Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Conservation management'

Abstract The protection of endangered species requires knowledge about the habitat requirements and the genetic issues related to the population viability. In this doctoral thesis, I defined the breeding habitat features of the Finnish populations of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) by applying habitat suitability modelling. Secondly, I studied the conservation genetic issues of the Finnish population of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and the two Reed Bunting subspecies Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyi and E.s. lusitanica met in the Iberian Peninsula. All study populations are classified as threatened according to IUCN classification and they have experienced declines in population sizes in recent history. My results from habitat suitability models showed that human-induced changes in habitat threaten the Golden Eagle in Finland. The relative suitability for the species presence dropped to zero when the proportion of human altered landscape (agricultural or urbanized areas) in the core of the breeding habitat (4 km2) was more than 5%. Models further showed that habitat structure influences breeding habitat selection of the Peregrine Falcon, as it favours well-connected areas of open peatlands. Therefore, fragmentation (i.e., decreasing the connectivity) of open peatlands decreases the habitat quality for the species. The White-tailed Eagle has recovered mainly through local growth, but my results suggest that gene flow from neighbouring populations has had an impact as well, and has enhanced the genetic viability of the Finnish population. The current structure of the two subpopulations (one along the Baltic Sea coast line and another inland in Northern Finland) results mainly from the species’ ecology (i.e., philopatric behaviour), not from the recent population bottlenecks. The effective population size estimate of the coastal subpopulation of White-tailed Eagle was below the critical size needed to maintain evolutionary potential. The estimates of the effective population sizes for E.s. lusitanica and E.s. witherbyi and inland subpopulation of White-tailed Eagle were close or below the critical level of 50, which makes them prone to losing fitness due to inbreeding depression in the short term. Therefore, these study populations need to increase in size in order to secure population viability in the future
Tiivistelmä Ihmisen aiheuttamat elinympäristöjen muutokset uhkaavat biodiversiteettiä kasvattamalla yhä useampien eliölajien sukupuuttoriskiä. Tehokkaat suojelutoimenpiteet edellyttävät tietoa uhanalaisten lajien elinympäristövaatimuksista sekä populaation elinkyvylle keskeisistä geneettisistä tekijöistä. Tarkastelen väitöskirjatyössäni maakotkan (Aquila chrysaetos) sekä muuttohaukan (Falco peregrinus) Suomen populaatioiden pesimäympäristön piirteitä maisemaekologisen mallinnuksen avulla. Toiseksi tarkastelen Suomen merikotkapopulaation (Haliaeetus albicilla) sekä Iberian niemimaalla esiintyvien pajusirkun alalajien Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyin ja E.s. lusitanican suojelun kannalta tärkeitä geneettisiä tekijöitä. Kaikki tutkimuspopulaatiot ovat uhanalaisia ja ne ovat kärsineet voimakkaista kannan pienenemisistä. Maisemaekologiset mallit osoittivat maakotkan välttävän ihmisen muokkaamaa ympäristöä (maatalousalueet ja rakennetut alueet). Lajin esiintymistodennäköisyys laski nopeasti nollaan, kun ihmisen muokkaaman ympäristön osuus nousi yli 5 prosenttiin pesimäympäristön ydinalueella (4 km2). Mallit osoittivat maiseman rakenteen vaikuttavan muuttohaukan habitaatinvalintaan, sillä se suosi pesimäympäristönään kytkeytyneitä avosoita. Avosoiden pirstoutuminen (l. kytkeytyneisyyden väheneminen) vähentää näin ollen muuttohaukan pesimäympäristön laatua. Merikotkapopulaatio on toipunut pääosin paikallisen kasvun myötä, mutta tulokseni viittaavat myös siihen, että geenivirta naapurimaiden populaatioista on lisännyt Suomen populaation geneettistä muuntelua. Nykyinen rakenne (rannikon ja Lapin alapopulaatiot) on seurausta lajin synnyinpaikkauskollisuudesta, ei niinkään populaatiokoon romahduksista. Rannikon merikotkapopulaation efektiivinen koko jäi alle kriittisen rajan, joka tarvitaan evolutiivisen potentiaalin säilymiselle. Pajusirkun alalajien sekä Lapin merikotkapopulaation efektiiviset populaatiokoot olivat lähellä kriittisenä pidettyä 50:tä tai jäivät alle, joten ne ovat vaarassa menettää kelpoisuutta sukusiitosdepression seurauksena lyhyellä aikavälillä. Sekä pajusirkun alalajien että merikotkapopulaatioiden tulee sen vuoksi kasvaa säilyäkseen elinvoimaisina tulevaisuudessa

Global biodiversity is being lost at an unprecedented rate, such that we have entered the sixth mass extinction in the history of the earth with emerging infectious diseases (EID) recognised as an important contributor to this loss. Amphibian chytridiomycosis is an EID that has driven very rapid declines in, or even extinctions of, hundreds of amphibian species. Infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), often persist in biological and non-biological reservoirs making them difficult to eradicate. In turn, this makes reintroductions of target species challenging due to the risk of infection. This thesis investigates the critically endangered mountain chicken (Leptodactylus fallax) as a case study of the population impacts of a chytridiomycosis epidemic and to test the effectiveness of strategies to mitigate the effects of the disease. Specifically, this research (1) charts the decline of the mountain chicken on the only two islands on which it exists, and determines the impact on genetic diversity; (2) tests whether anti-fungal treatment can improve the survival of mountain chickens with Bd infection in the wild; (3) examines the role of Bd reservoir species in causing Bd infections of reintroduced mountain chickens; and (4) determines habitat features that are predictors of infection at release sites. Chytridiomycosis drove the mountain chicken to near extinction on Dominica in 2002 and Montserrat in 2009, in one of the fastest recorded vertebrate species declines, leading to a significant loss of genetic diversity. On Montserrat, treating mountain chickens with an anti-fungal drug (itraconazole) during the chytridiomycosis epidemic improved survival rates and reduced Bd infection rates in the short term, but did not provide long-term protection. Although mountain chickens have been driven to near-extinction by Bd infection on Montserrat, the pathogen persists in two sympatric reservoir species which are not impacted by Bd infection, the most prolific of which (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei) displays strong seasonality in Bd infection prevalence and load. Timing mountain chicken reintroduction to occur during the period when tree frog Bd infection was at its lowest was tested to determine the impact on reintroduction success. Multi-state mark-recapture modelling applied post-release showed that optimising the timing of release reduced Bd infection rates and increased survival. Radio-tracking was utilised with geographic profiling to determine that release site water bodies were likely sources of Bd infection in reintroduced mountain chickens. This could inform targeted mitigation of the pathogen and improve future reintroduction success. Where species have been extirpated in the wild, and an irreversible threat such as an EID persists, novel reintroduction strategies are required. These include optimising the timing and conditions of release in order to minimise the impact of the threat along with targeted mitigation measures such as individual level treatments.

Thesis (M.Eng.)(Chemical Engineering)--University of Pretoria, 2006.
Accompanied by a CD-ROM: Appendix B. Cooling tower model results. Includes bibliographical references. Available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

The functional hydrological components of the ombrotrophic mire water balance are, considered in terms of their ecological relevance. It is proposed that numerical models provide a suitable framework for mire hydro-systems and their potential as quantitative tools for mire restoration and conservation management is demonstrated. Existing models previously applied to mires are reviewed. The USGS 3-D groundwater model MODFLOW is selected and a new shallow surface and groundwater model GSHAW5 is developed for application to mires. Extensive ecohydrological case studies are undertaken at two mire sites and the models are tested using data collected at the sites. Field studies at Wedholme Flow, Cumbria, extended over four years and the data collected were combined with historical records to form a 10-year hydrological data set. Studies at Trough End Bog, Northumbria, extended over a 3-year period. Topographic, soil and vegetation surveys were carried out at both sites. Watertable fluctuation was recorded manually on a weekly basis and electronically at a 20-minute interval along with automatic meteorological records. New hydrometric techniques were developed in the Surface Water Monitoring Plot, SWaMP, constructed at Trough End to record hydrological exchanges within the hummock-hollow complex of the mire acrotelm. The models operate on very different spatial and temporal scales. GSHAW5 is applied to reproduce ground and surface exchanges in the acrotel. MODFLOW is used to simulate large-scale exchanges in undisturbed areas and between regenerating and active peat cutting areas. Predictive MODFLOW simulations are used to examine the impact of different peat cutting regimes on mire hydrology and potential regeneration. Both models produce simulations strongly correlated to observed hydrological exchanges. The usefulness of numerical models as tools for mire management is considered in light of the model test results from both case studies. It is concluded that both models provide insight and quantitative estimates of hydrological exchanges not possible by other means. MODFLOW simulations reveal considerable water loss from the Wedholme Flow mire reserve to an active peat cutting area. Simulations of Trough End bog reveal hydrological acrotelm processes strongly related to vegetation assemblages. An extensified GSHAW5 acrotelm model is recommended for the simulation of intact ombrotrophic mires.

