FBIP data streaming in and ready for uptake
By Mahlatse Kgatla Data from projects related to the Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP) have started streaming in. FBIP funded projects need to generate and deliver primary biodiversity data sets or contribute to the compilation of species pages or...
Characterisation of microbiomes: progress on the project
By Prof Karin Jacobs The large FBIP project on the characterisation of microbiomes of wheat and maize under conventional and conservation agricultural has been running for 18 months. The goal of the project is to characterise the microbial communities associated with...
Genetic study reinforces need for better bloodworm management in South Africa
Key points: Allowable limit for bloodworm collection unchanged since the 1970sBloodworm populations not as vulnerable as previously predictedChance of population extinctions remain, management to be maintained Cape Town – The legal number of bloodworm that can be...
‘Land speed record’ racecourse threatens rare fairy shrimps at Hakskeenpan
By Betsie Milne, Postdoctoral Fellow: Wetland Ecologist, SAEON Arid Lands Node A rare fairy shrimp, Pumilibranchipus deserti, was discovered for the first time in South Africa after being recorded only once from a single locality in Namibia during the 1980s....
Maloti minnow: Tables turn on ‘extinct’ status
Cape Town – A recent FBIP-funded endeavour has turned the tables on the conservation status of a freshwater stream fish, the Maloti minnow, thought to be extinct. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Freshwater Ecologist Skhumbuzo Kubheka presented his finding to a recent Symposium...
‘Poorly explored’ Stormberg gets FBIP botanical data boost
Cape Town – The very poorly studied Stormberg has received focused botanical attention for the duration of an FBIP Small Grant to Prof Nigel Barker. The Stormberg forms part of Southern Africa’s 5000km-long Great Escarpment – a so called...
Wednesday women in science: Bettine van Vuuren
Content by SANAP Bettine van Vuuren is a role model for women in science, who are often and in subtle ways discouraged from pursuing their dreams. Van Vuuren is a Former Vice-Chair of the FBIP Steering Committee. She recently contributed to the FBIP’s...
Mammal data unlocked for Karoo ‘shale gas’ region
Key points Additional data provided to inform conservation in the Karoo regionNew data provides insight on endemism in the KarooPotential undocumented diversity within Karoo small mammal groupsRange extensions and declines in Karoo small mammals based on IUCN...