Taxonomy of diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) was studied in 45 samples from Acadia National Park, Maine, U.S.A. Approximately 550 diatom taxa in 87 genera were observed in the samples from various habitats (i.e., lakes, streams, wetlands, wetwalls and brackish habitats). The most species rich group of diatoms, Eunotiophycidae, was studied in detail, resulting in a detailed documentation of 81 species and varieties with 18 probably new taxa.

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has recently been recognised as an alien invasive species in the Eastern Cape and their population is increasing rapidly within the region. This then raises a concern as it is recorded that invasive species have negative impacts on both economic and ecological aspects of biodiversity in the receiving community. There are few studies that have documented the impacts of this species in the Eastern Cape. This study therefore seeks to determine the diet and population trends of this species in the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) Main Camp and the results obtained can be correlated with previous studies and used to quantify the impacts of this species in the Eastern Cape. Warthogs are specialized grazers, it was therefore hypothesized that they will have potential impacts on grazing resources in the AENP Main Camp. The diet of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp was determined through microhistological analysis of faecal material of samples collected seasonally. Population trends of common warthogs were determined in relation to the effects of predation on the population growth and population age structure of these animals within the AENP Main Camp. The results were compared with the findings for common warthog population growth and population age structure of Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), a predator free population. It was hypothesized that the population growth rate of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp before the introduction of lions and hyaenas in the AENP would not differ from the population growth rate of common warthogs in GFRNR. Secondly, the post-lion/hyaena common warthog population in the AENP Main Camp would differ from both the AENP Main Camp pre-lion/hyaena and GFRNR common warthog populations due to the presence of large predators in the AENP Main Camp. For population age structure it was hypothesized that the two populations, AENP Main Camp and GFRNR would differ because of predators increasing mortality. The diet of common warthogs was dominated by grass (87.4 percent), with Cynodon dactylon being the dominant grass species. Common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp should be properly managed because they have potential impact on grasses. The population growth of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp showed no effect of predation, with population growth not differing from that of GFRNR. Predation had an effect on common warthog population age structure with AENP Main Camp and GFRNR populations differing, particularly in terms of adult structure. Thus, population growth of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp is not determined by the presence of predators. These findings highlight the status of common warthog as an invasive species in the AENP Main Camp and potentially impacting on grass species and show little effects of top-down population regulation. These results show a need of monitoring common warthog population as well as their potential impacts in the area.

