https://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/issue/feedKoedoe2024-03-08T04:40:47+01:00AOSIS Publishingsubmissions@koedoe.co.zaOpen Journal Systems<a id="readmorebanner" href="/index.php/koedoe/pages/view/journal-information" target="_self">Read more</a> <img style="padding-top: 2px;" src="/public/web_banner.svg" alt="" />https://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1792A historical archaeological investigation of Sardelli’s shop, Sabiepoort, Kruger National Park2024-03-08T04:40:47+01:00Anton C. van Vollenhovenantonv@archaetnos.co.zaHistorical information indicates that Sardelli’s shop at Sabiepoort, built before the South African War because of its proximity to an existing trade route, was utilised by Steinaecker’s Horse during the war (1899–1902). This shop was likely a satellite of another site, the Gaza Gray outpost. Steinaecker’s Horse was a British volunteer unit operating in the Lowveld and eSwatini. Research on the Sabiepoort site forms part of a larger project, the Steinaecker’s Horse research project, aimed at undertaking archaeological and historical research of sites associated with this unit. The site was excavated with the aim of contributing to the contextualisation of information and to show the extent of the connection between historical information and archaeological evidence with regard to Steinaecker’s Horse at Sabiepoort. Dateable artefacts from the site represent the period of the late 19th to the early 20th century, coinciding with the dates of the war. Archaeological evidence indicates the presence of indigenous people present during the same period, most likely Tsonga. Indigenous pottery at the site is similar to those discovered from the Gaza Gray site, confirming concurrent occupation. Research findings were compared to outcomes from the Makhadzi outpost, indicating social differentiation between the different units stationed at this outpost close to the Letaba Rest Camp and gave evidence of the role of black soldiers and local inhabitants during the war. There is a distinction between the main aim of the Steinaecker’s Horse project and the aim at this site. The latter is described here with the former aimed at writing the history of this unit.2024-03-06T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Anton C. van Vollenhovenhttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1777Peer-reviewed research based on the relationship between South African cultures and biodiversity2024-03-01T14:13:21+01:00Fortunate M. Phakamafetap@gmail.comLouis H. du Preezlouis.duPreez@nwu.ac.zaJean Hugejean.Huge@ou.nlMaarten P.M. Vanhovemaarten.vanhove@uhasselt.be<p>Understanding past and present relationships of traditional cultures with biodiversity through biocultural research can help inform inclusive conservation policy and planning in a country seeking to undo past injustices such as South Africa. This review of 326 articles published between 1990 and 2019 maps the methodology employed in biocultural research, the focus of this research niche, ethical conduct and research recommendations to understand the state of biocultural research and make recommendations for biocultural research that is representative of South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape. This systematic review of original research articles indexed on the Scopus database found South African biocultural research to exclude Swati and Ndebele cultures while having an unevenly strong focus on plants, human health sciences, rural areas, and three of the country’s nine provinces. Some of this unevenness is likely because of utility of plants in human health and association of traditional practices with rural areas. Using a systematic review approach for this study not only ensured replicability but it also introduced a limitation of the results only being applicable to peer-reviewed articles indexed on the Scopus database.</p><p><strong>Conservation implications:</strong> Biocultural research’s strong focus on utilitarian use could encourage conservation policy that favours utilitarian use of wildlife. An even focus in biocultural research is recommended to avoid the knowledge pool for conservation policy being mostly focussed on utilitarian value.</p>2024-02-12T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Fortunate M. Phaka, Louis H. du Preez, Jean Huge, Maarten P.M. Vanhovehttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1756Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of a wildlife and cattle savanna ranch in South-Western Zimbabwe2024-01-10T13:32:02+01:00Sicelo Sebatasicelosebata@gmail.comCharles R. HaddadHaddadCR@ufs.ac.zaMoira J. FitzPatrickmoirajane.fitz@gmail.comStefan H. Foordstefan.foord@univen.ac.za<p>In order to contribute to spider diversity distribution records within Zimbabwe, spiders were sampled at a mixed wildlife and cattle ranch using pitfall traps and sweep-netting. Sampling was conducted from June 2017 to April 2018. A total of 2328 spiders representing 25 families, 94 genera, and 166 species were recorded. The most species-rich families were Salticidae (33 spp.), followed by the Gnaphosidae (28 spp.) and Lycosidae (20 spp.), while eight families were represented by a single species. Pitfall traps accounted for 1857 individuals overall, with the ground-dwelling fauna dominated by <em>Stenaelurillus guttiger</em> (37.86% of the total abundance). Sweep-nets accounted for 471 individuals overall, with the grass-dwelling fauna dominated by <em>Thyene thyenioides</em> (15.29% of the total abundance). The most abundant functional group was the free-living ground-dwellers (<em>n</em> = 1809, 77.71%), followed by free-living plant-dwellers (<em>n</em> = 266, 11.43%) and orb-web builders (<em>n</em> = 186, 7.98%). The current study contributes to the knowledge of a megadiverse group of predatory arthropods in the region.</p><p><strong>Conservation implications:</strong> Sampling and monitoring of rangelands is essential, as the former aids in the identification of new species not previously recorded, as well as increasing knowledge on the distribution of spider species, which if not adequately conserved could face significant threats to their survival even before their documentation.</p>2023-12-20T09:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Sicelo Sebata, Charles R. Haddad, Moira J. FitzPatrick, Stefan H. Foordhttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1772Waterbird community changes in the Wilderness Lakes, South Africa (Part 3 of 3): Diving piscivores and scavengers2024-01-09T07:20:33+01:00Ian A. Russellian.russell@sanparks.org<p>Estuarine waterbodies typically support diverse and abundant waterbird communities. However, global environmental degradation as a result of anthropogenic activities is leading to species level changes in biodiversity, with top predators such as piscivorous waterbirds being particularly vulnerable to ecosystem changes. The study aimed to document long-term spatial and temporal patterns of abundance of piscivorous and scavenging waterbirds in the Wilderness Lakes Complex (WLC) in the Garden Route National Park, South Africa, and where possible identify potential causes for observed trends. The abundance of waterbirds on these wetlands was determined biannually from 1992 to 2019, with counts conducted from a boat following a standardised route. Historical waterbird abundance data from the 1980s were also used to describe long-term abundance changes. Eight of the species exhibited seasonal variability in abundance with most, excluding Common Tern <em>Sterna hirundo</em>, being more abundant in winter. Substantial changes occurred in the abundance of several species over the four-decade study period, notably increases in Cape Cormorant <em>Phalacrocorax capensis</em> and Great Crested Grebe <em>Podiceps cristatus</em>, and decreases in Common Tern and Black-necked Grebe <em>Podiceps nigricollis</em>. Long-term abundance trends indicate a combination of declining, increasing, and stable populations. Although some species have undergone contrasting abundance changes on different waterbodies in the WLC the dominant pattern was a similar direction of change on most or all waterbodies and in different seasons. Local reasons for changes probably include loss of sandbanks, changing prey availability, and the absence of recreational disturbance on some waterbodies.</p><p><strong>Conservation implications:</strong> Drivers of changes in the abundances of piscivores are likely to be multifaceted, functioning on multiple spatial and temporal scales, and affecting different species in different ways. Recommended local corrective actions include managing emergent macrophyte encroachment on sandbanks, reducing recreational disturbance, managing processes affecting indigenous fish stocks, and protecting nesting sites.</p>2023-12-06T07:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Ian A. Russellhttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1771Waterbird community changes in the Wilderness Lakes, South Africa (Part 2 of 3): Shorebirds2024-01-09T07:20:33+01:00Ian A. Russellian.russell@sanparks.org<p>Globally, many shorebirds, particularly the smaller migratory waders are declining, which can be attributed to multiple factors throughout their ranges. The Wilderness Lakes Complex in South Africa comprises two estuarine systems, that support diverse waterbird communities, including 17 abundant shorebirds. The study aimed to document long-term spatial and temporal patterns of abundance of shorebirds in the Wilderness Lakes Complex, and where possible identify potential causes for observed trends. The abundance of waterbirds on these wetlands was determined biannually from 1992 to 2019, with counts conducted from a boat following a standardised route. Historical abundance data from the 1980s were also used to describe long-term abundance changes. Ten shorebirds showed seasonal differences in abundances. Significant long-term decreases in abundance have occurred in seven shorebirds (Wood Sandpiper <em>Tringa glareola</em>, Marsh Sandpiper <em>Tringa stagnatilis</em>, Curlew Sandpiper <em>Calidris ferruginea</em>, Ruff <em>Philomachus pugnax</em>, Grey Heron <em>Ardea cinerea</em>, Greater Flamingo <em>Phoenicopterus ruber</em>, Black-winged Stilt <em>Himantopus himantopus</em>) and increases in three species (African Spoonbill <em>Platalea alba</em>, Little Egret <em>Egretta garzetta</em>, Glossy Ibis <em>Plegadis falcinellus</em>). Similar types of population changes occurred across multiple waterbodies and in different seasons. The similarity of shorebird abundance trends in spatially separated wetlands suggests either high interconnectivity of populations between wetlands systems and/or prominent drivers of change being broad scaled rather than system specific. Local reasons for changes potentially include the increasing spread of emergent macrophytes and resultant loss of open sandbanks, changing hydrodynamics, and alien fish proliferation, all likely changing food accessibility, as well as periodic high disturbance by waterbody users.</p><p><strong>Conservation implications:</strong> Changes in the abundances of several shorebirds, particularly small migratory waders, are substantial, with multiple likely local, regional and international drivers acting accumulatively. Recommended corrective actions include continuing involvement in the development and implementation of policies for waterbird conservation, and local management of emergent macrophytes, disturbance, and water level variability.</p>2023-12-06T06:30:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Ian A. Russellhttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1770Waterbird community changes in the Wilderness Lakes, South Africa (Part 1 of 3): Herbivores and omnivores2024-01-09T07:20:33+01:00Ian A. Russellian.russell@sanparks.org<p>Global and regional degradation and loss of aquatic systems can negatively affect wetland-dependent waterbirds. The Wilderness Lakes Complex in South Africa, which incorporates the Wilderness Ramsar site, supports populations of 68 waterbird species including eight which periodically occur in globally significant (>1% population) numbers. The study aimed to document long-term spatial and temporal (including seasonal) patterns of abundance of herbivorous waterbirds in the Wilderness Lakes Complex, and where possible identify potential causes for observed trends. The abundance of waterbirds on these wetlands was determined biannually from 1992 to 2019, with counts conducted from a boat following a standardised route. Historical abundance data from the 1980s was also used to describe long-term abundance changes. Observed seasonality of four herbivorous waterbirds differed from published accounts. Long-term abundance trends indicated a combination of declining, increasing and stable populations which, in several instances, differed from regional (southern African) assessments. Significant long-term decreases have occurred in five herbivorous species in the lakes complex (Common Moorhen <em>Gallinula chloropus</em>, Red-knobbed Coot <em>Fulica cristata</em>, Yellow-billed Duck <em>Anas undulata</em>, Cape Shoveler <em>Anas smithii</em>, Cape Teal <em>Anas capensis</em>), whereas increases have occurred in two species (Spur-winged Goose <em>Plectropterus gambensis</em>, Egyptian Goose <em>Alopochen aegyptiaca</em>). Similar types of change occurred across multiple waterbodies, and in different seasons. The similarity of trends in spatially separated wetlands suggested either high interconnectivity of populations between wetland systems and/or some drivers of change of mobile species being broad scaled and regional, rather than system specific. Local reasons for changes potentially include increasing extent of cultivated fields, a proliferation of emergent macrophytes and loss of open sandbanks, changing food availability, increasing disturbance, and disease.</p><p><strong>Conservation implications:</strong> The fundamental character of the Wilderness Ramsar site has changed, with reduced abundance of several previously abundant herbivorous waterbirds. Drivers of change in species abundances are multifaceted, complex, and frequently poorly understood. Recommended local corrective actions include the management of emergent macrophytes, avian diseases, disturbance, and water quality.</p>2023-12-06T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Ian A. Russellhttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1774Erratum: The influence of fire presence and absence on grass species composition and species richness at Mountain Zebra National Park2024-01-09T07:20:33+01:00Nthabeliseni Munyaimunyai.nthabe@gmail.comAbel Ramoeloabel.ramoelo@up.ac.zaSamuel AdelabuAdelabuSA@ufs.ac.zaHugo Bezuidenhouthugo.bezuidenhout@sanparks.org<p>No abstract available. </p>2023-11-30T08:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Nthabeliseni Munyai, Abel Ramoelo, Samuel Adelabu, Hugo Bezuidenhouthttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1742Influence of herbivores and trees on soil biochemical properties of a semi-arid savanna2024-01-09T07:20:33+01:00Siviwe O. Malongweniingamalongweni@gmail.comJohan van TolvanTolJJ@ufs.ac.za<p>The study evaluates the interactive effects of mammalian herbivores and trees on soil biochemical properties of a semi-arid savanna ecosystem in South Africa. Composite soil samples were collected at three radial distances from a tree base, namely besides the tree trunk, canopy edge, and outside canopy, for two trees (<em>Combretum apiculatum</em> and <em>Grewia bicolor</em>), in the full exclosure and open access area in the Nkuhlu exclosures of Kruger National Park. We measured total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), pH, available phosphorus (P), microbial activity, exchangeable cations (calcium [Ca<sup>2+</sup>], magnesium [Mg<sup>2+</sup>], sodium [Na<sup>+</sup>] and potassium [K<sup>+</sup>]) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Result indicates that pH and Mg<sup>2+</sup> in full exclosure were significantly higher than outside, whereas TN, TC, available P, microbial activity, K<sup>+</sup> and CEC were lower. Under canopy samples had more pH, TN, TC, available P, K<sup>+</sup> and Ca<sup>2+</sup> than those collected from other sampling zones, mainly because of the effect of litter accumulation under the tree canopies. With the exceptions of CEC and microbial activity, the effects of the two tree species on soil nutrients were similar. Microbial activity was significantly high, whereas CEC was low under <em>G. bicolor</em> than <em>C. apiculatum</em>. The canopy edge of <em>G. bicolor</em> had the highest microbial activity, while the area outside the canopy of <em>C. apiculatum</em> had the lowest than all the other treatments. These results indicate that the presence of herbivores and woody species differentially affects the spatial distribution of the various nutrients, soil microbiota and other chemical properties depending on their radial distances from the tree base.</p><p><strong>Conservation implications:</strong> It is ecologically unwise to completely eliminate trees and herbivores from savanna ecosystems, as they help to maintain soil fertility and biodiversity.</p>2023-11-28T13:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Siviwe O. Malongweni, Johan van Tolhttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1769Determination of visitors’ intentions to revisit a natural history museum in a national park2024-01-09T07:20:33+01:00Uwe P. Hermannhermannup@tut.ac.zaTshifhiwa M. Nemaoraninkwenikatm@tut.ac.za<p>The Kruger National Park (KNP) is regarded as the flagship ecotourism destination in South Africa. It showcases unique fauna and flora and natural features and as an ecotourism attraction it also hosts a number of facilities that cater to visitors’ needs. One such facility is the Letaba Elephant Hall: a natural history museum located in the Letaba rest camp. The facility promotes education related to elephant biology, human–elephant relations, and conservation. Museums, require visitors to remain financially sustainable and to promote education and in the case of the Letaba Elephant Hall, to promote conservation. However, museums often have a negative connotation of being boring, with poor visitor engagement, and overly theoretical displays. These potentially poor experiences may influence visitor satisfaction, which, in turn, could affect the visitor’s post-visitation intentions. This study adopted the theory of planned behaviour and the expectancy-disconfirmation paradigm to conduct an exploratory quantitative survey to measure visitors’ experiences and how those experiences might influence their intentions to revisit the Letaba Elephant Hall. A total sample of 163 was achieved and results were analysed descriptively, followed by the development of binary categorisations. Chi-square tests were used to test the identified hypotheses, followed by multiple logistic regression to determine whether any significant relationships between variables exist.</p><p><strong>Implications for conservation:</strong> The results provide an overview of the visitor profile and descriptive experience results, as well as an indication of significant relationships that exist between expectations, experiences, perceived quality, satisfaction, pleasure, and revisit intentions. Understanding who museum visitors are and managing their experiences are pivotal in ensuring that the efficient functioning of these facilities are carried out such as effective education, which in the case of the Letaba Elephant Hall, may result in authentic learning and the promotion of elephant conservation. The study provides insight into possible ways of enhancing the visitor experience at the Letaba Elephant Hall as a natural history museum, which could also be transferred to other similar interpretation centres in the KNP and other protected areas.</p><p> </p>2023-11-07T07:10:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Uwe P. Hermann, Tshifhiwa M. Nemaoranihttps://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/1794Acknowledgement to reviewers2024-01-09T07:20:33+01:00Editorial Office10ts.srsupport@koedoe.co.za<span>No abstract available.</span>2023-10-20T06:00:00+02:00Copyright (c) 2023 Editorial Office