https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28152 Wed 12 Oct 2022 11:48:48 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37957 Wed 12 May 2021 23:45:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29217 Wed 12 May 2021 23:26:50 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37968 Wed 12 May 2021 22:47:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26616 80 %) feeding, and morning courting behaviour for this species were confirmed. However, during the summer holiday period (mid-December to mid-January) few seahorses were observed on camera, which suggests that the increase in motor boat activity and the related increase in noise had a negative effect on H. capensis feeding and courting behaviour. The marina development, and in particular the Reno mattresses, created a new habitat for this endangered species within the Knysna estuary. In addition to the protection and restoration of natural habitats in which H. capensis is found, the conservation potential of artificial structures such as Reno mattresses should be realised.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 22:34:55 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30035 Wed 12 May 2021 22:23:52 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34080 Wed 12 May 2021 22:18:40 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37937 Wed 12 May 2021 20:49:13 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34084 Wed 12 May 2021 19:51:43 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28516 Wed 12 May 2021 19:46:51 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26734 Wed 12 May 2021 19:34:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30605 Wed 12 May 2021 19:34:18 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28638 Wed 12 May 2021 19:14:33 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28594 Wed 12 May 2021 19:05:02 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28172 Wed 12 May 2021 18:59:00 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28535 Wed 12 May 2021 18:46:25 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27207 Wed 12 May 2021 18:29:54 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30704 Wed 12 May 2021 18:19:30 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:21051 Wed 12 May 2021 17:38:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37907 20-40mm), swimmers, flattened body shape, a preference for temporary attachment, crawling, respiration with aerial/vegetation, possession of breathing tubes, possession of strap or other apparatus for respiration, streamlined body, and a high sensitivity to oxygen depletion. Permanent attachment as an ecological preference associated with LIS was also positively correlated with increasing dissolved oxygen (DO) and was deemed a pollution sensitive ecological preference. The possession of very small body size (<5mm), associated with HIS, was deemed a pollution-tolerant trait and was negatively correlated with DO, confirming the deteriorating state of the urban and urban-agricultural rivers. The impact of urban-forestry pollution on the distribution pattern of macroinvertebrate traits and ecological preferences was also explored in the selected rivers. Traits and ecological preferences such as possession of hard-shell, large body size, and grazing as a feeding preference which were significantly positively associated with the LIS, were also either significantly positively correlated with DO, or significantly negatively correlated with increasing any two of flow velocity, water temperature, BOD5 and nutrient. These traits and ecological preferences were deemed sensitive in forested rivers receiving urban pollution. Further, burrowing, the pupa aquatic stage, and predation which were significantly positively associated with HIS on the RLQ ordination, were also significantly negatively associated with DO. These traits were deemed tolerant of forested systems receiving urban pollution. Multimetric indices (MMI) were developed, validated and applied for urban, urban-agriculture and urban-forested (MMI-urban, MMI-urban-agric and urban-forest) areas. Of the 26 metrics that satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS for MMI-urban, only five metric were retained for integration into MMI-urban, they are log VeL, Hemiptera abundance, % Coleoptera + Hemiptera, % Chironomidae + Oligochaeta and Evenness index. Further, of the 18 metrics that satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS for MMI-urban-agric, only 12 metrics were retained and nine proved to be redundant. The nine metrics represent different measures; two of them were retained in addition to Chironomidae/Diptera abundance, % Odonata and Oligochaeta richness. The two metrics selected in addition to the hironomidae/Diptera abundance, % Odonata and Oligochaeta richness were the Margalef index and the logarithm of relative abundance of sprawler. For the MMI-urban-forest, 14 metrics satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS, and 12 metrics were retained and 11 proved to be redundant. The non-redundant metric was Trichoptera abundance. Three metrics were further selected in addition to the Trichoptera abundance which include % Chironomidae + Oligochaeta, Coleoptera + Hemiptera richness and Shannon diversity. The MMI-urban and MMI-urban-agric indices performed better for LIS designated stations compared to the MIS and HIS deignated stations. The developed indices proved effective as biomonitoring tools for assessing the ecological health of rivers in the urban and urban-agriculture catchments within the Niger Delta. Overall, the results of the macroinvertebrate traits and ecological preferences, and taxonomic approaches showed the strength in the complementarity of both approaches in developing biomonitoring tools for assessing levels of deterioration in riverine systems. The study contributes significantly to understanding the ecology of riverine systems in the Niger Delta, particularly those subject to urban stresses, agricultural activities and urban pollution in forested systems, and thus makes an important contribution to the science and practice of biomonitoring in Nigeria where such studies are sparse.