Tsitsikamma National Park (TNP) possesses the oldest (established 1954), and one of the largest (350 km2) ‘no-take’ marine protected areas (MPA) in South Africa. A long-term monitoring (LTM) programme to observe the subtidal reef fishes in the TNP MPA was established in 2007. To date, 243 angling replicates have been completed, and a total of 2,751 fish belonging to 41 different species have been caught and released. In an era of unprecedented global biodiversity loss, data that can be used to monitor ecosystems and gauge changes in biodiversity through time are essential. This thesis aims to improve the methodological and statistical processes currently available for LTM of subtidal reef fish by providing an evaluation of the TNP MPA LTM programme. Angling data revealed definitive spatial structuring, in the form of spatial autocorrelation, and a shift in viewing spatial dependency as a statistical obstacle to a source of ecological information created a new avenue of data inference. Species-specific distribution maps identified localized habitat as the main predictor variable for species abundance, emphasizing the need for accurate a priori bathymetric information for subtidal monitoring. ‘Random forest’ analyses confirmed spatial variables are more important than temporal variables in predicting species abundance. The effectiveness of Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GAMMs) to account for spatial autocorrelation was highlighted, and evidence that disregarding spatial dependencies in temporal analyses can produce erroneous results was illustrated in the case of dageraad (Chrysoblephus cristiceps). Correlograms indicated that the current sampling strategy produced spatially redundant data and the sampling unit size (150 m2) could be doubled to optimize sampling. Temporal analyses demonstrated that after 50 years of ‘no take’ protection the TNP MPA ichthyofauna exhibits a high level of stability. Species-specific size structure was also found to be highly stable. Dageraad was the only species to exhibit a definitive temporal trend in their size structure, which was attributed to recruitment variation and the possibility that large individuals may migrate out of the study area. The inadequacy of angling as a method for monitoring a broad spectrum of the fish species was highlighted, particularly due to its selectivity towards large predators. As a result, a new sampling technique known as Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Videos (stereo-BRUVs) was introduced to the LTM programme in 2013. Stereo-BRUVs enabled sampling of 2640 fish belonging to 52 different species, from 57 samples collected in less than two years. A comparison of the sampling methods concluded that, compared to angling, stereo-BRUVs provide a superior technique that can survey a significantly larger proportion of the ichthyofauna with minimal length-selectivity biases. In addition, stereo-BRUVs possess a higher statistical power to detect changes in population abundance. However, a potential bias in the form of ‘hyperstability’ in sites with unusually high fish densities was identified as a possible flaw when using stereo-BRUVs. In an attempt to provide a more rigorous method evaluation, simulation testing was employed to assess the ability of angling and stereo-BRUVs to accurately describe a decreasing population. The advantage of this approach is that the simulated population abundances are known, so that each sampling method can be tested in terms of how well it tracks known abundance trends. The study established that stereo- BRUVs provided more accurate data when describing a distinct population decline of roman (Chrysoblephus laticeps) over 10- and 20-year periods. In addition, spawner-biomass was found to be a more accurate population estimate than relative abundance estimates (CPUE and MaxN) due to the inclusion of population size structure information, highlighting the importance of length-frequency data. The study illustrated that an evaluation framework that utilizes simulation testing has the potential to optimize LTM sampling procedures by addressing a number of methodological questions. This includes developing a procedure that aligns data collected from different sampling methods by applying correction factors, thus ensuring LTM programmes are able to adapt sampling strategies without losing data continuity.

The current study describes the composition and activity of the snake community of the Pa-hay-okee wetlands of Everglades National Park. The study was conducted from January 1987 to January 1989. Sixteen species were observed, with Thamnophis sauritus, Thamnophis sirtalis, Nerodia fasciata pictiventris, and Agkistrodon piscivorus representing 90.2% of the total sample. The seasonal distribution and activity of the snakes were closely related to fluctuations in the water table. Most activity occurred in the winter months as snakes migrated west following the drying water edge of Shark River Slough. Seventy percent of all snakes observed during this study were either injured or dead on the road. Over 50% of annual mortality occurred during migration. The impact that road mortality is having on the local snake community cannot be ignored. Management options are provided to minimize loss. A comparison is made to the snake community of the Long Pine Key Region of Everglades National Park.

Using aerial census techniques, I collected data on the population, reproduction and nesting habits of Bald Eagles in Florida Bay, Florida, for three consecutive breeding seasons (Oct - Mar, 1987 - 1990). For analysis I consolidated my data with those collected by Robertson et al. between 1959 and 1986 for a total of 26 seasons. The breeding population of Bald Eagles in Florida Bay has been stable since censuses began in 1959. However, numbers of subadult eagles in Florida Bay have declined sharply since the early 1960’s. Breeding density was apparently limited by territoriality. Nesting success was positively correlated with early commencement of nesting, number of active breeding territories and the history of individual breeding territories. Success was negatively correlated with the amount of rainfall during the breeding season. Most (87%) nesting failures occurred during the incubation stage. Nearly all nests were built in mangrove [Laguricularia racemosa, Avicenia germinans and Rhizophora mangle) trees and of these more than half were dead. The success of a nesting attempt was independent of changes in nests or nest sites.

