Editorial - Stellenbosch University

Departement Plant- & Dierkunde
Stellenbosch Universiteit
Privaatsak X1
MATIELAND 7602
die
Department of Botany & Zoology
Stellenbosch University
Private Bag X1
MATIELAND 7602
tel: 021 808 3236
faks/fax: 021 808 2405
e-pos/email: lwillems@sun.ac.za
Departement Plant- & Dierkunde - Stellenbosch - Department of Botany & Zoology
November 2007
In this issue
1. Editorial
2. “The Strongest
Department in the
Country”
p. 1
p. 2
3. Ellerman Schollars visit
Department
p. 2
3.1 Introduction: Scholarship
and Lecture Funding
3.2 Die John Ellerman
Gedenklesing
3.3 Evolution Solving
Pollution?
3.4 Louis J Guillette Jnr.
3.5 John Gatesy
4. Allan Ellis: New Lecturer
p. 7
5. Croc hunting
p. 8
6. Conferencing
p. 9
6.1 Hypoxia in Theory and
Practice
6.2 SETAC Conference in
Porto, Portugal
7. Post graduates
p.12
7.5 Honours projects
7.2 MSc & PhD
8. News
p.16
8.1 New Species Proposed
Editorial
Editor:
Prof. JH Van Wyk
Layout: R. Thompson
Editorial
Hannes Van Wyk
At the time I inherited the Akkerdier as
the informal communication channel
of the Departmental Marketing
Committee, I have been
following/enjoying - online - one of the
most contentious debates in the life and
biological sciences, in the electronic
magazine, The Scientist (http://www.thescientist.com). Yes, you guessed right,
the debate on “How should scientists
sell science? This debate had its origin
in several articles published by two
journalists, Chris Mooney (Journalist) and
Matthew Nisbet (professor in the School
of Communication at the American
University). Mooney & Nisbet sparked
this debate by suggesting that scientists
should make an effort to simplify complex
technical scientific issues and be taught
to “frame” their “Science” to make it
relevant to the receiving audience (Framing
Science, Science, April 6, 2007). They
followed this paper by another; “Thanks
for the Facts. Now sell them” (Washington
Post, April 15, 2007). They acknowledge
that we as scientists excel at research,
creatively answering more and more
fascinating questions, viewing intriguing
problems from different angles, all in all
contributing significantly to the incredible
information-overload. We, as scientists,
proudly agree, - this is our forte! But,
Mooney & Nisbet grab us by the back
of the neck and remind us that “presenting
this knowledge to the public is something else
altogether” Sure we are great in inundating
the public with facts – yeh, data-dumping
makes us feel good! - at least it shows
that we did not waste the taxpayer’s
money. They
agree we should
not
“spin”
information or
resort to giving
“fluf f” talks,
suggesting that
this will further
harm
our
credibility. But they strongly feel we
should rethink our strategies for
conveying knowledge for broader public
acceptance, - we should do a better job
of packaging for different segments of
the public, including polititians and
research managers, the very people we
try to convince or educate. “The public
out there on the streets, consume scientific
information very much different to the
way we as scientists generate it. But, be
warned, recasting of any issue should
remain true to the underlying science!”
Mooney & Nisbet then use recent issues
to illustrate dismal failures in our effort
to reach certain segments of the public,
for example, the issues of global warming
and evolution (vs religion). On the other
hand, they acknowledge that we are doing
better when it comes to the debate on
human embryonic stem cell research.
Mooney & Nisbet conclude by urging us
“to strategically avoid emphasizing the technical
detail of science when trying to defend it” A
departmental Newsletter such as the
“Akkerdier” could be the practicing pitch
for us to do what Mooney & Nisbet
advise us to do, so feel free to use this
oportunity in the future. Sell us your
facts!·
Next Issue
April 2008
Due date for articles
is March 2008.
Contact:
Richard via email
(rct@sun.ac.za) if you would
like to submit an article.
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
1
Die Akkerdier
“THE STRONGEST DEPARTMENT IN THE COUNTRY” Member of External Evaluation
Panel – on the Deapartment of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch, 14 November, 2007
Sophiè Reinecke
Would this quotation not make an excellent slogan for this
Department?
en 'n deel van die SIB op met die trappe. Van een kantoor
na 'n ander vir soveel kollegas en dit nog steeds sonder 'n
hysbak. Ook maar goed dat die skag nog nie gebou is nie
want intussen het die firma bankrot gespeel wat die hysbak
moes bou wat daarin moes pas. Sou die skag al begin gewees
het, het die vierde vloer dalk oor 'n afgrond gehang!
At the end of the year it is truly a wonderful feeling to be
part of this very active and innovative group of scientists,
post docs, support staff and students, who made it possible
to earn this distinction. We can aal be truly proud of our
achievements.
I would really like to specifically thank all our post doctoral
fellows, coming from far and wide, for the fresh and novel
ideas and insights you bring to us. This special thanks also
goes to all our students, post-graduates and undergraduates.
Every one of you has, with your presence in this Department
for a while, managed to change it one little bit - all these
small changes translate into substantial transformation. You
are making a difference.
For me it only remains to say thank you. Thank you to
everyone who contributed to the excellence that was achieved.
For every good paper in an excellent journal and every good
book, for every individual achievement and award: Award
for lifetime excellence as biologist; Excellence in research;
Excellence in providing service; Excellence in community
service; Best tutor-mentor programme; Masters degrees
with distinctions; Chairs of international scientific societies;
Editors of editorial boards; Chosen to serve on boards as
distinguished scientists; Recipients of prestigeous bursaries
and grants. One can go on and on - and it all happened in
only one year!
To our research associates and extraordinary professors. As
senior associated members of our Department, we really
appreciate the excellent contributions that you are still
making, the experience and insight that you are prepared to
share with us and your willingness to help out where needed.
Thank you.
Ek noem nie name nie want dan sal ons 'n dubbele Akkerdier
moet uitgee. Al die mooi prestasie het, ongelooflik, te midde
van 'n jaar van baie veranderinge plaasgevind. Aftredes en
bedankings, nuwe aanstellings, bevorderings en binnekort
drie nuwe babatjies. Dan moet ons nie vergeet van al die
groot trekke wat plaasgevind het en nog gaan plaasvind voor
die einde van hierdie jaar nie. Geografie af met die trappe
Ek wil graag ook my persoonlike dank uitspreek teenoor
almal in die Departement vir u ondersteuning en
onderskraging gedurende hierdie jaar vol gebeure en
hoogtepunte. Vir u samewerking, vriendelikheid en positiewe
gesindheid maar ook vir u verdraagsaamheid met die "ou
tannie".
