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.
Dr. Bill Bateman
Behavioural Ecology pwbateman@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-4202539
Research project summmary My research interest is behavioural ecology: broadly, sexual selection and mating strategies and predator-prey interactions across multiple taxa from insects to reptiles and large mammals.
Recent Publications 2012 Thorn, M., Green, M., Dalerum, F., Bateman, P.W., Scott, D. (2012) What drives human–carnivore conflict in the North West Province of South Africa? Biological Conservation. 150(1) :23-322010 Thorn, M., Green, M., Bateman, P.W., Cameron, E.Z., Yarnell, R.W., Scott, D.M. (2010) Comparative efficacy of spoor surveys, spotlighting and audio playbacks in a landscape-scale carnivore survey. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 40 :77-862009 Thorn, M., Scott, D.M., Green, M., Bateman, P.W., Cameron, E.Z. (2009) Camera trapping as a means of estimating brown hyaena occupancy. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 39 :1-102008 Dalerum, F., Lange, H., Skarpe, C., Rooke, T., Inga, B., Bateman, P.W. (2008) Group size, antipredatory vigilance and foraging competition in two species of gregarious antelope. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 38 :138-145Manjerovic, 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 :375-380Cameron, 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 :323-3272007 Kinahan, A.A., Inge-Moller, R., Bateman, P.W., Kotze, A., Scantlebury, M. (2007) Body temperature daily rhythm adaptations in African savanna elephants Loxodonta africana. Physiology & Behavior. 92 :560-565Kinahan, 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 :201-213Belton, L., Ball, N., Waterman, J., Bateman, P.W. (2007) Do Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) discriminate between olfactory cues of the faeces of predators versus non-predators?. African Zoology. 42 :135-1382006 Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C. (2006) The biology of human sexuality: evolution, ecology and physiology. Verbum et Ecclesia. 27 :245-264Parag, 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 :323-329Download my complete publication record
Dr. Peter Best
Natural history of cetaceans pbest@iziko.org.za +27-21-4813902
Research project summmary Apart from their intrinsic interest, one of the most attractive things about working with whales and dolphins is discovering how little we know about them, and, given the challenging nature of their environment and life style, considering how we might develop means and methodologies of getting the information we want.
Students currently under supervision PhD Ms. Ingrid Peters The feeding ecology of the southern right whale off the west coast of South Africa Post-Doctoral Dr. Gwenith Penry Further investigations of Southern African Bryde’s whales: abundance, distribution, phylogenetics and foraging ecology. Recent Publications 2013 Elwen, S., Gridley, T., Roux, J.-.P., Best, P., Smale, M.J. (2013) Records of kogiid whales in Namibia, including the first record of the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima). Marine Biodiversity Records. 6(e45) :1-8 2011 Barendse, J., Best, P.B., Thornton, M., Elwen, S.H., Rosenbaum, H.C., Carvalho, I., Pomilla, C., Collins, T.J.Q., Me˙er, M.A., Leeney, R.H. (2011) Transit station or destination? Attendance patterns, movements and abundance estimate of humpback whales off west South Africa from photographic and genotypic matching. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(3) :353-3732010 Elwen, S.H., Thornton, M., Reeb, D., Best, P.B. (2010) Near-shore distribution of Heaviside’s (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii )) and dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) at the southern limit of their range in South Africa. African Zoology. 45(1) :78-912009 Elwen, S.H., Best, P.B., Reeb, D., Thornton, M. (2009) Diurnal movements and behaviour of Heaviside’s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii , with some comparative data for dusky dolphins, Lagenorhynchus obscurus . South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 39(2) :100-102Mouton, M., Reeb, D., Botha, A., Best, P.B. (2009) Yeast infection in a beached southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) neonate. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 45(3) :692-699Best, P.B., Glass, J.P., Ryan, P.G., Dalebout, M.L. (2009) Cetacean records from Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK. 89(5) :1023-1032Elwen, S., Reeb, D., Thornton, M., Best, P.B. (2009) A population estimate of Heaviside’s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii , at the southern end of their range. Marine Mammal Science. 25(1) :107-1242008 Best, P.B. (2008) Nineteenth-century evidence for the Golfo de Panama as a migratory destination for southern humpback whales, including the first mention of singing. Marine Mammal Science. 24(3) :737-7422007 Branch, T.A., plus 42 authors!, E.T. .A.L., Best, P.B. (2007) Past and present distribution, densities and movements of blue whales in the Southern Hemisphere and northern Indian Ocean. Mammal Review. 37(2) :116-175Best, P.B. (2007) Whales and dolphins of the Southern African Subregion. Cape Town, Cambridge University Press. Reeb, D.R., Best, P.B., Kidson, S. (2007) Structure of the integument of southern right whales, Eubalaena australis. Anatomical Record. 290 :596-613Best, P.B., Mate, B.R. (2007) Sighting history and observations of southern right whales following satellite tagging off South Africa. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management . 9(2) :111-1142006 Elwen, S.H., Meyer, M.A.M., Best, P.B., Kotze, P.G.H., Thornton, M., Swanson, S. (2006) Range and movements of a nearshore delphinid, Heaviside's dolphin Cephalorhynchus heavisidii a determined from satellite telemetry. Journal of Mammalogy. 87(5) :866-877Download my complete publication record
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. Helene Brettschneider
Molecular characterization, epidemiology and mathematical modeling of zoonotic diseases in South Africa. HBrettschneider@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-4204513
Research project summmary My research interests broadly include molecular and morphological systematics of vertebrates and invertebrates as well as molecular epidemiology focussing on rodent-borne zoonotic diseases. Our research group aims to understand the prevalence, diversity and dynamics of such diseases within rural and urban South Africa. Many of these pathogens pose a zoonotic threat to humans and animals in rural areas, where sanitation and medical care is often lacking. Contact between disease carriers like rodents, and humans is increasing with changes in human settlement patterns and habits due to changes in climate. This is likely to influence distributional patterns of rodent reservoir hosts as well as arthropod vectors and pathogens. This in turn could facilitate contact between humans and reservoir hosts of these diseases, allowing these pathogens to cross the human-rodent barrier. Vital to these epidemiological studies is the importance of the correct identification of rodent reservoirs and arthropod vectors. Along with the cryptic nature of many of these organisms, it creates a need for fast effective molecular tools for taxonomic clarification and identification.
Students currently under co-supervision MSc (research) Ms. Rolanda Julius Dynamics of rodent-borne zoonotic diseases and their resevoir hosts: the case of invasive Rattus in South Africa Recent Publications 2012 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) :763-781Brettschneider, 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 :132-1362011 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 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 :175-187Download my complete publication record
Website Links of Importance Google Scholar Profile LinkedIn Profile 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
Prof. Elissa Cameron
Professor of Wildlife Ecology Wildlife Ecology elissa.cameron@utas.edu.au +27-12-4202539
Research project summmary I work on the behaviour and ecology of large mammals, particularly ungulates. My main interests focus around the different strategies adopted by males and females, and the impacts that these have on behaviour, ecology and social structure. This has resulted in four main themes:
a) Parental investment strategies, including sex allocation
b) Sexual segregation
c) Impact of disease on social ecology
d) Impact of management strategies on behaviour and ecology
Students currently under supervision MSc (research) Ms. Elize Fourie The influence of predation on endocrinological and behavioural indicators of stress in plains zebra (Equus quagga) PhD Ms. Lydia Belton The impact of human habitation on the behavioural ecology of spotted hyaenas in a protected area Carlos Bento Mr. Low de Vries Ecology of the aardwolf, Proteles cristatus with special reference to diet, home range and prey abundance Students currently under co-supervision MSc (research) Mr. David Marneweck Behavioural and endocrine correlates to mating system in the aardwolf Recent Publications 2012 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 :1573-1578Ganswindt, 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) :194-199Dalerum, F., Cameron, E.Z., Kunkel, K., Somers, M.J. (2012) Interactive effects of species richness and species traits on functional diversity and redundancy. Theoretical Ecology. 5(1) :129-1392011 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 :445-451Ncube, H., Duncan, P., Grange, S., Cameron, E.Z., Barnier, F., Ganswindt, A. (2011) Pattern of faecal 20-oxopregnane and oestrogen concentrations during pregnancy in free-ranging plains zebra mares. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 172 :358-3622010 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 :555-560Tambling, C.J., Cameron, E.Z., du Toit, J.T., Getz, W.M. (2010) Predicting the location of lion kills from clusters in GPS data. Journal of Wildlife Management. 74 :549-556White, A.M., Cameron, E.Z. (2010) Grouping patterns in warthogs: Is communal care of young enough to explain sociality? Behaviour. 147 :1-18Linklater, W.L., Plotz, R.D., Kerley, G.I.H., Brashares, J.S., Lent, P.C., Cameron, E.Z., Law, P.R., Hitchins, P.M. (2010) Dissimilar home range estimates for black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) can not be used to infer habitat change: response to Reid et al. 2007. Oryx. 44 :16-19Gray, M.E., Cameron, E.Z. (2010) Does contraceptive treatment in wildlife result in side-effects? A review of quantitative and anecdotal evidence. Reproduction. 139 :45-55Thorn, M., Green, M., Bateman, P.W., Cameron, E.Z., Yarnell, R.W., Scott, D.M. (2010) Comparative efficacy of spoor surveys, spotlighting and audio playbacks in a landscape-scale carnivore survey. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 40 :77-862009 Cameron, E.Z., Setsaas, T.H., Linklater, W.L. (2009) Social bonds between unrelated females increase reproductive success in feral horses. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA. 106 :13850-13853Thorn, M., Scott, D.M., Green, M., Bateman, P.W., Cameron, E.Z. (2009) Camera trapping as a means of estimating brown hyaena occupancy. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 39 :1-10Linklater, W.L., Cameron, E.Z. (2009) Dispersal but with philopatry reveals incest avoidance in a polygynous ungulate. Animal Behaviour. 77 :1085-1093Caron, A., Gaidet, N., de Garine-Wichatitsky, M., Morand, S., Cameron, E.Z. (2009) Evolutionary biology, community ecology and avian influenza research. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 9 :298-303White, A.M., Cameron, E.Z. (2009) Do ecological constraints explain communal nesting in common warthogs? Animal Behaviour. 77 :87-94McLean, I.G., Cameron, E.Z., Linklater, W.L., Schmitt, N., Pulskamp, K. (2009) PPartnerships in the mating system of a small macropod marsupial, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus). Behaviour. 146 :89-112Cameron, E.Z., Dalerum, F. (2009) Trivers-Willard effect in contemporary humans: male biased sex ratios among billionaires. PLoS One. 4(1) :-Oosthuizen, W.C., Cross, P.C., Bowers, J.A., Hay, C., Ebinger, M.R., Buss, P., Hofmeyr, M., Cameron, E.Z. (2009) Effects of Chemical Immobilization on Survival of African Buffalo in the Kruger National Park. Journal of Wildlife Management. 73(1) :149-153Cameron, E.Z. (2009) Behavioural Ecology: an Evolutionary Perspective on Behaviour Edited by Etienne Danchin, Luc-Alain Giraldeau & Frank Cezilly Oxford University Press: 2008. 874pp. Behavioral Processes. 80 :201-201Dalerum, F., Cameron, E.Z., Somers, M.J., Kunkel, K. (2009) Continental patterns of carnivore guild depletions: Implications for prioritizing global carnivore conservation. Biology Letters. 5 :35-382008 Cameron, E.Z., Linklater, W.L., Stafford, K.J., Minot, E.O. (2008) . Maternal investment results in better foal condition through increased play behaviour in horses. Animal Behaviour. 76 :1511-1518Slater, K., Cameron, E., Turner, T., du Toit, J.T. (2008) The influence of oestrous swellings on the grooming behaviour of chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest, Uganda. Behaviour. 145 :1235-1246Cameron, E.Z. (2008) Productivity in conservation research in the southern hemisphere. Conservation Biology. 22 :232-233Dalerum, F., Somers, M.J., Cameron, E.Z., Kunkel, K. (2008) The potential for large carnivores to act as biodiversity surrogates southern Africa. Biodiversity and Conservation. 17 :2939-2949Cameron, 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 :323-3272007 Cameron, E.Z., du Toit, J.T. (2007) Winning by a neck: tall giraffes avoid competing with smaller browsers. American Naturalist. 169 :130-135Cameron, E.Z., Linklater, W.L. (2007) Extreme sex ratio variation in relation to change in condition around conception. Biology Letters. 3 :395-3972005 Cameron, E.Z., du Toit, J.T. (2005) Social influences on vigilance behaviour in giraffes. Animal Behaviour. 69 :1337-13442004 Linklater, W.L., Cameron, E.Z., Stafford, K.J., Minot, E.O. (2004) Feral horse demography and population growth in the Kaimanawa Ranges, New Zealand. Wildlife Research. 31 :119-1282003 Cameron, E.Z., Linklater, W.L., Stafford, K.J., Minot, E.O. (2003) Social group and maternal behaviour in feral horses, Equus caballus. Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology. 53 :92-1012002 Russell, A.F., Clutton-Brock, T.H., Brotherton, P.N.M., Sharpe, L., McIlrath, G.M., Dalerum, F., Cameron, E.Z., Barnard, J. (2002) Factors affecting pup growth and survival in cooperatively breeding meerkats Suricata suricatta. . Journal of Animal Ecology. 71 :700-709Linklater, W.L., Cameron, E.Z. (2002) Escape behaviour of feral horses during a helicopter count. Wildlife Research. 29 :221-2242001 Clutton-Brock, T.H., Russell, A.F., Brotherton, P.N.M., Sharpe, L., McIlrath, G.M., White, S., Cameron, E.Z. (2001) Helpers, juvenile development and survival in meerkats. Science. 293 :2446-24492000 Linklater, W.L., Cameron, E.Z. (2000) Tests for cooperative behaviour between stallions. Animal Behaviour. 60 :731-743Cameron, E.Z., Linklater, W.L., Stafford, K.J., Minot, E.O. (2000) Aging and improving reproductive success in horses: declining residual reproductive value or just older and wiser? . Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology. 47 :243-249Cameron, E.Z., Linklater, W.L. (2000) Individual mares bias investment in sons and daughters in relation to their condition. Animal Behaviour. 60 :359-367Download my complete publication record
Prof. Tim Clutton-Brock
Extra-ordinary Professor Meerkat social biology thcb@cam.ac.uk +27-12-4202539
Research project summmary The overall aim of the project is to elucidate the behavioral and physiological processes operating in cooperative mammals to control the division of labour among non-breeding subordinates and the allocation of resources to offspring in cooperative mammals. The research will investigate the role of prolactin and steroid hormones in determining individual differences in cooperative activities and the extent to which dominant females manipulate the hormonal status of subordinates in wild suricates, Suricata suricatta. The research is conducted at an established research base near Vanzylsrus in the Kalahari, where a number of suricate groups have been habituated.
Recent Publications 2007 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 :1889-18922006 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 :12005-12010Clutton-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) :1065-10682002 Russell, A.F., Clutton-Brock, T.H., Brotherton, P.N.M., Sharpe, L., McIlrath, G.M., Dalerum, F., Cameron, E.Z., Barnard, J. (2002) Factors affecting pup growth and survival in cooperatively breeding meerkats Suricata suricatta. . Journal of Animal Ecology. 71 :700-7092001 Clutton-Brock, T.H., Russell, A.F., Brotherton, P.N.M., Sharpe, L., McIlrath, G.M., White, S., Cameron, E.Z. (2001) Helpers, juvenile development and survival in meerkats. Science. 293 :2446-2449Website Links of Importance Meerkat Project website
Dr. Fredrik Dalerum
Carnivore biology and predation ecology fredrik.dalerum@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-4202627
Research project summmary I am a terrestrial ecologist that focus my research efforts on predation processes, the biology and conservation of mammalian carnivores, and more recently also on functional aspects of biodiversity. I use a combination of empirical and theoretical methods to approach these topics. I am also highly interested in finding pragmatic solutions for the global problem of depletion of environmental resources, caused by increased human environmental impact. Since these solutions are not necessarily founded in biological sciences, but rather include strong components from the economic, social and political sciences, I am in the process of branching into these disciplines as well.
Students currently under supervision MSc (research) Mr. David Marneweck Behavioural and endocrine correlates to mating system in the aardwolf Non-departmental students under supervision MSc (research) Ms. Janelle Bashant (Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria ) Recent Publications 2013 Dalerum, F. (2013) Phylogenetic and functional diversity in large carnivore assemblages. Proceedings of the Royal Society - B. 280 :20130049-1Marneweck, D.G., Ganswindt, A., Rhodes, S., Bellem, A., Bryant, J., Wielebnowski, N., Dalerum, F. (2013) Reproductive endocrinology of zoo-housed aardwolves. Acta Theriologica. 58 :223-232Swanepoel, L., Lindsey, P., Somers, M.J., Van Hoven, W., Dalerum, F. (2013) Extent and fragmentation of suitable leopard habitat in South Africa. Animal Conservation. 16 :41-50Isaacs, L., Somers, M.J., Dalerum, F. (2013) Effects of prescribed burning and mechanical bush clearing on ungulate space use in an African savannah. Restoration Ecology. 21 :260-2662012 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) :3-5Kotze, 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 :1573-1578Thorn, M., Green, M., Dalerum, F., Bateman, P.W., Scott, D. (2012) What drives human–carnivore conflict in the North West Province of South Africa? Biological Conservation. 150(1) :23-32Ganswindt, 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) :194-199Dalerum, F., Cameron, E.Z., Kunkel, K., Somers, M.J. (2012) Interactive effects of species richness and species traits on functional diversity and redundancy. Theoretical Ecology. 5(1) :129-139Somers, M., Gusset, M., Dalerum, F. (2012) Modelling the effects of fences on the viability of spatially structured populations of the African wild dog. Dalerum, F. (2012) Descriptive versus explanatory hypotheses in evolutionary research; a potentially concerning bias exemplified by research into the evolution of social organisations among carnivores. Ethology, Ecology & Evolution. 24(1) :97-1032011 Hulsman, A., Dalerum, F., Ganswindt, A., Münscher, S., Bertschinger, H., Paris, M. (2011) Non-invasive monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolites in brown hyena faeces. Zoo Biology. 30 :451-4582010 Hulsman, A., Dalerum, F., Swanepoel, L., Ganswindt, A., Sutherland, C., Paris, M. (2010) Patterns of scat deposition by brown hyaenas Hyaena brunnea in a mountain savannah region of South Africa. Wildlife Biology. 16(4) :445-4512009 Dalerum, F., Kunkel, K., Angerbjorn, A., Shults, B. (2009) Patterns of d13C and d15N in wolverine (Gulo gulo) tissues from the Brooks Range, Alaska. Current Zoology. 55 :188-192Cameron, E.Z., Dalerum, F. (2009) Trivers-Willard effect in contemporary humans: male biased sex ratios among billionaires. PLoS One. 4(1) :-Dalerum, F., Kunkel, K., Angerbjorn, A., Shults, B. (2009) Diet of wolverines in the western Brooks Range, Alaska. Polar Research. 28 :246-253Dalerum, F., Cameron, E.Z., Somers, M.J., Kunkel, K. (2009) Continental patterns of carnivore guild depletions: Implications for prioritizing global carnivore conservation. Biology Letters. 5 :35-382008 Dalerum, F., Lange, H., Skarpe, C., Rooke, T., Inga, B., Bateman, P.W. (2008) Group size, antipredatory vigilance and foraging competition in two species of gregarious antelope. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 38 :138-145Belton, L., Dalerum, F., van Rensburg, B.J. (2008) Factors associated with suni distribution in Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa: implications for management and conservation of a small antelope. African Journal of Ecology. 46 :631-636Dalerum, F., Somers, M.J., Cameron, E.Z., Kunkel, K. (2008) The potential for large carnivores to act as biodiversity surrogates southern Africa. Biodiversity and Conservation. 17 :2939-2949Dalerum, F., Shults, B., Kunkel, K. (2008) Estimating sustainable harvest in wolverine populations using logistic regression. Journal of Wildlife Management. 72 :1125-11322007 Dalerum, F., Boutin, S., Dunford, J. (2007) Wildfire effects on home range size and fidelity of boreal caribou in Alberta, Canada. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 85 :26-32Dalerum, F., Loxterman, J., Shults, B., Kunkel, K., Cook, L. (2007) Sex-specific dispersal patterns in wolverines; Insights from microsatellite markers`. Journal of Mammalogy. 88 :793-800Dalerum, F. (2007) Phylogenetic reconstruction of carnivore social organisations. Journal of Zoology. 273 :90-97Dalerum, 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 :1889-18922006 Dunford, J.S., McLoughlin, P.D., Dalerum, F., Boutin, S. (2006) Lichen abundance in the peatlands of northern Alberta: implications for boreal caribou. Ecoscience. 13 :469-474Dalerum, F., Creel, S., Hall, S. (2006) Behavioral and endocrine correlates of reproductive failure in captive wolverines. Journal of Zoology. 269 :527-5372005 Dalerum, F., Angerbjorn, A. (2005) Resolving temporal variation in vertebrate diets using naturally occurring stable isotopes. Oecologia. 144 :647-658Dalerum, F., Shults, B., Kunkel, K. (2005) A serologic survey for antibodies to three canine viruses in wolverines (Gulo gulo) from the Brooks Range, Alaska. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 41 :792-7952003 Olsson, G., Dalerum, F., Hornfeldt, B., Ahlm, C., Juto, P. (2003) Human hantavirus infections, Sweden. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 9 :1395-14012002 Dalerum, F., Tanerfeldt, M., Elmhagen, B., Becker, D., Angerbjorn, A. (2002) Distribution, morphology and use of arctic fox dens in Sweden. Wildlife Biology. 8 :187-194Russell, A.F., Clutton-Brock, T.H., Brotherton, P.N.M., Sharpe, L., McIlrath, G.M., Dalerum, F., Cameron, E.Z., Barnard, J. (2002) Factors affecting pup growth and survival in cooperatively breeding meerkats Suricata suricatta. . Journal of Animal Ecology. 71 :700-7092000 Dalerum, F., Angerbjorn, A. (2000) Diet of the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) in Karupelv valley, North East Greenland, during a summer with low lemming density. Arctic. 53 :1-8Website Links of Importance Centre for Wildlife Management IBREAM 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
Prof. Johan du Toit
Ecology and conservation of large mammals in terrestrial ecosystems. johan.dutoit@usu.edu +1-435-7972837
Research project summmary My research interests are diverse, but I focus mainly on the ecology of large mammals in terrestrial ecosystems. My particular interests include interactions between species of different body size within trophic guilds, interactions between browsing ungulates and their woody food plants, and differences in behavior, diet, and habitat use between sex and age classes within large mammal species. Together with my students and postdocs, I have investigated these topics by conducting field studies on indigenous ungulates and large predators in African savannas. An emerging theme of my research and publications is the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems through the fusion of science and management. I am presently enjoying new opportunities to extend my research activities to the rangelands of the American West.
Recent Publications 2010 Tambling, C.J., Cameron, E.Z., du Toit, J.T., Getz, W.M. (2010) Predicting the location of lion kills from clusters in GPS data. Journal of Wildlife Management. 74 :549-5562009 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 :385-3922008 Slater, K., Cameron, E., Turner, T., du Toit, J.T. (2008) The influence of oestrous swellings on the grooming behaviour of chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest, Uganda. Behaviour. 145 :1235-12462007 Cameron, E.Z., du Toit, J.T. (2007) Winning by a neck: tall giraffes avoid competing with smaller browsers. American Naturalist. 169 :130-1352005 Tambling, C.J., du Toit, J.T. (2005) Modelling wildebeest population dynamics: implications of predation and harvesting in a closed system. Journal of Applied Ecology. 42 :431-441Cameron, E.Z., du Toit, J.T. (2005) Social influences on vigilance behaviour in giraffes. Animal Behaviour. 69 :1337-1344Download my complete publication record
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Dr. Simon Elwen
Marine mammal ecology Ecology of Heaviside's dolphins simon.elwen@gmail.com +27-12-4202067
Research project summmary I am currently a Research Fellow in the department and am running the Namibian Dolphin Project (NDP), a research and conservation initiative based in Walvis Bay, Namibia. www.namibiandolphinproject.com
After completing my PhD in the department on the ecology of Heaviside\'s dolphins in the Western Cape, I spent a few years working in Scotland but returned to southern Africa where I started the Namibian Dolphin Project in 2008.
Southern African is blessed with a very rich marine mammal fauna but there is massive amount of basic information that are lacking for most species such as population sizes, stock structure and conservation status.
I am interested in a broad range of ecological and behavioural aspects of cetacean biology, although I’m interested in all aspects of the ocean. I’m particularly interested in the behavioural adapations these top predators (can) make to different environmental conditions. This is an important line of research these days due to the increasing number of changes that have occurred in the marine realm due to human impacts
Students currently under co-supervision MSc (research) Monica Betts 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 PhD Ms. Katja Vinding Petersen DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT USE AND BEHAVIOUR OF CETACEANS IN THE GREATER DYER ISLAND AREA, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA Recent Publications 2013 Elwen, S., Gridley, T., Roux, J.-.P., Best, P., Smale, M.J. (2013) Records of kogiid whales in Namibia, including the first record of the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima). Marine Biodiversity Records. 6(e45) :1-8 2011 Barendse, J., Best, P.B., Thornton, M., Elwen, S.H., Rosenbaum, H.C., Carvalho, I., Pomilla, C., Collins, T.J.Q., Me˙er, M.A., Leeney, R.H. (2011) Transit station or destination? Attendance patterns, movements and abundance estimate of humpback whales off west South Africa from photographic and genotypic matching. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(3) :353-373Findlay, K.P., Meyer, M.A., Elwen, S.H., and 10 others, ... (2011) Distribution and abundance of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae , off the coast of Mozambique, 2003. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. Special Issue 3 :163-174Elwen, S.H., Findlay, K.P., Kiszka, J., Weir, C.R. (2011) Cetacean research in the southern African subregion: a review of previous studies and current knowledge. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(3) :469-493Elwen, S.H., Thornton, M., Kirkman, S.P., Pistorius, P.A., Weir, C.R. (2011) The first African Marine Mammal Colloquium, South Africa, May 2010. African Journal of Marine Science. 33(3) :349-3512010 Elwen, S.H., Leeney, R.H. (2010) Injury and Subsequent Healing of a Propeller Strike Injury to a Heaviside’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii ). Aquatic Mammals. 36(4) :382-387Elwen, S.H., Thornton, M., Reeb, D., Best, P.B. (2010) Near-shore distribution of Heaviside’s (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii )) and dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) at the southern limit of their range in South Africa. African Zoology. 45(1) :78-912009 Heinrich, S., Elwen, S.H., Brager, S. (2009) Patterns of Sympatry in Lagenorhynchus and Cephalorhynchus: Dolphins in Different Habitats. Elwen, S.H., Best, P.B., Reeb, D., Thornton, M. (2009) Diurnal movements and behaviour of Heaviside’s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii , with some comparative data for dusky dolphins, Lagenorhynchus obscurus . South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 39(2) :100-102Elwen, S., Reeb, D., Thornton, M., Best, P.B. (2009) A population estimate of Heaviside’s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii , at the southern end of their range. Marine Mammal Science. 25(1) :107-1242006 Elwen, S.H., Meyer, M.A.M., Best, P.B., Kotze, P.G.H., Thornton, M., Swanson, S. (2006) Range and movements of a nearshore delphinid, Heaviside's dolphin Cephalorhynchus heavisidii a determined from satellite telemetry. Journal of Mammalogy. 87(5) :866-8772004 Elwen, S.H., Best, P.B. (2004) Are there reproductive benefits to southern right whale females (Eubalaena australis) associated with their coastal distribution off South Africa? Marine Ecology Progress Series . 269 :289-295Elwen, S.H., Best, P.B. (2004) Environmental factors influencing the distribution of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on the south coast of South Africa I: Broad scale patterns. Marine Mammal Science . 20(3) :567-582Elwen, S.H., Best, P.B. (2004) Environmental factors influencing the distribution of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on the south coast of South Africa II: Within bay distribution. Marine Mammal Science . 20(3) :583-601Website Links of Importance Namibian Dolphin Project Project BLOG
Dr. Ken Findlay Prof. Andre Ganswindt
Non-invasive monitoring of sexual and stress hormones in key species of current research importance aganswindt@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-5298429
Research project summmary The main goal of the project is to address proximate and ultimate questions concerning regulative endocrine mechanisms which in combination with genetic, social and ecological factors influence animal social and reproductive behaviour.
The main objectives of the project are: i) to develop new non-invasive techniques to monitor testicular, ovarian and adrenal endocrine function as a prerequisite for physiological studies in a variety of animal species, ii) to use existing and new developed methods of monitoring endocrine function in combination with behavioural observations to learn more about the basic principles of mammalian and avian reproductive strategies and relevant factors determining fertility and reproductive success, iii) to monitor genetic, social and ecological factors which influences the social and reproductive behaviour of animal species and determine their potential as physiological stressor, and iv) to reveal more information for various key species regarding the costs of producing and carrying exaggerated secondary sexual characters from an endocrinological perspective and analyse the possible consequences for mate choice decision making.
A secondary aim of this project is to stimulate collaboration between wildlife research groups at UP, particularly between the Mammal Research Institute and Veterinary faculty.
Students currently under supervision PhD Ms. Annemieke van der Goot, DVM Investigating reproductive physiology in the free-living white rhinoceros: towards new insights for enhanced breeding success Students currently under co-supervision MSc (research) Ms. Elize Fourie The influence of predation on endocrinological and behavioural indicators of stress in plains zebra (Equus quagga) Non-departmental students under supervision MSc (research) Dr. John Birrell (University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science) Mrs. Silke Pfitzer (University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science) Dr. Elize van Vollenhoven (University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science) Recent Publications 2013 Marneweck, D.G., Ganswindt, A., Rhodes, S., Bellem, A., Bryant, J., Wielebnowski, N., Dalerum, F. (2013) Reproductive endocrinology of zoo-housed aardwolves. Acta Theriologica. 58 :223-2322012 Ahlers, M.J., Ganswindt, A., Münscher, S., Bertschinger, H.J. (2012) Endocrine correlates of free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana) treated with porcine zona pellucida vaccine. Theriogenology. 78 :77-85Ganswindt, 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) :194-199Seeber, P.A., Ndlovu, H.T., Duncan, P., Ganswindt, A. (2012) Grazing behaviour of the giraffe in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Ecology. 50(2) :247-250Ganswindt, A., Brown, J.L., Freeman, E.W., Kouba, A.J., Penfold, L.M., Santymire, R.M., Vick, M.M., Wielebnowski, N., Willis, E.L., Milnes, M.R. (2012) International Society for Wildlife Endocrinology: the future of endocrine measures for reproductive science, animal welfare, and conservation biology. Biology Letters. 8(5) :695-697Barnier, F., Grange, S., Ganswindt, A., Ncube, H., Duncan, P. (2012) Inter-birth interval in Zebras is longer following the birth of male foals than after female foals. Acta Oecologica. 42 :11-152011 Ncube, H., Duncan, P., Grange, S., Cameron, E.Z., Barnier, F., Ganswindt, A. (2011) Pattern of faecal 20-oxopregnane and oestrogen concentrations during pregnancy in free-ranging plains zebra mares. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 172 :358-362Hulsman, A., Dalerum, F., Ganswindt, A., Münscher, S., Bertschinger, H., Paris, M. (2011) Non-invasive monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolites in brown hyena faeces. Zoo Biology. 30 :451-4582010 Hulsman, A., Dalerum, F., Swanepoel, L., Ganswindt, A., Sutherland, C., Paris, M. (2010) Patterns of scat deposition by brown hyaenas Hyaena brunnea in a mountain savannah region of South Africa. Wildlife Biology. 16(4) :445-451Ganswindt, A., Münscher, S., Henley, M., Palme, R., Thompson, P., Bertschinger, H. (2010) Concentrations of faecal glucocortcoid metabolites in physically injured free-ranging African elephants Loxodonta africana. Wildlife Biology. 16 :1-10Ganswindt, A., Muenscher, S., Henley, M., Henley, S., Heistermann, M., Palme, R., Thompson, P., Bertschinger, H. (2010) Endocrine correlates of musth and the impact of ecological and social factors in free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Hormones and Behavior. 57 :506-5102008 Vilijoen, J.J., Ganswindt, A., Palme, R., Reynecke, H.C., du Toit, J.T., Langbauer Jr, W.R. (2008) Measurement of faecal glucocorticoid concentrations in free-ranging African elephants: baseline values from the Kruger National Park. Koedoe. 50(1) :18-21Ganswindt, A. (2008) Physical, physiological, and behavioural changes associated with male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) sexual activity and the phenomenon of musth. Ganswindt, A., Muenscher, S. (2008) Take a nap: sleeping behaviour of free-ranging male African elephants (Loxodonta africana) during the day. Bertschinger, H., Delsink, A., van Altena, J.J., Kirkpatric, J., Killian, H., Ganswindt, A., Slotow, R., Castley, G. (2008) Chapter 6: Reproductive control of elephants. Rasmussen, H.B., Ganswindt, A., Douglas-Hamilton, I., Vollrath, F. (2008) Endocrine and behavioural changes in male African elephants: linking hormone changes to sexual state and reproductive tactic. Hormones and Behavior. 54 :539-548Vilijoen, J.J., Ganswindt, A., du Toit, J.T., Langbauer Jr, W.R. (2008) Translocation stress and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in free-ranging African savanna elephants. Journal of Wildlife Management. 38(2) :146-1522007 Wittemyer, G., Ganswindt, A., Hodges, J.K. (2007) The impact of ecological variability on the reproductive endocrinology of wild female African elephants. Hormones and Behavior. 51(3) :346-354Fichtel, C., Kraus, C., Ganswindt, A., Heistermann, M. (2007) Influence of reproductive season and rank on fecal glucocorticoid levels in free-ranging male Verreaux’s sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi). Hormones and Behavior. 51(5) :640-648Laws, N., Ganswindt, A., Harris, M., Harris, S., Heistermann, M., Sherwin, C. (2007) A case-study: Faecal corticosteroid and behaviour as indicators of welfare during relocation of an Asiatic Elephant. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 10(4) :349-358Download my complete publication record
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Prof. Wayne Getz
Mathematical population biology, ecology and evolution with application to conservation biology, resource management and epidemiology getz@nature.berkeley.edu +1-510-6428745
Research project summmary For more details see personal web page
Students currently under co-supervision PhD Ms. Claire Geoghegan The role of bovine tuberculosis and other zoonotic Mycobacteria at the wildlife, livestock and human health interface in South Africa Recent Publications 2010 Tambling, C.J., Cameron, E.Z., du Toit, J.T., Getz, W.M. (2010) Predicting the location of lion kills from clusters in GPS data. Journal of Wildlife Management. 74 :549-556van 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 :-2008 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) :655-660Download my complete publication record
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Dr. Ferran Jori
Wildlife epidemiology & ecology of diseases of economic importance for livestock and Public Health ferran.jori@cirad.fr +27-12-4202016
Research project summmary - Monitoring transmission and dissemination of buffalo diseases in TFCAs in Southern Africa (GLTFCA, KAZA) such as FMD, and bovine tuberculosis (BTb)
- Ecology of African swine fever (ASF) in wild reservoirs
- Diseases at wildlife-livestock-human interface with particular reference to zoonotic diseases: Rift Valley Fever, bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Cryptosporidium
- Development and appplication of risk assessement models to help in decision making diseases control strategies
Recent Publications 2013 Cubillos, C., Gomez-Sebastian, S., Moreno, N., Nunez, M., Mulumba Mfumu, L., Quembo, C.J., Heath, L., Etter, E., Jori, F., Escribano, J.M., Blanco, E. (2013) African swine fever virus serodiagnosis: A general review with a focus on the. Virus Research. 173 :-Jori, F., Vial, L., Penrith, M.L., Pérez-Sanchez, R., Etter, E., Albina, E., Michaud, V., Roger, F. (2013) Review of the sylvatic cycle of African swine fever in sub-Saharan Africa and the. Virus Research. 173 :212-227Abu Samra, N., Thompson, P.N., Jori, F., Frean, J., Poonsamy, B., Du Plessis, D., Mogoye, B., Xiao, L. (2013) Genetic characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. in hospitalized children of four different provinces in South Africa. Zoonoses and Public Health. 60 :154-159Penrith, M.-.L., Vosloo, W., Jori, F., Bastos, A.D.S. (2013) African swine fever virus eradication in Africa. Virus Research. 173 :228-246De Garine Witchatistky, M., Fritz, H., Chaminuka, P., Caron, A., Guerbois, C., Pfukenyi, D., Matema, C., Jori, F., Murwira, A. (2013) Consequences of animals crossing the edges of Transfrontier Parks. 2012 Abu Samra, N., Thomson, P.N., Jori, F.J., Zhang, H., Xiao, L. (2012) at the wildlife/livestock interface of the Kruger National Park, Soputh Africa. Veterinary Parasitology. 190(3-4) :587-590Abu Samra, N., Jori, F.J., Xiao, L., Rikhotso, O., Thompson, P.N. (2012) Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species at the wildlife/livestock interface of the Kruger National Park. Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. 1(1) :1-8Brahmbatt, D.P., Fosgate, G.T., Dyasson, E., Budke, C., Gummow, B., Jori, F.J., Ward, M.P., Svrinasan, R. (2012) Contacts between domestic livestock and wildlife at the Kruger National Park Interface of the Republic of South Africa. Preventive Veterinary Medecine. 103(1) :16-21Ferguson, K., Adam, L., Jori, F. (2012) An adaptive monitoring programme for studying impacts along the western boundary fence of Kruger National Park, South Africa. 2011 Jori, F., Brhambhatt, D., Fosgate, G.T., Thompson, P.N., Budke, C., Ward, M.P., Ferguson, K., Gummow, B. (2011) A questionnaire-based evaluation of the veterinary cordon fence separating wildlife and livestock along the Kruger National Park, South Africa.. Preventive Veterinary Medecine. 100 :210-220Ravaomanana, J., Jori, F., Vial, L., Perez-Sanchez, R., Blanco, E., Michaud, V., Roger, F. (2011) Assessment of interactions between African swine fever virus, buhspigs (Potamochoerus larvatus), Ornithodoros moubata ticks and domestic pigs in North-western Madagascar. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 58(3) :247-254Etter, E., Seck, I., Grosbois, V., Jori, F., Blanco, E., Vial, L., Akakpo, J., Bada-Alhambedji, R., Kone, P., Roger, F. (2011) Seroprevalence of African Swine Fever in Senegal on 2006. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 17(1) :49-54Jori, F., Roger, M., Baldet, T., Delecolle, J.C., Sauzier, J., Jaumally, M.R., Roger, F. (2011) Orbiviruses in Rusa deer, Mauritius, 2007. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 17(2) :312-313Abu Samra, N., Jori, F., Samie, A., Thompson, P. (2011) The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in wild mammals in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Veterinary Parasitology. 175 :155-1592010 Ravaomanana, J., Michaud, V., Jori, F., Andriatsimahavandy, A., Roger, F., Albina, E., Vial, L. (2010) First detection of African Swine Fever Virus in Ornithodoros porcinus spp. in Madagascar and new insights on the tick vector’s distribution and taxonomy. Parasites and Vectors. 3(115) :1-152009 Jori, F., Vosloo, W., Du Plessis, B., Bengis, R., Brahmbatt, D., Gummow, B., Thomson, G.R. (2009) A qualitative risk assessment of factors contributing to foot and mouth disease outbreaks on the Western Boundary of Kruger National Park. Revue Scientifique et Technique-OIE. 28(3) :917-933Jori, F., Galvez, H., Mendoza, P., Mayor, P. (2009) Serological monitoring of Leptospirosis in a colony of captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) from the Peruvian Amazon. Research in Veterinary Science. 86(3) :383-387Costard, S., Wieland, B., De Glainville, W., Jori, F., Rowlands, R., Vosloo, W., Roger, F., Pfeiffer, D., Dixon, L. (2009) African swine fever: How can global spread be prevented? Proceedings of the Royal Society - B. 364 :2683-2696Jori, F., Bastos, A.D.S. (2009) Role of wild suids in the epidemiology of African swine fever. EcoHealth. 6 :296-3102007 Mayor, P., Guimaraes, D.A., LePendu, Y., Da Silva, J., Jori, F., Lopez Bejar, M. (2007) Reproductive performance of captive collared peccaries in the eastern Amazon. Animal Reproduction Science. 102(1-2) :88-97Mendoza, A.P., Cespedes, M.J., Galvez, H.A., Mayor, P., Jori, F. (2007) . Antibodies against Leptospira spp. in captive collared peccaries, Peru. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 13(5) :393-394Vial, L., Wieland, B., Jori, F., Etter, E., Dixon, L., Roger, F. (2007) African swine fever virus infection of the soft tick Ornithodoros sonrai in Senegal. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 13(5) :1928-1931Download my complete publication record
Curriculum Vitae Here is my
Curriculum Vitae . Please feel free to download it. Should you have trouble opening it please contact me for assistance.
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Dr. Leszek Karczmarski
Behavioural Ecology and Conservation of Cetaceans karczmal@tamug.edu +27-12-4202539
Research project summmary My research interest focuses on: a) cetacean behavioural ecology, especially odontocete social strategies; b) evolutionary processes that shape population structure and social dynamics of delphinid cetaceans; how they relate to environmental pressures, and how they compare to other known mammalian systems; and c) conservation concepts that recognize the importance of cetaceans in the integrated management of aquatic ecosystems. In my studies, I put emphasis on the ecology of group living, population structure, and animal-habitat interactions on a population level. I am interested in understanding how environmental variability, both natural and anthropogenic, and intrinsic factors influence population processes, aggregation patterns and sociality. Using information on habitat, ecology, social structure, and genetics, I examine delphinid social systems from a broader comparative perspective, and I use this approach as a tool to elucidate the ecological and evolutionary bases of delphinid social organization.
CURRENT RESEARCH
Field Research Projects Cephalorhynchus heavisidii along the southwest coast of South Africa: Establishing long-term database and comparative approach.
Sousa plumbea : comparative synthesis of mark-recapture data from the southeast coast of southern Africa.
Stenella longirostris in the remote atolls of far-western Hawai‘i.
Tursiops truncatus and Antillean manatees Trichechus manatus in the Drowned Cayes area, Belize barrier reef lagoon system; collaboration with C. Self-Sullivan, Sirenian International.
Other Projects SELECTED PAST RESEARCH
Sousa plumbea and bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus in southern Mozambique; collaboration with A.T. Guissamulo, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique.
Dugong dugon in Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique; collaboration with A.T. Guissamulo, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique.
Students currently under supervision PhD Ms. Keshni Gopal Molecular ecology of southern African inshore delphinids
Post-Doctoral Dr. Tadamichi Morisaka Acoustic behaviour of Heaviside\'s dolphins Dr. Mai Sakai Fine scale analyses of surface behavior of Heaviside's dolphins Non-departmental students under supervision PhD Mr. Leonardo Flach (University of Pretoria, Dept of Zoology and Entomology and Texas A&M University, Institute of Marine Life Sciences, Galveston, TX, USA ) Mr. Lenin Oviedo (University of Pretoria, Dept of Zoology and Entomology and Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), Venezuela) Mr. Ahmed Shawky (University of Pretoria, Dept of Zoology and Entomology and Red Sea Protectorates, Sues Canal University, Egypt ) Recent Publications 2010 Reisinger, R.R., Karczmarski, L. (2010) Population size estimate of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in the Algoa Bay region, South Africa. Marine Mammal Science. 26(1) :86-97Download my complete publication record
Dr. Peter Lindsey Dr. Heike Lutermann
Research Associate Trade-off between sociality and parasites in African mole-rats (Bathyergidae) hlutermann@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-4204872
Research project summmary Transmission of parasites and infectious diseases is a process that depends upon the social system of the host. Despite this, our understanding of how infectious diseases are influenced by, and influence, the social system of their host organisms is fragmentary and poorly developed. The idea that the risk of parasitism should simply increase with the increased local host density that arises with sociality has been the accepted dogma in biology for many years, and only recently have there been challenges to this idea on the basis that the contact rate between social groups can be more important in determining risk of parasitism than local density within a group. This between-group contact rate can be sufficiently low, in some systems, to lead to a social species having a lower risk of parasitism than a non-social species. African mole-rats (Family: Bathyergidae) are the most socially diverse taxon of mammals, with species ranging from solitary-dwelling, through those that are predominantly small family groups, to the insect-likeť or eusocial naked mole-rat and Damaraland mole-rat. Furthermore, they exploit a great variety of habitats from deserts to highly mesic environments that pose varying constrains to dispersal and thus the potential for inter-colony contacts. As such, the Bathyergidae are a powerful model system to investigate some of the fundamental interactions between social dynamics and host-parasite relationships.
Students currently under supervision MSc (research) Ms. Liz Archer The effects of the environment and sociality on parasite transmission and MHC selection in common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) Students currently under co-supervision MSc (research) Mr. Josh Sarli Seasonal Reproductive Cycle and Parasite Burden of Two Small Mammals from Saudi Arabia. Recent Publications 2013 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 :60-65Lutermann, 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 :57969-579692012 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 :52077-52077du Toit, C.A., Holter, P., Lutermann, H., Scholtz, C.H. (2012) Role of dung beetle feeding mechanisms in limiting their suitability as hosts for the nematode Spirocerca lupi . Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 26 :455-457Junker, K., Medger, K., Lutermann, H., Bain, O. (2012) Monanema joopi m. sp. (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) from Acomys (Acomys ) spinosissisum Peters, 1852 (Muridae) In South Africa, with comments on the filarial genus.19 :331-340Horak, I.G., Lutermann, H., Medger, K., Apanaskevich, D.A., Matthee, C.M. (2012) Natural hosts of the larvae of Nuttalliella sp. (N. namaqua?) (Acari: Nuttalliellidae). Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 79 :-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 :686-689Lutermann, H., Medger, K., Horak, I.G. (2012) Effects of life-history traits on parasitism in a monogamous mammal, the Eastern rock sengi (Elephantulus myurus). Naturwissenschaften. 99(2) :103-110Lutermann, H., Medger, K., Horak, I.G. (2012) Abiotic and biotic determinants of tick burdens in the eastern rock sengi (Elephantulus myurus). Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 26 :255-2622011 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 :-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 :222-229Horak, I.G., Welman, S., Hallam, S.L., Lutermann, H., Mzilikazi, N. (2011) Tick infestation of four-toed elephant shrews, Petrodromus tetradactylus and southern African hedgehogs, Atelerix frontalis . Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 78 :243-2432010 Scantlebury, M., Maher McWilliams, M., Marks, N.J., Dick, J.T.A., Edgar, H., Lutermann, H. (2010) Effects of life-history traits on parasite load in grey squirrels. Journal of Zoology. 282 :245-255Faulkes, 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 :64-74Lutermann, H., Verburgt, L., Rendigs, A. (2010) Resting and nesting in a small mammal: sleeping sites as a limiting resource for female grey mouse lemurs. Animal Behaviour. 79 :1211-1219Bennett, 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 :66-73Young, 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 :177-1832009 Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Parasites - a cost of sociality? Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 80 :131-131Costanzo, 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 :128-1342008 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 :236-240Scantlebury, 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 :887-897Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Strong immune function: a benefit promoting the evolution of sociality?. Journal of Zoology. 275(1) :26-322006 Lutermann, H., Schmelting, B., Radespiel, U., Ehresmann, P., Zimmermann, E. (2006) The role of survival for the evolution of female philopatry in a solitary forager, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). Proc R Soc B. 273 :2527-25332003 Radespiel, U., Lutermann, H., Schmelting, B., Zimmermann, E., Bruford, M.W. (2003) Sex-biased dispersal in a nocturnal primate, Microcebus murinus, revealed by microsatellite data. Animal Behaviour . 65 :709-7192001 Lutermann, H., Zimmermann, E. (2001) Resource competition and group size in a small nocturnal primate. Ethology Suppl. 36 :208-208Lutermann, H., Zimmermann, E. (2001) Nesting and resting in a small nocturnal primate: behavioural ecology of inactivity from a female perspective. Zoology. 104 :32-322000 Schmelting, B., Ehresmann, P., Lutermann, H., Randrianambinina, B., Zimmermann, E. (2000) Reproduction of two sympatric mouse lemur species (Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis) in north-west Madagascar: first results of a long term study. DiversitĂ© et EndĂ©misme Ă Madagascar. Website Links of Importance Collaboration with Dr. Chris Faulkes Prof Ivan G. Horak Collaboration with of Dr. Nikki Marks Collaboration with Dr. Eddie Ueckermann Collaboration with Dr. Michael Scantlebury
Dr. Trevor McIntyre
At-sea behaviour of southern elephant seals tmcintyre@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-4202539
Research project summmary My PhD research focused on the behaviour of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina ) while at sea. Elephant seals play an important role as abundant top predators within the Southern Ocean. Since 2004, more than 70 satellite-relay data loggers (SMRU, University of St. Andrews, Scotland) were deployed on elephant seals at Marion Island. Information we obtain through these devices include estimates of the at-sea locations of animals, dive behaviour, in situ temperature and conductivity. My research aims to use this information to obtain a better understanding of how elephant seals use their underwater habitats and how their behaviour is influenced by environmental conditions. This has wider implications in light of projected climate changes and warming of the Southern Ocean.
I am also involved with a few other research interests, notably investigating the influence of increasing fur seal populations on the geomorphology and vegetation assemblages on Marion Island.
Recent Publications 2013 Haussmann, N.S., Rudolph, E.M., Kalwij, J.M., McIntyre, T. (2013) Fur seal populations facilitate establishment of exotic vascular plants. Biological Conservation. 162 :33-40Haussmann, N.S., McIntyre, T., Bumby, A.J., Loubser, M.J. (2013) Referencing practices in physical geography: How well do we cite what we write? Progress in Physical Geography. DOI: 10.1177/0309133 :1-72012 McIntyre, T., Whiting, M.J. (2012) Increased metal concentrations in Giant Sungazer lizards (Smaug giganteus) from mining areas in South Africa. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 63 :574-585McIntyre, 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 :299-303McIntyre, 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) :561-570James, 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 :1759-17662011 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) :511-521McIntyre, 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) :218-223McIntyre, 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 :257-272de 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 :445-451McIntyre, 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 :2125-21392010 Naito, Y., Bornemann, H., Takahashi, A., McIntyre, T., Plötz, J. (2010) Fine-scale feeding behavior of Weddell seals revealed by a mandible accelerometer. Polar Science. 4 :309-316McIntyre, 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 :293-304McIntyre, 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) :1037-1048Reisinger, R.R., McIntyre, T., Bester, M.N. (2010) Goose barnacles hitchhike on satellite-tracked southern elephant seals. Polar Biology. 33 :561-5642007 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) :1-82006 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) :195-198Website Links of Importance Marine Mammals Exploring the Oceans Pole to Pole Google Scholar Profile 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
Dr. Tadamichi Morisaka Dr. Marie Nevoux
Population dynamics of Southern Elephant Seals (Mirounga leonina ) at Marion Island marie.nevoux@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-4204608
Research project summmary Long-term capture-mark-recapture monitoring provides valuable data to study population dynamics in the wild, which would be essential to understand - and predict – how future environmental conditions will constrain population persistence and viability. Using models taking into account imperfect sources of information in a Southern Elephant Seal population, my research aims at testing key assumptions for conservation management, e.g. influence of the tagging protocol on individual resighing, as well as answering more theoretical questions such as understanding how environment shape life-history strategies or the long-term repercussions of early decisions in (long-lived) birds and mammals in a variable eco-evolutionary context.
