A5044667202- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
- Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology
- Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
- Dutch Social and Cultural Studies
- Child and Adolescent Health
- Diverse Historical and Scientific Studies
- 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Sustainability and Climate Change Governance
- History of Science and Medicine
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Plant and animal studies
- Forest Management and Policy
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Conservation Techniques and Studies
- Geographies of human-animal interactions
- Research in Social Sciences
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
University of Oxford
2015-2025
Nelson Mandela University
2025
University of Cape Town
2022-2024
Rhodes University
2013-2015
Conservationists increasingly use unstructured observational data, such as citizen science records or ranger patrol observations, to guide decision making. These datasets are often large and relatively cheap collect, they have enormous potential. However, the resulting data generally "messy," their can incur considerable costs, some of which hidden. We present an overview opportunities limitations associated with messy by explaining how preferences, skills, incentives collectors affect...
Reports of livestock depredation by large predators were systematically collected at three study sites in northwestern Zimbabwe from 2008-2013. We recorded 1,527 incidents (2,039 animals killed and 306 injured). Lions (Panthera leo) spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) mostly responsible, cattle donkeys most frequently attacked. Patterns predation variable among sites. Nevertheless, some overall patterns apparent. Predators selected close to the size their preferred wild prey, suggesting...
Ivory poaching continues to threaten African elephants. We (1) used criminology theory and literature evidence generate hypotheses about factors that may drive, facilitate or motivate poaching, (2) identified datasets representing these factors, (3) tested those with strong sufficient data quality for empirical associations poaching. advance on previous analyses of correlates elephant by using additional leveraging new previously untested explanatory variables. Using 10 286 illegally killed...
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge loss of life, and immense social economic harm. Wildlife trade become central to discourse on COVID-19, zoonotic pandemics, related policy responses, which must focus “saving lives, protecting livelihoods, safeguarding nature.” Proposed responses have included extreme measures such as banning all use wildlife, or blanket for entire Classes. However, different trades pose varying degrees risk while some also play critical roles in delivering other key...
ABSTRACT Globally, hundreds of thousands rangers patrol protected areas every day. The data they collect have immense potential for monitoring biodiversity and threats to it. Technologies like SMART (Spatial Monitoring Reporting Tool), which facilitate the management ranger‐collected data, enhanced this potential. However, based on our experience across diverse use cases geographies, we found that ranger‐based is often implemented without a clear plan how will inform critical evaluation...
Abstract Shifting human–wildlife conflict towards coexistence requires a robust understanding of where happens and why. Spatial models livestock depredation by wild predators commonly identify hotspots in areas are most abundant (e.g. nearer villages or pasture). This may reflect underlying distribution, rather than imply these inherently risky for livestock. limits the predictive power their usefulness mitigation carnivore conservation. Here, we build spatial both cattle (530 attacks mostly...
Abstract Understanding the ecological and human factors that shape loss of livestock to wild carnivores can help target conservation efforts. We used 5 years depredation records (2009–2013, n = 1147) alongside Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, investigate how spatial patterns vary by carnivore species. Dominant across all species seasons included an increased likelihood closer protected areas (core habitat) in more open settlements (where are most abundant). Lions were less likely than spotted...
Abstract The effectiveness of biodiversity conservation projects is influenced by socio‐political context, a reality overlooked traditional prioritization schemes that use only measures biological value and threat when deciding where to invest limited resources. We combined ecological criteria illuminate options for prioritizing investment in African wild dog Lycaon pictus among countries subpopulations. Countries subpopulations were assigned scores priority (based on their populations)...
Abstract Ranger‐based monitoring has enormous potential to inform conservation globally, with hundreds of thousands rangers patrolling extensive areas and recording observations illegal activities biodiversity. Much quantitative research demonstrated the pitfalls data collection by rangers, but little work considered its human dimensions. Yet poor engagement with, ownership of, those undertaking it may compromise quality thereby limit evidence‐based conservation. We interviewed supervisors...
The abundance of consumers and the availability resources are often linked, birds known to track food at a variety spatial temporal scales. This study describes seasonal influx nectar-feeding during flowering in 51-ha stand Aloe ferox Eastern Cape, South Africa, over 5 years (2008–09 2011–13). Bimonthly point counts were conducted before (April–May), (June–July) after (August) flowering, which occurs austral winter. increased significantly each year, whereas monthly abundances...
Illegal wildlife crime is a global phenomenon, accelerating the ongoing biodiversity crisis. In Old World, and particularly in Africa, illegal use of poisons to eliminate carnivores main driver continental vulture Knowledge about underlying source drivers this threat lacking for most areas, including Kenya, hotspot. An extensive questionnaire survey over 1300 respondents was run, using specialized questioning technique quantitative analytical approaches. Results show that, while pastoralists...
Abstract Given their vulnerability to local extinction, the reintroduction of megafauna species (often long‐lived, ecologically influential and highly social) is an increasingly relevant conservation intervention. Studies that evaluate past reintroductions are both critical rare. Between 1981 1996, 12 cohorts a total 200 juvenile (<5 years old) African savannah elephants Loxodonta africana were reintroduced Hluhluwe‐ iM folozi Park (HiP), South Africa, after 100 absence. Here, we model...
Small mammals play an important role in many ecosystems; hence, the factors that influence their community structure are of interest. Ungulate grazing is one such factor, and this study focussed on effect sheep (Ovis aries) a savanna ecosystem small-mammal structure. In landscape-scale assessment, was compared at three different levels farm Sub-Escarpment Savanna Eastern Cape, South Africa. total, 97 individuals across seven species were trapped. Of these individuals, 81.4% trapped...
Elephants in Africa: Big, grey biodiversity thieves? At the outsetThe conservation of biological diversity is one greatest challenges facing humanity today. 1,23][4] While preventing loss particular species an obvious strategy, a second goal might be to manage for local and heterogeneity habitats. 5A further objective may restoration damaged ecosystems. 61][12] Thus, decision-makers are faced with challenge balancing needs populations large herbivores preservation vegetation ecosystem...
Abstract Adaptive management, whereby monitoring is used to evaluate management interventions with uncertain outcomes, theoretically well‐developed but poorly implemented. Previous work has identified several reasons for this, there been little direct investigation into the perceptions of on‐the‐ground managers (those ultimately responsible adopting adaptive management). We conducted interviews nine protected area in Mana–Sapi–Chewore World Heritage Site Zimbabwe understand their...
A captivating read, The Spark of Life presents an inclusive and magnetic account electricity in the human body. With story-like accounts history electrical discovery its role players, lucid reviews school biology, absorbing descriptions discoveries at cutting edge neuroscience, this book has something it for everyone. Ashcroft's persuasiveness leaves reader both convinced fascinated by essential signals our cells - these are what make us truly alive.
Climate change, biodiversity and extinction riskWarnings about the drastic impacts of climate change on natural world are nothing new.In an era sen sationalised media halftruths surrounding 'debacle', society is in need hard evidence.Driven to Extinction strives give us just that.Be warned: evidence tells uncomfortable story.Drawing extensively scientific literature, book presents a timely overview what science can tell its impact earth's plants animals.From poleward upslope shifts...
An abstract is not available for this content. As you have access to content, full HTML content provided on page. A PDF of also in through the ‘Save PDF’ action button.