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  • ItemOpen Access
    The diet of an invasive crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1868), in Lake Kariba, inferred using stomach content and stable isotope analyses
    (Invasivenet, 2018-01-27) Marufu, Lighthouse T.; Dalu, Tatenda; Phiri, Crispen; Barson, Maxwell; Simango, Rutendo; Utete, Beaven; Nhiwatiwa, Tamuka
    The diet of an invasive crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens 1868), in Lake Kariba, was investigated using stomach content analysis (SCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA). The frequency of occurrence of macrophytes and detritus ranged between 63.6–97.1% and 20–45.5%, respectively, and the index of relative importance ranked these as the two most important food items across all size classes. Significant differences in the ranking of fish, macroinvertebrates and crayfish were found between size classes 29–37.9, 38–46.9 and 47–55.9 mm. Stomach content analysis showed 16% of crayfish stomachs were empty. Feeding intensity differed significantly between size classes and ranged from 3.46 to 5.21. Stable isotope analysis was done by comparing δ13C, δ15N and C/N ratios in crayfish muscle and potential dietary items in the lake. Macrophytes were the most dominant food item (57%), followed by macroinvertebrates (20%), then detritus, and finally fish and crayfish. Stable isotope analysis revealed that all crayfish size classes analysed were in the same trophic level. Nevertheless, while SCA showed high dietary overlap among all crayfish size classes (>65%), SIA showed that small crayfish (< 28.9mm) had limited overlap with large crayfish (> 56mm), with the former showing a higher proportion of macroinvertebrates in their diet. In Lake Kariba, C. quadricarinatus predominantly feeds on macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and detritus, which may bring about nutrient cycle alterations in the lake. Littoral habitat changes caused by the feeding characteristics of C. quadricarinatus might also lead to competition with, and eventual displacement of, some native littoral fishes in this lake
  • ItemOpen Access
    Intermediate predator naïveté and sex-skewed vulnerability predict the impact of an invasive higher predator
    (Springer Nature, 2018-09-18) Cuthbert, Ross N.; Dalu, Tatenda; Wasserman, Ryan J.; Dick, Jaimie T. A.; Mofu, Amanda Callaghan; Weyl, Olaf L. F.
    The spread of invasive species continues to reduce biodiversity across all regions and habitat types globally. However, invader impact prediction can be nebulous, and approaches often fail to integrate coupled direct and indirect invader effects. Here, we examine the ecological impacts of an invasive higher predator on lower trophic groups, further developing methodologies to more holistically quantify invader impact. We employ functional response (FR, resource use under different densities) and prey switching experiments to examine the trait- and density-mediated impacts of the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia affinis on an endemic intermediate predator Lovenula raynerae (Copepoda). Lovenula raynerae effectively consumed larval mosquitoes, but was naïve to mosquitofish cues, with attack rates and handling times of the intermediate predator unaffected by mosquitofish cue-treated water. Mosquitofish did not switch between male and female prey, consistently displaying a strong preference for female copepods. We thus demonstrate a lack of risk-reduction activity in the presence of invasive fish by L. raynerae and, in turn, high susceptibility of such intermediate trophic groups to invader impact. Further, we show that mosquitofish demonstrate sex-skewed predator selectivity towards intermediate predators of mosquito larvae, which may affect predator population demographics and, perversely, increase disease vector proliferations. We advocate the utility of FRs and prey switching combined to holistically quantify invasive species impact potential on native organisms at multiple trophic levels.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Mitochondrial genomes of African pangolins and insights into evolutionary patterns and phylogeny of the family Manidae
    (BioMed Central, 2017) Du Toit, Zelda; Du Plessis, Morne; Dalton, Desire R.; Jansen, Raymond; Grobler, J. Paul; Kotze, Antoinette
    Background: This study used next generation sequencing to generate the mitogenomes of four African pangolin species; Temminck’s ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii), giant ground pangolin (S. gigantea), white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and black-bellied pangolin (P. tetradactyla). Results: The results indicate that the mitogenomes of the African pangolins are 16,558 bp for S. temminckii, 16,540 bp for S. gigantea, 16,649 bp for P. tetradactyla and 16,565 bp for P. tricuspis. Phylogenetic comparisons of the African pangolins indicated two lineages with high posterior probabilities providing evidence to support the classification of two genera; Smutsia and Phataginus. The total GC content between African pangolins was observed to be similar between species (36.5% – 37.3%). The most frequent codon was found to be A or C at the 3rd codon position. Significant variations in GC-content and codon usage were observed for several regions between African and Asian pangolin species which may be attributed to mutation pressure and/or natural selection. Lastly, a total of two insertions of 80 bp and 28 bp in size respectively was observed in the control region of the black-bellied pangolin which were absent in the other African pangolin species. Conclusions: The current study presents reference mitogenomes of all four African pangolin species and thus expands on the current set of reference genomes available for six of the eight extant pangolin species globally and represents the first phylogenetic analysis with six pangolin species using full mitochondrial genomes. Knowledge of full mitochondrial DNA genomes will assist in providing a better understanding on the evolution of pangolins which will be essential for conservation genetic studies.
