Bonatea Willd. (Orchidaceae: Habernariinae) is a small genus confined to the African continent and Arabia. Phylogenetic and morphometric analyses were undertaken in order to evaluate phylogenetic relationships and species delimitations within Bonatea. In the phylogenetic analyses, little congruence was found between ITS and matK molecular data, while morphological results were largely congruent with those of the ITS region. There is little sequence variation within and between Bonatea species, which could indicate a recent and rapid radiation. The generic characters for Bonatea were reevaluated. Bonatea is closely related to Habenaria but differs in having a galeate middle rostellum lobe that is clearly separated from the vertical anther thecae. By contrast, species of Habenaria have short anthers that are slightly arcuate and flank the rostellum. Morphometric analyses were used to determine taxon boundaries within the Bonatea speciosa and Bonatea cassidea complexes, respectively. Principle component and cluster analyses of morphological variation support the recognition of Bonatea antennifera Rolfe, Bonatea boltonii (Harv.) Bolus and Bonatea speciosa (L.f.) Willd. as distinct species. Morphological evidence supports the inclusion of Bonatea porrecta (Bolus) Summerh. and Bonatea volkensiana (Kraenzl.) Rolfe in the B. speciosa c1ade and this is corroborated by molecular data for the former. Clinal variation in petal lobe dimensions and colour across the distribution range of Bonatea cassidea Sond. encompasses the taxon Bonatea saundersiae (Harv.) T.Durand & Schinz, which is reduced to synonymy. Bonatea saundersioides (Kraenzl. & Schltr.) Cortesi, the sister species to B. cassidea, also exhibits colour variation in its petals. A revision of Bonatea is presented recognizing 14 species. Bonatea eminii (Kraenzl.) Rolfe was excluded due to insufficient information. Full descriptions are provided with diagnostic characters and distributional maps. Bonatea bracteata G.McDonald & McMurtry and Bonatea tentaculifera Summerh. are removed from Bonatea based on their rostellum structure which is inconsistent with the revised generic concept. Bonatea bracteata was transferred as Habenaria transvaalensis Schltr. and B. tentaculifera was renamed Habenaria bonateoides M.Ponsie, as the specific epithet is currently occupied within Habenaria. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Fire plays an important role in structuring and maintaining savanna grassland ecosystems. Although regular fires are a characteristic feature of savannas, the effects of fire frequency on these systems are less well known, particularly with respect to how frequency of fire influences large herbivore distribution and behaviour. The expectation is that large herbivores should be attracted to frequently burned sites as a consequence of changes in forage quality and quantity, and/or vegetation structure and composition. The former could be driven by alterations in soil nutrients, such as N and P. Alterations in vegetation also could be important in determining risk of predation. For example, an increase in woody vegetation could decrease predator visibility making large herbivores more vulnerable to predation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of long-term alterations in fire frequency on herbivore distribution and behaviour, as well as the mechanisms (soil nutrients, vegetation structure and composition, and forage quality and quantity) potentially driving the distribution of large herbivores. To address these objectives, I conducted large herbivore surveys on a bi-weekly basis from 2009-2010 in a series of plots in the Experimental Burn Plots (EBPs) burnt at different frequencies (annual, triennial and unburnt) over the last five decades at three study sites in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Surveys also were conducted on new plots that were established adjacent to the long-term plots. These new plots have a fire return interval of 4 years which is similar to the triennially burned plots of the EBPs. They were established in the landscape adjacent to the EBPs to assess whether the responses of herbivores to fire observed in the EBPs reflected was at landscape level. The distribution of all large herbivore species combined and of grazers (e.g. zebra) or browsers (e.g. kudu) only were not affected by fire frequency. In contrast, the abundance of mixed-feeders, such as impala, was significantly higher in the unburnt (control) and annually burned plots than the triennially burned plots. Although season did not have a significant impact on the distribution of browsers and mixed-feeders, overall more grazers were recorded across all burn treatments in the dry season compared to the wet season. Similar patterns of herbivore distribution were observed between the new plots and the triennially burned EBP plots, suggesting that responses observed to the long-term fire frequency treatments reflects herbivore responses at the landscape level. The long-term fire frequency treatments significantly affected soil nutrients (N, organic C, P, and K were significantly lower with annual burning), vegetation structure (abundance of woody plants were greater in unburned plots), and forage quantity (unburned plots had higher biomass) but not quality. More frequent fires improved visibility by reducing tree height and density and herbaceous biomass, thereby potentially reducing predation risk, when compared to less frequent burning. As a result, herbivores selected sites with more frequent fires. The behaviour of the herbivore species investigated was predominantly influenced by seasonal-induced changes to their environment rather than fire frequency. In the wet season irrespective of the burning treatment visibility was low due to high rainfall that increases plant biomass, whereas in the dry season visibility was improved because there is little to no rainfall. This potential alteration in predation risk likely resulted in herbivores being more vigilant in the wet season than the dry season. Overall, results from this study suggest that the combination of fire frequency and season drive herbivore distribution and behaviour by altering mainly the vegetation structure which can influence predation risk. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

This study investigated long-term (1961-2008) changes in albacore (Thunnus alalunga) abundance and distribution in relation to local environmental and large-scale climate indices in the Northeastern Pacific using time series and spatial analyses. Prior to the time series analysis, a wavelet analysis was conducted to examine nonrandom patterns of cyclical variability which revealed that monthly and annual time scales had the highest non-random variability. Thus, the time series analysis was done at these two scales using non-linear generalized additive models (GAMs) and threshold GAMs. At the monthly scale, sea surface temperature (SST) was found to be the variable with the strongest (positive) association to albacore catch per unit effort (CPUE). This association was likely driven by the seasonal migrations of juvenile albacore into and out of the U.S. coastal waters. At the yearly time scale over large geographical areas, the SST association broke down, and the scalar wind speed cubed (an indicator of mixed layer depth) at a five year lag became the dominant variable. The scalar wind speed cubed index explained 65% of the variability and was highly significant, even after adjusting for multiple tests (Bonferroni corrected P-value<0.001). These results suggest that a deeper mixed layer in the Northeastern Pacific may provide favorable foraging habitat for juvenile (mostly age 3) albacore, resulting in successful growth, spawning, and recruitment into the fishery in later years. This mixed layer depth association could help managers and stock assessment groups in their efforts to integrate environmental factors into the estimate of albacore population size. The spatial/spatio-temporal analyses involved modeling the CPUE with four competing GAM formulations, each representative of a different hypotheses for albacore distribution: 1) spatial, 2) spatial and environmental (SST, PDO, and MEI), 3) spatially variant, and 4) nonstationary, as indicated by the North Pacific regime shift of 1977. Results indicate that SST had a predominantly positive but spatially-variable effect on albacore CPUE, while the PDO had a negative overall effect. Specifically, CPUE was found to increase with increased SST, particularly off of Oregon and Washington. These results imply that if ocean temperatures continue to increase, west coast communities reliant on commercial albacore fisheries are likely to be negatively impacted in the southern areas but positively benefited in the northern areas, where current albacore landings are highest. / Graduation date: 2012

The New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) is the most abundant fur seal species in the Australian-New Zealand region. Approximately 85 % of Australia’s population of New Zealand fur seals reside in the state of South Australia. As a result of their abundance and size, it has been estimated that the New Zealand fur seal population in South Australia consumes the greatest biomass of resources of all marine mammal and seabird species. However, despite the importance of New Zealand fur seals as top predators, our understanding of their foraging ecology in South Australia is limited. In order to better understand the habitat utilized and the diet of New Zealand fur seals, this study explores the foraging ecology of lactating seals from four primary colonies in South Australia, which account for ~ 78 % of the Australian population. These colonies are Cape Gantheaume (36о04’S, 137о27’E) and Cape du Couedic (36о03’S, 136о42’E) on Kangaroo Island; North Neptune Island (35о13’S, 136о03’E) and Liguanea Island (34о59’S, 135о37’E). I start this study by assessing the seasonal variation in foraging location and dive behaviour of lactating New Zealand fur seals from Cape Gantheaume. 18 seals were fitted with satellite transmitters and time depth recorders (TDRs). The presence of thermoclines (derived from TDRs), were used as a surrogate measure of upwelling activity in continental shelf habitats. During the austral autumn 80 % of lactating fur seals foraged on the continental shelf (114 ± 44 km from the colony), in a region associated with a seasonal coastal upwelling system, the Bonney upwelling. In contrast, during winter months seals predominantly foraged in oceanic waters (62 %), in a region associated with the Subtropical Front (460 ± 138 km from the colony). Results suggested that lactating New Zealand fur seals shift their foraging location from continental shelf to oceanic habitats, in response to a seasonal decline in continental shelf productivity, attributed to the cessation of the Bonney upwelling in autumn. To study inter-colony differences in foraging locations, 21 New Zealand fur seals were satellite tracked from four colonies within close proximity (46 km – 200km apart). Seals