Two management blocks were set aside in Umfolozi Game Reserve (UGR) to compare different management approaches. In one, the non-cull block, a noninterventionist policy was followed and no large mammals were removed, while the other, the cull block was subjected to the same game removal treatment as the remainder of the reserve. The main objectives of this study were to determine the relationships between vegetation, soil surface variables and both soil loss and rainfall run-off, to derive predictive models for run-off and soil loss based on vegetation and soil surface variables, to determine the relationship between different levels of soil erosion and the production potential of soils, and to determine the relationship between different levels of soil erosion and herbaceous species diversity. Rainfall simulator trials and natural run-off plots were used to collect quantitative data on soil loss and run-off. Bivariate scattergrams showed that the relationship between soil surface and vegetation variables plotted against soil loss was curvilinear. "Susceptibility to erosion" showed the highest positive correlation, and "surface cover" the highest negative correlation with soil loss. The relationship between annual run-off and both the soil surface and vegetation variables was also curvilinear, with "soil capping" showing the highest positive and "litter cover" the highest negative correlation with run-off. Using multiple regression analysis it was found that "susceptibility to erosion" and predictors of annual soil loss. "surface cover" were the best "Soil capping" and "percentage contribution of run-off. forbs" were the best predictors of annual No clear relationship between either soil loss and stocking rate, or run-off and stocking rate was apparent in the two experimental blocks, and the differences in soil loss and run-off could not be explained by differences in stocking rate alone. There were however defects in the experimental design which invalidated the assumption that the stocking ~ate diffe~entia1 management blocks would inc~ease with time. between the two Because of the above deficiency, an a1te~native study a~ea on the weste~n bounda~y fence, which allowed fo~ pai~ed sampling sites on eithe~ side of the fence, was chosen. Ge~lach t~oughs we~e used to measu~e soil loss. The g~eatest va~iabi1ity in soil loss was explained by the position of the plots on the slope ~athe~ than whethe~ the plots we~e in UGR o~ in adjacent KwaZu1u. Simi1a~ly, diffe~ences in topog~aphy, ~athe~ than diffe~ences in 1anduse, exe~ted an ove~~iding effect on A-ho~izon depth, he~bage accumulation and g~ass species ~ichness. Conside~ing the ~esu1ts obtained, the opinion that a noninte~ventionist policy would lead to a decline in vegetation p~oductivity and to a 10ng-te~m ~eduction in species dive~sity appea~s to be unfounded. Finally, based on the data collected and on a ~eview of cu~~ent scientific 1ite~atu~e, changes to the Natal Pa~ks Boa~d soils policy and objectives a~e suggested, and the objectives a~e t~ans1ated into ope~ationa1 management goals. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1988.

White rhinos in the Umfolozi Game Reserve (UGR) are managed with a 'Sink Management Policy' which utilises natural dispersal patterns of white rhinos from an area of high density (the core), to areas of low density (vacuum zones). This study was initiated to determine how white rhinos utilised the vacuum zones, as the management staff of the UGR felt that white rhinos were not dispersing into them but utilising them only as areas of trophic resources. Significantly different white rhino densities were established in the Makhamisa and Masinda vacuum zones by removing white rhinos from Masinda. Changes in the density of white rhinos were monitored and the age and sex compositions determined. No significant changes in the density of white rhino groups were recorded during the study, however, the density of individuals in Makhamisa increased significantly in the dry season, while the density in Masinda did not change. The reason for this increase could not be determined, however, the most likely explanation was that rhinos moved toward the Makhamisa study area in search of surface water which was present in the White Umfolozi River. During the dry season the water level in the Umfolozi River was low so the white rhinos where able to cross into the study area. However, owing to the above average rainfall, resources were not limited in either study area, and most likely in most of the reserve. Thus, it could not be determined why white rhinos would need to enter the Makhamisa study area. Changes in grass height, grass colour, and the availability of water in pans and streams were monitored throughout the study. The grassland community compositions of the two study areas were found not to be significantly different. The total utilisation of the different grassland communities by white rhinos during the study were determined for both study areas. White rhinos in the two study areas utilised the grassland communities in a similar pattern throughout the study. During the wet and dry seasons, white rhinos primarily foraged in the short grassland community (Panicum coloratum & Themeda-Urachloa), their staple grassland community, and were not observed to switch and start foraging in the tall grassland community (Themeda & Themeda-Panicum). their reserve community. White rhinos in both study areas were able to forage in their stable grassland community throughout the dry season because of the above average rainfall experienced during the study The results of the study suggest that white rhinos outside the study areas did not utilise the vacuum zones for trophic resources. However, as the study was conducted in a year with above average rainfall, these findings may not represent how white rhinos utilise the vacuum zones in years with average or below average rainfall. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.

