Protected areas have been identified as one of the most effective strategies for reducing biodiversity loss in a world where the negative effects of global change are increasing. However for species which migrate or which range beyond the borders of protected areas, these protected areas may only offer partial protection against the threats in the surrounding landscape. Understanding the role and limitations that protected areas can play in conserving threatened species can contribute to better conservation measures for species that may otherwise not benefit from more conventional conservation approaches. The Martial Eagle is a low-density apex predator currently declining across its African range. Changes in reporting rates from bird atlas surveys suggest declines of up to 60 % over the last 20 years (1987-1982 vs. 2007-2013) across South Africa. Worryingly, large protected areas were not immune to these declines. For instance reporting rates in Kruger National Park (KNP; ca. 20,000 km²), an area often considered a stronghold for Martial Eagles, recorded a 54 % decline in reporting rates. It is not clear what the major drivers of declines have been in South Africa, nor what is contributing to the declines in these large protected areas. In this thesis I study the ecology of Martial Eagles in KNP to improve our understanding of the threats they face and how these threats at various stages in their life cycle may be driving declines within protected areas where one would expect that the species should be well conserved. I hypothesised that the main driver of declines in protected areas is that juvenile Martial Eagles disperse beyond the borders of protected areas where they are at increased risk of unnatural mortality, thus leading to recruitment failure back into even the largest protected areas. To test this hypothesis, I fitted GPS tags to 9 juvenile eagles to understand their dispersal behaviour, an aspect of their life cycle for which no previous information existed, and to explore their survival rates. During a lengthy post fledging dependency phase (7 - 9 months) birds began making exploration trips that reached up to ca. 150 km from the nest site and beyond the borders of KNP. After dispersal onset, birds ranged widely up to 390 km from their nests covering areas that averaged ca. 6,500 km²; protected areas covered only 55 % of this area. In contrast to my hypothesis survival rates did not appear particularly low; from monitoring successfully dispersed juveniles over 36 months in total, only one immature bird was confirmed to have died presumably due to natural causes. To understand adult habitat preference and ranging behaviour, which can inform habitat requirements for the species conservation, I fitted GPS tags to eight adult birds. Models of their habitat preference indicated that the species preferred to utilise areas within their home ranges that were in areas with greater tree cover, with areas of dense bush rather than open bush or grassland, amongst other important features. These results were important to identify potential threats, such as the loss of trees in Savannah's, which is currently occurring due to elephant damage and fire influences. The species held large territories (ca. 108 km²) constraining the maximum number of pairs that the Park is able to support (max. 185 possible pairs), however models of distribution suggest the available habitat in KNP likely supports ca. 60 - 70 breeding pairs. Two adult individuals never held territories and another two abandoned their territories during the course of the study. These individuals ranged widely (ca. 44,000 km²) suggesting a floater population exists in the region. The death of three of these four floater individuals (two persecutions and an electrocution) indicates that adults are particularly at risk of mortality during these wide-ranging movements beyond protected area boundaries. Two natural mortalities of territorial birds within the park were also recorded. Overall therefore, despite our relatively small sample size, adult birds do appear to have worryingly low survival rates. Because my sample size of both adults and juveniles/immatures was relatively small (adults = 8, juveniles = 9), their movements may not be fully representative of the entire population. Therefore, I additionally modelled the distribution of Martial Eagles using independent sightings data to describe suitable areas for the species both within the KNP and adjacent areas (within ca. 400 km of the park). Identifying these areas provides conservation managers with more information to ensure adequate conservation measures are in place for this species in these areas. At least 29 % of KNP was predicted to be suitable for Martial Eagles, while neighbouring regions in Mozambique and Swaziland were also predicted to be highly suitable for the species. Given the adult mortalities and general scarcity of Martial Eagles in Mozambique the area may act as a population sink for KNP birds. Lastly, I compared current reproductive parameters to those reported in a considerable number of other studies on the species both within KNP and elsewhere. Productivity recorded during this study was lower than any previously recorded estimate. Using a population model, I show that current productivity within KNP is sufficiently low to have been solely responsible for the known levels of decline there, without the need to invoke any other contributory factors. A high hatching failure rate was mostly responsible for the low productivity. However, it is important to note that at least two of the three years of data collection occurred during low (drought) rainfall years, which may have constrained breeding, and thus may not be reflective of productivity levels more generally over the recent longer term. My research helps identify the most likely drivers of population declines in KNP, suggesting that elevated adult mortality and lower productivity may be the key factors. Drivers of low productivity require further investigation, however it is likely that changes in habitat quality or climate may be impacting on the species within KNP. The study also highlighted the difficulty of conserving wideranging and threatened species in protected areas, which may be prone to high mortality in the surrounding landscape. This research is therefore applicable to a number of species that range widely from KNP e.g. vultures, or migratory eagles. The research indicates that protected areas alone are unlikely to conserve these species and that additional conservation measures, such as education programmes, or trans boundary policy should be put in place to realise successful conservation for these species.

abstract: Prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic, ecotourism represented the tourism industry’s fastest growing segment with projections estimating that ecotourism would become the world’s largest tourism type by 2030. While the tourism industry will need several years to rebound, if historic trends tell us anything, it is that ecotourism will continue to represent a large portion of the overall industry and will continue to grow at a rate that outpaces all other tourism types. In theory, ecotourism promotes sustainable socioeconomic development while also minimizing negative environmental impacts. Unfortunately, research suggests that this is not always true, and many examples exist of ecotourism causing more harm than good. In order to combat these potential negative impacts, the ecotourism industry has become increasingly reliant on ecotourism certification programs to act as an assessment tool that identifies ecotourism’s best practitioners while minimizing false advertising present within the industry. Despite these beliefs in the efficacy of certification, there is a lack of empirical research to actually support certification as an effective assessment tool. Furthermore, little research has been conducted that assesses the impacts that certification itself has on ecotourism businesses (both certified and uncertified) and the local communities dependent on ecotourism. My dissertation employs a mixed methods design and combines qualitative and quantitative research methods spanning multiple geographic scales to develop an understanding of certification programs as they exist today and to discern the impacts that certification itself may cause for all those either directly or indirectly involved in ecotourism. My findings ultimately suggest that certification reform is needed if certification programs are expected to be the assessment tool ecotourism experts claim them to be. Specifically, as certification exists presently, there is: no universal guideline or standard for existing certification programs to follow, a disconnect between the advertised benefits certification offers and the actual benefits received, and a lack of market penetration both amongst ecotourists and ecotourism businesses. Each of these must be addressed before certification can live up to its full potential. Furthermore, I found that certification may impact community socioeconomic dynamics, particularly by creating or exacerbating community wealth distribution. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Biology 2020

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-113). / A lacuna is a disruption in a figurative image and impedes comprehension of the unity of the whole. It is something missing, a void, in material form and, in some cases memory. The urge to eradicate or minimize a disruption to an aesthetic whole has long been a dilemma in conservation, particularly in painting and sculpture, but also in the repair of historical buildings. Any solution must address the issue of authenticity, as repair will be an insertion into an ancient, perhaps layered artefact. The solution requires a theoretically based methodology if the aim of the conservation intervention is to conserve the value and meaning of the building or artefact. The repair of lacunae at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town has had a distinct aesthetic impact on the complex and has changed the perception of the complex. The extensive three-decade-long intervention undertaken by Gabriël Fagan Architects is a re-establishment of the Castle complex as a VOC/Dutch fortified citadel as envisioned by the Architects and reveals the issues that must be confronted in order to conserve authenticity.

This dissertation examines how cultural significance has changed through the reuse (conversion) of an existing religious building to perform a new religious function. The conversion of the former Johannesburg West Nederduitsche Gereformeerde Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) to become the Masjid-ul-Islam is used as a vehicle for this study. The history of the Afrikaner and South African Muslim communities and their architecture is explored as well as the history of the changes to the building. The post-colonial concept of hybridity is used to understand the new identity of the building. This new identity determined as being hybrid. Concepts of memory and its use in the construction of identity are further examined with the former church being understood as a site of memory. Through the personal perceptions of significance expressed by both the mosque and church communities the change in significance is explored. It is determined that the building is the site of hybrid memory, with multiple layers of significance which have created a sense of continuity for both communities creating a sense of place and continuity in the post- Apartheid city. The building has come to be a symbol of the changes that have occurred in post-Apartheid South Africa through its layering of history, sense of inclusivity and regeneration.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-92). / This study investigates the appropriateness of conservation controls in low-income communities. The imposition of development controls is a limitation on the private rights of individuals in the interest of the public good. This is essential in order to preserve heritage resources for future generations. However, questions arise around this practice when such limitations have a direct negative effect on the daily struggle for survival that many people face. Many poor people cannot bear the cost associated with maintenance and restoration of old buildings, and this puts many heritage resources at risk. Actors within bureaucracies also have their own goals to achieve, and this also influences the way that heritage is managed in low-income areas. The central research question of this study is: Are conservation controls in lowincome communities appropriate? This question was explored within the context of Mamre, a historical mission station approximately 50 km north of Cape Town. Firstly, several descriptive scenarios around which the research question could be explored were constructed, and this was followed by an investigation of the relevant literature. A contextual analysis of Mamre was also completed in order to gain an understanding of the character and functioning of the village. The case study then focused on two incidents where heritage-related building applications were made. Several instances where values conflict emerged from the study, and these enabled the researcher to draw some conclusions on conservation in low-income communities. The study found that the concept of significance is not well understood by officials, and its application differs widely. It was also clear that the law is often applied in a well-intended but incorrect, and in fact at times illegal, manner. This study also found that mechanisms of financial support should be available in certain cases. In order to ensure effective conservation of heritage resources, the correct legal mechanisms and strong policy must be in place. This must be based on a thorough assessment of significance and it is essential that this is done with a good understanding of the context.