Ellerman Scholars visit department
Introduction: Scholarship and Lecture Funding
Hannes Van Wyk
The John Ellerman Foundation
was established over 30 years ago
in 1970/71 as a generalist grantmaking trust when Sir John
Ellerman died. He had inherited
his substantial wealth from the
business interests set up by his
father, especially in shipping - the
John Ellerman with family business was called
his father in the 1920’s Ellerman Lines. Sir John and his
- source:
http://www.ellerman.org.uk wife Esther had no children but
through their lives they developed
a growing and profound interest in philanthropy. Today
the Foundation uses Sir John's legacy to make grants
totalling around £4 million a year to about 150 different
charities, mostly in the United Kingdom. For historical
reasons it continues to support a few charities operating
in Southern and East Africa.
Sir John Ellerman, visited South Africa and developed
a passion for South African mammals. In appreciation
for the help received in compiling his 1954 scientific
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
monograph "Die taksonomie van die
Soogdiere van die Unie van Suid-Afrika"
published in the Annals of the University of
Stellenbosch, he made a donation to the then
Department of Zoology. Some of this was used to
form a Trust and then used to annually fund the visits
of two international scientists as well as the funding of
a biennial commemorative lecture.
During 2007 we were fortunate enough to host two
distinguised international (USA) scientists as visiting
researchers, Prof John Gatesy, University of California,
Riverside, USA and Prof Lou Guillette, from Florida
University, Gainnesville, USA. The Commemarative
Lecture was delivered by Prof Nico van Straalen, from
the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands.
For more information see on the John Ellerman
foundation see http://www.ellerman.org.uk/
2
Die Akkerdier
Top wetenskaplike neem besoedeling en evolusie onder die loep
tydens Ellerman gedenklesing.
Koot Reinecke
Grondbesoedeling is ‘n ernstige probleem in verskeie
ge-industrialiseerde lande. Die besoedelde gronde kan
nie die biodiversiteit onderhou wat nodig is vir ekologiese
funksies nie weens die giftigheid van die besoedelstowwe
vir mikro-organismes, plante en ongewerwelde diere.
’n Paar spesies is egter in staat om te oorleef in sterk
besoedelde gronde. Hoe kry hulle dit reg?
Hierdie vraag is aangespreek tydens die Ellerman
gedenklesing van die departement Plant- en Dierkunde
deur ‘n vooraanstaande Nederlandse wetenskaplike.
Prof. Nico van Straalen, ’n ekotoksikoloog en hoof van
die departement Dier-ekologie aan die Vrije Universiteit
in Amsterdam het vanjaar op 4 Oktober die Ellerman
Gedenklesing aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch
gelewer.
vir andere, te oorleef. Sy navorsing toon dat gewysigde
transkripsie-regulering van beskermende bane/roetes
‘n sleutelkomponent is van weerstand teen swaarmetale.
Moderne molekulêre tegnieke in genomika werp deesdae
meer lig op die meganismes waaroor hierdie organismes
beskik om weerstand te kan bied teen besoedeling.
“Ons kan dus intyds waarneem hoe evolusie in die veld
plaasvind. Om dus in besoedelde grond te kan leef, is
dit nodig vir die organismes om evolusionêr te verander.”
Prof. Van Straalen is die skrywer van 277 wetenskaplike
publikasies, verskeie handboeke vir die vakspesialis en
teksboeke. Hy is ’n internasionaal hoogaangeskrewe
navorser. Hy het reeds vir 51 doktorsgraadstudente as
promotor opgetree en het by 26 geleenthede as genooide
openingspreker by internasionale kongresse opgetree.
Hy het onlangs ’n moderne nuwe navorsingprogram
ontwikkel getiteld: “ Molecular Stress Ecology and
Ecological Genomics” waarin die mees gevorderde,
moderne molekulêre tegnieke ingespan word om insig
te verwerf oor ekologiese vraagstukke.
Afgesien van die vele posisies wat hy reeds beklee het,
of tans nog beklee, in Nederland en in die internasionale
navorsingsgemeenskap, is hy ook die koördineerder
van die Nederlandse Ekogenomika Konsortium en lid
van die redaksierade van verskeie internasioanle
vaktydskrifte.
Die Ellerman Gedenklesing, wat in die
US Konservatorium gehou is
Prof. van Straalen praat vier tale en het ’n wye netwerk
van internasionale medewerkers oor die jare opgebou.
“Ons was bevoorreg om ‘n gasspreker van sy formaat
by ons te kon verwelkom,” sê prof Sophie Reinecke,
uitvoerende hoof van Plant- en Dierkunde. Sy is self
ook ’n ekotoksikoloog wat vanjaar reeds sewe
navorsingspublikasies in internasionale vaktydksifte op
hierdie gebied gepubliseer het. Sy het tydens haar
navorsingsverlof in prof Van Straalen se departement
in Nederland navorsing gedoen.
Voor, van links: Proff. Sophie en Koot
Reinecke, Steven Chown en Nico van Stralen
Volgens prof. Van Straalen het organismes wat in sterk
besoedelde gronde kan leef dikwels spesifieke
aanpassings om onder sulke toestande, wat toksies is
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
3
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Evolution solving pollution?
Evolutionary genomics of metal tolerance
Nico van Straalen, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
In many industrialized countries
which is rather variable and has
human activities have caused
alleles differing in the number and
contamination of the environment.
position of elements binding metal
For example, a case of persistent
transcription factor. The frequency
pollution in The Netherlands is due
of over-expressing promotor
to coal gas works, which have left
alleles is higher in metal tolerant
residues of polycyclic aromatic
populations occurring in a mine
hydrocarbons and cyanide in soils
site. This is therefore a case of
close to residential areas. Throughout
micro-evolution through altered
the world metallurgical facories such
cis-regulation, a mechanism of
as smelters have increased the level
micro-evolution which has not yet
van Straalen, the author
of heavy metals in the immediate Prof. Nico
been
shown to act in a field
of Ecological Genomics
surroundings. Many contaminants
situation.
are not homogeneously distributed in the soil horizon,
but accumulate in the upper organic layer. Because
In addition, we have used microarrays for genomethis is also the layer where most biological activity is
wide scans of expression changes in the tolerant
concentrated, microorganisms and detritivore animals
population. Among 1500 genes recovered by an SSH
are not exposed to an average but to a high
enrichment, many are regulated by cadmium exposure.
concentration of contaminant. As a consequence, the
However, the extent of gene regulation by cadmium
soil fauna in the vicinity of emission sources is usually
is much greater in the reference population than in a
impoverished and biodiversity decreased. In extreme
metal-tolerant population. It seems that many gene
cases this is also correlated with reduced ecological
expressions in the reference population are due to a
function, accumulation of litter and interrupted nutrient
stress reponse caused by proteotoxicity of cadmium
cycling. However, in several field sites some
and disturbance of the redox state. At the same
invertebrates manage to survive and develop tolerant
exposure level, the metal tolerant population does not
populations. Such populations appear to consist of
show so many altered gene expressions, and apparently
metal-tolerant ecotypes of species that also occur in
does not stage a stress response.
clean sites. The mechanism by which tolerant
populations develop is assumed to be natural selection
In conclusion, the study of metal tolerance in the wild
on genotypes that have an altered stress defence
offers several new perspectives on the mechanisms of
system, by which they are able to cope with exposures
evolution. In addition to substitutions in proteins,
that are lethal to most other members of the population.
regulatory effects seems to be important not only for
In this way evolution “solves” pollution.
macro- but also for micro-evolution. The many
differential gene expressions seen after exposure to a
The question remains, what are the mechanisms of
stressor should not all be interpreted as aimed at
metal tolerance evolution? We investigate a species of
combating the stress, many of them probably are just
springtail, Orchesella cincta (Hexapoda: Collembola) as
consequential side-effects of the stress. Tolerance
a model for metal tolerance micro-evolution. We have
evolution does not seem to come with clear metabolic
identified a metal-binding protein, metallothionein,
costs, since only a few genes are altered to achieve
that has an upregulated expression in the tolerant
tolerance. However, the issues of concomitant lifepopulation. The expression of the metallothionein
history changes and possible pleiotropic effects of
gene is regulated by an upstream promoter sequence,
altered gene regulation require further investigation.
Louis J. Guillette Jr. Internationally Recognized Alligator Reproductive Biologist
visits Maties as an Ellerman Scholar
Louis J. Guillette, Jr. is Distinguished Professor of
Zoology at the University of Florida and Professor of
the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Guillette
received his doctorate in Comparative Reproductive
Biology from the University of Colorado @ Boulder
in 1981. Internationally recognized for his work in the
field of comparative reproductive biology and
developmental endocrinology, he has advised such
countries as New Zealand, Australia Mexico, and
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
Botswana on the
development
of
reproductive biolog y
programs for endangered
wildlife. Dr. Guillette also
is recognized for his
research examining
environmental
contaminants and
4
Die Akkerdier
While visiting Stellenbosch as a John Ellerman Scholar,
Prof Guillette gave two seminars on aspects of his
research. He collaborated with Hannes van Wyk on
several projects including two crocodile projects.
Prof Guillette also displayed his experience as a alligator
researcher on a crocodile catching field trip (right) and
taught us a few trics of the trade.
His work is not all about academic research, and he
recently established an active program in the mentoring
of research, based in
part, on working with
UF undergraduates
interested in biology.
This program, the
UF-Howard Hughes
G.A.T.O.R. program,
i s f u n d e d by a
Professorship from
the
Howard
Hughes Medical
Institute. The G.A.T.O.R Program for Biomedical
Science brings together graduate students, freshmen,
sophomores, and high school students who work
together in research teams under the guidance of faculty
advisors. As team leaders, graduate students gain
experience in mentoring and project management, skills
that will enhance their success as professional scientists
and teachers. As team members, undergraduate and
high school students learn about the process of scientific
research and scholarship. By doing discovery science,
they gain important lab skills along with knowledge of
research design and presentation.
reproductive/endocrine disruption in various wildlife
species, and policy work in human public health. He
has served as an expert witness to the US. Congress
and as a science policy advisor to various governmental
agencies regarding environmental contamination and
health. His recent work examines the effect of
environmental pollutants on the development and
functioning of the genitalia and gonads.
The mechanisms by which environmental factors
influence the evolution, development and functioning
of the reproduction system in vertebrates is the focus
of his research. The focus of his research fall in three
main areas:
1. the inf luence of contaminants on the
developmental and reproductive biology of wildlife
and humans,
2. endanger ed species re production and
3. the evolution of maternal-fetal chemical
communication.
The effects of contaminants on wildlife have been
studied for more than 30 years, since the publication
of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. His work over the
last decade has focused on the ability of environmental
contaminants to mimic chemical messengers (hormones)
and alter functioning of the reproductive and endocrine
systems. Although considered rare until a decade ago,
evidence that many types of chemicals, such as some
pesticides, industrial chemicals and detergent products,
alter the signaling systems in our bodies and those of
wildlife species is common. These chemicals have been
widely reported as "Environmental Estrogens" but
have numerous actions beyond mimicry of estrogenic
hormones.
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
Website: http://www.zoo.ufl.eduhhmi
Hannes van Wyk
5
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Molecular Evidence for the Transition from Teeth to Baleen
in Mysticete Whales
John Gatesy, University of California, Riverside, USA
The origin of baleen represents a major transition in
the evolutionary history of Mysticeti (the taxonomic
group that includes baleen whales). This key
specialization, a keratinous sieve in the mouth, permitted
exploitation of a new ecological niche. By efficiently
capturing entire schools of prey with their baleen,
mysticetes gained access to huge energy resources.
Ultimately, the novel filter-feeding strategy permitted
the evolution of gigantic body size, a hallmark of
modern baleen whales. Ongoing collaborative work
in my laboratory seeks to reconstruct the sequence of
evolutionary events that yielded mysticete species such
as the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), the largest
animal on earth.
approximately 30 million years
ago, we predicted that enamelspecific genes would be present,
but not functional, in modern
baleen whales. Such "dental
genes" should register a release
from selective constraints with the evolutionary loss
of adult teeth. The secretory calcium-binding
phosphoprotein (SCPP) gene family includes several
linked genes that are essential for proper development
of the mammalian dentition. For example, AMBN
and ENAM encode ameloblastin and enamelin
respectively, extracellular matrix proteins found in
developing enamel. In humans,
frameshift mutations in these genes
are associated with dental defects,
such as amelogenesis imperfecta
where the malformed tooth enamel
is thin and poorly calcified.
Baleen is a defining feature of modern
mysticetes. Living species use this
unique filtering structure to consume
as much as 600,000 kg of prey in a
year. Baleen is not homologous to
teeth. Rather, it is a tough material
that is made of keratin, the main
protein component of your hair and
fingernails. Baleen is secreted from
gingival epithelia on the palate, and
forms right and left racks of transversely oriented
plates that extend into the oral cavity. Movements of
the tongue abrade the medial surfaces of the
continuously growing baleen, resulting in a matted
network of fringe. When the jaws are not completely
closed, the frayed baleen functions as a sieve that
entraps ingested prey items but allows water to pass
out of the mouth. All living mysticetes are toothless
as adults and instead utilize their baleen racks to capture
aggregations of small fish or invertebrates. However,
the fossil record has yielded primitive mysticetes from
Oligocene-age rocks (24-34 million years old) that have
fully-formed dentitions. These ancient species
presumably fed by snapping individual prey with their
tooth-lined jaws and document an early stage in the
evolution of baleen whales.
