Following the construction of the Pongolapoort Dam in 1974, the potential impacts on the lower Phongolo River and floodplain due to alterations in the natural flow regime have caused concerns. Fish communities and population structures are directly influenced by these alterations. The only protected section of the Phongolo River is a 15 km reach and its associated pans that flow through the Ndumo Game Reserve. Historic data shows that the community and population structure of the fish in the Phongolo Floodplain has changed as a result of irregular flood releases. The Ndumo Game Reserve plays an important role in the conservation of many ecologically and economically important species as the pans inside the reserve serve as a refuge area in which these species can breed to replenish the fish numbers in the Phongolo River. The fish diversity inside the Ndumo Game Reserve is also higher when compared to outside. During the high flow period fish move into the floodplain pans as a result of the higher water level. Oreochromis mossambicus, the most common species found in this area, utilize Nyamiti Pan for breeding but the health of this species is under pressure due to severe infestations of Lernaea cyprinacaea and nematode parasites. Lernaea cyprinacaea is a parasitic copepod associated with the introduced exotic fish species Cyprinus carpio which is found in large numbers in various pans inside Ndumo Game Reserve. The presence of this alien species in the refuge area raises concerns as it competes for the same resources as the economically important native fish species. Nyamiti Pan is largely populated by adult cichlid species between the ages of six and ten years old. The importance of flood releases which simulate natural flow regime is emphasised by the negative impacts irregular floods have on fish health, community and population structure. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Following the construction of the Pongolapoort Dam in 1974, the potential impacts on the lower Phongolo River and floodplain due to alterations in the natural flow regime have caused concerns. Fish communities and population structures are directly influenced by these alterations. The only protected section of the Phongolo River is a 15 km reach and its associated pans that flow through the Ndumo Game Reserve. Historic data shows that the community and population structure of the fish in the Phongolo Floodplain has changed as a result of irregular flood releases. The Ndumo Game Reserve plays an important role in the conservation of many ecologically and economically important species as the pans inside the reserve serve as a refuge area in which these species can breed to replenish the fish numbers in the Phongolo River. The fish diversity inside the Ndumo Game Reserve is also higher when compared to outside. During the high flow period fish move into the floodplain pans as a result of the higher water level. Oreochromis mossambicus, the most common species found in this area, utilize Nyamiti Pan for breeding but the health of this species is under pressure due to severe infestations of Lernaea cyprinacaea and nematode parasites. Lernaea cyprinacaea is a parasitic copepod associated with the introduced exotic fish species Cyprinus carpio which is found in large numbers in various pans inside Ndumo Game Reserve. The presence of this alien species in the refuge area raises concerns as it competes for the same resources as the economically important native fish species. Nyamiti Pan is largely populated by adult cichlid species between the ages of six and ten years old. The importance of flood releases which simulate natural flow regime is emphasised by the negative impacts irregular floods have on fish health, community and population structure. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The thesis examines the genesis and implementation of integrated conservation development and associated projects in northern Maputaland during the 1980s and 1990s. The premise upon which this study is based is that there has been a worldwide paradigmatic shift in conservation policies and practices during the 1980s and 1990s. The extent to which initiatives in Maputaland reflected these trends is examined. In formulating a conceptual and theoretical framework for the study, the developments within the discipline of geography as well as the paradigmatic shifts within the broader sphere of conservation and development thinking, are discussed. Traditionally geography focuses on the nature of the relationship between human beings and their environment. Working within this tradition, the relationship between geography and conservation policy and practice is identified and applied to South Africa. Analysis of the process of integrating conservation and development in Maputaland is informed by both the broader international debate surrounding conservation and development and by local history and place specific conditions. The key geographical concepts of process and place are viewed as interdependent factors influencing one another. Within this framework and drawing on the concept of sustainable development, the experience of implementing the new conservation paradigm in Maputaland is recorded and analysed. The case study examples are associated with Ndumo Game Reserve. Sources of data and methodologies include primary sources (published books and journals), secondary sources (unpublished reports), participant-as-observer status with conservation liaison committees and the Ndumo Environmental Education Centre, key informant and focus group interviews and Participatory Rural Appraisal with the Ndumo Environmental Education Centre Management Committee. The study indicates that the Maputaland initiative did represent a considerable paradigm shift in the conservation policies guiding the general practice of conservation in Maputaland. The conservation agency did attempt to initiate Integrated Conservation Development Projects (ICDPs) during the 1990s, but this has been a complex process, fraught with tensions and suspicions. The practise fell short of the ideals and there is a long road to be travelled before reconciliation between conservation and community development is reached. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.