Identifying the drivers of the pelagic ecosystem of an oligotrophic bight (KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa) using stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) and C : N ratio analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 1750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ander M. de Lecea ◽  
Rachel Cooper ◽  
Albertus J. Smit
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Ratio Analysis ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Terrestrial Organic Matter ◽  
Pelagic Ecosystem ◽  
Riverine Input ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Marine System

The international literature highlights the importance of understanding the role and fate of terrestrial organic matter (OM) in the marine system, yet little is known about this on the oligotrophic east coast of South Africa. Within the Bight, three important processes make OM biologically available: (1) a topographically induced upwelling cell (north), (2) a Cyclonic Eddy (south), and (3) riverine input. We hypothesise that: (i) these OM sources differ substantially in their isotope ratios, and (ii) zooplankton at the inshore region has an isotope signature linked to localised fluvial fluxes. Particulate OM samples were collected at five locations along the Bight and in three main estuaries during austral summer and winter seasons in 2010 and subjected to isotopic and mixing model analysis. Riverine input played an important role in this ecosystem inshore during the wet season. Only marine OM played a role as a biological driver offshore and at all sites during the dry season. Although there were indications that the upwelling cell did occur, it was not confirmed as active in either season. The current study provides valuable insights into the Bight's biological functioning and principle insights into the fate of terrestrial organic carbon on the east coast of southern Africa.

Occupancy of two forest specialist birds in the Southern Mistbelt Forests of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
S. THOBEKA GUMEDE ◽  
DAVID A. EHLERS SMITH ◽  
YVETTE C. EHLERS SMITH ◽  
SAMUKELISIWE P. NGCOBO ◽  
MBALENHLE T. SOSIBO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Habitat Requirements ◽  
Stem Density ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Summary Establishing the specific habitat requirements of forest specialists in fragmented natural habitats is vital for their conservation. We used camera-trap surveys and microhabitat-scale covariates to assess the habitat requirements, probability of occupancy and detection of two terrestrial forest specialist species, the Orange Ground-thrush Geokichla gurneyi and the Lemon Dove Aplopelia larvata during the breeding and non-breeding seasons of 2018–2019 in selected Southern Mistbelt Forests of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A series of camera-trap surveys over 21 days were conducted in conjunction with surveys of microhabitat structural covariates. During the wet season, percentage of leaf litter cover, short grass cover, short herb cover, tall herb cover and saplings 0–2 m, stem density of trees 6–10 m and trees 16–20 m were significant structural covariates for influencing Lemon Dove occupancy. In the dry season, stem density of 2–5 m and 10–15 m trees, percentage tall herb cover, short herb cover and 0–2 m saplings were significant covariates influencing Lemon Dove occupancy. Stem density of trees 2–5 m and 11–15 m, percentage of short grass cover and short herb cover were important site covariates influencing Orange Ground-thrush occupancy in the wet season. Our study highlighted the importance of a diverse habitat structure for both forest species. A high density of tall/mature trees was an essential microhabitat covariate, particularly for sufficient cover and food for these ground-dwelling birds. Avian forest specialists play a vital role in providing ecosystem services perpetuating forest habitat functioning. Conservation of the natural heterogeneity of their habitat is integral to management plans to prevent the decline of such species.

The 2005 KwaZulu-Natal sardine run survey sheds new light on the ecology of small pelagic fish off the east coast of South Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
J C Coetzee ◽  
D Merkle ◽  
L Hutchings ◽  
C D van der Lingen ◽  
M van den Berg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Small Pelagic Fish ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Elemental Analysis and Nutritional Value of Seaweed from the East Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 580-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimona Kisten ◽  
Roshila Moodley ◽  
Sreekantha B. Jonnalagadda
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Elemental Analysis ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Adverse Events Reporting System as Experienced by Critical-Care Nurses in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thusile Mabel Gqaleni ◽  
Busisiwe Rosemary Bhengu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Reporting System ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Life Threatening

Critically ill patients admitted to critical-care units (CCUs) might have life-threatening or potentially life-threatening problems. Adverse events (AEs) occur frequently in CCUs, resulting in compromised quality of patient care. This study explores the experiences of critical-care nurses (CCNs) in relation to how the reported AEs were analysed and handled in CCUs. The study was conducted in the CCUs of five purposively selected hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A descriptive qualitative design was used to obtain data through in-depth interviews from a purposive sample of five unit managers working in the CCUs to provide a deeper meaning of their experiences. This study was a part of a bigger study using a mixed-methods approach. The recorded qualitative data were analysed using Tesch’s content analysis. The main categories of information that emerged during the data analysis were (i) the existence of an AE reporting system, (ii) the occurrence of AEs, (iii) the promotion of and barriers to AE reporting, and (iv) the handling of AEs. The findings demonstrated that there were major gaps that affected the maximum utilisation of the reporting system. In addition, even though the system existed in other institutions, it was not utilised at all, hence affecting quality patient care. The following are recommended: (1) a non-punitive and non-confrontational system should be promoted, and (2) an organisational culture should be encouraged where support structures are formed within institutions, which consist of a legal framework, patient and family involvement, effective AE feedback, and education and training of staff.

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