KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Research Articles

Potential for a commercial inland fishery or just another water storage facility at Spring Grove Dam, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa?

South Africa's inland fisheries are generally undervalued, though there is developing interest in the sector. Spring Grove Dam in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands became operational as a water storage facility in 2013 to provide water to the growing urban population in the province. We assessed whether the impoundment could potentially support commercial fisheries as had been proposed during its design and construction. We conducted seasonal fish community surveys from 2020 to 2021 at sites along the impoundment and in the mainstem of the Mooi River which feeds into the impoundment. We recorded a total of nine fish species, including six non-native fishes with invasive characteristics. Only three of 10 expected native species were found, namely the KwaZulu-Natal yellowfish Labeobarbus natalensis, chubbyhead barb Enteromius anoplus and African longfin eel Anguilla mossambica. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was low in the sampling surveys using mostly gillnets and fyke nets, and relatively low yields (14.97 tonnes yr-1) were subsequently calculated for the impoundment, making commercial fisheries unviable. However, the existing subsistence and recreational fisheries for non-native salmonids and the native L. natalensis would benefit by controlling the distribution range and abundances of non-native centrachids Micropterus spp. We offer recommendations and suggestions for management plans for Spring Grove Dam in the context of local fish diversity, a changing climate, further construction of water storage facilities on east-flowing rivers in the province, and a nationally neglected inland fishery industry.

The Greater Midlands—A Mid-Elevation Centre of Floristic Endemism in Summer-Rainfall Eastern South Africa

The Midlands region of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province in South Africa was hitherto a putative centre of floristic endemism (CFE) based on conjecture. The aim of this study was to empirically explore this concept by delineating unambiguous boundaries for this CFE and documenting the endemic spermatophytes within a conservation framework. The Greater Midlands Centre of Floristic Endemism (GMCFE), a more expanded study area than the parochial Midlands region of KZN, is formally described as southern Africa’s 20th CFE. It is a mid-elevation region occupying the greater Midlands of KZN, with extensions of contiguous grasslands extending northwards into southern Mpumalanga and southwards into north-eastern Eastern Cape. This “foothills” CFE covers ca. 77,000 km2 of predominantly mesic C4 grassland, ranging in elevation from ca. 700–2200 m a.s.l. It is congruent with the “sub-escarpment ecoregion,” essentially a composite of the Sub-escarpment Grassland and Savanna Bioregions and the sub-escarpment grasslands of southern Mpumalanga and northern KZN. The GMCFE hosts at least 220 endemic spermatophytes, of which almost a fifth belong to the family Apocynaceae. Families Asteraceae, Asphodelaceae, Fabaceae, and Iridaceae also contribute significantly. Genera Ceropegia, Aloe, Dierama, Kniphofia, Helichrysum, and Streptocarpus contribute the most endemics. More than half are forbs, and almost three-quarters are confined to the Grassland Biome. Endemic radiations are attributed to geodiversity and geological complexity (especially the strong lithological influence of dolerite); physiographic heterogeneity (particularly elevation gradients and variable terrain units); strategic proximity to hyper-diverse temperate and subtropical “border floras”; and localized pollinator-driven adaptive radiations. Of alarming concern is the high number of threatened plant taxa, with ca. 60% of the endemic flora Red Listed in threat categories (CE, E, and VU) or considered “rare”. Extremely low levels of formal protection and poor ecological connectivity, coupled with high levels of land transformation and intensive utilization, render the GMCFE one of the most imperilled CFE in South Africa. Urgent conservation action is required to safeguard this unique and highly threatened “rangeland flora” and stem the biodiversity crisis gripping the region.

Who published the name Kalanchoe longiflora (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae)? The correct author attribution and typification of this species name

In the literature on Kalanchoe, the name K. longiflora (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), an endemic of the KwaZulu-Natal midlands of South Africa, has been variously attributed to Rudolf Schlechter and/or to John Medley Wood. This matter is reviewed, and it is shown that Schlechter’s contribution to the nomenclature of K. longiflora consisted only of having suggested the name of the species and that it was published by Wood. The typification status of the name K. longiflora is corrected.