This thesis examines the history of groundwater management through the development of groundwater conservation districts in Texas. Political, economic, ideological, and scientific understandings of groundwater and its regulation varied across the state, as did the natural resource types and quantities, which created a diverse and complicated position for lawmakers and landowners. Groundwater was consistently interpreted as a private property right and case law protected unrestricted use for the majority of the twentieth-century even as groundwater resources crossed property and political boundaries, and water tables declined particularly during the second-half of the century. The case study of the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District describes the complicated history of groundwater in Texas as the state attempted to balance natural resource legislation and private property rights and illuminate groundwater’s importance for the future.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is a shift by conservation authorities in post-apartheid South Africa away from management strategies based on law enforcement towards strategies aimed at facilitating local community participation in the management of natural resources. South African National Parks has established community forums in order to facilitate better communication with the communities neighbouring it parks, especially around issues of natural resource consumption. However, at its largest Park, the Kruger National Park, a pervasive miscommunication between the Park and the communities appears to exist despite the ongoing activities of its forums. This study attempted to identify what miscommunication, if any, was occurring between three groups of participants in the Conservation Discourse related to the Kruger National Park environment. The participants were (i) South African National Parks (SANParks) conservation managers, (ii) Kruger Park community outreach officials, and, (iii) members of local communities settled on the borders of the Kruger Park. Specifically, the study was interested in how different perceptions of various participants, who also represent different cultural communities, were foregrounded in relation to different communicative goals. It is suggested that an understanding of where the different Discourses diverge can help identify where possible misunderstandings are occurring which may be resulting in communicative problems. My primary research questions were: (1) how do different communities of practice take part in and construct Conservation Discourse related to the Kruger Parks conservation goals, in particular, those related to the use of natural resources; and, (2) how do members of at least three interest groups construct their own identities in relation to conservation matters in the course of various discursive events where SANParks conservation programmes, particularly those related to the use of natural resources, are topicalised. My assumption was that the Parks conservation officers would have a common Conservation Discourse, and that the local communities would have a common discourse but one which deviates entirely from that of the Parks. From 23 September 2008, I conducted three semi-structured interviews with the Parks conservation officers, I was an observer of a Park departmental meeting as well as a Park Forum, and I conducted a focus group with eight members from one of the local communities. This approach enabled me to collect data from a number of different types of communicative events in order to collate a multidimensional picture of the complete Discourse on Conservation. A number of different Conservation Discourses were identified, some of which present significant discrepancies, and which, as in the case of the two of the departments, may be contributing towards what appears to be a serious breakdown in communication. The communities show that while they are supportive of the populist concept of nature conservation, they are completely unaware of the Parks conservation policies. This lack of awareness indicates a failure of the existing communication between the Park and its neighbouring communities despite the Park Forums having been set-up. Finally, the different discourses also appear to be resulting in misunderstandings and feelings of animosity between the different participants.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In post-apartheid Suid-Afrika beweeg bewaringsliggame weg van bestuurstrategieë wat op wetstoepassing gebaseer is, na strategieë wat daarop gemik is om die plaaslike gemeenskap se deelname in die bestuur van natuurlike hulpbronne, te fasiliteer. Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Parke het gemeenskapsforums in die lewe geroep om beter kommunikasie met die gemeenskappe wat aan sy parke grens, te bewerkstellig, veral rakende kwessies rondom die verbruik van natuurlike hulpbronne. By die grootse Park, te wete die Kruger Nasionale Wildtuin, kom dit egter voor asof miskommunikasie endemies is tussen die Park en sy aangrensende inheemse gemeenskappe, ten spyte van die forums se aktiwiteite. Hierdie studie het nagegaan watter miskommunikasie, indien enige, tussen drie groepe deelnemers aan die Bewaringsdiskoerse rondom die Krugerpark, plaasgevind het. Die deelnemers was (i) Suid- Afrikaanse Nasionale Parke (SANParke)-bewaringsbestuurders, (ii) Krugerpark Gemeenskapsuitreikbeamptes, en (iii) lede van plaaslike gemeenskappe wat op die grense van Krugerpark gevestig is. Die studie het spesifiek gekyk na hoe verskillende persepsies van die onderskeie deelnemers, wat ook verskillende kulturele gemeenskappe verteenwoordig, in die diskoerse op die voorgrond geplaas is afhangende van verskillende kommunikatiewe doelwitte. Daar word voorgestel dat begrip van waar die verskillende diskoerse uiteenloop, kan help om te identifiseer waar moontlike misverstande wat tot kommunikasie-probleme lei, ontstaan. My primêre navorsingsvrae was: (1) hoe neem verskillende gemeenskappe wat rondom gedeelde praktyke gevestig is deel aan Bewaringsdiskoerse wat die Krugerpark se bewaringsoogmerke (en veral daardie oogmerke wat met die gebruik van natuurlik hulpbronne te make het) en hoe konstrueer hulle daardie Diskoerse; en (2) hoe konstrueer lede van ten minste drie belangegroepe hul eie identiteite vis à vis bewaringskwessies in die loop van verskeie diskursiewe gebeurtenisse waar SANParke se bewaringsprogramme, veral daardie wat met die gebruik van natuurlike hulpbronne te doen het, bespreek word. My aanname was dat die Park se bewaringsbeamptes 'n gemeenskaplike Bewaringsdiskoers sou hê, en dat die plaaslike gemeenskappe 'n gemeenskaplike Diskoers sou hê wat heeltemal van die Park s'n verskil. Ek het van 23 September 2008 drie semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met die Park se bewaringsbeamptes gevoer, ek was 'n nie-deelnemende waarnemer by een van die Park se departementele vergaderings asook by 'n Park Forum, en ek het 'n fokusgroep met agt lede van een van die plaaslike gemeenskappe gelei. Hierdie benadering het my daartoe in staat gestel om data van verskeie tipes kommunikatiewe gebeurtenisse in te samel, om sodoende 'n multi-dimensionele beeld van die volledige Bewaringsdiskoers saam te stel. 'n Aantal verskillende Bewaringsdiskoerse is geïdentifiseer, waarvan party noemenswaardige diskrepansies toon en wat, soos in die geval van die twee departemente, moontlik bydra tot wat lyk na 'n ernstige breuk in kommunikasie. Die gemeenskappe toon dat, hoewel hulle die algemene konsep van natuurbewaring ondersteun, hulle heeltemal onbewus is van die Park se formele bewaringsbeleid. Hierdie gebrek aan 'n bepaalde soort bewussyn dui op mislukking van die bestaande kommunikasiestrukture tussen die Park en aangrensende gemeenskappe, ten spyte van die instelling van die Park Forums. Uiteindelik blyk dit dat die verskillende Diskoerse ook lei tot misverstande en gevoelens van vyandiggesindheid tussen die verskillende deelnemers.

The bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act primarily because of the loss and degradation of its specialized wetland habitat. Adequate nesting habitat may be a limiting factor for bog turtle recovery, and nesting habitat creation or expansion may be an effective conservation tool but only if managers understand nesting behaviors, habitat requirements, and threats to nest success. The objective of this study was to understand the nesting ecology of the bog turtle and to use this information to suggest improvements to bog turtle management. I used radio telemetry to locate nesting females. I then used nest location and maternal genetic microsatellite data to investigate nest-site fidelity and natal homing. I collected microhabitat data at each nest and random points in both spring and fall at three spatial scales to understand nest-site selection. I also studied nest success with and without predator excluder cages to determine if predator excluders reduced predation or altered nest conditions. I found evidence that females display nest-site fidelity to nest-site areas but no evidence for natal homing. Bog turtles nested in relatively small patches of habitat in close proximity to water or saturated soil with low densities of woody stems and low percent cover of woody vegetation, forbs, and ferns. Predator excluders reduced predation by ∼40% while having no effect on nest temperatures, incubation periods, or underlying (disregarding predation) nest success. Given the results of this research, I conclude that the creation of new nesting areas could be a viable conservation tool, as females do not always return to the same nest-site area. Managers should create or maintain small patches of open-canopy habitat with reduced woody vegetation in areas that have consistent moisture from spring to fall. Increasing the availability of nesting areas may eventually lead to increases in recruitment, but if predation pressures are high, managers should also deploy predator excluders. This is the first study to examine the behavioral drivers of bog turtle nest-site selection and the efficacy of predator excluders on bog turtle nests.

