MRI staff members
Current staff members of the MRI are listed below in alphabetical order. Please click on the "More details" button to view additional information for a particular staff member e.g. recent publications.

Prof. Armanda Bastos
Armanda Bastos  Professor
Molecular Epidemiology and Zoology (MEZ)
adbastos@zoology.up.ac.za
+27-12-4204612
 

Research project summmary
My research interests are in the fields of Molecular Epidemiology and Conservation Genetics. Identification and characterisation of infectious agents in wildlife is becoming increasingly important due to the transmission of disease at the wildlife-human and wildlife-livestock interfaces and the profound effect that disease outbreaks have on vulnerable wildlife populations. The projects undertaken by the MEZ group fall into two major categories, namely: those elucidating genetic structuring within vertebrate and invertebrate taxa as a means of identifying appropriate conservation management units, and those in which temporal and geographical, host and pathogen variation, is used to clarify the persistence and spread of infectious agents, thereby assisting with the identification of suitable disease control strategies. The current research focus of the MEZ group is on zoonotic diseases of endemic and invasive rodents.

Students currently under supervision
BSc (Hons)
  1. Mr. Christiaan van Niekerk
    Molecular prevalence and diversity of bacteria in the spiny mouse, Acomys spinosissimus.
MSc (research)
  1. Cornell Kortenhoeven
PhD
  1. Mr. James van Sandwyk
    Molecular epidemiology and evolution of Cardioviruses (Picornaviridae) in endemic South African murid rodents
Post-Doctoral
  1. Dr. Helene Brettschneider
    Molecular characterization, epidemiology and mathematical modeling of zoonotic diseases in South Africa.

Students currently under co-supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Ms. Rolanda Julius
    Dynamics of rodent-borne zoonotic diseases and their resevoir hosts: the case of invasive Rattus in South Africa
Non-departmental students under supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Dr. Tonny Kabuuka  (Veterinary Faculty, University of Pretoria)
  2. Dr. Charalambos Petevinos  (Veterinary Faculty, University of Pretoria)

Recent Publications
2013
  1. Penrith, M.-.L., Vosloo, W., Jori, F., Bastos, A.D.S. (2013) African swine fever virus eradication in Africa. Virus Research. 173:228-246
  2. van Sandwyk, J., Bennett, N.C., Swanepoel, R., Bastos, A.D.S. (2013) Retrospective genetic characterisation of encephalomyocarditis viruses from African elephant and swine recovers two distinct lineages in South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 162(1):23-31
2012
  1. Fasina, F.O., Ajani, F.L.O., Agbaje, M., Talabi, O.A., Lazarus, D.D., Gallardo, C., Thompson, P.N., Bastos, A.D.S. (2012) Risk factors for farm-level African swine fever infection in major pig-producing areas in Nigeria, 1997-2011. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 107(1-2):65-75
  2. Brettschneider, H., Anguelov, R., Chimimba, C.T., Bastos, A.D. (2012) A mathematical epidemiological model of gram-negative Bartonella bacteria: does differential ectoparasite load fully explain the differences in infection prevalence of Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus? Journal of Biological Dynamics. 6(2):763-781
  3. Brettschneider, H., Bennett, N.C., Chimimba, C.T., Bastos, A.D.S. (2012) Bartonellae of the Namaqua rock mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae), from South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 157:132-136
  4. Fasina, F.O., Lazarus, D.D., Spencer, B.T., Makinde, A.A., Bastos, A.D.S. (2012) Cost implications of African swine fever in smallholder farrow-to-finish units: Economic benefits of disease prevention through biosecurity. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 53:244-255
2011
  1. Aplin, K.P., Suzuki, H., Chinen, A.A., Chesser, R.T., ten Have, J., Donnellan, S.C., Austin, J., Frost, A., Gonzalez, J.P., Herbreteau, V., Catzeflis, F., Soubrier, J., Fang, Y.-.P., Robins, J., Matisoo-Smith, E., Bastos, A.D.S., Maryanto, I., Sinaga, M.H. (2011) Multiple geographic origins of commensalism and complex dispersal history of black rats. PLoS One. 6(11):-
  2. Bastos, A.D., Nair, D., Taylor, P.J., Brettschneider, H., Kirsten, F., Mostert, E., von Maltitz, E., Lamb, J.M., van Hooft, P., Belmain, S., Contrafatto, G., Downs, S., Chimimba, C.T. (2011) Genetic monitoring detects an overlooked cryptic species and reveals the diversity and distribution of three invasive Rattus congeners in south Africa. BMC Genetics. :-
2010
  1. Anguelov, R., Brettschneider, H., Bastos, A.D.S. (2010) A case of multi-vector and multi-host epidemiological model: Bartonella infection. AIP Conference Proceedings. 1301:175-187
  2. van Hooft, P., Prins, H.H.T., Getz, W.M., Jolles, A.E., van Wieren, S.E., Greyling, B.J., van Helden, P.D., Bastos, A.D.S. (2010) Rainfall-driven sex-ratio genes in African buffalo suggested by correlations between Y-chromosomal haplotype frequencies and foetal sex ratio. BMC Evolutionary Biology. 10:-
  3. Owolodon, O.A., Bastos, A.D.S., Antiabong, J.F., Ogedengbe, M.E., Ekong, P.S., Yakubu, B. (2010) Molecular characterisation of African swine fever viruses from Nigeria (2003-2006) recovers multiple virus variants and reaffirms CVR epidemiological utility. Virus Genes. 41:361-368
2009
  1. Arnot, L.F., du Toit, J.T., Bastos, A.D.S. (2009) Molecular monitoring of African swine fever virus using surveys targeted at adult Orithodoros ticks: a re-evaluation of Mkuze Game Reserve, South Africa. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 76:385-392
  2. Jori, F., Bastos, A.D.S. (2009) Role of wild suids in the epidemiology of African swine fever. EcoHealth. 6:296-310
  3. Bastos, A.D.S., Arnot, L.F., Jacquier, M.D., Maree, S. (2009) A host species-informative internal control for molecular assessment of African swine fever virus infection rates in the African sylvatic cycle Ornithodoros vector. Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 23 (4):399-409
  4. Malherbe, G.P., Maude, G., Bastos, A.D.S. (2009) Genetic clues from olfactory cues: brown hyaena scent marks provide a non-invasive source of DNA for genetic profiling. Conservation Genetics. 10(3):759-762
2008
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bastos, A.D.S., Eadie, C., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2008) Mass mortality of adult male subantarctic fur seals: are alien mice the culprits? PLoS One. 3(11):-
  2. Greyling, B.J., Kryger, P., du Plessis, S., Van Hooft, W.F., van Helden, P., Getz, W.M., Bastos, A.D.S. (2008) Development of a high-throughput microsatellite typing approach for forensic and population genetic analysis of wild and domestic African Bovini. African Journal of Biotechnology. 7(5):655-660
2007
  1. Lubisi, B.A., Bastos, A.D.S., Dwarka, R., Vosloo, W. (2007) Intra-genotypic resolution of African swine fever viruses from an East African domestic pig cycle: a combined p72-CVR approach. Virus Genes. 35:729-735
  2. Van Hooft, P., Greyling, B.J., Prins, H.T., Getz, W.M., Jolles, A.E., Bastos, A.D.S. (2007) Selection at the Y chromosome of the African buffalo driven by rainfall. PLoS One. 2(10):-
  3. Boshoff, C.I., Bastos, A.D., Gerber, L.J., Vosloo, W. (2007) Genetic characterisation of African swine fever viruses from outbreaks in southern Africa (1973-1999). Veterinary Microbiology. 121:45-55
2006
  1. Vosloo, W., Dwarka, R., Bastos, A., Esterhuysen, J., Sahle, M., Sangare, O. (2006) Molecular epidemiological studies of foot and mouth disease virus in sub-Saharan Africa. Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics . 11:100-104
  2. Grobler, G.C., Janse van Rensburg, L., Bastos, A.D.S., Chimimba, C.T., Chown, S.L. (2006) Molecular and morphometric assessment of the taxonomic status of Ectemnorhinus weevil species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Entiminae) from the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. 44:200-211
  3. Vosloo, W., Bastos, A.D.S., Boshoff, C.I. (2006) Retrospective genetic analysis of SAT-1 type foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in southern Africa. Archives of Virology. 151:285-298
2005
  1. Vosloo, W., Bastos, A.D.S., Sahle, M., Sangare, O., Dwarka, R.M. (2005) Virus topotypes and the role of wildlife in foot and mouth disease in Africa. Conservation and Development Interventions at the Wildlife-Livestock interface: Implications for Wildlife, Livestock and Human Health, Edited by S.A. Osofsky, IUCN. :67-73
  2. Lubisi, B.A., Bastos, A.D.S., Dwarka, R.M., Vosloo, W. (2005) Molecular epidemiology of African swine fever in East Africa. Archives of Virology. 150:2439-2452
  3. Phologane, S.B., Bastos, A.D.S., Penrith, M.-.L. (2005) Intra- and inter-genotypic size variation in the central variable region of the 9RL open reading frame of diverse African swine fever viruses. Virus Genes. 31:357-360
2004
  1. Penrith, M.-.L., Thomson, G.R., Bastos, A.D.S. (2004) African swine fever. Infectious Diseases of Livestock, 2nd edition, Edited by J.A.W. Coetzer & R.C. Tustin. Oxford University Press. ISBN 019578202X:1087-1119
  2. Thomson, G.R., Bastos, A.D.S. (2004) Foot-and-mouth disease. Infectious Diseases of Livestock, 2nd edition, Edited by J.A.W. Coetzer & R.C. Tustin. Oxford University Press. ISBN 019578202X:1323-1365
  3. Sangare, O., Bastos, A.D.S., Venter, E.H., Vosloo, W. (2004) A first molecular epidemiological study of SAT-2 type foot-and-mouth disease viruses in West Africa. Epidemiology and Infection. 32:525-532
  4. Hargreaves, S.K., Foggin, C.M., Anderson, E.C., Bastos, A.D.S., Thomson, G.R., Ferris, N., Knowles, N. (2004) An investigation into the source and spread of foot and mouth disease virus from a wildlife conservancy in Zimbabwe. Scientific and Technical Review. 23:783-790
  5. Haydon, D.T., Bastos, A.D.S., Awadalla, P. (2004) Low linkage disequilibrium indicative of recombination in foot-and-mouth disease virus gene sequence alignments. Journal of General Virology. (85):1095-1100
  6. Sangare, O., Dungu, B., Bastos, A.D.S. (2004) Foot and mouth disease in Mali: current situation and proposed control strategies. Scientific and Technical Review. 23:563-572
  7. Bastos, A.D.S., Penrith, M.-.L., Macome, F., Pinto, F., Thomson, G.R. (2004) Co-circulation of two genetically distinct viruses in an outbreak of African Swine fever in Mozambique: No evidence for individual co-infection. Veterinary Microbiology. 103:169-182
  8. Penrith, M.-.L., Thomson, G.R., Bastos, A.D.S., Phiri, O.C., Lubisi, B.A., Botha, B., Esterhuysen, J., du Plessis, E.C., Macome, F., Pinto, F. (2004) An investigation into natural resistance to African swine fever in domestic pigs from an endemic area in southern Africa. Scientific and Technical Review . 23:665-677
2003
  1. Thomson, G.R., Vosloo, W., Bastos, A.D.S. (2003) The epidemiology and control of foot-and-mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa. In:.  ISBN 2-84299-432-9:125-134
  2. Bastos, A.D.S., Anderson, E.C., Bengis, R.G., Keet, D.F., Winterbach, H.K., Thomson, G.R. (2003) Molecular epidemiology of SAT3-type foot-and-mouth disease. Virus Genes. 27:283-290
  3. Thomson, G., Dungu, B., Tounkara, K., Vosloo, W., Bastos, A., Bidjeh, K. (2003) Suitability of currently available vaccines for controlling the major transboundary diseases that afflict sub-Saharan Africa. Developments in Biologicals. 114:229-241
  4. Bastos, A.D.S., Haydon, D.T., Sangare, O., Boshoff, C.I., Edrich, J.L., Thomson, G.R. (2003) The implications of viral diversity in the SAT 2 serotype for control of foot-and-mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of General Virology. 84:1595-1606
  5. Thomson, G.R., Vosloo, W., Bastos, A.D.S. (2003) Foot-and-mouth disease in wildlife. Virus Research. 91:145-161
  6. Bastos, A.D.S., Penrith, M.-.L., Crucière, C., Edrich, J.L., Hutchings, G., Couacy-Hymann, E., Thomson, G.R. (2003) Genotyping field strains of African swine fever virus by partial p72 gene characterisation. Archives of Virology . 148:693-706
  7. Sangare, O., Bastos, A.D.S., Venter, E.H., Vosloo, W. (2003) Retrospective genetic analysis of SAT-1 type foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in West Africa (1975-1981). Veterinary Microbiology. 93:279-289
  8. King, D.P., Reid, S.M., Hutchings, G.H., Grierson, S.S., Wilkinson, P.J., Dixon, L.K., Bastos, A.D.S., Drew, T.W. (2003) Development of a TaqMan PCR assay with internal amplification control for the detection of African swine fever virus. Journal of Virological Methods. 107:53-61
Download my complete publication record

Website Links of Importance
  1. World Organisation for Animal Health
  2. IRRI Rodent Management Website
  3. Mammal Research Institute (MRI)
  4. Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB)
  5. BMAZD IRT



Prof. Nigel Bennett
Nigel Bennett  Austin Roberts Chair of Mammalogy
South African Research Chair of mammal behavioural ecology and ecophysiology
ncbennett@zoology.up.ac.za
+27-12-4202538
 

Research project summmary
Main research fields: zoology and reproductive physiology specialization fields: Animal reproduction, Behavioural ecology, Behavioural physiology, sociobiology. My research interests focus mainly on the sociobiology of African rodent moles (Bathyergidae) and in particular the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that have led to the evolution of sociality in this remarkable endemic African family. My research group is fundamentally interested in elucidating the modes and mechanisms that are responsible for reproductive suppression in the non-reproductive females of the various species. Research is currently being directed at the neuroendocrine and molecular levels to elucidate the extent, nature and location of GnRH suppression. We are also interested in the photic and thermic input in the control of reproduction in seasonally reproducing mole-rats and the potential lack of a role in aseasonally breeding bathyergids. Long term population studies on social mole-rats from mesic and xeric environments are underway. These studies are providing empirical data on the spatial distribution of colonies, longevities, factors restricting and promoting dispersal, vagility, foraging methods and lifetime reproductive success. We are interested in the genetic relatedness of colonies and also the type of paternal skew operational in the social genera. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Dr Chris Faulkes at Queen Mary and Westfield College, London.

Students currently under supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Ms. Kemba Butler
    Neuroendocrinology of induced ovulation in the highveld mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae)
  2. Mr. Andre Prins
    What makes a good helper? A behavioural study of cooperation in Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis).
  3. Mr. Josh Sarli
    Seasonal Reproductive Cycle and Parasite Burden of Two Small Mammals from Saudi Arabia.
Post-Doctoral
  1. Dr. Sarita Maree
    1. The conservation of golden moles (Afrosoricida; Chrysochloridae) in South Africa
  2. Dr. Katarina Medger
    The reproductive biology of two small southern African mammals, the spiny mouse, Acomys spinosissimus (Rodentia: Muridae) and the Eastern rock elephant-shrew, Elephantulus myurus (Macroscelidea: Macroscelididae)
  3. Dr. M Oosthuizen
    Factors influencing neurogenesis and memory in three mole-rat species exhibiting a wide spectrum of social organisation.

Students currently under co-supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Ms. Liz Archer
    The effects of the environment and sociality on parasite transmission and MHC selection in common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus)
  2. Mr. Josh Sarli
    Seasonal Reproductive Cycle and Parasite Burden of Two Small Mammals from Saudi Arabia.
PhD
  1. Mr. Low de Vries
    Ecology of the aardwolf, Proteles cristatus with special reference to diet, home range and prey abundance
  2. Mrs. Jestina Katandukila
    A multidisplinary analysis on the status of the north-east African mole-rat, Tachyoryctes splendens (Rodentia: Spalacidae) from Tanzania: systematics, ecology, physiology and epidemiology
  3. Mr. James van Sandwyk
    Molecular epidemiology and evolution of Cardioviruses (Picornaviridae) in endemic South African murid rodents