  • ItemOpen Access
    The complete mitogenome of a South African cryptic species of tadpole shrimp within the Triops granarius (Lucas, 1864) species group
    (Taylor & Francis, 2018-11-02) Gan, Han Ming; Wasserman, Ryan John; Dalu, Tatenda; Rogers, D, Christopher
    The complete mitochondrial genome of a cryptic species of tadpole shrimp from South Africa (Accession Number: MG770893) was recovered by low coverage shotgun sequencing. The mitogenome consists of 15,216 bp with a GC content of 30.95%. COX1 sequence alignment indicates that this specimen is the most closely related to Triops granarius with a pairwise nucleotide identity of less than 90% (86.6%). Phylogenetic analysis using whole mitogenome dataset supports its affiliation to the genus Triops with moderate support for its relatively basal position within the clade.
  • ItemOpen Access
    The complete mitochondrial genome of Africa's largest freshwater copepod, Lovenula raynerae
    (2018-11-18) Jooste, Candice M.; Emani-Khoyi, Arsalan; Gan, Hang Ming; Wasserman, Ryan J.; Dalu, Tatenda
    Lovenula raynerae is the largest known African freshwater copepod. To date, it has only been sampled from ephemeral freshwater ecosystems. This paper reports the complete mitochondrial genome of L. raynerae, which was found to be 14,365 bp long. Base composition of 33.5% base A, 19.3% base G, 34.6% base T, and 12.5% base C was found, with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. This paper contributes to an improved understanding of phylogenetic relationships in an important crustacean group
  • ItemOpen Access
    Animal taxa contrast in their scale-dependent responses to land use change in rural Africa
    (2018-05-08) Foord, Stefan Hendrik; Swanepoel, Lourens Hendrik; Evans, Steven Wiiliams; Schoeman, Colin Stephan; Erasmus, Barend Frederik N.; Schoeman, M. Corrie; Keith, Martin; Smith, Alain; Mauda, Evans Vusani; Maree, Naudene; Nembudani, Nkhumeleni; Dippenaar-Schoeman, Anna Sophia; Munyai, Thinandavha Caswell; Taylor, Peter John
    Human-dominated landscapes comprise the bulk of the world's terrestrial surface and Africa is predicted to experience the largest relative increase over the next century. A multi-scale approach is required to identify processes that maintain diversity in these landscapes. Here we identify scales at which animal diversity responds by partitioning regional diversity in a rural African agro-ecosystem between one temporal and four spatial scales. Human land use practices are the main driver of diversity in all seven animal assemblages considered, with medium sized mammals and birds most affected. Even the least affected taxa, bats and non-volant small mammals (rodents), responded with increased abundance in settlements and agricultural sites respectively. Regional turnover was important to invertebrate taxa and their response to human land use was intermediate between that of the vertebrate extremes. Local scale (< 300 m) heterogeneity was the next most important level for all taxa, highlighting the importance of fine scale processes for the maintenance of biodiversity. Identifying the triggers of these changes within the context of functional landscapes would provide the context for the long-term sustainability of these rapidly changing landscapes
  • ItemOpen Access
    The Dynamics on the Ecology of Pterocarpus angolensis DC
    (2018-01) Sadiki, T. S.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Potgieter, M. J.
