Cape Mountain Research Articles

Structural and floristic classifications of Cape Mountain Fynbos on Rooiberg, southern Cape

Structure and floristic composition of the plant cover were used to establish separate classifications of plant communities in Mountain Fynbos on Rooiberg, South Africa. The structural units and floristic associations closely correlate with each other and their distribution reflects the major environmental influences, aspect and altitude. It is concluded that, despite the preliminary character of the survey, resource inventories of this type are suitable as a foundation for park management.

Options for Mountain Catchment Management in the Southern Cape

SYNOPSIS A particular viewpoint is presented on forest hydrology in relation to catchment management in the Southern Cape mountains. Analysis of monthly rainfall and runoff output sets the stage for discussion of some possibilities in the realm of vegetation manipulation. A discussion of current land use practice points to the need for integrated land use planning. A Southern Cape mountain catchment management model is proposed in which goal programming is used.

Social organisation of the Cape Mountain Zebra <i>Equus Z. Zebra</i> in the Mountain Zebra National Park*

The social structure of Cape mountain zebras con- sists of breeding herds of one stallion, one to five mares and their offspring, as well as bachelor groups. Breeding herds remain stable over many years and when the stallion is displaced by another, the mares remain together. A dominance hierarchy exists, but leadership is random. Foals leave their maternal herds at a mean age of 22,3 months. The herd stallion tries to prevent the foals from leaving the herd. Bachelor groups are not as well defined as breeding herds, but core groups could be identified through a principal components analysis ordination. Family ties may be important in the establishment of core groups. Bachelors succeed in becoming herd stallions when about five years old. Aspects of the possible evolution of the social structure are discussed.

Nephritis associated with <i>Actinobacillus Equuli</i> in the Cape Mountain Zebra

In post mortem examinations conducted on four Cape mountain zebra Equus Zebra Zebra, nephritis was suspected of being a major contributary factor or the direct cause of death.

Intracardiac thrombosis in the Cape Mountain Zebra

The Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) is one of the rarest species of mammals in South Africa, and is threatened with extinction. At present there are less than 200 in existence, of which approximately 160 occur in the Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock. Because of the rarity of the species and the undesirable concentration of the majority in an area of only 6 536 ha, a post-mortem examination is performed, if possible, on all animals to establish cause of death with the purpose of preventing large-scale mortalities. This is done even if the carcass is in a fairly advanced state of decomposition. Amongst the examinations so performed were two zebra which were believed to have died as a result of intraventricular thrombosis. The rarity of this condition and of the Cape mountain zebra makes a report on these cases necessary.

Parasites and diseases of Cape Mountain zebra, black wildebeest, mountain reedbuck and blesbok in the Mountain Zebra National Park

The results of a special survey are supplemented inthis report with a review of all other applicable information onthe diseases and parasites of Cape mountain zebra, black wildebeest, mountain reedbuck and blesbok in the Mountain ZebraNational Park. The possible significance of some of these infections is discussed and various suggestions are made which aim atthe continued and successful preservation of the Cape mountainzebra and other species in this National Park.

The reaction of the Cape Mountain Zebra (<i>Equus Zebra Zebra</i>) to certain chemical immobilisation drugs

he physiological reactions evoked by M@99 and Aza- perone in the Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra Zebra) are discussed. Notes on clinical as well as physiological parameters are presented and it is concluded that these drugs can be used effectively in the capture of individuals of this rare mammal.

Notes on Zebras: The Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra)

The Mountain Zebra National Park.—The Mountain Zebra National Park was established with six Cape Mountain Zebras (only one of these a mare) on the 2nd July, 1937, by Proclamation No. 112 of 1937.