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 17:31:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28348 Wed 12 May 2021 16:48:33 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28059 Wed 12 May 2021 16:23:24 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28156 Wed 12 May 2021 16:21:52 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26563 50 %) in the upper to middle reaches (river), but low (< 20 %) in the lower reaches (estuary). The current investigation represents the first attempt to assess the validity of the River Continuum Concept (RCC) in a southern African temperate river. The phytoplankton and phytobenthos communities, and chl-a concentration followed a trend similar to that proposed for the river continuum concept (RCC). The middle reaches based on the phytobenthos or phytoplankton communities and chl-a concentrations which were employed as proxies for primary production, were the most productive, while the upper reaches were the least primary productive. The evaluation of organic matter contributions to the SPM and detritus along the river–estuary continuum provided a baseline assessment of the nature and sources of potential food for consumers inhabiting different locations during different times of the year. Incorporating such spatio-temporal variations in SPM and detritus into food web studies will improve our understanding of the flow of carbon through aquatic systems.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 15:56:40 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:20651 Wed 12 May 2021 15:55:35 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30942 Wed 12 May 2021 15:54:37 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34697 Wed 12 May 2021 15:48:40 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41433 Wed 12 May 2021 15:07:12 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41920 Wed 12 May 2021 15:01:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41019 Wed 12 May 2021 14:53:50 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41469 Wed 12 May 2021 14:51:15 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42477 Wed 12 May 2021 14:48:51 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42482 Wed 12 May 2021 14:47:22 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42934 0.5). The model also performed generally well compared to established models that had been previously applied in some of the study catchments. The highest sediment yields recorded per country were 153 t km-2 year-1 (Tsitsa River; South Africa), 90 t km-2 year-1 (Odzi River; Zimbabwe) and 340 t km-2 year-1 (Rio Tanama; Puerto Rico). The results also displayed consistent underestimations of peak sediment yield events, partly attributed to sediment emanating from gullies that are not explicitly accounted for in the WQSED model structure. Furthermore, the calibration process revealed that the WQSED storage model is generally challenging to calibrate. An alternative simpler version of the storage model was easier to calibrate, but the model may still be challenging to apply to catchments where calibration data are not available. The additional evaluation of the WQSED simulated sediment yield rates against observed reservoir sediment rates showed a broad range of differences between the simulated and observed sediment yield rates. Differences between WQSED simulated sediment and observed reservoir sediment ranges from a low of 30% to a high of > 40 times. The large differences were partly attributed to WQSED being limited to simulating suspended sediment from sheet and rill processes, whereas reservoir sediment is generated from more sources that include bedload, channel and gully processes. Nevertheless, the model simulations replicated some of the regional sediment yield patterns and are assumed to represent sheet and rill contributions to reservoir sediment in selected catchments. The outcome of this study is an improved WQSED model that has successfully undergone preliminary testing and evaluation. Therefore, the model is sufficiently complete to be used by independent researchers and water resources managers to simulate erosion and sediment transport. However, the model is best applicable to areas where some observed data or regional information are available to calibrate the storage components and constrain model outputs. The report on potential MUSLE scale dependencies is relevant globally to all studies applying the MUSLE model and, therefore, can improve MUSLE application in future studies. The WQSED model offers a relatively simple, effective and applicable tool that is set to provide information to enhance catchment, land and water resources management in catchments of Africa.