Recent Publications
2013
  1. Lutermann, H., Young, A.J., Bennett, N.C. (2013) Reproductive status and testosterone among females in cooperative mole-rat societies. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 187:60-65
  2. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C., Speakman, J.R., Scantlebury, M. (2013) Energetic benefits of sociality offset the costs of parasitism in a cooperative mammal. PLoS One. 8:57969-57969
  3. van Sandwyk, J., Bennett, N.C., Swanepoel, R., Bastos, A.D.S. (2013) Retrospective genetic characterisation of encephalomyocarditis viruses from African elephant and swine recovers two distinct lineages in South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 162(1):23-31
2012
  1. Lutermann, H., Bodenstein, C., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Natural parasite infection affects the tolerance but not the response to a simulated secondary parasite infection. PLoS One. 7:52077-52077
  2. Kotze, R., Bennett, N., Cameron, E.Z., de Vries, J.L., Marneweck, D.G., Pirk, C.W.W., Dalerum, F. (2012) Temporal patterns of den use suggest polygamous mating patterns in an obligate monogamous mammal. Animal Behaviour. 84:1573-1578
  3. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Seasonal reproduction in the eastern rock elephant-shrew: Influenced by rainfall and ambient temperature? Journal of Zoology. 288:283-293
  4. Ganswindt, A., Muilwijk, C., Engelkes, M., Muenscher, S., Bertschinger, H., Paris, M., Palme, R., Cameron, E., Bennett, N., Dalerum, F. (2012) Validation of Noninvasive Monitoring of Adrenocortical Endocrine Activity in Ground-Feeding Aardwolves (Proteles cristata): Exemplifying the Influence of Consumption of Inorganic Material for Fecal Steroid Analysis. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 85(2):194-199
  5. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Determinants of Helminth Infection in a Subterranean Rodent, the Cape Dune Mole-Rat (Bathyergus suillus). Journal of Parasitology. 98:686-689
  6. Brettschneider, H., Bennett, N.C., Chimimba, C.T., Bastos, A.D.S. (2012) Bartonellae of the Namaqua rock mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae), from South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 157:132-136
  7. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Seasonal changes in reproductive development in male spiny mice (Acomys spinosissimus) from South Africa. Mammalian Biology. 77:153-159
  8. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Reproductive photoresponsiveness in male spiny mice from South Africa. Journal of Zoology. 286:243-249
2011
  1. Viljoen, H., Bennett, N.C., Ueckermann, E.A., Lutermann, H. (2011) The role of host traits, season and group size on parasite burdens in a cooperative mammal. PLoS One. 6:-
  2. Viljoen, H., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2011) Life-history traits, but not season, affect the febrile response to a lipopolysaccharide challenge in highveld mole-rats. Journal of Zoology. 285:222-229
2010
  1. Faulkes, C.G., Sichilima, A.M., van Sandwyk, J., Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Control of ovulation in female giant mole-rats Fukomys mechowii (Rodentia: Bathyergidae), and phylogenetic trends within the family. Journal of Zoology. 282:64-74
  2. Bennett, N.C., van Sandwyk, J., Lutermann, H. (2010) The pattern of ovulation in Ansell’s mole-rat, Fukomys anselli: phylogenetic or ecological constraints? Journal of Zoology. 281:66-73
  3. Young, A.J., Oosthuizen, M.K., Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Physiological suppression eases in Damaraland mole-rat societies when ecological constraints on dispersal are relaxed. Hormones and Behavior. 57:177-183
2009
  1. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Parasites - a cost of sociality? Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 80:131-131
  2. Costanzo, M.S., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2009) Spatial learning and memory in African mole-rats: the role of sociality and sex. Physiology and Behaviour. 96:128-134
  3. Taylor, P.J., Maree, S., van Sandwyk, J., Kerbis Peterhans, J.C., Stanley, W.T., Verheyen, E., Kaliba, P., Verheyen, W., Kaleme, P., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Speciation mirrors geomorphology and palaecclimatic history in African laminate-toothed rats (Muridae; Otomyini) of the Otomys denti and O. lacustris species-complexes in the. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 96:913-941
  4. Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G., Hart, L., Jarvis, J.U.M. (2009) The Cape mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus. Mammalian Species. 828:1-7
2008
  1. de Vries, L., Oosthuizen, M.K., Sichilima, A.M., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in Ansell's mole-rat: are mole-rat's clocks ticking? Journal of Zoology. 276:343-349
  2. Kotze, J., Bennett, N.C., Scantlebury, M. (2008) The energetics of huddling in two species of mole-rat (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Physiology and Behaviour. 93:215-221
  3. Bennett, N.C. (2008) The Mammal Research Institute 1966-2006. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa . 63(1):53-60
  4. Manjerovic, M.B., Kinahan, A.A., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N.C., Bateman, P.W. (2008) Structure and allometry of genitalia in males and females of a social African ground squirrel with high polygynandry. Journal of Zoology. 275:375-380
  5. Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H., Coen, C.W. (2008) Reproductive suppression and the seasonality of reproduction in the social Natal mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis). General and Comparative Endocrinology. 159:236-240
  6. Sichilima, A.M., Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G., Le Comber, S.C. (2008) Evolution of African mole-rats sociality: burrow architecture, rainfall and foraging in colonies of the cooperatively breeding Fukomys mechowii. Journal of Zoology. 275:276-282
  7. Scantlebury, M., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N. (2008) Alternative reproductive tactics in male Cape ground squirrels Xerus inauris. Physiology and Behaviour. 94:359-367
  8. Scantlebury, M., Lovegrove, B.G., Jackson, C.R., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2008) Hibernation and non-shivering thermogenesis in the Hottentot golden mole (Amblysomus hottentottus. J Comp Physiol B. 178:887-897
  9. Cameron, E.Z., Lemons, P.R., Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Experimental alteration of litter sex ratios in a mammal. Proceedings of the Royal Society London, B. 275:323-327
  10. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Strong immune function: a benefit promoting the evolution of sociality?. Journal of Zoology. 275(1):26-32
2007
  1. Jackson, T.P., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N.C. (2007) LH responses to single doses of exogenous GnRH in female social ground squirrels exhibiting low reproductive skew. Journal of Zoology. 273:8-13
  2. Malherbe, G.P., Bennett, N.C. (2007) An assessment of behavioural dominance in a social subterranean rodent mole Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae using the cardinal dominance index method. African Zoology. 42(2):187-198
  3. Scantlebury, M., Waterman, J.M., Hillegass, M., Speakman, J.R., Bennett, N. (2007) Energetic costs of parasitism in the Cape ground squirrel Xerus inauris. Proceedings of the Royal Society - B. 274:2169-2177
  4. Hart, L., Chimimba, C.T., Jarvis, J.U.M., O'Raian, J., Bennett, N.C. (2007) Craniometric sexual dimorphism and age variation in the solitary South African endemic Cape dune mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus (Rodentia: Muridae). Journal of Mammalogy. 88:657-666
  5. Yeakel, J.D., Bennett, N.C., Koch, P.L., Dominy, N.J. (2007) The isotopic ecology of African mole-rats informs hypotheses on the evolution of human diet. Proceedings of the Royal Society, London. 274:1723-1730
  6. Dalerum, F., Bennett, N.C., Clutton-Brock, T.H. (2007) Longitudinal differences in 15N between mothers and offspring during and after weaning in a small cooperative mammal, the meerkat (Suricata suricatta). Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry. 21:1889-1892
  7. Scantlebury, M., Waterman, J.M., Hillegrass, M., Speakman, J.R., Bennett, N.C. (2007) Effects of age and parasite status on the foraging energetics of female Cape ground squirrels, Xerus inauris. Proceedings of the Royal Society - B. 274:2169-2177
  8. Kinahan, A.A., Bennett, N.C., O'Riain, J., Hart, L., Bateman, P.W. (2007) Size matters: genital allometry in an African mole-rat (Bathyergidae) . Evolutionary Ecology. 21:201-213
2006
  1. Deuve, J.L., Bennett, N.C., O'Brien, P.C.M., Ferguson-Smith, M., Faulkes, C.G., Britton-Davidan, J., Robinson, T.J. (2006) Complex evolution of X and Y autosomal translocations in the Giant mole-rat, Cryptomys mechowi (Bathyergidae). Chromosome Research. 14:681-691
  2. Hart, L., O'Riain, M.J., Jarvis, J.U.M., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Is the Cape dune mole-rat Bathyergus suillus a seasonal or aseasonal breeder? Journal of Mammalogy. 87:1078-1085
  3. Herbst, M., Bennett, N.C. (2006) The burrow architecture and burrowing dynamics of the endangered Namaqua dune mole-rat, Bathyergus janetta (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Journal of Zoology. 270:420-428
  4. Du Toit, L., Bennett, N.C., Gutjahr, G.H., Coen, C.W. (2006) Reproductive suppression in subordinate female highveld mole-rats, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae: No apparent role for endogenous opioid peptides. Physiology and Behaviour. 87:897-902
  5. Snyman, P.C., Jackson, C.R., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Do dispersing female Damaraland mole-rats, Cryptomys damarensis (Rodentia: Bathyergidae) exhibit spontaneous ot induced ovulation? Physiology and Behaviour. 87:88-94
  6. Scantlebury, M., Bennett, N.C., Speakman, J.R., Pillay, N., Schradin, C. (2006) The energetics of huddling in group living African four striped field mice Rhabdomys pumilio. Functional Ecology. 20:166-173
  7. Broekman, M., Bennett, N.C., Jackson, C.R., Weber, R. (2006) Does altitude difference modulate the respiratory properties in subterranean rodent Cryptomys hottentotus mahali blood? Physiology and Behaviour. 88:77-81
  8. Scantlebury, M., Speakman, J.R., Bennett, N.C. (2006) The energy costs of sexual dimorphism in mole-rats are morphological not behavioural. Proceedings of the Royal Society - B. 273:57-63
  9. Bouche, L., Bennett, N.C., Jackson, T.P., Waterman, J.M. (2006) Is the Cape ground squirrel, Xerus inauris an induced or spontaneous ovulator? Journal of Mammalogy. 87:60-66
  10. Bennett, N.C., Maree, S., Faulkes, C.G. (2006) The Cape blesmol, Georychus capensis. Mammalian Species. 799:1-4
  11. Du Toit, L., Bennett, N.C., Kallo, I., Katz, A., Coen, C.W. (2006) A neuroanatomical and neuroendocrinological study into the relation between social status and the GnRH system in two cooperatively breeding species of African mole-rats Cryptomys h. hottentotus and C. h. pretoriae. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 494:303-313
  12. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive seasonality in the Tete veld rat, Aethomys ineptus (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Zoology (London). 270:314-322
  13. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive seasonality in Aethomys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Mammalogy. 87:67-74
  14. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive photoresponsiveness in Aethomys ineptus and A. namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Zoology (London). 268:225-231
  15. Young, A.J., Monfort, S.L., Carlson, A.A., Russell, A.F., Bennett, N.C., Clutton-Brock, T.H. (2006) Stress and the suppression of subordinate reproduction in cooperatively breeding meerkats. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 103:12005-12010
  16. Clutton-Brock, T.H., Hodge, S.J., Spong, G., Russell, A.F., Jordan, N.R., Bennett, N.C., Sharp, L., Manser, M.B. (2006) Intrsexual competition and sexual selection in cooperative mammals. Nature. (444):1065-1068
  17. Scantlebury, M., Speakman, J.R., Oosthuizen, M.K., Roper, T.J., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Energetics reveals physiologically distinct castes in a eusocial mammal. Nature. 440:795-797
  18. Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C. (2006) The biology of human sexuality: evolution, ecology and physiology. Verbum et Ecclesia. 27:245-264
  19. Parag, A., Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G., Bateman, P.W. (2006) Penile morphology of African mole-rats (Bathyergidae): structural modification in relation to mode of ovulation and degree of sociality. Journal of Zoology. 270:323-329
2005
  1. Vasicek, C., Malpaux, B., Fleming, P.A., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Melatonin secretion in the Mashona mole-rat, Cryptomys darlingi -influence of light on rhythmicity. Physiology and Behaviour. 83:689-697
  2. Vasicek, C.A., Oosthuizen, M.K., Cooper, H.M., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Endogenous circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in the subterranean Mashona, Cryptomys darlingi: the effects of light on entrainment. Physiology and Behaviour. 84:181-191
  3. Scantlebury, M., Oosthuizen, M.K., Speakman, J.R., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Seasonal field energetics of the Hottentot golden mole at high altitude: an ancient African Afrotherian. Physiology and Behaviour. 84:739-745
  4. Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Cooper, H.M. (2005) C-fos photic induction in two species of African mole-rat (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Neuroscience. 133:555-560
  5. van Sandwyk, J., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Do solitary, seismic signalling Cape mole-rats, Georychus capensis demonstrate spontaneous or induced ovulation? Journal of Zoology. 267:75-80
  6. Maswanganye, K.A., Malherbe, G.P. ., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Ultrastructure of epididymal spermatozoa in three social African mole-rats of the genus Cryptomys. African Zoology. 40:293-300
  7. Schumann, D.M., Cooper, H.M., Hofmeyr, M.D., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in the four striped field mouse, Rhabdomys pumilio: a diurnal or crepuscular African rodent. Physiology and Behaviour. 85:231-239
  8. Jackson, C.R., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Is the Natal mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis) a spontaneous or induced ovulator? Journal of Mammalogy. 86:1-6
  9. Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Order Rodentia. In: The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (JD Skinner & CT Chimimba, Revisers). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. :77-209
2004
  1. Hart, L., Bennett, N.C., Malpaux, B., Chimimba, C.T., Oosthuizen, M.K. (2004) The chronobiology of the Natal mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis. Physiology & Bahaviour. 82:563-569
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Prof. Marthan Bester
Marthan Bester  Professor; Departmental Public Relations
Population Biology and Ecology of Pinnipeds in the Southern Ocean
mnbester@zoology.up.ac.za
+27-12-4202067
 

Research project summmary
Investigation of in particular population parameters that are likely to reflect change in the environment of discrete pinniped populations. This translates, in essence, into the study of the trophodynamics of pinnipeds in particular; prey identity and its consumption in quality and quantity, numerical abundance of these predators, population trends, and body growth patterns of pups that reflect availability of food within the at-sea foraging range of their mothers. In short, those research topics which are important in conservation and management, as embodied by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS), the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), and the Prince Edward Islands (PEIs) Management Plan.

Students currently under supervision
BSc (Hons)
  1. Meryllin Deuer
MSc (research)
  1. Mr. Michael Barron
    Title Utilizing orca whale (Orcinus orca) sign stimuli to deter great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias)
  2. Monica Betts
  3. Ms. Bridget James
    Investigation of the impacts on movements, behaviour and habitat use of coastal delphinids in Mossel Bay related to the installation of a desalination plant
  4. Nico Lubcker
  5. Mr. Moleseng Claude Moshobane
    Inter-population craniometrics of Subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis)
  6. Ms. Lauren Stansfield
    The diet of Subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis) at the Tristan da Cunha and Prince Edward Islands
  7. Ms. Mia Wege
    Foraging ecology of fur seals (Arctocephalus spp.) at Marion Island
PhD
  1. Dr. Gerhard Steenkamp
    The craniofacial develpoment and oral pathology of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
  2. Ms. Katja Vinding Petersen
    DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT USE AND BEHAVIOUR OF CETACEANS IN THE GREATER DYER ISLAND AREA, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
Post-Doctoral
  1. Dr. Trevor McIntyre
    At-sea behaviour of southern elephant seals
  2. Dr. Marie Nevoux
    Population dynamics of Southern Elephant Seals (Mirounga leonina) at Marion Island
  3. Dr. Cheryl Tosh
    Satellite-linked identification and analysis of the foraging areas of Southern Elephant Seals Mirounga leonina at Marion and King George Islands

Students currently under co-supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Mr. Martin Postma
    Photogrammetry as a tool for body condition assessment in southern elephant seals
  2. Mr. Derek van der Merwe
    Temporal social affiliations at haul-out sites for southern elephant seals at Marion Island
PhD
  1. Mr. Chris Oosthuizen
    Linking environmental variability, life history and population dynamics in a marine predator
Non-departmental students under supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Ms. Nonkoliso Mgibantaka  (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University)

