Spatio-temporal ecology of the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata in the Great Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa)
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Owen A
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Carnivorous animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Spatial behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Great Fish River Reserve (South Africa) , Mongooses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006856 , Carnivorous animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Spatial behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Great Fish River Reserve (South Africa) , Mongooses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Very little is known about the spatio-temporal ecology of the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata, despite this small carnivore being widely distributed in the southern African subregion. Until the present study, activity patterns and daily movement distances had only been investigated over a single season, and information on home range sizes was only available from a few populations. Here, I aimed at determining the activity patterns and the space use of yellow mongooses over the different seasons of the year in the Great Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). In addition, I tested some predictions related to environmental factors (variations in photoperiod, climatic conditions and food availability over the year), as well as life cycle (reproduction) and morphological and physiological characteristics (sexual dimorphism and thermoregulatory aspects associated to the possession of an elongated body). From September 2005 to August 2011, spatio-temporal data were collected through 102 continuous tracking sessions (84 during the day and 18 during the night) of 12 adult individuals (seven males and five females) fitted with motion-sensor radio-collars. Additional data were obtained through semi-continuous tracking sessions and random locations. Yellow mongooses were essentially diurnal and crepuscular. Activity levels averaged 57 percent during the day (n = 11,807 fixes) and only 11 percent at night (n = 3,623 fixes). Yellow mongooses emerged from their burrows on average (± SD) 85 ± 62 min after sunrise (range: –11 to +369 min) and returned 21 ± 84 min before sunset (range: –518 to +225 min). The duration of the daily activity period varied between 12 min and 15 h 36 min, with a mean of 9 h 28 min. Both sexes exhibited some overground activity after sunset, but this was most pronounced in males than in females. Nocturnal activity outside the activity period was generally restricted to short underground bouts of activity occurring at anytime of the night. Diurnal resting, with up to 11 bouts per activity period, occurred in 98.8 percent of activity periods. Overall, yellow mongooses were active during 68 ± 17 percent of the time spent outside the burrow. Photoperiod acted as a zeitgeber and activity was negatively affected by adverse climatic conditions (very hot or conversely low temperatures, rain, wet soil) and probably low terrestrial arthropod activity/availability. No intersexual difference in activity levels was found, although the higher body mass of males (on average 16 oercent) implies higher metabolic demands. The total home range size (MCP 100 percent ) averaged 0.55 ± 0.65 km2 (range: 0.10–2.36 km2) and the related total perimeter measured on average 2.80 ± 1.71 km (range: 1.17–7.36 km). Male home ranges were on average more than twice large than those of females, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. However, males had larger daily home ranges (0.13 ± 0.15 km2) than females (0.05 ± 0.05 km2). In addition, daily movement distances of males were longer (1.99 ± 1.07 km) than those of females (1.29 ± 0.66 km). Males also travelled at a faster speed (0.29 ± 0.13 km/h) than females (0.18 ± 0.07 km/h). Overall, sex clearly appeared to play a role in the spatial ecology of yellow mongooses, but the underlying explanation does not seem to be linked to sexual dimorphism (body mass) or reproductive activity. Whilst the role of food availability on the space use of yellow mongooses is unclear, it is likely that low temperatures negatively affect yellow mongoose movements, as they do for their activity levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Owen A
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Carnivorous animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Spatial behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Great Fish River Reserve (South Africa) , Mongooses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006856 , Carnivorous animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Spatial behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Great Fish River Reserve (South Africa) , Mongooses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Very little is known about the spatio-temporal ecology of the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata, despite this small carnivore being widely distributed in the southern African subregion. Until the present study, activity patterns and daily movement distances had only been investigated over a single season, and information on home range sizes was only available from a few populations. Here, I aimed at determining the activity patterns and the space use of yellow mongooses over the different seasons of the year in the Great Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). In addition, I tested some predictions related to environmental factors (variations in photoperiod, climatic conditions and food availability over the year), as well as life cycle (reproduction) and morphological and physiological characteristics (sexual dimorphism and thermoregulatory aspects associated to the possession of an elongated body). From September 2005 to August 2011, spatio-temporal data were collected through 102 continuous tracking sessions (84 during the day and 18 during the night) of 12 adult individuals (seven males and five females) fitted with motion-sensor radio-collars. Additional data were obtained through semi-continuous tracking sessions and random locations. Yellow mongooses were essentially diurnal and crepuscular. Activity levels averaged 57 percent during the day (n = 11,807 fixes) and only 11 percent at night (n = 3,623 fixes). Yellow mongooses emerged from their burrows on average (± SD) 85 ± 62 min after sunrise (range: –11 to +369 min) and returned 21 ± 84 min before sunset (range: –518 to +225 min). The duration of the daily activity period varied between 12 min and 15 h 36 min, with a mean of 9 h 28 min. Both sexes exhibited some overground activity after sunset, but this was most pronounced in males than in females. Nocturnal activity outside the activity period was generally restricted to short underground bouts of activity occurring at anytime of the night. Diurnal resting, with up to 11 bouts per activity period, occurred in 98.8 percent of activity periods. Overall, yellow mongooses were active during 68 ± 17 percent of the time spent outside the burrow. Photoperiod acted as a zeitgeber and activity was negatively affected by adverse climatic conditions (very hot or conversely low temperatures, rain, wet soil) and probably low terrestrial arthropod activity/availability. No intersexual difference in activity levels was found, although the higher body mass of males (on average 16 oercent) implies higher metabolic demands. The total home range size (MCP 100 percent ) averaged 0.55 ± 0.65 km2 (range: 0.10–2.36 km2) and the related total perimeter measured on average 2.80 ± 1.71 km (range: 1.17–7.36 km). Male home ranges were on average more than twice large than those of females, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. However, males had larger daily home ranges (0.13 ± 0.15 km2) than females (0.05 ± 0.05 km2). In addition, daily movement distances of males were longer (1.99 ± 1.07 km) than those of females (1.29 ± 0.66 km). Males also travelled at a faster speed (0.29 ± 0.13 km/h) than females (0.18 ± 0.07 km/h). Overall, sex clearly appeared to play a role in the spatial ecology of yellow mongooses, but the underlying explanation does not seem to be linked to sexual dimorphism (body mass) or reproductive activity. Whilst the role of food availability on the space use of yellow mongooses is unclear, it is likely that low temperatures negatively affect yellow mongoose movements, as they do for their activity levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of the quality of family planning services rendered to adolescents by health workers at Mdantsane clinics, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape Province, S.A.
- Authors: Ndlebe, Siphokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/407 , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Family planning services are rendered at no cost in all clinics in Mdantsane. Mdantsane is situated in the Eastern Cape and falls under Amathole District Municipality. The high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the area raises a question as to whether the family planning services are adequate. This issue reflects on the quality of family planning service delivery. According to Roux (1995:94), a quality service is a safe, easily available and readily acceptable service, delivered by well trained family planning personnel through well planned programmes. Aims and Objectives: To assess the quality of family planning service delivery by health providers to adolescents; determine the opinions of adolescents regarding accessibility, friendliness of staff, privacy, confidentiality, reproductive health information and resources at Mdantsane clinics from June to July 2009. Method: A questionnaire was designed to collect data. The questionnaire was administered on the adolescents utilizing the reproductive health services at eleven primary health clinics in Mdantsane. A sample consisting of 110 adolescent youth between 19 and 24 years was selected by using random sampling. A response of “yes” will indicate that the participant is satisfied with the specific item, while a response of “no” will indicate dissatisfaction with that item. A specially designed spreadsheet was developed to analyze the data. Data was analyzed by using the Microsoft Excel 2007 Version 6. Results: The results from this research study suggest that there is a definite need for improvement of adolescent reproductive health services at Mdantsane clinics. It is clear that the current available maternal and child health programmes, school health services and reproductive health services are not able to meet the adolescent sexual and reproductive needs. Conclusion: The research findings from this study indicated the constraints to good quality family planning health care service delivery. Satisfaction responses from the five categories: health facility amenities, accessibility, staff characteristics, availability of sexual and reproductive health services and availability of educational material accessibility were mostly below 70%. The responses regarding the question on the “full information about the available contraceptives”showed the least level of satisfaction. Deficiencies in physical facilities and equipment, disruptions in supplies, insufficient information provided to clients and providers‟ insensitivity to the feelings and needs of the clients are issues that discourage adolescents from utilizing contraceptive services. Recommendations: Adolescents need a safe and supportive environment that offers information and skills to equip them on all aspects related to sexual and reproductive health issues. To satisfy adolescent reproductive needs, the following key elements should be improved: accessibility of reproductive health services, friendliness of clinic staff, availability of information about reproduction and sexuality and maintenance of issues regarding confidentiality and anonymity. Quality requires the presence of trained personnel in well-equipped clinics where clients are treated courteously. To avoid issues of courtesy bias, there is a need to conduct a similar survey utilizing alternative community settings, namely homes of participants or a school.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ndlebe, Siphokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/407 , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Family planning services are rendered at no cost in all clinics in Mdantsane. Mdantsane is situated in the Eastern Cape and falls under Amathole District Municipality. The high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the area raises a question as to whether the family planning services are adequate. This issue reflects on the quality of family planning service delivery. According to Roux (1995:94), a quality service is a safe, easily available and readily acceptable service, delivered by well trained family planning personnel through well planned programmes. Aims and Objectives: To assess the quality of family planning service delivery by health providers to adolescents; determine the opinions of adolescents regarding accessibility, friendliness of staff, privacy, confidentiality, reproductive health information and resources at Mdantsane clinics from June to July 2009. Method: A questionnaire was designed to collect data. The questionnaire was administered on the adolescents utilizing the reproductive health services at eleven primary health clinics in Mdantsane. A sample consisting of 110 adolescent youth between 19 and 24 years was selected by using random sampling. A response of “yes” will indicate that the participant is satisfied with the specific item, while a response of “no” will indicate dissatisfaction with that item. A specially designed spreadsheet was developed to analyze the data. Data was analyzed by using the Microsoft Excel 2007 Version 6. Results: The results from this research study suggest that there is a definite need for improvement of adolescent reproductive health services at Mdantsane clinics. It is clear that the current available maternal and child health programmes, school health services and reproductive health services are not able to meet the adolescent sexual and reproductive needs. Conclusion: The research findings from this study indicated the constraints to good quality family planning health care service delivery. Satisfaction responses from the five categories: health facility amenities, accessibility, staff characteristics, availability of sexual and reproductive health services and availability of educational material accessibility were mostly below 70%. The responses regarding the question on the “full information about the available contraceptives”showed the least level of satisfaction. Deficiencies in physical facilities and equipment, disruptions in supplies, insufficient information provided to clients and providers‟ insensitivity to the feelings and needs of the clients are issues that discourage adolescents from utilizing contraceptive services. Recommendations: Adolescents need a safe and supportive environment that offers information and skills to equip them on all aspects related to sexual and reproductive health issues. To satisfy adolescent reproductive needs, the following key elements should be improved: accessibility of reproductive health services, friendliness of clinic staff, availability of information about reproduction and sexuality and maintenance of issues regarding confidentiality and anonymity. Quality requires the presence of trained personnel in well-equipped clinics where clients are treated courteously. To avoid issues of courtesy bias, there is a need to conduct a similar survey utilizing alternative community settings, namely homes of participants or a school.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Investigation of local institutions for the application of the in-field rain water harvesting technology in rural areas: the case of Guquka and Khayaletu in Nkonkobe Municipality in central Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mfaca, Malibongwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Storage , Water-supply , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11184 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001031 , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Storage , Water-supply , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mfaca, Malibongwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Storage , Water-supply , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11184 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001031 , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Storage , Water-supply , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
Preliminary investigation into estimating eye disease incidence rate from age specific prevalence data
- Authors: Majeke, Lunga
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Medicine -- Research -- Statistical methods , Eye -- Diseases -- Statistics , Incidence functions , Regression analysis -- Data processing , Regression analysis -- Mathematical models -- Evaluation , Medical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biostatistics and Epidemiology)
- Identifier: vital:11776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/464 , Medicine -- Research -- Statistical methods , Eye -- Diseases -- Statistics , Incidence functions , Regression analysis -- Data processing , Regression analysis -- Mathematical models -- Evaluation , Medical statistics
- Description: This study presents the methodology for estimating the incidence rate from the age specific prevalence data of three different eye diseases. We consider both situations where the mortality may differ from one person to another, with and without the disease. The method used was developed by Marvin J. Podgor for estimating incidence rate from prevalence data. It delves into the application of logistic regression to obtain the smoothed prevalence rates that helps in obtaining incidence rate. The study concluded that the use of logistic regression can produce a meaningful model, and the incidence rates of these diseases were not affected by the assumption of differential mortality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Majeke, Lunga
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Medicine -- Research -- Statistical methods , Eye -- Diseases -- Statistics , Incidence functions , Regression analysis -- Data processing , Regression analysis -- Mathematical models -- Evaluation , Medical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biostatistics and Epidemiology)
- Identifier: vital:11776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/464 , Medicine -- Research -- Statistical methods , Eye -- Diseases -- Statistics , Incidence functions , Regression analysis -- Data processing , Regression analysis -- Mathematical models -- Evaluation , Medical statistics
- Description: This study presents the methodology for estimating the incidence rate from the age specific prevalence data of three different eye diseases. We consider both situations where the mortality may differ from one person to another, with and without the disease. The method used was developed by Marvin J. Podgor for estimating incidence rate from prevalence data. It delves into the application of logistic regression to obtain the smoothed prevalence rates that helps in obtaining incidence rate. The study concluded that the use of logistic regression can produce a meaningful model, and the incidence rates of these diseases were not affected by the assumption of differential mortality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »