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The Cameroon Volcanic Line, which divides the Congo Basin fauna from the West African fauna, is a known area of high endemism for various taxa, but the region's bat fauna has received little attention. We review variation in morphological and molecular (mitochondrial Cytochrome b) characters in the Tropical African vespertilionid bat genus Pseudoromicia. Assessment of this variation indicates the existence of a new species of Pseudoromicia, from the Mbam Minkom Massif in the Centre Region of Cameroon. The new species is diagnosable by sequence data and is morphologically similar to its putative sister taxon, P. kityoi, from Uganda. Although we suggest that it be assigned to the IUCN category of Data Deficient, there should be some concern as to the conservation status of this species: the Mbam Minkom Massif ecosystem is threatened due to lack of legal conservation frameworks and exposure to increasing human pressure. The new species is in a clade with P. roseveari and P. kityoi. These three species may be relicts of a single widespread species originating in the West African "white-winged" group of Pseudoromicia that then spread east across the tropical moist broadleaf forest into East Africa, and are now restricted to a few upland rainforest patches in West Africa (P. roseveari), in outliers of the Cameroon Volcanic Line region (Pseudoromicia sp.), and the Lake Victoria area (P. kityoi). The smaller, white-winged species are hypothesized to be ancestral, with one extant putative species (P. rendalli) also extending into East and southern Africa (Van Cakenberghe & Happold, 2013). The larger, dark-winged taxa likely dispersed to East Africa and subsequently back to West Africa (e.g., Pseudoromicia sp., P. roseveari). Our data illustrate the potential importance of the Dahomey Gap and climatic changes in the evolution of this group of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-method sampling approaches are becoming increasingly popular for investigating species occurrence at specific sites, as there is a need to accurately monitor species with limited time and resources. In this study, a multi-method comparative approach was used to survey bat species in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. We used historical museum records and species distribution modelling (SDM) to predict which species would likely occur in our study area. We then compared physical capture (by deploying mist nets) with acoustic surveys (using an Anabat bat detector) to assess the bat species assemblages present. Species distribution models predicted eight bat species to occur from the historical checklist of 28 species recorded in the broader region, as no museum records existed for the specific study area. Species detection by acoustic data yielded the highest number of detected species (n = 11) while active trapping yielded nine species from 54 individuals of four families, namely, Laephotis botswanae, L. capensis, Myotis tricolor, Pipistrellus hesperidus, Rhinolophus clivosus, and Tadarida aegyptiaca with molecular confirmation required for Miniopterus fraterculus, R. darlingi and R. swinnyi. These complementary sampling methods may be necessary for accommodating the limitations of each individual method for a more inclusive assessment of bat species richness in a targeted landscape. The present study could be used as a model approach to assess the biodiversity and demographics of other taxa and in other habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The ranging behaviour of raptors in human-altered environments, such as agricultural and suburban landscapes, is becoming increasingly important for conservationists in the context of unprecedented high rates of anthropogenic land use change. We studied the movement ecology of adult Long-crested Eagles Lophaetus occipitalis fitted with geographic positioning system transmitters in an agricultural landscape in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Mean home ranges (± SD) of males and females estimated using the autocorrelated kernel density estimator (AKDE) method were 608 ± 552 ha (n = 5) and 664 ± 844 ha (n = 4), respectively. Core areas (KDEhref 50%) were estimated as 80 ± 38 ha and 39 ± 20 ha for males and females, respectively. We also recorded exploratory behaviour (in the form of long excursions) in two of the birds, of up to 49 km from the centre of their home range. The relatively small home ranges reported in this study are suggestive of productive foraging habitats whereby Long-crested Eagles can meet their energy requirements without having to travel long distances to obtain resources. Consistent with predictions, non-breeding male and female Long-crested Eagles showed similar ranging behaviour, which includes occasional exploratory behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural landscapes are typically associated with a decreased biodiversity, particularly when they extend across large spatial scales. Despite the fact that some African bat species seem to provide essential ecosystem services across landscapes, we only have a limited understanding of how intensive agricultural practices influence bat communities. This study investigated the effects of sugarcane monoculture on the composition of both bat species and functional groups across a conservation-agricultural matrix. Specifically, we wanted to understand changes in the bat communities within savannas and sugarcane plantations. We categorised bats into broad foraging (functional) groups based on their echolocation call structure: open-air; clutter-edge; and, clutter. To measure bat activity, we established twelve 25 ha grids randomly located in savanna and sugarcane vegetation. Within each grid we placed nine acoustic detectors, in 3 × 3 formation, 250 m apart; totalling 54 plots in each land use. We sampled each plot over four nights (two in the wet season and two in the dry season) during a one-year period. We did not observe a significant difference in species richness between savanna and sugarcane. However, there was a difference in functional group composition. Sugarcane negatively affected clutter foragers; this group was practically absent here despite occurring within neighbouring savannas. We observed distinct patterns of seasonality in bat activity, with activity of all functional groups being reduced in the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian scavengers, by feeding on carrion and other organic matter, provide critical ecosystem services. Vultures, the only obligate avian scavengers, have reportedly experienced massive population declines in Africa yet current knowledge regarding their status in most West African countries is unknown. This study set out to ascertain the status of the avian scavenger community in Edo State, southern Nigeria. We made total counts of all scavenging birds at foraging and roosting sites in 13 urban areas. We recorded three species of avian scavenger which were, in order of decreasing relative abundance, Pied Crow Corvus albus, Yellow-billed Kite Milvus migrans and Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus. There was a positive correlation between relative abundance of avian scavengers and human population size, such that more populous urban centres had larger populations of scavengers. We counted more scavenging birds at roosting sites than at foraging sites. While the Pied Crow and Yellow-billed Kite appear to be thriving in Edo State, the Hooded Vulture appears to have experienced a massive population decline. Our results suggest that without immediate conservation effort such as protection, education and advocacy, the Hooded Vulture will be extirpated from this region in the near future. We suggest that these conservation efforts be focused on the largest urban areas. Furthermore, we recommend that other states in southern Nigeria be urgently surveyed in order for more general conclusions to be drawn about the fate of avian scavengers in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing by large mammals alters vegetation physiognomy, consequently changing habitat suitability for small mammal communities. We investigated the response of terrestrial small mammals to grazing by wild and domesticated ungulates at the boundary of a protected area (Telperion Nature Reserve) and surrounding cattle ranches in Mpumalanga, South Africa over two seasons. Fifteen paired grids were set on either side of the boundary fence at which small mammals were trapped in Sherman live traps placed flat on the ground. A total of 11 760 trap nights resulted in the capture of 187 animals belonging to 14 species (11 rodents, two shrews and one elephant shrew). The small mammal communities in grasslands grazed by domesticated or wild ungulates were similar in abundance, species richness, diversity and demographic parameters, likely due to the fact that vegetation structure of the two grazing systems was also similar. We used generalised linear models to show that rock and grass cover were plausible predictors of small mammal abundance in this system. Rock cover showed a positive relationship with small mammal abundance whilst grass cover showed a negative relationship. Our observations suggest that at the scale of our study and with the current stocking densities, wild and domesticated ungulates have similar impacts on the small mammal community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres is considered sexually monomorphic in the literature, but visual differences in head shape between the sexes have been observed. Furthermore, head morphometrics of other Gyps species show statistically significant variation between the sexes. We show that head morphometrics can be used to determine the sex of Cape Vultures. Males generally have wider and shorter heads, and larger bill depths than females. Discriminant function analysis with data from 63 individuals identified the three most predictive variables in sex determination to be head width, head length and bill depth. We also provide an equation that can be used in conjunction with head measurements as a method to determine the sex of Cape Vultures in the field with an overall accuracy of 84% (92% accuracy for females and 72% for males). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent vulture declines across Africa are a cause for concern as the number of species threatened with extinction increases. The White-backed VultureGyps africanuswas, until recently, considered abundant but has been declining rapidly in recent years due to various threats including decreasing food availability. We used camera traps to investigate nest attendance and food provision at the nests of White-backed Vultures in north-eastern Swaziland. Chick age influenced brooding behaviour of the parents, with a reduction in brooding time as the chick aged. Mean food provision rate by parents to the nestling was 0.7 bouts d−1, which was mostly delivered between 09:00 and 15:00. Contrary to expectations, provisioning rates did not increase with age of the chick despite both adults delivering food. The growth of chicks showed a curvilinear relationship with age for the first 100 d with the tarsus and bill reaching maximum length after 80 d. We recommend further research into