Volume 31, Issue 1 & 2, April 2001

Habitat assessment of small mammals in the Umvoti Vlei Conservancy, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Fuller, J.A.Perrin, M.R. 1-12

Abstract: Small mammal populations were studied in five grasslands: Themeda triandra-dominated, Aristida junciformis-dominated, Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pastures, disturbed grassland and seasonally-wet vlei grassland. Small mammals were live-trapped monthly for six months, from late summer to mid-winter. Cover and average height of the vegetation were sampled, and rodent snap-trapping was undertaken in summer and winter to determine seasonal changes in diet composition. Species diversity and abundance of small mammals were highest in late autumn-early winter. Species diversity was greatest in disturbed and Aristida grasslands. The striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) and the forest shrew (Myosorex varius) were caught in all habitats sampled. At some sites, small mammal abun-dances declined to almost zero following unscheduled, mid-winter burns. Stomach content analysis revealed that R. pumilio was primarily granivorous whereas the multimammate mouse Mastomys natalensis preferred green plant foods. Green plants contributed less to the diets of these species during winter when seed intake was increased. The diet of the swamp musk shrew (Crocidura mariquensis) comprised 92% insect material. Disturbed grasslands, owing to their variety of.

The ecotourism potential of herpetofauna in the Namaqua National Park, South Africa
Loubser, G.J.J.Mouton, P. le F.N.Nel, J.A.J. 13-23

Abstract: Namaqualand, with its seasonal wild flower blooms, is a popular attraction for ecotourists, but in addition it is also home to the greatest diversity of snakes and lizards in South Africa. The present study explores the potential of herpetofauna as an additional ecotourism resource, complimenting the existing wild flower-based tourism. Tourist opinion was deter-mined by means of questionnaires. Results from 880 respondents indicated that tourists visit Namaqualand predominantly to view the wild flowers, but as many as 67% of the respondents indicated that information on herpetofauna will add value to their experience of the area. Seventy-one percent of respondents saw lizards while looking at the flowers. They also indicated that the present supply of information is inadequate and that they are pre-pared to pay a reasonable price for brochures with quality information. The preferred method to receive information is in the form of brochures and an information centre. It was clear from the questionnaires that opportunities exist for cultural tourism to be developed and this should be explored. Our study is intended to assist with the planning and manage-ment of the newly proclaimed Namaqua National Park, and emphasizes the importance of supplying information on the fauna, flora and cultural aspects of the area. By supplying information and actively marketing herpetofauna of the area, the tourist season will be extended and diversified and the experience of ecotourists visiting the area, enhanced. In turn, increased public awareness of the herpetofauna will contribute to its conservation.

Managing Egyptian geese on the croplands of the Agulhas Plain, Western Cape, South Africa
Mangnall, M.J.Crowe, T.M. 25-34

Abstract: Both locally and internationally, there have been increasingly frequent complaints by farmers of damage to crops by thriving populations of geese. Various methods have been used to minimize this damage and alleviate the resulting financial loss. Most methods are ineffective in the absence of critical information on the demography and behaviour of geese and the magnitude of financial damage over the long term, or are prohibitively expensive. Barley and wheat farmers on the Agulhas Plain regard the Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiacus, as a serious agricultural pest. By answering key questions about this species' biology, such as its population increase, spatial and temporal abundance, and financial impact on barley and wheat, recommendations are proposed for the management of the species so as to minimize damage to croplands.

Social and breeding behaviour of the crested francolin in the Rustenburg district, South Africa
Van Niekerk, J.H. 35-42

Abstract: Field studies were conducted to examine basic aspects of the social and breeding biology of the crested francolin Francolinus sephaena from August 1983 to April 1988, in South Africa. Fifty five francolins were trapped and marked with colour rings and small patagial tags, and observed in the field. The crested francolin lives in family coveys of 2-5 birds. The basis of their social organization is a male/female monogamous family system which appears to be the general pattern for a number of francolin species. The presence of a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism in plumage probably acts as a visual stimulus during courtship, with the male being attracted to the characteristic back plumage of the female. It is not clear from the survey whether pairs form permanent monogamous bonds. Courtship displays, male/male interactions, care of young and dynamics of covey structures are described. The mean winter territory during the non-breeding season was 155.3 ha. It was replaced by smaller breeding territories during the breeding season from October to March, which falls in the summer rainfall season. Incubation is by the female only, and she develops incubation patches. The periods for egg-laying, incubation, hatching and the period between hatching and when the nest was vacated was timed in a single case.

