The protective role of bark against fire damage: a comparative study on selected introduced and indigenous tree species in the Western Cape, South Africa

Trees ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 555-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedict Odhiambo ◽  
Martina Meincken ◽  
Thomas Seifert
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Fire Damage ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Indigenous Tree Species

scholarly journals Conserving a geographically isolated Charaxes butterfly in response to habitat fragmentation and invasive alien plants

Koedoe ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Casparus J. Crous ◽  
James S. Pryke ◽  
Michael J. Samways
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Agricultural Matrix ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Invasive Tree Species ◽  
Remnant Forest

In South Africa, much of the forest biome is vulnerable to human-induced disturbance. The forest-dwelling butterfly Charaxes xiphares occidentalis is naturally confined to a small forest region in the south-western Cape, South Africa. Most of the remaining habitat of this species is within a fragmented agricultural matrix. Furthermore, this geographical area is also heavily invaded by alien plants, especially Acacia mearnsii. We investigated how C. x. occidentalis behaviourally responds to different habitat conditions in the landscape. We were particularly interested in touring, patrolling and settling behaviour as a conservation proxy for preference of a certain habitat configuration in this agricultural matrix. Remnant forest patches in the agricultural matrix showed fewer behavioural incidents than in a reference protected area. Moreover, dense stands of A. mearnsii negatively influenced the incidence and settling pattern of this butterfly across the landscape, with fewer tree settlings associated with more heavily invaded forest patches. This settling pattern was predominantly seen in female butterflies. We also identified specific trees that were settled upon for longer periods by C. x. occidentalis. Distance to a neighbouring patch and patch size influenced behavioural incidences, suggesting that further patch degradation and isolation could be detrimental to this butterfly. Conservation implications: We highlight the importance of clearing invasive tree species from vulnerable forest ecosystems and identify key tree species to consider in habitat conservation and rehabilitation programmes for this butterfly. We also suggest retaining as much intact natural forest as possible. This information should be integrated in local biodiversity management plans.

scholarly journals Building Bridges: Linking universities with the manufacturing industry

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 144-159
Author(s):  
Robert Knutsen ◽  
Charlene Steyn ◽  
Martin Nicol
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
University Research ◽  
Manufacturing Industries ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Research Institutions ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Local Manufacturing

This article explores ideas for linking university research entities with small- and medium-sized manufacturing industries. In an environment such as the Western Cape, South Africa, where well established teaching and research activities in science and engineering exist at several universities and research institutions, it is astonishing to realize that the local manufacturing industry struggles to obtain assistance with research and development in order to remain competitive locally and globally. Some of the reasons for this situation are outlined and solutions are proposed. In particular, the role of a gateway organization which aims to build networks between universities, research institutions and industry is described.

Participatory Multi-Stakeholder Platforms in Disaster Management in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1192-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nosiphiwe P. Ngqwala ◽  
C. Sunitha Srinivas ◽  
Roman Tandlich ◽  
Desmond M. Pyle ◽  
Rene Oosthuizen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Two Cities ◽  
Local Government Level ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Management Advisory

South Africa is a country that is prone to droughts, earthquakes and other disasters. In this environment, non-governmental stakeholders often provide a substantial part of the relief in affected areas. Non-governmental stakeholders have the experience needed to address the various disaster management challenges currently facing South Africa. This is especially true in the context of local disasters. Therefore an attempt is made in this report to investigate the relevant legal framework, which allows for the formalization of the involvement of non-governmental stakeholders in official disaster management activities in South Africa. Parts of the basic disaster management legislation, i.e. the Disaster Management Act no. 57/2002, contain definitions and requirements for the establishment of the relevant multi-stakeholder crisis management platforms, i.e. the “disaster management advisory forums.” This legislation is analysed in relation to the Hyogo Framework for Action and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Disaster management systems from two cities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, i.e. Knysna and Cape Town, were identified as models for the potential practical execution of these multi-stakeholder platforms at the local government level. Importance of additional aspects of the legal framework, e.g. the role of traditional leaders, are also outlined.

Predator or disperser? A test of indigenous fruit preference of alien rats (Rattus rattus) on Nishi-jima (Ogasawara Islands)

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuto Abe
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Seed Disperser ◽  
Terminalia Catappa ◽  
Black Rat ◽  
Ogasawara Islands ◽  
Indigenous Fruit ◽  
Indigenous Tree Species ◽  
Fruit Preference

The Black Rat Rattus rattus has invaded many of the Ogasawara Islands, including Nishi-jima. To evaluate the effects of this alien rat on fruits in Nishi-jima, I set out 1 772 fruits of five indigenous tree species and tracked them for two months by locating attached long-labelled lines. The rats consumed more than 95% of the small Neolitsea sericea var. aurata and Livistona boninensis fruits. For larger fruits, rats consumed 48.3% of Pandanus boninensis, 11.2% of Terminalia catappa, and 64.4% of Ochrosia nakaiana. Larger fruits were carried further than small fruits, however, the ratio of survival to frugivory decreased with increasing distance carried in all species. The role of Rattus rattus as seed disperser is limited, and its fruglvory impact is more serious for trees producing small fruits.

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