    Pterocarpus angolensis is a tree species that is extensively used for its medicinal bark and good quality wood in South Africa. Its demand has resulted in some local extinctions in distribution area, leaving very few viable populations in natural areas. The current study was looked at the status of a pristine population located in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Data on population parameters such as basal stem circumferences, plant height, and crown health estimates were collected from 16 transects of 100 m x 5 m. Results showed a healthy population that displayed an inverse J-shaped curve as analysed from some of the parameters sampled. More individuals found within the 0-50 cm stem circumference size class is an indication of a population with a healthy base for recruitment. Most of trees were in the 6.1-8.0 m height class which is a sign of a population with a good number of individuals in fruits bearing stage. High levels of canopy damage are an area of concern, since it impacts on the vigour of the population. It is concluded that this is a healthy population of P. angolensis, which could serve as a source of propagules in re-forestation programmes. It is recommended that the population be closely monitored for any signs of human disturbance, which would negatively influence its health.
  • ItemOpen Access
    The Exploration of Indigenous Knowledge on Management of Magonono in Enhancing the Production of Crops in Thulamela Municipality
    (Adonis & Abbey Publishers, 2018-12) Nemakanga, R; Matshidze, P. E.; Jideani, A. I. O.; Tshisikhawe, P.
    Many flowering and fruit bearing plants are attacked by Magonono which feed mainly on flowers, with almost all flowering plants coming under attack, including roses and hibiscus as well as the flowers of vegetables like sunflower, sorghum, sweet potatoes, mangoes, beans, apples, pumpkin, alfalfa, beet, potato and tomato. Rose blooms can be partially or completely destroyed. Magonono also feed on the blossoms and fruit of stone-fruit and citrus and the aerial parts of green beans, especially the flowers, again causing considerable damage. At times, they cause lesions on fruit such as peaches as well as tomatoes when they are ripening, and sometimes the complete fruit is eaten. High numbers of Magonono can easily destroy a crop or reduce yields. Magonono can also cause lesions to fruit making it unmarketable. Special attention should be given to crops during flowering stage because it determines and affects the yield of the crop. During reproductive stages, there are lots of insects that linger around the beans because they are attracted by the flowers. Categories of these insects are pollinators such as bees and pests that feed on these flowers resulting to reduced production of the dry beans. Magonono are often known for their gregarious behaviour when attacking crops which can be catastrophic (Helm, 1992).
  • ItemOpen Access
    Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment of Securidaca Longerpedunculata (Polygalaceae)
    (2017) Tiawoun, M. A. P.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.
    Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (Polygalaceae) is a multipurpose tree valued for its medicinal uses in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Hence, it is threatened due to human pressure which affects its regeneration potential since it is uncultivated. This poses a challenge in efforts aimed at its conservation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the germination potential of Securidaca longepedunculata seeds which have a very low and erratic germination under natural conditions. Seeds were collected in Nylsvley Nature Reserve and a number of pre-treatments, namely seed coat removal, sulfuric acid, gibberellic acid, boiled water, cold water and control were tested for their efficiency to improve germination under field, laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The results showed that some of pre-treatments have a stimulating effects on seed germination and seedling growth. Removal of the seed coat resulted in the highest germination percentage. This pre-treatment gave 90% seed germination under greenhouse conditions, while it was 63.3% for those grown in the laboratory, whereas untreated seeds under field conditions showed 0% germination. Boiled and cold water pre-treatments did not improve seed germination. The average heights of seedlings from different pre-treatments ranged from 4.5 cm to 22 cm with the highest seedling (22 cm) obtained in seed pre-treated with 400mg/l of gibberellic acid. It is concluded that removal of the seed coat is the most effective pre-treatment
  • ItemOpen Access
    The population ecology of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa
    (Fyton, 2012) Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Baloyi, O.; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.; Bhat, R. B.
    Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen., commonly known as the violet tree, belongs to the family Polygalaceae. It is widely distributed in tropical Africa, Mozambique, as well as in the North- West and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. The Vhavenda people use the roots of this species as an aphrodisiac. The species is co-dominant in the savanna vegetation of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. This research looked at the ecology of the study species within the Nylsvley Nature Reserve because of its importance there. Understanding the population structure and environmental factors that impact on the species might help in assessing the population in urban areas. The population of the study species in the reserve displayed an adequate growth curve, when looking at its stem circumference and height-size classes. High intensity fires showed a negative effect on individuals of S. longepedunculata. Evidence of animals feeding on the roots at the study species was also recorded in the study.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Population biology of Elaeodendron transvaalense Jacq. in the presence of harvesting
    (Fyton, 2013-01-12) Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Van Rooyen, M. W.