initiated foraging trips on a colony-specific bearing (Cape Gantheaume 141 ± 33º, Cape du Couedic 186 ± 12º, North Neptune Island 200 ± 23º and Liguanea Island 234 ± 69º), and recorded little overlap between colony-specific foraging areas. The distribution of colony-specific foraging grounds appeared to be influenced by the proximity of colonies to predictable local upwelling features, as well as a distant oceanic frontal zone, the Subtropical Front. Foraging site fidelity and route-choice was further assessed by comparing site fidelity between continental shelf and oceanic habitats. Data from 31 lactating females, satellite tracked over 107 consecutive foraging trips indicated that females foraging on the continental shelf recorded a significantly greater overlap in foraging area between consecutive foraging routes, when compared to females that foraged in oceanic waters (55.9 ± 20.4 % and 13.4 ± 7.6 %, respectively). Findings suggest that seals learn the direction of travel to a predictable foraging region, and initiate a foraging trip on that bearing. However, actual foraging routes are likely to be influenced by a number of factors including previous foraging trip experience and prey encounter rate, which is related to prey density and the spatial scale of the patch exploited. The final chapter integrates scat analysis with milk fatty acid (FA) analysis to investigate dietary differences between continental shelf and oceanic waters. Milk FA composition was determined for 29 satellite-tracked fur seals, that were known to forage in either shelf or oceanic habitats. Based on FA compositions, I predicted the likelihood that milk samples collected at random (n = 131) represented individual seals having foraged either on the continental shelf or in distant oceanic waters. FA analysis and satellite tracking results contrasted with scat analyses, from which only 6 % of scats by frequency of occurrence contained prey remains from oceanic waters. The results suggest that scats were biased toward females foraging on the continental shelf. This study highlights the importance of two predictable ocean features utilised by New Zealand fur seals; (1) a nearby and seasonally predictable coastal upwelling system, the Bonney upwelling and; (2) a distant but permanent oceanic front, the Subtropical Front. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1347312 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Studies, 2008

Macroecology is the study of relationships between organisms and the environment at large spatial and temporal scales. This field of research examines patterns in species abundance, distribution and diversity. Understanding patterns in species distribution and richness can contribute significantly to our knowledge of community assembly and macroecological patterns, as well as to the effective conservation of threatened species and habitats. Although there have been a plethora of studies on birds in India over the years, there is a critical need to accurately delineate species distributions and understand patterns of richness. The focus of this study was to understand the factors (abiotic and biotic) that influence the distribution and composition of bird species in the Western Ghats, as well as to explore patterns in their geographic range sizes. The objectives of this study were addressed at the scale of the entire Western Ghats using a combination of field surveys, secondary data collection and species distribution modeling. The specific approaches to address these questions and the findings are outlined below. Chapter 2: Bird species in the Western Ghats – Patterns in composition and richness Fine-scale data on species presence and abundance are essential for exploring patterns in species distribution and richness. Despite the fact that birds have been extensively studied in the Western Ghats, systematic data collection and compilation of information over the entire mountain range has not been carried out, especially for the purpose of testing macroecological questions. This chapter describes patterns in bird species presence, abundance, composition and richness within the Western Ghats. The study area, site selection protocol and the sampling technique have also been described in detail. This dataset establishes a baseline of information about birds in the Western Ghats and subsets of this larger dataset will be used to address various questions in the following chapters. Chapter 3: Predicting bird species distribution in the Western Ghats Detailed knowledge of species’ ecological and geographical distributions is fundamental for conservation, as well as for understanding ecological and evolutionary determinants of spatial patterns of biodiversity. However, occurrence data for a vast majority of species are sparse, resulting in information about species distributions that is inadequate for many purposes. Species distribution models attempt to provide detailed predictions of distributions by relating presence or abundance of species to environmental predictors. In this chapter, we describe the usage of Maxent, a species distribution modelling technique based on presence-only data, to predict the distributions of bird species within the Western Ghats. For this purpose, we put together primary locations of bird species presence along with a published dataset. Using a number of important environmental layers, predicted species distribution maps were derived for 98 bird species, including 13 endemics, in the Western Ghats. Additionally, we calculated predicted range sizes for each