D.Phil. (Nematology) / This was the first study on aquatic nematodes from the Kruger National Park. Samples were taken more or less randomly over a period of two years from the four main rivers in the park, viz. the Crocodile, Sabie, Olifants and Luvuvhu rivers. A total of 33 species representative of 24 genera were found. Dorylaimida seemed to be dominant in most of the sampling sites in the Sabie, Olifants and Luvuvhu Rivers, but there was no dominant group in the Crocodile River. Five new Dorylaimida species are described: Dorylaimus deaconi spec. nov., Laimydorus olifanti spec. nov., Laimydorus africanus spec. nov.; proleptonchus krugeri spec. nov. and Aporcelaimellus glandus spec. nov. Previously known dorylaim species which were redescribed in detail are Mesodorylaimus sp.cf paralitoralis Basson & Heyns, 1974; M. potus Heyns, 1963, M. aegypticus (Andrassy, 1958), Aquatides thornei (Schneider, 1937), Afractinolaimus zairensis (Baqri, Coomans & Van der Heiden, 1975) and Oxydirus gangeticus Siddiqi, 1966. Further dorylaim species recorded are Aporcelaimellus micropunctatus Botha & Heyns, 1990, Discolaimus monoplanus Heyns, 1963, D. major Thorne, 1939, Xiphinema italiae Meyl, 1953, Thornenema baldum (Thorne, 1939), Tyleptus striatus Heyns, 1963 and Dorylaimellus (Axodorylaimellus) caffrae (Kruger, 1965) . The following Tylenchida species were found: Hemicycliophora labiata Colbran, 1969, Helicotylenchus africanus (Micoletzky, 1916) and Scutellonema brachyurum (Steiner, 1939). Three Araeolaimida species were recorded, viz. Chronogaster africana Heyns & Coomans, 1980, Plectus cirratus Bastian, 1865 and Rhabdolaimus terrestris de Man, 1880. The latter species is redescribed in full collected and (de Man, 1979). Only one species of the Cromadorida viz. Achromadora ruricola 1880), Enoplida viz. Eutobrilus annetteae (Joubert & Heyns, Monhysterida viz. Monhystera somereni Allgen, 1952, were Detailed descriptions are given to incorporate additional morphological information obtained. Brief descriptions and new distribution records are also given for Mononchus truncatus Bastian, 1865, M. aquaticus Coetzee, 1968 and Mylonchulus minor (Cobb, 1893) of the Mononchida and Ironus longicaudatus de Man, 1884 and I. ignavus Bastian, 1865 of the Iro~idae.A diagnostic compendium for the Mesodorylaimus species of South Africa and a checklist of the free-living and plant parasitic nematode species from both terrestrial and aquatic habitats in the park are also included. Most of this work has already been published or submitted for publication in scientific journals and is presented in this thesis in the same format as required by the editors of the journals concerned.

During the last decades ecology and behaviour have become of major importance in African ornithology. Not only have more individual species been studied in detail, but behaviour and ecology have been used in a more general sense in regional works (Benson et al 1971} and in zoogeographical treatises (Moreau 1966, Hall and Moreau 1970). As part of a world- wide trend, behaviour and ecology have also become important in systematics and taxonomy eg. Hall's 1963 study of francolin, and Benson et al's 1971 erection of the bush shrike family Malaconotidae. This dissertation fits into this trend, beginning with a detailed study of the ecology and behaviour of three species of hornbill of the genus Tockus, and extending the observations in less detail to five other members of the genus. Combined with the literature, these observations allow an analysis of the systematics and evolution of the genus Tokus to be undertaken, as well as supplying descriptive information on Tokus biology. Intro. p. 1.

African wild dog Lycaon pictus populations are declining and the species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. The Kruger National Park (KNP) is home to the only viable population of wild dogs in South Africa, but census results reveal consistently low numbers since the late 1990s. Wild dogs display wide-ranging behaviour and it is possible that the species might frequently use unprotected lands adjacent to the KNP. However, very little is known about wild dog movements beyond the boundaries of the KNP, and whether or not adjacent land owners are tolerant of the species. Significantly, threats along the boundaries may have negative consequences for the KNP population. This research investigated the dispersal habits of wild dogs beyond the western and southern boundaries of the KNP, and gathered information on human tolerance, and anthropogenic threats in an area of mixed land use. The land west of the KNP presented the best prospect for wild dog range expansion. The wild dog packs operating outside the KNP had smaller home ranges and less home range overlap than the packs operating within the KNP. In addition, my data suggested that the development of conservancies and the formation of ecotourism-based land use practices would be beneficial for wild dog conservation. Failed wild dog dispersals due to snaring and human persecution could threaten the genetic stability and persistence of the KNP population. Therefore, raising awareness and an understanding of the plight of wild dogs is important for improving land owner perception and tolerance outside of protected areas. The rapidly increasing human population continues to infringe on protected lands and fragment landscapes, thus cooperation from individual land owners is vital for the conservation of free-ranging large carnivores.