We undertook a broad comparative
survey of AMBN and ENAM genes
in baleen whales, toothed whales, and
other mammals. Polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) amplification of gene
sequences yielded compelling evidence for a release
from selective constraints on enamel-specific loci with
the loss of functional teeth in Mysticeti. Although
living baleen whales do not produce any enamel, all
species that we examined had enamel-specific genes
in their genomes! Unlike the toothed whale species
that we surveyed, however, the enamel genes of
mysticetes showed extensive mutations and clearly do
not encode functional proteins any more. There were
many frameshift mutations in the defunct enamel genes
of the baleen whales. Thus, extant mysticetes retain
both developmental and genetic evidence of their
ancestral toothed heritage. Vestigial dental genes that
previously encoded enamel-specific proteins represent
"molecular fossils" in the genomes of modern baleen
whales.
Although living baleen whales lack teeth as adults, a
rudimentary dentition briefly appears in the fetal stages
of development (see Figure). Both upper and lower
teeth form in the fetus, never break the gum line, and
ultimately are resorbed before birth. Thus, modern
mysticetes show clear-cut developmental evidence of
their ancestral toothed heritage. The evolutionary shift
from tooth-assisted foraging to filter-feeding with
baleen included a complete reorganization in anatomy
but also must have involved extensive evolutionary
change at the molecular level. Enamel is not produced
in the fetal teeth of extant baleen whales. However,
given that toothless mysticetes recently descended
from ancestors with fully mineralized dentitions
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
The origin of filter-feeding was a major evolutionary
shift that permitted the exploitation of vast,
underutilized prey resources. The end product of this
transition is modern baleen whales that have
rudimentary, non-functional teeth that are resorbed
before birth. Our recent work shows that these whales
also possess enamel-specific genes that are nonfunctional. In combination with critical fossil and
developmental evidence, the new molecular data provide
a multifaceted record of a fundamental
macroevolutionary transition in mysticete whales.
John Gatesy was the guest of Professor Conrad
Matthee.
6
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Daizy Crazy
New Lecturer - Allan Ellis
You'll find me tucked away in the
bottom of the building - the office with
the daisy poster. My lab space is still to be announced,
so search for me amongst the clutter of daisy seeds,
pressed daisies, florets in FAA and pinned pollinators.
Daisy hunting is a relatively recent, but growing
obsession of mine. I recently initiated a project exploring
the community structuring of visual advertisement in
Namaqualand mass flowering displays. Does every
species in a community look different in order to avoid
competition for pollinators or to ensure constancy of
pollinators? Do groups of species converge on certain
visual displays which match the intrinsic colour
preferences of the limited pool of available pollinators?
Do colour patterns in communities simply reflect
phylogenetic constraint on pigment or developmental
pathways? This exciting new direction will no doubt
keep me guessing for a few years to come.
divergence of populations and the formation of new
species. This interest began as an Honours student at
UCT where I studied the mechanisms which maintain
species integrity in Satyrium species. After Honours I
embarked on a career in commercial environmentalism,
working as the environmentalist on a mine construction
project in Mali for a few years and then working as a
freelance botanical consultant in the Succulent Karoo
for a few more. Getting to know the succulent flora,
and in particular the mesembs, drew me back to
academia. I decided to head overseas to expand my
evolutionary horizons, eventually settling on the
University of California at Irvine.
As a postdoc at UKZN I started using the beetle daisy
(Gorteria diffusa) system to explore the factors which
drive divergence in floral traits. Gorteria is particularly
interesting in that an amazing array of floral forms
have evolved which are all specialized on the same fly
pollinator. The flies eat, mate and sleep on the flowers
though, so some floral forms are designed to exploit
the feeding flies only, whereas others have evolved
elaborate black spots which the mating male flies find
totally irresistible.
And expand my mind it did. The first intense year of
course work provided exposure to evolution in all its
guises - lectures from evolutionary physiologists,
drosophila geneticists, molecular evolutionists,
evolutionary theorists, evolutionary ecologists,
developmental geneticists, evolutionary behaviouralists,
quantitative geneticists, experimental evolutionists even one guy who was trying to design warning signs
for radioactive dumps which would be interpretable
by any intelligent beings which might encounter them
after the reign of humankind had come to an end. All
this presented an intriguing diversity of options
definitely, but none quite as attractive to me as taking
a first stab at demystifying the mystery of mesemb
diversity.
Remarkably feeding and mating flies impose selection
on floral traits which operate through different sexes
in the same plant. Plants are particularly cool that way.
In Gorteria mating male flies impose selection through
male function (i.e. pollen export) which selects for very
elaborate, raised spots. I find a similar pattern in
Satyrium, another system I began developing during
my postdoc. Here selection though male function
favours intermediate length nectar spurs, whereas
selection through female function drives longer and
longer spurs. Sexy conflict.
I enthusiastically embarked on the necessary research,
splitting my life between a remote, electricityless barn
in the Knersvlakte and a buzzing plant genomics lab
in electricity guzzling southern California. This
combination of rigorous field observations, field based
experiments and population genetics yielded fruit, well
capsules I guess, demonstrating that divergence in
baba-boutjies (Argyroderma) occurs through adaptation
to different soil types in allopatry and that secondary
co-existence is achieved through shifts in flowering
time associated with habitat adaptation.
Besides the interest in the evolution of floral form,
my research is further motivated by a desire to
understand the plethora of factors which underlie the
incredible diversity of the greater Cape flora. I'm
particularly interested in the interface between the
In the future I hope to continue working on systems
where the difference between populations and species
is particularly blurred, employing the three pronged
OME (observations, molecules and experiments)
approach (and whatever other tools may be necessary)
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
7
Die Akkerdier
to get at that intriguing interface between diverging
populations and the magical appearance of new species.
My feeling thus far is that the Botany and Zoology
Department will provide a stimulating and fun
environment within which to foster these research
interests. In the few months I've been here I've found
warm, welcoming colleagues, stimulating debate and
challenging students - a good start to what I hope will
be a long and fruitful stay. Thanks to all the people
who've made the transition easy. Already I've learnt a
lot from many people here and I hope that in the
future I can give back as much as I take.
Crocodile Hunting
What an adrenalin rush for a lizard biologist!
Hannes van Wyk
I recently had the
opportunity to join a team
of researchers on a
crocodile hunt, doing a
sensus of crocodiles in
two Mpumalanga dams as
well collect material (blood
and urine) to study the
health of natural occurring
specimens in these aquatic
systems. The team was
lead by Dr Jan Myburg, a
research veterinarian of Onderstepoort Vet School
and Hannes Botha of the Mpumalanga Parks Board.
Dr Myburg explained: "Crocodiles are surviving
representatives of the dinosaurs. In structure, and
probably also in habits, crocodiles have changed little
since the dinosaur era that ended some 70 million
years ago. Only a single species, the Nile crocodile,
Crocodylus niloticus, occurs naturally in South Africa.
The Nile crocodile ranks as one of the most dangerous
crocodilians in the world, surpassed only by the
Australian Estuarine crocodile, C. porosus. Larger
crocodiles have few predators, the foremost of which
is man. Crocodiles survived for millions of years, but
now they are struggling to survive and have nearly
disappeared completely from southern Africa. Habitat
destruction and conflict between humans and crocodiles
are probably the most important contributing factors.