of these species and obtained percentage contributions of important environmental predictors to each species’ distribution. This is the first study to develop species distribution models for bird species within the Western Ghats. Chapter 4: Patterns of range size among bird species Understanding large-scale patterns of variation in species geographic range size is fundamental to questions in macroecology and conservation biology. In general, range is believed to be influenced by a combination of environmental factors, evolutionary history and biotic interactions, mediated by species specific traits. These patterns need to be examined even for well-studied taxa like birds, especially within biodiversity hotspots faced by persistent degradation due to anthropogenic activities such as the Western Ghats. In this chapter, we use a dataset of 98 bird species within the Western Ghats to examine trends in range sizes, measured as latitudinal extent of occurrence and predicted range size from species distribution models. We show a significant relationship between latitude and range size for these bird species, supporting Rapoport’s rule. As far as we know, this relationship has never been tested at such low latitudes for birds. We also find that species traits such as body size, mean abundance and diet do not seem to show any discernable effect on patterns of range size. Additionally, we found that widely-used bird species range maps (in this case, from BirdLife International) are inaccurate representations of species ranges in comparison to the predicted species distribution maps that were derived in the previous chapter. We quantitatively demonstrated that these expert-drawn maps need to re-evaluated, especially since they are used to make conservation decisions. This is the first study to quantify species range sizes of birds within the Western Ghats and assess such range maps that are used to determine conservation status of species. Chapter 5: Environmental predictors of bird species distribution One of the major goals in ecology is to understand patterns and processes that determine species diversity. The drivers of global species richness gradients have been studied, especially in the case of birds, in terms of contemporary and historical factors. Such broad scale processes may not always reflect the processes affecting richness and distribution at smaller scales. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence individual species distributions is the first step towards this larger goal. In this chapter, we examined the environmental predictors that contributed to the predicted distribution of bird species observed in the Western Ghats, using the variable importance contribution values derived in Chapter 3. We found that a large proportion of the 98 bird species studied were influenced by normalized differential vegetation index, annual precipitation and elevation. The predictors did not differ among birds of different diet guilds and body size classes. Using Prinicipal components analysis, we observed that all 98 bird species are spread out across the environmental ordination space depicted by the PC axes 1 and 2. These axes are governed by measures of habitat heterogeneity and water-energy related variables, consistent with other tropical studies. The insectivorous guild seemed to occupy a variety of environmental niches across this space and other guilds seemed to be nested within the insectivorous guild. Similarly, larger sized birds were spread across the entire environmental ordination space, with species of smaller sizes nested within. This is the first step in trying to understand environmental predictors acting on birds in the Western Ghats. Further detailed studies need to be carried out to come to definite conclusions. Chapter 6: Relative roles of floristics and vegetation structure on bird species composition On the basis of the hierarchical model of habitat selection, it is known that birds select suitable habitats based on vegetation structure (physiognomy) at coarse biogeographic scales, and plant species composition (floristics) at more local scales. This chapter examines the relative influence of tree species composition and vegetation structure on bird species composition in the Western Ghats. These relationships were specifically assessed across the entire Western Ghats, within regions of the Western Ghats as well as within specific forest types. We found that floristics had a strong association with bird species composition across the Western Ghats and within evergreen and mixed deciduous habitat types. This association seems to be independent of the structural variation in the region. There was a decrease in association strength from the southern to the northern Western Ghats, in terms of both floristics and structure. We did not find an association between vegetation structure and insectivore composition, whereas phytophage composition did show a stronger association with floristics than structure. This is the first study at the scale of the entire Western Ghats to test the relative roles of floristics and vegetation structure. Taken as a whole, this dissertation examines large-scale macroecological questions regarding species distribution, range size and patterns of composition using primary data at the scale of the Western Ghats. The findings of this study have established a foundation that will help further our understanding of species distribution and richness in the Western Ghats, and aid in the decision making for conservation strategies in the future.

Um componente considerado crítico para o manejo bem sucedido de populações silvestres é a manutenção da variação genética. No intuito de avaliar a magnitude e a distribuição da variabilidade genética existente em populações de Caiman latirostris, nove populações distribuídas ao longo do eixo latitudinal da distribuição da espécie no Brasil e uma população em cativeiro foram estudadas com auxílio de onze locos microssatélites. A diversidade gênica média (He=h) e a heterozigosidade média observada (Ho) apresentaram valores elevados, 0,628 e 0,567, respectivamente, denotando existência de elevada variabilidade genética para esta espécie nas regiões de estudo. A população paulista mesmo estando na zona intermediária de distribuição geográfica no Brasil não possui a maior variabilidade genética. O valor FST estimado foi 0,270 e o RST foi 0,342. Ambas as medidas de diferenciação entre as populações foram significativas (P<0,05). As altas estimativas de FST e RST sugerem a ausência ou fluxo gênico restrito entre essas populações, exceção feita entre as populações de Natal (RN) e João Pessoa (PB), onde não houve diferenciação significativa entre as populações, sugerindo assim que há fluxo gênico entre elas, fato confirmado pelo coeficiente de parentesco. Pôde-se concluir neste trabalho que a distância genética entre a população do litoral é afetada pela existência da Serra do Mar como barreira geográfica pelo fato desta população apresentar as maiores diferenciações genéticas e não se agrupar a nenhuma população pelo método de agrupamento UPGMA, mesmo estando próxima das populações paulista. A distância genética entre as populações parece não acompanhar a distância geográfica, em termos de gradiente latitudinal (r=0,206). Entretanto quando retiramos a população da Ilha do Cardoso esta correlação aumenta significativamente (r=0,540), indicando haver um certo padrão espacial da variabilidade genética entre as populações. O coeficiente médio de parentesco foi baixo entre e dentro das populações estudadas. Com estes resultados podemos começar a entender a dinâmica e estrutura social de populações de Caiman latirostris, e quanto mais se compreende sobre a biologia destes animais mais precisa serão decisões visando condições que permitam a existência continua da espécie. / A component considered critical for the managment well succeed of wild populations it is the maintenance of genetic variation. In the intention of evaluating the extend and the distribution of the existent genetic variability in populations of Caiman latirostris, nine populations distributed along the latitudinal axis of the distribution of the species in Brazil and a population in captivity they were studied with aid of eleven locos microsatellite. The genic mean diversity (He=h) and the observed mean heterozygosity (Ho) across all loci for all populations ranged from 0,628 and 0,567, respectively, denoting existence high genetic variability. The population from São Paulo being in the intermediate zone of geographical distribution in Brazil doesn't possess the largest genetic variability. The value dear FST was 0,270 and RST it was 0,342. Both differentiation measures among the populations were significant (P < 0,05). The higher estimates of FST and RST suggested a absence or low gene flow among those populations, exception done between the populations of Natal (RN) and João Pessoa (PB), where there was not significant differentiation among the populations, suggesting a gene flow pattern among them, fact confirmed by the related coefficient. It could be concluded in this work that the genetic distance among the population of the coast is affected by the existence of the Mountain of the Sea as geographical barrier for the fact of this population to present the largest genetic differentiations and not to group the any population for the grouping method UPGMA, same being close of the populations from São Paulo. The genetic distance among the populations seems not to accompany the geographical distance, in terms of latitudinal gradient (r=0,206). However when we removed the population of Cardoso's Island this correlation it increases significantly (r= 0,540), indicating there to be a certain space pattern of the genetic variability among the populations. The medium coefficient of related was low among and inside of the studied populations. With these results we can begin to understand the dynamics and it structures social of populations of Caiman latirostris.

In tropical forests, ants are numerous, diversified and ecologically important, being present from forest floor to upper canopy and exploiting a wide variety of diets. Nearly half of the ant species are directly in contact with the ground stratum, including the leaf-litter and the underlying soil, for nesting or foraging. The main factors known to influence ant distribution and abundance can be environmental (e.g. heterogeneous distribution of microhabitat size, nutrient availability, microclimate, soil properties) or biotic (e.g. inter- and intraspecific competition, prey availability). Some of these factors, such as leaf-litter volume or prey availability, may also vary seasonally. Also, the Ecuadorian Andes are known as being a hotspot of biodiversity for a large array of organisms, but it was not documented until now if this is also the case for ants.<p><p>The general aim of the PhD project was to identify, by both descriptive and experimental approaches, the factors determining the structure of a ground-dwelling ant assemblage at a small-spatial scale and its temporal variation in an evergreen premontane tropical forest of the Ecuadorian Andes.<p><p>In the descriptive part of the project, we studied both horizontal (along a transect) and vertical (across ground layers) species diversity and distribution of ground-dwelling ants. To attempt to explain the observed patterns, we measured a series of environmental factors varying at small spatial scale and/or seasonally: canopy openness, leaf-litter quantity, slope, and a series of soil physico-chemical properties (e.g. texture). The ant assemblage richness appeared to be at least as high as in the Amazonian Basin, with up to 33 species per m². The heterogeneity of species spatial distribution at small spatial scale was high, with distinct species composition (average Jaccard index = 0.2 ± 0.08 SD) and abundance (up to 40 fold) in contiguous plots. We observed a strong seasonal effect on the ant assemblage structure. The higher ant diversity and abundance found at the surface and in the mineral soil during the dry season suggested a seasonal peak of activity on the ground surface and the seasonal migration of drought-sensitive species downwards in the soil. Ant diversity was related to distinct environmental factors according to the ground layer considered. We found strong correlations between litter amount and dominant ant distribution in the leaf-litter layer, while we found no correlation with any factor in the soil layer. The low amount of negative association between dominant species suggested a low interspecific competition.<p><p>In the experimental part of the project, our aim was to identify experimentally the relative importance of habitat size vs. prey availability in structuring the leaf-litter ant assemblage. We studied the response of various ant trophic groups to an increased nutrient availability which boosted the decomposition of their leaf-litter habitat and enhanced the abundance of their prey. Bottom-up effect on the ant fauna (and other predaceous arthropods) regarding species composition and dominance was also studied. Stable isotope analysis was used to distinguish trophic groups among ants and mesofauna. Ants responded differentially according to their trophic group: despite increased prey availability, predatory species were negatively affected by nutrient supply, while other ant trophic group densities did not change. Our results showed that predatory ants are limited by habitat size rather than by prey availability, and that these ants are more affected by habitat loss than their prey, other ant trophic groups and other macrofauna taxa. Furthermore, a taxonomic shift occurred within each ant trophic group, leading to the replacement of dominant genera in fertilized plots.<p><p>As a conclusion, our results emphasize the importance of distinguishing layers among the ground matrix, since both ant faunas and their response to environmental factors vary vertically and seasonally. The distribution of ground-dwelling ants was only weakly explained by both the environmental factors measured and by biotic interactions, at a small spatial scale. Also, our results emphasize the importance of distinguishing trophic groups among the ant assemblage, since the response of these groups under changing conditions was different. In this regard, stable isotope analysis was a useful tool for investigating the trophic ecology of various leaf-litter taxa, and it was successfully used for the first time to assess the diet of leaf-litter ants and their position in the Brown Food Web relative to other taxa. Also, the isotopic approach allowed us to increase the knowledge about the biology of a rare and cryptic ant species, by revealing its top-predatory position. The outstanding local species richness that we observed confirms that the Ecuadorian Andes are also a biodiversity hotspot for ants. / Doctorat en Sciences agronomiques et ingénierie biologique / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Résumé<p>Le genre Bertiera appartient à la tribu monogénérique des Bertiereae. Les espèces de ce genre sont constituées d’arbrisseaux, d’arbustes, quelques fois de lianes, rarement de plantes herbacées. Dans cette étude, les caractères morphologiques sont détaillés, une attention est portée sur la morphologie des pollens et de l’exotesta, caractères taxonomiques importants dans la systématique des Rubiaceae. Le genre Bertiera est morphologiquement assez polymorphe au niveau du type biologique, de la forme et la taille des stipules, de la forme et la base du limbe, de l’architecture des inflorescences, de la forme du calice, la forme et la couleur du fruit à maturité. Malgré ce grand polymorphisme, la combinaison des caractères des stipules, des feuilles, des inflorescences et des fruits permet de reconnaître les individus appartenant à ce genre.<p>L’étude sur la phylogénie du genre Bertiera est faite sur base du gène rbcL et des régions intergéniques psbA-trnH et trnC-ycf6. La position du genre Bertiera comme soeur de tous les autres genres de la tribu des Coffeeae est confirmé, il est maintenu au sein de la tribu monogénérique des Bertiereae. La monophylie du genre est fortement supportée par les données combinées. La monophylie des sous-genres est également fortement supportée. La faible résolution des arbres phylogéniques ne permet pas de déterminer les relations entre les espèces au sein des sous-genres. psbA-trnH et trnC-ycf6, bien qu’assez polymorphes, s’avèrent ne pas être de bons marqueurs pour la phylogénie des Bertiera.<p>L’analyse de la distribution du genre Bertiera en Afrique montre qu’il est distribué principalement dans toute la Région Guinéo-Congolaise. Le Domaine Bas-Guinéen constitue le principal centre de diversité de ce genre en Afrique. Le Domaine Haut-Guinéen et le Domaine Congolais associé à la zone de Transition Guinéo-Congolaise/Zambézienne et la Mosaïque Régionale du Lac Victoria constituent des centres de diversités secondaires. L’endémisme des espèces est marqué dans les îles, et dans la zone de Transition Régionale Guinéo-Congolaise/Zambézienne. D’après l’analyse parcimonieuse de l’endémicité et du taux d’endémisme élevé (25 %), le Domaine Bas-Guinéen constitue le principal centre d’endémisme et probablement le centre de diversification de ce genre en Afrique.<p>L’étude de l’écologie et de la phénologie des espèces du genre Bertiera montre que de manière générale, les espèces sont sympatriques et occupent les habitats variés. La période de floraison est liée au type biologique et à l’amplitude écologique. Les espèces à port arbuste de sous-bois ne fleurissent qu’une seule fois et à une période bien définie de l’année alors que les espèces à port arbuste à large amplitude écologique et les espèces à port arbrisseau fleurissent plusieurs fois au cours de l’année. Il n’existe pas de décalage de période de floraison et/ou de fructification entre les espèces.<p>Des analyses morphométriques ont été réalisées en vue de préciser la délimitation taxonomique au sein du complexe d’espèces formé par B. annobonensis, B. batesi, B. laxa, B. pedicellata et B. thollonii. Il en ressort que B. annobonensis doit être considéré comme un synonyme de B. pedicellata et que B. thollonii devient une variété de B. batesii.<p>La révision taxonomique des espèces du genre Bertiera est faite pour l’Afrique. Cette révision est exécutée suivant les méthodes de taxonomie classique. Deux sous-genres sont reconnus au sein du genre Bertiera. Au total 42 espèces sont acceptées. B. conferta, B. nimbae (non encore formellement publiés par leur auteurs) et B. lejolyana sont nouvelles pour la science. Une clé d’identification des espèces est donnée pour chaque sous-genre. Le traitement taxonomique complet de chaque espèce est donné (synonymie, description, habitat, distribution et carte de distribution, et enfin spécimens examinés).<p><p>Abstract<p>The genus Bertiera belongs to the monogeneric tribe Bertiereae. Species of this genus are shrubs, treelets, sometimes lianas, rarely herbaceous plants. In this study, morphological characters of the genus are reviewed, particularly those related to pollen and the seed-coat (exotesta), significant taxonomic characters in the systematics of the Rubiaceae. The genus Bertiera is morphologically rather polymorphic with regard to habit, form and size of the stipules, form and base on the limb, architecture of the inflorescences, shape and colour of the fruit in maturity. However, in spite of this great polymorphism, the combination of characters of stipules, leaves, inflorescences and fruits allows to recognize individuals to belong to this genus.<p>The study of the phylogeny of the genus Bertiera is made on the basis of the gene rbcL and intergenic-spacer psbA-trnH et trnC-ycf6. The position of the genus as sister of all the other genera of the tribe of Coffeeae is confirmed, and it’s maintained within the monogeneric tribe Bertiereae. The monophyly of the genus is strongly supported by combined data. The monophyly of the two the subgenera is also strongly supported. The weak resolution of the phylogenic trees does not make it possible to determine the relations between the species within the subgenera. psbA-trnH et trnC-ycf6, although enough polymorphic, are no good markers for the phylogeny of Bertiera.<p>The study of the distribution of the genus Bertiera in Africa shows that it’s distributed mainly in the Guineo-Congolian Region. The Lower-Guinea Domain constitutes the principal centre of diversity of this genus in Africa. The Upper-Guinea Domain and the Congolain Domain associated with the Guineo-Congolian/Zambezian Regional Transition zone and the Regional Mosaic of the Lake Victoria constitutes secondary centres of diversity. Endemism of the species is more appreciable in the islands, and in the Guineo-Congolian/Zambezian Regional Transition zone. According to the parsimonious analysis of the endemicity and the higher rate of endemism of species (25 %), the Lower-Guinea Domain constitutes the centre of endemism and probably the centre of diversification of this genus in Africa.<p>The study of the ecology and the phenology of the species of the genus Bertiera shows that species are sympatric and occupy a variety of habitats. The flowering time is related to the habit and the ecological variation of the species. Species having treelet habit and living under wood flowers only once and at one well defined period of the year whereas species having treelet habit with broad ecological variation and the species having shrub habit flower several times during the year. There is not time difference of flowering and/or fructification period between species.<p>Morphometrics analyses are carried out in order to specify the taxonomic delimitation within the complex of species formed by B. annobonensis, B. batesii B. lax B. pedicellata and B. thollonii. The results reveal that B. annobonensis must be regarded as a synonym of B. pedicellata and that B. thollonii becomes a variety of B. batesii.<p>The taxonomic revision of the species of the genus Bertiera is carried out for Africa. This revision is executed according to the traditional methods of taxonomy. Two subgenera are recognized within this genus Bertiera. At all, 42 species are accepted. B conferta, B nimbae (not yet formally published by their authors) and B lejolyana are new for science. A key to identification of the species is given for each subgenus. The complete taxonomic treatment of each species is given (synonymy, description, habitat, distribution and distribution map, and finally the list of specimens observed).<p><p> / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Complaints of crop damage by cranes on planted maize in the North Eastern Cape, South Africa, have been increasing since the mid-1990‘s, and in some instances severe losses have been reported. Crop damage by the Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum regulorum near the town of Maclear (31º04´S 28º22´E), has been quantified over two growing seasons, and assessed relative to losses caused by foraging Cape Crows Corvus capensis and other feeding damage assumed to be caused by insects. Twelve fields were selected based on previous patterns of crop depredation. Maize seed in seven of the fields was treated with the chemical ‗Gaucho‘ and five fields were planted with untreated maize. In order to determine the source of losses, twenty quadrats (4 m x 4 m) randomly distributed within each field were visited on average every second day, for a period of up to twenty eight days. Results indicate that seed treatments do act as a deterrent to feeding by both cranes and crows, however crane damage is generally insignificant compared to other sources of damage. My study also reviewed past sightings data of the Grey Crowned Crane in an effort to determine if the conversion of former grassland to plantations in this region may have increased foraging activity in maize fields. The data did not allow for clear-cut conclusions regarding changes in distribution or population trends. Conclusions provide direct input into the management of agricultural areas by enabling landowners to take steps to mitigate crop damage. These mitigation measures may either involve the application of seed treatments, or the planting of low risk crops in high risk areas. Future studies should consider the ppossible detrimental effects of chemical seed treatments on crane biology.

1. In studying the effects of micro-climates on the distribution of larval ticks in the Eastern Cape Province four species were considered, namely, Boophilus decoloratus (Koch), Rhipicephalus evertsi (Neu), Amblyomma hebraeum (Koch) and Ixodes pilosus (Koch). 2. Three types of investigation were made:- i) autumn and spring surveys of the distribution of larval clusters, which were assumed to be close to positions in which egg-masses had been laid. - (Four species); ii) observations on the survival and development of eggs and engorged female ticks in microclimatically distinct field plots. - (Four species); iii) observations on the behaviour of the larvae and of the engorged female ticks. - (B. decoloratus). 3. The survey and plot data suggest that in autumn larval clusters of I. pilosus were to be found only in well-shaded situations because more exposed places were micro-climatically unfavourable to the survival of earlier stages. 4. The surveys show that in spring 1957 larval clusters of I. pilosus were to be found in unshaded, as well as in shaded, situations. 5. The survey and plot data indicate that the winter of 1957 was not favourable to the development of larvae of B. decoloratus, and that in spring new larval clusters may be expected to appear first in the warmest situations and later in the generally cooler places. 6. The plot data show that during hot and dry periods exposed situations were unfavourable to tho engorged females and eggs of all four species considered, but that during such periods these stages could sometimes survive in well-shaded places. 7. The survey and plot data show that in autumn and in spring larval clusters of B. decoloratus and R. evertsi may be present in unshaded situations. 8. The plot investigations provide little information about the distribution of larval clusters of A. hebraeum, but the survey data suggest that it is not remarkably different from that of B. decaloratus and R. evertsi. 9. There is a discrepancy in the survey and plot data: the surveys show that larval clusters of R. evertsi, and B. decoloratus were rare or absent from well-shaded situations, whereas tho plot data suggest such situations were micro-climatically favourable to larval developmcnt during the months preceding Autumn. 10. The observations on the behaviour of larvae and engorged females of B. decoloratus provide information which suggests that the behaviour of those stages may account for the rarity of larval clusters in well-shaded places. 11. The relative density of larval clusters of B. decoloratus is evidently also affected by factors other than micro-climate . The dropping- off behaviour of engorged female ticks appears to be possibly important in this.