Host-plant affinities of stem-boring weevils and moths associated with fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) in South Africa: evaluating native host ranges of candidate biocontrol agents using DNA barcoding

ABSTRACT Native to South Africa and Madagascar, the invasive fireweed, Senecio madagascariensis Poiret (Asteraceae), is a target for biological control in Australia and Hawaii, where substantial infestations persist. Earlier studies in the weed’s region of origin, namely KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa, assessed the seasonal abundance of stem-boring insect herbivores in S. madagascariensis populations. The weevil Gasteroclisus tricostalis (Thunberg) (Curculionidae) and moth Metamesia elegans (Walsingham) (Tortricidae) were prioritised as candidate agents for Australia due to their persistence across seasons. In this study, the host ranges of these two candidate agents were assessed by comparing the stem-boring curculionids and lepidopterans that are associated with S. madagascariensis with those associated with non-target Senecio species in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region. DNA barcoding of the adults and endophagous larvae recovered during field sampling of S. madagascariensis and 17 non-target Senecio species in 2017/18, as well as those from earlier field surveys, was used to differentiate the insect species and elucidate their host-plant affinities. Although weevil larvae were recovered from the stems of seven non-target Senecio species, G. tricostalis was associated only with Senecio inaequidens DC. and Senecio skirrhodon DC., both in the S. madagascariensis species complex. Lepidopteran larvae were associated with three non-target Senecio species, all in the S. madagascariensis species complex, with M. elegans associated only with Senecio harveianus MacOwan and S. inaequidens. These results suggest that G. tricostalis and M. elegans have restricted host ranges and that further host-specificity studies in quarantine are warranted to demonstrate their suitability for release.

The Development and Application of a Method for Estimating Red-Winged Francolin Population Density with Pointing Dogs in the Midlands, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Understanding changes in the population density of cryptic gamebirds may be useful for land managers when designing or adjusting grassland management regimes to conserve these species and the grasslands. The population density of Red-winged Francolin (Scleroptila levaillantii ) indicates the presence of their preferred grassland habitat. Pointing dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are often used to locate these and other cryptic gamebirds either for conservation or recreational purposes. We developed a reliable method to count cryptic gamebirds using pointing dogs where the route chosen through a survey site is flexible. Between August 2020 and October 2021, we conducted surveys (n = 21) to determine the density of Red-winged Francolin, a grassland indicator species. These comprised survey portions (n = 77) on four survey sites in the Greater uMngeni Vlei Expansion Area of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. We used up to two pointing dogs fitted with global positioning system (GPS) devices to survey and record the nominal wind speed. These data were used to calculate the detection distance and establish the search area. The redundancy of search, where a dog or possibly two dogs covered their own tracks, enabled us to evaluate the relative efficiency of detecting Red-winged Francolin. We used this method to establish the population density, search area per covey, and search area per bird in the sourveld grassland region of the four study sites. We calculated the coefficient of variation when estimating the population density whilst searching with one dog (C.V.: 133%) to be materially greater than when surveying with two dogs (C.V.: 54%), demonstrating significantly better precision with the latter. The four study sites' mean birds per covey (3.4 ± 1.44) and search area per covey (14.8 ± 7.5 ha) were consistent with previous studies indicating the grassland status as good. Our study outlines the foundation for a method that citizen scientists comprising field trial participants, pointing dog enthusiasts, and hunters can adopt to establish the abundance of Red-winged Francolin and other cryptic gamebirds with conservation and land management applications.