Grass-roots conservation efforts, implemented at the local level, have become increasingly popular within the U.S. and abroad. The conservation and natural resource literature has touted these initiatives as more effective when compared to top-down management efforts. As localities are given more responsibility for managing their own natural resources, their ability to do so effectively has become a major concern. I sought to determine the capacity of these community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) groups to contribute to successful ecosystem management in the state of Illinois, with three primary objectives: to determine the primary components of capacity within a CBNRM organization (chapter 2); to identify the relationship between the levels of capacity in a CBNRM organization and the quality of natural resource management planning conducted by the group (chapter 3); and, to evaluate the effects of resource management plans (RMPs) produced by CBNRM groups on the ecological integrity of the prescribed area. This multi-disciplinary project necessitated reliance on the principles of both sociology and ecology, as required by explorations of socio-ecological systems. This dissertation is an attempt to model the success of CBNRM initiatives by examining changes in ecological integrity and attainment of conservation goals. It is my intent that this model can be used by CBNRM groups in Illinois and other contexts to best meet their goals, and by organizations seeking to assist CBNRM groups as an investment guide to determine what type of assistance is most likely to lead to environmental change. I found motivation, leadership, respect, mutual interest/shared values, outreach/education, marketing, communication, planning, funding and equipment/supplies were the most important drivers of CBNRM group capacity. Additionally, my results show that capacity varied significantly among groups with low, moderate and high RMP success, and that group capacity was predictive of the degree of RMP success. Lastly, I found bird indicators increased, especially at the 7-8 year post-RMP mark, providing some evidence of the utility of CBNRM initiatives in affecting positive environmental change.

Since pastoralism began in Australia???s rangelands, the number of artificial watering points (AWPs) has increased dramatically, such that today, few areas of rangeland are further than 10 km from water. This increased availability of water has caused many ecological impacts. Unfortunately, such impacts are poorly understood in the context of an Australian conservation reserve, thus hindering strategic management. This study examined the spatial distribution of vertebrate (kangaroos, small mammals, lizards and avifauna) and vegetative variables around open AWPs as well as AWPs that have been closed since pastoralism (sheep-grazing) ceased nearly thirty years ago in Sturt National Park, arid New South Wales. The study also examined vertebrate use of AWPs, with a particular emphasis on kangaroos and avifauna. The study revealed that most variables showed few differences in spatial distribution with distance from open and closed AWPs, thus suggesting that the observed piospheric impacts were primarily attributable to historical sheep-grazing. Indeed, piospheric patterns were weak suggesting some recovery over the last thirty years. That kangaroos did not exhibit water-focused grazing is no surprise, since despite their regular use of AWPs, particularly during hot, dry times, the current spatial arrangement of AWPs facilitates regular travel to, and from, such resources allowing kangaroos, like much other fauna, to distribute themselves in relation to food and shelter preferences rather than in relation to water supply. In contrast, the majority of avifaunal groups (excluding ground-dwelling species) were clustered around open AWPs, often irrespective of season, because of food and water requirements. Such spatial concentrations of avifauna are thought to cause a range of interspecific effects. Experimental AWP closure and GIS modelling showed that whilst closure of AWPs will increase the average distance to water, which will have key benefits, the majority of areas in Sturt National Park would still be accessible to most water-dependent species even if all unused AWPs were closed. Strategic retention of AWPs to replace water sources lost since European settlement, aid threatened and migratory species??? conservation and enhance nature-based tourism opportunities is thus recommended and an example of a strategic management and monitoring plan outlined.

Growing populations and industrialized agriculture practices have eradicated much of the United States wetlands along river floodplains. One program available for the restoration of floodplains is the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The current research explores the effects CRP land change has on flooding zones, utilizing Flood Modeller and HEC-RAS. Modelling in both one-dimensional and two-dimensional approaches were tested and analyzed for the same river reach. Flood Modeller is proven a viable tool for flood modeling within the United States when compared to HEC-RAS. Application of the software is used in the Nodaway River system located in the western halves of Iowa and Missouri, to model the effects of introducing new forest areas within the region. Flood stage during the conversion first decreases in the early years, before rising to produce greater heights. Flow velocities where CRP land is present are reduced for long-term scopes. Velocity reduction occurs as the Manning’s roughness values increase due to tree diameter and brush density. Flood zones become more widespread with the implementation of CRP. Comparing one-dimensional and two-dimensional flood mapping zones, the two-dimensional model shows less inundation. CRP land cover effects evolve over time, with the greatest impact appearing at the end of the contract.

Historically, the governance streams of fisheries and conservation management have run separately to one another, with little attempt at integration despite their similar goals. Efforts to integrate the two have increased as a result of their similarities and the potential benefits that may arise, but a requirement for additional research was identified to determine the effectiveness of this approach. This thesis therefore took an interdisciplinary approach, seeking to combine knowledge and methods from ecological, social and economic disciplines to provide a holistic evaluation of the potential for success. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were chosen as a management tool to evaluate for this purpose. Ecological research used underwater video methods to show that potting may be compatible with the conservation objectives of a multi-use MPA, but that this will depend on the level of impact and what is deemed ‘acceptable’ by regulators. An evaluation of social acceptance of MPAs using Q methodology stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and transparency in decision making. Stakeholder acceptance can be facilitated by provision of clear evidence of the need for management, and of the benefits it may bring. Economic research evaluated the potential economic benefits of multi-use MPAs through quantification of change in quantity and value of landings for potting fisheries finding landings increased following MPA implementation. Finally, the thesis considered the effectiveness of ecosystem based fisheries management using a questionnaire designed to gather the opinions of stakeholders. This highlighted the potential role of co-management and the value of the ecosystem approach and emphasised the need for responsive, adaptive management which considers all stakeholders and all three disciplines. Overall the thesis highlighted the strength of taking an interdisciplinary approach, finding that whilst there is evidence for successful integration seen through designation of well managed multi-use MPAs, success may be limited by fundamental differences in the goals of the two streams. Further success may be facilitated by increased evidence for the benefits of integration for both governance streams, and provision of adequate resources to ensure management measures are reactive and adaptive.

