Adding another piece to the southern African Cercopithecus monkey phylogeography puzzle

The samango monkey is South Africa's only exclusively forest dwelling primate and represents the southernmost extent of the range of arboreal guenons in Africa. The main threats to South Africa's forests and thus to the samango are linked to increasing land-use pressure and increasing demands for forest resources, resulting in deforestation, degradation and further fragmentation of irreplaceable habitats. The species belongs to the highly polytypic Cercopithecus nictitans group which is sometimes divided into two species C. mitis and C. albogularis. The number of subspecies of C. albogularis is also under debate and is based only on differences in pelage colouration and thus far no genetic research has been undertaken on South African samango monkey populations. In this study we aim to further clarify the number of samango monkey subspecies, as well as their respective distributions in South Africa by combining molecular, morphometric and pelage data. Overall, our study provides the most comprehensive view to date into the taxonomic description of samango monkeys in South Africa. Our data supports the identification of three distinct genetic entities namely; C. a. labiatus, C. a. erythrarchus and C. a. schwarzi and argues for separate conservation management of the distinct genetic entities defined by this study.

Critically endangered Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus Temminck, 1823), like many vulture species globally, are experiencing rapid population declines due to anthropogenic factors such as poisonings, human persecution, trading for belief-based use, and habitat loss/degradation. The Hooded Vulture is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Although it is considered one of the most abundant vultures in West Africa, this vulture species is less common in East and southern Africa, with the population at the southern-most edge of the distribution (in South Africa and Eswatini) estimated at only 100–200 mature individuals. The distribution of Hooded Vultures has contracted dramatically in southern Africa, with breeding populations largely confined to protected areas such as the Greater Kruger National Park. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of the southern African range-edge population and assess if the recent contraction in the distribution has resulted in the population experiencing a genetic bottleneck. Sixteen microsatellite loci were amplified for samples collected along the Olifants River in the Greater Kruger National Park (n = 30). The genetic diversity in the South African population was compared to samples (n = 30) collected in Ghana, where Hooded Vultures are more abundant. Contrary to expectations, the South African peripheral Hooded Vulture population showed higher levels of heterozygosity (HO = 0.495) than the Ghanaian population (HO = 0.315). Neither population showed signs of recent bottleneck events when tested using demographic modelling and Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). However, both populations showed high levels of inbreeding and relatedness. Our results suggest that despite being a small peripheral population, the South African Hooded Vulture population showed a similar level of genetic diversity as individuals sampled from a core population within the species distribution (in Ghana). This study supports the need for Hooded Vulture conservation efforts in the southern African region and highlights the evolutionary importance of range-edge populations.

Genetic conservation of South African wattled cranes

Understanding the Implications of Mitochondrial DNA Variation in the Health of Black Southern African Populations: The 2014 Workshop.

Retracing the origins of invasive species is a first critical step in identifying potential mechanisms of introduction, implementation of management strategies and forecasting the spread of the invader. Mytilus galloprovincialis is an intertidal mussel that is widely distributed in many temperate and subtropical regions. It is invasive worldwide and the most successful invasive marine species in southern Africa. Previous studies have examined genetic relationships between a few South African populations from the south-western coast and other worldwide populations, presenting evidence of a north-eastern Atlantic origin of the invasion. Here, a combination of nuclear (Me15/16 PCR-based) and mitochondrial (16S restriction fragment-length polymorphism; 16S RFLP) DNA assays was applied to infer the origin of this strong invader across its entire southern African distribution (South Africa and Namibia). The 16S RFLP confirmed the northern hemisphere as being the likely sole source of invasion. Additionally, the frequencies of haplotypes at the 16S marker and alleles at the Me15/16 locus point to north-eastern Atlantic shores as the most likely origin throughout the Namibian and South African distribution of the species.

Samples of 162 impala antelope (Aepyceros melampus) from throughout its distribution range in sub-Saharan Africa were surveyed using eight polymorphic microsatellite loci. Furthermore, 155 previously published mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from the same localities were reanalyzed. Two subspecies of impala are presently recognized--the isolated black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi) in southwest Africa and the common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) abundant in southern and east Africa. All tests performed indicated significant genetic differentiation at the subspecific level. Furthermore, individual-based analyses split the common impala subspecies into two distinct genetic groups, conforming with regional geographic affiliation to southern or east Africa. This was supported by assignment tests, genetic distance measures, pairwise theta values, and analysis of molecular variance. We suggest that the presence of such previously unknown regional structuring within the subspecies reflects a pattern of colonization from a formerly large panmictic population in southern Africa toward east Africa. This scenario was supported by a progressive decline in population diversity indices toward east Africa and a significant increase in the quantity theta/(1 - theta). Both microsatellite and mtDNA data indicated a genetic distinctiveness of the Samburu population in Kenya.

Leach's storm petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa have bred at Dyer Island since at least 1995; a review of earlier records in the light of this discovery indicates that breeding has almost occurred since at least the 1970s. The South African offshore islands on which Leach's storm petrel almost certainly breeds are Jutten, Dassen, Dyer and St Croix. The South African population is probably of the order of 25 pairs. The migrant component of the Leach's storm petrel population visiting southern Africa is mainly confined to deep ocean waters (generally 2000–5000 m deep) and occurs in particularly high densities around Agulhas Rings where ring-edges apparently provided excellent foraging opportunities. Leach's storm petrels are comparatively scarce over the shelf areas (defined as coastal water of less than 2000 m depth) of Namibia and western South Africa. Given their abundance at sea, their distance offshore, the seasonality of their occurrence and their moult status, these birds cannot be part of the South African breeding population, and must therefore be mainly from colonies of the north Atlantic Ocean. The Leach's storm petrels breeding in South Africa appear to be relatively large, comparable in size to populations breeding in the north Atlantic Ocean. Molecular techniques should be used to determine the most closely related population, and possibly the period for which the South African population has been isolated.

Introduction - shedding the past, shaping the future, David Simon. Part 1 Population and mobility: obscuring history? contemporary patterns of regional migration to South Africa, Sally Peberdy gender, labour markets and migration in and from Botswana, Kavita Datta the sexual and economic politics of (re)integration - HIV/AIDS and the question of stability in southern Africa, Doug Webb. Part 2 Transcending the past - the politics of dis- and re-engagement: in the wake of war - military transitions in southern Africa, Susan Willett small arms proliferation - a major challenge for post-apartheid South and southern Africa, Alex Vines South Africa's foreign policy - from isolation to respectability?, Greg Mills nature has the power to heal old wounds - war, peace and changing patterns of conservation in southern Africa, Eddie Koch. Part 3 Changing geographies of production and economic integration: the changing role of sugar as a vehicle for economic development within southern Africa, Steve Atkins and Alan Terry lessons unlearned -South Africa's one-way relationship with Zimbabwe, Colin Stoneman desert enclave to regional gateway? Walvis Bay's reintegration into Namibia, David Simon powering the region - South Africa and the southern Africa power pool, Tore Horvei SADC, COMESA, SACU -contradictory formats for regional integration in southern Africa?, James Sidaway prospects for the region, David Simon.

AimPleistocene climate shifts were influential in shaping biodiversity patterns for forest‐dependent species. Within southern Africa, palaeoclimatic shifts possibly homogenised subtropical Afromontane forest biodiversity, yet these forests continue to harbour unique diversity. For the three songbird species with different natural histories, we investigated the refugial role of subtropical Afromontane and scarp forests and explored specifically how palaeoclimatic events impacted genetic connectivity among forest patches.LocationMaputaland‐Pondoland‐Albany Biodiversity Hotspot, south‐eastern South Africa.TaxonBatis capensis, Phylloscopus ruficapilla and Pogonocichla stellata.MethodsMitochondrial control region sequences and microsatellite data were used to assess genetic diversity and population structure among 406 birds. Demographic change was inferred using Bayesian skyline plots (BSPs), and approximate Bayesian computations (ABCs) were used to identify gene flow trends among putative refugia. Environmental niche models (ENMs) were used to infer past occurrence probabilities.ResultsSpecies BSPs supported regional presence predating the Last Glacial Maximum (21 kya) and indicated post‐glacial population expansions. ABC modelling revealed that present‐day gene flow trends emerged largely during the current interglacial (<12 kya), suggesting that thermal maxima promote regional forest expansion. The north‐eastern source of gene flow in all the three species suggested a post‐glacial influx from refugia further north, while southern scarp forests sustained secondary source populations for B. capensis and P. ruficapilla. High gene flow signatures from south‐western forests in B. capensis and especially P. stellata alluded to hidden source populations in the under‐surveyed southern Afrotemperate forests—the southernmost Afromontane forest bloc. ENMs corroborated both scarp and southern Afrotemperate forests as glacial refugia and demonstrated persistent regional population presence over the past 120 kya.Main ConclusionsThe population genetics and palaeodistribution of the three bird species indicate their regional persistence throughout the late Pleistocene, suggesting that Afromontane and scarp forests of south‐eastern South Africa served as refugia for subtropical African avian forest biota.

Diet, Body Size, and Landscape Use among Holocene People in the Southern Cape, South Africa

Diet, Body Size, and Landscape Use among Holocene People in the Southern Cape, South Africa

Using molecular methods to determine the origin of weed populations of Pereskia aculeata in South Africa and its relevance to biological control

The Mandela 1 government that came into power in 1994 made the democratization of science and technology a priority in post-apartheid South Africa (Joubert, 2001, p. 316). Attendant ideas of Science Communication and Public Understanding of Biotechnology 2 have hitherto become currency in South Africa’s public sector drive towards the democratization of science. Democratization of science and technology implies that the people as non-experts are an integral part of all deliberations on policy, regulation and control of science and technology, for example, in debates or controversies on issues arising from biotechnology. Democratization of science and technology is about the sociopolitical control of science and technology by wider society. Science and technology must be controlled by wider society because evil-minded groups of people can ill-use it to inflict harm on other groups of people. Moreover, certain unscrupulous and corrupt business entities can collude with the state and/or powerful and influential sociopolitical figures in societies to exploit and abuse indigenous scientific resources as well as endogenous modes of specialized scientific knowledge. On the latter, for example, they can evoke intellectual property rights (IPR) to patent resources that are not theirs historically. Thus, the ideal-type of democracy makes it imperative for the people of South Africa and of other societies in Africa to understand and actively participate in developments in science and technology. 3 This need necessitates increasing scholarly attention to be given to questions of science communication and public understanding of science, arising at the intersection between science, society and politics in South and southern Africa. Some of the major drivers of the processes of the democratization of science are social movements, which are elements of civil society (Ballard, Habib and Valodia, 2006). Social movements do fill and are apt to fill an important gap in science communication and public understanding of biotechnology in South and southern Africa. Scientists are accused generally of being poor communicators of science and technology, preferring to work in isolation, behind closed doors, in laboratories (Latour, 1987). Science communities are notoriously insular (Weingart et al., 2000). News media practitioners are accused of misrepresenting-by distorting, oversimplifying, or sensationalizing-science in public domains and of passively resisting science communication (Joubert, 2001, pp. 324-5). Yet there is a lack of scholarly attention to the role of social movements in the democratization of science in Africa as a whole. Practically, the democratization of science is partial, ad hoc, and biased in South and southern Africa. 4 Therefore, overall, it is unclear what the nature and role of interventions of social movements are in the democratisation of science in Africa.

South Africa - within or apart from Africa?, Adebayo Adedeji South Africa in Africa - a South African perspective, Kader Asmal. Part I Africa in the global context: Africa and the new world order - rethinking development planning in the age of globalization, Fantu Cheru South and southern Africa in the new international divisions of labour and power - development prospects in the 1990s, Timothy M. Shaw. Part II The political economies of Africa and South Africa: the state of the African political economy, Bade Onimode the state of South Africa's political economy, Fred Ahwireng-Obeng the debate about reconstruction and development in South Africa, Ben Turok. Part III South Africa's relations with Africa: South Africa in Africa - a Namibian perspective, Hage Geingob South Africa's economic relations with Africa - current patterns and future perspectives, Robert Davies towards common security in southern Africa - regional cooperation after apartheid, Elling Njal Tjonneland and Tom Vraalsen. Part IV Prospects and perspectives: towards a new African order - evolving a strategy for mutually-beneficial political and socio-economic relations after apartheid, Adebayo Adedeji.

Intermittent food insecurity due to drought and the effects of HIV/AIDS affect child nutritional status in sub-Saharan Africa. In Southern Africa in 2001-3 drought and HIV were previously shown to interact to cause substantial deterioration in child nutrition. With additional data available from Southern and Eastern Africa, the size of the effects of drought and HIV on child underweight up to 2006 were estimated. To determine short- and long-term trends in child malnutrition in Eastern and Southern Africa and how these are affected by drought and HIV. A secondary epidemiologic analysis was conducted of area-level data derived from national surveys, generally from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s. Data from countries in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda) and Southern Africa (Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) were compiled from available survey results. Secondary data were obtained on weight-for-age for preschool children, HIV prevalence data were derived from antenatal clinic surveillance, and food security data were obtained from United Nations sources (Food and Agriculture Organization, International Labour Office, and others). Overall trends in child nutrition are improving as national averages; the improvement is slowed but not stopped by the effects of intermittent droughts. In Southern Africa, the prevalence rates of underweight showed signs of recovery from the 2001-03 crisis. As expected, food production and price indicators were related (although weakly) to changes in malnutrition prevalence; the association was strongest between changes in food production and price indicators and changes in malnutrition prevalence in the following year. Areas of higher HIV prevalence had better nutrition (in both country groups), but this counterintuitive association is removed after controlling for socioeconomic status. In low-HIV areas in Eastern Africa, nutrition deteriorates during drought, with prevalence rates of underweight 5 to 12 percentage points higher than in nondrought periods; less difference was seen in high-HIV areas, in contrast to Southern Africa, where drought and HIV together interact to produce higher prevalence rates of underweight. Despite severe intermittent droughts and the HIV/AIDS epidemic (now declining but still with very high prevalence rates), underlying trends in child underweight are improving when drought is absent: resilience may be better than feared. Preventing effects of drought and HIV could release potential for improvement and, when supported by national nutrition programs, help to accelerate the rates of improvement, now generally averaging around 0.3 percentage points per year, to those needed to meet Millennium Development Goals (0.4 to 0.9 percentage points per year).