Vaalbos National Park Research Articles

Phylogenomic structure of Bacillus anthracis isolates in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa revealed novel single nucleotide polymorphisms

Bacillus anthracis, the aetiological agent of anthrax, is regarded as a highly monomorphic pathogen that presents a low genetic diversity using standard molecular techniques. Whole genome sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are definitive signatures for subtyping of B. anthracis. Here we employed whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP) analysis to investigate the genetic diversity of B. anthracis in the historically endemic region of Northern Cape Province (NCP), South Africa. Twenty-six isolates from anthrax outbreaks that occurred between 1998 and 2008/9 in NCP as well as from Namibia-South Africa Transfontier Conservation area and Botswana were compared to global B. anthracis genomes. Most NCP B. anthracis strains (n = 22) clustered in the A.Br.003/004 (A.Br.101) branch and are closely related to the Zimbabwe and Mozambique strains (A.Br.102 branch). A total of 4923 parsimony informative-SNPs accurately established the A.Br.003/004 phylogenetic relationships of the NCP isolates into two distinct sub-clades and SNP markers designated as A.Br.172 and A.Br.173 were developed. Other NCP strains (n = 2) grouped in the A.Br.001/002 (Sterne) branch while strains (n = 2) from the Namibia-South Africa Transfontier Conservation area and Botswana clustered in A.Br.005/006 (Ancient A) branch. The sequenced B. anthracis strains (A0094, A0096 and A0097) that clustered in the A.Br.064 (V770) clade were isolated from Vaalbos National Park and similar strains have not been isolated. The B. anthracis A0088 strain cluster with the NCP strains in the A.Br.003/004 (A.Br.172) SNP branch which has been isolated in NCP, South Africa. This study highlights the phylogenetic structure of NCP B. anthracis strains with distinctive SNP branches important for forensic tracing and novel SNP discovery purposes. The sequenced strains will serve as a means to further trace the dissemination of B. anthracis outbreaks in NCP, South Africa, and on the continent, as well as for forensic tracking on a global scale.

Occurrence of blood-borne tick-transmitted parasites in common tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) antelope in Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Blood samples were collected from 71 tsessebes relocated from the deproclaimed Vaalbos National Park to Mokala National Park, South Africa. DNA was extracted from the samples and the reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization technique was used to detect and identify any haemoparasites present. Six samples hybridized to the Theileria/Babesia genus-specific probe, the Theileria genus-specific probe and the Theileria sp. (sable) probe, while 3/6 also hybridized to the Theileria separata probe. Full-length 18S rRNA genes of the Theileria spp. detected were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Two novel Theileria 18S rRNA gene sequences were identified which are phylogenetically very closely related to both Theileria sp. (sable) and T. separata. All animals appeared to be in good health. It seems likely, therefore, that these Theileria spp. do not cause disease under normal circumstances. Nevertheless, care should be taken when translocating wild animals, as introduction of novel piroplasm parasites into new areas could cause clinical disease and losses in naïve wildlife and domestic animals, and new parasite species could become established in areas in which they previously did not occur.

Impacts of traditional land uses on biodiversity outside conservation areas: effects on dung beetle communities of Vaalbos National Park

AbstractGrazing is one of the key processes in terrestrial ecosystems and this can be provided by both indigenous and domestic ungulates. However, a question remains whether or not traditional forms of land use such as the grazing of domestic animals support the maintenance of biodiversity. If it does not, then the second question becomes to what extent does grazing of domestic animals alter the systems and processes that support biodiversity? This study demonstrates that in attempting to answer this question, small organisms like dung beetles are ideal indicators that can be used to express significant differences between conserved (indigenous) and non‐conserved (domestic) land. As a general trend, studies that investigated these differences displayed differences through analysis of the diversity indices. This method has in most cases demonstrated a lack of contrast between conserved and non‐conserved land. In the existence of such uncertainty this study has demonstrated that in such cases, where the analysis of biodiversity indices fail to demonstrate significant differences a closer examination of actual species such as guilds and functional groups could confirm significant differences between conserved and non‐conserved land. These apparently conflicting findings reflect the need to consider the actual elements of biodiversity (e.g. species) when assessing conservation issues rather than just the statistical measures of biodiversity.

Fire and the demography of camelthorn (Acacia erioloba Meyer) in the southern Kalahari – evidence for a bonfire effect?

AbstractFires in arid environments are rare, so are not deemed as important as in mesic savannas. We investigated mortality and resprouting amongst camelthorn (Acacia erioloba) after two fires (at Vaalbos National Park and Susanna farm) in semi‐arid savanna near Kimberley, South Africa. Resprouting response 18 months after a fire was the greatest amongst <6.5 m high trees; extent of foliage damage by fire and bark thickness were the next best predictors of resprouting vigour amongst that size class. The largest size class (8–12 m height) of A. erioloba suffered the greatest mortality rates (40% and 83% at Vaalbos and Susanna respectively), with damage either severe or minor. We hypothesize that large tree mortality rates are partly attributable to well‐developed assemblages of flammable subcanopy plants producing a bonfire beneath trees. These mortality rates indicate that fire reduces both tree abundance and relative representation of large trees, and although able to resprout, A. erioloba is fire‐sensitive, which may explain its restriction to Kalahari sands where rainfall is less than 900 mm year−1. Therefore, although relatively infrequent, fires shape Kalahari woodland structure, particularly as A. erioloba is long lived and slow growing. Large trees have been shown to be important to biodiversity in the southern Kalahari, so frequent fires could impact biodiversity.

