Overberg Region Research Articles

Leopard dispersal across a fragmented landscape in the Western Cape, South Africa

AbstractLeopard (Panthera pardus) dispersal is poorly documented. An amalgamation of independent, mixed‐method camera trap data spanning six years provides evidence of male leopard dispersal across the highly fragmented Overberg region, Western Cape, South Africa. Dispersal distances from four individuals ranged from 35.3 to 112.0 km between the origin and destination datapoints. Leopard dispersal across the modified landscape affirms their adaptability and resilience and reveals local functional connectivity. We caution against population status complacency but rather advocate for maintaining and improving functional landscape connectivity for this umbrella species. This study, which collated piecemeal data from four sources, highlights the importance of collaboration and data sharing in conservation.

Leopard density and the ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing density in a mixed-use landscape in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Large carnivores face numerous threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, direct killing, and prey depletion, leading to significant global range and population declines. Despite such threats, leopards (Panthera pardus) persist outside protected areas throughout most of their range, occupying diverse habitat types and land uses, including peri-urban and rural areas. Understanding of leopard population dynamics in mixed-use landscapes is limited, especially in South Africa, where the majority of leopard research has focused on protected areas. We use spatially explicit capture-recapture models to estimate leopard density across a mixed-use landscape of protected areas, farmland, and urban areas in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Data from 86 paired camera stations provided 221 independent captures of 25 leopards at 50 camera trap stations with a population density estimate of 0.64 leopards per 100 km2 (95% CI: 0.55-0.73). Elevation, terrain ruggedness, and vegetation productivity were important drivers of leopard density in the landscape, being highest on elevated remnants of natural land outside of protected areas. These results are similar to previous research findings in other parts of the Western Cape, where high-lying natural vegetation was shown to serve as both a refuge and a corridor for leopard movement in otherwise transformed landscapes. Given the low leopard density and the prevalence of transformed land intermixed with patches of more suitable leopard habitat, prioritising and preserving connectivity for leopards is vital in this shared landscape. Ecological corridors should be developed in partnership with private landowners through an inclusive and multifaceted conservation strategy which also incorporates monitoring of and rapid mitigation of emerging threats to leopards.

Training Impact Assessment of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute Learnership Programme

The study assessed the impact of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute Learnership Programme in terms of the knowledge, skills, employability and empowerment of graduates. A structured questionnaire captured responses from 46% of graduates of the National Certificate in Animal or Plant Production Learnership Programme in the Overberg region of the Western Cape on their perception of the impact of theoretical (in-class) and practical (on-the-job) training on their knowledge, skills and employability. A limited number of interviews with farmers who hosted the graduates provided an industry perspective on the skills and employability of the graduates. The findings revealed that graduates were satisfied with the theoretical and practical components of the Learnership Programme and agreed that the programme equipped them with skills and knowledge that could be applied in the workplace. Responses from farmers and farm managers were more ambivalent in confirming that in-class training sufficiently prepared learners for the workplace, and they proposed that skills be taught on the job during the practical component. The study concluded that the Learnership Programme contributed to learners' personal and professional development and recommended that the modules' practical and theoretical content and timing be better aligned with the industry's expectations.

Mixed effect of habitat fragmentation on pollinator visitation rates but not on seed production in renosterveld of South Africa

Habitat fragmentation – in terms of a combination of habitat loss and separation – is a major threat to the renosterveld of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of which 85% has been transformed, mostly for agriculture. The effects thereof has not been well studied, in particular in the Eastern inland areas. In this study we seek to understand how habitat patch size influence visitation rate of pollinators of winter flowering plants in the Eastern-Rûens Shale Renosterveld of the Overberg region. We compared pollinator visitation rates to flowers of Relhania garnotii, Clutia sp. nov and Oxalis purpurea between small (0–4.9 ha) and medium (5–15 ha) sized fragments, and compared these to the last large intact protected area, the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve (>500 ha), termed mainland. We classified degree of isolation among fragments into high (>100 m) and low (<100 m) based on the distance between the outer edge of a fragment to its surrounding fragments and compared pollinator visitation rates between the two levels of isolation. Furthermore, we compared seed set of Bobartia longicyma and Trichodiadema strumosum between fragments and the mainland. We recorded 442 plant-pollinator interactions over a total of 75 h of observation. Pollination rate was significantly higher in fragments compared to the mainland. Within fragments, pollination rate and species richness were significantly higher in medium-sized fragments compared to small fragments. The degree of isolation had a negative effect on pollinator visitation rates among habitat patches, with lower visitation rates and pollinator species richness recorded in fragments with higher degree of isolation, supporting the Habitat Amount Hypothesis (HAH). Plant species exhibited a strong reliance on pollinators for reproduction but were not pollen-limited in either the fragments or mainland. These results indicate that the effect of fragmented habitats do not necessarily affect pollination rates of a certain size of habitat patches, but beyond an undefined threshold, pollinator rates decrease significantly. While in very small fragments ecosystem functions might be declining, in this study insect species have been observed in the smaller fragments that only occurred there, which indicates that heterogeneity of habitat fragments could offer ecological benefits. This highlights the importance of preserving fragments, as an important part of maintaining the remaining renosterveld. Therefore, conservation efforts should be enhanced to also preserve the small fragments that may serve as stepping stones for pollinators in the fragmented renosterveld.

Effects of long-term grazed crop and pasture systems under no-till on organic matter fractions and selected quality parameters of soil in the Overberg, South Africa

There is limited soil research on semi-arid, grazed no-till crop and pasture systems. The long-term (10 years) effect of three grazed no-till dryland crop and pasture rotation systems, and perennial lucerne pasture were assessed on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks, soil organic matter functional pools and selected soil quality parameters in the Overberg, South Africa. The largest soil C and N stocks (0–30 cm) were found in crop–pasture systems containing wheat and medic/clover (70.2–74.9 Mg C ha−1 and 8.3–8.4 Mg N ha−1), compared with perennial lucerne pasture (63.4 Mg C ha−1 and 7.7 Mg N ha−1) or cropping-only systems (54.7–58.9 Mg C ha−1 and 6.3–6.7 Mg N ha−1). Significantly higher labile C and N (free particulate organic matter fraction) contents were observed in crop–pasture systems (1.37–1.74 g C kg−1 and 0.107–0.110 g N kg−1) than in continuous cropping systems (0.9–1.0 g C kg−1 and 0.042–0.045 g N kg−1), attributed to higher annual C and N inputs and lower extent of soil disturbance. Significant positive correlations were found between soil C and N functional pools and soil quality parameters (soil respiration, effective cation exchange capacity and aggregate stability) and wheat yields. The results show the importance of the medic/clover pasture and wheat rotations in enhancing soil quality in the Overberg region.

Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) phenology and associated arthropod diversity in the Overberg region, South Africa

Background: Cyclopia is endemic to regions of the Cape Floristic Region across the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa and is commonly known as honeybush. Honeybush has historically been used as an herbal tea, and has proven medicinal properties. Honeybush biomass and extracts are used in the functional foods and cosmetics sectors, both locally and overseas. The growing demand for honeybush calls for increased agricultural production and a shift away from the predominantly wild harvested supply.Objectives: The current study aimed to address the lack of baseline knowledge on honeybush phenology and its associated arthropod community to advance sustainable production of commercially valued plants in the genus.Method: The study was conducted on wild and cultivated Cyclopia species (Cyclopia maculata and Cyclopia genistoides) at respective sites in the Overberg region. Sampling took place from April 2014 to April 2015 using qualitative methods for recording seasonal honeybush phenology and suction sampling for aboveground arthropods. Focal insect taxa (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera) were sorted and identified to family level and classified into functional feeding guilds.Results: Qualitative phenology observations of wild C. maculata and cultivated C. genistoides indicated a high level of congruency in seasonality of phenophase stages. Associated arthropod assemblages contained a diversity of families per functional feeding group, namely phytophagous, zoophagous and omnivorous taxa, with high seasonal variability.Conclusion: Findings highlight the complexity of ecological elements to be taken into consideration for ecologically sound honeybush cultivation. Outcomes can be applied to land management practices and governance policies promoting sustainable agroecosystems in honeybush production areas.

