One of the key reasons for the uKhahlamba‐Drakensberg Park’s status as a World Heritage Sites due is the abundance of rock art there. Unfortunately, through time, much of the rock art heritage in the Park is being lost through natural rock weathering processes, the decay of pigments and through the actions of people. The fragile art heritage is non‐renewable and, therefore, requires specialized management. In a case study, specific San paintings from Battle Cave study area were analysed using scanned and digital photographs with Geographic Information Systems software. Older images were compared with more recent ones and this was utilised to classify pigment colours and quantify the amount of deterioration that has taken place overtime. Various methodologies were applied to classifying the images, and it was found that manual digitising provided the best means for quantifying the amount of deterioration. A detailed analysis was undertaken of a feline painting at Battle Cave, as it had the best quality images that could be dated. Results showed that white pigment in the painting degraded more rapidly than the ochre colours. Visual analysis suggests that the damage to the figure is predominantly through pigment decay and through the granular disaggregation of the rock surface. Where pigments were applied to what were clearly weathered rock surfaces, the change was greatest over the 40‐year intervening period between images analysed. The methodology utilised in this study can be utilised to evaluate the rate of decay of rock art and is, therefore a useful tool for determining priorities with regard to the conservation of San paintings. In addition, the rate of deterioration is useful for evaluating and quantifying the contribution of rock weathering to landscape evolution. Copyright / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology / Unrestricted

Human-induced impacts associated with recreational use in wilderness areas have the potential to imperil the wilderness resource and the quality of visitor experiences. One approach to address this problem is the Limits of Acceptable Change System, which helps Protected-area managers determine acceptable levels of resource impacts and social conditions in wilderness areas. This study's objective was to determine the possible applicability of the Limits of Acceptable Change System to the overnight caves in the wilderness areas of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Component A of the study discusses the ten steps of the Limits of Acceptable Change system and the management approaches for the wilderness areas and overnight caves in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. A product of Component A is a procedure manual for inventorying indicators of resource conditions in the overnight caves. During a brief period of field research this procedure manual was applied to four overnight caves in the Mlambonja Wilderness area. Component B of the study summarizes much of the information found in Component A and examines the results from the field research. Recommendations are made to improve the effectiveness of measuring the resource indicators for the overnight caves in the procedure manual. This study's conclusions indicate that the Limits of Acceptable Change System can be applied to the overnight caves and would provide a valid management framework to address visitor impacts / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Fire is a major disturbance force that affects global ecosystems and associated biomes and plays a pivotal role in the determination of ecosystem structure, functionality and dynamics. Anthropogenic environmental disturbances have resulted in shifts in fire regimes and the biogeochemical processes of these ecosystems are thus unable to function as they have done in the past, impacting both floral and faunal species. Therefore there is a need for anthropogenic management. Prescribed burning is one of the few beneficial fire management options available to decrease the severity of wildfires, decrease the associated costs in suppressing these fires and restore fire-dominated ecosystems. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site (UDP-WHS) is predominantly managed for water resource and nature conservation, and fire hazard reduction. It is divided into management compartments in which prescribed management burns are conducted, (i.e. manager’s burn by compartment). These compartments are subdivided by three altitudinal belts (alpine, sub-alpine and montane). Each of these belts contains different vegetation communities and therefore requires different fire regimes. However these compartments do not coincide with the natural contours and consequently, the altitudinal belts of the Park. This is problematic for management as a certain percentage per altitudinal belt is required to be burnt annually. When burning a compartment that falls within two or more belts, the total area of that compartment needs to be sub-divided into its respective altitudinal belts as a whole compartment can be prescribed to burn not a sub-division thereof. A fire management environmental decision support system (EDSS) was developed to achieve prescribed burning objectives in the UDP-WHS. The system is based on ecologically ideal fire regimes and fire management objectives of the heritage site, using GIS and associated graphs to visually display the required fire regimes. The EDSS data preparation, statistical analysis and modelling was completed using ESRI ArcGIS suite (ArcMap, Scene and Catalog). Its main components are two models, an excel spreadsheet and an ArcMap document. The spreadsheet contains the historical burning data of the management compartments based on the compartment codes, with each compartment being not burnt or having a burning treatment. Years Since Last Burnt (YSLB) was calculated from these data and joined to the management compartments in the ArcMap document. The Intermediate output model was developed to create numerous temporary outputs allowing decision makers to decide which compartments to treat with prescribed burning by re-running the model with required alterations. The second model (Final Output model) is then run to export the selected burning treatment in table format to update the original historical data, and consequently YSLB, in the excel and ArcMap document. The ArcMap document contains the user interface housing the graphs for each altitudinal belt showing the percentage area selected to be burnt per YSLB compared to the minimal, maximum and ideal fire regimes. The fire management EDSS for the UDP-WHS consists of an ArcMap document, geodatabase, excel document and folders, which are all housed in one single folder. The use of GIS and EDSSs in environmental management improves the efficiency and accuracy of the decision making process and provides the ability to validate outputs. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