0 / SPK / specialcollections@tulane.edu

The study set out to determine some of the bioecological relationships of the sable antelope Hippotragus niger niger (Harris, 1838) in the Rhodes Matopos National Park, Rhodesia. The vegetation of the area is divided into seven categories each of which is discussed. The population in the study area (approximately 200) had three major components as follows: the breeding groups, the bachelor male groups and territorial males. The structure of the breeding groups varied seasonally. Bachelor male groups of two to 12 consisted of younger males which had as yet not established territories. Territorial males fell into three classes depending on status:- class I: central territorial; class II: peripheral territorial and class III: outer territorial males, in relation to the breeding group home ranges. The population had a recruitment rate of 26 - 29 per cent fron young of the year and a calving percentage of 56 - 67 per cent, calculated towards the end of the year for 1971 and 1972. The male to fenale sex ratio was not significantly different from a l:l ratio for calves and yearlings but in adults the females outnumbered the males significantly. Breeding groups were found to have home ranges ranging in area from 240 ha to 280 ha though this did not apply in the strictest sense. The territories of territorial males were marked by branch breaking on shrubs and were equivalent to home ranges. The territories ranging from 25 ha to 40 ha in size were defended against other territorial males though bachelor males were tolerated. Social organisation of the ropulation wns based on intraspecific aggressiveness and intolerance and the dominance of one individual over another. Various dominance displays are discussed. Although difficult to determine exactly, the gestation period was about 270 days, the peak calving period being early February. The peak rut took place during May and June although fenales were mated at other times during the year. Measurements and mass are given for 47 young calves which were captured, marked and released for field studies. The sable were found to be selective grazers of nediun height grass showing preference for new growth. Sable appeared to be water dependent, drinking mostly from l3h00 to l4h00. Twenty-eight plant species were recorded as food plants, four of which were dicotyledonous. Seasonal use of different habitats was recorded. Mortality factors in the study area included predation, accidental deaths and illegal hunting, with possible mortality from parasite infestation and fighting. Management of the species involves management of the sable population itself and managenent of the habitat in which they live. Management inplications are discussed. AFRIKAANS : Die doel van die huidige studie was om sekere bioekologiese verwantskappe van die Swrartwitpens Hippotragus niger niger (Harris, 1838) te bestudeer in die Rhodes Matopos Nationale Park in Rhodesië. Die plantetgroei van die area is in sewe subklasse verdeel en elk van die subklasse is bespreek. Die bevolking van ongeveer 200 Swartwitpense het uit drie hoof groepe bestaan, nl., die teelgroepe, vrygesel bulgroepe en territoriale bulle. Die samestelling van die teelgroepe het gewissel van seisoen tot seisoen. Die vrygesel bulgroepe het uit twee tot 12 jonger bulle bestaan wat nog nie 'n territoriale gebied afgebaken het nie. Die territoriale bulle kan volgens status in drie groepe verdeel word nl. klas I: sentraal territoriaal; klas II: aangrensend territoriaal en klas III: rand territoriaal ten opsigte van die weidingsgebied van die teelgroepe. Die Swartwitpens bevolking het 'n jaarlikse aanvas van tussen 26 - 29 persent gehad en die kalfpersentasie was tussen 56 - 67 persent. Die syfers is gebaseer op gegewens ingewin gedurende Oktober tot Desember vir die 1971 en 1972 seisoene. Die geslagsverhouding het nie betekenisvol afgewyk van 'n 1:1 verhouding vir kalwers en een tot twee jaar oud diere nie, maar by volwasse diere was daar betekenisvol meer koeie as bulle. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 1973. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

Blood was collected from 71 tsessebe antelope and ticks from 12 of these animals, in the Vaalbos National Park. The samples were collected when the animals were relocated to a new park as a result of the deproclamation of Vaalbos National Park. DNA was extracted from the blood samples and the V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene of any piroplasm parasites present was amplified by PCR. The RLB hybridisation technique was used to identify piroplasm parasites. Theileria spp. were identified and full-length 18S rRNA genes were amplified, cloned and sequenced. The results indicated the presence of novel Theileria spp. phylogenetically very closely related to both Theileria sp. (sable) and Theileria separate. The ticks collected were all Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, which has been shown to be capable of acting as a vector for Theileria spp. All animals appeared to be in good health at the time of sampling and after relocation. It is thus possible that, as with several other wildlife species, the Theileria spp. identified here do not cause disease under normal circumstances and that a situation of endemic stability exists. Once the host is under any form of stress, however, overt clinical disease may well become evident. The significance of these Theileria spp. should not be underestimated, and care should be taken not to transmit the organisms into new areas. More research will need to be conducted to determine the exact clinical significance of these findings and the role of Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi as a potential vector for these Theileria spp. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

By revealing deeper meanings and connecting the visitor to the resource, interpretation strives to accomplish a number of goals. Interpretation can increase knowledge of a program\'s topic, change the visitor's attitude toward something, change future behaviors, and increase appreciation for a place and its resources. While literature exists professing best practices for interpretation, little empirical support is present in the research literature to validate these practices' individual links to desired outcomes. This study empirically identifies attributes of the interpreter that statistically linked to visitor outcomes. We tracked 31 interpreter attributes and 10 intended outcomes of interpreters in 376 live interpretive programs in 24 units of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) and conducted visitor surveys immediately following the programs. This research addresses the following question: Which interpreter attributes most consistently lead to desired outcomes? Our research shows that the interpreter attributes most consistently associated with positive visitor outcomes were the interpreter's apparent degree of confidence and expression authentic emotion. The results can be used to inform interpretive training throughout the National Park Service. / Master of Science

No description available.

Desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) abundance and distribution, deer activity and diet, fawn survival, and predation were studied in Big Bend National Park, Texas from 15 January 1980 to 9 December 1981. Deer abundance was correlated with total plant, forage, and succulent densities but was also related to perennial water abundance and bed site availability. Fawn production and survival were related to spring rainfall. Diurnal and annual deer activity were influenced by temperature where spring and winter had longer daily activity compared to summer. Daily activity by deer was highest during the morning and evening. Forage use varied seasonally with browse use decreasing from spring to winter with a corresponding increase in use of forbs. Diets of two deer herds were compared and during drought periods forb use decreased until summer rains occurred. Prior to the rains, deer relied on evergreen browse species. Additionally, deer within mesic areas had a higher use of forb species contrasted with deer within xeric areas. Predator diet significantly changed with a decline in the deer population determined from pellet-group transects. Mountain lions (Felis concolor) used smaller prey including javelina and lagomorphs. Coyotes (Canis latrans) fed opportunistically by increasing use of insects, birds, reptiles, and lagomorphs. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) increased use of lagomorphs with little change in other prey species. Given alternate prey species, predator populations remained relatively constant given the deer decline.

A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree: Master of Science In School of Animal, Plants and Environmental Sciences, University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg 2015 / This study aimed to determine the role and relative importance of predator avoidance and nutrition as processes influencing herbivore utilisation of burnt areas, at Satara, Kruger National Park by using variation in fire size and fire season. The driving factors investigated included forage quality, forage quantity, vegetation structure and predation risk. The effect of fire size and season on the landscape was tested by recording grass height, greenness, grass nutrient sampling and visibility. Results showed that fire size and season had a significant impact on the physical environment by decreasing grass/forage quantity post-fire but increasing grass/forage quality. Over time the plots returned to near pre-fire conditions, with forage quantity increasing (grass height and biomass) and forage quality decreasing (nitrogen availability). Visibility increased immediately post-fire, more significantly in regards to herbivores with their heads in a “head-down/grazing” position than in a “head raised/vigilant” position. As with forage quantity and quality, visibility returned to near pre-fire conditions at the end of the study sampling period. The response of animals to these changes in the environment was recorded through dung counts, camera traps and behavioural observations. I found that there was increased use of burnt plots post-fire through comparing herbivore presence on plots burned in different sizes and seasons, day/night utilisation of plots, and using behaviour data I could determine to what extent forage and predation risk were driving the use of burnt areas. I focused on three herbivore species (Aepyceros melampus, Connochaetes taurinus and Equus quagga) which varied in terms of body size digestive systems, forage type, and social behaviour. As expected, I found that predation risk did appear to be more important in driving the behaviour of the smaller-bodied herbivores but both nutrient requirements and susceptibility to predation were shown to play a role in explaining the use of burnt areas for all three herbivore species. Variation between plots in environmental factors such as tree density, forb percentage and distance to water, were found to be not significant and thus did not confound our results

Changes in vegetation may influence the quality and quantity of the underlying organic peat soils and have impacts on faunal populations. My goal was to determine whether shifts from native slough communities to invasive cattail in the Florida Everglades could affect peat characteristics that could cascade to impact the dry season survival of crayfish (Procambarus fallax). I contrasted peat soils from native slough and cattail-invaded sites as alternative dry-season burrowing substrates for crayfish. Cattail peat had higher average bulk density and inorganic content within the first ten centimeters of the soil profile. Crayfish showed marginally greater initial burrowing success in slough peat than in cattail peat but survival was equivalent in both peat soils and high overall. Understanding these indirect linkages between vegetation and crayfish populations in the Everglades can provide insight on the consequences of plant invasion on ecosystem trophic dynamics. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection