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Evaluating multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems in an urban environment.
(2024) Ngcobo, Nolwazi Blessed.; Downs, Colleen Thelma.
The issue of compromised aquatic ecosystems is a global dilemma; with existing and new stressors emerging, freshwater ecosystems continue to degrade tremendously. Multiple stressors exist in aquatic ecosystems, from invasive species to overexploitation of aquatic resources, habitat
degradation, flow modifications and pollution. The uMsunduzi catchment in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, is one such stressed freshwater body. The present study was undertaken to determine the major threats to aquatic ecosystems and the possible strategies to
mitigate the factors that compromise freshwater biodiversity, health, and ecological status. The first problem was to investigate the impact of anthropogenic barriers along the longitudinal pathway of the rivers. Hence, an extensive literature review on managing river barriers was
conducted. This systematic review showed a need for river connectivity restoration projects in Africa, particularly in South Africa. The Northern Hemisphere countries are more advanced in restoring river connectivity by removing barriers or retrofitting fishways. A prevalence of physical
barriers in the uMsunduzi catchment was found, and most barriers did not have fishways or fish passage structures. The fish communities, together with their associated habitat features, within the uMsunduzi mainstem and tributaries, were assessed to deduce which environmental factors
influence the fish communities' structures in the system. There was a clear indication of a decline in species diversity and deterioration of the ecological health of the uMsunduzi catchment. Of the 18 expected fish species, according to the Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (2023),
only 50% of these were caught. This is concerning, especially as the “near threatened” (IUCN status) Enteromius gurneyii (redtail barb) was not caught, and Amphilius natalensis (Natal mountain catfish) was caught once in low abundance. The uMsunduzi River had a highly deteriorated ecological integrity per the Fish Response Assessment Index (FRAI) scores, especially close and downstream of the city centre where the industrial areas are concentrated. Similarly, there is a great deal of microbial contamination, putting the uMsunduzi River in a matter of public health. There was also a significant presence of magnesium, calcium and fatty acids. In conclusion, the connectivity, ecological health and water quality of the uMsunduzi catchment were compromised, giving a clarion call for mitigation and management actions on the systems.
Effects of land restoration on the habitat integrity of rivers based on biological water quality and habitat condition assessments with a focus on the eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa.
(2024) Magudu, Kholosa.; Downs, Colleen Thelma.; Burnett, Matthew James.
Riparian ecosystems are natural areas that offer an extensive range of ecosystem services. Their functionality aids in diverting and mitigating the impacts of surface water runoff, thereby reducing soil erosion. Riparian ecosystems also play an important role in sequestering nutrients and organic matter. The degradation of river systems impairs riparian ecosystem health and results in dysfunction, lack of ecosystem services provision and other deleterious effects. This study examined the effect of restoring riparian habitats across two study sites in Durban, Ethekwini Municipality, South Africa. The study aimed to a) measure and assess habitat integrity across three river systems as a result of reforestation efforts, and b) monitor the
biological water quality using the Mini Stream Assessment Scoring System (MiniSASS) and the Index of Habitat Integrity indices. In addition, a systematic review was undertaken to provide an introduction and background to ecological restoration work involving freshwater ecosystems in the general South African context. The Index of Habitat Integrity and MiniSASS data were collected over ten months at two sites reforested by eThekwini Municipality, which were compared with data collected from a third river site used as the reference. Two sampling points were selected per site (namely upstream and downstream). It was predicted there would be a significant difference in MiniSASS scores between river sites under reforestation and reference sites not exposed to reforestation. However, it was found that MiniSASS and Index of Habitat Integrity scores differed between and across sites. The reference site had the highest scores. The sites with greater habitat integrity had improved ecological conditions based on macroinvertebrate responses to anthropogenic disturbances. This study highlighted the important role of naturally functioning riparian habitats in cleaning water and provides a baseline for reforestation impact monitoring, as well as informing local governance strategies for restoring degraded rivers in urban areas.
Anthropogenic impacts on forest mammals in the Southern Mistbelt Forests in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2023) Cordier, Craig Paul.; Downs, Colleen Thelma.; Ehlers Smith, David Alan.; Ehlers Smith, Yvette Cathrine.
Habitat loss worldwide is a major threat to biodiversity. Forest loss is affected by numerous factors, including natural climate change and anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., logging, habitat conversion or increased fire activity). Forest fragmentation results in reduced patch sizes,
increased edge effects, and connectivity between patches negatively impacted. Forest fragmentation effects on species differ, with some considerably more sensitive to these changes than others, often resulting in their local extinction. By monitoring biodiversity, effective
conservation measures can be implemented to conserve the biodiversity in these forests. Remote camera traps have become an increasingly popular tool to study wildlife in a reliable, non-invasive way. Firstly, the use of camera traps as a research tool in Africa using a systematic review
was determined. This highlighted the countries with studies that used camera traps the most, as well as determined the terrestrial wildlife and habitat types receiving the most focus. The findings from assessing camera trap research in Africa revealed that most studies were conducted in South Africa, with most studies focusing on the occupancy of mammals, with a particular focus being on large carnivores, the majority of which were leopard Panthera pardus. Most studies were conducted in forests, followed by savannah/bushveld. Secondly, the presence of forest mammalian species was assessed in the Southern Mistbelt forests in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. These forests are fragmented because of both natural and anthropogenic factors. An extensive camera trapping survey was conducted between October 2020 and April 2021 (wet season), and between May 2021 and September 2021 (dry season), with 14 indigenous forest patches being sampled. A total of 339 camera trap stations were deployed in this study, with microhabitat conditions, in a 20 m radius around each camera trap, collected to determine their impact on bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus, a diurnal forest specialist, and Cape porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis, a nocturnal generalist, and how the microhabitat conditions potentially impacted their occupancy between the austral wet and dry seasons. Bushbuck were the most recorded mammalian species recorded during both seasons. Cape porcupine presence was recorded more during the dry season, with various microhabitat variables influencing their occupancy. Cape porcupines, as generalists, likely use the forest food resources during the dry season. Bushbuck presence was lower in
state-owned forests, likely because of the hunting activities observed in these forests. Thirdly, data collected from the camera trapping surveys were used to determine the influence of landscape factors, including patch size, landscape configuration (number of neighbouring patches), and patch isolation (distance from mainland patch), on forest mammalian species diversity in forest patches, between the wet and dry seasons. Patch size
strongly influenced forest mammalian species richness, which was relatively low, with more species occupying larger patches than smaller patches. Similarly, landscape configuration affected species richness and was generally higher in those forests surrounded by multiple forest patches. Forest isolation, however, did not seem to be particularly impactful in determining forest mammalian species diversity. Overall, this research showed the value of camera traps as a research tool and their effectiveness in studying rare and elusive mammalian species in Africa. Effects of anthropogenic disturbances on various forest mammalian species were highlighted, with activities such as hunting and uncontrolled resource harvesting, such as collection of fuelwood, medicinal plants and building materials by the local communities, impacting the presence of various forest mammalian species, particularly forest specialist species, such as the blue duiker Philantomba monticola. The importance of maintaining small forest patches, often considered of low conservation value, was highlighted. These act as essential ‘stepping stones’ between forest patches, allowing species to traverse a landscape mosaic. The need for conservation measures not to disregard the importance of these small forest patches is emphasised, as they are vital assets to maintain species richness in landscape mosaics with forest patches.
An analysis of the media as a key socialising agent for gender and gender stereotypes.
(2023) Zungu, Sindisiwe.; Lamula, Sihle Pretty.
This study examines how the media influences gender identities among university students by studying harmful gender stereotypes toxic masculinities and femininities. Qualitative data were gathered through detailed interviews with students aged 18–26 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, using snowball and purposive sampling. The thematic content analysis involved coding the interview transcripts, identifying recurring themes, and analysing patterns in the data. The study revealed that the media significantly influences how students view themselves and others. Men are frequently shown in powerful roles, while women are often portrayed in submissive roles. This reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and unequal power dynamics. Participants observed that societal norms restrict women from independence and limit men from self-expression. These observations reflect entrenched, harmful gender norms. Moreover, male power dynamics and societal structures frequently contribute to gender disparities and reinforce damaging gender stereotypes.
Students encounter challenging stereotypes regarding women, which persist through the depiction of beauty norms and traditional gender roles. Furthermore, the media portrays hegemonic masculinity, which refers to the dominant form of masculinity that idealises traits like aggression and control. This perpetuates restrictive and harmful ideas of true masculinity. To promote gender equality, the media should prioritise equality in content, policy, and practice. To combat gender-based violence, address public health issues, and promote positive and constructive gender practices, it is critical to address gender stereotypes in the media. The media exerts a significant influence on societal norms and values. Therefore, it is essential to coordinate efforts to foster a deeper understanding of harmful forms of masculinity and femininity, while also promoting positive gender practices. Gender-based violence and problems with public health will only get worse if harmful gender stereotypes in the media are not addressed.
Future research should explore the impact of the media on gender identities across different cultures and promote positive representations of gender. Gender socialisation significantly shapes an individual’s views on gender roles, beliefs, cultural norms, and societal expectations. This underscores the critical importance of implementing education programmes that integrate gender equality education into curricula and community initiatives that establish safe spaces for open dialogue, challenging traditional societal gender norms.
Perceptions of the relationship between poverty and educational attainment in South African Higher Education: a case study of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus.
(2023) Xulu, Noxolo.; Lamula, Sihle Pretty.
Abstract available in PDF.