South African grasslands are under-conserved and there is a need to expand conservation efforts beyond the boundaries of protected areas. While communal grasslands have conservation potential they are generally over-utilized and the impact of communal land-use on biodiversity is poorly studied. At the same time there is pressure on protected areas to allow for the sustainable utilization of biodiversity. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of communal land-use on various components of biodiversity and to make recommendations regarding communal use of protected areas. A fence-line study was conducted to assess the impact of eight years of controlled communal land-use on biodiversity in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. The communally used land (referred to as the lease land) which was used for controlled grazing as well as plant collection was compared with land under formal conservation. Vegetation was sampled using the importance score method and veld condition assessments. Selected invertebrate taxa were sampled using sweep netting, colour pan traps and transects and were identified to morphospecies level. Multivariate statistics revealed that sites generally grouped according to landscape position rather than land-use. No significant differences were found in diversity, evenness, richness or veld condition between the lease and conservation land. However, more than twenty-five percent of vegetation and invertebrate species were found exclusively in the lease or conservation land, suggesting that different suites of species were supported by the two landuses. Four alien plant species were found exclusively in the lease land, while one vulnerable and one rare plant species were found only in the conservation land. Further research is required to assess whether biodiversity was diminished by controlled communal. While the lease concept may offer potential as a low-use buffer zone, localised damage from cattle paths and weak enforcement of grazing agreements were areas of concern. Keywords: communal grass)ands, grassland flora, grassland invertebrates, transfrontier park. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site has significant value including the natural and cultural value such as the production of water, the wilderness and eco-cultural tourism. Situated in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa, this 242 813 ha Park is a national and international asset. There are marketing activities carried out by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW); however they are not park specific. Ezemvelo KwaZulu- Natal Wildlife has a number of parks under their management and uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site is one of these parks. The main aim of this study was to evaluate EKZNW’s current eco-cultural tourism marketing strategy for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. This was done by achieving the following objectives:- 1. determine the ideal generic marketing strategy for a Protected Area specifically a World Heritage Site; 2. establish the current status of Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife marketing strategy for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site; 3. conduct a comparative analysis between the ideal strategy and Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife’s actual strategy for uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site; 4. based on the comparative analysis, recommend marketing interventions to improve the eco-cultural tourism marketing strategy for uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. To fulfil these objectives the research methods used were qualitative in nature because of the type of investigation. Methods used to collect information included a literature review, structured and semi-structured face-to-face interviews, discussions, conducting a SWOT analysis and secondary data analysis. The SWOT analysis was formulated from the interviews but not as a workshop and it was part of the analysis. The results of the study show that the respondents have concerns regarding the marketing of the Site. Currently there is no written eco-cultural marketing strategy for uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. However marketing activities limited as they are, are being performed on an ad hoc basis. The Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife marketing department is too small (three staff) to handle the marketing of all Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife parks, resulting in uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site not getting the marketing attention it deserves as an international icon. Scarce resources coupled with internal conflicts, lack of marketing skills, insufficient gathering of marketing information and no external or industry marketing alliances has resulted in minimum marketing exposure for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. The study concluded that marketing integration and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders is needed. Marketing objectives for the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site must be developed. Better profiling of current and potential visitors to maximise revenues is a priority for better future marketing decisions. The brand identity has to be maximised through collaboration with stakeholders and staff. This will lead to sustainable marketing of the Site which takes into consideration biodiversity conservation. This ensures that conservation objectives are not compromised. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (UDP) is a World Heritage Site known for its cultural San heritage and its natural beauty, which is advertised as a world tourist attraction. Tourism is a debatable issue with regards to its negative and/or positive impacts on rock art along with commodification aspects. Negatively, visitation of sites increased natural deterioration of the site, the art and challenges for cultural resource management. While increased awareness of rock art conservation is a positive aspect through tourism and developments, contributes optimistically. San heritage is unique, defining our cultural identity and has the power to encourage national unification. The aim of this project is to assess the complexities of tourism developments and its immediate impacts at different rock art sites in the UDP through an analysis of management and conservation methods. The monitoring of these mentioned methods applied is important as it evaluates the effectiveness of past techniques and provides suggestions for other rock art sites. The current conditions at nine study sites in the UDP were investigated under three main criteria; deterioration of the sites and paintings through natural and human impacts, tourism developments and management. Data collection followed principles such as; site mapping, narrative recording, graphic documentation, and is represented in evaluation tables. Results concluded that common management methods were implemented at sites to provide standard conservation practices, but every site had room for improvement. The results have led to the formulation of recommendations that can be applied at other rock art sites and can contribute to future management and conservation protocols. The study highlights the unique demands made on rock art sites by tourism and concludes with final comments and recommendations. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology / MA / Unrestricted