0 / SPK / specialcollections@tulane.edu

The inspiration for this thesis is rooted in the desire to challenge and exploit antiquated mainstream conceptions and practices of conservation in South Florida through the exploration of architecture as media. It is driven by the urge to be a part of the larger, more complex discussion regarding ecological restoration in the state. My desire to explore a relationship between architecture and conservation stems largely from personal experiences in Rookery Bay, the Everglades National Park, and adjacent estuaries. Experiencing the space on a tactile and interactive level provides perspective which both furthers and contradicts preconceived notions on conservation. It is important to note that the scope and commentary of this thesis includes all affected ecosystems in South Florida, as each is as important as the next in face of remediation. Degraded conditions in Everglades National Park, The Ten Thousand Islands, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Bay, Rookery Bay, the Florida Keys, and a number of the ecological regions comprise the larger dilemma in South Florida. The bulk of my personal experience takes place in Rookery Bay, just South of Naples and North of Everglades National Park. As an intermediate estuarine zone, Rookery Bay begins the transition of coastline from gulf beach to dense wetland which thickens down the west coast of Florida, through Everglades National Park, and into the Florida Keys. Rookery Bay is the most accessible effected estuarine ecosystem in public proximity to a populated and expanding metropolis. The rapid expansion of Naples in the past decade renders the city an ideal location for an intervention poised to furthering environmental awareness. Thereby subject to great discovery and interaction, Rookery Bay provides greater opportunity for public exposure than the largely isolated expanse that is the Everglades National Park. Accessibility and visibility are identified as part of both the problem and the solution to the rehabilitation of an estuarine ecosystem. A think tank w ch embodies these characteristics can begin to facilitate change by addressing the issue, furthering its awareness through education, and providing opportunity for research. Architecture as media is investigated as a means by which place can be given to the largely invisible issue plaguing South Florida. / 0 / SPK / specialcollections@tulane.edu

This paper will examine the history of Hart Island, what led up to it being established, how it functioned as an institutional landscape in addition to a burial site, and what options are available for its preservation. Using Hart Island as a case study of the intersecting topics of politics, poverty, and preservation I hope to uncover what factors lead to the successful preservation of marginalized landscapes. Exploring how they come to be and how we as a society choose to remember them. / 0 / SPK / specialcollections@tulane.edu

0 / SPK / specialcollections@tulane.edu

There is a lot of published literature in the disciplines of Archaeology and Anthropology on ceramics that amongst others focus on their typologies, dating sequences, manufacture and trade with reference to groups of people that inhabit the Southern African region. Additionally, several studies have focussed on the use of ceramic objects including figurines in ritual practices of these societies. However, the emphasis has been differential and skewed as it has largely been focussed on certain cultures such as that of the Zulu group or linked to archaeological sites, to the exclusion of other groups. For example, there is scant literature that focuses on the description or discussion of ceramic vessels by the Basotho-Batswana people of Southern Africa, who, like the Zulu have an active ceramic tradition including the manufacture and reverence of spiritual ceramic vessels. The thrust of this dissertation is therefore to widen our understanding and knowledge of the spiritual significance of African ceramic vessels by focusing particular attention on how these Sotho-Tswana groups practice this tradition with the ultimate objective of encouraging the appropriate recognition and preservation of traditional African ceramic vessels. / Mini Dissertation (MSocSci)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Mellon Foundation / Tangible Heritage Conservation / MSocSci (Tangible Heritage Conservation) / Unrestricted