Aquatic pollution is also playing a significant
contributing role. "
is whether these represent viable populations. We
visited two of these populations, a small, possibly
introduced one in the pristine Blyderivierspoort Dam
(Blyde River Canyon) (used as a control site by Dr
Myburg) and a larger population at Loskop Dam.
Loskop Dam used to support a healthy population of
crocodiles, however, most of these crocodiles are gone.
Spotlight (night-time) surveys of the Nile crocodile
population in Loskop Dam are regularly done. It clearly
shows that the total number of crocodiles is declining
at an alarming rate; with only 11 individual animals
counted during 2006. The population density is
extremely low considering the available shoreline of
the dam. Another disturbing factor is that the
population structure of the Loskop Dam crocodiles
is completely abnormal - there are no mature crocodiles
(larger than 2.1 m) in the dam. Crocodiles only become
reproductively active when they are bigger that 2.3m.
Fifteen young crocodiles were released during 2007.
Professor Lou Guillette, well known international
scientist (University of Florida) studying alligators
since the early eighties and author of several papers
on the effects of environmental chemicals like DDT
on the reproductive health of alligators in Florida's
Lake Apopka, joined us on this trip. When asked
about the importance of crocodilians in aquatic systems,
he underlined their importance as top predators in the
aquatic ecosystem, and pointed out that they should
be considered to be valuable bioindicators of aquatic
health.
During a recent visit to Loskop and the
Blyderivierspoort Dams a team of international
crocodile researchers from the University of Pretoria
(Hannes Botha, Dirk Booyse, Jan Myburgh); University
of Florida, USA (Lou Guillette); University of
Stellenbosch (Hannes van Wyk) and Mpumalanga
Parks Board (Koos de Wet) caught several crocodiles
during a survey. Dr Myburg collected blood and urine
samples from each crocodile to study the possible
adverse effects of pollutants on crocodiles.
Blood is collected from a dorsal post-cranial sinus and
urine from the cloaca using an ordinary dog urinary
catheter. Blood and urine is routinely used in human
Most of the wild crocodiles in South Africa are in
National Parks. There are few crocodile populations
remaining outside these Parks. Since we are dealing
with a long-lived species, a difficult question to answer
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
8
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and solid. It is also called "Yellow fat disease". Dr
Myburg suspects that the affected wild crocodiles in
Loskop Dam eventually die of exposure since they are
less mobile on land or they drown due to an inability
to swim properly.
After this crocodile catching field-trip I came to the
shocking realization that our natural crocodile
populations outside National Parks are in a critical
state. Since we are dealing with a long-lived species we
don't really see the short-term affects. On the one
hand, haunting by man, as well as uncontrolled pollution
of our rivers by mines, factories, agricultural chemicals
and unprocessed sewage outflow will eventually
eliminate the crocodile as top predator from the food
chain in the malaria stricken areas of South Africa. I
am convinced that the degradation of the health of
these ecosystems will affect human health, since we
share the ecosystem with wildlife like the crocodile.
and other animal patients to diagnose endocrine
problems. Excretion of steroid hormones or metabolites
in urine has been well studied in humans. Obviously
nothing has been done in the crocodiles. Blood and
urine steroid profiling in humans can be indicative of
numerous endocrine dysfunctions, including
reproductive and thyroid disorders, enzyme
deficiencies/excesses, and hypo-and hypercortisism
(including tumours of the adrenal). Chemical pollutants,
pharmaceutical drugs and their breakdown products
are also excreted in urine. Therefore, blood and urine
samples taken from wild crocodiles could be extremely
helpful diagnostic samples.)
Although it was great fun to catch real crocodiles, it
was sad to realize it may not be long before we will
only see crocodiles in National Parks and Crocodile
Farms and signboards like this will disappear (and
ecosystems will change).
Dr Myburg and his team recently discovered a possible
explanation for the decline in crocodiles in Loskop
Dam. Pansteatitis was diagnosed in Nile crocodiles
(Crocodylus niloticus) after fish die-offs in the Loskop
Dam. This is as far as we know, the first reported cases
of pansteatitis diagnosed in wild crocodiles.
Fish mortality is a regular
occurrence in Loskop
Dam due to polluted
water flowing into the
dam.
After the
consumption of rancid
fish for 3-4 weeks all the
fat stores in the
consumer become yellow
Conferencing
Hypoxia in theory and practice: the first C·I·B visit to South America
in 2007
Hypoxia in
theory, from left:
Marcelo
Hermes-Lima,
Elrike Marais,
Steven Chown
and John
Lighton
Steven Chown and Elrike Marais
In mid-August, two C·I·B members (that is, Steven
Chown and Elrike Marais) set out for South America.
Our purpose was severalfold. First, we attended the
7th International Congress of Comparative Physiology
and Biochemistry in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. We had
been invited to deliver a plenary address, on linking
molecular physiology to population dynamics, and an
oral paper, on the relationship between cold hardiness
and strategies for metabolic regulation, respectively.
Both papers were well-received by the 280 delegates
from more than 20 countries whom attended the
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
meeting. Not surprisingly, given the significance of
seasonal flooding in the Amazon, and the consequent
exposure of animals to low oxygen concentrations,
9
Die Akkerdier
the responses of animals to hypoxia formed a key
theme of the meeting. Both oral and poster
presentations addressed a wide range of hypoxia-related
issues, from free radical damage during reperfusion,
to the biochemistry of downregulation. Oxidative
damage and its prevention were also discussed
extensively. Talks by Marcelo Hermes-Lima, Vera Maria
Almeida-Val, and Eva Phillip and Martin Brand were
especially significant and informative. Membranes
likewise featured prominently, and the presence of
Tony Hulbert added considerable value to an already
fascinating meeting. Of course, much comparative
environmental physiology was also strongly represented
(e.g. by the work of Francisco 'Pancho' Bozinovic and
his group), and given their enormous influence on the
field, talks commemorating the work of Knut SchmidtNielsen and Peter Hochachka were presented. Both
contained important messages: get into the field and
away from the office, and don't be afraid to speculate
- conjecture is part of the scientific process.
Dr. Alvaro Palma) hosted our visit as part of a growing
exchange programme between CASEB and the Centre
for Invasion Biology. One of us made a presentation
concerning the C·I·B and recent research outcomes,
and we had an opportunity to discuss potential future
avenues for collaboration with several researchers,
post-doctoral associates and students. Gaining firsthand experience of the facilities and research interests
of CASEB was very useful, as was experiencing the
ease with which things can be done, despite our relatively
poor comprehension of a very quick, Chilean Spanish.
