Vegetational gradients around artificial watering points in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

The density of kangaroos (Macropus spp.) within 5 km of current and former artificial watering points in Sturt National Park (NSW) was studied over a two-year period using the line transect method. Kangaroo densities were not significantly related to water proximity and did not significantly differ between open and closed watering points. Infrared sensors detected and counted kangaroo movements to and from artificial watering points and these were positively correlated with temperature. However, line transect counts did not reveal a shift in kangaroo distributions to water-proximate areas in warmer seasons. The results suggest that kangaroos travel to drink and then return to relatively stable home ranges that take advantage of sites offering the best grazing and resting opportunities. Vegetation surveys, using a wheel point device, revealed that the biomass of Atriplex spp. decreased significantly with increased proximity to artificial watering points, but the biomass of Poaceae spp. and numerous forbs did not. Vegetative diversity was unrelated to water proximity. Low vegetation biomass near artificial watering points in Sturt National Park may be more correctly attributed to the effects from past sheep-grazing pressure, than to any current grazing pressure. The implications of artificial watering point closure on conservation values and nature-based tourism are discussed.

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Impact of African elephants on Baikiaea plurijuga woodland around natural and artificial watering points in northern Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

International Journal of Environmental Sciences ◽

10.6088/ijes.00202030022 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mukwashi

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

African Elephants ◽

Hwange National Park ◽

Artificial Watering

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Impact of large herbivores at artificial watering points compared to that at natural watering points in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Journal of Arid Environments ◽

10.1006/jare.1997.0331 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 38 (2) ◽

pp. 315-324 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

I. Thrash

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

National Park ◽

Kruger National Park ◽

Large Herbivores ◽

Artificial Watering

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Monitoring of the vegetation around artificial watering points (windmills) in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

Koedoe ◽

10.4102/koedoe.v33i1.453 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

N. Van Rooyen ◽

D. Bezuidenhout ◽

G.K. Theron ◽

J. Du P. Bothma

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

National Park ◽

Vegetation Changes ◽

Basal Cover ◽

Average Rainfall ◽

Artificial Watering

Vegetation changes around artificial watering points were monitored in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park from 1978 to 1989. Both rainfall and grazing influenced the vegetation but rainfall appeared to be the more significant factor. The above-average rainfall during the years preceding 1978 contributed to a relatively high basal cover in 1978. Since 1978, however, below-average rainfall was recorded resulting in a decline in basal cover, presence, frequency and density of most of the plant species. It seems likely that a wet cycle commenced in 1988, which is reflected in higher rainfall and an increase in basal cover, presence, and density. Some species maintained a relatively constant presence, some increased, and some declined during the study period. The monitoring is being continued.

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Ultrastructural Localization of Phycocyanin in the Acidophilic, Thermophilic Alga, Cyanidium Caldarium

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100072757 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 31 ◽

pp. 462-463

Author(s):

M. R. Edwards ◽

J. D. Mainwaring

Keyword(s):

Yellowstone National Park ◽

National Park ◽

Ultrastructural Localization ◽

Review Of Literature ◽

Cyanidium Caldarium ◽

Taxonomic Rank ◽

Thin Sections ◽

Standard Methods ◽

Laboratory Cultures

Although the general ultrastructure of Cyanidium caldarium, an acidophilic, thermophilic alga of questionable taxonomic rank, has been extensively studied (see review of literature in reference 1), some peculiar ultrastructural features of the chloroplast of this alga have not been noted by other investigators.Cells were collected and prepared for thin sections at the Yellowstone National Park and were also grown in laboratory cultures (45-52°C; pH 2-5). Fixation (glutaraldehyde-osmium), dehydration (ethanol), and embedding (Epon 812) were accomplished by standard methods. Replicas of frozenfracture d- etched cells were obtained in a Balzers apparatus. In addition, cells were examined after disruption in a French Press.

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