A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree: Master of Science In School of Animal, Plants and Environmental Sciences, University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg 2015 / This study aimed to determine the role and relative importance of predator avoidance and nutrition as processes influencing herbivore utilisation of burnt areas, at Satara, Kruger National Park by using variation in fire size and fire season. The driving factors investigated included forage quality, forage quantity, vegetation structure and predation risk. The effect of fire size and season on the landscape was tested by recording grass height, greenness, grass nutrient sampling and visibility. Results showed that fire size and season had a significant impact on the physical environment by decreasing grass/forage quantity post-fire but increasing grass/forage quality. Over time the plots returned to near pre-fire conditions, with forage quantity increasing (grass height and biomass) and forage quality decreasing (nitrogen availability). Visibility increased immediately post-fire, more significantly in regards to herbivores with their heads in a “head-down/grazing” position than in a “head raised/vigilant” position. As with forage quantity and quality, visibility returned to near pre-fire conditions at the end of the study sampling period. The response of animals to these changes in the environment was recorded through dung counts, camera traps and behavioural observations. I found that there was increased use of burnt plots post-fire through comparing herbivore presence on plots burned in different sizes and seasons, day/night utilisation of plots, and using behaviour data I could determine to what extent forage and predation risk were driving the use of burnt areas. I focused on three herbivore species (Aepyceros melampus, Connochaetes taurinus and Equus quagga) which varied in terms of body size digestive systems, forage type, and social behaviour. As expected, I found that predation risk did appear to be more important in driving the behaviour of the smaller-bodied herbivores but both nutrient requirements and susceptibility to predation were shown to play a role in explaining the use of burnt areas for all three herbivore species. Variation between plots in environmental factors such as tree density, forb percentage and distance to water, were found to be not significant and thus did not confound our results

Changes in vegetation may influence the quality and quantity of the underlying organic peat soils and have impacts on faunal populations. My goal was to determine whether shifts from native slough communities to invasive cattail in the Florida Everglades could affect peat characteristics that could cascade to impact the dry season survival of crayfish (Procambarus fallax). I contrasted peat soils from native slough and cattail-invaded sites as alternative dry-season burrowing substrates for crayfish. Cattail peat had higher average bulk density and inorganic content within the first ten centimeters of the soil profile. Crayfish showed marginally greater initial burrowing success in slough peat than in cattail peat but survival was equivalent in both peat soils and high overall. Understanding these indirect linkages between vegetation and crayfish populations in the Everglades can provide insight on the consequences of plant invasion on ecosystem trophic dynamics. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Cercopithecus monkeys are a species-rich radiation where interspecific mating leads to novel phenotypes due to pelage color and pattern diversity within the genus. The goals of this thesis were to (1) test a new method for studying color objectively in wild arboreal primates, and (2) apply a phenotypic hybrid index (PHI) to known individuals of a hybrid zone between C. ascanius and C. mitis in Gombe National Park, Tanzania through the use of digital photography. I scored seven pelage character states as 0 (C. mitis), 0.25 (mitis-like), 0.50 (intermediate), 0.75 (ascanius-like), or 1 (C. ascanius). Photos indicate most phenotypic hybrids express a white nose spot, but all other regions of pelage color and pattern are variable, and an assortment of hybrid phenotypes are seen at Gombe. Results indicate it is currently not possible to extend parameters for assessing color objectively with RGB values, but numerical non-RGB methods show promise. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. August 2016, Johannesburg / Termites are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical savanna. They are recognised as major ecosystem engineers through their role in nutrient cycling, decomposition, hydrology and alteration of landscape topography with cascading effects manifesting in ecosystem heterogeneity and productivity up the food chains. In this thesis I addressed the effect of geology on termite species diversity, followed by questioning how the different geologies influence the size and spatial distribution of Macrotermes mounds. Furthermore, I explored the effect of termite mounds emanating from different geologies on herbaceous vegetation heterogeneity and finally the effect this heterogeneity has on grazing intensity. Although the diversity of termites has been explored across different environmental gradients such as rainfall, altitude and disturbance, little is known regarding variation in their diversity across landscapes of varying geology. In my quest to understand how varying geology influences the ecology of termites and their functional importance, I sampled granite and basalt for termite diversity using standard transects (100 m x 2 m). I predicted that termite diversity is higher on nutrient-rich geology following the productivity diversity hypothesis. However, both functional and taxonomic diversity were higher on nutrient-poor granite. Twelve species from three subfamilies representing two feeding groups were recorded on granite whereas on basalt only five species from two subfamilies consisting of one feeding group were recorded. Although the influence of Macrotermes mounds on ecosystem heterogeneity has been well studied, little is known on how the environment (geology) and other termite colonies influence size and distribution pattern, despite how these interactions could influence ecosystem functioning. Termite mounds were sampled in 1 km2 plots, four in each geology. Each mound location was recorded using a hand held GPS and structural variables (height and diameter) measured. The data were analysed for spatial distribution of termite mounds using the software Programita. The general distribution pattern of termite mounds (active and inactive mounds combined) was investigated using both the pair correlation function, g(r), and Ripley’s K(r) function. Termite mounds were larger and covered a significant proportion of the landscape on granite compared to basalt. Mounds were generally over-dispersed on granite and randomly distributed on basalt. Mounds covered ~ 6% of the landscape on granite compared with only ~ 0.4% on basalt. These results show that the significance of termites varies across geologies, being more important on nutrient-poor geologies because of their size and a more productive spatial pattern displayed here. The majority of studies testing mound effects on savanna vegetation spatial heterogeneity have been based on single site observations mostly comparing mounds and their paired savanna control plots. Furthermore studies did not consider the spatial effects of mounds with distance into the savanna matrix from mound edge, and this has rarely been tested across landscapes of varying geologies, as well as across mounds of different sizes. Therefore there was a need to explore this in order to broadly understand the functional importance of mounds. I sampled the herbaceous community on and off termite mounds and along distance transects from mounds on nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor geologies. Termite mounds as sources of spatial vegetation heterogeneity was more pronounced on nutrient-poor granite, with larger mounds having greater effect on vegetation composition and diversity than smaller ones. Mounds harboured compositionally different herbaceous plants compared with the savanna matrix on granite whereas there was no difference on basalt. In acknowledging the effect erosion from mounds may have on vegetation heterogeneity, termite mound effect on composition expressed at landscape level based on mound densities recorded in this study was estimated to be 19% of the landscape on granite whereas on basalt, the mounds influenced ~ 0.4% of the landscape. The choice of foraging sites by large herbivores in the landscape is influenced by food quantity, quality, inter and intra-specific competition and predation risk. Termite mounds harbour highly nutritious herbaceous plants compared to the savanna matrix, which makes them preferred foraging sites. Due to very small differences in soil nutrient content between mounds and savanna on basalt, mounds were expected to have little effect on grazing. In line with the set hypothesis termite mounds largely influenced grazing on the nutrient-poor granite and when viewed at landscape scale, based on mound densities and extent of erosion recorded, mounds influenced ~ 28% on granite and only ~ 0.8% on basalt. Overall my study has demonstrated that the significance of termites as ecosystem engineers varies across landscapes of varying geology, being more important on nutrient-poor compared with nutrient-rich geologies. / MT2017

Mineral-depositing hydrothermal ecosystems, such as the hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, provide an unparalleled opportunity to document how microbial biosignatures form and contribute to the body of evidence indicative of the microbial inhabitants of active hot springs. Mineralization of microbial communities in silica-depositing hot springs can result in the preservation of microbial biofacies in the geologic record. To determine the effects of prolonged aerial exposure on the preservation potential of mid-to-low temperature cyanobacteria dominated microbial communities that are typically permineralized in the siliceous sinter, modern biofacies samples of such communities were collected from the active and inactive parts of Queen's Laundry hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. The strategy of the research was to: (1) perform qualitative and quantitative characterization of structural and morphometric attributes of subaqueous and aerially exposed Calothrix biofacies samples collected from terraces; and (2) determine whether prolonged subaerial exposure affected the fidelity of morphological biosignatures (i.e., biofabrics and microbial cells) in the aerially exposed samples. To ensure that the permanently subaqueous and aerially exposed samples were comparable, a protocol developed to describe structural and morphological attributes of stromatolites was utilized to characterize the hot spring samples. Morphometric analysis of both types of Calothrix biofacies samples (i.e., partly silicified subaqueous and aerially exposed samples) revealed the presence of: distinct microbially influenced structures; thicker lamina at or near the base of the terraces; the greatest density of microorganisms in microbial structures; and increased microbial structure flatness as height of the microbial structures within the terrace proper increased. These characteristics were also used to provide a means to interpret the environmental conditions within which the terrace structures developed. To determine whether prolonged subaerial exposure affected the morphological fidelity of the biosignatures in the aerially exposed samples, the microstructure of these samples was studied in detail petrographically. A silica layer defined the boundary between laminae and was referred to as the "capping" silica deposit because it was found to "cap" all of the laminae in the Calothrix biofacies samples. The top most capping silica deposit of the aerially exposed Calothrix biofacies samples was found to be distinctly different from the capping silica deposits in the interior of the same sample and in the partly mineralized subaqueous Calothrix biofacies samples. The aerially exposed capping silica deposit was milky and glassy in appearance and contained fine laminations. The fine laminations were not found in any laminae of the biofacies samples. Another key finding of the project is a new evaluation of the preservation potential of the Calothrix terrace samples. Petrographic observations revealed that preservation of the morphological fidelity of the laminae and the microstructures within them was significantly higher within the microbial shrub and domical structures in both the partially silicified subaqueous and aerially exposed Calothrix biofacies samples than other microstructure types observed. In summary, a detailed morphometric characterization protocol confirmed that it is possible to identify similar features in Calothrix biofacies found inside the active part of the hot spring as well as beyond the perimeter (i.e., aerially exposed for ≥ 3 years) at multiple spatial scales; only the top-most capping silica deposit of the aerially exposed samples is altered by subaerial exposure; the preservation potential for Calothrix biofabrics is highest within shrub and domical structures; and morphometric analysis on a variety of Calothrix terraced structures could lend insight into the factor(s) responsible for terrace formation. This research lays the foundation for analyzing similar structures in geologically older rocks and for recognizing how microbial organisms can and likely have influenced terrace formation. The work also suggests that aerial processes can alter such samples and biosignatures within them. It is recommended that additional non-destructive and spatially correlated analytical methods be considered in the search for chemofossils in the sinter surrounding filaments past and present.

This study covers the following aspects of mine water management at the Clarence Colliery, located at the headwaters of the Wollangambe River, N.S.W. The Wollangambe River flows through the World Heritage listed areas of the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks. 1. Quantification of the impact of discharge of treated mine water on the Wollangambe River, through analysis of sediment metal concentrations. 2. Investigation of the possible sources and causes of acid mine drainage within the mine. 3. Review of the current treatment process employed at the mine, as well as a review of other possible treatment options for avoidance or treatment of acid mine drainage. 4. Recommendation of a strategy for improving the process of mine water management at the colliery. The study reveals problems discovered from the investigation and describes the findings and recommendations. / Master of Engineering (Hons.)

No description available.

Beetle diversity and habitat associations of five prevalent riparian plant communities were examined along the lower reaches of Big Beaver Creek Research Natural Area, North Cascades National Park, Washington. These communities were defined by dominant tree species, and included Alder Swamps, Cedar-Hemlock Forests, Douglas-fir Forests, Gravel Bars, and Willow-Sedge Swamps. Monthly samples were taken with pitfall traps from 10 randomly selected patches per habitat during the snow-free periods (mid-June through mid-October) of 1995 and 1996. A total of 8,179 non-necrophagous beetles was collected, comprising 4 families and 290 species. Four families - Staphylinidae (43%), Carabidae (31%), Elateridae (12%), and Anthicidae (6%) accounted for 92% of all individuals. Four families encompassed 65% of all species Staphylinidae (31%), Carabidae (19%), Elateridae (8%), arid Leiodidae (7%) A few species accounted for the majority of individuals. Almost 51% of individuals were found among just 20 species. The five most abundant species in each habitat accounted for 33% (Alder Swamps) to 71% (Gravel Bars) of individuals. Beetle abundance and species composition differed among habitats. Abundance ranged from 1,530 (Cedar-Hemlock Forests) to 2,071 (Alder Swamps) . Abundance per trap per month varied from 16 (Willow-sedge Swamps) to 27 (Alder Swamps). Species richness was lowest in Douglas-fir Forests (76) and highest in Alder Swamps (119) Simpson's 1-D index ranged from 0.74 (Douglas-fir Forests) to 0.96 (Alder Swamps). Species were categorized as detritivores, fungivores, herbivores, omnivores, predators, and unknowns. Individuals and species of predators and fungivores were generally numerically dominant. Herbivores and omnivores contributed few species and individuals. Gravel Bars virtually lacked fungivores and were the only community with many (more than 30%) detrivorous individuals. Two patterns of seasonal abundance were evident. Abundance was highest in June in the two open habitats, Gravel Bars and Willow-Sedge Swamps, thereafter sharply and continuously declining into October. Abundance peaked during September in the forested habitats. Baseline data was acquired about the North Cascades National Park beetle faunas, furthering Park goals to perpetuate habitat and community assemblage integrity. In a larger context, this information has also enriched the understanding of the arthropod faunas of the Pacific Northwest. / Graduation date: 2002

Potential policy decisions regarding fly fishing in the Yellowstone National Park Area could severely impact the enjoyment possibilities of many of its users. In order to determine the magnitude of the impact, this paper applies a form of the basic travel cost model developed by Bell and Leeworthy [JEEM. 18,189-205 (1990)] to fishing sites in the Yellowstone National Park Area. Bell and Leeworthy have argued that consumer demand for the time spent at a recreation site is inversely related to on-site cost per day, and may be positively related to travel cost per trip. The paper discusses relevant literature on the method, presents background information on the site, and generates a demand curve for users of the resource. A consumer surplus measurement is then derived from the resulting demand data, which gives an estimate for the value of the resource; the consumer surplus is determined to be roughly $751.88 per day spent at the site. The assumptions of the model are then discussed, and an assessment is made of the potential policy implications. / Graduation date: 1998

Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.