the availability of food for breeding vultures in order to understand the emerging threat of declining food availability in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Habitat associations of birds were quantified through fixed-radius timed bird counts at Mara Naboisho Conservancy within the Greater Mara Region, Kenya. We conducted 73 timed counts in four distinct habitats (riparian, woodland, rocky outcrop and plains) in both dry and wet seasons. During this survey, we observed 188 species of birds of which 140 were recorded during the timed counts. The riparian zone had the highest species richness, more than three times that of the plains. The woodlands and rocky outcrops had similar species richness. The mean number of species seen per count was higher in the riparian zone compared with the other three habitats. Bird species composition in the riparian zone and the plains were distinct from each other and from the woodlands and rocky outcrops, although they overlapped significantly in the last two mentioned habitats. The possible conservation implication of an increasing and/or immigrant elephant population and its likely effect on the vegetation is discussed in relation to bird community composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsule:Supplementary feeding stations provide a useful conservation benefit for vultures, without disrupting their natural movement ecology. Aims:To understand the effects of providing supplementary food on the movement ecology of vultures. Methods:We used Global Positioning System tracking devices to monitor the movements of 28 Cape VulturesGyps coprotheresusing feeding stations in South Africa. We calculated home range values and then performed a habitat selection analysis. Results:We show that aside from roost sites, vulture feeding stations are the most important environmental variable that explains vulture movements. However, we found that the birds ranged over areas without supplementary food and their mean home range values were comparable to those measured before the inception of feeding stations. Conclusion:Our findings suggest that the use of supplementary feeding sites did not significantly impact on the natural foraging behaviour of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic ecological information is still lacking for many species of African vultures. The Hooded VultureNecrosyrtes monachusis known as a rare breeding resident in north-eastern South Africa. This study set out to monitor the nests of Hooded Vultures and, secondarily, White-backed VulturesGyps africanusin the Olifants River Private Nature Reserve over two breeding seasons in 2013 and 2014. A total of 12 Hooded Vulture nests, placed mostly in the treeDiospyros mespiliformis, were found along the Olifants River, with an average inter- nest distance of 0.76 km. Nest success was estimated to be between 0.44–0.89 offspring pair−1 y−1 in 2013 and 0.50–0.67 offspring pair−1 y−1 in 2014, which are the first estimates for Hooded Vultures in South Africa. It is thought that nests of this species have been under-reported due to the fact that they are placed within or below the canopy of densely leafed trees and hence difficult to view from aerial surveys. African White-backed Vultures also bred along the Olifants River, with nests placed in clusters of up to six. Nesting density of this species ranged from about 1.0 to 1.2 nests km−1 and nests were predominantly placed inFicus sycomorustrees. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A decline in many African raptor populations may contribute to loss of ecosystem services such as pest control. The Black-shouldered KiteElanus caeruleusstands out as an exception, experiencing range expansions due to its proclivity for agricultural landscapes. We surveyed roads throughout agroecosystems in Swaziland for Black-shouldered Kites and looked at habitat selection in a used versus available framework. We found that kites selected for savannas and tall herbaceous vegetation but did not show preferences for or against land-use types. We also found a significant relationship with kite presence and low tree densities in the immediate vicinity of a perch site. Singles, pairs and fledgling kites were observed in agricultural landscapes, suggesting that although they are not selecting for these areas in proportion to their availability, they are foraging in it. This may be a boon for farmers who implement ecologically based rodent management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The global Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea was classified as Vulnerable in 2010 on account of its small and rapidly declining population estimated at less than 1 500 pairs. We undertook this study to gain a better understanding of the current status and threats facing this migratory species. Three previously unknown areas that might be part of the species' non-breeding range were identified in Kenya and northern Tanzania. Within its breeding range we identified three previously unknown areas of potentially suitable habitat, one in Tanzania and two in Malawi, which require further exploration. Population viability assessment predicted that the Blue Swallow population will decline by 8% in 10 years. The overall probability of extinction of the species in the wild is 3%. Minimum viable population size analysis suggests that a goal for the long-term conservation of the Blue Swallow should be to mitigate current threats that are driving declines such that the population increases to a minimum of 3 600 individuals. This should consist of at least 900 individuals in each of the four clusters identified, along with a minimum of 500 individuals in at least one of the meta-populations per cluster. The four clusters are located in (1) the southeasten Democratic Republic of the Congo, (2) highlands of southern Tanzania and northern Malawi, (3) eastern highlands of Zimbabwe and (4) South Africa and Swaziland. The current proportions of the Blue Swallow population in strictly protected and unprotected areas on their breeding grounds are 53% and 47%, respectively, whereas on their non-breeding grounds the corresponding percentages are 25% and 75%, respectively. Our reassessment of the Blue Swallow's risk of extinction indicates that it continues to qualify as Vulnerable according to the IUCN/SSC criteria C2a(i). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify variables that affect habitat selection and nesting success of the African Crowned EagleStephanoaetus coronatus, the largest forest raptor, in north-eastern South Africa. A preference for nesting in the Northern Mistbelt Forest vegetation type was established and 82% of all nests were located in indigenous trees. Nest abandonment was less common when distances to the nearest neighbour were greater. The diet of this species was investigated by examination of prey remains beneath nests and verified by comparison with museum specimens. In total, 156 remains were found, representing a minimum of 75 prey individuals. The diet of African Crowned Eagles constituted almost entirely mammals (99%), which were predominantly antelopes (61%) and monkeys (25%). It was also found that the proportion of primates in the diet correlates with latitude: populations in equatorial latitudes have a higher proportion of primates in their diets, whereas further south antelopes are a much more common diet component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit bat Epomophorus wahlbergi is abundant in the eastern parts of southern Africa, but its breeding biology remains poorly documented. This study aimed to ascertain the breeding season of this species in northeastern Swaziland where 340 individuals were netted over a 21-month period. Subadults were present throughout the year with two peaks, while lactating females were only present between December and May. These contradictory data are consistent with a bimodal birth peak, and the fact that pregnancy and lactation were both difficult to detect in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two coexisting species of African molossids, the little free-tailed bat, Chaerephon pumilus, and the Angolan free-tailed bat, Mops condylurus, were studied in the lowveld of Swaziland. Nine C. pumilus and five M. condylurus, all non-lactating females, were radio-tracked in order to investigate their habitat utilization. The results confirmed that both of these species selected to forage over sugarcane fields instead of over the other habitats available in the area: savanna, riparian forest and urban areas. Foraging ranges were relatively large with C. pumilus travelling on average a maximum of 4.2 km from the roost and M. condylurus covering 4.8 km. The mean activity areas ranged from 976 ha (minimum convex polygon) to 1319 ha (95% kernel) for C. pumilus and from 1190 ha (MCP) to 1437 ha (95% kernel) for M. condylurus. Interspecific differences in the mean activity area or maximum distance travelled were not found. The results of this study suggest that these species have a potential role as pest-controlling agents over sugarcane fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a three-year study to develop ecologically-based rodent management (EBRM) in southern Africa, a capture-mark-recapture study was carried out in Tanzania, Namibia and Swaziland to establish the demographic patterns and population dynamics of rodents. Two study grids were established in each country. In Tanzania, ten species of rodents and one shrew (Crocidura sp.) were identified in the study area. The rodent species consisted of Mastomys natalensis, Aethomys chrysophilus, Arvicanthis neumanni, Gerbilliscus vicina, Acomys spinosissimus, Lemniscomys griselda, Lemniscomys zebra, Rattus rattus, Graphiurus sp. and Mus minutoides. Mastomys natalensis was dominant and contributed more than 70% of the captures. In Namibia, five species were captured, namely Mastomys natalensis, Gerbilliscus leucogaster, Saccostomus campestris, Mus minutoides and Steatomys pratensis. Mnstomys natalensis contributed about 50% of the captures. In Swaziland, only M. natalensis was captured in the study grids. There was a clear pattern in the population dynamics, with breeding confined to the wet seasons in the three countries. Mastomys natalensis was the dominant pest species, for which EBRM should focus on. The highest population density of M. nutalensis occurred during and after the rains, which coincided with the most susceptible phenological stage of crops. The breeding seasonality and density fluctuations observed in the three countries conform with observations made elsewhere in Africa, which support the hypothesis that rainfall events promote primary productivity on which murid rodents depend. Development of EBRM in these countries will be determined by the local conditions and how they influence the demographic processes of the rodent populations. EBRM should make use of the available ecological knowledge of the local rodent pest species and the focus should be on (ecological) management practices applicable at the community level including community based intensive trapping, field hygiene, removing cover and sources of food for rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in the ecological niche requirements among rodent species competing in the same habitat may result from differences in the use of one to three resources: space, time and food or some combination of these. Alternatively, differences in resource use utilization among animal species may simply reflect availability of food, and when food is limited, different animal species compete. In this study, the diet of two rodent pest species, Mastomys natalensis and Gerbilliscus vicinus, coexisting in fallow land in central Tanzania were studied to assess the degree of diet differentiation among them. Dietary niche breadth of G. vicinus was greater than that of M. natalensis in all stages of the maize cropping seasons. The rodent species studied overlapped considerably in the food items consumed ranging from niche overlap (Ojk) of 0.77-0.89. Grains/seeds featured high in the diet of M. natalensis while plant material occurrence was high in G. vicinus. These two food categories may have contributed to differences in diet partitioning, which may, in turn, facilitate their coexistence in fallow land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulture populations have declined globally as well as regionally within Africa. Little is known about the status of the African White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus in Kenya, but ongoing studies indicate that its population has declined over the last two decades. A total of 32 African White-backed Vulture nests were monitored in the Masai Mara National Reserve over a five-year period between 2003 and 2007. Mean nesting success was 59%, which is comparable to that of populations from southern Africa. Nearest neighbour distances were significantly closer in wooded habitats ('trees and shrubs savanna') than in more open grassland habitats ('open low shrubs'). Based on nearest neighbour distances, the estimated total breeding population within the Masai Mara National Reserve is 1 106 pairs, a figure that may be an overestimate and requires ground-truthing. Collecting baseline data on numbers of breeding pairs and regular nest monitoring are essential in order to assess the impact of various threats to vultures in Kenya, which include growing threats (elephant-mediated habitat disturbance and fire) as well as emerging threats (such as poisoning with the carbamate-based pesticide Furadan™). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nesting success of Marabou Storks Leptoptilos crumeniferus breeding in north-eastern Swaziland is closely associated with rainfall, with nests started late in the season exposed to higher rainfall and showing lower success. This may be related to lower food intake and slower growth of the chicks. This study set out to determine whether hatching date and sequence of laying affected the growth rate of chicks. Chicks were also sexed, as Marabou Storks show sexual size dimorphism-males are on average 20% larger-and this trait is often associated with differing patterns of growth between sexes. Nestlings were measured weekly from hatching until they either died or fledged. Nestling development is described in detail and photographs of differentaged chicks are presented. The nestling period was significantly shorter for female chicks, at 94 d, than for male chicks at 104 d. Male and female chicks differed in growth rate and asymptote for both mass and wing length. Unusually, females showed higher instantaneous growth rates for much of the nestling period. Chicks surpassed adult mass before fledging. Date of hatching had an effect on growth rates, with chicks at late nests having slower growth, consistent with a decline in food availability. Marabou Storks appear to be slower growing than expected for the Ciconiidae, the taxonomic family to which they belong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some aspects of the breeding ecology of the Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor) were studied in Mlawula Nature Reserve, north-eastern Swaziland. Nests were predominantly built in thorny bushes or trees. Eggs were laid between 20 September and 2 January. However there was a definite peak in November, during which the majority of eggs were laid. Nesting success in the Chinspot Batis was over 30%, while fecundity was 0.65 fledglings/pair/annum. Except for a single occasion, pairs did not double brood unless breeding failed or fledged chicks disappeared. Replacement nests, however, were the norm where a previous nest had failed. Adult batises were observed to feed predominantly on caterpillars and moths. Observations at the nest confirmed that batises fed predominantly moths and caterpillars to their nestlings. The rate at which nestlings were fed depended on their age, older chicks being fed more frequently than younger ones. The correlation between feeding rate and nestling age, and between feeding rate and fledgling age, was significant. In contrast to nestlings, younger fledglings were fed at a higher rate than older ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breeding biology of the Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) was studied in Hlane National Park, north-eastern Swaziland. This breeding colony was first recorded in 1964. A minimum of 15 pairs bred there in 2003. Counts from aerial census suggest that equally large numbers have been breeding there since, at least, 1995. Marabous selected nesting sites in relatively low-crowned trees of Acacia tortilis and A. nilotica, which were situated well away from rivers or standing water. Eggs were laid bimodally between June and September. Mean clutch size was 2.1 eggs and fecundity (or productivity) was 0.41 chicks/pair/annum. Measurements taken from chicks of known age allowed for the calculation of growth rates. The Marabou population in Swaziland cannot sustain itself without immigration from other populations. However, due to the relatively large number of pairs that have bred continuously and regularly for the past three or four decades, this population is viewed as being of regional conservation significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The community structure and population density of birds was studied at 10 sites in three broad woodland types in the lowveld of Swaziland. Birds were surveyed on a monthly basis at 12 locations per site using a standard point count technique. Each site was surveyed over a 12-month period. Vegetation characteristics of each location were recorded. Both cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling using bird densities, grouped the sites into two main habitats: riparian and non-riparian. The non-riparian habitat was further divisible into Acacia savanna and broadleaved woodland. A similar classification was obtained using vegetation characteristics. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the vegetation characteristics was conducted. The first axis (accounting for 57.7% of the total variation) represented variation in tree cover below 3.5m and grass cover above 0.25m. The second axis (24.8%) represented variation in tree cover above 3.5m and grass cover below 0.25m. These two axes accounted for 82.5% of the total variation. In general, the Acacia sites had lower tree cover and high grass cover, the broadleaved woodland sites had higher tree cover below 3.5m, and the riparian sites had the highest tree cover. Acacia savanna recorded the highest species richness of birds (128 species) with lower numbers recorded in riparian (101) and broadleaved woodland (94). A total of 161 species of birds was recorded across all sites, of which 48 species were recorded on fewer than four occasions, and 51 species were recorded in all three habitats. Of the remaining species, 14 species were confined to Acacia savanna, 14 species to riparian, and two species to broadleaved, woodland. Broadleaved woodland supports a depauperate, but indistinct, avian community compared to that of Acacia savanna; riverine forest, in contrast, supports a different set of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population density and community structure of birds were studied at three sites in riverine forest in the lowveld of Swaziland. Birds were surveyed monthly using a standard point count technique. A total of 101 species of birds was recorded. Species richness at the three sites ranged between 70–76 species. Population density was similar at the three sites and ranged between 24.0–31.2 birds ha-1 Biomass of birds was also similar at the three sites. Resident birds accounted for 74% of all species, but made up 97% of the individuals and biomass. There was a relatively large number of vagrant species, but they only accounted for <1% of the individuals and biomass. Species richness of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants was low, and they contributed little to total bird density or biomass. In terms of diet, the majority of birds were insectivorous, followed by the mixed diet category. Frugivores, though few in number, contributed significantly to biomass. Granivorous species and raptors contributed insignificantly. The avifauna of riverine forest in Swaziland is compared with similar habitats in southern Africa and with that of Acacia savanna and broadleaved woodland in Swaziland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated the long-term population fluctuations and the differences in the community structure of small mammals in a subtropical grassland in Swaziland. Role of seasonal changes in the community structure; Attempts to discover the factors that affect species diversity; Review of long-term population studies of the mammals.

Focuses on population densities and community structure of the birds in broadleaved woodland in the lowveld of Swaziland. Use of standard point count technique; Biomass of birds; Contribution of frugivorous species and raptors.

Determines the population densities and community structure of birds in Acacia savanna in Swaziland. Increase of bird densities during winter and summer; Effects of agriculture on avian species diversity; Influence of moisture climate and structural diversity of the vegetation on bird densities.

Carcass utilisation by vultures may be constrained by the surrounding vegetation, as high vegetation densities may leave insufficient space for the vultures to take-off. We tested this by placing carcasses at 14 sites differing in density and height of the surrounding vegetation. African White-backed Vultures Gyps africanus were reluctant to land at carcasses from which the angle required to clear the surrounding vegetation on take-off was greater than 6°, and Cape Vultures Gyps coprotheres were not observed on carcasses from which the required angle of take-off was greater than 4°. Increasing vegetation densities due to bush encroachment may therefore affect the two species to different extents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 114 Marabou Stork chicks were ringed in the years 2003-2007 at the most southerly African breeding colony, Swaziland. Just one of 35 chicks fitted with colour rings was resighted by December 2007, while 17 of 79 chicks fitted with patagial tags were resighted. Juvenile Marabou Storks can disperse over 1 500 km within their first year after fledging, sufficient to cover the large distances between breeding colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]