Between 1970 and 1975 Natal Parks Board hel .icopter counts of waterbuck ( Kobus ellipsiprymnus) in the Umfolozi Game Reserve (UGR) declined from 1 098 to 494. The purpose of this project was to study the ecology of waterbuck with an emphasis on population regulating mechanisms, so that the reality and significance of this decline could be assessed. Density estimates for 1976-1977 were over twice the 1976 helicopter count of 319, but the population was confirmed to be declining. The ecological density of waterbuck represented 11,9 per cent of the metabolic biomass of grazers, which compared well with data from other areas. However, the other species' proportionate contributions to biomass were far from optimal, with an excess of short grass feeders. High juvenile mortality (80,7 per cent), attributable mainly to severe tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) infestations, was the principal cause of the present decline. These severe infestations were probably symptomatic of poor condition of the whole waterbuck population, which meant that the ultimate cause of juvenile mortality lay elsewhere. The hypothesis that the waterbuck population was in a stressed condition was supported by their habitat utilization patterns, their feeding ecology and aspects of their behaviour. The dynamics of interspecific associations suggested that the primary habitat of Waterbuck was that now occupied by nyala (Tragelaphus angasi) and what had been recorded were the results of competition pushing waterbuck into an unfavourable habitat. Feeding studies indicated that nutritious food for herbivores represented a limited resource in UGR during winter, for which waterbuck may be largely outcompeted and that nyala and impala ( Aepyceros melampus) were the rnain competitors . Interspecific competition was the probable ultimate cause of the decline of waterbuck in UGR. It was recommended that the numbers of nyala and impala be reduced and that this action be integrated into a more precise management plan for UGR than exists at present. / Thesis (DSc)--University of Pretoria, 1978. / gm2014 / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

In South Africa, trypanosomosis also known as Nagana, transmitted by Glossina brevipalpis and G. austeni, is the major cause of anaemia and chronic debilitating condition in cattle. There is a wealth of entomological information on the ecology of the two tsetse species generated following the devastating outbreak in cattle due to Nagana in 1990. However, it is unfortunate that these entomological data has not been supported by parallel studies on the epidemiology of the disease. Therefore, the present study presents the first intensive epidemiological investigations since 1990 to address the problem of animal trypanosomosis in South Africa. The relationship between trypanosomes herd average prevalence (HAP), herd average anaemia (HAA) and herd average packed cell volume (HA-PVC) were investigated in cattle in three communal diptanks located by the Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve by regular monthly sampling for 15 months. The tsetse challenge with G. brevipalpis in two of the diptanks, Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni, was high but low in the third (Ocilwane). In addition, G. brevipaplis and G. austeni coexist in Mvutshini diptank. This high and low tsetse challenge presented different disease scenarios. Cattle at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks had the highest HAP of 12.3% and 8.9%, respectively, which is significantly different (p = 0.001) from the HAP obtained from cattle at Ocilane (2.9%). Both cattle herds at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks also had the highest HAA, 27.7 and 33.4%, respectively, while cattle at Ocilwane had the lowest, 11.1% (statistically different; p = 0.001). Conversely, cattle at Ocilwane diptank had the highest HA-PCV, ranging between 29-32% while cattle at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni diptanks had the lowest HA-PCV (24-29%). The interaction between HAP and HAA is significant (p = 0.021). The overall effect of HAP on the animal health condition is clearly demonstrated when comparing the anaemia in trypanosomes infected and uninfected cattle at the 3 diptanks. Fifty percent, 63% and 100% of trypanosomes infected cattle were anaemic at Mvutshini, Ekuphindisweni and Ocilwane diptanks, respectively. In comparison, the prevalence of anaemia in uninfected cattle in the 3 diptanks was 20, 30 and 10% at Mvutshini, Ekuphindisweni and Ocilwane diptanks, respectively. By combining the data from the 3 diptanks (1,800 observations), the overall HAA in infected and uninfected cattle was 62 and 20%, respectively The results of trypanosomes seasonal surveys conducted at 7 communal diptanks in tsetse infested areas, showed that all cattle at the diptanks were infected with trypanosomes with mean HAP and HAA of 10.3 and 35.3%, respectively. The highest HAP (range 15-31%, n=4) was recorded in Ngwenyambili diptank. This high infection in the cattle herds produced high values of HAA (50%; range 40-60). The infection rate with trypanosomes in G. brevipalpis caught from the field showed immature infections in the midgut of 3.5% (16/458) while only one fly was found with mature infection in the proboscis (1/458, 0.22%). Very few G. austeni were collected (total of 9) during the same period and dissected. The infection rate with trypanosomes immature and mature infections was found to be very high; 5/9 (55.5%). Blood samples were collected from a total of 132 buffaloes randomly immobilized for tuberculosis testing by the Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve Authority. Two buffaloes were found to have T. congolense infection by the buffy coat technique. The presence of trypanosomes infected buffaloes in this study confirms the occurrence of sylvatic cycle at the tsetse/livestock/Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve, thus, presenting a high risk of serious disease to cattle. The objective of the study on the strategic treatment of trypanosomosis conducted on one farm in endemic area was to treat adult cows and calves at an arbitrary HAP threshold before the disease produces any clinical symptoms or production losses. The strategic use of ethidium bromide and novidium chloride produced attractive results whereby cattle were protected for an extended period of 3 to 6 months with no development of anaemia during this period. Therefore, two to four treatments per year may be sufficient to keep cattle productivity on the farm under the tsetse challenge Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

A dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, for the Degree of Master of Science. . / The cyclone Domoina floods of 1984 were responsible for the large scale destruction and devastation of riverine vegetation in the Umfolozi Game Reserve. This event highlighted the need to gain an understanding af the structure and dynamics of riverine vegetation and to use this knowledge to develop a management strategy directed at the future recovery and maintenance of riverine vegetation in the Umfolozi Game Reserve. (Abbreviation abstract) / Andrew Chakane 2018