Salvador has a considerable history and was originally
the seat of the Portuguese colonial government before
the government was moved following collapse of the
slave trade. The city literally has hundreds of churches,
including a Baroque one, lined with 800 kg of gold
leaf, and dedicated, somewhat ironically, to St Francis
of Assisi (who preferred the simple life). The city is
intensely tropical, and fruits of many varieties are
available. A fresh coconut can be had for a few rand
(1 Real). Its tropical nature means that Salvador has
also been intensely developed, and little remains of
the original Atlantic Coastal Forest that once dominated
the area. This is one of the most endangered habitat
types on the planet. Nonetheless, fragments can still
be seen, and conservation actions are growing. An
excellent educational centre (Tamar-Ibama) has been
built at one of the main turtle nesting beaches, about
an hour north of the city, where four of the five species
regularly can be seen, many coming ashore to breed.
Elrike Marais experiencing hypoxia in
practice at 3000 m in the breathtaking Andes
Our hosts were exceptionally generous and welcoming.
Not only were we given the opportunity to share
discussions regarding our science, but Dr. Ernesto
Badano also guided us to over 3000 m in the Andes.
This was a first taste of hypoxia in practise. The road
up to Ernesto's field sites (currently under 2.5 m of
snow and thus the focus of the ski resorts) included
more than 40 hairpin bends (real hairpins), and several
excited drivers. Unfortunately, owing to the deep snow,
we were unable to find any cushion plants (including
an Azorella species closely related to the one found on
Marion Island). However, we were rewarded with
spectacular views not only of the Andes, but also of
several Andean Condors. The entire experience was
simply breathtaking, so adding to our hypoxia! After
just a few days in Santiago it was abundantly clear that
the developing relationship between CASEB and the
C·I·B will be well worthwhile. Much exciting
collaborative research lies ahead, with opportunities
available to senior post-graduates, post-doctoral
associates and researchers. Two more exchanges will
take place in the near future, with a C·I·B delegation
travelling to Santiago and La Serena in late September
and a CASEB delegation to Stellenbosch in early 2008.
The beaches are not only popular with the turtles, but
also draw sunbathers from Salvador (a city of more
than 3 million people). We found ourselves discussing
hypoxia (in theory) on one of the beaches during the
'off season', which essentially means that a light breeze
from the north and water of a mere 24°C are insufficient
to attract the locals. That did not prevent us from
indulging in the local cuisine, fine weather, swimming
and discussions, and our time spent under the palm
shade was also rewarded by the sighting of an individual
of Halobates micans, a marine waterstrider.
The next stop on our itinerary was Santiago, Chile. It
is a city much less tropical than Salvador, but in many
ways more spectacular. The Andes tower over a
conurbation of more than 5 million friendly people
who know a great deal about how to make fine wines,
and how to enjoy them with excellent cuisine. Our
purpose in Santiago was not so much gastronomic,
but biological. The Centre for Advanced Studies in
Ecology and Biodiversity (and particularly the Director
Prof. Fabian Jaksic, and one of the centre members,
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
Our travel was relatively trouble-free, so adding to our
enthusiasm for South America. Moreover, the generosity
and helpfulness of everyone we met was exceptional.
We owe special thanks to Eduardo Bicudo and Craig
White for inviting us to the ICCPB meeting in Salvador;
the International Society for Comparative Physiology
and Biochemistry for support in Brazil; CASEB for
support in Chile; Fabian Jaksic, Alvaro Palma, Petra
Wallem and Ernesto Badano for being such gracious
hosts in Santiago; and Anel Garthwaite for making our
travel arrangements so smooth.
10
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Society for Environmental Toxicology
and Chemistry (SETAC) conference in
Porto, Portugal
Rudolf Maleri
than 2.000 posters and talks in up to seven sessions
simultaneously. We really enjoyed this well organised
meeting, having lots of high quality scientific discussions,
meeting old friends and making new ones. Remarkable
was the excellent quality of the presentations, in
particular the selection of the key note speakers
presenting some controversial viewpoints in
ecotoxicology such as Christina Fossi, a renowned
Italian scientist, discussing the use and abuse of
biomarkers in ecotoxicology.
With the fire
catastrophe at Schweizerhalle (Basel, Switzerland) in
1986, contaminating the Rhine river over a length of
almost 500km and the nuclear fall-out at Chernobyl
only a few months earlier, a remarkable development
in the assessment of ecotoxicological effects caused
by human activities on our environment took place.
At this, the SETAC is arguably the most influential
forum to promote a broad knowledge in research and
education as well as discuss environmental issues
amongst scientists from academia, business and
governments worldwide. As a world wide, non-profit
organisation, the SETAC supports the development
of principles and practices for the management and
regulation of natural resources, identification and
solution of environmental problems and environmental
education. It maintains two geographic chapters, the
two Americas and Europe, with Africa as one of the
5 regional branches. We, Prof. Koot Reinecke, Prof.
Sophié Reinecke, Martine Jordaan and Rudolf Maleri
had the opportunity to present our work at the annual
meeting hosted by the SETAC Europe from the 20.24 of May in Porto, Portugal. The conference was held
at the congress and exhibition centre in Porto, situated
in the old customs house at the banks of the river
Doro, providing stunning views over the river and the
Port vine cellars situated on the other side. But in spite
of the fact that Porto itself is an UNESCO world
heritage site, especially in the old city centre, the glory
of past times of Porto seemed to have faded already.
Run-down houses with broken windows and collapsed
roofs were omnipresent.
The meeting was focussing on "multiple stressors for
the environment - present and future challenges and
perspectives" and had more than 3.000 attendants from
science, industry and government, presenting more
The food served at the conference comprised of dishes
typical for the northern part of Portugal, such as
different fishes, tripe and meats followed by mouthwatering desserts as well as a selection of excellent
Portuguese cheeses. In the evenings, we enjoyed
ourselves by having lots of highly scientific discussions
with some of the most distinguished experts in the
fields of ecological risk assessment and environmental
toxicology. As a social highlight in many regards, the
official SETAC party on the second last day started
off with a typical Portuguese spit braai at the conference
venue and for most people ended at a club on the
dance floor.
To sum up the conference, it was definitely worth
attending, not only because of the interesting oral
presentations often providing a view beyond one's own
nose, but especially with regard to the poster sessions
offering the opportunity to interact with scientists
working in closely related fields all over the world. For
me, the interaction was most important, as we as
ecotoxicologists in South Africa are geographically
insulated and communicate to other scientists basically
by the publication of our papers. Also, such a forum
provides us the opportunity to compare our work at
the University of Stellenbosch to the "rest of the
world" and I am convinced that most of us can be
proud of our research outcomes.
From left: An elegant Porto building from a bygone era, Porto city centre, and a view
from the conference centre (Photos by Stefan Kools and Rudolf Maleri)
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
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Honours Projects 2007
Tess Rautenbach
Research Project: - Testing an assumption of the hump-back species richness model
on Marion Island: competitiveness of Azorella selago
I looked at the indirect impacts of climate change on the cushion plant Azorella selago.
As the climate warms, conditions become more favourable for species adapted to these
warmer conditions, especially in colder regions like the sub-Antarctic. As a result slow
growing, stress tolerant species such as A. selago is expected to be out competed. I
measured the competitiveness of these cushion plants by comparing low altitude cushion
characteristics such as the morphology, vitality, density, recruitment, mortality and flowering
with that of high altitude cushions. I found quite significant differences in most of the
features and also found a high incidence of encroachment, epiphytic growth and shading
at low altitudes. I also provided a description of the status of A. selago at low altitudes
and describe how the cushion characteristics differ between the low altitude habitats.
Highlight of the year: The field trip to Marion Island!
Next year?: I will be doing my masters degree on the diet of the Cape leopard at the NMMU in Port
Elizabeth.
Marlene Neethling
Research Project: - My project was on the population genetic structure of the
southern African banded goby, Caffrogobius caffer, to look at whether the species' life-history
characteristics influence its genetic structure around the coastline. C. caffer showed a
panmitic population structure, suggesting that it has a longer larval duration than we
expected and that this trait might play an important role in influencing the genetic structure
of intertidal species around the South African coastline.
Highlight of the year: Going sampling!!!! Other than that, I really enjoyed the natural
history field trip and attending the ZSSA conference.
Next year?: I will be doing my B.Phil. degree in journalism next year at Stellenbosch
University, to pursue a career in Science Writing
Victoria Griffiths
Research Project: - I have been investigating the fine scale genetic population structure
of the Cape rock elephant-shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) across a known barrier in the
Succulent Karoo. A previous study carried out by Smit et al. (Mol Ecol 2007) reported
significant substructure in E. edwardii across their distributional range, with the most
noticeable differentiation being across the Knersvlakte Bioregion in the Western Cape.
Although this provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of E. edwardii, their
conclusions were confounded by a maternally inherited, single marker system (mitochondrial
DNA). The aim of my study was to thus extend on this work, by sequencing two nuclear
introns as well as an additional mitochondrial gene.
Results from the mitochondrial gene similarly report the two main clades found by Smit
et al. (2007), however, the level of structuring that they found, was not uncovered in this
study, perhaps owing to the slower mutation rate of the mitochondrial gene used. Individuals
were found to be invariable for both nuclear intron markers. This may be because of the
recent divergence between the two clades, allowing insufficient time for the introns to
accumulate mutations. An alternative, and more likely explanation, is that the rate of
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
12
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nuclear evolution is extremely low for the Afrotherians in general compared to other mammalian groups.
Highlight of the year: The Karoo field trip!
Next year?: I am thinking of doing an M.Sc in the UK next year.
Abigail Joustra
Research Project: - The effect of drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) presence on vigilance behaviour in the dwarf
mongoose (Helogale parvula).
My project was a behavioural study on Africa's smallest carnivore, the dwarf mongoose. I spent two months
in Limpopo Province, very close to the Kruger Park, where I completed my field work. Field work was done
on a private game reserve called Phuza Moya, and data was collected daily from observations of two of these
mongoose groups. The two groups had been previously habituated by my co-supervisor Dr. Lynda Sharpe who
is conducting a long term study on these creatures. Many hours were spent in the field gathering focal data from
daily observations of the mongooses. I gathered data for eight mongoose individuals on how vigilant (how much
thy scan for predators) under two conditions: of when the mongoose group was accompanied by fork-tailed
drongos (Dicrurus adsimilis) and when fork-tailed drongos were absent. I also did playback experiments of drongo
non-alarm calls to determine the causality of a possible relationship between this bird and mammal. Previous
literature had shown dwarf mongooses to be less vigilant when accompanied by two hornbill species, this study
was done in Kenya. My study aimed to determine whether a similar relationship was observed with the forktailed drongo as was documented in Kenya with the hornbills (Rasa 1983)
The data now indicates the mongooses do indeed form a foraging association with the fork-tailed drongo, the
mongooses responded to drongo presence and drongo calls by reducing their vigilance behaviour significantly.
Highlight of the year: Field trip to Cederberg with Anton Pauw for Animal and Plant Interactions module.
Next year?: I plan to work, interested in getting involved in estuary management and conservation planning
also EIA’s. Still looking for jobs though.
Adriaan Engelbrecht
Research Project: - My project entailed using cytogenetics characters to determine
the phylogenetic position of the ice rat, Otomys sloggetti. This species is endemic to Southern
Africa and is restricted to montane habitats at high altitudes at; 1600m to 2000 m above
see level. Its phylogenetic placement within the subfamily Otomyinae is uncertain. For
instance, sperm morphology suggests O. sloggetti to be more closely related to arid adapted
Otomyinae (Parotomys brantsii), while allozyme data suggests it is closer to mesic adapted
species (Otomys saunderiae).
The aim of my project was to test the utility of cytogenetic characters to resolve the
phylogenetic position of Otomys sloggetti. The data generated from this study will help
resolve the taxonomic relationships among the Otomyinae and the integration of this data
with previously published information will give new insight into the arrangement of the
ancestral murinae karyotype.
Highlight of the year: The conference of the Zoological Society of South Africa
in Potchefstroom, and the Karoo field excursion.
Next year?: Next year I plan to continue with a Masters degree doing cytogenetics and
also exploring new evolutionary genomic approaches.
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
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Christoff Truter
Research Project: The thermal biology of the armadillo girdled lizard, Cordylus
cataphractus: thermal preference and variation in microhabitat thermal quality.
These lizards occur in groups of up to 70 individuals which might contain multiple
territorial males. Each male inhabits a specific region of rock crevice, which he
aggressively defends. Thus they are extremely site-specific. My results indicate that
there is significant variation in thermal quality around large rocks, with northern
and western aspects having significantly higher quality than east and south. Because
thermal quality has a large effect on the time- and energy budgets of ectotherms,
males inhabiting eastern and southern aspects will be disadvantaged. I suggest that
the value associated with sites of high thermal quality will lead to competition among
these lizards. I found that they have the lowest preferred temperatures yet recorded
for any cordylid, and, although having the ability to be active thermoregulators, in the cooler spring period they
may be thermoconformers since the heat sources available match their demands to reach and maintain preferred
body temperature. For this study I modified iButton loggers so that I could mount them on the back of lizards
and continuously record body temperatures in free ranging field lizards. The data obtained showed that these
lizards accurately maintained preferred body temperatures when active.
Highlight of the year: FIELDWORK! We had a whole suite of exciting ventures: Karoo fossil trip with
Doc vd Heever and Mr Foster, bee keeping, bird watching in Jonkershoek and a trip up Table Mountain with
the Behavioral Ecology group, frog and lizard watching at Landroskop with the Herpetology group, a trip to
the Cederberg and West Coast National Park with the Plant-Animal interaction group. As a highlight, I did my
project fieldwork on a farm between Lambertsbaai and Vredendal.
