In this thesis, a system of ordinary differential equations (ODES) is presented to model the population dynamics between poachers and rhino as a predator-prey system in both South Africa (SA) and the Kruger National Park (KNP). The data used in this thesis consists mainly of government and police reports, as well publications from several NGOs and the limitations caused by this lack of applicable data are explored. The system dynamics are based on Lotka-Volterra differential equations, which are extended to include both a carrying capacity and the Allee effect. This thesis parameterises a model of the dynamics of the interaction between rhino and poachers for some time t and makes predictions based on the interpolation of the available data. The unknown rates and parameters relating to the behaviour of populations R and P are optimised by initially using a combination of educated guesses made from the available data or trial and error until set values are obtained. The remaining unknowns are numerically optimised based on the fixed value parameters. This is considered a constrained system, and the results obtained can only be viewed as constrained predictions based on parameter values obtained by a combination of trial and error and numerical optimisation; namely root mean square (RMS) error considering the available data and model solution at time t. Those parameter values obtained through RMS are regarded as error-minimising parameters within the scope of this research, and make up the final models which are referred to as the models which have been fitted to data. This thesis is an introductory, exploratory work into future attempts at modeling population dynamics with very little or no available data. The models are solved for in a constrained system, limiting the resulting predictions to constrained estimates based on the assigned values to unknown parameters. These solutions predict rhino stabilisation for both models, with active poachers dying out in the KNP but general co-existence observed across SA, within the constrained system.

Magister Administrationis - MAdmin / The coastal zone is a highly complex and highly productive environment in which components are intimately linked and interdependent on each other. Furthermore, human pressure and poaching remains an enormous problem within coastal zones and therefore necessitates an integrated and multidisciplinary development and management effort.

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of poaching within the Southern Appalachian Region. To date, little research has been conducted on the general topic of poaching and no studies have focused on this Region. Several research questions were pursued, including perceptions of poacher motivations, methods and concern regarding apprehension and punishment. The study gathered data through qualitative interviews with 27 conservation officers and outdoorsmen located in Southern Appalachia to address these questions. Results provided useful information regarding the unique characteristics of the poaching problem within the Region, which are discussed in detail. Implications and directions for future research are also covered.

No description available.

Molecular genetic protocols have been developed to provide evidence in infractions of wildlife statutes in Canada. We have utilized DNA marker systems to address specific questions in wildlife investigations based on their different levels of genetic variability. Multilocus DNA fingerprinting has been applied to poaching infractions to determine if tissue samples associated with a suspected poacher originated from the remains of an animal at a known illegal kill site. The hypervariability of the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci detected by multilocus DNA fingerprinting allows the individual identification of samples. Highly repetitive satellite DNA markers have been applied to determining the species of origin of unknown tissue samples based on their species-specificity. Satellite DNA profiling have provided evidence in illegal commercialization investigations involving species such as moose (Alcesalces) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), including the illegal addition of game meat in processed meat products. A sex-specific DNA locus, the sex-determining region on the Y-chromosome (Sry), has been utilized to determine the sex of cervid samples that have had gender-specific physical characteristics, antlers and genitalia removed in violation of the validation tag system. Finally, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based protocol has been established for the species identification of samples that produce minute amounts of DNA or degraded DNA. Cytochrome b sequences demonstrate low intra-specific levels of sequence divergence and higher inter-specific levels of sequence divergence. Cytochrome b sequence analysis has been applied to fish, game and domestic species commonly involved in wildlife investigations and to the identification o fa number of species, mostly seal species, involved in the trade of animal parts. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Forensic entomology has become synonymous with medico-legal entomology and involves the use of insects in legal and criminal investigations.  Insects have been used as evidence in cases of wrongful death of humans and in wildlife poaching cases for many years.  The first jail time sentence for wildlife poaching in Manitoba, Canada was awarded after insect evidence was used to create a timeline for the crime.  In the interest of advancing the science of forensic entomology, insect faunal succession was studied on four white-tailed deer carcasses in southwest Virginia in the summers of 2009 and 2010.  The patterns of insect succession between the summers of 2009 and 2010 were similar at ± = 0.05.  Necrophagous insects arrived in a successional pattern as has been observed on other animal models (e.g. pigs) during past studies conducted in southwest Virginia.  To further explore the role of wildlife specific variables to forensic entomology, larvae of Phormia regina, Meigen, were reared on pork and venison in a laboratory at Virginia Tech.  Environmental rearing conditions were 30" C, 75% RH and 14:10 hour light dark cycle.  Significant differences in lengths of 3rd instar and combined overall maggot lengths were found for maggots reared on the different meat sources.  Mean adult weights and wing lengths of venison-reared flies were significantly greater than those reared on pork at ±=0.05. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of flora poaching among conservation officers, park rangers and botanists within Central Appalachia. Though some work has sought to understand poaching in other forms, such as animal poaching, little is known regarding the poaching of plants. This is especially true within the Appalachian Region. Several research questions were explored in this study, including the types of flora being poached, the characteristics of poachers, poaching tactics utilized, and deterrence measures that are currently in place. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals working in the field. Findings contribute to the existing literature surrounding poaching, which can aid conservation efforts across the Appalachian Region.

<p>Humans’ hunting for ivory has had a serious impact of the African elephant population. Ivory has throughout history been a symbol of manhood and status. As the market of ivory expanded to the rest of the world, the market demand for ivory became higher than what the elephants could manage to provide. In the 1980’s, the African elephant population was threatened by extension and it was reduced with 50 percent in ten years. For this reason, CITES placed the African elephant population under a ban, which made it an illegal act to trade ivory and other elephant parts.</p>

This thesis analyses the use of remote sensing technologies in efforts that seek to combat wildlife crime in East and Southern Africa. Companies and organisations working on the development of remote sensing technology used for anti-poaching efforts, in the study region, are identified through the creation of a database. The social impacts and risks involved in using these technologies are then outlined by analysing the responses to a research survey from those in the conservation community working with wildlife crime. The species focus is on rhino and elephant poaching, thus, the thesis begins with a background on the legislation surrounding both the hunting and trade of these species. Stockpiling of rhino horn and elephant tusk will be discussed as well as other anti-poaching strategies that do not use remote sensing technology. Three key research questions are then answered: Which remote sensing technologies are in use and what kinds of companies and organisations are mainly working on their development? What are the main risks of using remote sensing technology to specifically target wildlife crime in this region? And can the increased use of remote sensing technologies to combat wildlife crime be regarded as an extension of the militarised approach to conservation? The last question is discussed in relation to existing research on this topic. Considering the findings from this paper, recommendations for further research are then made.

Large carnivores are in global decline, chiefly resultant of anthropogenic persecution, habitat reduction and disturbance. Fosas represent Madagascar's largest carnivore, occupying much of the island's forest. This thesis examines the threats of bushmeat hunting, retaliatory killing, habitat alteration and exotic species using sociological and remote-sensing methodologies. Habitat degradation was not associated with reduced fosa occupancy, indicating some resilience within large, contiguous forests. However, competition with exotic species (cats, dogs) was associated with reduced fosa occupancy and potential temporal shifts towards greater nocturnality. Poor households were more likely to consume protected species. Conversely, wealthier households consumed more fish and eel. This pattern is reflected in Malagasy reported taste preference to consume domesticated animals and certain legally hunted wild species. Protected areas were not associated with reduced protected species consumption. Fosas' predation was a major cause of rural poultry mortality. Predation was more likely to occur in deciduous forests, in the dry season, during the evening. Fosa predation, and lower education was associated with negative Malagasy attitudes. Wealthy households, and those that had experienced fosa predation were most likely to retaliatory kill a fosa. Strategies to safeguard fosas' long-term persistence should seek to improve domestic husbandry, build robust coops with the use of watchdogs, promote education, and reduce exotic species abundance.