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Browsing Conference presentations by Subject "Africa"

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    Biodiversity Assessment for Spatial Prioritization in Africa (BASPA)
    (2018-06-21) Bezeng Bezeng, Simeon; Marnewick, Daniel
    The African continent is home to high biodiversity, consisting of eight of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots. However, many African countries have lagged behind in mobilising foundational biodiversity data for spatial prioritisation in comparison to countries in other continents. More so, even in countries where such data exist, there is still a huge divide between foundational biodiversity data availability and mainstreaming of such information into country policies, planning and decision-making processes. Therefore, the current project seeks to first, empower African countries to generate foundational biodiversity data through the red listing of species, ecosystems and the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). Second, through rigorous stakeholder engagements and training, make sure the data generated is mainstreamed into government decision making processes. Last, together with country focal person(s), raise the required funding to implement this project. To do this, first, we conducted an African wide analysis to determine countries with high diversity, taking into account species richness and endemism. Following this analysis, pilot countries in both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) east and southern African, and west and central African regions were selected. Second, we evaluated project implementation success by testing two models – government versus NGO led models. Preliminary results of this analysis, project implementation models and the applications of the data generated at country level will be discussed in line with policy and decision making.
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    Discussion on the IPBES: Africa Assessment
    (SANBI, 2016-06-08) Walters, Michele
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    IPBES Africa Assessment: Chapter 3
    (SANBI, 2016-06-08) Egoh, Benis
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    South African reptile species and their phylogenetic richness not sufficiently safe-guarded
    (2019-09-09) Maritz, Bryan; Verburgt, Luke; Bates, Michael F.; Conradie, Werner; Hofmeyr, Margaretha D.; Turner, Andrew A.; Alexander, Graham J.
    African reptiles are under threat primarily due to habitat loss as a result of agriculture, resource extraction, and urbanisation. Extinction risk of South African reptiles was assessed as of 2018 using IUCN criteria and we ‘backcast’ these assessments to infer extinction risk circa 1990. A Red List Index (RLI: a measure of the extinction risk for a group of species) for 1990 and 2018 was estimated, and the protection level afforded to South African reptiles was investigated by intersecting reptile distributions with the network of protected areas. Furthermore, phylogenetic diversity of South African reptiles was mapped and intersected with national land cover for 1990 and 2013 to identify areas of high phylogenetic richness that may be impacted by habitat transformation. Level of extinction risk for South African reptiles (ca. 5.4%) is lower than the global average, and most currently threatened species would have already been at risk by 1990. The RLI is slightly lower in 2018 than it was in 1990, and the decrease is more prominent for endemic reptiles than for all reptiles combined. Most South African reptiles fall into the Well Protected category, implying that the protected area network has substantial conservation impact. However, most threatened reptile species are Poorly Protected or Not Protected. The current extent of the protected area network therefore, does not adequately mitigate extinction risk for reptiles. Notably, two South African reptiles are Critically Endangered and in protected areas, two others are already classified as Extinct, and rough estimates of extinction rates are similar to values estimated for other vertebrates. Phylogenetic diversity mapping showed that the greatest historical impacts to phylogenetic richness for reptiles are in the northeast (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng provinces), southwest (Western Cape Province) and the coastal margin of KwaZulu-Natal. By considering additional metrics that are directly guided by our in-depth knowledge of the species, their distributions and the threats, we demonstrate that South African reptiles are under pressure, that risk of extinction is tangible for several species and that phylogenetic richness of reptiles in certain areas of South Africa is imperilled by loss of habitat.