Environmental degradation is accelerating worldwide, yet environmental conservation remains limited by funding. Tackling this limitation requires not only absolute increases in funding, but improved prioritisation of actions. On a global scale island ecosystems are of high priority, with invasive species one of their most significant threats. In this thesis I investigate prioritisation of invasive grazing species control, incorporating ecological, economic, and social concerns, on the island of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. To enable the trade-off of potential grazer control options for their ecological impacts I modelled the relationship between of grazer density and vegetation, and watershed vegetation and the coral reef. I found negative relationships for goat and pig grazing with grass presence, and for donkey grazing with ground cover. Coral cover below 10m showed a positive relationship to ground cover, and, surprisingly, a negative relationship to tree biomass. Because conservation action is most likely to be sustainable when connected to funding, I conducted choice experiments with SCUBA divers, which estimated a positive willingness to pay for reef health improvements achieved using terrestrial grazer control. Through communication with local policy makers and practitioners I identified three options for grazer control, eradication, population reduction, or fencing, and estimated costs and social acceptability for each option. Though the ecological models predicted eradication to have the highest impacts on the terrestrial and marine ecosystem, lower costs and higher social acceptability identified fencing as the most suitable option for grazer control on Bonaire in the short term, with the potential to be funded through a fee on SCUBA divers. Through linking ecological, economic, and social considerations within a real world conservation context I illustrate the importance of looking beyond only ecological improvements when prioritising conservation action. This research is directly applicable to policy and practise on Bonaire.

Includes bibliographical references.
The African penguin is a southern African endemic, with its breeding distribution within the Benguela Upwelling Ecosystem. The IUCN conservation status of this species was re-classified from ‘Vulnerable’ to ‘Endangered’ in 2010. This thesis investigated some aspects pertinent to the species’ conservation and management. Time series of population estimates of African penguins and fish biomass were available in South Africa since the late 1980s. This study analysed the fish biomass at a stratum scale, which is a finer scale to that of previous studies which looked at biomass estimates as a whole. The strata range in length from c. 155 km to c. 280 km in length. The number of African penguin breeders and adult moulters were found to be positively correlated with fish biomass estimates, although results of the spatial relationships were unexpected. The islands which displayed the strongest relationships were Dassen Island and Robben Island. These islands are only c. 50 km apart, and it is expected that they would experience similar oceanographic conditions. However, the colonies at these islands were found to respond differently to fish biomass estimates. While the number of Dassen Island birds were found to be positively correlated with biomass estimates within the strata in which the island is found, the number of Robben Island birds were correlated with biomass estimates of the stratum to the south and east of the island. Weaker relationships were found for the remaining colonies. This study suggested that the period of moult is of critical importance to the survival of the penguin, an aspect that needs to be incorporated into the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries modelling.

Effectively managing wild populations requires drawing upon a range of skills from multiple scientific disciplines. Given the current biodiversity crisis the world now faces, developing these skills is a high priority in conservation science. Improving the success of species recovery programmes and sustaining them requires adopting the correct monitoring regime and implementing suitable restorative tools. To then evaluate their effectiveness and adjust methods accordingly is fundamental to ensuring continued success. The principal aim of this study has been to explore key approaches to conservation practice and their suitability for the management of the Mauritius (echo) parakeet, once considered the rarest parrot in the world. Nearly 25 years after intensive recovery efforts were initiated, their conservation is entering a new phase that looks toward a long-term strategy of minimal management. Achieving this requires a basic knowledge of the population’s demography and an assessment of the demographic response to management actions and infectious disease, knowledge which to date, has remained limited Accurately estimating demographic rates is a cornerstone to assessing the impact of management strategies or environmental conditions. Capture-mark-recapture (CMR) data plays an important role in this, but the accuracy of multistate models used to interpret such data is well debated when a species’ life history includes unobservable states. My analysis explored such potential inaccuracies and found that for the echo parakeets at least, unobservable multistate models led to biased estimates of vital rates and excluded important information regarding transitions between states. Combining the extensive CMR data with detailed breeding records, I explored the demographic impact of supplementary feeding (SF), a widely employed conservation tool but one often reporting varied responses from target populations. This study quantified the positive impact that SF has had on fecundity rates, which no doubt played a key role in the population’s growth. However, further work as part of this study also revealed that SF exacerbated the negative impact of an outbreak of psittacine beak and feather disease. I explore the extent of the outbreak and its demographic impact during and after its emergence in the echo population, and discuss the value of my findings in the context of the growing global threat of emerging infectious disease. The findings from my research provide a basis of vital information that could support evidence-based adaptations to the current management programme. Understanding the influence of management strategies will lead management toward better targeting and more efficient use of resources that will ultimately help to ensure the long term survival of the echo parakeet.

