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Reports on a study into the awareness of conservation issues, and the enhancement thereof, as a result of visiting interpretive facilities in three South African nature reserves. Results indicate a statistically significant increase in awareness at all three reserves, although the levels of awareness were low. (TW)

Humans and wildlife increasingly share urban space, which elevates the risk of negative interactions. Management efforts conventionally focus on controlling species that are considered problematic, but polarization in affected communities' perceptions and values may pose a greater problem for management in cities where ideas about preferred human–wildlife interactions vary greatly. This study uses Q‐method to investigate what type of human‐baboon relations are desirable among residents from seven areas in Cape Town regularly visited by chacma baboons. Two main perspectives emerged, each is motivated by a distinct set of values: 'Live with Baboons' is focused on positive outcomes for nature and society, recognizing humans' responsibility to mitigate negative interactions; whereas 'Control and Manage Baboons' views nature as something that should be controlled in order to maintain a stable and safe human society. Despite differences, the two perspectives also agree in rejecting abusive language toward baboons, recognizing that contexts differ and require different solutions, and acknowledging that resolving conflict requires collaboration. This has important bearing for recent public engagement processes led by local authorities to review management strategies. Residents' values and perceptions are manifestations of different lived realities and actively engaging with them can help to nuance dichotomies in the baboon discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Shrub encroachment is a major challenge for livestock and wildlife management in semi‐arid savannas. Shrub removal by land managers is widespread, but the long‐term effects on vegetation structure and composition, which determine carrying capacity for herbivores, are poorly documented. This study aims to examine the effects of selective shrub removal to guide vegetation management in key land uses of semi‐arid African savannas. Questions: Vegetation responses were assessed across land uses and treatments to answer the following questions: (1) does shrub removal increase the frequency of palatable plants and therefore herbivore‐carrying capacity; (2) does selective shrub removal decrease woody vegetation structure 15 years after application; and (3) how do these effects differ between cattle and wildlife ranching? Location: Molopo region of the North West Province, South Africa. Methods: Herbaceous and woody vegetations were sampled within six transects each of three wildlife ranches and three cattle ranches in areas that had either been selectively shrub‐controlled with herbicides 10–15 years previously or left untreated. To quantify effects of woody shrub control on herbaceous functional‐group abundances and assemblages, tree equivalents, regrowth rate, and shrub abundance, we compared these variables across two treatments (treated and untreated) and land uses. Data were analysed using GLMMs, NMDS ordinations, PERMANOVA, and SIMPER. Results: Selective shrub control effectively improved palatable herbaceous vegetation, especially on cattle ranches. Especially abundance of perennial grass was higher on wildlife ranches compared to cattle ranches. Tree equivalent was higher in untreated compared to treated plots, and these differences were more pronounced on wildlife ranches than on cattle ranches. Conclusionss: Selective shrub removal improved the palatable herbaceous layer for both wildlife and cattle ranching and can be considered an effective management strategy in semi‐arid rangelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating conflict between human and wildlife due to competing demands for limited space and resources has raised concerns worldwide, and understanding the dynamics of this conflict is crucial for devising effective strategies and policies. The present study is an attempt to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the published literature on the topic of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) for the period of January 1991-February 2023. For carrying out the analysis of the data obtained from Web of Science, the 'Bibliometrix' tool, developed through the R programming language, was used. The findings of the study revealed that a total of 1592 documents have been published on the HWC research topic from January 1991 to February 2023 within 338 sources. It is observed that the number of publications has continuously increased since 1991, with an annual growth rate of 5.16%. A total of 4995 authors have contributed to the targeted research field. Of the 388 sources, the journal 'Biological Conservation' is the most relevant and productive, followed by 'Oryx' and 'Human Dimensions of Wildlife'. Based on the country production analysis, authors from 110 countries have contributed to the field, and the USA has the highest frequency of publications on HWC, followed by the UK and Australia. The USA also has the highest multiple country publications and has collaborated with 88 countries, with the highest frequency of collaboration with the UK, followed by India, Australia, and South Africa. The most frequently used keywords include 'human-wildlife conflict', 'conservation', 'conflict', 'human-wildlife', 'wildlife', 'wildlife management', 'livestock', 'management', 'coexistence', and 'carnivore'. The present study identifies the most prolific authors, sources, institutions, and countries, as well as the study hotspots in the subject of HWC, which may assist researchers in finding the best working and publication platforms. Further, it may also help them identify reliable research partners to acquire the best findings and develop more effective strategies and policies to address the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Conservation often requires that people change their behaviour or accept interventions that seek to improve the conservation and welfare of wildlife and the safety and well-being of people. In this study, we show that a short educational video can improve community support for an intervention (electric fencing) that is advocated by experts as a sustainable and cost-effective intervention to keep baboons out of urban residential areas. By varying the timing of the video within a survey exploring support for an electric fence, we demonstrate the value of education, which increased the average marginal probability of support by 15 percentage points. Women were more likely to change their attitude to fences once apprised of the relevant facts than men. This study contributes to the emerging literature on the importance of education in managing conservation conflicts and the need for evidence-based interventions. Few studies test whether education can help increase support for wildlife management interventions. This mixed methods study sought to test the importance of educating a community on the use of a baboon-proof electric fence to mitigate negative interactions between humans and Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in a residential suburb of the City of Cape Town, South Africa. An educational video on the welfare, conservation and lifestyle benefits of a baboon-proof electric fence was included in a short online survey. The positioning of the video within the survey was randomised either to fall before or after questions probing the level of support for an electric fence. The results showed that watching the video before most survey questions increased the average marginal probability of supporting an electric fence by 15 percentage points. The study also explored whether the educational video could change people's minds. Those who saw the video towards the end of the survey were questioned again about the electric fence. Many changed their minds after watching the video, with support for the fence increasing from 36% to 50%. Of these respondents, the results show that being female raised the average marginal probability of someone changing their mind in favour of supporting the fence by 19%. Qualitative analysis revealed that support for or against the fence was multi-layered and that costs and concern for baboons were not the only relevant factors influencing people's choices. Conservation often needs to change people's behaviours. We need to know what interventions are effective. We show in the real world that an educational video can be effective and can moderately change people's opinions and that women are more likely to change their position in light of the facts than men. This study contributes to the emerging literature on the importance of education in managing conservation conflicts and the need for evidence-based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the behavioral ecology of wildlife that experiences negative interactions with humans and the outcome of any wildlife management intervention is essential. In the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) search for anthropogenic food sources in both urban and agricultural areas. In response, the city of Cape Town and private farmers employ "rangers" to keep baboons within the Table Mountain National Park. In this study, we investigated the success of rangers' intervention in keeping baboons in their natural habitat. Based on our findings in year one, we recommended adjustments to the rangers' management strategy in year two. We recommended improved consensus of actions toward baboons (that is, when/where to herd them), and the construction of a baboon‐proof fence around one of the farms that provided a corridor to urban areas. During the 2 months following recommendations, these interventions combined resulted in a significant reduction in the time baboons spent in both urban and agricultural land. Our case study illustrates the importance of integrating research findings into ongoing management actions to improve both human livelihoods and baboon conservation through an adaptive management framework. We expect similar approaches to be beneficial in a wide range of species and contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engaging people with controversial and emotive issues that are inherently complex is challenging, especially when those issues are multifaceted or multidisciplinary, span environmental, economic, social, and political contexts, are global in scope, or where circumstances and implications differ spatially. Teaching such issues requires teachers and learners to navigate a challenging landscape of nuance and conflicting perspectives; immersive place-based learning might facilitate more meaningful exploration of such issues, but this has not previously been studied. In a multi-institution international study, we surveyed 164 participants (12 groups; 9 institutions) before and after an immersive fieldtrip in South Africa to assess perceptions on contentious issues. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed that participants had statistically significant opinion shifts for 17 of 18 statements, including those where change was likely due to improved knowledge or indicative of deeper attitude shifts. Generalised Linear Modelling revealed that propensity for opinion shifts was not influenced by demographics (age, gender), location (country of origin) or trip type (formal or informal). We conclude that in an increasingly complex world, context-relevant immersive experiences that facilitate deep learning by providing opportunities to explore contentious issues in situ are an ever-more valuable tool, not just for attainment but also for developing personal perspectives and as a catalyst for societal transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large body of work emphasises the importance of pluralist decision-making perspectives in wildlife management to incorporate multiple views of constituents. At the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) core site in South Africa, however, the scientific knowledge of astronomers and ecologists dominates local knowledge of farmers and farmworkers in Black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) management. Local farming communities adjacent to the site, recently proclaimed a national park, experience this scientific knowledge as oppressive and insufficient for their environment. This paper explores the relevance of local knowledge among commercial farmers and farmworkers in Black-backed jackal management, based largely on their experience of addressing livestock predation. We argue that incorporating local knowledge will promote wider acceptance of science-based Black-backed jackal management strategies, decrease farming community members' sense of marginalisation from developments in their area and contribute to building trust among the social groups neighbouring the SKA core site, to the benefit of the astronomy project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity is a fundamental measure of a populations ability to adapt to future environmental change. Subpopulations may carry unique genetic lineages that contribute to fitness and genetic diversity of species across their distribution range. Therefore, considerations, or lack thereof, of genetic diversity in wildlife management practices may result in either population persistence or extinction over time. Some management tools may pose a greater risk to a species' survival than others when populations are impacted. In South Africa, there has been great interest to translocate animals, sometimes with little consideration to the potential impacts on the species and/or populations survival. Thus, there is a need to collate scientific information to better inform decision‐making and review these management practices and their effects on populations. Here, we focus on three antelope species, the blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), oribi (Ourebia ourebi), and tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus). We review the genetic status of each species across South Africa, with regards to taxonomy, genetic diversity and population structure, threats that may compromise the genetic diversity within species and across populations, conservation management actions and how they may compromise or benefit the genetic status and lastly make recommendations on possible alternative management actions and future research to inform conservation policy and sustainable management practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimates of demographic parameters are instrumental in effective management of animal populations. For species with individually distinctive features, photo-identification (photo-ID) provides a reliable means to gather capture–recapture data for population parameter estimation with considerable precision and accuracy. We use a 3-year photo-ID mark-recapture dataset of African savannah elephants (Loxodontaafricana) in Pilanesberg National Park (PNP), South Africa, to model their population size and estimate survival rates. All photographed elephants, irrespective of age, were individually identified based on their unique pattern of facial wrinkles. The population currently numbers 385 elephants (95% CI = 380–401), of which nearly half are grown individuals in a sex ratio of 1 male: 1.23 female. Considerable heterogeneity in capture and recapture probabilities, both within and between sex-age classes suggests some form of individual-specific or herd-specific variability, perhaps behavioural or spatio-behavioural dissimilarity within the PNP population. Estimated annual survival rates are high (0.967–0.996) and do not differ between sex-age classes, a likely expression of an extended parental care, low predation pressure, access to rich food and water resources, and absence of targeted killing/poaching. The lack of detectable difference between sexes in adult survival/mortality sets PNP elephants apart from other known African elephant populations and warrants further research attention. Given previous estimates (aerial counts in the early 2000s), the PNP elephant population has grown ~ 5.7% per annum over a 16-year period. This is similar to what is reported in other conservation areas in South Africa, but considerably lower than previously projected. Natural mortality, even if low as 0.4–3.3%, is not negligible and plays a role in moderating population growth. This realisation must be recognised when considering population management measures. It is, therefore, important to obtain and apply the most up-to-date population-specific demographic parameters when making management decisions. Periodic photo-ID surveys with mark-recapture analyses can generate such demographic indicators with a considerable accuracy and should be adopted as a useful tool to inform management decisions, complimentary to direct aerial counts, especially in small-to-medium size fenced conservation areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An animal's ability to traverse a landscape and utilise available resources is vital for its survival. The movement patterns of an animal provide insight into space use, activity patterns and ecological requirements that are imperative for successful farming and wildlife management practices. Home ranges are often used as a measurement of space use, which provides a quantitative value of an animal's movement patterns in relation to various biological factors. A factor that is often overlooked in the analysis of movement patterns is the effect of moon phase, despite its known impact on the activity and hunting success of nocturnal predators. We