between Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The desirability of conserving and managing wildlife at the level of the biological unit is taken as a starting-point. The paper incorporates insights regarding the employment of such a transboundary population level approach with regard to certain large carnivore and waterbird species in Europe. Legal and policy frameworks applicable to the GMTFCA elephant population are tested against this approach. It is concluded that these frameworks are not sufficiently compatible with it. We further discuss various adjustments to laws and policies that are required to ensure the ecological stability of transboundary elephant populations and to provide for their collective management.

Economic contribution of biodiversity

The brown locust (Locustana pardalina) as a pivot of conservation in the Karoo

Joh Henschel South African Environmental Observation Network Arid Lands Node, Kimberley, South Africa

Presenter: Joh Henschel, SAEON Arid Lands Node, South African Environmental Observation Network, P.O. Box

110040, Hadison Park, Kimberley 8306, South Africa, +27 (0)53 831 3751, [email protected]

The Karoo is characterised by periodic population irruptions of the Brown Locust (Locustana pardalina), with some outbreaks extending beyond the Karoo. Locust swarms feed here, defecate there, and die elsewhere, thereby driving the recycling of nutrients. Many predator species track locusts, rendering foodwebs and populations dynamic over time and space. Insecticides have been applied to control Brown Locust outbreaks for over a century, but this has had little effect on the target species, although raising conservation concerns regarding effects on non-target species and predators. Surprisingly, despite such costly interventions, a critical, comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the positive or negative economic and ecological effects of locust outbreaks and of insecticide application has never been conducted and is herewith proposed. Records of over 200 years of locust population fluctuations reflect global climate patterns as experienced in the Karoo, making locusts a potentially good indicator to monitor ecosystem integrity which could serve as a tool for wildlife management.


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The economic contribution of wildlife ranching

Andrew Taylor1 & Harriet T. Davies-Mostert

1,2

1The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa


Presenter: Andrew Taylor, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Pinelands Office Park, Building K2, Ardeer Road,

Modderfontein 1609, Johannesburg, South Africa,+27 (0)11 372 3600, [email protected]

Over the last 40 years, wildlife ranching practices in South Africa have expanded to cover an area >200 000 km

2, which is approximately 17% of the total land area of the country and about 20% of the 1 030 000 km

2

available for agriculture. There is a perception in some circles that this means that agriculture is not running at optimum capacity and that wildlife ranching thus constitutes an opportunity cost to the economy and food production. Given that land reform is a growing major political issue, there is a risk that this view could lead to government policies that are unfavourable to wildlife ranching, and this would negatively impact the biodiversity gains generated on private land over the last 40 years. It is imperative that the economic benefits of wildlife ranching are acknowledged, but there is limited information available with which to do this, mainly due to the fact that commercial wildlife ranching is a relatively new industry. Using a combination of financial data obtained from a survey of 200 wildlife ranchers across South Africa, recent literature and statistics provided by the hunting and live sales industries, we estimate the revenues generated by the so-called four pillars of wildlife ranching, namely ecotourism, hunting, live sales and game meat production. These results are discussed in light of the financial returns that accrue to individual ranchers, and the benefits to the economy as a whole, in comparison with competing land uses.

Responsible wildlife management: bridging the divide! (An in-practice session sponsored by South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association)

South African wildlife ranching at a crossroad

Brian K. Reilly

1 & Lizanne Nel

2

1Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

2South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association, Montana Park, South Africa

Presenter: Brian K. Reilly, Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag

X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, +27 (0)12 382 5215, [email protected] The wildlife industry in South Africa has come of age. With its success based on private landowner control of wildlife and an economic model that allows almost unfettered trade in wildlife the industry has become a significant contributor to the economy as a whole. Fortunately for the country private game ranches contribute significantly to the countries conservation estate – the backbone of the ecotourist industry. With its success and an evolving new South Africa, the industry has diversified significantly into a number of specialist areas sparking a national debate on the future direction of the industry with attendant problems of official attempts at controlling the industry and practices in industry deemed to be contrary to purist conservation ideals. What is important to note is that the industry has a responsibility to itself and the country to foster best practice in an industry that appears to have unlimited growth potential. This paper will give an overview of risks and dilemmas confronting the industry and the conservation establishment in guiding this industry towards greater heights and contributions to the country.