Native legume species as potential fodder crops in the mediterranean renosterveld shrubland, South Africa

The limited grazeable size of renosterveld vegetation in the Western Cape warranted assessment of chemical and fibre composition of the species to determine their nutritive value. We hypothesised that Fabaceae has chemically superior palatable species relative to Poaceae, Asteraceae and Asparagaceae species in the area. Plant samples were collected in the Overberg region from 11 sites. The species sampled from these four families Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Asparagaceae were analysed for macro- and micro-elements, fibre and secondary compounds. At each site, replicated soil samples were also collected and analysed for pH, macro- and micro-elements. Fabaceae recorded the greatest concentration of crude protein, but the Poaceae was the most fibrous relative to Fabaceae and Asteraceae. All the species contained adequate levels of nutrients except P, Zn and sometimes Cu. Soil concentration of macronutrients and carbon in the soil varied with location. Based on crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and digestibility, the three most important parameters defining forage quality, the Fabaceae species Aspalathus hispida, A. angustifolia, A. nigra and A. submissa were regarded as superior forage species in the Mediterranean renosterveld. Livestock relying on only the renosterveld species in the Western Cape as forages should receive P and Zn supplements.

Sebaea solaris (Gentianaceae), a new species from the Western cape of South Africa

Sebaea solaris (Gentianaceae) is here described as a new species from the Overberg region, Western Cape, South Africa. This new species is at first glance very distinct from all others in the genus mainly due to its relative large yellow flowers of c. 2.5 cm diameter with oblanceolate to obdeltoid erose corolla lobes. The petal ornamentation with several orange lines indicating the flower centre (versus two lines per petal for a few other Sebaea species) and a conspicuous undulated calyx wing are also unique in the genus. Furthermore, the position of large secondary stigmas above the middle of the style (versus at the base of the style for its morphologically closest relative: S. exacoides) possibly indicates differences in pollination strategies.

Implications Of The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations On The Agricultural Sector In The Overberg District In The Western Cape For Emerging Farmers

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool that can assist with decision making to produce food sustainably and still look at protecting or preserving natural resources. The Overberg District, the chosen study area, is located in the southern parts of the Western Cape Province in South Africa and the area is rich in agricultural activities. The EIA regulations can affect future agricultural activities for both commercial and emerging farmers. For this study, emerging farmers were chosen as many of these farmers are developing or expanding their farming enterprises and the high costs of EIAs can result in financial implications for these farmers. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of EIA regulations on the emerging farmers in the Overberg region. Furthermore, the study aims to assess the interpretation of extension staff and farmers regarding EIA regulations and its importance for agriculture. In addition, the study seeks to propose methods to improve the knowledge and awareness of EIA regulations amongst farmers and extension staff by creating a better understanding regarding the EIA process. To successfully meet the objectives of this study, structured questionnaires were administered to 30 farmers and 29 extension officers. The study found that EIA regulations do impact farming operations and that many farmers also lack knowledge regarding EIA regulations. Keywords: Emerging farmer, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, Extension officer

FIRST REPORT OF RAMULARIA COLLO-CYGNI INFECTING BARLEY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Ramularia collo-cygni B. Sutton & J.M. Waller, the causal agent of Ramularia leaf spot, is reported for the first time in South Africa. The fungus was isolated from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaves grown in the Western Cape Province. Infected plants, with typical Ramularia leaf spot symptoms of small brown rectangular lesions, some surrounded by a yellow halo, visible on both sides of the leaf, were first observed in September 2015. Brown spots were also visible on dead leaves. Microscopic investigation revealed immersed mycelium, with hyaline, septate, branched hyphae colonizing the mesophyll. Dense white to pinkish fungal colonies with a vinaceous reverse, were isolated on potato dextrose agar from barley leaves harvested from four fields in the Overberg region. BLAST searches of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of five isolates (GenBank accession Nos. KX156947-KX156951) resulted in 100% similarity with R. collo-cygni reference sequences. The presence of R. collo-cygni DNA was furthermore confirmed in planta in four different symptomatic barley leaf samples, following DNA extractions and PCR reactions as described by Havis et al. (2006). R. collo-cygni isolate IPP 494 (Balz, 2010) DNA, supplied by Proff. von Tiedemann and Karlovsky at the Georg-August University in Gottingen, Germany, was used as positive control. Pyrenophora teres and Alternaria alternata DNA was included as negative controls, because of their association with barley leaves and the similarity in barley leaf symptoms caused by P. teres. DNA from isolate IPP 494 and the positive barley samples resulted in a 426 base pair PCR product when visualised on an agarose gel following gel electrophoresis. No PCR products were observed for P. teres, A. alternata and the no template control. To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. collo-cygni in barley leaves in South Africa.

Exploring the Impact of Habitat Size on Phylogeographic Patterning in the Overberg Velvet Worm Peripatopsis overbergiensis (Onychophora: Peripatopsidae).

