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.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park has historically been prioritized for biodiversity conservation but it also has the oldest protected wilderness area in the country. For 50 years, conservation management, tourism and education within the Imfolozi Wilderness Area have generally been carried out using non-mechanized wilderness principles. The validity of the Imfolozi Wilderness is constantly questioned in terms of efficiency, equity and aesthetics and is consequently subject to a variety of pressures that those different ideologies can exert. The historical development and applicability of the wilderness concept is examined here against evolving South African social and environmental circumstances. Whilst this investigation confirms the findings that colonialism and apartheid resulted in the exclusion of local peoples from protected areas, it also takes note that Imfolozi’s history is characterized by organizations and individuals who ignored the racist laws of the time. Nevertheless, management structures pertaining to both politics and conservation tended to be top-down, such that the Imfolozi Wilderness retained an air of elitism, regardless of attempts to be racially inclusive. Modern trends in protected area management expose the necessity of refining the justification of wilderness areas, to simultaneously recognize localized priorities and the importance of such areas to the planet’s ecological wellbeing. Without attempting to resolve philosophical debates but, at the same time, recognizing their validity, protected area management requirements for the Imfolozi Wilderness are examined in terms of the legal mandate handed to the management agency. This leads to the selection of the Limits of Acceptable Change planning and management system which is implemented as an action research project in conjunction with the Imfolozi Management Team, over a three year period. This involved: defining legal mandates and area issues; defining the zonation categories for the wilderness area; selecting the indicators to measure human impact; compiling an inventory of conditions in the wilderness area; specifying standards; examining alternative zonation category allocations from stakeholders and selecting a preferred alternative. The desired outcome was the establishment of a system in which managers could receive ongoing collaboration from stakeholders and consultatively develop a defendable wilderness management strategy that would meet the legal requirements of the area’s proclamation. Through a descriptive narrative, this dissertation provides an account of the implementation process and discusses to what extent this has been achieved. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

Submitted to Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Community Work in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2002. / The aim of this research was to examine the problems related to the utilisation of household and community resources for enterprise development at Lower Umfolozi, and to assess the extent to which women that are involved in income-generating projects utilise community resources. It was found that community resources used by projects in the Lower Umfolozi produce a surplus that can generate income. It was noted that while women involved in income-generating projects are interested in generating income they experience many problems, the most fundamental being lack of capital and access to land. Since the land used for generating income is small and fragmented, under the control of Inkosi, landholders do not have a choice of size of land. The low literacy rate among women in enterprise development organisations has not only contributed to their low income but has also led to the development of negative attitudes towards income-generating projects. The combined effect of all the problems cited above has resulted in low standards in enterprise development organisations in the Lower Umfolozi region. It is argued that the availability of community resources to these projects can increase production, alleviate poverty and can create job opportunities for all. / National Research Fund

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

A mini-thesis submitted in fulfillrnent ofthereqnirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Linguistics, University of Zululand, 2003. / The new political dispensation in South Africa has given "equal" status to eleven languages, practically English still enjoys special rights it used to enjoy in the old order, prior to 1994. To cite but a few examples, English is still the official medium of instruction in many South African schools, private or public. Huge knowledge of information is inaccessible to many South Africans unless they are competent in English. Job applications and interviews are carried out in this language. When dealing with issues of national interest, government officials use this language. They will argue that many South Africans and ethnic groups can comprehend English. Thus, it is an "unbiased", "neutral", "standard" and a unifying", etc. language. It is, therefore, very much unlikely that the South African president could one day deliver the State of the nation Address in isiXhosa, seSotho or isiZulu. Media institutions would rarely employ a person who cannot comprehend English. Many of them - printing, radio stations and television channels -have English as their main language. One may cite commercials and interviews with the president on a national TV as examples. Even those media institutions that use other languages (not English), very often find themselves compromising their standards because of the influence of English. What is discussed above is the undeniable situation of the country. Whether one views it as good or otherwise, the truth is, this is the status quo at the present moment. English has not only established itself as a national lingua franca, but it is also taking control globally, both in politics, economy and other social affairs. The whole research in this study was based on the premise that, "with English you stand, and without English you fail", particularly in South Africa. Hence the utmost aim of this research work has been to come up with a teaching technique that would avert any "fall" of any South African. The researcher was convinced that there was something wrong with the main existing teaching technique, the Communicative Language Teaching approach (CLT) for failing to yield desired results after so many years it has been in place. Moreover, the time that the learners expend in learning the language (from grade one to grade twelve) is sufficient for them to have grasped and internalised a considerable knowledge and command of English, particularly at matric level. Consequently, the study had to examine the CLT approach thoroughly, before anything could be recommenced. The researcher is of the conviction that, although English was sometimes referred to as a "neutral"' language, it is not always so with Black South African learners, especially in Black rural schools. In some instances English has been seen as a barrier to some learners' possible success. The Black High schools where this research was conducted have attested to this statement. Considering the magnitudirial role of English already discussed, one could not dispute the fact that learners to whom English is a second language (ESL) are not competing from an equal footing with their English native speaking counterparts. The former are usually held back whilst the latter are put a step ahead by the status of the language. All the above mentioned facts should lay a profound reason for the introduction of the best possible ever teaching technique. One could only hope that this piece of work will make a positive difference for the disadvantaged learners to be assisted.

