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Downs CT, Alexander J, Brown M, Chibesa M, Ehlers Smith YC, Gumede ST, Hart L, Josiah KK, Kalle R, Maphalala M, Maseko M, McPherson S, Ngcobo SP, Patterson L, Pillay K, Price C, Raji IA, Ramesh T, Schmidt W, Senoge ND, Shivambu TC, Shivambu N, Singh N, Singh P, Streicher J, Thabethe V, Thatcher H, Widdows C, Wilson AL, Zungu MM, Ehlers Smith DA. Modification of the third phase in the framework for vertebrate species persistence in urban mosaic environments. AMBIO 2021; 50:1866-1878. [PMID: 33677809 PMCID: PMC8363720 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Urbanisation is rapidly transforming natural landscapes with consequences for biodiversity. Little is documented on the response of African wildlife to urbanisation. We reviewed case studies of vertebrate species' responses to urbanisation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to determine trends. Connected habitat mosaics of natural and anthropogenic green spaces are critical for urban wildlife persistence. We present a novel modification to the final of three phases of the framework described by Evans et al. (2010), which documents this sequence for vertebrate species persistence, based on the perspective of our research. Species in suburbia exhibit an initial phase where behavioural and ecological flexibility, life-history traits and phenotypic plasticity either contribute to their success, or they stay at low numbers. Where successful, the next phase is a rapid increase in populations and distribution; anthropogenic food resources and alternate breeding sites are effectively exploited. The modified third phase either continues to spread, plateau or decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen T. Downs
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Jarryd Alexander
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Mark Brown
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Moses Chibesa
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Yvette C. Ehlers Smith
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - S. Thobeka Gumede
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Lorinda Hart
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Kyrone K. Josiah
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Riddhika Kalle
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Machawe Maphalala
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Mfundo Maseko
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Shane McPherson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Samukelisiwe P. Ngcobo
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Lindsay Patterson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Kerushka Pillay
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Cormac Price
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Islamiat Abidemi Raji
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Tharmalingam Ramesh
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Warren Schmidt
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Ntaki D. Senoge
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Tinyiko C. Shivambu
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Ndivhuwo Shivambu
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Nikisha Singh
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Preshnee Singh
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Jarryd Streicher
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Vuyisile Thabethe
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Harriet Thatcher
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Craig Widdows
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Amy-Leigh Wilson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Manqoba M. Zungu
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - David A. Ehlers Smith
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
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Serieys LEK, Bishop J, Okes N, Broadfield J, Winterton DJ, Poppenga RH, Viljoen S, Wayne RK, O'Riain MJ. Widespread anticoagulant poison exposure in predators in a rapidly growing South African city. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:581-590. [PMID: 30807948 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used worldwide to control rodent populations. ARs bioaccumulate across trophic levels and threaten non-target wildlife. We investigated the prevalence of AR exposure in seven predator species in the rapidly developing Greater Cape Town region of South Africa - a mosaic of natural, urban, and agricultural areas within a global biodiversity hotspot. We focused sampling on caracals (Caracal caracal, n = 28) as part of a larger caracal ecology study, but also opportunistically sampled Cape Clawless otters (Aonyx capensis, n = 9), large-spotted genets (Genetta tigrina, n = 4), honey badger (Mellivora capensis, n = 1), water mongoose (Atilax paludinosus, n = 1), small gray mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta, n = 1), and Cape Eagle owl (Bubo capensis, n = 1). We tested livers from all species, and blood from ten caracals, for eight AR compounds to assess prevalence and amount of exposure for each compound. We used generalized linear models to test spatial, demographic, and seasonal risk factors for ten measures of AR exposure in caracals. We detected at least one of the four most toxic AR compounds in six species. Exposure was high for caracals (92%) and all species combined (81%). For caracals, proximity to vineyards was the most important AR exposure risk factor. Vineyards in Cape Town do not use ARs to protect their vines but do host commercial hospitality structures where ARs are used. Vineyards may thus link caracals that forage within vineyards to the rat poisons used in and around their commercial structures. Residue levels were unexpected in large-spotted genets and Cape Clawless otters, suggesting invertebrate vectors. ARs may present a cryptic threat to populations already vulnerable to increasing habitat loss, vehicle collisions, poachers and fire. Targeted mitigation should include a mix of environmentally responsible policies that reduce AR use, particularly in areas near wildlife habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel E K Serieys
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Cape Leopard Trust, P.O. Box 31139, Tokai, Cape Town 7966, South Africa; Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, Campus Mail Stop, 1153 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Nicola Okes
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Joleen Broadfield
- Cape Leopard Trust, P.O. Box 31139, Tokai, Cape Town 7966, South Africa
| | - Deborah Jean Winterton
- Cape Research Centre, South African National Parks, P.O. Box 216, Steenberg 7947, South Africa
| | - Robert H Poppenga
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Storme Viljoen
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Robert K Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
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