Reflections on the relationships between communities and conservation areas of South Africa: the case of five South African national parks

An evaluation of the relationships between communities around Addo Elephant National Park, Mountain Zebra National Park, Karoo National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park and Vaalbos National Park shows that these communities have limited ecological knowledge and understanding of resources occurring within the parks. People within these communities rate relationships with their neighbouring parks as relatively poor. Despite this, these communities are keen to support conservation and management of biodiversity through national parks. The study further revealed that two types of communities occur around the national parks of South Africa. These are neighbouring and the distant communities. The distant communities are more urban in character than the neighbouring communities. These communities are heterogeneous with people from a variety of cultures. The varying lifestyle, age groups, cultural backgrounds and income levels lead to differences in expectations from the national parks by these communities. This, which is critical in determining the level of appreciation of conservation of biodiversity by communities around conservation areas, requires the attention of the park managers. They need to ensure that when distributing the benefits or opportunities linked to conservation, cultural, income and education differences among communities are considered and used as the basis for development and implementation of community development projects.

Flowering plant biodiversity of Augrabies Falls National Park: a comparison between Augrabies Falls National Park, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, Vaalbos National Park and Goegap Nature Reserve

A list of flowering plants has been compiled for the Augrabies Falls National Park, which occupies an area of approximately 18 600 ha. This list of 364 species represents 210 genera and 74 families. The Monocotyledonae are represented by 76 species (20.9 of the total number of species) and the Dicotyledonae by 288 (79.1 ). Approximately 54 of these species occur only in the Augrabies Falls National Park and not in one of the other conservation areas with which it was compared. According to the life form spectrum, the Augrabies Falls National Park is a therophyte-hemicryp- tophyte area. Five of these spesies are endemic to the Southern African floristic region. One of them is a rare species.

Use of veld condition assessment to set objectives and targets for an ISO 14001 environmental management system for Vaalbos National Park

ISO 14001 is a procedural approach to environmental management, based on a philosophy of continual improvement. The planning element of ISO 14001, requires that environmental objectives and environmental targets are set to achieve the goals of the environmental policy. The stocking of game in Vaalbos National Park, is an aspect which impacts on the environment. Veld condition assessment, is essential to set objectives and targets for the management of the stocking rates in the park. Regular monitoring and a flexible management style is necessary to accommodate the fluctuation in veld condition caused by varying climatic conditions and other factors. This ties in well with the requirements of ISO 14001, an environmental management system, which requires that short and long term objectives and targets be set for managing an environmental aspects (e.g. veld utilisation) and environmental impacts (e.g. loss of biodiversity) that these targets are regularly monitored and improved upon.

Spatial variation in the structure of fish assemblages in the Vaalbos National Park, South Africa

Fish assemblages were sampled at nine sites in the lower Vaal River in the Vaalbos National Park and adjacent properties. A total of 1543 fish from 10 species was recorded. Ordination revealed spatial variation in assemblage structure, with the distinction primarily between communities in rapids and deep pools. Flow velocity, depth and percentage cover were important determinants offish assemblage structure. The length frequency distribution of abundant species indicated successful recruitment. Several differences in the species compliment compared to earlier studies were evident, including high abundance of Barbus paludinosus and Austro^lanis sclateri, and the absence of Barbus anoplus. The length-mass relationships of large cyprmids indicated long-term declines in the physical condition of fish.

An ecological study of the major vegetation communities of the Vaalbos National Park, Northern Cape. 2. The Graspan-Holpan section

Detailed classification, description and mapping of the Graspan-Holpan section of the Vaalbos National Park, Northern Cape, were initiated. This classification is intended to serve as a basis for the establishment of an efficient wildlife management programme as well as conservation policies for the Vaalbos National Park. Using a numerical classification technique (TWINSPAN) as a first approximation, the classification was refined by applying Braun-Blanquet procedures. A hierarchical plant community clas- sification, description, ecological interpretation and a vegetation map are presented. In the phytosociological table nine major plant communities are recognised.

An ecological study of the major vegetation communities of the Vaalbos National Park, Northern Cape. 1. The Than-Droogeveld section

A detailed classification, description and mapping of the Than-Droogeveld section of the Vaalbos National Park, Northern Cape Province, were initiated. This classification is intended to serve as an ecological basis for the establishment of an efficient wildlife management programme as well as conservation policies for the Vaalbos National Park. Using a numerical classification technique (TWINSPAN) as a first approximation, the classification was refined by applying Braun-Blanquet procedures. A hierarchical classification, as well as description, ecological interpretation and a vegetation map are presented. In the phytosociological table 11 major plant communities are recognised.

A preliminary check list of flowering plants of the Vaalbos National Park

A check list of flowering plants has been compiled for the Vaalbos National Park, comprising 334 species. These species represent 211 genera and 65 families. The Monocotyledonae is represented by 10 families (15,6 of the total number of families) and the Dicotyledonae by 55 families (85,9 ). The life form spectrum of the plants indicates that Vaalbos National Park is a hemicryptophytic-therophytic area.

Transport and boma management techniques for black rhinoceros <i>Diceros bicomis</i> as used in the Etosha/Vaalbos operation

Selected Papers from the Rhinoceros Conservation Workshop, Skukuza, Kruger National Park,31 August – 4 September 1988 The translocation of six black rhinoceros from the Etosha National Park (Namibia) to the Vaalbos National Park (Republic of South Africa) is described. Data are provided on the transporting vehicle, the capture, transport and off-loading procedures followed while aspects of boma management are briefly dealt with.