The physical and chemical properties of soils can greatly influence the vegetation patterns in a landscape. This is especially so through the effect that particular characteristics of soils have on the water balance and nutrient cycling in savanna ecosystems. Areas in the savanna environment found in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park have experienced a number of changes in the vegetation patterns observed. This study, therefore, looks at the effect that soil characteristics may have on the vegetation growth in this area and on the changes that have taken place over time. Fixed-point photographs, taken every four years, were used to choose fourteen sites in the Park, which showed either a ‘change’ or ‘no-change’ in vegetation from 1974 to 1997. The sites consisted of four which had ‘no-change’ in vegetation, two sites with a slight increase (5- 20%) in tree density, three sites with a greater increase in tree density (>20%), two sites with a slight decrease in tree density (5-20%), and three sites with a greater decrease in tree density (>20%). Transects were then carried out at each site, in which the soil was classified to the form and family level. Each horizon was then sampled and the field texture, structure, Munsell colour and depth of each horizon and profile recorded. The data recorded in the field were statistically analysed through a principal component analysis (PCA). The type of horizon, horizon boundary, structure type, colour group and depth for the top and subsoil were included in the models and were analysed with the number given to each site for each of the three sections of the Park, namely Hluhluwe, the Corridor and iMfolozi. The most prominent textures at all sites were sandy loam, loam, clay loam and silt loam for both the top and subsoil for all site categories. The texture classes were also compared across the Hluhluwe, Corridor and iMfolozi sections. The dominant textures in the Hluhluwe and Corridor sections are loam, clay loam and silt loam for both top and subsoils. Sites sampled in the iMfolozi section appear to have textures mainly associated with the clay loam and sandy loam classes. The structure classes of the soil including sub-angular blocky, granular and crumb which are associated with a moderate structure appear to be the most dominant type in all categories for the topsoil; single-grain and sub-angular blocky classes the main types for the subsoil. Generally the colour of the soil at all the sites sampled was yellower than 2.5YR and the values and chromas mostly fell within the range of 3-5 and 2-6, respectively. This is also shown in the PCA results obtained, which associate particular soil characteristics with the various sites sampled for the different vegetation change categories investigated. The samples collected were also analysed in the laboratory after being air-dried. The laboratory analysis included measurements of pH, exchangeable acidity, organic carbon, extractable phosphorus, particle size distribution and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The data recorded in the laboratory were also analysed by PCA. This was used to determine which soil properties are associated with the particular sites investigated. The pH of the soil, in all areas, fell within a wide range. The pH is influenced by the rainfall in the area and thus sites sampled in the Hluhluwe section are more acidic than those sampled in the Corridor and iMfolozi sections. The topsoils had a higher pH for all the samples and were in the range between 5 and 7. The exchangeable acidity measurements were low, although they were higher in the subsoil as opposed to the topsoil. The nutrient contents did not appear to vary greatly between the different sites in the Park. Generally extractable phosphorus, CEC and organic carbon were low across the Park. The particle size analysis showed that the clay percentage increases between the top and subsoil for all the sites sampled. The silt and various fractions of sand percentages vary across all sites and are lower than the clay percentage at all sites except the A horizon of the ‘slight increase’ sites. The ‘no-change’, and ‘increase’ sites have a higher percentage of clay as compared to the silt and sand fraction for both the A and B horizon. The ‘slight increase’ sites have a higher percentage of sand in the A and B horizon, the ‘slight decrease’ sites have a more equal percentage between the sand, silt and clay fractions in the A horizon and a greater percentage of clay in the B horizon. The ‘decrease’ sites have a greater percentage of clay and silt in the A and B horizon. While certain soil properties have a definite effect on the plant growth, no relationship between specific soil properties and vegetation changes was shown. However, it is likely that the soil structure and texture affect the vegetation patterns, through their influences on the water and nutrient holding capacity. With an increase in the clay percentage and more strongly structured soils, plants can access more water and nutrients and this will increase the tree density in an area. However, the recent changes in the vegetation patterns observed in the Park appear to be more associated with other environmental factors. The soil properties analysed would have generally been more constant at the sites sampled, particularly over the relatively short period of time in this study. Therefore, the changes which were recorded in the fixed-point photographs would have been enhanced by other factors experienced in the Park, including fire and the effect that grazers and browsers have on the vegetation. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