    Elaeodendron transvaalense Jacq. is one of the medicinal plant species commonly used by people in the Venda region. The species is known to treat a variety of diseases. It is widely used and important to traditional healers. Because of this, it found its way into the muthi markets, and it is among the seven most commonly traded plant species in the Venda region. This study investigated the impact of bark harvesting on the population structure of this species. The study revealed that although the level of bark harvesting is high, the species is able to resist that stress since it is a fine-grained species. The population also showed the ability to regenerate as it exhibited an inverse J-shaped curve. The crown health status was generally good although some individuals, contributing 9% of the sample, had dead crowns, which are a cause for concern. A linear relationship was noticed between areas harvested and stem circumference, which is understandable considering the large surface area of harvestable bark on bigger individuals.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Review of extinction risk in African Cycads
    (Pyton, 2016) Bamigboye, S. O.; Tshisikhawe, P. M.; Taylor, P. J.
    Over a long period of time, cycads endemic to Africa have been facing high risk of extinction. Several conservation efforts have been made to reduce the risk of losing these highly endangered species. In this study we review the current risk of extinction of all African cycads species. We calculated the percentages of each category of species found in African cycads using the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) red list of threatened species 2014 version. We compared our result with that of Donaldson (2003) on percentages of different categories of IUCN for cycads in Africa which was carried out a decade ago. We also calculated the percentage of population trend in African cycads. When comparing these results, we discovered that over one decade there was no improvement in cycads conservation despite several conservation efforts that were made during this period. The results of the population trend also showed that the majority of African cycads are experiencing population decreases. These results highlight that the risk of extinction of African cycads is still very high and much conservation effort is still required to properly tackle ecological factors pushing these endangered species to extinction.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Population biology of Brackenridgea zanguebarica in the presence of harvesting
    (Academica Journals, 2012-12-03) Tshisikhawe, Milingoni P.; Van Rooyen, Margaretha W.
    Population biology studies play a major role in understanding the ecology of our highly utilized natural resources. Intense and frequent harvesting of bark from species with a high market demand often result in ring-barking of trees. The trees subsequently die, and the species becomes rare over time. Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv. is a species in demand not only because of its medicinal value but also because it is highly regarded for its magical value. The species has a limited distribution and is found only at Thengwe in the whole of South Africa. The population structure of the species was investigated and the response of the species to harvesting pressure evaluated in order to gain an understanding of its survival strategies. In spite of the high demand for the species it seems to be surviving the harvesting pressure. B. zanguebarica showed a healthy population structure with lots of seedlings. The adult individuals showed a very high degree of bark regeneration as a response to bark removal from medicine men. The inverse J-shaped curve showed that the population is healthy although sharp decreases between stem diameter size classes were observed. Fewer older individuals have healthy crown covers since crown health status tends to decrease with increase in stem diameter. It is therefore important to monitor the diameter size classes that are being impacted negatively by medicinal bark harvesting for the population to remain viable at all times.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Perceptions of traditional healers on the treatment of diarrhoea in Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa
    (INDILiNGA, 2014) Netshivhulana, Tshivhangwaho Austin; Masevhe, Ndivhaleni Anox; Tshisikhawe, Milingoni Peter; Samie, Amidou
    Diarrhoea illness has long been recognised as the cause of death of millions of people worldwide especially in developing countries (Nkwi, 1994). The disease is treated using western as well as traditional remedies. The knowledge of traditional healers and their practices can play an important role in building capacity to promote the appropriate home management of diarrhoea (Anokbonggo et al., 1990). Traditional healers around the world have different beliefs and understanding of diarrhoeal disease and its treatment. The aim of the project was to investigate the perception and concept of traditional healers on the treatment of diarrhoea in Vhembe district. Twenty traditional healers from two municipalities (Mutale and Thulamela) around Vhembe district were interviewed. Data was collected through interviews using questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with individuals in their own languages and later translated into English. According to Vhembe traditional healers, diarhoea is described as a disease which can lead to death as a result of excessive loss of water in a patient’s body through vomiting and frequent visits to a toilet. Symptoms of diarrhoea include vomiting, loss of weight, and change in appearance of skin, face and eyes. Traditional healers of Vhembe district have a better understanding of diarrhoeal diseases. They mention different categories of diarrhoeal diseases. There is a lack of information when it comes to the description of diarrhoeal illness’s on infants and children.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Medicinal plants used in the treatment of livestock diseases in Vhembe region, Limpopo province, South Africa
    (Academic Journals, 2013-03-10) Luseba, D.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.
    Traditional medicine (TM) is very important among Venda speaking people but the available literature does not cover the ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) uses. Open ended questions and group focus discussion were used to investigate the knowledge of EVM in the region. Thirty-seven (37) individuals with an average age of 48.2 years were interviewed of which 24 were males and 13 females. EVM practices involved the use of plants as remedies collected from the wild and prepared mainly as infusions and decoctions for internal use and leave sap for local applications. Cattle, followed by sheep and goats were predominantly owned by old men who treat by themselves their livestock for worm and tick infestations. There were 47 indications in total prepared from leaves, followed by bark of 34 plant species belonging to 22 plant families. The families with more species were Fabaceae (6 species), Asteraceae and Rubiaceae (3 species each) and, Combretaceae and Euphorbiaceae (2 species each). Literatures on laboratory investigations have shown that some of the plants recorded possess multiple biological properties. Further studies on chemical composition and subsequent biological properties are required for validation purpose.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Medicinal utilization of exotic plants by Bapedi traditional healers to treat human ailments in Limpopo province, South Africa
    (Elsevier Ireland Ltd., 2012-10-13) Semenya, Sebua S.; Potgieter, Martin; Tshisikhawe, Milingoni P.; Shava, Soul; Maroyi, Alfred
    Ethnopharmacological relevance: Most exotic plants are usually labelled as alien invasives and targeted for eradication. However, some of these exotic plants play an important role in the traditional primary healthcare sector of the Bapedi culture in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The medicinal uses of most of these species have neither been documented nor their biological activity evaluated. Aim of the study: To make an inventory of exotic species employed by Bapedi traditional healers to treat different human ailments in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews, observation and guided field walks with 52 traditional healers were employed to obtain ethnobotanical data during first half of 2011 on the use of exotic plant species by Bapedi healers to treat human ailments. Based on ethnobotanical information provided by these healers, specimens were collected, numbered, pressed, and dried for identification. Results: A total of 35 exotics species belonging to 21 families and 34 genera, mostly from the Fabaceae and Solanaceae (11.4% for each), Apocynaceae and Asteraceae (8.5% for each) were used by Bapedi healers to treat 20 human ailments. Trees (45.7%) and herbs (37.1%) are the primary source of medicinal plants. Species most frequently reported were used for the treatment of hypertension (35%), diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction and gonorrhoea (25% for each). The highest consensus from individual accounts of the traditional healers on the use of exotic plant remedies in this study was noted for the three ailments. These were for Catharanthus roseus (gonorrhoea, 60%), Punica granatum (diarrhoea, 38.4%) and Ricinus communis (sores, 21.5%). Of the 35 exotic plant species recorded, 34.2% are regulated by the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (1983) (CARA) No. 43 of 1983 either as worst weeds or invaders. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that exotic plant species play an important part as medicinal remedies employed by Bapedi healers to treat different human diseases in the Limpopo Province. The use of these species as alternative sources of medicinal remedies could alleviate harvesting pressure of wild indigenous plants, thereby enhance biodiversity’s region. However, there is a need to formulate an appropriate policy to retain some of the useful medicinal exotics (listed under CARA No. 43 of 1983) within the environment before their medicinal value vanishes as they are eradicated through management strategies adopted by the South African government.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Medicinal plant use of villagers in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
    (2015) Chauke, M. A; Shai, L. J.; Mogale, M. A.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Mokgotho, M. P.
    Background: An ethno-medical survey of plants was conducted at Mashishimale village near Phalaborwa, in Limpopo Province (South Africa). Owing to high level of poverty and lack of proper daily operational healthcare facilities in certain parts of Mashishimale village, the use of plants as medicine persists. The aim of the study was to compile a list of medicinal plants used by traditional health practitioners for treatment of diabetes mellitus and other ailments. Materials and methods: Traditional health practitioners were identified using the snowballing sampling technique. Structured interviews were conducted and a list of medicinal plants compiled. Data collection included local names of the plants, the plant parts used in the traditional medicine, the disease treated by the plant-based remedies and the method of preparation of the medicines. Results and discussion: A total of 49 plants species belonging to 20 different families we identified. Plant parts used in preparation of remedies by practitioners are roots (51%), stem barks (30%) and leaves (19%). The most preferred methods of administration were boiling (74%) and infusion (12%). About 14 plants species were indicated for treatment of diabetes mellitus, while most plant species were indicated for sexually transmitted diseases, fertility and erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: The results of the survey indicate that plants play a significant role in primary healthcare of the community of Mashishimale Village. It would seem that a number of major diseases/ailments are treated by traditional methods. Scientific investigation is therefore needed to isolate active compounds and to determine safe dosages for treatment. These studies may guide the regulation of herbal medicine industry in South Africa.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Leaf architecture characters of Vachellia tortilis (Forssk.) Galasso and Banfi along longitudinal gradient in Limpopo Province, South Africa
    (Pyton, 2015) Mashile, S. P.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.
    This paper looked at the leaf architecture characteristics of Vachellia tortilis to determine if either there is or not an effect of the tropic line on plants. Vachellia tortilis leaves were sampled along a national road (N1) in Limpopo province. Sampling points were set 10 km apart away from the Tropic of Capricon in opposite directions. Leaf morphology revealed that leaves of V. tortilis are bipinnately compound with alternate arrangement. The venation pattern of the pinnules was eucamptodromus and brochidodromous with imperfect reticulation. Areoles were imperfect and pentagonal or irregular in shape.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Management plan of a medicinal plant species in demand : the case of Brackenridgea Zanguebarica Oliv
    (Indlinga, 2016) Tshisikhawe, Milingoni Peter
    Studies on the impact of bark harvesting for medicinal purposes on Brackenridgea zanguebarica revealed a high degree of overexploitation. Conservation effort from all levels is highly welcomed since it will be contributing towards conservation of this indigenous medicinal plant. It is therefore clear that an integrated approach of taking best conservation practices from western as well as indigenous systems can be the way to go. Formation of a Participatory Natural Resource Management Associations in areas where natural resources are being threatened by unsustainable harvesting practice can help in bringing together interested stakeholders into the mainstream of protecting such resources. Such associations should be governed by natural resource harvesting policies with clear objectives around documentation, monitoring and evaluation of harvesting. These policies should cover ecological, social, as well as economic concerns of stakeholders.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Impact of Ethnobotanical Utilization on the Population Structure of Androstachys Johnsonii Prain in the Vhembe Area of the Limpopo Province, South Africa
    (Scholarly Pages, 2017-10-16) Bakali, M.; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.; Porgieter, M. J.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.
    Due to high levels of impoverishment, rural communities in southern African are highly dependent on their surroundings to sustain their livelihood. However, the rampant harvesting of Androstachys johnsonii Prain. In Vhembe area is a cause for concern although its conservation status is of Least Concern. Androstachys johnsonii is a tree species used for a variety of purposes in the Vhembe Area of South Africa to maintain households. Thus in order to obtain baseline data to propose ways of preserving the species, an investigation was launched to determine the extent of usage of A. johnsonii at Matshena village and document its population structure via stem size classes, crown health and plant height classes. Results indicate that this tree species is being used for a variety of purposes by inhabitants, with 65% of trees surveyed showing signs of harvesting. Due to its extremely durable hardwood this species is mostly used for fencing, roofing, pillar construction, and as firewood. Additional ethnobotanical uses include fodder for goats and cattle and medicinal purposes. Of the 353 A. johnsonii trees measured, the majority (27%) are in the 0-10 cm stem size class, and nearly 88% are lower than 5 m in height. Trees mostly had crowns with some extent of damage, and were to a large degree multi-stemmed. From the above, it is clear that A. johnsonii is in dire need of formal (legislative) and traditional (tribal) protection if the population is to be managed in a sustainable manner for the preservation of future generations. It is suggested that this species be elevated in discussions with provincial environmental authorities, and community elders and chiefs be informed about the long term ecological and environmental consequences that current unsustainable harvesting practices will have on this multi-use species.