Recent Publications
2013
  1. Bester, M.N. (2013) Marine Mammals: Natural and Anthropogenic Influences.  :-
  2. Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2013) High in the food chain - seals in the Southern Ocean. Quest. 9(1):50-53
  3. Bester, M.N., Odendaal, P.N. (2013) Family Phocidae, True Seals.  :132-133
  4. Bester, M.N., Odendaal, P.N. (2013) Family Otariidae, Fur Seals.  :126-127
  5. Bester, M.N., Odendaal, P.N. (2013) Superfamily Pinnipedia, Seals.  :126-126
  6. Jewell, O.J.D., Johnson, R.L., Gennari, E., Bester, M.N. (2013) Fine scale movements and activity areas of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in Mossel Bay, South Africa. Environmental Biology of Fishes. (DOI 10.1007/s10641-0):1-14
2012
  1. Hayward, M.W., Somers, M.J., Kerley, G.I.H., Perrin, M.R., Bester, M.N., Dalerum, F., Do Linh San, E., Hoffman, L.C., Marshal, J.C., Mills, M.G.L., Nel, J.A.J., Owen-Smith, N. (2012) Animal ethics and ecotourism. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 42(2):3-5
  2. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Kirkman, S.P., Pistorius, P.A., Bester, M.N. (2012) Natal site fidelity by breeding female southern elephant seals in relation to their history of participation in the winter haulout. African Journal of Marine Science. 34(3):373-382
  3. Tosh, C.A., Steyn, J., Bornemann, H., van den Hoff, J., Stewart, B.S., Plotz, J., Bester, M.N. (2012) Marine habitats of juvenile southern elephant seals from Marion Island. Aquatic Biology. 17:71-79
  4. Southwell, C., Bengtson, J., Bester, M., Blix, A.S., Bornemann, H., Boveng, P., Cameron, M., Forcada, J., Laake, J., Nordoy, E., Plotz, J., Rogers, T., Southwell, D., Steinhage, D., Stewart, B.S., Trathan, P. (2012) A review of data on abundance, trends in abundance, habitat use and diet of ice-breeding seals in the Southern Ocean. CCAMLR Science. 19:49-74
  5. McIntyre, T., Ansorge, I.J., Bornemann, H., Plötz, J., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2012) Elephant seal foraging dives do indeed track prey distribution, but temperature influences the distribution of prey: Reply to Boersch-Supan et al. (2012). Marine Ecology Progress Series. 461:299-303
  6. McIntyre, T., Bornemann, H., Plötz, J., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2012) Deep divers in even deeper seas: habitat use of male southern elephant seals from Marion Island. Antarctic Science. 24(6):561-570
  7. Field, I.C., Harcourt, R.G., Boehme, L., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Charrassin, J.B., McMahon, C.R., Bester, M.N., Fedak, M.A., Hindell, M.A. (2012) Refining instrument attachment on phocid seals. Marine Mammal Science. 28(3):325-332
  8. Oosthuizen, W.C., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2012) Unmarked individuals in mark–recapture studies: Comparisons of marked and unmarked southern elephant seals at Marion Island. Austral Ecology. 37:556-568
  9. James, B., McIntyre, T., Tosh, C.A., Bornemann, H., Plotz, J., Bester, M.N. (2012) Inter-population differences in diving behaviour of adult male southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). Polar Biology. 35:1759-1766
  10. Delaney, D.G., Johnson, R., Bester, M.N., Gennari, E. (2012) Accuracy of using visual identification of white sharks to estimate residency patterns. PLoS One. 7. (4):-
  11. Cook, T., Jewell, O., Chivell, W., Bester, M. .N. (2012) Albino Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis. Marine Ornithology. 40:72-73
2011
  1. Mertz, E.M., Bester, M.N. (2011) Vagrant southern elephant seal and human disturbance in Mossel Bay, South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 41(2):224-228
  2. Bester, M.N., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Oosthuizen, W.C., Tosh, C.A., McIntyre, T., Reisinger, R.R., Postma, M., van der Merwe, D.S., Wege, M. (2011) The Marine Mammal Programme at the Prince Edward Islands: 38 years of research. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(3):511-521
  3. Pistorius, P.A., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2011) Population dynamics of southern elephant seals: a synthesis of three decades of demographic research at Marion Island. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(3):523-534
  4. McIntyre, T., Postma, M., Wege, M., van der Merwe, D.S., Bester, M.N. (2011) Hitchhiking goose barnacles and their potential implications on the functioning of animal-borne intruments. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 41(2):218-223
  5. Oosthuizen, W.C., Bester, M.N., Tosh, C.A., Guinet, C., Besson, D., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2011) Dispersal and dispersion of southern elephant seals in the Kerguelen province, Southern Ocean. Antarctic Science. 23(6):567-577
  6. McIntyre, T., Ansorge, I.J., Bornemann, H., Plötz, J., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2011) Elephant seal dive behaviour is influenced by ocean temperature: implications for climate change impacts on an ocean predator. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 441:257-272
  7. Jewell, O., Wcisel, M., Gennari, E., Towner, A., Bester, M., Johnson, R., Singh, S. (2011) Effect of Smart Position Only Tags (SPOT) deployment on White Sharks Carcharodon carcharias in South Africa. PLoS One. 6(11: e27242):1-4
  8. Reisinger, R.R., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2011) Predatory impact of killer whales on pinniped and penguin populations at the Subantarctic Prince Edward Islands: fact and fiction. Journal of Zoology. 285:1-10
  9. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N., Cameron, E.Z., McIntyre, T., Wilkinson, I.S. (2011) Sex at sea: alternative mating system in an extremely polygynous mammal. Animal Behaviour. 82:445-451
  10. Wege, M., Bester, M.N., van der Merwe, D.S., Postma, M. (2011) Oedipus complex in an Antarctic fur seal pup? Journal of Ethology. 29:505-507
  11. McIntyre, T., Bornemann, H., Plötz, J., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2011) Water column use and forage strategies of female southern elephant seals from Marion Island. Marine Biology. 158:2125-2139
  12. Reisinger, R.R., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Oosthuizen, W.C., Mufanadzo, N.T., Bester, M.N. (2011) Prey and seasonal abundance of killer whales at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(1):99-105
  13. Reisinger, R.R., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2011) Abundance estimates of killer whales at subantarctic Marion Island. Aquatic Biology. 12:177-185
  14. Le Grange, A., Van der Merwe, M., Bester, M. (2011) Reproductive strategy of the Egyptian free-tailed bat, Tadarida aegyptiaca, from a subtropical latitude (25oS) in South Africa. African Zoology. 46(1):169-175
  15. Zanre, R., Bester, M.N. (2011) Vagrant Subantarctic fur seal in the Mayumba National Park, Gabon. African Zoology. 46(1):185-187
  16. Postma, M., Wege, M., Bester, M.N., van der Merwe, D.S., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2011) Inshore occurrence of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) at Subantarctic Marion Island. African Zoology. 46(1):188-193
2010
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Cameron, E.Z., Tosh, C.A., Oosthuizen, W.C., Reisinger, R.R., Mufanadzo, N.T., Phalanndwa, M.V., Postma, M., Wege, M., van der Merwe, D.S., Bester, M.N. (2010) Prevalence of allosuckling behaviour in Subantarctic fur seal pups. Mammalian Biology. 75:555-560
  2. McIntyre, T., Tosh, C.A., Plötz, J., Bornemann, H., Bester, M.N. (2010) Segregation in a sexually dimorphic mammal: a mixed-effects modelling analysis of diving behaviour in southern elephant seals. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 412:293-304
  3. Reisinger, R.R., Bester, M.N. (2010) Long distance breeding dispersal of a southern elephant seal. Polar Biology. 33:1289-1291
  4. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Bester, M.N., Kirkman, S.P., Lydersen, C., Kovacs, K.M. (2010) Intraspecic differences in the diet of Antarctic fur seals at Nyrøysa, Bouvetøya. Polar Biology. 33:1171-1178
  5. McIntyre, T., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Ansorge, I.J., Bester, M.N., Bornemann, H., Plotz, J., Tosh, C.A. (2010) A lifetime at depth: vertical distribution of southern elephant seals in the water column. Polar Biology. 33(8):1037-1048
  6. Reisinger, R.R., Bester, M.N. (2010) Goose barnacles on seals and a penguin at Gough Island. African Zoology. 45(1):129-132
  7. Bester, M.N., Reisinger, R.R. (2010) Vagrant Antarctic fur seals at Gough Island in 2009. Polar Biology. 33:709-711
  8. Oosthuizen, W.C., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N., Girondot, M. (2010) Cohort and tag-site-specific tag-loss rates in mark–recapture studies: A southern elephant seal cautionary case. Marine Mammal Science. 26(2):350-369
  9. Reisinger, R.R., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Pistorius, P.A., Bester, M.N. (2010) Antarctic fur seal predation on cephalopods at Marion Island. Polar Biology. 33:571-574
  10. Reisinger, R.R., McIntyre, T., Bester, M.N. (2010) Goose barnacles hitchhike on satellite-tracked southern elephant seals. Polar Biology. 33:561-564
2009
  1. Bester, M.N., Bloomer, J. (2009) Successful eradication of feral cats from sub-Antarctic Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean.  :187-190
  2. Bester, M.N., Ryan, P.G., Visagie, J. (2009) Summer survey of fur seals at Prince Edward Island, southern Indian Ocean. African Journal of Marine Science. 31(3):451-455
  3. Oosthuizen, W.C., Bester, M.N., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G. (2009) Intra-archipelago moult dispersion of southern elephant seals at the Prince Edward Islands, southern Indian Ocean. African Journal of Marine Science. 31(3):457-462
  4. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Oosthuizen, W.H., Bester, M.N., Arnould, J.P.Y. (2009) Bathymetry and frontal system interactions influence seasonal foraging movements of lactating subantarctic fur seals from Marion Island. Marine Ecology-Progress Series. 394:263-276
  5. Cooper, J., Bester, M.N., Chown, S.L., Crawford, R.J.M., Daly, R., Heyns, E., Lamont, T., Ryan, P.G., Shaw, J.D. (2009) Biological survey of the Prince Edward Islands, December 2008. South African Journal of Science. 105:317-320
  6. Johnson, R., Bester, M.N., Dudley, S.F.J., Oosthuizen, W.H., Meyer, M., Hancke, L., Gennari, E. (2009) Coastal swimming patterns of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) at Mossel Bay, South Africa. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 85(3):189-200
  7. Tosh, C.A., Bornemann, H., Ramdohr, S., Schroder, M., Martin, T., Carlini, A., Plotz, J., Bester, M.N. (2009) Adult male southern elephant seals from King George Island utilize the Weddell Sea. Antarctic Science. 21(2):113-121
  8. Reisinger, R.R., Mufanadzo, N.T., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2009) Leucistic southern elephant seal at Marion Island. Polar Biology. 32:509-511
  9. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N., Carlini, A.R., Oosthuizen, W.C. (2009) How to weigh an elephant seal with one finger: a simple three-dimensional photogrammetric application. Aquatic Biology. 5(1):31-39
  10. McMahon, C.R., Bester, M.N., Hindell, M.A., Brook, B.W., Bradshaw, C.J.A. (2009) Shifting trends: detecting environmentally mediated regulation in long-lived marine vertebrates using time-series data. Oecologia. 159:69-82
2008
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bastos, A.D.S., Eadie, C., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2008) Mass mortality of adult male subantarctic fur seals: are alien mice the culprits? PLoS One. 3(11):-
  2. Johnson, R., Keswick, T., Bester, M.N., Oosthuizen, W.H. (2008) Encounters between white sharks and Cape fur seals in a shallow channel. Journal of Marine Biological Association 2 - Biodiversity Records. :-
  3. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Oosthuizen, W.C., Phalanndwa, M.V., Bester, M.N. (2008) Temporary marking of unweaned southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina L.) pups. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 38(2):133-137
  4. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Bester, M.N. (2008) Subantarctic Islands.  :463-464
  5. Pistorius, P.A., Bester, M.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Kirkman, S.P., Taylor, F.E. (2008) Seasonal survival and the relative cost of first reproduction in adult female southern elephant seals. Journal of Mammalogy. 89(3):567-574
  6. Makhado, A.B., Bester, M.N., Kirkman, S.P., Pistorius, P.A., Ferguson, J.W.H., Klages, N.T.W. (2008) Prey of the Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella at Marion Island. Polar Biol. 31:575-581
  7. Steenkamp, G., Ferguson, W.H., Boy, S.C., Ferreira, S.M., Bester, M.N. (2008) Estimating exposed pulp lengths of tusks in the African elephant (Loxodonta africana africana). Jl S. Afr. Vet. Ass. 79(1):25-30
  8. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2008) Sexual harassment of a king penguin by an Antarctic fur seal. Journal of Ethology. 26:295-297
  9. Pistorius, P.A., Taylor, F.E., Bester, M.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Kirkman, S.P. (2008) Evidence for density dependent population regulation in southern elephant seals in the southern Indian Ocean. Afr. Zool. 43(1):75-80
  10. Mulaudzi, T.W., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Bester, M.N., Kirkman, S.P., Pistorius, P.A., Jonker, F.C., Makhado, A.B., Owen, J.H., Grimbeek, R.J. (2008) Haulout site selection by southern elephant seals at Marion Island. Afr. Zool. 43(1):25-33
  11. Ryan, P.G., Bester, M.N. (2008) Pelagic predators. In: Chown SL, Froneman PW (eds). The Prince Edward Islands: Land-sea Interactions in a Changing Ecosystem. Sun Media, Stellenbosch. :121-164
  12. Setsaas, T.H., Bester, M.N., van Niekerk, J.H., Roux, J.-.P., Hofmeyr, G.J.G. (2008) Dispersion during the moult haulout of southern elephant seals at the Courbet Peninsula, Iles Kerguelen. Polar Biol. 31:249-253
  13. Ferreira, J.M., De Oliveira, L.R., Wynen, L., Bester, M.N., Guinet, C., Moraes-Barros, N., Martins, F.M., Muelbert, M.M.C., Moreno, I.B., Siciliano, S., Ott, P.H., Morgante, J.S. (2008) Multiple origins of vagrant Subantarctic fur seals: a long journey to the Brazilian coast detected by molecular markers. Polar Biol. 31:303-308
  14. Bester, M.N., de Clercq, H., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2008) Leucistic southern elephant seal at Marion Island? Polar Biology. 31(2):255-257
2007
  1. Bester, M.N., Ryan, P.G. (2007) Mammals. Field guide to the animals and plants of Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island (Ed) P. Ryan, Pisces Publications, Newbury. :99-108
  2. Lombard, A.T., Reyers, B., Schonegevel, L.Y., Cooper, J., Smith-Adao, L.B., Nel, D.C., Froneman, P.W., Ansorge, I.J., Bester, M.N., Tosh, C.A., Strauss, T., Akkers, T., Gon, O., Leslie, R.W., Chown, S.L. (2007) Conserving pattern and process in the Southern Ocean: designing a Marine Protected Area for the Prince Edward Islands. Antarctic Science. 19(1):39 -54
  3. Bester, M.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G. (2007) Ross Seal. In: Encyclopedia of the Antarctic, (Ed) B. Riffenburgh, Taylor & Francis Books Inc., New York. :815-816
  4. Bester, M.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G. (2007) Seals: overview. In: Encyclopedia of the Antarctic, (Ed) B. Riffenburgh, Taylor & Francis Books Inc., New York. :877-881
  5. Bester, M.N. (2007) Restoration: sub-Antarctic islands. In: Encyclopedia of the Antarctic, (Ed) B. Riffenburgh, Taylor & Francis Books Inc., New York. :797-798
  6. Steenkamp, G., Ferreira, S.M., Bester, M.N. (2007) Tusklessness and tusk fractures in free-ranging African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana). Jl S. Afr. Vet. Ass. 78(2): 75-80. 78(2):75-80
  7. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Bester, M.N., Pistorius, P.A., Mulaudzi, T.W., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Ramunasi, J.A., Tshithabane, H.N., McIntyre, T., Radzilani, P.M. (2007) Median pupping date, pup mortality and sex ratio of fur seals at Marion Island. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 37(1):1-8
  8. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Cooper, J., Bester, M.N., Tosh, C.A. (2007) The importance of land-based prey for sympatrically breeding giant petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Antarctic Science. 19(1):25-30
  9. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Pistorius, P.A., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2007) Leucistic Antarctic fur seal at Marion Island. Polar Biology. 30(10):1355-1358
2006
  1. Wilson, J.W., Burle, M.-.H., Bester, M.N. (2006) Vagrant Antarctic pinnipeds at Gough Island. Polar Biol. . 29:905-908
  2. Setsaas, T.H., Bester, M.N. (2006) Goose barnacle (Lepas australis) infestation of the Subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis). Afr. Zool. 41(2):305-307
  3. Mecenero, S., Roux, J.-.P., Underhill, L.G., Bester, M.N. (2006) Diet of Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus at three mainland breeding colonies in Namibia. 1. Spatial variation. Afr. J. Mar. Sci. 28(1):57-71
  4. Johnson, R.L., Venter, A., Bester, M.N., Oosthuizen, W.H. (2006) Seabird predation by white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, and Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus, at Dyer Island. S. Afr. J. Wildl. Res. 36(1):23-32
  5. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Bester, M.N., Kirkman, S.P., Lydersen, C., Kovacs, K.M. (2006) Entanglement of Antarctic fur seals at Bouvetøya, Southern Ocean. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 52:1077-1080
  6. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Bester, M.N., Makhado, A.B., Pistorius, P.A. (2006) Population changes in Subantarctic and Antarctic fur seals at Marion Island. S. Afr. J. Wildl. Res. 36(1):55-68
  7. Bester, M.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Kirkman, S.P., Chauke, L.F., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Ferreira, S.M., Makhado, A.B., Maswime, T.A.M., McIntyre, T., Mulaudzi, T.W., Munyai, F.M., et, A.L. (2006) The leopard seal at Marion Island, vagrant or seasonal transient? South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 36(2):195-198
  8. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Bester, M.N., Kirkman, S.P. (2006) Vagrant Subantarctic fur seals at Bouvetøya.  Afr. Zool. 41 (1):145-146
  9. Bester, M.N., Wilson, J.W., Burle, M.-.H., Hofmeyr, G.J.G. (2006) Population trend of Subantarctic fur seals at Gough Island. S. Afr. J. Wildl. Res. 36(2):191-194
2005
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N., Kirkman, S.P., Mecenero, S., Roux, J.-.P., Klages, N.T.W. (2005) Cephalopod diet of the Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus, along the Namibian coast: variation due to location. African Zoology. 40(2):261-270
  2. Rotherham, L.S., Van der Merwe, M., Bester, M.N., Oosthuizen, W.H. (2005) Morphology and distribution of sweat glands in the Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus (Carnivora, Otariidae). Aust. J. Zool. 53:295-300
  3. Pistorius, P.A., Bester, M.N., Taylor, F.E. (2005) Pubescent southern elephant seal males: population changes at Marion Island and the food limitation hypothesis. S. Afr. J. Wildl. Res. 35(2):215-218
  4. McMahon, C.R., Hindell, M.A., Burton, H.R., Bester, M.N. (2005) Comparison of southern elephant seal populations, and observations of a population on a demographic knife-edge. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 288:273-283
  5. McMahon, C.R., Bester, M.N., Burton, H.R., Hindell, M.A., Bradshaw, C.J.A. (2005) Population status, trends and a re-examination of the hypotheses explaining the recent declines of the southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina. Mammal Rev. 35(1):82-100
  6. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Kirkman, S.P., Bester, M.N. (2005) Leucistic fur seals at Bouvetøya. Polar Biol. 29:77-79
  7. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Krafft, B.A., Kirkman, S.P., Bester, M.N., Lydersen, C., Kovacs, K.M. (2005) Population change of Antarctic fur seals at Bouvetøya. Polar Biol. . 28:725-731
  8. Bester, M.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G. (2005) Numbers of elephant seals at Prince Edward Island, Southern Ocean. S. Afr.J. Wildl.Res. 35:85-88
2004
  1. Kirkman, S.P., Bester, M.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Jonker, F.C., Pistorius, P.A., Owen, R., Strydom, N. (2004) Variation in the timing of the breeding haulout of female southern elephant seals at Marion Island. Aust. J. Zool. 52:379-388
  2. Pistorius, P.A., Bester, M.N., Lewis, M.N., Taylor, F.E., Campagna, C., Kirkman, S.P. (2004) Adult female survival, population trend, and the implications of early primiparity in a capital breeder, the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). J. Zool., Lond. 263(2): 107-119. 263(2):107-119
  3. Du Toit, M., Bartlett, P.A., Bester, M.N., Roux, J.-.P. (2004) Seabird predation by individual seals at Ichaboe Island, Namibia. S. Afr. J. Wildl. Res. . 34:45-54
2003
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N., Mecenero, S., Kirkman, S.P., Roux, J.-.P., Klages, N.T.W. (2003) Temporal variation of cephalopods in the diet of Cape fur seals in Namibia. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 33(2):85-96
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Website Links of Importance
  1. SCAR Expert Group on Seals
  2. International Relations Committee of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM)
  3. SCAR Action Group on Antarctic Fuel Spills (AGAFS)
  4. Marine Mammals Exploring the Oceans Pole to Pole (MEOP)
  5. Oceans Research



Prof. Chris Chimimba
Chris Chimimba  Professor and Head of Department
Systematics of southern African fauna: A multidiciplinary approach
ctchimimba@zoology.up.ac.za or chris.chimimba@up.ac.za
+27-12-420-3233
 

Research project summmary
Prof Chris Chimimba\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s interest which he conducts through the Department of Zoology and Entomology, the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) and the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB) includes: Evolutionary Biology, Biosystematics, Biometrics, and Biodiversity/Conservation Biology-related aspects in Mammalogy. The research focus is mainly on the biosystematics of small mammals within the southern African subregion particularly in rodents of medical, veterinary, agricultural and of nature conservation consern. To put into perspective, biosystematics is fundamental to modern biology as is algebra to mathematics and quantum theory to physics. These research initiatives have been extended into a pan-African context, particularly with regard to threats posed by alien species. Because of the critical need to investigate systematics and conservation problems in a holistic sense, Prof Chimimba\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s research is essentially technique-driven and multidisciplinary in nature. It encompases a wide range of taxa because the techniques are are similar regardless of taxa and geographic scope, and is based on the utilization of classical taxonomy and both conventional and current geometric techniques, and in collaboration with other scientists, other techniques utilized include: cytogenetics, DNA sequencing, and GIS techniques. Additional interests include: mammalian ecology and the theoretical understanding of biostatistical analyses in the biological sciences.