Evolutionary relationships in the velvet worm species, Peripatopsis overbergiensis, were examined in 3 forest areas in the Overberg region of South Africa to explore the impact of historical habitat fragmentation on the population genetic structure of the species. We collected 84 P. overbergiensis specimens from Grootvadersbosch, Koppie Alleen, and Marloth Nature Reserves and sequenced all these specimens for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) locus, whereas a subset of 13 specimens were also sequenced for the 18S rRNA locus. Phylogenetic analyses of the 20 unique COI haplotypes revealed 4 genetically distinct clades, a result that is corroborated by the haplotype network. A hierarchical analysis of genetic variation was performed on the COI haplotype data within the 2 large forested areas, Grootvadersbosch and Marloth Nature Reserves, and across all 3 of the sample localities. These results revealed low haplotypic and nucleotide diversity within the largest Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve forest and high haplotypic and nucleotide diversity within the fragmented Marloth Nature Reserve forest, whereas Koppie Alleen had the lowest haplotypic and nucleotide diversity. Across all 3 main localities statistically significant F ST values were found, together with the absence of shared haplotypes indicating the absence of maternal gene flow. Divergence time estimations based on the 20 COI haplotypes calculated in BEAST suggest a Pleistocene/Holocene divergence between the 4 clades as a result of habitat fragmentation and the aridification of the region. Our results indicate that conservation efforts should also prioritize linked, smaller fragmented habitats together with continuous habitats to maximize the genetic diversity of saproxylic fauna.

The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the Western Cape, South Africa.

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a sample of 292 merino sheep farmed in a semi-intensive manner in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa, was investigated. Antibody seroprevalence was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of the total sample, 23 sheep tested positive for T. gondii antibodies (8%; 95% CI: 4.7688–10.9846). There was no statistically significant relationship between seroprevalence and age of the sheep. The highest seroprevalence was found in sheep between 28 and 40 months old; a total of 19 sheep were seropositive by 40 months. No seropositive sheep were found in the age group between 16 and 28 months. The seroprevalence reported in this study is higher than what has previously been reported for the Western Cape (6%) and across South Africa on average (4.7%). As sheep farming is economically significant in South Africa, the presence of T. gondii amongst sheep may pose a production threat to the small-stock industry as well as to public health and food security. We therefore recommend further surveillance to identify high-risk animal populations so that local control measures can be put in place.

A conservation and floristic assessment of poorly known species rich quartz–silcrete outcrops within Rûens Shale Renosterveld (Overberg, Western Cape), with taxonomic descriptions of five new species

Quartz fields are islands of distinct vegetation in southern Africa. Such habitats differ from surrounding shale substrate in geomorphological and climatic attributes, and are dominated by a predominantly succulent flora with between 14% and 91% endemism. Previous studies have identified and surveyed quartz fields within the Succulent Karoo biome, but little is known about the Overberg quartz–silcrete fields located in the Renosterveld vegetation (Fynbos biome). This study maps the occurrence of quartz–silcrete fields in the Overberg (Eastern and Central Rûens Shale Renosterveld) and investigates if such fields support distinct vegetation compared with surrounding shales. Forty-seven plant species were recorded, 19 of which are endemic to the quartz–silcrete patches, including several newly discovered species in vascular plant families Cyperaceae (Ficinia), Iridaceae (Hesperantha) and Fabaceae (Aspalathus, Otholobium, Polhillia, Xiphotheca). Five species among these are described in this paper: Aspalathus quartzicola C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, Aspalathus microlithica C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, Ficinia overbergensis Muasya & C.H.Stirt., Otholobium curtisiae C.H.Stirt. & Muasya, and Polhillia curtisiae C.H.Stirt. & Muasya. Detailed floristic composition of 25 quartz fields is surveyed, together with their conservation status. The Overberg Quartzveld is a critically endangered vegetation type that is the sole locality for 18 Red Listed plant species; which include seven new taxa. It is a distinct vegetation unit embedded within Rûens Shale Renosterveld in the eastern Overberg region of South Africa. These quartz patches have been overlooked in the past and we emphasize the need for further research and conservation attention of these habitats.