live-trapped, radio-collared and monitored five black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa, between 2018 and 2019 to determine the impact of various environmental factors on movement patterns. Annual home ranges varied between individuals, were larger in subadults and overlapped between three jackals. Space use and travel velocity suggested a crepuscular activity pattern with a reliance on nocturnal activity and limited diurnal activity. Individual space use suggested variation between moon phases, although overall variation was negligible. Jackals travelled farther during new moon, compared with full moon, with the most notable difference between 23:00 and 04:00. Our results suggest that jackal behaviour does not align with the predation risk hypothesis. Space use and travel velocities varied between seasons, possibly because of differences in activity during mating and pupping periods. Our study confirms the flexibility in jackal space use and suggests a possible relationship with moon phase. To properly understand movement patterns at an individual and population level, we encourage additional research about jackals and various environmental factors via multidisciplinary collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife and livestock farms around the world have eradicated large predators, leaving an empty niche for mesopredators to occupy. In South Africa, black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) are a widely distributed mesopredator that actively prey on wildlife and livestock. Despite the documented economic losses often associated with livestock predation in South Africa and abroad, research in many areas of canid ecology has received little attention. Using standard isotopic analysis (SIA), we conducted inter-population and jackal–prey isotopic comparisons by analyzing the δ13C and δ15N signals of jackal scat and prey hair samples (livestock and rodents) collected in sites of varied human exposure across multiple seasons. C3 signals dominated our results despite the C4 grasslands that are characteristic of the study sites. Our results indicated inter-population variation with a C3/C4 mixed diet in reserve and livestock farm samples, and a C3 orientated diet in wildlife farm samples. There were significant differences in the δ13C between seasons in the livestock and wildlife farm populations but not in the reserve population. δ15N had strong support for inter-population differences and no support for seasonal variation. Jackal isotopic niche breadths differed between populations, overlapped moderately with rodent prey and indicated almost no overlap with livestock. Our results highlight the feeding plasticity of jackals and the impact of human activities on resource availability and the subsequent feeding choices in canids. Using SIA, we accurately determined that livestock form a limited, if not completely absent, constituent of certain jackal populations. We strongly encourage the complementary use of SIA in dietary studies and wildlife management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop foraging by wildlife is a major driver of negative interactions between farmers and wildlife, and yet there are few published examples of effective solutions to deter wildlife from crops. Here we investigate the effectiveness of six different methods to deter primates from crop foraging on commercial farms in South Africa. Model snakes and bioacoustic sounds had no effect on chacma baboons ( Papio ursinus). A leopard model and the sound of bees reduced the foraging duration at bait stations of vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and baboons, respectively. Human sounds appeared to reduce the number of days baboons visited a bait station, but not their foraging duration. Only an electric fence was effective at keeping both baboons and vervets out of a crop field.We encourage modifications to electric fence designs to avoid electrocution of smaller animals and make recommendations for other deterrent methods that require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage causing predators are globally the most common source of human wildlife conflict and involve a broad spectrum of taxa. Black-backed jackals are considered damage-causing mesopredators and are perceived to have a considerable effect on live-stock production in South Africa. However, information regarding the ecology of black-backed jackals on South African farmlands is limited. This study provides additional insight into jackal activity and space use patterns on small stock farmlands. A single jackal was collared as part of a larger study investigating the spatial and temporal interactions between caracals and jackals on a small stock farming area in the southern Free State, South Africa. The home range was estimated as 45.47 km2 (95% OUF AKDEc) with a core area of 1.59 km2 (50% OUF AKDEc). Activity varied throughout the night with peaks occurring at 01:00, 05:00, and 18:00. The average velocity was estimated at 0.6 ± 1.0 km per hour with a maximum of 5.0 km per hour. The mean distance travelled per day was 9.71 ± 2.45 km. The jackal displayed residency behaviour which represents an insight into the movements and activity of a territorial male jackal in a farmland environment. Habitat selection analysis suggests that the Besemkaree Koppies Shrubland was used for denning while the open Xhariep Karroid Grassland was the jackal's main foraging ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife populations are becoming increasingly fragmented by anthropogenic development. Small and isolated populations often face an elevated risk of extinction, in part due to inbreeding depression. Here, we examine the genomic consequences of urbanization in a caracal (Caracal caracal) population that has become isolated in the Cape Peninsula region of the City of Cape Town, South Africa, and is thought to number ~50 individuals. We document low levels of migration into the population over the past ~75 years, with an estimated rate of 1.3 effective migrants per generation. As a consequence of this isolation and small population size, levels of inbreeding are elevated in the contemporary Cape Peninsula population (mean F ROH  = 0.20). Inbreeding primarily manifests as long runs of homozygosity >10 Mb, consistent with the effects of isolation due to the rapid recent growth of Cape Town. To explore how reduced migration and elevated inbreeding may impact future population dynamics, we parameterized an eco-evolutionary simulation model. We find that if migration rates do not change in the future, the population is expected to decline, though with a low projected risk of extinction. However, if migration rates decline or anthropogenic mortality rates increase, the potential risk of extinction is greatly elevated. To avert a population decline, we suggest that translocating migrants into the Cape Peninsula to initiate a genetic rescue may be warranted in the near future. Our analysis highlights the utility of genomic datasets coupled with computational simulation models for investigating the influence of gene flow on population viability., (© 2024 The Authors. Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Rhino species use their horns in social interactions but also when accessing resources, rubbing and in interspecific defence. The current poaching crisis has seen southern white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum) increasingly dehorned as a conservation management practise, but few studies have evaluated whether the procedure has any behavioural effects. This study sought to document and describe horn-contingent behaviours during resource access, wallowing and rubbing in freeranging white rhinos and establish whether dehorning, also known as horn trimming, impacts on their frequency or function. Data were collected through camera trapping and field observations at two sites in South Africa. The results provide no evidence that dehorning disrupts digging behaviours during mineral consumption or wallowing and suggests that dehorning is unlikely to have a strong biological impact on resource access. Furthermore, the frequency of horn-rubbing behaviours did not appear to be influenced by levels of horn growth. This suggests the procedure has a limited impact on these aspects of the species' ecology and provides support that dehorning can be employed as a management tool to reduce poaching in freeranging populations of white rhino. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: As habitat loss continues to accelerate with global human population growth, identifying landscape characteristics that influence species occurrence is a key conservation priority in order to prevent global biodiversity loss. In South Africa, the arboreal samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis sp.) is threatened due to loss and fragmentation of the indigenous forests it inhabits. The aim of this study was to determine the habitat preferences of the samango monkey at different spatial scales, and to identify key conservation areas to inform management plans for this species. Location: This study was carried out in the western Soutpansberg Mountains, which represents the northernmost population of samango monkeys within South Africa, and the only endangered subspecies (C. a. schwarzi). Methods: We used sequentially collected GPS points from two samango monkey groups followed between 2012 and 2017 to quantify the used and available habitat for this species within the western Soutpansberg Mountains. We developed 2nd‐order (selection of ranging area), 3rd‐order (selection within range), and 4th‐order (feeding site selection) resource selection functions (RSFs) to identify important habitat features at each scale. Through scale integration, we identified three key conservation areas for samango monkeys across Limpopo Province, South Africa. Results: Habitat productivity was the most important landscape variable predicting probability of use at each order of selection, indicating the dependence of these arboreal primates on tall‐canopy indigenous forests. Critical habitat across Limpopo was highly fragmented, meaning complete isolation between subpopulations is likely. Main conclusions: Understanding the habitat characteristics that influence samango monkey distribution across South Africa is crucial for prioritizing critical habitat for this species. Our results indicated that large, contiguous patches of tall‐canopy indigenous forest are fundamental to samango monkey persistence. As such, protected area expansion of large forest patches and creation of forest corridors are identified as key conservation interventions for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of the piosphere is important in rangeland management, wildlife management, desertification. Piosphere research describes the changes in soil, biota and fauna as a function of distance from water sources utilized by grazing animals. Piosphere research has provided a better understanding of how grazing pressure can affect local environments. We conducted a bibliometric analysis to describe the progress of piosphere knowledge between 1915 and 2018. This is the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of piosphere research, and it provides insights on future challenges, research challenges, and knowledge gaps. Google Scholar was used to identify 875 publications from 68 countries and 10 different languages. Our analyses showedthat research article was the most frequent publication type and piosphere was the most frequent keyword. Australia was first in the number of publications followed by South Africa and USA. Ivan Thrash is the most contributed author with 11 publications. The most frequently cited article is 'Responses of Mediterranean grassland plants to grazing and protection' in The Journal of Ecology. Herbivores, vegetation, soil, livestock, wildlife, and ecological were the most frequent research areas of piosphere investigations. English was the major and dominant language of piosphere publications. Rapid growth was found in piosphere research since the 1990s, enlivened by advances in statistics, remote sensing, GIS, and programming. We recommend that future research should investigate knowledge gaps such as grazing system relationships to piosphere patterns, economic analysis of watering point development and closure, and the implications of climate change and new piospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although subsistence poaching is a large threat to wildlife conservation in Southern Africa, this behavior is seldom researched. Our understanding of individual and community level factors that drive such behavior is limited because of both lack of data and the literature's predominant focus on commercial poaching. The main objective of this study is to contribute to this scanty literature by examining the factors that are correlated to subsistence poaching in the Great Limpopo, a transfrontier reserve spanning across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. We use collected primary data from a sample of 2282 respondents and 85 villages that are part of the transfrontier conservation area. We focus on two features, reported subsistence poaching incidences in the community and the previous hunting of individuals, a behavior that is now forbidden in this area. We find through multivariate regression analysis that the likelihood for reported poaching incidences was higher in communities with a larger proportion of young men, plenty of wildlife, and experiencing wildlife conflict. In addition, our survey results illustrate that there is less poaching in communities where local people trust each other, respect institutions, perceive that the management of the park is good, and view wildlife as an asset. Some of these variables can be influenced by appropriate interventions; our findings suggest that capacity building in local institutions, use of community-based crime prevention approaches, training related to wildlife management, and public awareness campaigns could be used by policy makers to affect individuals' perceptions and behaviors in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid population growth of reintroduced lions ( Panthera leo) poses several ecological and management challenges in small (<1000 km2), fenced wildlife reserves. Changes in the natural social-ecological conditions of reintroduced lions can lead to a breakdown of natural predator--prey relationships and this is undesirable from both a biodiversity conservation and wildlife management perspective. Here,we present lion population vital rates across 16 small, fenced reserves in South Africa to test whether varying social ecological conditions, associated with lion population structures, can drive changes in vital rates. Study reserves were categorized (A--D) according to the number of resident prides and male coalitions. Lion population structure within a reserve affected lion vital rates differentially, and lion population growth was highest in reserves that contained a single resident pride. The presence of more than one pride in a reserve resulted in a younger age at first birth and marginally longer birth intervals. The presence of extra-pride adult males reduced cub survival, lioness age at first birth and birth intervals. These results can inform lion management decisions and, in particular, how lion population structure affects management outcomes. Our results also inform appropriate management protocols for lions depending on the specific social and ecological context of an individual reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few stressful factors which have been investigated to affect adrenocortical function in the African wild dog (AWD) Lycaon pictus. Understanding what animals perceive as stressors is important for not only the implementation of management practices promoting general animal welfare in captivity, but also because a prolonged stress perception is known to disrupt reproduction, immune function and ultimately pose a threat to survival. In this regard, faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) measurements are commonly used as a non-invasive approach to assess the impact of factors which may be acting as perceived stressors in wildlife. This study was aimed at determining if there are significant differences in AWD fGCM concentrations as a result of sex, presence of absence of an injury, age-class, body condition, dietary provisioning (through stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope analysis), hierarchal status, and setting (i.e. captive or free-ranging). A total of 47 faecal samples were collected immediately post-defaecation from 39 AWDs across four free-ranging sites (Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Kruger National Park and the Waterberg), two permanently captive sites (Johannesburg and Pretoria Zoo), and four temporary captive holding facilities (Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and Maremani, Tembe and Zimanga bomas) in South Africa. Captive AWDs had distinctively higher fGCM levels than their free-ranging counterparts, regardless of sex, body condition, hierarchal status, age-class or dietary provisioning. The present study is the first to assess physiological stress responses across permanently captive, temporarily captive and free-ranging AWDs within the South African managed metapopulation, while incorporating the use of stable isotope analysis to quantify differences in dietary isotopic profiles between these different settings. Ultimately this demonstrates the usefulness of fGCM analysis as a tool for assessing animal welfare in both captive and free-ranging AWDs, and underpins the importance of understanding factors perceived as stressors for the management of the species. Keywords: animal welfare, body condition scoring, faecal glucocorticoid metabolite monitoring, managed metapopulation, stress, wildlife management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological traps occur when areas preferentially selected by a species harbour an unknown increased mortality risk or reduced fitness for the individuals utilizing them. If animals continue to utilize these habitats, rapid declines may result that threaten the persistence of the population. Both black and white rhinoceroses are plagued by severe, targeted rhino poaching in South Africa that may have population and species‐level consequences in the long term. Poaching can rapidly increase mortality and may create habitats that function as ecological traps for protected populations. We used spatially explicit data of live rhino and poached rhino carcasses in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, to define high‐ and low‐risk states for both black and white rhino species. The proportion of area functioning as ecological trap was similar for both species (black: 37.73%, white: 35.51%), while the proportion of safe harbour was considerably lower for black rhino (black rhino: 32.01%, white rhino: 44.74%). Species‐specific risk areas were condensed into management categories that reflect the actions most likely to be effective for overall rhino protection in those areas. 'Threat' area, representing ecological traps for both species, comprised 32.48% of southern Kruger; this represents the highest priority for anti‐poaching interventions. A further 31.03% was identified as 'haven', representing safe harbours for both species, which may benefit most from continued rhino monitoring and surveillance. Using these categories, authorities can prioritize the distribution of limited resources and tailor anti‐poaching and biological management actions according to the needs of each area for the concurrent protection of both rhino species. This work illustrates how the conservation of multiple species or taxa within a system can be simultaneously prioritized in vast areas where resources and/or capacity may be insufficient to undertake species‐specific approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa's expanding wind energy industry is providing much needed alleviation from an ongoing energy crisis. Its development, however, does bear environmental repercussions, which most notably include its impact on birds. Collision risks, habitat loss, and barrier effects are amongst the threats, which require effective mitigation efforts. Avian radar systems have vastly enhanced these efforts and one such system was applied in this study to assess the accuracy of the generally more employed visual monitoring efforts, with a focus on Cape Vultures Gyps coprotheres in the Eastern Cape Province. This, to the best of our knowledge, also marks the first study of this nature on the African continent. Paired observations returned substantial spatial disparity between radar and visual Cape Vulture observations. They also revealed strong relationships between altitudinal misjudgement and height of the target, as well as distance of the target from the observer. Cape Vulture flight and foraging behaviour makes it a challenging observer target. The results of this study suggest that radar technology can be effectively employed at sensitive sites for Cape Vulture movement assessments at wind farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation and expansion of protected areas, coupled with wildlife reintroductions, are increasingly used as conservation measures to combat wildlife declines worldwide. Although these types of restoration efforts are expected be beneficial to wildlife populations, variable species management and interactions among species within complex food webs have the potential to lead to unintended species-specific responses to reserve expansion which can counteract the anticipated positive effects. We used a multi-season camera trap study to investigate community-wide responses of wildlife to a reserve expansion and associated wildlife releases in South Africa. We analyzed the camera trap data using community occupancy and N-mixture models to assess how the occupancy and intensity of use of individual species changed in the four seasons following reserve expansion. We found species-specific responses to reserve expansion, although responses were generally positive in occupancy and intensity of use but un-sustained. The apex predator, the lion (Panthera leo) and the majority of managed herbivores exhibited sustained or delayed positive responses, whereas most subordinate predators and unmanaged herbivores had short-lived, fluctuating, or neutral responses. Interactive effects of top-down suppression, competitive pressure, and increased space and food resources likely resulted in the temporally-variable responses of most species. Although no species responded negatively to reserve expansion and mammal reintroductions, the lack of sustained positive responses for most species indicates the complexities of implementing conservation actions to benefit multiple wildlife species. Our results highlight the importance of monitoring the entire wildlife community following management actions such as reserve expansion or wildlife reintroductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global road network expands, roads pose an emerging threat to wildlife populations. One way in which roads can affect wildlife is wildlife-vehicle collisions, which can be a significant cause of mortality through roadkill. In order to successfully mitigate these problems, it is vital to understand the factors that can explain the distribution of roadkill. Collecting the data required to enable this can be expensive and time consuming, but there is significant potential in partnering with organisations that conduct existing road patrols to obtain the necessary data. We assessed the feasibility of using roadkill data collected daily between 2014 and 2017 by road patrol staff from a private road agency on a 410 km length of the N3 road in South Africa. We modelled the relationship between a set of environmental and anthropogenic variables on the number of roadkill carcasses, using serval (Leptailurus serval) as a model species. We recorded 5.24 serval roadkill carcasses/100 km/year. The number of carcasses was related to season, the amount of wetland, and NDVI, but was not related to any of the anthropogenic variables we included. This suggests that roadkill patterns may differ greatly depending on the ecology of species of interest, but targeting mitigation measures where roads pass through wetlands may help to reduce serval roadkill. Partnering with road agencies for data collection offers powerful opportunities to identify factors related to roadkill distribution and reduce the threats posed by roads to wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birdstrikes to aircrafts are increasing on an annual basis and pose significant aviation safety risks. Identification of the birds involved is key to developing mitigation strategies. Often the only information available to make identifications are feather and/or tissue samples. Relying on feathers alone to identify the bird species requires special expertise and access to museum collections for specimen comparisons. In 2017, feathers and tissue samples were recovered from the engine cowling of an airplane that had just landed at the Oliver Reginald (O. R.) Tambo international airport in South Africa after striking a bird at 3,353 m. To confirm the bird species, we sequenced a region of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) for the unknown sample and compared the results to the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) and National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank databases. Comparisons to these databases indicated that the species involved in the birdstrike incident was a white stork (Ciconia ciconia; 99.6-100% similarity). This was the first known record of a white stork involved in a birdstrike in South Africa and is important because it provided evidence of a high-altitude birdstrike. Availability of publicly accessible DNA barcoding databases that include all potential bird species from various geographic regions is a valuable tool in species identification and can aid wildlife management strategies at airports to reduce the risks associated with birdstrikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

waterholes are a widely used, yet contested wildlife management practice in semi-arid environments.We evaluated wildlife water provisioning at four artificial waterholes in the southern region of the Kruger National Park.We documented daily waterhole visitation patterns of mammals during the wet and dry seasons using camera-traps. We recorded 26 mammal species at the waterholes, with African elephants ( Loxodonta africana) and impalas ( Aepyceros melampus) being the most abundant.We used generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to determine which variables (season, time of day, water quality, and the presence of carnivores or elephants) would affect animal visitation. Waterhole visitation patterns differed according to time of day, but this effect remained relatively constant between seasons. More animals visited waterholes in the dry season compared to the wet season. Carnivore presence negatively affected impala abundance. Elephant presence did not affect impala and white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum) visits to waterholes.Water quality also appeared to play a role in determining animal abundance. Based on our results, though obtained from a limited sample size, we suggest some management practices to be considered when deciding which waterholes should be closed down or left open. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on experiences from a National Park inhabited by people in Mozambique, this article explores how the ‘parks with people’ approach has evolved within a complex context characterised by conflicts between wildlife conservation and farming-based livelihoods. It analyses how communities and the park management in Limpopo National Park have dealt with the dual conservation and livelihood needs shaped by climate adversities. The article also looks at the responses advanced by the people involved to ensure household food security. We investigate how the seasonal shifting between droughts and floods affects the intensity of wildlife conflicts and the communities’ coping strategies. We contrast the communities’ dynamic responses with the static, top-down management approach adopted by the park – often driven by donor priorities – and discuss opportunities for formulating means of adaptive co-management. Our results emphasise the value of contextual understanding when crafting strategies that are likely to reconcile conservation and livelihood goals. This requires a ‘Mode 2’ science approach that builds on a close collaboration with the affected communities and covers a time span of several seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Understanding of animal spatial behavior is essential for informed management decisions. In southern Africa, reintroduction of lions ( Panthera leo) to small reserves (<1000 km2) has increased since the early 2000s, however studies on their ranging behavior in these enclosed systems remain lacking. We applied Time Local Convex Hull (T-LoCoH) methods to study the home range establishment and utilization of 11 lions reintroduced to Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa, during 2011 through 2014. Lions established home ranges close to their release sites and during the following 3 years their home range sizes continued to increase, but in each individual case the size remained smaller than half of the reserve area (<70 km2). Space use strategies differed between the core and the entire home range, with higher frequency of visits found in core areas. Exceptionally high rates (>60 separate visits) around the largest dam and along rivers suggest the importance of water and its surrounding vegetation in the lions' space utilization pattern. The home range size did not differ with season or sex of the individuals, whereas shifts in locations of home ranges revealed differences in the response of the 2 sexes to territorial conflicts and management interventions. Our study shows a dynamic home range utilization pattern and highlights the importance of both fine-scale space use patterns (frequency and duration of visits) and broad-scale home range changes in understanding the ranging behavior of reintroduced animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimes against wildlife have been in the spotlight in South Africa in the past decade - largely due to the escalation of rhino poaching. As a custodian of iconic species, South Africa is at the heart of the illicit and licit wildlife economy. Since the country's economy relies on wildlife tourism as one of its sources of income, poaching has economic consequences. The negative impact, however, extends into the cultural sphere too. Some fear that extinction will rob future generations of the chance to experience wildlife, thus depriving them of their rightful cultural heritage. This commentary piece suggests that wildlife crime may be a form of cultural victimisation for people who feel that wildlife is part of their identity. It does so while acknowledging that poverty and other structural limitations prevent many South Africans from experiencing wildlife in this way, and that some may feel indifferent or resentful towards conservation initiatives if their basic needs are not met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to identify how the global response to wildlife crime can be improved and what role South Africa might play in it. To do so, we examine the emerging global wildlife crime regime and the challenges it faces. To offer an understanding of how governance could be improved, we ask how the success in curbing another transnational crime, piracy off the coast of Somalia, can serve as an example of international coordination. We discuss core lessons from the coordination and governance of counter-piracy. Through the comparison, we identify core dimensions by which the coordination of responses to wildlife crime might be improved. Our conclusion stresses the importance of more focused, inclusive and experimental forums. We end by outlining a number of core issues that South Africa should start to consider in its wildlife policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This issue of South African Crime Quarterly is a special issue dedicated to organised environmental crimes. It is guest edited by Annette Hübschle of the Environmental Futures Project, Institute for Safety Governance and Criminology at the University of Cape Town, and funded by the Global Initiative for Transnational Organised Crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent and rapid increase in wildlife crime threatens not only the survival of significant populations of endangered species in South Africa but also regional security, the sustainability of the tourism sector and the social stability of communities. Many wildlife crime interventions fail to achieve sustained impact due to the complexity of the crime. Different aspects of the problem are interconnected, but stakeholders address them in parts. This causes some to view the problem as too complex to address, thus promoting a state of crisis management. Addressing wildlife crime requires harmonising efforts, incorporating on-the-ground cross-border cooperation that balances conserving wildlife with stakeholder needs for socio-economic development and local, national and regional stability. This article explores innovative and integrated ways to mitigate the complexity of wildlife crime, framed as a 'whole-of-society' response to the challenge with a specific focus on implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant proportion of South African biodiversity occurs in extensive private wildlife areas. As such, the continuance of these private reserves is paramount to conservation of the country's biodiversity. The areas are, however, vulnerable to being divided into smaller camps as landowners enter into the new and rapidly growing industry of selective breeding and intensive management of antelope and predators. Concerns are being raised as to the longterm consequences of the products and impacts of this industry on, inter alia, integrity and conservation of the country's wildlife, and the landscapes these facilities are located in, as well as the country's reputation as a free ranging and fair chase hunting destination. Using the public trust doctrine as a foundation, this article characterises the relationship between the country's environmental law and the roles played by government as the regulator, the wildlife industry, research and the public in achieving responsible wildlife management and the long-term conservation of this resource. These relationships are seen to be finely balanced between the provision of robust science and evidence-based and cautious or risk-averse decision-making. It is concluded that the public trust doctrine is a powerful tool to limit the impacts of unsustainable and parochial use of wildlife on the conservation of biodiversity. It is also concluded that an improved understanding of the doctrine by researchers, public and the wildlife industry would lead to a greater relevance of research, and in turn sound evidencebased decision-making and ultimately sustainable use of wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before apartheid, Afrikaner nationalist ideologues composed a nationalist ‘nature’. South Africa’s political ordering was, thus, naturalised through nationalist ‘natures’ where settlers could perform their dominance over natives and their belonging in their fledgling nations. Post apartheid, Njabulo Ndebele (1999) saw game lodges as offering white South Africans a taste of colonial power and belonging, but having the opposite effect on black South Africans. For Ndebele, recomposing ‘natural’ spaces is fundamental to how South Africans come to belong (or not) in post-apartheid South Africa. Drawing from interview and ethnographic data, I show that contemporary biltong hunting ‘nature’ is an assemblage of humans and non-humans composed around a concern with how Afrikaner nationalist masculinities might belong (or not) in a post-apartheid context. I argue hunting ‘nature’ is a commodity that, anchors a past nationalist masculine hierarchy in a reciprocal relationship to game on privately owned land and collapses belonging into ownership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalist predators characteristically switch prey in response to resource pulses. Ungulate population reinforcement through translocation provides stressed and vulnerable prey, and apex predator reintroduction provides carrion, both resources that can be exploited by generalist predators. We investigated the dietary response of black-backed jackal to two management interventions in the Karoo National Park, South Africa, namely the reinforcement of the springbok population, and then the reintroduction of lions. By analysing jackal diets from scats collected before and after each management intervention, we show that the relative per cent occurrence and biomass consumed of springbok increased in the diet following the population reinforcement of springbok. In contrast, large ungulates were more prevalent in the diet following apex predator reintroduction. These results suggest that jackals took advantage of a potentially vulnerable abundant springbok population following their population reinforcement, and then switched to foraging on carrion provided by reintroduced lions. These results provide insights into the dietary response of a generalist mesopredator to management interventions. A key lesson from the study is that the diet of generalist predators is context-dependent and should be interpreted in that light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the population size and trends of large carnivores remains the cornerstone of effective management and conservation programs. However, such data are rarely available for the majority of large carnivore species. Furthermore, large carnivore research is often directed towards formally protected areas. There is therefore a need to improve our knowledge regarding the population ecology of large carnivores in non-protected areas. In this study we use camera trapping in conjunction with spatially explicit mark-recapture models to estimate leopard Panthera pardus density across different land use types in the Waterberg Biosphere, South Africa. Estimated densities (mean ± SE) ranged from 6.59 (± 5.2/100 km2) on a matrix of commercial game and livestock farms to 5.35 (± 2.93/100 km2) and 4.56 (± 1.35/100 km2) on two protected areas (Lapalala and Welgevonden respectively). Although density estimates had large confidence intervals we suggest that these results indicate similar densities across the three sites. These results support other studies suggesting that non-protected areas can harbour as dense leopard populations as protected areas, and can therefore not be neglected in the management of leopards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing historical baselines is important for informing present-day conservation and management actions. The historical literature was searched for information on the composition, abundance and distribution of the large ungulate fauna in the grasslanddominated Highveld region of north-central South Africa during the 19th century and early 20th century. The existence of large aggregations (herds comprising one or more taxa) is inferred from the written record, for the early historical period. These aggregations comprised one or more species of eight grazers or mixed feeders. There is weaker evidence of seasonal migratory, or partially migratory, behaviour by some of them. This synthesis highlights the existence of a major, but hitherto unrecognized and unheralded, grazergrassland system in the region, at least during the early period of colonial expansion. In global terms, this system may have rivalled similar extant migratory systems elsewhere in Africa and globally, if not in the numbers of animals involved then almost certainly in terms of the diversity of ungulates that were present. No records of large ungulate aggregations, or migrations, could be located for the post-1870s period, thus revealing the time of the collapse of this system, mainly as a result of overhunting and loss of habitat. By the end of the 19th century the once widespread and abundant larger ungulate fauna of the Highveld had, barring a few individuals and small and scattered herds, of a few species, been virtually exterminated. Some ecological consequences of this collapse are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of Pongolapoort Dam in 1973 on the Phongolo River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has considerably altered the hydrological behaviour and ecological response of the downstream floodplain. Changes in the flooding regime have had implications for the socio-economic importance of the floodplain and for the structure and functioning of its associated wetlands. Previous studies have recommended annual releases of water from the dam to sustain floodplain ecosystem goods and services. The current artificial water releases are limited by the size of the dam's sluices and by the demand for water from the local community. Therefore, water releases do not always follow the original natural flooding regime. To date, the influence of the changed hydrology on the ecology of the Phongolo floodplain system remains poorly known. As a basis for future integrated interdisciplinary research we synthesised the ecological and hydrological work conducted to date on the Phongolo floodplain. We suggest hydro-ecology as an important research direction needed to set environmental flows for the sustainable utilisation and management of the floodplain. Understanding the hydrological behaviour and ecological response of the Phongolo floodplain could help in the implementation of environmental flows by managers at the Department of Water and Sanitation and other stakeholders such as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT Egyptian geese ( Alopochen aegyptiaca) occur in large numbers on golf courses in southwestern South Africa. They cause physical and financial damage to the courses and are a nuisance to golfers and golf course managers. Most control measures used to reduce the problem have been unsuccessful. We investigated the potential for environmental management options by determining which landscape features attract geese to certain areas within golf courses and cause them to avoid others. Goose vigilance levels were lower in use than in non-use areas regardless of group size ( t1 = 5.837, P ≤ 0.001, F1 = 53.877, P ≤ 0.001). This behavior suggested that geese were attracted to some areas because they perceive them to be safer. Landscape features that attracted Egyptian geese were large open patches of lawn (>1.5 ha) and proximity to water bodies (<100 m). Water bodies should not be adjacent to open foraging or loafing areas. Other modifications may include planting herbaceous vertical vegetation around water bodies and open fairways to reduce habitat openness and predator visibility. Our results suggest that the level of the goose problem at any golf course is a consequence of the intrinsic properties of that course and not influenced by the extent of the problem at nearby golf courses. © 2014 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflict with humans poses one of the greatest threats to the persistence and survival of all wildlife. In the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, human--baboon conflict levels remain high despite substantial investment by conservation authorities in a variety of mitigation measures. Here we explore how spatial ecology can inform wildlife managers on the extent and severity of both current and projected human--baboon conflict. We apply conservative and generous densities--2.3 and 5.9 baboons/km² --to hypothetical landscape management scenarios to estimate whether the chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) population in the Cape Peninsula is currently overabundant. We correlate conflict indices with spatial variables to explain intertroop differences in conflict levels. We investigate how an understanding of key elements of baboon ecology, including sleeping-site characteristics and intertroop territoriality, can direct management efforts and mitigate conflict. Our findings suggest that the current population of 475 baboons is below even the most conservative density estimate and that the area could potentially sustain up to 799 baboons. Conflict levels correlated positively with the loss of access to low-lying land through habitat transformation (Pearson r = 0.77, p = 0.015, n = 9 troops), and negatively with the distance of sleeping sites from the urban edge (Pearson r = 0.81, p = 0.001, n = 9 troops). Despite the availability of suitable sleeping sites elsewhere, more than half of all troops slept <500 m from the urban edge, resulting in increased spatial overlap and conflict with residents. Evidence for intertroop territoriality suggested that troop removal to mitigate human--baboon conflict would only be a short-term solution because neighboring troops are predicted to usurp the vacated home range and thus perpetuate the cycle of conflict. Together these findings suggest that an understanding of wildlife spatial ecology in a semi-urban context can be used to identify current and predicted landscape-level causes of human--baboon conflict. This information can be used to formulate sustainable long-term landscape management and conservation plans so that less costly and controversial direct wildlife management is required, and so ultimately fewer animals and humans suffer the costs of conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into factors influencing attitudes towards hunting amongst the economically active public in Port Elizabeth. A survey on attitudes towards hunting was conducted amongst the economically active public in Port Elizabeth during 2009. The aim was to identify and investigate factors influencing public attitudes towards hunting. Hunting has become an essential part of conservation and wildlife management on game farms. Negative attitudes towards hunting within the larger society have become a threat to the hunting industry, which in turn may jeopardise conservation and the effective management of game. This social threat was investigated by conducting a survey amongst a statistically representative sample of the economically active public in Port Elizabeth. Two sampling procedures, namely simple random sampling and proportional stratified sampling, were followed to ensure that a statistically representative sample was obtained. Self-administered questionnaires were used as the survey instrument. A total of 384 questionnaires were completed. Various factors influencing public attitudes towards hunting were identified and investigated, and it was found that the extent to which a person has been exposed to hunting, as well as a person's social ties have a significant influence on attitudes towards hunting. Furthermore, negative attitudes towards hunting amongst the public are based on misconceptions regarding hunting. The perception that hunting is not an important part of wildlife management as well as the belief that hunting endangers wildlife are largely responsible for provoking negative attitudes towards hunting. Incorrect perceptions regarding hunting need to be addressed by educating the public about wildlife and the importance of hunting in the management of wildlife on game farms and privately owned land. The public also needs to be convinced that the primary motivation for hunting is based on wildlife management considerations and ecological concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As urban and rural land development become widespread features of the global landscape so an understanding of the landscape requirements of displaced and isolated wildlife species becomes increasingly important for conservation planning. In the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, rapid human population growth, and the associated urban and rural land transformation, threatens the sustainability of the local chacma baboon population. Here we analyse spatial data collected from nine of the 12 extant troops to determine their population-level landscape requirements. We use hurdle models to ascertain the key landscape features influencing baboon occurrence and abundance patterns on two hierarchical spatial scales. Results: Both spatial scales produced similar results that were ecologically reliable and interpretable. The models indicated that baboons were more likely to occur, and be more abundant, at low altitudes, on steep slopes and in human-modified habitats. The combination of these landscape variables provides baboons with access to the best quality natural and anthropogenic food sources in close proximity to one another and suitable sleeping sites. Surface water did not emerge as an influential landscape feature presumably as the area is not water stressed. Conclusions: The model results indicate that land development in the Cape Peninsula has pushed baboons into increasingly marginal natural habitat while simultaneously providing them with predictable and easily accessible food sources in human-modified habitats. The resultant spatial competition between humans and baboons explains the high levels of human-baboon conflict and further erosion of the remaining land fragments is predicted to exacerbate competition. This study demonstrates how the quantification of animal landscape requirements can provide a mechanism for identifying priority conservation areas at the human-wildlife interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South Africa there are efforts to manage reintroduced subpopulations of the Vulnerable cheetah Acinonyx jubatus in small reserves (10–1,000 km2) as a managed metapopulation. We estimated areas required to support cheetahs given varying prey densities, prey profiles and presence/absence of competing predators. A recent population and habitat viability assessment indicated that 20 subpopulations of 10 cheetahs or 10 subpopulations of 15 cheetahs are required to retain 90% of the heterozygosity of free-ranging cheetahs and to overcome stochastic events in the absence or presence of lions Panthera leo, respectively. We estimate that 203 ± SE 42 km2 (range 48–466 km2) is required to support 10 cheetahs in the absence of lions, whereas 703 ± SE 311 km2 (166–2,806 km2) is required to support 15 cheetahs given equal numbers of lions, and 2,424 ± SE 890 km2 (727–3,739 km2) given equal numbers of leopards Panthera pardus, spotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta, wild dogs Lycaon pictus and lions. Existing subpopulations of cheetahs generally occur at densities higher than our mean predicted densities but usually within the range of predicted densities. The large area requirements of cheetahs have implications for the development of the managed metapopulation. Sourcing reintroduction sites of the sizes required to support recommended subpopulation sizes will be difficult. Consequently, innovative measures to increase the carrying capacity of reserves for cheetahs and/or to enlarge reserves will be required. Managers may be forced to stock cheetahs close to or beyond the carrying capacity of their reserves. Consequently, careful management of reintroduced subpopulations will be required to prevent declines in prey populations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Non-invasive endocrine monitoring is an important conservation tool frequently used to support the management of wildlife species. Investigating ovarian activity and pregnancy rates of free-ranging African elephants can enhance our knowledge about the physiology of this highly social and long-lived species. The utility of a new, field-friendly progestagen enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) method was tested by monitoring ovarian activity of 40 females in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), South Africa. Fecal samples were collected opportunistically from known individuals (June 2007–September 2009) and fecal progestagen metabolites (FPM) were extracted in the field and analyzed on-site using a visual, qualitative EIA. Those results were compared to the laboratory quantitative EIA assessment of hormone concentrations in the U.S. Qualitative FPM concentrations were strongly correlated with quantitative concentrations (rs =0.72). Fecal samples collected from pregnant elephants (n =22) had significantly higher FPM concentrations than non-pregnant individuals, and month of gestation was the strongest predictor of FPM concentrations. Endocrine profiles suggested that five older females were no longer cycling normally. Simplified field endocrine techniques could transform endangered species research under field conditions and provide reliable and economical new tools for making sensible conservation management decisions based on real-time hormone results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]