Recent Publications 2012 Ramos, R., Granadeiro, J. .P., Nevoux, M., Mougin, J.-.L., Dias, M. .P., Catry, P. (2012) Combined spatio-temporal impacts of climate and longline fisheries on the survival of a trans-equatorial marine migrant. PLoS One. 7(7) :-Hardouin, L., Nevoux, M., Robert, A., Gimenez, O., Lacroix, F., Hingrat, Y. (2012) Determinants and costs of natal dispersal in a lekking species. Oďkos. 121(6) :804-812Barbraud, C., Rolland, V., Jenouvrier, S., Nevoux, M., Delord, K., Weimerskirch, H. (2012) Effects of climate change and fisheries bycatch on Southern Ocean seabirds: a review. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 454 :285-3072011 Barbraud, C., Rivalan, P., Inchausti, P., Nevoux, M., Rolland, V., Weimerskirch, H. (2011) Contrasted demographic responses facing future climate change in Southern Ocean seabirds. Journal of Animal Ecology. 80(1) :89-1002010 Nevoux, M., Weimerskirch, H., Barbraud, C. (2010) Long- and short-term influence of environment on recruitment in a species with highly delayed maturity. Oecologia. 162(2) :383-392Nevoux, M., Forcada, J., Barbraud, C., Croxall, J., Weimerskirch, H. (2010) Bet-hedging response to environmental variability, an intraspecific comparison. Ecology. 91(8) :2416-24272009 Rolland, V., Nevoux, M., Barbraud, C., Weimerskirch, H. (2009) Respective impact of climate and fisheries on the growth of an albatross population. Ecological Applications. 19(5) :1336-13462008 Nevoux, M., Barbraud, J.-.C., Barbraud, C. (2008) Breeding experience and demographic response to environmental variability in the white stork. The Condor. 110(1) :55-62Nevoux, M., Barbraud, J.-.C., Barbraud, C. (2008) Nonlinear impact of climate on survival in a migratory white stork population. Journal of Animal Ecology. 77 :1143-11522007 Nevoux, M., Weimerskirch, H., Barbraud, C. (2007) Environmental variation and experience-related differences in the demography of the long-lived black-browed albatross. Journal of Animal Ecology. 76 :159-1672006 Nevoux, M., Barbraud, C. (2006) Relationships between sea ice concentration, sea surface temperature and demographic traits of thin-billed prions. Polar Biology. 29 :445-453
Dr. M Oosthuizen
Factors influencing neurogenesis and memory in three mole-rat species exhibiting a wide spectrum of social organisation. moosthuizen@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-4202539
Research project summmary Both solitary and social mole-rat species will be evaluated for circadian rhythmicity. The results will be used to assess whether circadian rhythmicity has an effect on memory. Individuals that show robust locomotor activity rhythms may be more prone to explore than ‘lazy’ animals that display a low level of activity.
Mole-rats will be used in a memory activity experiment assessing performance of animals in a maze. This experiment will enable us to determine whether sociality has an impact on memory. Solitary species typically have very simple burrow structures, while social species dig very complicated burrow systems. Also in social species, a number of individuals work simultaneously at extending the tunnel systems, hence it would require the colony members to memorize new tunnels rapidly for easy movement in the tunnel system. Thus it is hypothesised that social species would have a better success rate in a maze than solitary species.
On completion of behavioural experiments, animals will be sacrificed to stain immunohistochemically for neurogenesis in the brain. This will elucidate whether there is a relationship between social status and neurogenesis. It is well known that gonadal hormones promotes neurogenesis and enhances new cell survival in adults, thus it would be interesting to compare physiologically suppressed, subordinate females and the dominant Damaraland females with the behaviourally suppressed subordinate Natal mole-rat females and their dominants where gonadal inhibition does not occur. Theoretically, in animals where gonadal steroid hormone levels are suppressed, neurogenesis should also be suppressed.
Also the size of the hippocampus of solitary and social species will be measured to determine whether there are any differences between the different species. Given that social species have a higher demand to memorise more complex tunnel systems, it is hypothesised that their hippocampuses should be larger than the solitary species’ with less complex tunnel systems.
Recent Publications 2010 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 :177-1832008 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 :343-349Oosthuizen, 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 :236-240Download my complete publication record
Dr. Mai Sakai Mr. Daniël Swanepoel Prof. Trudy Turner
Research associate Genetics and life history of vervet monkeys trudy@uwm.edu +27-12-4202539
Research project summmary My colleagues and I have been collecting data to examine variation in genetics, morphologiy, endocrinology and behavior in vervet monkeys living in several locations in South Africa. We have also been working to clarify the taxonomy of vervets and to examine the human-non-human primate interface.
Recent Publications 2008 Slater, K., Cameron, E., Turner, T., du Toit, J.T. (2008) The influence of oestrous swellings on the grooming behaviour of chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest, Uganda. Behaviour. 145 :1235-1246Website Links of Importance Trudy Turner website PEGG Primate Ecology and Genetics Group
Prof. Mac Van der Merwe
Reproductive biology of bats and small mammals mvdmerwe@zoology.up.ac.za +27-12-4202539
Research project summmary My main interest in Zoology is small mammals in general with emphasis on bat biology. My research on bats focuses mainly on their ecology, feeding habits, reproduction and migratory patterns, aspects that could lead to a better understanding of these animals, their importance in biological control, and the necessity to protect and conserve them. My focus is also on small mammals suitable for micro-livestock farming. Here I concentrate on the Greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus , renowned in large parts of Africa as a protein source and delicacy. A thorough study of the Greater cane rat has never being done in the southern African subregion. Because of growing interest amongst South African farmers to farm with these animals, which will lead to their protection as is the case with game farming in general, I have started to look at various aspects such as adaptability, feeding, reproduction, meat quality, etc. in captivity.
Students currently under supervision PhD Mr. Duncan MacFadyen The dynamics of small mammal populations in rocky highveld grassland, Telperion, Mpumalanga, South Africa Recent Publications 2011 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) :169-1752007 Van der Merwe, M. (2007) Amniogenesis in the African yellow bat, Scotphilus dinganii . African Zoology. 41(2) :234-239Bronner, G.N., Van der Merwe, M., Njobe, K. (2007) Nongeographic cranial variation in two medically important rodents from South Africa, Matomys natalensis and Mastomys coucha . Journal of Mammalogy. 88(5) :1179-1194Van der Merwe, M. (2007) Discriminating between Thryonomys swinderianus and Thryonomys gregorianus . African Zoology. 42(2) :165-171Van der Merwe, M., Stirnemann, R.L. (2007) Reproduction in the Banana bat, Neoromicia nanus, in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, with a discussion on sperm storage and latitudinal effects on reproductive strategies. South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 37(1) :53-602006 Van der Merwe, M., Van der Merwe, N.J., Penshorn, B.L. (2006) Aspects of reproduction in the seasonally breeding African yellow house bat, Scotophilus dinganii (A. Smith, 1833). African Zoology. 41(1) :67-742005 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 :295-300Download my complete publication record
Dr. Jane Waterman
Sociality, reproduction, and parasites in Cape ground squirrels jane_waterman@umanitoba.ca +204-272-1678(Canada)
Research project summmary My research has focused on the selective factors that influence the evolution of sociality and mating systems. The species diversity of squirrels and other small mammals allows me to continue to pursue investigations into the environmental factors affecting social and mating systems. By comparing the intra- and interspecific variation in behavioral development, dispersal, reproduction, disease/parasite loads and social structure, the significance of various selective factors on the evolution of sociality can be ascertained. I am currently studying the behavior of the Cape ground squirrels living in the Namib desert of Namibia, Africa. I also study male grouping in the polar bear, a marine species in which amicable male groups form. Such all-male groups are quite rare among mammals and thus provide an excellent opportunity to gain important insights into selective forces leading to sociality.
Non-departmental students under supervision PhD Ms. Mary Beth Manjerovic (Dept. of Biology, Univ. Central Florida) Recent Publications 2008 Scantlebury, M., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N. (2008) Alternative reproductive tactics in male Cape ground squirrels Xerus inauris. Physiology and Behaviour. 94 :359-3672007 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 :8-13Anderson, C.J., Roth, J.D., Waterman, J.M. (2007) Can whisker spot patterns be used to identify individual polar bears? Journal of Zoology. 273 :333-339Waterman, J.M. (2007) Male mating strategies. (Chapter 3) :27-41Waterman, J.M., Roth, J.D. (2007) Interspecific associations of Cape ground squirrels with two mongoose species: benefit or cost? Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology. 61 :1675-1683Scantlebury, 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 :2169-2177Scantlebury, 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 :2169-2177Belton, L., Ball, N., Waterman, J., Bateman, P.W. (2007) Do Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) discriminate between olfactory cues of the faeces of predators versus non-predators?. African Zoology. 42 :135-138Download my complete publication record
Website Links of Importance Behaviour Ecology & Evolutionary Research Lab