The value of the Black Harrier Circus maurus as a predictor of biodiversity in the plant-rich Cape Floral Kingdom, South Africa

SummaryDetermining the efficacy of using indicator species to predict the spatial location of biodiversity hotspots is one way of maximising the conservation of biodiversity in already threatened habitats. Recent evidence from Europe suggests raptors can play such an indicator role, so we tested this approach with a globally threatened southern hemisphere species, the Black Harrier Circus maurus. We asked if this species, found in South Africa’s mega-diverse Cape Floral Kingdom, breeds in habitat fragments that were more diverse in terms of small mammals, birds and plants than unoccupied fragments of similar size. Renosterveld is a highly fragmented habitat that has lost &gt; 90% of its original extent and remains only on privately-owned lands. Surveys of small mammals, birds and plants undertaken in 20 fragments in the Overberg region, South Africa, revealed nine with breeding harriers and 11 without harriers. Harrier-occupied fragments were associated with a 3.5 fold higher number of bird species and higher small mammal species richness than unoccupied ones. There was a lower abundance of most plants in occupied patches, except for red grass Themeda triandra which is an indicator of pristine renosterveld. Vegetation structure was significantly different, with harriers nesting on patches with taller, more open vegetation. While the diversity trends were not statistically significant, a positive trend between the presence of harriers and higher abundance of red grass – as an indicator of the more pristine state of the patch, suggests that harriers might allow biodiversity managers a heuristic approach for selecting the remaining patches of pristine renosterveld. The need for intensive sampling of several taxa leads to small samples and a lack of clear-cut trends for these top predators as indicators of plant diversity.

Success factors of entrepreneurial activity in the Overberg region of Western Cape, South Africa

Entrepreneurial activities around the world accounted for about 70% of the global GDP on average. However, in South Africa entrepreneurial activities only share 40% of the country’s GDP. With an unemployment rate of approximately 25%, accelerating entrepreneurial activity becomes crucial in a developing country like South Africa. A recent study executed in the Overberg rural district has shown vast opportunity for new endeavors in this direction. Entrepreneurial activity is mostly centered on large-scale agricultural practices. This district is the largest apple producer in the country and the second largest pear producer. However, unemployment in this region has increased in recent years due to the nature of fruit farming which is seasonal. Off-season farmers employ only up to 9% of the district farm workers which leaves 11.1% workers without employment for the rest of the year. Though this area is affluent with natural resources; scarcity of skills, poor infrastructure and lack of technology result in slow economic growth. Further, the absenteeism of entrepreneurial success factors makes it impossible for the many survivalist businesses in the informal sector to be sustainable and to show any form of growth. This paper will analyze the success factors or lack thereof and make recommendations towards opportunities that will help to advance the Overberg region’s entrepreneurial activity. Key words: Entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, indigenous entrepreneurial activity.

A preliminary survey of avian mortality on power lines in the Overberg, South Africa

Avian mortality on power lines in South Africa is currently recorded on the Central Incident Register (CIR), which is a collation of incidentally reported cases. The true scale of the problem is unknown, so we report here on a survey of representative power lines in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. On the 199 km surveyed, 123 birds of at least 18 species were found. Collisions were more common than electrocutions, apparently killing 88% of the birds found on distribution lines. Large terrestrial birds were the most numerous victims, with large numbers of Blue Cranes Anthropoides paradiseus and Denham's Bustards Neotis denhami killed. In comparison with mortality rates from the CIR, we estimate that only 2.6% of power-line mortalities are reported, emphasising the importance of systematic surveys in quantifying mortality and directing mitigation. Our survey highlights the general hazard that power lines pose to avifauna, and the urgent need for further research into the population impacts of the high incidence of collisions.

An irruption of Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea in the Western Cape province, South Africa

The Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea has been steadily expanding its range into the Western Cape province. The earliest record is of a vagrant in 1946. The next record came from 1986 in the Karoo and since 1997 there have been annual reports of the species in the province. It has become resident in the Karoo, especially in the Beaufort West to Leeu Gamka area. In April and May 2007 there was an invasion of Red-billed Queleas in the Western Cape province, particularly on the Cape Peninsula and Overberg region. Sixty-eight percent of records were within 5 km of the coast, over a stretch of 1 000 km of coastline. Adult males in breeding plumage were frequently observed, indicating that this irruption was not limited to post-juvenile dispersal. This influx was not repeated in 2008, but from April 2008 to January 2009, monthly records of queleas were higher than the combined monthly totals in years prior to the influx. The increasing occurrence of queleas in the Western Cape province is a potential threat to a major wheat-producing area and continued monitoring is required.

A Case Study of Landholder Attitudes and Behaviour Toward the Conservation of Renosterveld, a Critically Endangered Vegetation Type in Cape Floral Kingdom, South Africa

The attitudes and behaviours of private landholders toward the conservation of a highly transformed and critically endangered habitat, Overberg Coastal Renosterveld (OCR) (a grassy shrubland of the Cape Floral Region, South Africa) are described. Personal, semistructured interviews were conducted with landholders, representing 40 properties in the Overberg region, on topics such as management and utilisation of OCR, the depth of their knowledge of its conservation importance, what they perceive its value to be, and the extent of their willingness to conserve it. General attitudes toward conservation incentives and provincial conservation authorities were also investigated. Farmers more willing to conserve were younger, did not necessarily have a better education, and owned larger farms (>500 ha) with a greater amount of remnant renosterveld (>300 ha) than those less willing to conserve. Attitudes toward the OCR were largely negative, related to associated problem plants and animals and the fact that it is believed not to be economically advantageous to retain it. However, farmers are of the opinion that provision of incentives and increased extension support will provide practical positive inducements for conservation. Landholder education is paramount to prevent further transformation of critically endangered habitats. The success of private-conservation programs depends on the attitudes of landowners toward (1) the particular habitat or species to be conserved (which can vary depending on the type of land use practised and the associated benefits and disadvantages of that habitat type); (2) the conservation agency or extension officers responsible for that area; and (3) willingness of landowners to participate in a conservation program, which is influenced by landowner age, farm size, and the amount of natural habitat left to conserve.

An index to measure the conservation attitudes of landowners towards Overberg Coastal Renosterveld, a critically endangered vegetation type in the Cape Floral Kingdom, South Africa

The construction and validation of a user-friendly index to measure attitude of landowners towards conservation of Overberg Coastal Renosterveld (OCR), a critically endangered, distinctive grassy-shrubland in South Africa is reported. An iterative item reliability analysis was executed on questionnaire data from a random sample of 36 private landowners in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, using Spearman Rank Order correlations and Cronbach’s Alpha. Results yielded an index with two dimensions and a Cronbach Alpha co-efficient of 0.67. Dimensions of conservation attitude towards renosterveld included: (i) landowners’ perception of the benefit of Coastal Renosterveld; and (ii) willingness to conserve it. The mean conservation attitude score was 0.6 (±0.03), while minimum and maximum scores were 0.22 and 1.0, respectively, indicating that landowner attitudes were generally sympathetic towards OCR conservation. The following variables had significant associations with conservation attitude: (i) area of renosterveld; (ii) landowner environmental group membership status; (iii) presence of ecotourism activities on the property; and (iv) how long the property had been in the owner’s family. Index scores can assist conservation practitioners to prioritise resources, on the assumption that high-scoring individuals are more likely to participate in conservation initiatives.

Parasitic control in intensive vs. non-intensive systems—ruminants

The acquisition and intensity of infection with gastrointestinal nematodes and with Oestrus ovis are compared over 2 years in sheep grazed intensively (26–36 sheep ha −1) or non-intensively (12 sheep ha −1) in the winter rainfall Overberg region of South Africa. Sheep grazing intensively on grass/legume pastures, spray irrigated in summer, acquired massive mixed infections of Trichostrongylus, Haemonchus and Teladorsagia. Infections were fatal for sucking lambs. Lambs from ewes grazed non-intensively on dry land lucerne in winter became infected with Nematodirus and then with Teladorsagia and Trichostrongylus spp.; resistance to Nematodirus was apparent after 12 weeks; spontaneous cure of Teladorsagia began in hoggets grazing on safe wheat stubble pasture; but Trichostrongylus survived in the sheep. Helminth-induced host mortality was not observed on the non-intensive farm. The efficacy of various methods of control was examined in the intensively managed sheep. Removal from pasture, mixed grazing (cattle before sheep) and an albendazole slow release bolus all significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced levels of infection in animals so treated, compared with control sheep which were treated periodically with anthelmintics as standard farm management practice. Removal of sheep from the pasture for 30 days in the summer seemed to have beneficial effects. Treatment of sheep weekly with albendazole increased levels of infection in the sheep over controls. The status of vaccination is described and the potential of intergenic competition in grazing management and perhaps vaccination is discussed. Resistance of nematodes to anthelmintics was relatively widespread. In both intensive and non-intensive systems, Oestrus ovis larvae were present in flock sheep for 10–12 months per year. Imagines failed to develop from 27 April–9 August and it was concluded that larvae had to overwinter in sheep to survive. Recommedations for integrated control are made for both intensive and non-intensive systems.