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Reputational risk: is certification a solution for the wildlife management sector in South Africa?

Johan G. Nel & Chris Conradie Centre for Environmental Management, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Presenter: Johan G. Nel, Centre for Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, +27 (0)18 299-4279, [email protected]

All sectors relying on niche markets to sustain and grow their market attractiveness and -share need to integrate value and quality assured products and services with reputation risk management strategies. Reputation risk management often extends beyond the bounds of key sector players up and down their supply and product flow lines. Niche market consumers as well as up- and downstream players increasingly demand assurance from service providers that their services and products conform to generally acceptable norms and standards that address their ethical and sustainability concerns. Sectors and service providers often respond to protect reputation by adopting, implementing and using norms and standards imbedded in recognition schemes that are aimed at managing perceptions that can tarnish reputation. This presentation explores: a) reputational risk and the need for sector wide reputation risk management, b) some extracts from the recent public discourses that may suggest reputational threats to the South African wildlife sector c) examples of sector responses to influence perceptions by means of recognition schemes such as certification c) the anatomy of certification schemes and d) posing the question whether certification is an option for the wildlife sector.

The South African law and responsible wildlife management

Andy Blackmore

1 & Andrew Muir

2

1Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

2University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Presenter: Andy Blackmore, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Queen Elizabeth Park, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa,

+27 (0)33 845 1346, [email protected]

While responsible wildlife management has ethical and moral roots, it also has an important common and statute law parameters. This legal dimension not only provides a guiding decision-making framework for wildlife managers and landowners, but also forms the foundation for officials to exercise government’s fiduciary obligations to ensure the use of wildlife and the environment is ecologically sustainable. The core of this fiduciary duty lies in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution. A conflict between this positive constitutional duty and what may be perceived as the rights of wildlife managers and landowners will not be legally acceptable and therefore must be avoided. This may limit the perceived rights of wildlife managers and landowners. Further, the law is dynamic and continuously evolves primarily to regulate or prohibit particular use in circumstances where this use is considered unsustainable or threatening to this country’s natural heritage. In this paper, the authors provide an overview of the South African law that governs wildlife management and its use, environmental legislation that governs the ownership, utilisation and management of wildlife by wildlife managers, landowners, as well as the duty of public servants to implement and adhere to responsible wildlife management practises and regulations. The authors will examine further how the law may be applied and adapted in circumstances where significant threats to the integrity of the South African people’s wildlife heritage arise.


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Do we manage for growth in numbers or sustainable contribution?

Lizanne E.J. Nel South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association, Montana Park, South Africa

Presenter: Lizanne Nel, SAGHCA, Plot 3, Mountain Drive 7, Derdepoort, P. O. Box 1952, Montana Park 0159,

South Africa, +27 (0)12 808 9301, [email protected] The wildlife industry makes a huge contribution to the provision of ecological goods and services, such as clean air, water, food and materials, valued at R73 billion or 3% of the national Gross Domestic Product, in South Africa. The wildlife economy further generated an estimated R9.1 billion for the economy in 2013, while making substantial contributions to conservation. Extensive wildlife systems further supports the eco-tourism industry that has been identified as a key sector for economic growth in South Africa. Within the wildlife ranching sector of the industry, the two most significant growth periods coincided with shifts from extensive game farming to intensive and selective breeding of game for commercial purposes. In this paper, two case studies will be discussed briefly, highlighting how both management and regulatory practices impact on the current and future potential of this sector to contribute to ecosystem services, the economy and national conservation targets. Species level and cumulative impacts at a landscape and industry level will be highlighted. The conundrum facing wildlife managers and regulators is how to assess and mitigate negative impacts and incorporate this into strategies to grow a responsible wildlife industry that will be socially, economically and environmentally responsible and sustainable.

Hunting, its socio-economic benefits and responsibilities towards genetic sustainability

Kevin Robertson

Department of Sustainable Use & Field Guiding, Hoedspruit, South Africa

Presenter: Kevin Robertson, Department of Sustainable Use & Field Guiding, Southern African Wildlife College, Private Bag X3015, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa, +27 (0)15 793 7332, [email protected]

Hunting has been an integral part of many cultures and 23 countries in sub-Saharan Africa offer trophy hunting. Hunting areas far exceed the areas encompassed by national parks and create economic incentives for conservation over these vast areas which may be unsuitable for alternative wildlife-based land uses, especially in dryland ecosystems. Illegal and irresponsible hunting have, however, led to hunting being closed in certain countries and also a growing public opinion. It has further placed additional pressure on the areas that do offer hunting to provide for the demand and in some traditional safari areas, quotas are seen to be too high with resulting implications on trophy quality. It is critical that hunting should be managed in a manner that promotes social, economic and environmental responsibility. Additional to highlighting trends in sub-Saharan Africa, this paper will also discuss implications of current trophy hunting practises on the genetic integrity of populations. The implications of accurate aging of wild free-roaming southern buffalo (Syncerus cafer cafer) in understanding herd structures will be discussed. Recommendations will be made on which age class of animals should be hunted in order to maintain genetic integrity. Existing approaches to selecting trophies will be compared to a new proposed approach and recommendations will be made as to how public perception of what constitutes a ‘real’ trophy can be changed

Ecotourist trends and responsible wildlife management – an integral relationship

Annemie de Klerk

Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Polokwane, South Africa

Presenter: Annemie de Klerk, Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Private Bag X9484, Polokwane 0700, South Africa, +27 (0)15 293 8514, [email protected]

Despite a number of challenges, international tourism is experiencing continuous growth and diversification. It is predicted that the travel and tourism sector will grow faster than the forecasts made for the automotive, education and mining sectors. Ecotourism, in particular, is receiving attention as a major sector in the tourism


46

industry. Its direct link to nature, culture and sustainable practices is widely recognised in academic literature. Some authors argue that the growth in the ecotourism market emanates from travellers becoming more and more conservation orientated and, therefore, choose to visit ‘vulnerable’ wilderness areas in order to contribute, in some way or another, to natural resource management programmes. Market research, conducted over the last few years, furthermore highlights that natural heritage and opportunities to experience high quality natural landscapes, for example World Heritage Sites, are high in demand amongst travellers. These attributes, in association with wildlife viewing opportunities and authentic natural experiences, were identified as important elements of the product offering in ecotourism destinations. A positive outcome in the viewing of wildlife was also confirmed as an important expectation in research conducted by numerous researchers. This paper will present primary research findings that substantiate these trends, as well as the integral relationship that exists between the expectations of an ecotourist and the importance of applying responsible wildlife management practises to retain the competitiveness of ecotourism destinations.


47

Poster Abstracts


Caracal diet and home range on farmlands in the Succulent Karoo

Kristine J. Teichman1,2

, Bogdan Cristescu2,3

, Justin O’Riain3 & Karen E. Hodges

1

1Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Canada

2 Cape Leopard Trust, South Africa

3Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Presenter: Kristine J. Teichman, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, 1177 Research Road,

Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, +27 (0)82 666 6875, [email protected] Predator-human conflict is predicted to increase, particularly in low and middle-income countries with rapidly increasing human populations. South Africa falls within this category and predator-human conflict is extensive and threatens biodiversity, human livelihoods and food security. Consequently there is an urgent need to derive sustainable management solutions to mitigate such conflict. The objective of this study is to compare predator movement and diet during traditional farm-scale predator control methods (baseline period) to flock-scale livestock protection using Anatolian guardian dogs and EcoRangers (treatment period). We monitored 13 caracal (Caracal caracal) on farmlands during the baseline period of the study using GPS radio-collars and accounted for prey availability and relative abundance using cameras and small mammal live-traps. Twelve collared caracal overlapped focal study farms, with adult female home ranges estimated at 6-9 km

2 and adult

male home ranges approximately 55-70 km2. We visited >400 caracal GPS cluster locations on farmlands and

found 64 wild prey items and 31 domestic prey items. Caracal diet consisted primarily of rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) (34%), sheep (Ovis aries) (30%) and scrub hare (Lepus saxatilis) (19%). Goats (Capra sp.) comprised a negligible proportion of caracal diet (0.03%). Predator diet during the baseline period will be compared to our treatment period when farmers cease lethal management and introduce guardian dogs or EcoRangers and dogs as predator management tools. This work will provide an evidence-base of actual predator movement and diet choice in response to guardian dogs and human presence.