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 14:47:01 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42485 Wed 12 May 2021 14:40:35 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42810 Wed 12 May 2021 14:39:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42198 Wed 12 May 2021 14:30:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42847 Wed 12 May 2021 14:24:55 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41010 Wed 12 May 2021 14:00:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41002 Wed 12 May 2021 13:59:29 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41938 Wed 12 May 2021 13:58:42 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42474 Wed 12 May 2021 13:51:58 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42939 Wed 12 Jul 2023 08:28:50 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42938 Tue 16 Nov 2021 09:37:21 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30600 Tue 15 Aug 2023 15:50:21 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31213 Thu 29 Sep 2022 14:24:30 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30599 Thu 29 Sep 2022 14:23:25 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42759 10 m depth) and inshore sites (intertidal surf zones). Many sites in the bay, especially the atypical site at Cape Recife, exhibit higher than the average pH levels (>8.04), suggesting that pH variability may be biologically driven. This is further evidenced by high diurnal variability in pH (~0.55 pH units). Although the specific drivers of the high pH variability in Algoa Bay could not be identified, baseline carbonate chemistry conditions were identified, which is necessary information to design and interpret biological experiments. Long-term, continuous monitoring is required to improve understanding of the drivers of pH variability in understudied coastal regions, like Algoa Bay. A local fisheries species, D. capensis, was selected as a model species to assess the impacts of future OA scenarios in Algoa Bay. It was hypothesized that this temperate, coastally distributed species would be adapted to naturally variable pH conditions and thus show some tolerance to low pH, considering that they are exposed to minimum pH levels of 7.77 and fluctuations of up to 0.55 pH units. Laboratory perturbation experiments were used to expose early postflexion stage of D. capensis to a range of pH treatments that were selected based on the measured local variability (~8.0–7.7 pH), as well as future projected OA scenarios (7.6–7.2 pH). Physiological responses were estimated using intermittent flow respirometry by quantifying routine and active metabolic rates as well as relative aerobic scope at each pH treatment. The behavioural responses of the larvae were also assessed at each pH treatment, as activity levels, by measuring swimming distance and speed in video-recording experiments, as well as feeding rates. D. capensis had sufficient physiological capacity to maintain metabolic performance at pH levels as low as 7.27, as evidenced by no changes in any of the measured metabolic rates (routine metabolic rate, active metabolic rate, and relative aerobic scope) after exposure to the range of pH treatments (8.02–7.27). Feeding rates of D. capensis were similarly unaffected by pH treatment. However, it appears that subtle increases in activity level (measured by swimming distance and swimming speed experiments) occur with a decrease in pH. These changes in activity level were a consequence of a change in behaviour rather than metabolic constraints. This study concludes, however, that based on the parameters measured, there is no evidence for survival or fitness related consequences of near future OA on D. capensis. OA research is still in its infancy in South Africa, and the potential impacts of OA to local marine resources has not yet been considered in local policy and resource management strategies. Integrating field monitoring and laboratory perturbation experiments is emerging as best practice in OA research. This is the first known study on the temperate south coast of South Africa to quantify local pH variability and to use this information to evaluate the biological response of a local species using relevant local OA scenarios as treatment levels for current and near future conditions. Research on local conditions in situ and the potential impacts of future OA scenarios on socio-economically valuable species, following the model developed in this study, is necessary to provide national policy makers with relevant scientific data to inform climate change management policies for local resources.]]> Thu 29 Sep 2022 12:42:34 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38509 Thu 13 May 2021 15:55:13 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28357 Thu 13 May 2021 15:31:22 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30709 150% intensity) were old gravity schemes. Farmers on approximately 75% of Limpopo smallholder schemes are currently engaging in land exchange transactions in a highly insecure and un-formalised institutional setup. Land exchange prevalence longer than two years was moderately associated with cropping intensity and strongly associated with commercialisation. This result has three important implications. First, it suggests that more land is utilised on the schemes when there is vibrant land-leasing activity. Secondly, schemes with a higher prevalence of long-term leasing seem to have a strong tendency to be more commercialised. Thirdly, the duration of the lease is significant, as neither single-season, nor annual leases yielded any positive associations, while those exchanges that were two years or longer, were associated with increased performance. These findings highlight the potential for longer-term land-exchange interventions to address the widespread low land utilisation on smallholder schemes, and to catalyse more commercially-oriented farming. An irrigation scheme typology was derived from the cluster analysis and was aligned to a contemporary irrigation farming typology. The key descriptors included technology type, purpose of farming and scheme management type. By matching scheme type to the farmer typology (or typologies), strategic decisions regarding technology choices for infrastructure, land, and water institutional interventions can be better informed. All schemes demand attention to the multiple factors required to achieve performance, not least water-tenure security, irrigation management organisational development, and infrastructure modernisation. Complexity was demonstrated by the finding that multiple factors contribute to success, and that there are many dimensions that change independently and have a cascading effect through the system in ways that are difficult to predict. Agricultural systems support to achieve productivity and profitability are essential for success. The research findings lead to the recommendation that, in addition, strategic planners must also consider the implications of the dominant factors of water-technology choices so that these are manageable, and the dynamics of farm-size change based on land exchange processes, in order to harness new opportunities to maximise irrigation scheme performance in future.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 11:26:49 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37667 Thu 13 May 2021 10:59:19 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26580 99 % in selectively extracting the metalloporphyrins. The impact of the template on the affinity of recognition for NTPP was evaluated. The results showed that the NTPP adsorption capacity increased as the molar ratio of NTPP to styrene was increased from 1:1 to 3:1. The optimal ratio of template to functional monomer which yielded the best specific affinity and highest recovery (99.9 %) was 3:1. The effects of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), dichloromethane (DCM), dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), pentane (PEN) on electro-spinnability of the polymer solutions and the morphological appearance of the nanofibers were investigated. The imprinted nanofibers exhibited the same selectivity specialism for both NTPP and VTPP. A remarkable stability in relation to reusability was observed when imprinted nanofibers were used, as they could be reused nine times without incurring any significant loss in removal efficiency. The results were validated by analysing a certified reference material. The imprinted sorbents were therefore found to be selective sorbents that are well suited for handling trace metals in organic media.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 09:54:20 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30589 50Îll viability at concentrations≤ 160μg/mL, however the conjugates showed<50% cell viabilityatconcentrations≤ 160μg/mLprobably due to the enhanced singlet oxygen quantum yield. The findings from this work show the importance of linking photosensitises such as phthalocyanines to metal nanoparticles for the enhancement ofsinglet oxygen quantum yield and ultimately the photodynamic effect.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 08:10:17 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28478 Thu 13 May 2021 07:35:51 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29380 20% habitat loss due to invasion). Upstream invasion by centrarchids isolated and fragmented P. afer populations into headwater refugia, while top down invasion by salmonids excluded B. trevelyani from invaded, more pristine stream reaches, by forcing the species into degraded unsuitable lower stream reaches. Predation also disrupted population processes such as adult dispersal for P. afer, and centrarchid-invaded zones acted as demographic sinks, where adults dispersing through invaded reaches were rapidly depleted. While the Mandela lineage of P. afer exhibited little within or between drainage genetic structuring, B. trevelyani was >4% divergent between drainages, and up to 2% divergent between streams within the Keiskamma River system (Chapter 7). The distribution of genetic diversity for B. trevelyani also indicated that the loss of diversity was imminent without immediate conservation interventions. This thesis has provided conclusive evidence that native fishes are vulnerable to invasion and that non-native predatory fishes have significant impacts on native fishes in Eastern Cape headwater streams. If management and conservation measures are implemented, the unwanted introduction and spread of non-native fishes may be restricted, allowing native fishes opportunities for recovery.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 07:28:56 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38234 Thu 13 May 2021 07:19:35 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28538 Thu 13 May 2021 07:11:33 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34163 Thu 13 May 2021 06:59:15 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28089 Thu 13 May 2021 06:56:43 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27449 Thu 13 May 2021 06:54:36 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34081 Thu 13 May 2021 06:38:10 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27439 Thu 13 May 2021 06:06:15 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38593 Thu 13 May 2021 05:49:52 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29223 Thu 13 May 2021 05:43:58 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38548 Thu 13 May 2021 05:39:40 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28020 Thu 13 May 2021 05:35:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28067 Thu 13 May 2021 05:31:56 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28522 Thu 13 May 2021 05:29:11 