FBIP hits 1 million species occurrence records in 2020
Cape Town – Despite being a tumultuous year due to the Covid pandemic, 2020 has seen the Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP) reach an important milestone. The FBIP has breached the 1 million mark for species occurrence records submitted by...
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...
REMINDER: Applications for FBIP Small Grants close 30 October 2020
NOTE: Extended Designated Authority Cut-off date – 30 October 2020 Pretoria – Applications for FBIP Small Grants (Review Period 2) are now open and eligible researchers are encouraged to apply. The primary focus of the Foundational Biodiversity Information...
Stable Eastern Cape forests shielded bats from icy extermination
Forest bats were spared from an icy extermination during the Last Glacial Maximum, holding lessons for present threats and conservation management. The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is a notorious period in the recent history of the earth (about 25 000 years ago)...
Free State mountains shield biodiversity from climate change, FBIP study shows
Content provided by Free State University, image by Dr Falko Buschke The iconic sandstone cliffs of the eastern Free State are often the focus of paintings and postcards. Now, new research shows they also protect wild plants and animals from climate change. This...