Next year? : I am staying on in the department, doing a MSc project with Prof JH van Wyk
MSc and PHD Students
Anne Treasure (New PhD)
From Where?- I am from Cape Town originally - I did my undergrad at UCT from 95-97, then worked with
the Southern Ocean Group at Rhodes for my honours. I then went overseas for about 8 years to work and
travel. I completed my MSc in the UK last year and after a bit more travelling, came back to SA in June this
year.
Project & Supervisor(s)? - I am working with Prof Steven Chown on food web ecology in the Antarctic and
sub-Antarctic, looking at the impacts of invasives and climate change. Working title for now is: 'Climate change,
invasion and arthropod assemblages in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic'. The main objective is to understand
how climate change and invasion are acting synergistically to alter food web structure across the region.
Rosanne Stanway (New MSc)
From Where?- I completed my undergrad 2000-2003 at UCT, worked for the Custodians of Rare and
Endangered Wildflowers Project at SANBI in 2004, Botany honours UCT 2005, and travelled last year and
volunteered at the Tambopata Macaw Project in SE Peruvian Amazon. For the first 4 months of this year I
worked as a Teaching Assistant on the Organisation for Tropical Studies Course based in Kruger Park.
Project & Supervisor(s)? I started my M.Sc in June this year supervised by Dr. Anton Pauw and Prof. Jeremy
Midgely (UCT). Title of my project is: Will pollination webs collapse as climate changes?
My field site is on Travellers Rest Farm, AgterPakhuis, Cederberg, and I am harvesting interactions to develop
a pollination web within and between seasons. I will then model pollinator removal from the web to determine
how web structure buffers or does not buffer specialists/generalists from reproductive failure. and potential
extinction, with the idea that global change, especially climate change, will cause the decoupling of plantpollinator interactions.
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
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biodiversity. My research, aims at finding common
grounds for ecosystem services (e.g. carbon and water)
and biodiversity. New markets are emerging for
ecosystem services that could be more beneficial to
humans than land use practices that do not align with
biodiversity conservation. A major challenge is mapping
areas where these services are found and finding out
who benefits from them. A second challenge is finding
a tool that integrates the two into one plan.
Conservation Planning
Benis Egoh
Conservation planning deals with the selection of sites
for which conservation should be focused. It is a
relatively fast growing. In the early days many reserves
were established on unproductive land. This was because
allocation of land for conservation was based on ad
hoc approaches. This method of reserve selection was
replaced by scoring approaches in the 80s where land
was scored based on some ecological criteria. Now
reserve selection is more rigorous and uses a systematic
approach that takes into consideration many aspects of
biodiversity including ecological processes.
In 2006, I won a travel prize at the Centre for Invasion
Biology (CIB) annual meeting for the best presentation
by a postgraduate student. I have now used the money
to travel to Australia, where I am working on a
conservation plan for the Little Karoo and looking at
trade-off in ecosystem services and biodiversity in the
study area. Staff and students at The Ecology Centre,
University of Queensland, have been of tremendous
help to the conservation planning community worldwide.
Most of the conservation plans in South Africa that
helped put the country in the lime light of the discipline
were designed using software such as C-plan and Marxan,
developed by staff and students of The Ecology Centre
at the University of Queensland under the leadership
of Prof Hugh Possungham. My visit to the centre has
helped me gain insight in using Marxan. I hope to learn
how to use MarZone, new software that has been
developed to help planners cope with multiple objectives
such as biodiversity and ecosystem services in one plan.
My visit is co-funded by CSIR and University of
Queensland.
Benis Egoh (PhD student US) Middle: Hugh
Possingham (Director: Ecology Centre), Josie
Carwardine (PhD student UQ)
This year I received a grant from the International
foundation for Science (IFS) based in Sweden. The IFS
offers research grants for promising young scientist in
developing countries. This grant will help to cover some
expenses to further my research. I have presented my
research at the student's Conference on Conservation
Science at Cambridge University and the Society for
Conservation Biology conference at the University of
Port Elizabeth. I am grateful to have come this far with
my research.
In South Africa mountain catchments were protected
for water production for humans in the early days. This
is not a common practice nowadays. While the current
systematic approach is good because it is aimed at the
representation of all biodiversity, it emphasises
biodiversity and ignore the part of nature that benefits
humans. The benefit that humans derive from nature
is known as "ecosystem services". My research focus
is on the integration of ecosystem services into
conservation planning. It is important to safe guard
areas providing services to humans but we could also
add value to conservation plans by considering ecosystem
services. Implementation of conservation plans is largely
depended on people's value of biodiversity.
South African scientists have been in the frontline of
conservation planning research since the late ‘90s. In
2005, Prof Richard Cowling of NMMU won the SCB
distinguish service award for his leadership in
conservation planning and implementation. In South
Africa, it is recommended that biodiversity conservation
be mainstreamed into other sectors. But the goals of
other sectors (e.g. agricultural production) that seek to
improve livelihoods may not align fully with those of
biodiversity conservation. There is a need to find ways
of improving livelihoods without compromising
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
A Little Karoo Landscape
15
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News
Award given and new species proposed
A new South African endemic
elephant-shrew species has been
proposed by doctoral student,
Hanneline Smit. For years this
proposed species lay undiscovered
in the Transvaal Museum among
other collection material. It was
not until Hanneline, in
collaboration with Prof Terry
Robinson and Dr Bettine van
Vu u r e n , i nve s t i g a t e d t h e
Above: Loxton edwardii
population structure of the Cape
Right: Hanneline Smit
rock elephant-shrew that the
presence of these genetically
unique specimens, all from the
Nama Karoo, were discovered. The genetic separation
the proposed species’ geographic distribution in South
between these seven specimens and the remainder of
Africa and its conservation status are still unsure.
the Cape rock elephant-shrews are so marked that they
may warrant species status. It was then that the research
Hanneline has recently been awarded the prestige UNESCOteam headed to the rocky outcrops of the Nama Karoo
L’ORÉAL Co-Sponsored Fellowship for Young Women in
to search for additional specimens of this unique genetic
Life Sciences for 2008. She is one of only 3 laureates from
lineage. A closer examination revealed not only genetic
Africa (from 15 world-wide). Hanneline is also the recipient of
differences between this putative species and the Cape
a Claude Leon postdoctoral bursary for 2008 and after completion
rock elephant-shrew, but also chromosomal changes
of her PhD Hanneline will continue with her research as post
and morphological differences. A paper, formally
doctoral fellow with Dr Bettine Jansen van Vuuren and Dr
describing this species, is currently in review. At this
Raurie Bowie (USA).
stage there are only 17 individuals known to us, most
of them from museum records. The exact extent of
NEW HONOURS POSTER
For more information about the Stellenbosch University Honours course
in Botany or Zoolology, please visit http://www.sun.ac.za/botzoo/honours
Plant- & Dierkunde /Botany & Zoology
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Die Akkerdier