Browsing by Author "Netherlands, Edward C."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An automated approach to amphibian diversity surveys
    (2019-08-21) Pretorius, Wentzel W.; Kruger, Donnavan J.D.; Netherlands, Edward C.; Du Preez, Louis H.
    Various animal groups have developed the ability to produce species-specific vocal signals, each with unique acoustic patterns. Among these groups, amphibians are one of the most well-known vocalising species. The study of vocal signals allows scientists to monitor anurans based on their acoustic behaviour. The last known survey done on the anuran presence, diversity and geographical distribution in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa was conducted by Minter et al. (2004) using a number of different methods. In an attempt to document the anuran diversity in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, the study was conducted by making use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) by means of automated recorders. Six localities were identified in Kwazulu-Natal where recorders were arrayed. The recording frequency was set at ten minutes of recording every hour, on the hour between 18h00 to 07h00 for twelve on-going months. In addition to determine the presence of anurans at the sample localities, analysis of the data allowed for the differentiation between both diurnal and seasonal variance in vocal activities. A total of 54% (29/54) of the expected species were recorded at the six localities. Two species, Leptopelis mossambicus and Ptychadena anchietae, were recorded at all sampled localities. The highest anuran diversity was recorded at St Lucia with 16 species. Due to the El Niño phenomenon, rainfall patterns were not typical for the studied area, which contributed to the low presence of anurans at the different localities. Ultimately the use of PAM to detect the presence and anuran behaviour (seasonal and diurnal), proved to be a practical method for medium- to long-term non-invasive biodiversity estimates at different localities.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The 5th International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife: parasitology talks in the African bush
    (2025-11-12) Hadfield, Kerry A.; Chaisi, Mamohale E.; Cook, Courney A.; Netherlands, Edward C.; Lawton, Scott P.; Luus-Powell, Willem J.; Matthee, Conrad A.; Penzhorn, Banie L.; van der Mescht, Luther; van Zyl, Robyn L.; Smit, Nico J.