Capture and chemical immobilization of black-backed jackals at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Botswana
Kaunda, S.K.K. 43-47

Abstract: Three black-backed jackals were captured and immobilized at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Botswana. Capture efforts resulted in three captures in 204 nights. Of the 162 bait items laid out, 15% were retrieved by jackals, 22% by other scavengers, while it was not possible to determine what took 37% (n = 60) of the baits. Dead rodents were the preferred bait item, while commercial canid lure was never retrieved. All jackals regained consciousness after immobilization with an intra-muscular dose of Zoletil (50 mg) and the recovery process followed a similar pattern between individuals. Results are discussed in relation to jackal wariness under sustained harassment by humans.

Otomyine rodent refuge habitat: does it represent habitat quality for pale chanting-goshawk families?
Malan, G. 49-58

Abstract: The refuge habitat of the dominant rodent prey of family-living pale chanting-goshawks (Melierax canorus) was examined in the Little Karoo, South Africa. The density of 76-150-cm high shrubs accounted for 60% of the variation in the densities of the stick lodges of the dominant prey, Otomys unisulcatus. Densities of heuweltjies (raised soil mounds) accounted for 56% of the variation in the density of Parotomys brantsii warrens. Although young and non-breeding birds were found in all occupied vegetation types at the study site, attention was focused on Karroid Broken Veld since co-breeders were only found there. Karroid Broken Veld had heuweltjies and tall shrubs that were associated with both otomyines unlike other vegetation types that predominantly possessed only one of these characteristics. In this vegetation type, the high otomyine biomass (105 kg/km²) in some years and the ability to exploit two otomyine populations provided the chanting-goshawks with prey choice and high energy returns. If the habitat structure that provides high-density refuge for two otomyines is unique to the study site, the reproductive fitness benefits to resident pale chanting-goshawks may have been pivotal in the evolution of families in this population.

Argulus japonicus in the Olifants River system - possible conservation threat?
Avenant-Oldewage, A. 59-63

Abstract: Argulus japonicus, an introduced fish parasite, is reported from fishes in the Witbank Dam and at the Olifants River Lodge in the Olifants River system. All fishes collected from Witbank Dam were infested and the maximum number per fish was 87. No parasites were present on fishes from the Lowveld region. This parasite was reported from the Vaal River where epidemic num-bers occur. It is suggested that water transfer from the Grootdraai Dam in the Vaal River brought about the infestation in the Olifants River. The spread of the para-site downstream is probably prevented by low water temperature regimes on the Highveld. Should a flood occur, fishes and parasites could be washed down-stream to the Kruger National Park where favourable water temperatures could lead to massive infestations and resultant fish kills.

Body and carcass composition of the common duiker
Ferreira, A.V.Hoffman, L.C. 63-66

Abstract: Data on the carcass, offal and joint yields of nine mature male duiker shot on a farm in the Eastern Cape are pre-sented. The mean live mass of the nine duiker examined was 16.7 +/- 2.01 kg and the cold carcass yield 51.8 +/- 1.85% (percentage of live mass) and 60.1 +/- 1.99% (per-centage of empty body mass) respectively. The duiker was found to be more productive in high quality retail cuts than domestic stock.

Notes on the winter diet of the crested francolin in South Africa
Van Niekerk, J.H. 66-67

Abstract: This study describes the diet and feeding behaviour of the crested francolin, Francolinus sephaena. The contents of 37 francolin crops from five localities in the Northern and North West Province were analysed. Tree resin from Acacia trees formed an important part of the winter diet. The resin is gleaned from the bark surface while perching in a tree. The occurrence of grain, animal and vegetable matter in their diet is similar to what has been recorded for other francolin species. The removal of trees for domestic fuel or agricultural purposes could have a critical impact on suitable habitat for crested francolin.

An update on the status of southern elephant seals at Gough Island
Bester, M.N.Moller, H.Wium, J.Enslin, B. 68-71

Abstract: A slow decline in the small breeding population of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at Gough Island appears to have taken place over a period of 25 years (1973-1998). The estimated number of births has declined from a high of 38 in 1975 to a low of 11 in 1997. The remaining population is vulnerable; especially during the breeding season in spring, and human distur-bance should be limited, in particular during the annual relief of the South African meteorological team sta-tioned at the island.