New flat mite species described for South Africa
A new flat mite species has been described for South Africa. It is the fifth South African species to be included in the genus grouping Obuloides which now comprises eight species. Mites are small arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida and the subclass Acari...
Biodiversity PhD graduate encourages black students coming through the ranks
By Dane McDonald and Zimkita Mavumengwana Cape Town – We must not let where we come from dictate who we should be but rather strive by all means to be who we truly want to be, says Dr Lavhelesani Simba. Lavhelesani recently attained her PhD at Stellenbosch University...
SnapshotSafari South Africa: conservation continues during COVID
By Dr David Marnevick South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting important mammal species globally. To assist with species conservation, we are continuing with our project to provide a multi-scale inventory of South Africa’s mammals using cutting edge...
Can fracking and birdlife coexist in the Karoo?
During dry times, birds in the Karoo descend to water and drinking troughs sometimes in their hundreds. But now competition between sheep and birds for access to this essential ingredient to life has another competitor: mining and industry, the most controversial of...