The Assessment of Future Air Temperature and Rainfall Changes Based on the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM): The Case of the Wartburg Community in KZN Midlands, South Africa

The agriculture sector in Africa is dominated by small-scale farmers who account for about 80% of the total farms. However, small-scale farmers are vulnerable to climate change and climate variability. Their high susceptibility to climate change emanates from their inadequate ability to adapt to climate change. As a result, small-scale farmers are generally adversely impacted by climate change due to over-reliance on rainfed agriculture and natural resources. This exposure and susceptibility, however, differ across the regions due to the heterogeneity in topography, climate, access to resources, farmer resilience and adaptation capacity. Therefore, site-specific studies are encouraged to increase the awareness, resilience and adaptation capacity at the local level. The study intends to analyse historical climate (air temperature and rainfall) data from a weather station that has not been employed for climate change studies and project possible future changes in the same climate parameters due to global warming for a localised agricultural community within the sugarbelt region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study focuses mainly on air temperature and rainfall changes to inform local farmers about potential climate changes and possible impacts of the projected climate changes on the local agricultural productivity. This study was conducted in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands of South Africa, and the Representative Climate Pathways (RCP8.5 and RCP4.5) climate projection of the CanESM2 model were used for the projection of future air temperature and rainfall trends for the 2020s, the 2040s and the 2080s. According to the results, both minimum and maximum air temperatures will continue to increase for the entire study period. The RCP8.5 results indicate that maximum and minimum air temperatures will reach a maximum range of 1.72 to 3.14 °C and 1.54 to 3.48 °C, respectively. For the rainfall, the model projects a positive trend, although all the scenarios predict a declining trend for the near future (2020s) and an increase in the 2050s. These results indicate that, in the absence of adaptation the risk of small-scale farmers, particularly for sugarcane, which is largely planted in the area, the production losses will heighten and hence increase the likelihood of increased poverty, food insecurity and unemployment.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on the Detection of Gamebirds by Pointing Dogs in the KwaZulu-Natal Midland Grasslands of South Africa

Pointing dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are primarily used to locate cryptic species or evidence thereof and often to establish their abundance. Environmental conditions at the time of search may influence the probability that a dog will detect a target. Here, we aimed to determine the environmental factors that affected the detection rate of a pointing dog detecting gamebirds in their natural environment under known atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind strength and solar radiation. We conducted uncontrolled trials in the Greater uMngeni Vlei Expansion Area of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa, between August 2020 – October 2021, where up to two pointing dogs repeatedly (n = 44) surveyed an environment with an abundance of Red-winged Francolin (Scleroptila levaillantii ). The index of abundance, measured as birds/minute of search, was compared for each survey whilst simultaneously monitoring the environmental conditions. We conducted controlled trials (n = 34) in the same region concurrently by independently casting two pointing dogs downwind of caged Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) of a known location to observe the point where each dog's behaviour changed to indicate scent detection. This approach enabled us to measure detection distance whilst simultaneously monitoring environmental conditions. We found that the index of abundance showed no correlation with any of the monitored environmental factors in the uncontrolled trials, most probably because of the low incidence of detection. We further established in controlled trials that detection distance was uncorrelated to ambient temperature and relative humidity but significantly positively correlated with solar radiation and wind strength. An increase of one-knot wind strength resulted in an increase in detection distance by 0.64 m. Our study lays the foundation for developing an area-based survey method, considerate of environmental conditions, to detect cryptic bird species by dogs in conservation projects.

Long-term reference evapotranspiration trend and causative factors analysis in the sugarbelt area of the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Global warming is widely recognised, and its effects are becoming apparent throughout the world. Evaporation and evapotranspiration, the key components of the hydrological cycle, are generally expected to increase due to the rise in air and surface temperatures. However, previous studies suggest a decrease in these phenomena despite the observed global warming. The decreasing evaporation and evapotranspiration have been attributed to various factors. In this study, reference evapotranspiration (ETo) trends estimated using the Penman-Monteith method were studied over the KwaZulu-Natal midlands area of South Africa for the period 1997–2017. This study employed the Mann–Kendall test and linear regression model to analyse annual and seasonal ETo trends. In addition, the trends of climate parameters and their contribution towards ETo variation were analysed. The results indicate a generally decreasing ETo trend for most weather stations studied over the study period. The climate variables analysed indicate an average decreasing trend in wind speed, solar irradiance, and relative humidity while average air temperature exhibited no significant change. Relative humidity and solar irradiance were found to greatly influence ETo variation in the study area. We therefore conclude that atmospheric condition studies should consider both local and global climate phenomena to understand the actual drivers of change in any atmospheric factor.

The impact of whitegrub (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) damage on growth of Eucalyptus grandis and Acacia mearnsii plantation trees in South Africa

ABSTRACT Eucalyptus grandis and Acacia mearnsii are among the South African forest industry’s most planted commercial species. Whitegrubs are high-status pests affecting plantation forestry; they are root-feeding insects and cause poor seedling growth and elevated mortality. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of whitegrub damage on the growth of E. grandis and A. mearnsii trees during the first year of the establishment stage in sites previously planted with A. mearnsii in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa. The hypothesis was that the prophylactic application of insecticides against whitegrubs would increase tree height at six or 12 months after planting. Seven insecticides were assessed in 12 treatments over three trials in Bloemendal, KwaZulu-Natal. Statistical analyses were performed using PRIMER and SAS. Whitegrubs were the predominant mortality factor (17.1%), followed by pathogens (3.3%) and 12 other factors that cumulatively caused the remaining (7.0%) mortality. Pegylis sommeri, Schizonycha affinis and two unknown Maladera species were the most important, typical and prevalent whitegrub species, but their ranking differed between A. mearnsii and E. grandis, suggesting a host preference. The prophylactic application of insecticides against whitegrubs significantly increased tree height for E. grandis. Acacia mearnsii tree height, however, did not consistently show a significant effect with insecticide control, presumably because of additional mortality by pathogens. The crop-rotation scenario may have potentially benefited E. grandis over A. mearnsii and warrants further investigation. Whitegrubs can kill seedlings and reduce tree height when left uncontrolled.

Seasonal abundance of stem-boring insects associated with the invasive Senecio madagascariensis in its native range (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) and their potential for biological control

ABSTRACT Fireweed, Senecio madagascariensis Poiret (Asteraceae), is a target for biological control in Australia and Hawaii. Candidate agents recorded in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, the region of origin of the invasive populations, include stem-boring insects. The seasonal abundance of stem borers associated with S. madagascariensis populations was studied at four field sites in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region, during 2017/18. DNA barcoding was used to differentiate and link insect taxa with their endophagous larvae. Monthly sampling revealed that stem-boring larvae comprised largely Diptera (42% of specimens) and Curculionidae (38.9%), with Lepidoptera (19.8%) the least abundant. Differences in larval herbivore loads between sites were statistically significant, with the warmer and drier sites supporting 59% higher larval numbers. DNA barcoding focused on Curculionidae and Lepidoptera, which took precedence due to restricted host ranges. Of the four lineages of weevil larvae recorded, 95% of sequenced specimens comprised two maternal lineages of Gasteroclisus tricostalis (Thunberg). Collectively, G. tricostalis was detected across nine months of the year, with peaks in abundance in autumn and summer. Similarly, of the three lineages of lepidopteran larvae recorded, 83% of sequenced specimens comprised Metamesia elegans (Walsingham) (Tortricidae). Metamesia elegans was collected across six months of the year, with an autumn peak. These results support the prioritisation of G. tricostalis and M. elegans as the most promising stem-boring agents for S. madagascariensis. The higher seasonal abundance of G. tricostalis, together with the good track record of weevils in weed biocontrol, suggest that it should take precedence in subsequent laboratory host-range assessments.