Genetic differentiation between African catfish populations from west- and east-flowing river systems in

South Africa

Sinebongo Mdyogolo

1, J. Paul Grobler

1, James E. Barasa

2, Romilus Abila

3 & Hesmari Bindeman

1

1Department of Genetics, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa

2Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Eldoret, Kenya

3Department of Environmental Studies, Forestry and Agriculture School of Tourism and Natural Resource

Management Maasai Mara University, Narok, Kenya

Presenter: Sinebongo Mdyogolo, Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, +27 (0)51 401 7067 / +27 (0)78 155 9909, [email protected]

Genetic differentiation between populations from the Orange River (west- flowing) and Limpopo River (east- flowing) Systems were studied using sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop region (322 base pairs) and allelic variation at six microsatellite loci. Results from mtDNA showed significant differentiation between the two river systems: in a Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree, haplotypes from the Limpopo River clustered together (and were distinct from the Orange River samples) with 76% bootstrap support. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that differences between river systems accounted for 50.73% of overall variation, with differences between populations in each river system amounting to 19.45% of variation. Populations from the Orange River System were more homogeneous compared to those of the Limpopo River System: in the west- flowing rivers, 26.28% of variation was found between populations, compared to 45.73% in the east- flowing system. Microsatellite data supported the trends from mtDNA. In a


48

Bayesian analysis of population structure, populations from west- and east- flowing rivers clustered together in each case; and with strong uniqueness in each river system. A total of 17.15% of microsatellite derived diversity was found between the two river systems. Levels of differentiation in each river system were comparable, with 12.38% of variation found between populations in the Orange River System, and 12.05% in the Limpopo River System. Results from this study show that populations from the west- and east-flowing River systems should not be mixed during aquaculture operations, to ensure conservation of unique genetic populations, possibly adapted to specific environmental conditions.

The spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) of Majete Wildlife Reserve

Francois C. Retief & Alison J. Leslie

Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Presenter: Francois Retief, Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University, 19 Basil Newmark, Caledon 7230, South Africa, +27 (0)72 483 5693, [email protected]

The Majete Wildlife Reserve (MWR), in the South of Malawi, is a conservation success story where over 2 500 head of game were reintroduced into a once struggling reserve, returning the Big Five to the region again. Spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) were not included in this reintroduction programme and are one of the few species that occurred naturally in MWR. For this reason, little information existed on their behaviour, diet and population. It was believed to be the most abundant predator on the reserve based on sightings, thus creating a need for more information for effective management. The study was conducted using only camera traps and avoided the adverse effects of animal collars. Hyaena individuals were identified based on their unique spot patterns by placing cameras in areas of high activity such as waterholes and communal dens. A total adult hyaena population of 13 individuals (divided into two clans) plus a total of five pups were identified during the study period. Diet will be determined through scat analysis but camera trap images have indicated a diverse range in prey selection which range from warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) to adult kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros). Of the 150 families that were interviewed 71% have experienced loss of livestock from spotted hyaena. However, scat analysis will indicate if MWR hyaenas are responsible for these losses as rogue hyaenas also live outside the reserve. Either way, hyaena outside MWR needs to be managed because of small resident population sizes and because contact between the groups occur.

Spatial patterns of leopard-livestock conflict in the Western Cape, South Africa

Bogdan Cristescu

1,2, Kristine J. Teichman

2,3 & Justin O’Riain

1

1 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

2 Cape Leopard Trust, South Africa

3Department of Biological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada

Presenter: Bogdan Cristescu, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town,

Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, +27 (0)61 157 2007, [email protected]

It has been hypothesised that protected areas and rugged terrain offer safe refugia to large carnivores and that livestock farmers may experience greater losses and conflict with predators in areas where these factors are present. In addition, depredation is thought to be augmented when the wild prey base is poor. In this study we used approved leopard (Panthera pardus) control permits issued to farmers in South Africa’s Western Cape Province during 2004 – 2013, as a proxy for the spatial distribution and levels of conflict. We derived district-level estimates of the conflict and compared these data with the proportion of land in each district that is classified as protected and rugged, while also considering prey availability. Primary productivity, as a surrogate for prey base, was higher in districts where more permits were issued, suggesting that higher availability of wild prey is not necessarily associated with lower leopard-livestock conflict. This result may reflect a higher leopard density in areas with increased primary productivity, resulting in increased subadult male dispersal and therefore greater incidences of conflict. Our results do not provide strong support for the other two factors considered as potential drivers of farmer-livestock conflict in the Western Cape, with the proportion of


49

protected land being only marginally associated with conflict, and ruggedness having a negligible effect. While we acknowledge that our proxy for conflict (permits for leopard control) has inherent uncertainties, our findings do not support the generally pervasive assumption that large predator-livestock conflict is greater in areas that are more rugged and that have a high proportion of protected land.

Elephant impact assessment on woody vegetation in Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

Nittya Simard & Yolanda Pretorius

Centre of Wildlife Management, Department of Natural and Agricultural Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: Nittya Simard, Centre of Wildlife Management, Department of Natural and Agricultural Science,

University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa, +27 (0)60 494 8263, [email protected] African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are important ecological engineers playing a key role in their environment. This keystone species is known to negatively impact woody vegetation, e.g. decreasing the abundance of certain tree species. However, elephants can be essential for tree seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and maintenance of woodland structure through prevention of bush encroachment. This study is the first to measure elephant impacts on the woody vegetation of Mabalingwe Nature Reserve. The aims are to determine which tree species are targeted by elephants in the different vegetation types and community structures and to determine whether elephants are significant ecological agents in controlling the sickle bush (Dichrostachys cinerea) encroachment on the reserve. We surveyed 24 transects throughout the reserve of a 100 m long with 10 m lateral observations on each side of each transect. We considered for each tree individual: height, canopy height, diameter at breast height, maximum canopy diameter, tree condition (alive, dead or coppicing), and tree impact (uproot, ring bark, strip bark, canopy removal and snap main trunk). Our analysis suggests that the elephants of Mabalingwe Nature Reserve have a non-random selection of woody species and tend to select sickle bush in particular. Our results indicate a spatial selection where the effect of vegetation type depends on the level of community structure, suggesting that elephants avoid mountainous slopes and favour flat plains. Because vegetation composition and structure influence elephant impacts on trees, topography should be considered when developing infrastructures and implementing management decisions to control elephant impacts on woody vegetation.

The diversity of carnivores around Sasol’s Secunda plant

Kevin Emslie

1, Daan Loock

1, Wayne Matthews

2 & Michael J. Somers

3

1Secunda Synfuels Operations, Secunda, South Africa

2Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, University of South

Africa, South Africa 3Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Presenter: Kevin Emslie, Secunda Synfuels Operations, 419 Coucals Nest, Featherbrooke Estate, Secunda 1746,

South Africa, +27 (0) 71 870 3144, [email protected]

Increasingly it has been appreciated that carnivores (including smaller species) play a crucial role in ecosystem stability and functioning. Despite this we know little about carnivores and how they function in different habitats, particularly human modified habitats. After frequent sightings of serval (Leptailurus serval), in the secondary area of Sasol’s plant in Secunda, we decided to investigate them in this habitat. A camera trap survey was implemented in August 2014 to determine serval occurrence throughout the secondary area of the plant. Thirty four camera traps were placed in a grid (just over 3 000 ha) using a 1 km2 grid. A total of 881 373 photos were generated over 8298 trap days (5 August 2014 – 14 May 2015). The camera trap survey was also successful in capturing other carnivore species including Suricata suricatta (suricate), Cynictis penicillata (yellow mongoose), Galerella sanquinea (slender mongoose), Atilax paludinosus (water mongoose), Ichneumia albicauda (white-tailed mongoose), Genetta tigrina (large-spotted genet) and Canis mesomelas (black-backed jackal), with all of the above mentioned species being captured frequently (at least 20 times) by the cameras. Other less common species (only one picture each) include Vulpes chama (Cape fox), Aonyx capensis (Cape clawless otter) and Herpestes ichneumon (large-grey mongoose). The presence of Herpestes ichneumon is


50

especially significant as it represents a range expansion for the species.

Assessing the population characteristics of small mammal communities across a land-use matrix in the Free

State Province

Mmatsawela Ramahlo¹, Lourens Swanepoel², Frikkie Kirsten³, Emil von Maltitz³, Phanuel Malebana³ & Mark Keith¹

¹Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria South Africa ²School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South

Africa ³Agricultural Research Council – Plant Protection Research Institute, Queenswood, South Africa

Presenter: Mmatsawela Ramahlo, Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South

Africa, +27 (0)71 092 1154, [email protected] Food resources play an important role in driving the population characteristics of small mammals. Small mammal communities are structured and respond to changes in food resources which are affected by environmental conditions and land practices. As such, land practices can have specific impacts on small mammal community structure and influence population and reproductive characteristics. In agricultural systems, land practices vary according to cropping systems used. This study investigates the effect of different agricultural cropping systems on the population characteristics of a specific small mammal community, namely rodents. Rodents were selected as model species because they are viewed as pests and respond rapidly to changes in food resources and environmental conditions. This study was conducted in the Free State Province on a network of grain farms and less disturbed areas. We employed a fairly extensive trapping regime and collected data on rodent community structure, population cycles and reproductive status. From 913 rodent captures, we identified six species, but two species, Gerbilliscus leucogaster and G. brantsii, dominated both numerically and seasonally. Rodent population densities for the agricultural areas (all cropping systems) were much higher than in the less disturbed sites, and rodent populations responded most positively to maize cropping systems. Sex ratios were slightly female biased (466 females: 433 males), across all land uses and cropping systems. Age classes varied between sexes, with females dominated by juveniles and males by adults. Our results concur with previous findings that rodent population characteristics are largely driven by food resources mediated by different cropping systems.

Seasonal and daily activity patterns of serval (Leptailurus serval) at Sasol’s Secunda plant

Calvin Griffiths

1, Wayne Matthews

2, Daan Loock

3, Kevin Emslie

3 & Michael Somers

1


2Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, University of South

Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

3Secunda Synfuels Operations, Secunda, South Africa

Presenter: Calvin Griffiths, Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa,

+27 (0)83 227 6449, [email protected]

In an ever increasingly industrialised world, natural habitat is being transformed for human purposes, displacing many endemic species. Carnivores are especially susceptible to habitat loss as they require larger and often fixed home ranges. This study focuses on the activity patterns of serval Leptailurus serval in the highly industrialised area of Sasol’s refinery plant in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Fifteen individuals were fitted with GPS collars and the data were collected from May 2014 to September 2015. Coordinate data were collected in two hour intervals by the collars. We then determined the distance moved between successive two hour intervals. The distance moved was then categorised into the percentage activity for that interval in relation to the entire day. It was found that the serval have a bimodal activity pattern, one peak around dawn and one around dusk. The times of activity shifted slightly in the colder months to later in the morning and earlier in the afternoon. There was no significant difference between the activity patterns of males and females. Our data therefore show that even in a highly industrial zone, serval continue to show activity patterns similar to that in other more natural places.


51

Participants List

A Mr Lance Adams Department of Environment and Nature

Conservation, Northern Cape Province [email protected]

B

Mr Frowin Becker Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University

[email protected]

Dr Rolf Becker SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions

[email protected]

Mr Warren Beets Thanda Private Game Reserve

[email protected]

Mr Otto Beukes Department of Conservation and Marine Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

[email protected]

Ms Maya Beukes Department Biodiversity & Conservation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

[email protected]

Ms Hesmarie Bindeman University of the Free State

[email protected]

Dr Charlene Bissett South African National Parks

[email protected]

Mr Andy Blackmore Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

[email protected]

Ms Magdel Boshoff Department of Environmental Affairs

[email protected]

Mr Andre Boucher Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency

[email protected]

Mr Kenneth Buk Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology

[email protected]

Mr Vivian Butler Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State

[email protected]

C

Mr Gerrie Camacho Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency

[email protected]

Ms Nicola Carruthers Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Mr Andrew Cauldwell Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

[email protected]

Dr Donna Cawthorn Department Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University

[email protected]


52

Ms Sandile Cebekhulu Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

Mr Matthew Child Endangered Wildlife Trust

[email protected]

Mr Flippie Cloete North West University [email protected]

Dr Riël Coetzer University of KwaZulu-Natal

[email protected]

Mr Robin Colyn BirdLife South Africa

[email protected]

Mr Peter Coulon Simbithi Eco-Estate

[email protected]

Dr Bogdan Cristescu University of Cape Town / The Cape Leopard Trust

[email protected]

Mr Heath Cronje Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

D

Mr Damien Dallas Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Dr Harriet Davies-Mostert

Endangered Wildlife Trust [email protected]

Mr Charl de Beer Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

Dr Annemie de Klerk Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Polokwane

[email protected]

E

Ms Yvette Ehlers Smith School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal

[email protected]

Ms Liesl Eichenberger Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

[email protected]

Mr Kevin Emslie Wildlife Resources Association / Sasol [email protected]

F

Mr Morne Farmer Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

G Ms Leandri Gerber Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency

[email protected]

Ms Zimasa Gibisela Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency

[email protected]

Mr Justin Gird Living Lands [email protected]

Ms Magda Goosen Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

[email protected]


53

Mr Calvin Griffiths Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Prof Paul Grobler Department of Genetics, University of the Free State

[email protected]

Ms Erna Groeners Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

Ms Melissa Groenewald Airports Company South Africa [email protected]

H

Dr Joh Henschel South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

[email protected]

Prof Louw Hoffman Department Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University

[email protected]

J

Ms Nadine Jacobs Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State

[email protected]

Ms Yonela Jafta Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Dr Beanélri Janecke Department of Animal, Wildlife & Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State

[email protected]

Ms Corlé Jansen Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University

[email protected]

Dr Andrew Jenkins AVISENSE Consulting [email protected]

K

Mr Tariro Kamuti Department of Geography, University of the Free State

[email protected]

Mr Jose Kaumba Politechnic of Namibia [email protected]

Mr Phathutshedzo Khadiamovha

Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries

[email protected]

Mr Fernandu Khaebeb Politechnic of Namibia [email protected]

Mr Ezekiel Khosa South African National Parks [email protected]

Ms Omphile Khutsoane South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

[email protected]

Mr Hanno Kilian Khamab Kalahari Reserve [email protected]

Ms Letishia Kleinschmidt Thanda Private Game Reserve [email protected]


54

Mr Julius Koen Private, Kimberley [email protected]

Mr Mzwabantu Kostauli Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency [email protected]

Ms Christine Kraft Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

Mr Johan Kruger Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Polekwane

[email protected]

Ms Emily Kudze Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Ms Olga Kupika UNISA / Chinhoyi University of Technology

kupikol@[email protected] / [email protected]

Ms Martina Kusters Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology

L

Dr Alison Leslie Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University

[email protected]

Ms Sarah Letsoalo Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

Mr Daan Loock Sasol Synfuels [email protected]

M

Ms Buyiswa Mahala Amathole Museum and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

[email protected]

Mr Sam Makhubele Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Polokwane

[email protected]

Dr Gerhard Malan Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology

[email protected]

Mr Billy Malatji Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa

[email protected]

Mr Sinalo Malindie Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Mr Tshifhiwa Malise North West Parks and Tourism Board

[email protected]

Dr Gareth Mann PANTHERA

[email protected]

Mrs Elma Marais SAWMA Secretariat

[email protected]

Mr David Marneweck Endangered Wildlife Trust

[email protected]

Ms Kelly Marnewick Endangered Wildlife Trust

[email protected] / [email protected]

Mr Vusi Martins Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency

[email protected]


55

Mr Temba Mathebula Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

Mr Jaco Mattheus Global Supplies

[email protected]

Ms Sinebongo Mdyogolo University of the Free State

[email protected]

Dr Gus Mills Private, Nelspruit [email protected]

Mr Sizwe Mkhulise Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency

[email protected]

Mr Kganya Moseneke Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency

[email protected]

Ms Lana Müller Human Wildlife Solutions

[email protected]

Mr Victor Musetha Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries

[email protected]

Mr Ruwimbo Mutirwara Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

[email protected]

Mr Wandile Mzazi Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency [email protected]

N

Prof Johan Nel Centre for Environmental Management, North West University

[email protected]

Ms Lizanne Nel SA Hunting and Game Conservation Association

[email protected]

Mr Pieter Nel North West Parks and Tourism Board

[email protected]

Mr Petros Ngwenya Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

[email protected]

Dr Gerhard Nortjé University of South Africa

[email protected]

Mr Riaan Nowers Western Cape Department of Agriculture [email protected]

P

Mr Henry Pampier Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

Dr Dan Parker Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Rhodes University

[email protected]

Mr Carl Pohl Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State

[email protected]

R

Dr Frans Radloff Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

[email protected]


56

Ms Jawi Ramahlo Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Mr Shiven Rambarath Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

[email protected]

Prof Brian Reilly Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology

[email protected]

Mr Francois Retief Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University

[email protected]

Dr Phil Richardson Human Wildlife Solutions

[email protected]

Dr Kevin Robertson Southern African Wildlife College

[email protected]

Ms Ziggy Rode Human Wildlife Solutions

[email protected]

Mr Derrek Ruiters KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Programme [email protected]

S

Ms Yolandi Schoeman Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa

[email protected]

Mr Wilfred Seitlhamo North West Parks and Tourism Board

[email protected]

Mr Moses Selebatso University of Botswana

[email protected]

Ms Jeannetta Selier South African National Biodiversity Institute

[email protected]

Ms Minna Shantikumar North West Parks and Tourism Board

[email protected]

Ms Nittya Simard Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Mr Marnus Smit Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape

[email protected]

Prof Nico Smit Animal, Wildlife & Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State

[email protected]

Dr Bool Smuts Landmark Foundation [email protected]

Prof Michael Somers Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Ms Kate Spies Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University

[email protected]

Mr Tommie Steyn Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency

[email protected]

Ms Eileen Strydom Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology


57

Ms Monlee Swanepoel Department Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University

[email protected]

Ms Elsabé Swart Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

T

Ms Janet Taylor KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

[email protected]

Dr Andrew Taylor Endangered Wildlife Trust

[email protected]

Ms Kristine Teichman University of British Columbia

[email protected]

Ms Renelle Terblanche Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology Stellenbosch University

[email protected] / [email protected]

Mr Phenya Tshenkeng North West Parks and Tourism Board [email protected]

U

Ms Natalie Uys Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

V

Ms Sarah van Aardt SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions

[email protected]

Mr JJ Van Altena Global Supplies

[email protected]

Mr Wiaan van der Linde Wintershoek Game, Wildlife Ranching South Africa , Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa

[email protected]

Mr Vincent van der Merwe

Endangered Wildlife Trust [email protected]

Ms Carla van der Vyver CVV ENVIRO

[email protected]

Mr Denver van Heerden Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape

[email protected]

Ms Minette van Lingen Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute – DAFF

[email protected]

Mr Willem van Staden Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency

[email protected]

Mr Zahn van Wyngaard Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Dr Jan Venter School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, George Campus

[email protected]

Ms Mariana Venter Thanda Private Game Reserve

[email protected]


58

Mr Mendes Vinte Politechnic of Namibia [email protected]

Mr Solly Vukeya Department of Environment and Nature Conservation, Northern Cape Province

[email protected]

W

Ms Jessica Watermeyer African Wildlife Conservation Fund

[email protected]

Ms Andrea Webster Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria

[email protected]

Ms Beryl Wilson McGregor Museum

[email protected]


59

Southern African Wildlife

Management Association

The Southern African Wildlife Management Association is an independent,

voluntary professional body, founded in 1970. The Association is involved with the science

and management of wildlife and other renewable natural resources. SAWMA has a multi-

disciplinary base and includes disciplines such as wildlife research, ecology, conservation

science and animal science. SAWMA acts as a forum for interaction between scientists,

researchers, wildlife managers, students, conservationists, environmentalists, game

producers and game farm owners. This is achieved through regular newsletters (SAWMA

Matters), a scientific journal (African Journal of Wildlife Research) and the annual

symposium.

Online membership registration can be done at the following link:

http://www.sawma.co.za/wild_member.php

Membership enquiries: SAWMA Secretariat, P.O. Box 217 Bloubergstrand 7436.

Tel: +27 (0)21 554 1297, Fax: 086 672 9882 / +27 (0)21 554 1297; Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sawma.co.za

Vision: SAWMA is dedicated to the conservation and wise management of the wildlife

resources of southern Africa.

Primary Objectives:

To provide a forum for communication between wildlife managers in southern

Africa;

To encourage research and publish a scientific journal devoted to results of such

research;

To provide a reference and liaison service to members through a regular

newsletter;

To assist in the co-ordination of wildlife research in southern Africa;

To provide professional and technical expertise.

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