Recent research has emphasized the importance of understanding the consequences of species loss, not just for biodiversity per se, but also for ecosystem resilience and functioning. Firstly, a baseline analysis of the effects of a naturally patchy landscape on avian community composition and resilience in a high altitude Afrotemperate forest landscape in South Africa is presented. Bird data from a point count survey of 706 counts at 31 forest sites was used to test whether taxonomic species diversity, functional species richness and density of birds provide insight into community resilience in this historically patchy ecosystem. Bird species richness of forest patches ranged from 17 to 38, with a total species richness of 50. Density was slightly but negatively related to both area and species richness. That density compensation is occurring in these Afrotemperate forests suggests a level of resilience in this system. Following on from this, cumulative species-area and function-area graphs were derived to quantify the loss of forest area or taxonomic bird species richness that this landscape may potentially sustain before ecosystem functioning is negatively affected. The concept that species’ patterns of distribution, abundance and coexistence are the result of local ecological processes has recently been challenged by evidence that regionalscale processes are equally instrumental in shaping local community composition. The historically and naturally fragmented Afrotemperate forests of the uKhahlamba– Drakensberg Park, South Africa, offer an interesting test case. In this study the relative effects of local and regional-scale processes on species assemblages in a naturally patchy forest system were investigated. By employing species-area and species-isolation relationships, and nested subset analyses, we showed that isolation (regional-scale process) had a greater effect on bird species richness and composition than area (local-scale process), though the species-area relationship was significant. Using generalized linear models and an information-theoretic approach to model selection, patch area, the size of the regional species pool as well as the distance to the nearest Eastern Mistbelt forest were all influential in determining local bird species richness in these montane forests. Thus, localities are regionally enriched within the constraints on species occupancy provided by the available habitat. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

Participation of farmers in plant breeding programmes has been reported to increase breeding efficiency. Farmers’ participation bridges the gap between variety development and dissemination and provides an opportunity for farmers to select varieties they prefer. The breeders on the others hand learn more about the farmers’ preferences and the environment in which the new varieties will be grown. However, the advantages of participatory breeding can best be realized when farmers’ indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) and experience complement the breeder’s scientific knowledge and skills. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a clonally propagated crop grown in diverse environments by small scale farmers for subsistence. Information on the roles of farmers and breeders at various stages of breeding and their ability to effectively participate in breeding programmes is limited. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) cassava farmers’ preferences, production constraints and systems; (2) farmers’ selection criteria of cassava varieties; (3) genetic inheritance of farmer preferred traits; (4) how farmers and breeders complement each other at all stages and activities of cassava breeding. Participatory rural appraisal was conducted in three purposefully sampled districts of western Kenya based on ethnicity and agro-ecology. The results reveal that cassava is predominantly grown by small scale farmers with mean land size of 1.6 ha mainly under mixed cropping system for subsistence. The storage roots are eaten either after boiling or processing to flour. The majority of farmers (over 60%) are aware of the improved varieties but adoption rate is low (18% in some districts). The effects of pests and diseases, and the lack of high yielding varieties, capital, land, and disease free planting material are the most important constraints to cassava production. Farmers prefer tall, high yielding varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests, early maturing and long underground storability of harvestable storage roots. The districts surveyed significantly differed in popularity of utilization methods, traits preferences and relative ranking of the production constraints indicative of differences in ethnicity and agro-ecology. Three farmer groups from the three districts selected in western Kenya were used to study farmers’ variety selection criteria based on their own indigenous technical knowledge (ITK). The groups evaluated 15 (10 landraces and five improved) popular cassava varieties with concealed identities on their farms. The results revealed that farmers have effective methods of selecting varieties for most of their preferred traits. However, ITK alone cannot be used to evaluate all the important traits, such as cyanide content. The genetic inheritance of farmer preferred traits was determined through a genetic study. Six landraces and four improved varieties popular in western Kenya were crossed using the North Carolina mating design II to generate 24 full-sib families. The 24 families, represented by 40 siblings each, were evaluated at two sites, Kakamega and Alupe research station farms, in a 24 x 40 a-lattice design. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) mean squares were significant (P<0.05) for all traits evaluated except dry matter content and cyanide content. However, non-additive gene action predominated over additive gene for cassava mosaic disease (CMD) resistance, height to first branching, total number of storage roots per plant and fresh storage root yield in all environments. The best crosses were not necessarily obtained from parents with high general combining ability confirming the presence of non-additive gene action. The best performing parents per se did not necessarily have high GCA effects implying that selection based on the per se performance of parents may not always lead to development of superior hybrids. The clonal evaluation trial (CET) was established at Alupe research station and evaluated by the breeder and farmers from two districts independently. Three selection criteria were tested to determine the most appropriate approach to selection of varieties that meet both farmers’ and breeder’s preferences. The selection criteria were; farmers’ independent selection index (SI) derived from farmers’ selection criteria from each district, breeder’s negative selection and independent SI, and a participatory SI which combines farmers’ and breeder’s selection criteria. There was 14% overlap among the top 100 varieties selected by farmers from all districts and the breeder when independent SI were used. However, there was 49% overlap among the top 100 varieties selected by farmers using participatory SI and the breeder’s SI. The farmers and the breeder have a role to play in the variety development process. Varieties with traits preferred by both the farmers and the breeder are likely to enhance breeding efficiency and effectiveness. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

The importance of managing and conserving cultural heritage can not be overemphasised. It is this realisation that has prompted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to declare identified sites of cultural importance as World Heritage Sites. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (UDP) was declared such a site in 2000, with its natural properties and cultural heritage as the criteria for inscription. The cultural heritage centres on the vast quantity of rock art that is renowned for its quality and diversity of subject. It is an important consideration for future generations to have the opportunity to view and understand this rich history and culture. There are increasing human and natural impacts on this non-renewable resource and to minimise these impacts and thus ensure the longevity of the resource it is necessary to develop a multi faceted selection of management and conservation tools. This realisation led the Programme of Geornatics, University of KwaZulu-Natal to conceptualise a project to develop a web-based Geographical Information System (GIS) specifically aimed at assisting in the management and conservation of rock art sites for the Valley of Pools in the Cathedral Peak Conservation Area of the UDP. Data for the project was captured in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS), digital camera and video camera as well as conventional hardcopy documentation. Existing digital spatial data and descriptive data were also collected from relevant stakeholders and a commercial organization. A pilot spatial database was then developed using ArcGIS@9 and Microsoft Access@, and later tested using a set of integrated simulated queries reflective of routine questions that users may request. Upon obtaining satisfactory responses to the queries, the integrated database was migrated and authored in ArcIMS®9 where it was further tested, and subsequently access was given to selected external professionals, both nationally and internationally, from various backgrounds, for evaluation purposes. Feedback from this process was favourably obtained. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.

The KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa, is predominantly a grassland ecosystem maintained by fire. The effect of the current burning regime on invertebrate and flowering forb diversity in this ecosystem is poorly understood. The overall aim ofthis study was to contribute towards the development of an effective burning regime for the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg that will conserve invertebrates and indigenous forbs, two major components of biodiversity. The objectives were to examine the effect of fire and fire frequency on flowering forb and invertebrate species diversity, to determine whether fire frequency, time since last burn or locality were influencing species composition, and to identify potential biodiversity indicators that reflect overall species richness for use in monitoring of invertebrates and forbs. Sampling took place in March, September and November of 2002 at Giants Castle Game Reserve. Invertebrates were sampled using sweep netting and targeted netting along transects, yellow pan traps and soil quadrats. Invertebrate taxa sampled were ants (Formicidae), butterflies (Lepidoptera), grasshoppers (Orthoptera), leafboppers (Cicadellidae), bees (Apoidea), bee flies (Bombyliidae), hover flies (Syrphidae), robber flies (Asilidae), spiders (Araneae), earthworms (Oligochaeta) and millipedes (Diploda). These were identified to species level with the assistance of taxon experts. Flowering forbs were sampled using five replicates of five by five metre quadrats randomly placed in each site. Overall flowering forb and invertebrate species diversity was higher in grasslands that were burnt for two consecutive years in 2001 and 2002 than in grasslands that were not burnt during those two years. Frequently (annual) and intermediately (biennial) burnt grasslands had significantly higher invertebrate and flowering forb diversity than infrequently (five years without burning) burnt grasslands. This, together with the fact that grasslands burnt during the year of sampling had higher species richness than grasslands burnt two and five years previously suggests that invertebrates and forbs are generally resilient to fire and many forb species appear to be stimulated by fire. However, each burn frequency had its own suite of unique flowering forb and invertebrate species. Invertebrate communities were influenced mostly by locality and the length of time past since the last fire and flowering forb communities were influenced mostly by the length oftime past since the last fire. Fire frequency had the least influence on both invertebrate and forb communities. Ecological succession occurred after each fire in the invertebrate communities but forb communities appear to need more than five years without fire for ecological succession to occur. The findings of this study therefore suggest that using a combination of three fire frequencies would result in patches of grassland in various stages of ecological succession, and would conserve species unique to each burning frequency, and would therefore conserve maximum diversity. Flowering forb species richness and certain invertebrate taxa (ants, leafboppers, spiders and bees) have the potential to act as indicators of overall invertebrate species richness for use in monitoring programmes. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.