In the last decade, the use of molecular markers revealing polymorphism at DNA level has played an increasing role in animal genetic and population studies. Amongst others, microsatellites have become the most widely employed markers, due to their easy use and to their high polymorphism that provides a large degree of information. Molecular markers are interesting and useful tools to assess genetic variability of species, breeds and populations, to infer population structure, to estimate genetic distances between breeds and individuals and also to define traceability methods for the identification of the origin of animal products for human consumption, a particularly important issue considering the widespread consumer demand for food safety. They are essential for the construction of genetic and physical maps and are increasingly used to assist selection and conservation plans. Moreover, they allow paternity and maternity tests, which can be a valid support to check genealogic information. Recently, molecular genetic markers have found wide application in the study of the interaction between landscape features and gene flow in natural populations. The first part of this thesis is aimed to apply an individual-based approach, with a panel of 25 microsatellites developed for roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), to examine the genetic structure of a natural roe deer population distributed over the the provinces of Trento and Belluno (north-esastern Italy. Georeferenced samples from a total of 657 roe deer, harvested in the hunting seasons 2003-2004 (for the samples of Belluno), and 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 (for the samples of Trento) were used.The results showed a significant heterozygosity deficit. The application of a Bayesian statistical approach, using the STRUCTURE and GENELAND programs, detected the presence of seven spatially separated subpopulations. The identification of hypothetical barriers was carried out by principal component analysis (PCA) using the software SURFER. The second part of the thesis is an application of the discipline “landscape genetics” assess whether the main landscape features that can be assumed as being relevant for roe deer ecology are associated with gene flow boundaries between subunits and with gene flow within subunits. Pairwise inter individual genetic distances (ar) were calculated with GENEPOP. To consider spatial and landscape distances between each pair of individuals, we calculated the Euclidean distance (the length of the straight line that connects one individual to another) and a “least cost distance” (the trajectory that maximizes the use of wooded corridors). To take into account other landscape features, we assigned a relative cost to each distance, which varied according to the proportion of potential obstacles to roe deer movement (high elevation areas, open areas, and urban areas). Finally, we analyzed, within each subpopulation, the correlation between pairwise genetic distances and the various geographic distances using Mantel test and Partial Mantel Test. The results showed that linear and least cost distances were correlated with gene flow in almost all populations, with slightly better values for least cost distances. Correlations improved when distances were weighed for land use and morphology costs, confirming that the assumed landscape features have an incidence on landscape connectivity for roe deer. In addition, the results suggested a difference in gene flow between males and females, although this indication should be better explored with a larger females sample. In conclusion, this approach is certainly very promising for studying the genetic and spatial structure of wild animal populations, and for identifying landscape features limiting gene flow. In the specific case of the studied roe deer population, the results obtained can help in devising ecologically meaningful management units and in understanding the species movement patterns-habitat features at a landscape scale. The increasing availability of specific GIS tools and and geographic databases, and the expected analytical improvements and cost reduction for molecular genetic markers, the applications of landscape genetics can certainly expand and provide information on microevolutionary processes and patterns of movement of wild animal populations
Nell’ultimo decennio, l’uso di marcatori molecolari in grado di rilevare polimorfismi a livello del DNA ha acquisito sempre maggiore importanza nella genetica e nello studio delle popolazioni animali. I microsatelliti sono i più diffusamente impiegati, per la loro facilità d’impiego e il loro elevato polimorfismo, che li rende altamente informativi. I marcatori sono strumenti interessanti ed utili per evidenziare la variabilità genetica di specie, razze e popolazioni, per indagare la struttura delle popolazioni, per determinare distanze genetiche fra razze e individui e anche per la definizione di metodi di tracciabilità genetica al fine di identificare l’origine di prodotti animali destinati all’uomo, questione di particolare importanza data l’esigenza oramai diffusa di sicurezza da parte del consumatore. Essi sono decisivi per la costruzione di mappe genetiche e fisiche e sono sempre più studiati e impiegati a sostegno dei piani di selezione e conservazione. Consentono inoltre l’applicazione di test di paternità e maternità, e possono quindi contribuire al controllo delle informazioni genealogiche. L’obiettivo generale di questo lavoro è stato l’applicazione dell’analisi con microsatelliti ad una popolazione naturale di capriolo distribuita sul territorio delle province di Trento e Belluno, con l’individuazione di nuclei di sottopopolazioni da poter, eventualmente, utilizzare a fini gestionali. Infine, è stata condotta un’indagine sull’interazione fra le caratteristiche del paesaggio e la struttura genetica delle (sotto)popolazioni di capriolo identificate. Il primo contributo sperimentale comprende la messa a punto di un panel di 25 marcatori molecolari microsatellite per il capriolo (Capreolus capreolus) e la sua applicazione per l’identificazione della struttura genetica della popolazione di capriolo nelle province di Trento e Belluno, nelle Alpi orientali. La popolazione di capriolo è stata caratterizzata geneticamente per stabilire il livello di diversità genetica e per ricercare evidenze di un’eventuale strutturazione interna. Sono stati analizzati 657 campioni provenienti da capi abbattuti nelle province di Trento e Belluno nel corso delle stagioni venatorie 2003-2004 (per i campioni di Belluno) 2007-2008 e 2008-2009 (per i campioni di Trento). La caratterizzazione genetica effettuata sul campione analizzato ha dimostrato un forte deficit di eterozigosi. Sono stati applicati diversi approcci statistici per l’identificazione di eventuali sottopopolazioni e per l’identificazione di ipotetiche barriere. L’applicazione di un approccio statistico di tipo Bayesiano, utilizzando i software STRUCTURE e GENELAND, ha consentito di rilevare la presenza di sette sottopopolazioni, spazialmente separate, nell’intera area di studio. L’identificazione di ipotetiche barriere è stata effettuata tramite l’analisi delle componenti principali (PCA), utilizzando il software SURFER. Il secondo contributo sperimentale rappresenta un’applicazione della disciplina denominata “landscape genetics”, che consiste nello studio dell’interazione fra le caratteristiche del paesaggio e processi microevolutivi quali il flusso genico, la deriva genetica e la selezione. L’associazione fra struttura genetica e conformazione del territorio è stata quindi ulteriormente approfondita nel tentativo di identificare le variabili che hanno un ruolo maggiore nell’influenzare il flusso genico. Sono state calcolate tra ogni coppia di individui due tipi di distanze geografiche: la distanza euclidea (la lunghezza della linea retta che unisce un individuo ad un altro) e la distanza di minimo costo (la traiettoria che massimizza l'utilizzo dei corridoi di bosco per spostarsi da un luogo ad un altro). Sono state, successivamente, calcolate entro ciascuna popolazione le correlazioni fra le matrici di distanza genetica ottenute con GENEPOP e le corrispondenti matrici di distanze geografiche utilizzando due approcci statistici, il Mantel test e il Partial Mantel test. Queste correlazioni sono state verificate andando a considerare vari modelli del paesaggio, che hanno preso in considerazione diversi parametri quali la presenza di bosco, la presenza di insediamenti urbani, ecc. I risultati hanno dimostrato che tutte queste variabili incidono sulla connettività della popolazione. E’ stato messo in rilievo, inoltre, un differente impatto della struttura del territorio sui due sessi. Purtroppo, l'esiguo numero totale di femmine disponibili per ogni sotto-popolazione ha impedito un'adeguata analisi di questi sotto-campioni e il suo confronto con gli altri.. In conclusione, i risultati di questo lavoro hanno messo in luce, entro un’area geograficamente abbastanza limitata, l’esistenza di 7 sottopopolazioni di capriolo spazialmente separate che possono essere la base per la definizione di unità di gestione su base ecologica e non amministrativa. Inoltre, hanno fornito indicazioni a scala di paesaggio sulle relazioni fra la specie e l’uso e la morfologia del suolo. Da un punto di vista generale, inoltre, possiamo concludere che questo approccio è sicuramente molto promettente sia per studiare la struttura genetica e spaziale, e quindi evolutiva, delle popolazioni di animali selvatici, sia per affrontare con un criterio innovativo le relazioni fauna-ambiente. Il campionamento, se si tratta di specie cacciabili, è semplice e con costi modesti si possono ottenere numerosità consistenti. La possibilità di georeferenziare la localizzazione del singolo campione e di descrivere l’ambiente con strumenti di tipo GIS permette poi di collegare le informazioni genetiche a quelle ambientali e spaziali. Con l’ormai consolidata disponibilità di software GIS e basi cartografiche approfondite, e con la prevedibile diminuzione dei costi e l’affinamento delle indagini sui marcatori genetici molecolari, le applicazioni di landscape genetics potranno certamente estendersi e fornire indicazioni sulla storia recente, sugli scambi genetici e sulla dipendenza dai fattori ambientali delle popolazioni selvatiche.

Thesis (MScConEcol)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Reductionism, an approach to understanding complex systems based on reducing the system to its individual components and the interactions between these components, is the linear and rigid approach to traditional management and research that allows us to understand complicated systems. Yet its application to complex systems has likely added to the degradation of social-ecological systems. In recognition of this, there is currently a shift to holism: the concept that a system is greater than the sum of its components and that the system has emergent properties that are only present through the complex interactions of the whole system. The inclusion of this natural complexity within social-ecological systems is thought to promote resilience – the ability of a system to absorb shock and thus promote sustainability. However, these concepts are largely theoretical and few examples exist that demonstrate ways of transferring them to pragmatic land management. Holistic ManagementTM (HM) could potentially be such a working example. It is a decision-making framework that provides a holistic context for the adaptive management of natural resources. However, limited peer-reviewed research has been applied to this potential to promote sustainability. Thus the current study aimed to address this apparent gap by determining if HM land managers were a distinct group from non-HM (NHM) land managers in regards to their management practices and if HM land managers had a greater adaptive capacity (the management of resilience) than non-HM land managers. The study was conducted in a community of livestock farmers in the arid rangelands of the Karoo, South Africa. Data were mainly gathered through face-to-face interviews with land managers – including 20 self-defined HM land managers and 20 self-defined NHM land managers. To compare the reported management approaches of land managers, two scoring systems were developed. The HM Adoption Index measured the extent to which participants were aligned with key principles and practices of HM (including having a holistic goal, testing decisions, applying the Holistic Planned Grazing, demonstrating continuous learning and innovation). The Adaptive Capacity Index measured the extent to which participants demonstrated key traits of adaptive capacity as identified from the literature. In addition, participants were also asked to describe the strategies they apply to deal with local livestock farming challenges including parasite control, predation management and drought management. A significant difference was found between HM and NHM land managers for both the HM Adoption Index and Adaptive Capacity Index (p<0.01). The majority of HM land managers adopted ―true holistic and ―adaptive management practices (80%) while NHM land managers were mostly ―semi holistic and ―coping (65%). HM land managers also notably tended to report more innovative and environmentally aware methods in dealing with farming challenges and were more likely to be part of study groups which build social capital and promote social learning. Results imply that HM provides a framework that introduces holistic principles to land management, making the holistic context and resilience accessible to individual managers for practical day-to-day decision-making.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Reduksie, 'n benadering om komplekse sisteme te verstaan deur om die sisteme te besnoei tot sy individuele komponente en interaksies tussen die komponente, is die liniêre en rigiede benadering tot tradisionele bestuur en navorsing. Dit laat ons toe om komplekse sisteme te verstaan. Tog het die toepassing van reduksie op komplekse sisteme waarskynlik bygedra tot die degradasie van sosiaal-ekologiese sisteme. In herkenning van laasgenoemde is daar tans 'n skuif na holisme: die konsep dat 'n sisteem groter is as die somtotaal van al sy komponente en dat die sisteem voortkomende eienskappe het wat net navorekom deur die komplekse interaksies van die sisteem. Die insluiting van die natuurlike kompleksiteit binne sosiaal-ekologiese sisteme bevorder moontlik weerstandigheid; die vermoë van 'n sisteem om 'n skok te absorbeer en so volhoubaarheid te bevorder. Hierdie konsepte is egter meestal teoreties en min voorbeelde bestaan wat metodes demonstreer om die konsepte oor te dra na pragmatiese grondbestuur. Holistiese BestuurTM (HB) kan moontlik so 'n werkende voorbeeld wees. Dit is 'n raamwerk vir besluitvorming wat 'n holistiese konteks verskaf vir die aanpasbare bestuur van natuurlike hulpbronne. Daar is min eweknie-hersiende navorsing wat HB se potensiaal om volhoubaarheid te bevorder ondersoek. Dus het die huidige studie beoog om die gaping aan te spreek deur te bepaal of HB praktiseerders onderskei kan word van 'n groep van nie-HB (NHB) praktiseerders in terme van bestuurspraktyke en of HB praktiseerders 'n groter aanpasbaarheid (die bestuur van weerstandigheid) toon as NHB praktiseerders. Die studie het plaasgevind in 'n gemeenskap van veeboere in die dorre veld van die Karoo, Suid Afrika. Data was versamel deur aangesig tot aangesig onderhoude met grondbestuurders; 20 self-geïdentifiseerde HB praktiseerders en 20 self-geïdentifiseerde NHB praktiseerders. Twee puntestelsels is ontwikkel om die gerapporteerde benaderings van grondbestuurders te vergelyk. Die HB Toepassing Puntelys het gemeet tot watter mate 'n deelnemer inskakel met die kern beginsels van HB (insluitend om 'n holistiese doelwit te hê, om besluite te toets, om Holistiese Beplande BewydingTM toe te pas en om 'n voortsetting van leer en innovasie te demonstreer). Die Aanpasbaarheid Puntelys het gemeet tot watter mate 'n deelnemer die kern kenmerke van aanpasbaarheid, soos geïdentifiseer in literatuur, demonstreer. Bykomend was deelnemers ook gevra om die strategieë te beskryf wat hulle toepas om die uitdagings van plaaslike veeboerdery tegemoed te kom insluitend die beheer van parasiete, die bestuur van roofdiere en die bestuur tydens droogtes. 'n Betekenisvolle verskil was gevind tussen HB en NHB praktiseerders vir die HB Toepassing Puntelys en die Aanpasbaarheid Puntelys (p<0.01). Die meederheid van HB praktiseerders het ―ware holistiese en ―aanpasbare praktyke toegepas (80%) terwyl NHB praktiseerders se metodes meestal ―semi-holisties en ―korttermyn probleem hantering was (65%). HB praktiseerders het ook 'n waarneembare neiging gehad om innoverende en omgewingsbewuste metodes te rapporteer in verband met veeboerdery uitdagings en was meer waarskynlik deel van 'n studie groep wat sosiale kapitaal gebou en sosiale leer bevorder het. Die resultate het aangedui dat HB 'n raamwerk voorsien wat holistiese beginsels oordra na grondbestuur en so die holistiese konteks en weerstandigheid toeganklik maak vir die individuele bestuurder vir daaglikse praktiese besluitneming en toepassing.

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document
Dissertation (M Inst Agrar (Sustainable Ecological Development))--University of Pretoria, 2006.
Zoology and Entomology
unrestricted

This thesis analyses the integration of knowledge (disciplinary, expert and lay) in order to contribute to the understanding of how knowledge can be integrated for conservation.  Specifically, the thesis asks: a) how the knowledge of social and natural sciences can be integrated to better manage social-ecological systems; b) what the barriers are to integrating different types of knowledge; c) what the outcomes are of integrating different forms of knowledge; d) what type of participation can best sustain action; and e) how participation can improve adaptive capacity. In Chapter 3 the underlying philosophies of the social and natural sciences are mapped out and evaluated, demonstrating how taking one philosophical stance over another influences project methodology and outcome.  The mapping process may also benefit knowledge integration by enabling researchers to make their underlying assumptions explicit.  In Chapter 4 current cross-disciplinary research in conservation is analysed: results suggests more integrative research (interdisciplinary or trans-disciplinary) has a higher impact on practitioners whereas less integrative research has a higher impact on colleagues.  Using conservation case studies from England, Scotland and Wales, Chapters 5 and 6 investigate some claims made for participation in conservation.  Chapter 5 analyses the satisfaction of participants with implications for participant recruitment and retention. Chapter 6 evaluates how participation and how particular participatory approaches may influence participant learning.  Results indicate a strong link between the integration of participants and types of learning that are considered to build adaptive capacity. Findings indicate that the approach taken to integrating knowledge can directly affect who benefits from the research, methodological flexibility participant satisfaction and learning.

Thesis (MES)--University of Waterloo, 2003.
"A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies in Environment and Resource Studies." Includes bibliographical references.

Tanzania has exceptional wildlife, environment and natural resources. The traditional way of conserving nature and wildlife has been through parks and reserves. In the 1980’s community based conservation emerged as a resource management paradigm. Its premise was that giving local people a stake in wildlife would increase their incentive to conserve it. This would make wildlife an important engine of local economic development. The core elements in community based conservation projects concern development, conservation and sustainable land use. Its ambition both to improve conditions for the local communities and conserve wildlife seems like a win-win situation, but has this really been working that well when applied in the field? This study aims to review the Community Based Wildlife Management in Tanzania, exemplified by a case study in the Wildlife Management Area in Burunge, located in a migration corridor between two national parks. There has been much controversy surrounding community-based management projects. While gains for the local communities have not always been clear, gains for wildlife seem more evident. Both species numbers and individuals have increased, but at the same time there has also been increasing conflicts between locals and wildlife. This is a sign that the WMAs are only halfway to towards reaching their goal of improving conditions for both communities and wildlife. CBC stills seems like the way forwards, maybe in a modified form which allows more government control, but where local people’s rights are still respected.

Miami-Dade County implemented a series of water conservation programs, which included rebate/exchange incentives to encourage the use of high efficiency aerators (AR), showerheads (SH), toilets (HET) and clothes washers (HEW), to respond to the environmental sustainability issue in urban areas. This study first used panel data analysis of water consumption to evaluate the performance and actual water savings of individual programs. Integrated water demand model has also been developed for incorporating property’s physical characteristics into the water consumption profiles. Life cycle assessment (with emphasis on end-use stage in water system) of water intense appliances was conducted to determine the environmental impacts brought by each practice. Approximately 6 to 10 % of water has been saved in the first and second year of implementation of high efficiency appliances, and with continuing savings in the third and fourth years. Water savings (gallons per household per day) for water efficiency appliances were observed at 28 (11.1%) for SH, 34.7 (13.3%) for HET, and 39.7 (14.5%) for HEW. Furthermore, the estimated contributions of high efficiency appliances for reducing water demand in the integrated water demand model were between 5 and 19% (highest in the AR program). Results indicated that adoption of more than one type of water efficiency appliance could significantly reduce residential water demand. For the sustainable water management strategies, the appropriate water conservation rate was projected to be 1 to 2 million gallons per day (MGD) through 2030. With 2 MGD of water savings, the estimated per capita water use (GPCD) could be reduced from approximately 140 to 122 GPCD. Additional efforts are needed to reduce the water demand to US EPA’s “Water Sense” conservation levels of 70 GPCD by 2030. Life cycle assessment results showed that environmental impacts (water and energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions) from end-use and demand phases are most significant within the water system, particularly due to water heating (73% for clothes washer and 93% for showerhead). Estimations of optimal lifespan for appliances (8 to 21 years) implied that earlier replacement with efficiency models is encouraged in order to minimize the environmental impacts brought by current practice.