Featured Research: Animals

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RE.SEARCH 12: Global

The theme of this edition, ‘Global’, illustrates how the University of Pretoria (UP) serves as a globally engaged, continental hub that is driving impactful research through innovation, creativity and sustainability. The research in this issue demonstrates how the research we do today could have a global impact on our future.

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Weasel watch: UP PhD candidate calls on public to share sightings of elusive African striped weasel

University of Pretoria (UP) doctoral candidate Kyle Smith is on a mission to find out all about one of Southern Africa’s most elusive small carnivores: the African striped weasel – and he needs your help. Smith is calling on members of the public and citizen scientists to help him by providing information about possible sightings of the animal anywhere in Southern Africa.

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African Striped Weasels in the wild

In the first sighting by Dave Rowe-Rowe, an African striped weasel appears from the tunnel of a mole in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal. In the second sighting, Wicus van der Linde caught this rare sighting of three African striped weasels together near Nieu Bethesda in the Eastern Cape.

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Stripe a Pose: Meet the African Striped Weasel

The African striped weasel (Poecilogale albinucha) and the African polecat (Ictonyx striatus) may look alike at first glance, but these fascinating African mammals differ in their markings, size, and behaviour. This infographic can guide you to identify the wildlife by highlighting the key differences between the two species, so you can recognise each animal.

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Wily but wonderful: Unmasking the African Striped Weasel

From their distinctive coat patterns to their unique body shapes, this photo gallery showcases the striking differences between the African striped weasel and the African polecat. Explore close-up wildlife photography that makes identifying these elusive African mammals easier.

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UP study first to document how deadly winds are driving deaths of endangered grey-headed albatross

University of Pretoria (UP) researchers have become the first to document a disturbing new threat to the endangered grey-headed albatross: wind-driven, land-based deaths. The team documented the phenomenon on remote Marion Island during the sub-Antarctic summer. The study, published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series (MEPS), sheds light on the growing risks that extreme weather pose...