Most definitions of ecotourism refer to nature travel experiences which promote the conservation of visited ecosystems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the demand side of ecotourism within the broader tourism context. To this end, the study compares ecotourists with other tourist types, on the basis of conservation involvement and socio-demographic characteristics. Moreover, the study examines recreation specialization among birders, as one subset of ecotourists, and evaluates the substitutability of ecotourism activities. A case study was undertaken at Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand, which, in 1993, attracted over 900,000 visitors. Primary methods included personal interviews (n = 857) to collect visitor data and participant observations to document impacts from ecotourism. Based on activities, motivations, and researcher and respondent descriptions, a tourist typology of five groups was developed: birding ecotourists, general ecotourists, highlights general tourists, highlights travellers, and trekkers. Ecotourists were older and more educated than other tourist types. Ecotourists contributed more to general conservation efforts than other tourist types; however, for foreigners, these contributions occurred primarily in their home countries, not in Thailand. Compared to other tourist types, some environmental, economic, social, and educational impacts of ecotourists were distinct. Using the recreation specialization model, based on economic commitment and centrality-to-lifestyle, birders were divided into three sub-types: advanced-experienced, advanced-active, and novice. Conservation interest and involvement varied only slightly among birder sub-types. Advanced birders were older, more affluent, and more likely to have professional occupations than other sub-types. Motivations varied among birder sub-types. Using the recreation substitutability model, 82.7% of respondents were interested in a one-day nature trek, and 47.5% were willing to trade their current activities for this trek. Substitutability was higher for tourists with wildlife and natural environment motivations, conservation interests, higher education, and of a younger age. The results are incorporated into conceptual frameworks to aid ecotourism management and to characterize linkages between ecotourism and conservation. Implications and recommendations, relevant to the ecotourism industry, environmental and development organizations, national parks, and other government agencies, are discussed. / Graduate

In an understocked game management area surrounding privately managed Kasanka national park in the Central Province of Zambia, local attitudes towards conservation and park-people relations were examined in the context of a community based natural resource management program. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 260 households and a multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data. Significant socioeconomic factors and attributes of households relevant in explaining positive conservation attitudes were education, employment with the park, and experience with outreach efforts. Outreach though is constrained by the limits on revenue generation of a small park, low communication of program purpose, and poor relations between park management and the chief. Support for conservation is undermined by antagonism between locals and wildlife scouts and crop damage by elephants. However, attitudes should improve with a strategy to address human-elephant conflict and enhance communication of the programs accomplishments and objectives.

Neste trabalho foi feito um diagnóstico da situação do Parque Nacional das Emas(GO)onde se procurou evidenciar as razões pelas quais o parque não corresponde de forma eficaz aos objetivos de conservação e uso público. Foram trabalhadas questões como o uso do solo no entorno, os recursos humanos e financeiros disponíveis, a estrutura de funcionamento das instituições competentes e o zoneamento interno do parque, buscando-se sempre alternativas de manejo. A abordagem da área de estudo foi feita através da identificação de Unidades de Paisagem de diferentes grandezas (UPs). Essas UPs permitiram o enquadramento do Parque em contextos maiores, favorecendo, ao mesmo tempo, a compreensão de sua dinâmica interna. Como recurso metodológico, as UPs possibilitaram a integração de questões do âmbito natural com o político-administrativo.

Into the Canyons is a documentary short that provides an intimate portrait of two volunteer Wilderness Rangers working and living in Zion National Park in Utah for a summer. Sarah dreams of being a Park Ranger for the National Park Service, but must wait till she earns US citizenship. Working in an office, Allen wants a change in lifestyle. Together they explore the Wilderness and learn what it means to be a Park Ranger.

This study addresses the healthcare needs of employees and their families living in the Kruger National Park (KNP). A quantitative, explorative, descriptive research design was used to interview respondents who comprised of 75 male and female employees with children of various ages. The findings revealed that physical, psychological, environmental, socio-cultural, and behavioural needs of the employees and their families living in the KNP is probably unattainable as healthcare services are poorly distributed throughout the KNP, being mostly concentrated in the main camp of Skukuza. A number of respondents indicated that they required consultations about psychological and socio-cultural stresses in their lives. These services are not available in the KNP. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(地域研究) / 甲第23305号 / 地博第286号 / 新制||地||110(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院アジア・アフリカ地域研究研究科アフリカ地域研究専攻 / (主査)准教授 佐藤 宏樹, 教授 山越 言, 准教授 安岡 宏和 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Area Studies / Kyoto University / DGAM

The wide variety of strata, structural features, and landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park result from its complex, yet discoverable history. Our task was to write and design an informative book on this complexity while making it engaging for the public. We approached the design of this book using Stufflebeam's (2007) CIPP model. The CIPP model uses both summative and formative evaluations in the categories of context, input, process, and product. It provides the framework to methodically investigate the value of a product and identify and correct less effective pedagogical and design elements during its development. We demonstrated the use of the CIPP model as we wrote and illustrated pages of our book. Beginning with context, we identified our target audience, decided how we would provide a book that would serve this cohort, and made a plan for what we would accomplish with Exploring the Diverse Geology of Capitol Reef National Park. The input step involved understanding how to make our goals reality, especially concerning the design of the final book. We researched how the brain learns most effectively and incorporated those ideas into our book. We used principles developed by Clark and Mayer (2011) to reduce extraneous cognitive load. Research by James Hartley (1994) guided the instructional design and typography techniques. The process step helped us stay organized and follow our original plans. Finally, the product step enabled us and others to evaluate our product both formatively and summatively to make necessary alterations and plans for possibly future editions.