While many studies have been done on Lions, relatively little work has been conducted on how they interact with local habitats and the factors of importance in determining home ranges and territories. The interactions between predators and patchily distributed resources and the basic tenets of Ideal Free Distribution theory have been used in this study as the basis in explaining how lions distribute themselves in space and why they choose particular areas above others in regards territory location. The study was conducted in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa and involved the use of historical lion sightings data recorded between the years 1973 and 1999 inclusive. A variety of potential explanatory variables including vegetation, topography, rainfall, main river distribution, roads, hyaena den locations and prey were used in developing logistic models which were then used to predict areas most likely to be colonised by lion. Model predictions were tested against independently collected validation data from an introduced pride . Modelling was conducted at a 1km² grid cell size. In total, seventeen models were formulated for four lion variables, namely cubs, adult females in groups of two or more, adult males seen with adult females and adult males only. All models accounted for a significant amount of deviance (p<0.001) except for one cub model (p=0.003). Models which performed best in correlations with validation data were those formulated for adult females in groups of two or more and cubs (p<0.05). Variables of importance in these models included distance from main rivers and presence/absence of public roads. Preferences for travelling on roads were influenced by vegetation type, with thicket promoting travel on roads and the opposite being true of open woodland, however this was only true for females in groups of two or more. Main rivers represent high quality resource areas for lions in the reserve since they provide water, shelter, cover (hence ease of prey capture) and travel lines. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) was reintroduced into Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park (HUP) in 1980/81 after an absence of over 50 years. A 'hands off' management approach was applied. Although the reintroduction is regarded as successful, the population has not increased significantly and still only consists of a single pack. Various aspects which may affect this population were investigated to compile an active management strategy. Home range analyses identified extensive use of a home range which covered only 22.7 % of HUP and was situated entirely in Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The extensive movements of the dogs within their home range were primarily dictated by the movements and distribution of their prey species, especially nyala (Tragelaphus angasu) and impala (Aepyceros melampus). Forest habitats were preferred, but all available habitat types were utilised extensively by the wild dogs. Space and habitat were both considered to have no limiting effect on this population and HUP has sufficient space and suitable habitat to support a larger population of L. pictus. A number of potentially pathogenic antigens were identified in the population, indicating that it had been exposed to these at some time. Domestic dogs in the areas surrounding HUP were identified as the most likely source of these diseases which pose a threat to the wild dogs. Some genetic considerations are discussed in terms of their effect on the population status and management of the wild dogs. A number of management proposals based on the results of the project were formulated. It is suggested that an active management approach be adopted for the population. This includes managing it as part of a metapopulation which primarily involves the exchange of genetic material among similar wild dog populations on a regular basis. The immediate supplementation of the population with new genetic material is proposed. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.

The small population size of wild dog Lycaon pictus (10) in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park (HUP) and the decline in their numbers since 1992, has caused concern for their survival and consideration of further introductions. In the light of many failed wild dog relocation and reintroduction programmes, this study contributes towards an understanding of the ecology of the HUP wild dog pack. Wild dog prey preference was determined from scat analysis and personal observations, and their potential impact on the primary prey species was modelled. The choice of physical habitat features by wild dog and their ranging behaviour within the Park were correlated with the distribution of their primary prey and other predators. To determine the susceptibility of prey to predation in three reserves with different predator diversities and densities, prey vigilance and prey response to playback recordings of predator calls were recorded. The results showed that wild dog preference for females, adult nyala Tragelaphus angasi and juvenile impala Aepyceros melampus, was a function of prey abundance, profitability calculated using a diet choice model, and ease of capture. Based on the overall lack of association of wild dog and their primary prey species and predators, and the overall lack of similarity of wild dog and prey choice of physical habitat features, predator presence was the most important determinant of wild dog ranging behaviour. Prey vigilance differed significantly between reserves and was inversely correlated with predator density. Prey response to predator calls did not differ significantly between reserves but prey did, however, react sooner to those calls unfamiliar to them. Nyala were more vigilant and responded sooner to playbacks than impala suggesting that nyala may experience greater levels of predation pressure. There was no evidence to suggest that the prey preference, habitat preference and ranging behaviour of the wild dog were influenced by the susceptibility of prey to predation. Models of prey population dynamics determined that although the introduction of an additional wild dog pack would result in a reduction of current prey population growth rates and an increase in prey population extinction probabilities, their predicted impact would be slight. Since emigration and population viability were identified as the primary causes of the HUP wild dog population decline, the introduction of two groups of wild dog individuals into Hluhluwe was suggested to boost population numbers and stimulate breeding and dispersal within the Park. The importance of future monitoring and proactive management was stressed to ensure the survival of this valuable species in the Park. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.