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Two subspecies of the Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla (family Phylloscopidae) have been recognised in South Africa based on the extent and intensity of yellow colouration. Our previous multi-locus population genetic survey across much of the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal provinces, conducted from 2017 to 2023, revealed a single homogenous regional population. That finding, derived from 93 individuals sampled from nine sites—six northeast of the Great Kei River (n = 72) and three to the southwest (n = 21)—did not support a subspecies boundary near the Great Kei River. Here, using 188 publicly archived photographic records for this species in South Africa, we show that the phenotypes of both subspecies are present on either side of this divide. The observed genetic homogeneity and lack of clear phenotypic vicariance suggest that P. ruficapilla is more dispersive than currently appreciated, and that the plumage-based subspecies may not represent significant population-level differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of anthropogenically-driven habitat modifications on insectivorous bat activity and diversity along a stretch of the Eerste River, Stellenbosch, South Africa, by determining insect abundance, water quality and vegetation and river characteristics at four sites of varying anthropogenic impact. Passive acoustic monitoring was used to determine species composition and activity of bats at each of the sites. A total of 14,457 bat passes was recorded, with the same six species being found at each of the sites: four clutter edge foragers (Myotis tricolor, Eptesicus hottentotus, Miniopterus natalensis and Laephotis capensis) and a single clutter forager (Rhinolophus clivosus) and open-air forager (Tadarida aegyptiaca). Bat activity was greater at the lower two most eutrophied sites, and greatest at the residential (urban) site. Laephotis capensis, an urban-adapted species, was by far the most active, probably on account of both insensitivity to light pollution, and roost-site availability. The highest and most pristine site (Eiland) and the lowest and most polluted site (Spier) displayed the greatest diversity, despite highly elevated levels of chloride and nitrate at the latter site. So anthropogenic effects on water quality appear not to have negatively affected bat diversity along this stretch of the Eerste River. As these effects are likely to increase, this study serves as a baseline for future monitoring of bats along its course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Amathole mistbelt forests in the Eastern Cape, South Africa harbour the largest remnant population of the nationally endangered endemic Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus, a secondary-cavity nester whose persistence is limited by suitable nest sites. These are also the only forests within Cape Parrot range in which selective timber harvesting remains permitted, but the impact of harvesting on the availability of parrot nest sites has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine the degree to which current harvest selection criteria stand to impact nest site availability. Results showed that Cape Parrots have specific nest tree requirements; and that there is overlap in the species and condition of trees selected for nesting, and harvesting. The two yellowwood species found in the region, Afrocarpus falcatus and Podocarpus latifolius, represented the majority of both harvested trees (78%), and Cape Parrot nest trees (79%). Moreover, both Cape Parrot and harvest selection criteria require large (≥50 cm diameter at breast height; ≥12 m high), old, dead, dying, or crown-damaged yellowwoods, such that 32% of trees considered potential nest trees were also candidates for harvesting. Current selection criteria need to be revised to ensure that timber use is compatible with biodiversity conservation in the Amathole forests. We suggest that all harvesting of dead standing yellowwoods be discontinued; and that the harvesting of live trees with crown damage, which are frequently used by parrots for nesting, be limited by a species-specific maximum harvestable diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2006.06.010 Byline: Neil R. Jordan, Michael I. Cherry, Marta B. Manser Abstract: Many carnivores defend territories and deposit faeces and other scent marks at specific latrine sites. The role of latrines in territory defence is well established, but evidence suggests at least a subsidiary role in mate defence. We investigated latrine function in cooperative meerkats, Suricata suricatta. By analysing the spatial and temporal distribution of latrines we found patterns that might facilitate information transmission to a range of potential intruders. Each group of meerkats usually shared one latrine with each known neighbouring group, which probably allowed efficient intergroup monitoring of surrounding land tenure. The remaining latrines were primarily concentrated in territorial core regions. As transient groups and prospecting males enter territories unpredictably, this distribution may maximize the likelihood of latrine discovery. In large meerkat territories, the chance of intruders missing widely spaced boundary scent marks is high, and a core-marking strategy may therefore be more effective. Latrines were positioned close to refuge sites, which may further increase the likelihood of intercepting intruders, as prospectors are known to visit these sites regularly during intrusions. Although latrine use did not increase during periods when resident females were sexually receptive, it was significantly more likely during the peak breeding period in general, and occurred at significantly greater rates during observation periods when prospecting males were encountered. As prospectors threaten resident male reproductive success, these results highlight the potential importance of latrines in mate defence. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (a ) Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, U.K. (a ) Verhaltensbiologie, Zoologisches Institut, Universitat Zurich, Switzerland Article History: Received 28 September 2005; Revised 16 November 2005; Accepted 7 June 2006 Article Note: (miscellaneous) MS. number: 8693R