Investigation of hydrological processes and the impacts of Acacia mearnsii plantations on groundwater in secondary aquifers: Case study at the two-stream research catchment, South Africa

Study regionTwo-Streams catchment, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. Study focusThe impacts of Acacia mearnsii plantations on hydrological processes including groundwater is investigated using the Two-Streams experimental catchment as a case study site. Integrated hydrological, hydrogeological, hydrochemical and environmental isotope methods were adopted. Groundwater recharge is estimated using the chloride mass balance (CMB) method, and baseflow is separated using digital filters and δ18O isotope approaches. The direct and indirect impacts of the tree stands on groundwater including on recharge, groundwater level and baseflow are assessed. New hydrological insights for the regionSystematic analyses of all the hydrological data show that direct groundwater uptake by tree roots at the Two-Streams catchment would not be possible due to limiting root depths. However, there is clear evidence on the impacts of the tree stands on groundwater levels and baseflow at the study site. Thus, in instances where the regional groundwater is not available for direct abstraction by tree roots, trees can have considerable impacts on groundwater by extracting water from the unsaturated zone, reducing recharge to aquifers, without having direct access to the groundwater proper. The impact of Acacia mearnsii plantations on groundwater which are observed in terms of reductions in groundwater recharge and consequent reduction in groundwater levels and baseflow starts to be observed on average six years after planting.

Earthworm species occurrence in agroecosystems in the Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Little is known about the species composition of earthworms in agroecosystems in South Africa even though earthworms provide soil ecosystem services and are useful biological indicators of changes in the habitats. Given the land use and management impact biodiversity, the aim of this study was to document earthworm species that occur under cultivated land in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. A survey of nine farms that practise conservation agriculture was carried out between 2018 and 2020. Twelve earthworm species belonging to four introduced families: Acanthodrilidae (Dichogaster bolaui), Rhinodrilidae (Pontoscolex corenthrurus), Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa,Aporrectodea rosea,Aporrectodea trapezoides,Lumbricus rubellus,Octolasion cyaneum,Octolasion lacteum), Megascolecidae (Amynthas aeruginosus,Amynthas corticis,Amynthas gracilis,Amynthas rodericensis) and juveniles from an indigenous family Tritogeniidae were recorded from cultivated fields. The type of crop (habitat) affected both species richness and abundance of earthworms significantly. However, post hoc results showed differences in species richness between the soya and the maize only, with greater species richness in the maize. Our results demonstrate that habitat type has a major influence on communities of earthworms in agroecosystems.

Seasonal abundance and host-plant affinities of Longitarsus basutoensis and related flea beetles associated with the invasive Senecio madagascariensis in their native range in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Senecio madagascariensis Poiret (Asteraceae) is a target for biological control in Australia and Hawaii, with several candidate insect agents recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the confirmed origin of the invasive populations. Although the root-feeding Longitarsus basutoensis Bechyné (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) was prioritised for assessment, similar flea beetle taxa were also considered. We first investigated the seasonal abundance of L. basutoensis and related taxa on S. madagascariensis populations in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Second, we assessed their host-plant affinities by surveying 17 non-target native Senecio species in the region. We used DNA CO1 barcoding to differentiate flea beetle taxa and their root-feeding larvae in both studies. Monthly sampling revealed three root-feeding taxa associated with S. madagascariensis, with L. basutoensis the most abundant. Longitarsus basutoensis was recorded throughout the year, with no clear patterns in seasonal abundance but significantly higher numbers at sites with deep, well drained soils that have high water holding capacity. Two unidentified flea beetle taxa, represented by larval specimens only, were recorded infrequently and in low numbers. The host-range study revealed 18 flea beetle taxa on 11 Senecio species, with L. basutoensis the most abundant species and recorded mostly on S. madagascariensis. Longitarsus basutoensis was also detected on four non-target Senecio species which, together with the results of preliminary host-specificity tests, indicated insufficient host-range restriction for countries like Australia that host a diverse Senecio flora. However, L basutoensis may have potential for release in Hawaii, due to a lack of native Senecio species on any of its islands.

Andrew Ransford: orthopaedic surgeon who invented the Ransford loop

Andrew Ransford (“Andy”) was born in Kenya to Oliver Ransford, a doctor in the Colonial Service and an acknowledged authority on David Livingstone, and Irene (nee Galloway), formerly a nurse...

Productivity and workload analysis between manual and motor-manual pruning of Pinus patula at two different lifts

ABSTRACT Tree pruning is integral to sawtimber production in South Africa, the main purpose being the production of knot-free wood and access for fire protection. Although handheld pruning tools have been used for decades, motor-manual tools have recently been introduced. However, knowledge of possible ergonomic risks and possible productivity associated with either pruning method is limited in the literature. Hence the objective of this study was to assess human workload associated with, and possible productivity gains of, motor-manual pruning against manual operations in 2.0 m and 3.5 m pruning lifts in Pinus patula stands. The study was completed in two stands in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa. Information collected included time study and heart rate data. Time study results showed that motor-manual operations were more productive than manual operations in both the 2.0 m and 3.5 m pruning lifts. Pruning operations fall under the “medium to heavy” workload classification. These results show promise as the first steps in investigating the effect of manual and motor-manual operations on productivity and workload of pruning operations in South Africa. However, it is recommended for this study to be repeated with gender, terrain conditions, temperature, and musculoskeletal efforts as additional factors to workload and productivity.

Webs of well-designed conservation corridors maintain river ecosystem integrity and biodiversity in plantation mosaics

Landscape transformation and subsequent habitat loss locally extirpate populations and threaten ecosystem health. Timber plantations are a major threat to grassland ecosystems globally. An effective mitigation measure is the instigation of webs of large conservation corridors as ecological networks in plantation mosaics. These ecological networks incorporate natural water courses along with their matrices of natural grassland. Dragonflies are highly sensitive to habitat condition and are effective bioindicators of water quality. Here, we compare dragonfly diversity in conservation corridors, with nearby protected areas as controls, to determine the effectiveness of ecological networks for maintaining river ecosystem integrity, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. We also investigate the effect of ecological network corridor width on dragonfly assemblages. Lastly, we explore the importance of 18 environmental variables as drivers of dragonfly diversity. Dragonfly abundance, species richness, and Dragonfly Biotic Index scores (a scoring system based on dragonfly range of extent, threat status, and environmental sensitivity) did not differ between ecological network and protected area sites. Dragonfly abundance and species richness were positively correlated with ecological network corridor width. Landscape and water variables were the most important drivers of dragonfly assemblage composition in both ecological networks and protected areas. Management variables and those related to anthropogenic disturbance were not as important. This highlights the conservation success of these well-managed ecological networks for maintaining dragonfly biodiversity in forestry plantations, provided that corridors are wide enough. Implementation of ecological networks as a mitigation measure for plantation forestry is highly effective for lotic systems, and should be implemented more widely in environmental protection plans for transformed landscapes.

The perceptions of clergy on domestic violence: a perspective from the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands

The issue of domestic violence is not a private matter. It inadvertently affects all members of society, including service professionals who assist victims and perpetrators. Among those inflicting violence are members of the Christian community, despite their orthopraxy that condemns violence. Some believe that clergy, the “shepherds of the flock”, play a pivotal role in fostering attitudes that either condone or condemn violence in society. Subjugating women restricts them from reaching their full potential. An understanding of the ways in which clergy manage institutionalised systems of dominance may lead to a cultural shift that does not tolerate dominance by one over another. This qualitative study uses a Feminist Liberation Theology framework1 to explore the perceptions of clergy from the Midlands region of KwaZulu-Natal on the issue of dealing with domestic violence in the Christian community.

Home range and core area utilisation of three co-existing mongoose species: large grey, water and white-tailed in the fragmented landscape of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa

The spatial ecology of the Herpestidae family has remained poorly studied across Africa. The behavioural plasticity and generalist nature of members of the family could be facilitating their expansion in anthropogenically transformed landscapes. Given the current paucity of information on their spatial ecology, knowledge of their spatial movement is important ecological information for the species conservation. Three co-existing mongoose species [large grey (Herpestes ichneumon, n = 5)], water (Atilax paludinosus, n = 5) and white-tailed (Ichneumia albicauda, n = 2) were collared and tracked from September 2016 to October 2017 using Global Positioning System (GPS)–Ultra-high-frequency (UHF) transmitters to determine their home range size and fine-scale spatial movement in the fragmented natural habitat and farmland mosaic landscape of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. Three home range methods [minimum convex polygon (MCP), kernel density estimation (KDE) and local convex hull (LoCoH)] were used to delineate individual home range size and core area utilisation. The overall mean home range size (95% KDE mean ± S.E.) differed among species: large grey (9.8 ± 8.19 km2), water (13.7 ± 5.30 km2) and white-tailed mongoose (0.9 ± 0.06 km2). The mean core area utilisation size (50% KDE means ± S.E.) for large grey, water and white-tailed mongoose was 2.2 ± 0.77 km2, 3.1 ± 0.96 km2 and 0.2 ± 0.02 km2. Species specific variability in home range size of the study species emphasises this family’s adaptability to their surrounding environment in a changing natural habitat and farmland mosaic landscape. The reduced core area use possibly indicates the availability of high resourceful areas and adequate resources within a comparably small area.

The influence of manual and motor-manual pitting implements, pit size and quality on eucalypt performance, South Africa

Pitting is the preparation of a planting position. Various methods of pitting exist and range from manual pitting to fully-mechanised operations. Until recently, most pit preparation in South Africa was carried out manually using hand-held pitting implements (agricultural hoe, mattock, road pick) to create a 25 cm wide pit containing friable soil to a depth of 15–25 cm. However, there are several negative factors associated with manual pit preparation, such as poor ergonomics, intensive labour requirements, and inconsistent pit preparation. This has resulted in an increasing interest in semi- to fully-mechanised operations, where semi-mechanised motor-manual pitting methods are often considered more efficient and cost-effective than traditional manual operations. This study compared the performance of eucalypts planted into pits created by various pitting methods. Two trials were established with eucalypts on contrasting sites, one at Greenhill in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and one at Vroegeveld, Mpumalanga. Four manual implements (notch, agricultural hoe, mattock, road pick) and three different motor-manual heads (inverted A, Archimedes screw and Mondi-designed pitting head) were used to prepare and determine the effect of pit size/quality on tree survival, growth and uniformity. The notch pit implement created the smallest pit (1 L volume), whilst other implements created larger pits (4–6 L volumes). Pitting method did not have a significant effect on the success of re-establishment and subsequent tree performance on both sites (2.5 years after planting and thereafter). This indicates that for the soils tested, any possible negative tillage effects caused by any of the pitting implements did not affect the species planted. Factors such as operational costs, efficiency and ergonomics must therefore be considered to select relevant pitting methods, together with tree performance.

Notes on the morphology, ecology and distribution of Quisqualis parviflora (Combretaceae)

Background: Quisqualis parviflora Gerrard ex. Sond. is endemic to the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, South Africa. The species’ distribution has previously been thought to extend to Mpumalanga and the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. Most published distributions include Maputaland in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, and it has been suggested that the species may occur in Mozambique. Sterile material of several Combretum Loefl. lianas may be confused with Q. parviflora.Although the species may be locally common, it has never been collected in fruit. Published fruit descriptions are based on erroneously identified material.Objectives: The aim of this study was to supply a revised distribution range, to describe the fruit of Q. parviflora and to present notes on the phenology and ecology of the species.Method: Herbarium specimens of Q. parviflora, and similar taxa, were examined in various herbaria. Fieldwork was undertaken, and other active field botanists were consulted.Results: Quisqualis parviflora is almost entirely restricted to scarp forest between Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape and Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal. Although the species may be locally common, it has only been collected from a few localities. The current dispersal ability of the species may be extremely limited, which could have long-term conservation implications.Samaras are described, and notes are provided on the phenology and ecology of the species.Conclusion: Although not currently threatened, the long-term prospects of Q. parviflora may be less secure. Proposed forest management interventions like liana thinning should not be undertaken without more information.