Researchers help fight against mosquitoes at hotels in Zanzibar

Posted on December 22, 2021

A new study by an international team including PhD Entomology student Ayubo Kampango and Prof Chris Weldon in UP’s Department of Zoology and Entomology shows that hotels can address the fight against mosquitoes by implementing simple measures that target mosquito breeding sites.

Research on genetic health of forest fig trees

Posted on December 21, 2021

Ficus trees are an essential source of food in forests because they produce fruit year-round. However, South African forests have been fragmented into tiny pieces since before the ice ages.

Better prediction of tiny bloodsuckers to protect livestock

Posted on December 20, 2021

Most South Africans love eating meat, but animal diseases regularly threaten a constant, affordable supply.

MSc student bridges the fields of chemistry and physics

Posted on December 19, 2021

Ané Kritzinger, a master’s student in the Department of Chemistry, is bridging the fields of chemistry and physics to develop an ultra-sensitive instrument for pollutant detection.

South African bats are losing their trees, UP research shows

Posted on December 18, 2021

Research at UP is looking at how tree harvesting is causing the destruction of natural habitat, bringing wild animals like bats into closer contact with humans than ever before and leading to increased risk of new zoonotic diseases.

Hillcrest dairy cows had their ears tested

Posted on December 17, 2021

The first-ever auditory testing of dairy cows in South Africa recently took place at the Hillcrest Experimental Farm. The results of this test hold the potential to further our understanding of noise pollution and the improvement of cow comfort and well-being.

Can elephants smell water?

Posted on December 16, 2021

Water is a vital resource for mammals. This is especially true for African elephants that generally drink every day but can go two to three days between drinks. As they have an exceptional sense of smell, it has been suggested that elephants may locate water using olfactory cues. However, there...

Nigel Bennett awarded honorary membership to American Society of Mammalogists

Posted on December 15, 2021

Prof Nigel C Bennett, an A-rated scientist in the Department of Zoology and Entomology has been awarded honorary membership to the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM).