A5007919158- Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Orthoptera Research and Taxonomy
- Environmental and Biological Research in Conflict Zones
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Plant and animal studies
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Coleoptera Taxonomy and Distribution
- Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity
- Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology
- Cephalopods and Marine Biology
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Botanical Studies and Applications
- Tardigrade Biology and Ecology
- Insect Utilization and Effects
- Protist diversity and phylogeny
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2009-2023
South African National Biodiversity Institute
2013-2023
Hudson Institute
2020
Oxfam
2020
John Wiley & Sons (United States)
2020
John Wiley & Sons (United Kingdom)
2020
National Biodiversity Institute
1970-2017
Umkhuseli Innovation and Research Management
1996-1999
Summary 1. In the face of natural complexities and multicollinearity, model selection predictions using multiple regression may be ambiguous risky. Confounding effects predictors often cloud researchers’ assessment interpretation single best ‘magic model’. The shortcomings stepwise have been extensively described in statistical literature, yet it is still widely used ecological literature. Similarly, hierarchical which thought to an improvement procedure, fails address multicollinearity. 2....
Open access to sequence data is a cornerstone of biology and biodiversity research, but has created tension under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Policy decisions could compromise research development, unless practical multilateral solution implemented. Ensuring international benefit-sharing from without jeopardising open sharing major obstacle for other UN negotiations. Here, authors propose address concerns both developing countries life scientists.
Invertebrates constitute a substantial proportion of terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity are critical to ecosystem function. However, their inclusion in monitoring conservation planning management has lagged behind better-known, more widely appreciated taxa. Significant progress invertebrate surveys, systematics bioindication, both globally locally, means that use is becoming increasingly feasible. Here we outline challenges solutions the integration invertebrates into objectives...
The endemic South African velvet worm genus Peripatopsis currently contains eight recognized species described from variable morphological characters and the current taxonomy is unsatisfactory. In an attempt to investigate evolutionary relationships within Peripatopsis, we collected 137 individuals 34 sample localities for six of species. Sequence data derived two partial mitochondrial (mt)DNA gene loci (COI 12S rRNA), as well sequence ribosomal nuclear 18S rDNA locus in combination with...
Bicoxidens aridis sp. n. is described from five male specimens collected northern Zimbabwe. Besides being the smallest member of genus, B. has a hook-shaped distal telocoxite, telopodite with long postfemur and proximal clockwise coil. The discovery this species suggests that geographical range genus may extend further north into Zambia.
were interviewed, and 95% of them responded positively to the idea including information on invertebrates in ecotourism activities. Current levels inclusion activities, attitudes this concept investigated through interviews with tour guides other service providers, observations guided walks drives. Further, response both western/scientific indigenous knowledge into current planned activities was assessed. The findings revealed that there is currently negligible However, positive from...
Phylogenetic relationships among assumed Gondwanan aquatic inland invertebrate fauna are generally largely neglected, and biogeographical hypotheses for these organisms inferred from historic (palaeogeographical) contemporary distribution patterns. The of the monogeneric thermophilic freshwater fairy shrimp family Streptocephalidae (Streptocephalus) provides a particularly useful framework to test three contrasting scenarios proposed evolution this group: (1) genus evolved in Laurasia...
The anostracan Branchipodopsis genus is widespread throughout southern Africa and the second most speciose taxon in this sub-continent. species are particularly dominant small short-lived clear rock pools, to vagaries of which they extremely well adapted. Such pools were studied Drakensberg region, eastern Free State south-eastern Botswana. Common features Branchipodopsis-inhabited transparency water very low conductivity values (generally below 50μScm−1, often less than 10μScm−1). These...
Abstract Invertebrate diversity is seldom included in conservation assessments, primarily because information lacking. Broad surveys may be too costly, difficult or ineffective. Here we assess a ‘shopping basket’ approach, targeting 17 taxa using range of methods. We sampled 43 one‐hectare sites stratified within 560 km 2 heterogenous African savanna. achieved up to 80% sampling completeness for epigaeic fauna, but generally much lower (around 50%) plant‐dwelling and flying taxa. For the...
Streptocephalus (Parastreptocephalus), new subgenus, comprises *Streptocephalus (Parastreptocephalus) sudanicus, S. (P.) lamellifer. kaokoensis, and zuluensis, species, Brendonck Hamer. These species all produce tetrahedral eggs, a unique feature within the family Streptocephalidae, share similar male antennal morphology, which differs from that in other streptocephalids. The designated type is extensively redescribed. In addition, differentiating characters for zuluensis are presented. Both...
The diversity and complexity of invertebrate communities usually result in their exclusion from conservation activities. Here we provide a step process for assessing predominantly ground-dwelling Afrotemperate forest invertebrates' (earthworms, centipedes, millipedes, ants, molluscs) potential as surrogates indicators monitoring. We also evaluated sampling methods (soil litter samples, pitfall traps, active searching quadrats tree beating) temporal (seasonal) effects.Lack congruence species...
Natural science collections are accepted globally as critical research assets. A total of 71 zoological in South Africa, consisting over 15 million specimens housed at 22 institutions, were assessed to determine their current status and make recommendations for future security. The two greatest challenges the sustainability (1) that natural museums report departments with an arts culture rather than a mandate (2) staffing. staff complement within these institutions is 115, many understaffed...
Abstract An understanding of species turnover at different spatial scales and the influence environmental variables including distance are important for conservation planning management. Ground dwelling, flightless invertebrates have poor dispersal abilities other taxa may not be effective as surrogates. This is an consideration biodiversity in Afrotemperate forests Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa, where geographically isolated by naturally fragmented state forests. Seventeen four...