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31196 Thu 13 May 2021 05:17:47 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30977 Thu 13 May 2021 05:13:22 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30309 Thu 13 May 2021 04:50:05 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28132 Thu 13 May 2021 04:42:41 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27820 Thu 13 May 2021 04:39:10 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28213 Thu 13 May 2021 04:33:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28414 Thu 13 May 2021 04:19:37 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28608 Thu 13 May 2021 03:49:57 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29790 Thu 13 May 2021 03:46:18 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28407 Thu 13 May 2021 03:42:47 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37906 Thu 13 May 2021 03:38:54 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26588 Thu 13 May 2021 03:30:04 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:5886 Thu 13 May 2021 03:10:59 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34197 70% of total counts) of sightings were made inside the MPAs. Short-term boat-based surveys were conducted three times a year between June 2014 and December 2016, contributing to a total of 47 days of surveys divided into three locations: Amathole, Hluleka, and Pondoland, each containing a MPA. Density and group size data were analyzed for both species and photographic identification analysis was performed for photographs of bottlenose dolphin dorsal fins. Results indicate that animal and sighting density did not differ temporally (bottlenose dolphin: sighting density – p=0.398, individual density –p=0.781; common dolphin: sighting density –p=0.472, individual density – p=0.204). Environmental factors (sea surface temperature, depth, substrate, and distance from shore) appeared to have limited effect on individual and sighting density and group size for both species (p>0.05). Photographic identification of bottlenose dolphins resulted in 2149 individuals, with a 11.8% resighting rate, with the highest resighting rate within the Pondoland MPA (16.1%). The resighting count did not differ temporally between monthly survey based on generalized linear models (p=0.866), but did differ between study areas (p<0.0001). These results provide the first evidence of the occurrence of both species of dolphin off the Wild Coast, as they were sighted in this region in all survey months. There was no trend in density based on temporal or environmental factors, which suggests other factors are influencing their occurrence. Resightings of bottlenose dolphins within the area suggest that there is some degree of residency, though the majority of animals were only sighted on a single occasion and there was no plateau in the discovery curve. A total of 256 biopsy samples (bottlenose dolphins =128; common dolphins=128) were collected during boat-based surveys. Bottlenose dolphin samples were also collected from adjacent areas to the southwest (Algoa Bay, n=22) and northeast (KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), n=20) of the Wild Coast to investigate similarities and differences between these areas. Despite a high degree of niche overlap between the two species (41%), common dolphins fed with a broader niche (standard ellipse area probability 0.89) than bottlenose dolphins in the summer and a narrower niche in the winter (probability 0.94). There was a clear spatial variation in the diet of bottlenose dolphins along the coast, with individuals from Algoa Bay and Amathole demonstrating 0% niche overlap with individuals from KZN, but the mechanism for these differences remains unclear as other species from South African waters demonstrate a strong southwest to northeast gradient in nitrogen for the Eastern Cape coastline. This research provides valuable baseline information regarding dolphins off the Wild Coast of South Africa, which remained largely unknown. My results indicate that bottlenose dolphins may be more resident in the Wild Coast than previous predicted, and confirm that common dolphins are highly mobile in this area.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 03:09:09 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38472 Thu 13 May 2021 03:05:20 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38554 Thu 13 May 2021 03:02:27 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38546 Thu 13 May 2021 02:21:31 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:32315 Thu 13 May 2021 02:16:00 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28396 Thu 13 May 2021 02:06:20 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30939 Thu 13 May 2021 01:36:33 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27821 Thu 13 May 2021 01:17:53 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28607 Thu 13 May 2021 01:16:43 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28593 Thu 13 May 2021 00:58:01 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38545 Thu 13 May 2021 00:54:10 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28513 Thu 13 May 2021 00:18:31 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27830 Thu 13 May 2021 00:01:37 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27998 Thu 06 Apr 2023 13:57:50 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27442 Thu 01 Feb 2024 09:48:57 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:57234 Sun 09 Oct 2022 18:07:39 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41020 Mon 18 Dec 2023 18:00:37 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26897 Fri 06 Aug 2021 09:57:38 SAST ]]>