The Albertina Sisulu orchid was described as a new species in 1955, the same year the struggle stalwart launched the Freedom Charter with her compatriots in the ANC Women’s League. Researchers at the University of Pretoria want to help save this endangered plant by understanding the unique fungi it depends on for survival.
More than three billion people, most of whom are in developing countries, rely on the ocean to make a living. Fisheries and aquaculture provide the main source of animal protein for some 17% of the world’s population. In the least-developed countries, fish contributes about 29% of animal protein intake.
Consumers can support small fisheries by supporting local enterprises, increasing income for small fisheries. By supporting artisanal fishing (traditional or subsistence fishing) they can also contribute to improving livelihoods, boosting nutrition, and strengthening food systems, but fishers’ input is needed locally, nationally, and globally.
This gallery takes you on a field trip with scientists as they monitor bat health and species diversity. You can see what bats really look like up close and in full flight.
Researchers at the University of Pretoria are determining the threat posed to the ecosystem and that of human health as people expand their settlements closer to the natural habitats of bats. It is vital that bats are well protected. Ultimately, if bat populations decrease, humans will be affected.
University of Pretoria researchers Dr Mariëtte Pretorius and Professor Wanda Markotter have published a study which shows that land around important bat-inhabited caves are changing and that natural habitats are being destroyed.
Bats are large pollinators, have an impact on our fruit supply and keep pest insect levels down. Learn some interesting facts about bats here.
UP’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit and WWF South Africa are teaming up to support research on southern right whales in response to warming oceans and changes to ocean processes which are affecting the number of whales visiting SA's shores.
Lions show specific preferences for particular cattle types. They exploit cattle when available and repeatedly kill cattle in areas where they are left unguarded or unprotected, also targeting animals that are easiest to catch. Lion populations across Africa have dropped precipitously over the past century, putting them at risk of local extinction in some areas, especially when they move out of...
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