Students currently under supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Ms. Rolanda Julius
    Dynamics of rodent-borne zoonotic diseases and their resevoir hosts: the case of invasive Rattus in South Africa
  2. Mrs. Tracy Rehse
    An assessment of demographic parameters of African rhinoceros species (Ceratotherium simum and Diceros bicornis) and their significance to management in captivity.
PhD
  1. Mrs. Jestina Katandukila
    A multidisplinary analysis on the status of the north-east African mole-rat, Tachyoryctes splendens (Rodentia: Spalacidae) from Tanzania: systematics, ecology, physiology and epidemiology

Recent Publications
2012
  1. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Seasonal reproduction in the eastern rock elephant-shrew: Influenced by rainfall and ambient temperature? Journal of Zoology. 288:283-293
  2. Brettschneider, H., Anguelov, R., Chimimba, C.T., Bastos, A.D. (2012) A mathematical epidemiological model of gram-negative Bartonella bacteria: does differential ectoparasite load fully explain the differences in infection prevalence of Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus? Journal of Biological Dynamics. 6(2):763-781
  3. Brettschneider, H., Bennett, N.C., Chimimba, C.T., Bastos, A.D.S. (2012) Bartonellae of the Namaqua rock mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae), from South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 157:132-136
  4. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Seasonal changes in reproductive development in male spiny mice (Acomys spinosissimus) from South Africa. Mammalian Biology. 77:153-159
  5. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Reproductive photoresponsiveness in male spiny mice from South Africa. Journal of Zoology. 286:243-249
2011
  1. Bastos, A.D., Nair, D., Taylor, P.J., Brettschneider, H., Kirsten, F., Mostert, E., von Maltitz, E., Lamb, J.M., van Hooft, P., Belmain, S., Contrafatto, G., Downs, S., Chimimba, C.T. (2011) Genetic monitoring detects an overlooked cryptic species and reveals the diversity and distribution of three invasive Rattus congeners in south Africa. BMC Genetics. :-
2008
  1. Chimimba, C.T., Linzey, A.V. (2008) Aethomys ineptus (Rodentia: Muridae). Mammalian Species. 809:1-7
  2. Linzey, A.V., Chimimba, C.T. (2008) Aethomys chrysophilus (Rodentia: Muridae). Mammalian Species. 808:1-9
2007
  1. Yarnell, R.W., Scott, D.M., Chimimba, C.T., Metcalfe, D.J. (2007) Untangling the roles of fire, grazing and rainfall on small communities in grassland ecosystems. Oecologia. 154:387-402
  2. Hart, L., Chimimba, C.T., Jarvis, J.U.M., O'Raian, J., Bennett, N.C. (2007) Craniometric sexual dimorphism and age variation in the solitary South African endemic Cape dune mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus (Rodentia: Muridae). Journal of Mammalogy. 88:657-666
  3. Keith, M., Reyers, B., Chimimba, C.T., van Jaarsveld, A.S. (2007) A comparative analysis of components incorporated in conservation priority assessments: A case study based on South African species of terrestrial mammals. African Zoology. 42:97-111
2006
  1. Russo, I.M., Chimimba, C.T., Bloomer, P. (2006) Mitochondrial DNA diffentiation between two species of Aethomys (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Mammalogy. 87:545-553
  2. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive seasonality in the Tete veld rat, Aethomys ineptus (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Zoology (London). 270:314-322
  3. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive seasonality in Aethomys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Mammalogy. 87:67-74
  4. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive photoresponsiveness in Aethomys ineptus and A. namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Zoology (London). 268:225-231
  5. Grobler, G.C., Janse van Rensburg, L., Bastos, A.D.S., Chimimba, C.T., Chown, S.L. (2006) Molecular and morphometric assessment of the taxonomic status of Ectemnorhinus weevil species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Entiminae) from the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. 44:200-211
2005
  1. Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Order Rodentia. In: The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (JD Skinner & CT Chimimba, Revisers). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. :77-209
  2. Skinner, J.D., Chimimba, C.T. . (2005) The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (3rd Ed). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. :1-874
  3. Keith, M., Chimimba, C.T., Reyers, B., van Jaarsveld, A.S. (2005) Taxonomic and phylogenetic distinctiveness in regional conservation assessments: A case study based on extant South African Chiroptera and Carnivora. Animal Conservation. 8:279-288
  4. Chimimba, C.T. (2005) Phylogenetic relationships in the genus Aethomys (Rodentia: Muridae). African Zoology. 40:271-284
2004
  1. Hart, L., Bennett, N.C., Malpaux, B., Chimimba, C.T., Oosthuizen, M.K. (2004) The chronobiology of the Natal mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis. Physiology & Bahaviour. 82:563-569
  2. Venturi, F.P., Chimimba, C.T., van Aarde, R.J., Fairall, N. (2004) The distribution of two medically and agriculturally important cryptic rodent species, Mastomys natalensis and M. coucha (Rodentia: Muridae) in South Africa. African Zoology. 39:235-245
Website Links of Importance
  1. Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB)



Previous Students
Here is a list of students previously under my supervision. Please feel free to download it. Should you have trouble opening it please contact me for assistance.

Download my previous students


Curriculum Vitae
Here is my Curriculum Vitae. Please feel free to download it. Should you have trouble opening it please contact me for assistance.

Download my Curriculum Vitae


Dr. P.J.Nico de Bruyn
P.J.Nico de Bruyn  Senior Lecturer
Population demography and life history studies of large mammals (aquatic & terrestrial)
pjndebruyn@zoology.up.ac.za
+27-12-4202058
 

Research project summmary
An adequate study of animal population biology requires an understanding of population dynamics. The major objective in studies of population dynamics is to detect and analyze differences in life history traits among groups of individuals through temporal and spatial scales. Such differences affect rates of population change through changes in survival and fecundity. The identification of the major drivers of such demographic change in mammalian populations and the study of bottom-up or top-down controlling factors constitute my main research aims. I am specifically interested in the interactions between the populations of killer whales, and seals (fur seals and elephant seals) in the Southern Ocean, and how such interactions influence population structure and regulation for these species. My interest in population ecology extends to large terrestrial mammals and I am furthermore interested in advancement of relevant field research methods, particularly the use of photogrammetry, in order to address these questions.

Students currently under supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Cathy Bester
  2. Mr. CJ Havemann
    Home Range and Habitat Utilization of Roan Antelope, Hippotragus equinus (Desmarest 1804), in Northern Botswana.
  3. Ms. Charlene Janse van Rensburg
    Genetics of Killer whales at Marion Island
  4. Mr. Martin Postma
    Photogrammetry as a tool for body condition assessment in southern elephant seals
  5. Mr. Derek van der Merwe
    Temporal social affiliations at haul-out sites for southern elephant seals at Marion Island
PhD
  1. Mr. Chris Oosthuizen
    Linking environmental variability, life history and population dynamics in a marine predator
  2. Mr. Ryan Reisinger
    Social structure, movement and foraging ecology of killer whales at Marion Island

Students currently under co-supervision
MSc (research)
  1. Nico Lubcker
  2. Mr. Moleseng Claude Moshobane
    Inter-population craniometrics of Subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis)
  3. Ms. Lauren Stansfield
    The diet of Subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis) at the Tristan da Cunha and Prince Edward Islands
  4. Ms. Mia Wege
    Foraging ecology of fur seals (Arctocephalus spp.) at Marion Island