The study was conducted in the Greater Kruger National Park Complex (GKNP), which consists of the Kruger National Park (KNP) and adjacent private game reserves and focuses primarily on the following objectives: • To monitor and evaluate the standard of the existing disease surveillance programmes for the following diseases, Foot and Mouth, Anthrax, Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and Rabies, within the Kruger National Park and adjacent private game reserves by evaluating the level of competency and knowledge in field rangers, field guides and trails rangers with regard to these specific diseases. It can be stated that important differences exist between disease surveillance techniques used for domestic animals and those used for wildlife (Bengis, R.G., Kock, R.A., & Fischer, J., 2002). According to Morner, T., Obendorf, D.L., Artios, M., & Woodford, M.H., 2002, it is more difficult to monitor diseases in wildlife than in domestic animals because wild animals are not constrained by boundaries and can roam over large. distances. For significant diseases in wildlife, an active surveillance programme may be the preferred approach with the aim to collect a certain number of samples from a target population (live or dead animals) to determine the point prevalence of certain pathogens. Active veterinary participation is essential in protected area management, with emphasis on training of technicians, rangers and field biologists with regard to specific diseases and their clinical signs, surveillance and sampling techniques, data collection, and reporting. For the purpose of this study, data collection was conducted by means of a questionnaire drawn up according to the related critical points as described in the Dufour grid (Dufour, 1998). The results of this study clearly showed a need to address certain important aspects regarding a wildlife disease programme within the GKNP. A more efficient wildlife disease surveillance programme, which included more specific and “hands-on” trained staff, would definitely ensure a better early warning system which would detect new or emerging disease outbreaks. / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation))

The dynamics and complexities of climate-soil-vegetation relations in the Kruger National Park are poorly known. Although primary production and composition of the grass layer are very important components of the Park's ecosystem, equally little is known about the determinants of these parameters. A better understanding of these processes and relations will be of value to the management of this Park, as well as providing a better insight into these complex dynamics. A study was consequently undertaken covering a 14-year period to identify the most important determinants of above-ground grass production and composition. At the core of the study is the soil water balance. The use of evapotranspiration data in a study of this nature is however not absolutely essential, provided a variety of rainfall parameters are used, though it has the important advantage of providing a much more detailed and more complete insight into the relations of the grass sward with its environment. Stepwise and tree regression procedures were used to identify the important factors. It is concluded that rainfall in its various forms is the primary determinant of grass production, standing crop, and composition, the latter either as perennials or Decreasers. Secondary determinants, in varying degrees of importance, are the thickness and base status of the A horizon, distance to permanent drinking water, and competition by woody plants. Herbivore utilization is insignificant or at most, plays a relatively minor role. Herbivores appear to exert a negative influence on Decreaser abundance only when soil moisture stress exceeds a threshold level. When this is exceeded, relatively low herbivore densities are apparently sufficient to reduce Decreaser abundance. The definitions of Decreasers and Increasers consequently require revision to take into account the overriding influence of environmental factors, particularly those of soil moisture stress. The calibration of the disc pasture meter was re-evaluated. The relation between mean disc height and standing crop is non-linear. Up to a mean disc pasture meter height of 260 mm, the correlation between this parameter and above-ground standing crop is very strong (r2 = 0.95; P<0.0005). Beyond this height, the correlation is very poor (r2 =0.09; P<0.0005), apparently being strongly influenced by the structure of the grass plant, with tall grasses, or grasses with highly lignified culms resulting in a weaker correlation. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

The study was conducted in the Greater Kruger National Park Complex (GKNP), which consists of the Kruger National Park (KNP) and adjacent private game reserves and focuses primarily on the following objectives: • To monitor and evaluate the standard of the existing disease surveillance programmes for the following diseases, Foot and Mouth, Anthrax, Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and Rabies, within the Kruger National Park and adjacent private game reserves by evaluating the level of competency and knowledge in field rangers, field guides and trails rangers with regard to these specific diseases. It can be stated that important differences exist between disease surveillance techniques used for domestic animals and those used for wildlife (Bengis, R.G., Kock, R.A., & Fischer, J., 2002). According to Morner, T., Obendorf, D.L., Artios, M., & Woodford, M.H., 2002, it is more difficult to monitor diseases in wildlife than in domestic animals because wild animals are not constrained by boundaries and can roam over large. distances. For significant diseases in wildlife, an active surveillance programme may be the preferred approach with the aim to collect a certain number of samples from a target population (live or dead animals) to determine the point prevalence of certain pathogens. Active veterinary participation is essential in protected area management, with emphasis on training of technicians, rangers and field biologists with regard to specific diseases and their clinical signs, surveillance and sampling techniques, data collection, and reporting. For the purpose of this study, data collection was conducted by means of a questionnaire drawn up according to the related critical points as described in the Dufour grid (Dufour, 1998). The results of this study clearly showed a need to address certain important aspects regarding a wildlife disease programme within the GKNP. A more efficient wildlife disease surveillance programme, which included more specific and “hands-on” trained staff, would definitely ensure a better early warning system which would detect new or emerging disease outbreaks. / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation))

This study addresses the healthcare needs of employees and their families living in the Kruger National Park (KNP). A quantitative, explorative, descriptive research design was used to interview respondents who comprised of 75 male and female employees with children of various ages. The findings revealed that physical, psychological, environmental, socio-cultural, and behavioural needs of the employees and their families living in the KNP is probably unattainable as healthcare services are poorly distributed throughout the KNP, being mostly concentrated in the main camp of Skukuza. A number of respondents indicated that they required consultations about psychological and socio-cultural stresses in their lives. These services are not available in the KNP. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This document is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree: Master of Architecture [Professional] At the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, in the year 2014 / “Architecture embodies humanity’s relationship with the earth” (Hoosey, L. 2012. Pg. 118) There are many threats facing South Africa’s wildlife including the spread of diseases, increased poaching and habitat loss. As a result the Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most prized treasures and has become a wildlife recreation, resource and research hub attracting tourists and researchers from around the globe. However, despite the number of visitors to the area, there is an increasing number of local communities specifically on the Southern border of the park, experiencing high levels of unemployment and poverty. As a result, community members are often involved in the harvesting and trade of natural resources through activities such as subsistence poaching and farming. These practices are gradually destroying the natural landscape on the periphery thus posing a significant threat to the park’s biodiversity. In a contest between resource consumption and resource conservation architecture has the opportunity to mediate between the user groups of the region, sparking conversation about conservation. This thesis seeks to provide a building complex which will become the interface between land users and land uses and in so doing become a catalyst in the rehabilitation of the natural landscape. It will provide a platform for an exchange of conservation-based resources, information and skills intended to enhance the experience and understanding of nature. The complex includes a seed bank facility to store and grow a variety of indigenous botanical species to rehabilitate the landscape and support the harvesting of sustainable natural resources. The seed bank is directly linked to the research facility which is dedicated to the investigation and understanding of human-nature interactions along the park’s border. These conservation processes and findings are captured and revealed in the narrative of the ecological museum which forms a large component of the education spaces provided within the project. The three primary programs are consolidated within the design to create a constructed journey through the site. This enables the architecture to become the tour guide that enhances the visitor’s experience through man-made and ecological encounters along the way. In so doing a layering of public/private spaces is established using thresholds to create transition zones which blur the boundaries between inside and outside whilst maintaining a hierarchy of space. As with the building’s program the design is sensitive to its context. The project explores the typologies of the local community, farm structures and botanical nurseries to create an appropriate hybrid between the manufactured and hand crafted. This aesthetic is achieved through the use of locally sourced materials and labour in an attempt to reintroduce the disappearing vernacular building techniques to the region. This exploration is realised in the structural concept of articulating and combining elements of mass, skeleton and skin. In so doing, the architecture becomes a living organism which is climate responsive and houses both people and nature within its form. The structure is designed using the ‘eave’ to create an edge condition that modifies the micro climate of the interior and exterior spaces. It is through these edge conditions that the aesthetic of the building is transformed as species inhabit the structure to establish new ecosystems. This thesis does not attempt to provide a solution to the many threats facing this conservancy, but rather to focus on an area dealing with such challenges and allow architecture to house the means to empower, educate and expose users to the fragility of the natural landscape of the region. It is essential that wildlife conservation is extensively studied and implemented in order for nature to sustainably benefit the communities living off it; tourists travelling to it and conservationists working for it.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 31 August 2012. / Unable to load abstract.

In this thesis I investigate the application of various statistical approaches towards analysing time series data collected using GPS collars placed on three ungulate species in the same region of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Animal movement tracking is a rapidly advancing area of ecological research and large datasets are being collected with GPS locations of the animal, with shorter periods between successive locations. A statistical challenge is to segment the movement paths into groups which correspond to different behavioural activities. The aim of my study was to investigate and compare alternative statistical approaches for analysing GPS data and to establish the best statistical framework for interpreting these large herbivore movements. The focus was on which methods are the most appropriate for these animals and the comparison of the movement patterns across species and season. Independent Mixture, Hidden Markov and Bayesian State-Space Models were used to analyse the hourly and daily movements of sable antelope, buffalo and zebra. Mixture Models provide a basic clustering technique to segment the movement paths and identify different underlying groups within the data assumed to correspond to different behavioural states. Posterior probabilities of group membership are used to allocate movements between successive locations to different states. This method ignores the dependence between successive movements. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) use a time series technique and include a dependency between successive observations via a Markov process. Extensions to the HMMs were applied to allow for the inclusion of seasonal covariates and irregular time gaps between successive observations caused by missing locations. A Bayesian state-space model fits a random walk using MCMC methods. The results were very similar to the HMMs but were more challenging to fit and required much more processing time. In the absence of informative prior information, the Bayesian method does not provide any improvement on the HMMs. The HMMs perform slightly better in terms of state allocation accuracy than the Mixture Models. However Mixture Models perform acceptably if only a straightforward clustering of the observations is required. However, if a more robust method is required, the HMMs are relatively easy to fit and extend, allow for investigation of the state switching probabilities and are recommended as the best method for analysing this type of data.