Recent Publications
2013
  1. Blanchet, M.-.A., Biuw, M., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Lydersen, C., Kovacs, K.M. (2013) At-sea behaviour of three krill predators breeding at Bouvetoya - Antarctic fur seals, macaroni penguins and chinstrap penguins. Marine Ecology-Progress Series. 477:285-302
  2. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Terauds, A. (2013) Killer whale ecotypes: is there a global model? Biological Reviews. 88:62-80
2012
  1. Field, I.C., Harcourt, R.G., Boehme, L., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Charrassin, J.B., McMahon, C.R., Bester, M.N., Fedak, M.A., Hindell, M.A. (2012) Refining instrument attachment on phocid seals. Marine Mammal Science. 28(3):325-332
  2. Oosthuizen, W.C., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2012) Unmarked individuals in mark–recapture studies: Comparisons of marked and unmarked southern elephant seals at Marion Island. Austral Ecology. 37:556-568
  3. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Davies, A.B. (2012) Australia: no price on cutting fire risk. Nature. 482:471-471
2011
  1. Bester, M.N., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Oosthuizen, W.C., Tosh, C.A., McIntyre, T., Reisinger, R.R., Postma, M., van der Merwe, D.S., Wege, M. (2011) The Marine Mammal Programme at the Prince Edward Islands: 38 years of research. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(3):511-521
  2. Pistorius, P.A., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2011) Population dynamics of southern elephant seals: a synthesis of three decades of demographic research at Marion Island. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(3):523-534
  3. Oosthuizen, W.C., Bester, M.N., Tosh, C.A., Guinet, C., Besson, D., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2011) Dispersal and dispersion of southern elephant seals in the Kerguelen province, Southern Ocean. Antarctic Science. 23(6):567-577
  4. Reisinger, R.R., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2011) Predatory impact of killer whales on pinniped and penguin populations at the Subantarctic Prince Edward Islands: fact and fiction. Journal of Zoology. 285:1-10
  5. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N., Cameron, E.Z., McIntyre, T., Wilkinson, I.S. (2011) Sex at sea: alternative mating system in an extremely polygynous mammal. Animal Behaviour. 82:445-451
  6. Reisinger, R.R., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Oosthuizen, W.C., Mufanadzo, N.T., Bester, M.N. (2011) Prey and seasonal abundance of killer whales at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(1):99-105
  7. Reisinger, R.R., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2011) Abundance estimates of killer whales at subantarctic Marion Island. Aquatic Biology. 12:177-185
  8. Postma, M., Wege, M., Bester, M.N., van der Merwe, D.S., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2011) Inshore occurrence of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) at Subantarctic Marion Island. African Zoology. 46(1):188-193
2010
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2010) Misreporting: hippo stories off-target. Nature. 468(7327):1041-1041
  2. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Cameron, E.Z., Tosh, C.A., Oosthuizen, W.C., Reisinger, R.R., Mufanadzo, N.T., Phalanndwa, M.V., Postma, M., Wege, M., van der Merwe, D.S., Bester, M.N. (2010) Prevalence of allosuckling behaviour in Subantarctic fur seal pups. Mammalian Biology. 75:555-560
  3. McIntyre, T., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Ansorge, I.J., Bester, M.N., Bornemann, H., Plotz, J., Tosh, C.A. (2010) A lifetime at depth: vertical distribution of southern elephant seals in the water column. Polar Biology. 33(8):1037-1048
  4. Oosthuizen, W.C., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N., Girondot, M. (2010) Cohort and tag-site-specific tag-loss rates in mark–recapture studies: A southern elephant seal cautionary case. Marine Mammal Science. 26(2):350-369
  5. Reisinger, R.R., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Pistorius, P.A., Bester, M.N. (2010) Antarctic fur seal predation on cephalopods at Marion Island. Polar Biology. 33:571-574
  6. Biuw, M., Lydersen, C., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Arriola, A., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Kritzinger, P., Kovacs, K.M. (2010) Long-range migration of a chinstrap penguin from Bouvetoya to Montagu Island, South Sandwich Islands. Antarctic Science. 22(2):157-162
2009
  1. Oosthuizen, W.C., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2009) Isabelline king penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus at Marion Island. Marine Ornithology. 37:267-268
  2. Oosthuizen, W.C., Dyer, B.M., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2009) Vagrant birds ashore at the Prince Edward Islands, southern Indian Ocean, from 1987 to 2009. African Journal of Marine Science. 31(3):445-450
  3. Oosthuizen, W.C., Bester, M.N., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G. (2009) Intra-archipelago moult dispersion of southern elephant seals at the Prince Edward Islands, southern Indian Ocean. African Journal of Marine Science. 31(3):457-462
  4. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Oosthuizen, W.H., Bester, M.N., Arnould, J.P.Y. (2009) Bathymetry and frontal system interactions influence seasonal foraging movements of lactating subantarctic fur seals from Marion Island. Marine Ecology-Progress Series. 394:263-276
  5. Reisinger, R.R., Mufanadzo, N.T., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N. (2009) Leucistic southern elephant seal at Marion Island. Polar Biology. 32:509-511
  6. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N., Carlini, A.R., Oosthuizen, W.C. (2009) How to weigh an elephant seal with one finger: a simple three-dimensional photogrammetric application. Aquatic Biology. 5(1):31-39
  7. Oosthuizen, W.C., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2009) King penguin brooding and defending a sub-Antarctic skua chick. Polar Biology. 32(2):303-305
2008
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bastos, A.D.S., Eadie, C., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2008) Mass mortality of adult male subantarctic fur seals: are alien mice the culprits? PLoS One. 3(11):-
  2. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Oosthuizen, W.C., Phalanndwa, M.V., Bester, M.N. (2008) Temporary marking of unweaned southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina L.) pups. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 38(2):133-137
  3. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2008) Sexual harassment of a king penguin by an Antarctic fur seal. Journal of Ethology. 26:295-297
  4. Bester, M.N., de Clercq, H., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2008) Leucistic southern elephant seal at Marion Island? Polar Biology. 31(2):255-257
2007
  1. Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Bester, M.N., Pistorius, P.A., Mulaudzi, T.W., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Ramunasi, J.A., Tshithabane, H.N., McIntyre, T., Radzilani, P.M. (2007) Median pupping date, pup mortality and sex ratio of fur seals at Marion Island. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 37(1):1-8
  2. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Cooper, J., Bester, M.N., Tosh, C.A. (2007) The importance of land-based prey for sympatrically breeding giant petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Antarctic Science. 19(1):25-30
  3. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Pistorius, P.A., Tosh, C.A., Bester, M.N. (2007) Leucistic Antarctic fur seal at Marion Island. Polar Biology. 30(10):1355-1358
2006
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., de Villiers, M.S. (2006) First record of a vagrant Commerson’s Dolphin Cephalorhynchus commersonii at the Southern African continental shelf. African Zoology. 41(1):131-133
  2. Bester, M.N., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Kirkman, S.P., Chauke, L.F., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Ferreira, S.M., Makhado, A.B., Maswime, T.A.M., McIntyre, T., Mulaudzi, T.W., Munyai, F.M., et, A.L. (2006) The leopard seal at Marion Island, vagrant or seasonal transient? South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 36(2):195-198
2005
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Cooper, J. (2005) Who’s the Boss? Giant Petrel arrival times and interspecific interactions at a seal carcass at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Polar Biology. 28(7):571-573
  2. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N., Kirkman, S.P., Mecenero, S., Roux, J.-.P., Klages, N.T.W. (2005) Cephalopod diet of the Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus, along the Namibian coast: variation due to location. African Zoology. 40(2):261-270
2004
  1. de Villiers, M.S., de Bruyn, P.J.N. (2004) Stone-swallowing by three species of penguin at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Marine Ornithology. 32(2):183-184
2003
  1. de Bruyn, P.J.N., Bester, M.N., Mecenero, S., Kirkman, S.P., Roux, J.-.P., Klages, N.T.W. (2003) Temporal variation of cephalopods in the diet of Cape fur seals in Namibia. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 33(2):85-96
Website Links of Importance
  1. Polar Wildlife Images / Nico de Bruyn Photography



Prof. Bob Millar
Bob Millar 
Director _ Mammal Research Institute
robertpetermillar@gmail.com
+27-12-4203776
 

Research project summmary
Professor Robert (Bob) Millar has been appointed as the new Director of the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences from 1 April 2011. He was the Director of the prestigious MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit at the University of Edinburgh, UK for the past twelve years during which he secured over R900 million in research funding and over one million rand for a biotech company. Professor Millar has published 380 articles and 20 patents, he has an H-index of 54. His research spans an eclectic spectrum including comparative reproductive biology and physiology, modular biology of receptor function, drug development and “first in man” clinical research. Of special relevance to the MRI is the Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM) which was established by Prof Millar during his tenure at Edinburgh. He grew up in Zimbabwe where he developed a passion for African wildlife and studied Zoology, Botany and Chemistry at the University of the former Rhodesia and Nyasaland. He then obtained a master’s degree in Biochemistry in London and a PhD on the reproductive biology of the hyrax in Liverpool before moving into human biomedical research at the University of Cape Town where he became Professor ad hominem. Prof Millar sees his his appointment to the MRI as “an exciting opportunity to coalesce and integrate diverse endeavours directed at conservation and biodiversity in the University of Pretoria, other Universities in the sub-region and internationally”. The charismatic mammals of South Africa are a national heritage and a major economic and employment engine. Prof Millar plans to use the MRI as “a springboard from which to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in African Mammal Research (CAMRE)” funded by the Department of Science and Technology /National research Foundation (NRF). The vision is that the CoE would attract all the major players in conservation and biodiversity research as consortium members who would retain their autonomy while adding value accelerating their research through integration and synergy of efforts and also benefitting from core facilities and expertise. Amongst others the CoE would incorporate the MRI, the research component of the National Zoological Gardens (now an NRF facility) and researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, as well as other national and international players. At the end of November 2010 Prof Millar organised a workshop to discuss the proposed CoE with about 20 participants, including representatives from the NZG and the veterinary faculty. Research carried out at the CoE would provide strong interdisciplinary science juxtaposing diverse expertise aimed at conserving the diversity of the unique and charismatic mammal fauna of southern Africa, in the face of growing pressures at the human-wildlife interface.

Non-departmental students under supervision
PhD
  1. Ms. Annemieke van der Goot  (University of Western Australia, School of Animal Biology )

Website Links of Importance
  1. ResearchGate



Curriculum Vitae
Here is my Curriculum Vitae. Please feel free to download it. Should you have trouble opening it please contact me for assistance.

Download my Curriculum Vitae