Researcher: Rotenone policy support and capacity development through integrating aquatic-ecosystem monitoring in post graduate research projects with particular emphasis on HBUs. Water Research Commission (2016-2018)
The current Water Research Commission K5/2638 project follows two previous projects (WRC K9/822 and K5/2261) on monitoring the impact of river rehabilitation using the piscicide rotenone. These projects provided comprehensive species level assessments of invertebrate and vertebrate distributions both prior to, and for three years after, the rotenone treatment. Overall these research projects demonstrated that rotenone treatment was effective at removing smallmouth bass from the treatment zone (Weyl et al. 2013) and that native invertebrate and fish communities are recovering after treatment (Weyl et al. 2014, Bellingan et al. 2015). The current project incorporates the opportunity for capacity building in aquatic ecosystem monitoring in South Africa’s at higher education institutions (HEIs), including the University of Fort Hare, University of Venda and University of the Western Cape and the University of Stellenbosch. By partnering with Historically Black Universities (HBUs) this project offers opportunities for aquatic research to students whom might not otherwise have access to similar opportunities at their home institutions by linking monitoring of aquatic ecosystems to BSc Honours research projects and use the experiences gained to identify similar opportunities close to the HBUs. The partnerships between SAIAB and HEIs are envisaged to contribute to the achievement of national transformation goals and increased interest and opportunities for students at HBUs to pursue careers in aquatic ecology. I coordinated and lead all the field sampling of the Western and Northern Cape reservoirs monitoring programme before and after rotenone treatment. The project is lead by Prof Olaf LF Weyl, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and involves several South African universities and researchers from University of Venda, University of Fort Hare, Rhodes University and Stellenbosch University.
The current Water Research Commission K5/2638 project follows two previous projects (WRC K9/822 and K5/2261) on monitoring the impact of river rehabilitation using the piscicide rotenone. These projects provided comprehensive species level assessments of invertebrate and vertebrate distributions both prior to, and for three years after, the rotenone treatment. Overall these research projects demonstrated that rotenone treatment was effective at removing smallmouth bass from the treatment zone (Weyl et al. 2013) and that native invertebrate and fish communities are recovering after treatment (Weyl et al. 2014, Bellingan et al. 2015). The current project incorporates the opportunity for capacity building in aquatic ecosystem monitoring in South Africa’s at higher education institutions (HEIs), including the University of Fort Hare, University of Venda and University of the Western Cape and the University of Stellenbosch. By partnering with Historically Black Universities (HBUs) this project offers opportunities for aquatic research to students whom might not otherwise have access to similar opportunities at their home institutions by linking monitoring of aquatic ecosystems to BSc Honours research projects and use the experiences gained to identify similar opportunities close to the HBUs. The partnerships between SAIAB and HEIs are envisaged to contribute to the achievement of national transformation goals and increased interest and opportunities for students at HBUs to pursue careers in aquatic ecology. I coordinated and lead all the field sampling of the Western and Northern Cape reservoirs monitoring programme before and after rotenone treatment. The project is lead by Prof Olaf LF Weyl, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and involves several South African universities and researchers from University of Venda, University of Fort Hare, Rhodes University and Stellenbosch University.
Project Leader: Potamonautids conservation: impacts, oppurtunities and challenges related to community sustainable livelihoods. Rufford Foundation (2017-2018)
Working with Ms Mwazvita TB Dalu, Rhodes University, Dr Ryan J Wasserman, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), and Prof Tamuka Nhiwatiwa and Mr Gregory M Dowo, University of Zimbabwe, we aim to assess direct or indirect community livelihoods impacts on preservation of crab species Potamonautes spp., and attempt to identify opportunities and constrains to conservation of crabs within the pre-existing livelihoods of the community households, in addition to assessing potential food sources e.g. macroinvertebrate larvae and diatom species in the Chimanimani National Parks (Zimbabwe). We hope this will lead to better formulation and implementation of conservation strategies through provision of recommendation strategies that provide long lasting conservation action plans. http://www.rufford.org/projects/tatenda_dalu_0
Project Leader: Understanding the effects of organic pollution and invasive carp on trophic structure in small reservoirs. Rhodes University, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (2017)
Working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Prof Olaf LF Weyl, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Dr Michelle C Jackson, Imperial College London and Dr Timothy Dube, University of the Western Cape, we aim understand how organic pollution and invasive carp affect the trophic structure in small reservoirs within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
Co-Project Leader: Understanding the physiological requirements of freshwater copepods. South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (2016)
Working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman of South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and Dr Candice Owen of Rhodes University we aim understand freshwater copepod physiology using Lovenula raynerae as our model organism.
Working with Ms Mwazvita TB Dalu, Rhodes University, Dr Ryan J Wasserman, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), and Prof Tamuka Nhiwatiwa and Mr Gregory M Dowo, University of Zimbabwe, we aim to assess direct or indirect community livelihoods impacts on preservation of crab species Potamonautes spp., and attempt to identify opportunities and constrains to conservation of crabs within the pre-existing livelihoods of the community households, in addition to assessing potential food sources e.g. macroinvertebrate larvae and diatom species in the Chimanimani National Parks (Zimbabwe). We hope this will lead to better formulation and implementation of conservation strategies through provision of recommendation strategies that provide long lasting conservation action plans. http://www.rufford.org/projects/tatenda_dalu_0
Project Leader: Understanding the effects of organic pollution and invasive carp on trophic structure in small reservoirs. Rhodes University, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (2017)
Working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Prof Olaf LF Weyl, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Dr Michelle C Jackson, Imperial College London and Dr Timothy Dube, University of the Western Cape, we aim understand how organic pollution and invasive carp affect the trophic structure in small reservoirs within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
Co-Project Leader: Understanding the physiological requirements of freshwater copepods. South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (2016)
Working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman of South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and Dr Candice Owen of Rhodes University we aim understand freshwater copepod physiology using Lovenula raynerae as our model organism.
Project Leader: Bloukrans River catchment ecological assessment project. Rhodes University, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (2016-2017)
Rivers and streams are globally threatened by anthropogenic pollution coupled with changes in water quality and biodiversity (invertebrate and fish), due to intensive land-use and inadequate environmental management practices. In the developing world, water pollution is a critical management issue with many rivers and streams draining urban areas receiving storm water, untreated solid waste and wastewater, thus impairing water and sediment quality. As a consequence, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning within these ecosystems is compromised, as reflected by the poor ecological status of many rivers in developing countries. Exploring the role of physicochemical variables in driving biotic communities is therefore important for the protection of biodiversity and prediction of the impacts of these perturbations on community dynamics. Am working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman - Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST), Prof Olaf LF Weyl and Mr Mandla Magoro - South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Prof P. William Froneman - Rhodes University, Dr Holy A Nel - Sustainable Seas Trust - African Waste Network, Dr Tongayi Mwedzi - Chinhoyi University of Technology, Dr Qihang Wu - City University of Hong Kong, Dr Jonathan D Tonkin - Oregon State University and Dr Jonathan C Taylor, North-West University to assess the impact of urbanisation on urban rivers focusing on metal dynamics, macroinvertebrates, diatoms and microplastics.
Rivers and streams are globally threatened by anthropogenic pollution coupled with changes in water quality and biodiversity (invertebrate and fish), due to intensive land-use and inadequate environmental management practices. In the developing world, water pollution is a critical management issue with many rivers and streams draining urban areas receiving storm water, untreated solid waste and wastewater, thus impairing water and sediment quality. As a consequence, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning within these ecosystems is compromised, as reflected by the poor ecological status of many rivers in developing countries. Exploring the role of physicochemical variables in driving biotic communities is therefore important for the protection of biodiversity and prediction of the impacts of these perturbations on community dynamics. Am working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman - Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST), Prof Olaf LF Weyl and Mr Mandla Magoro - South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Prof P. William Froneman - Rhodes University, Dr Holy A Nel - Sustainable Seas Trust - African Waste Network, Dr Tongayi Mwedzi - Chinhoyi University of Technology, Dr Qihang Wu - City University of Hong Kong, Dr Jonathan D Tonkin - Oregon State University and Dr Jonathan C Taylor, North-West University to assess the impact of urbanisation on urban rivers focusing on metal dynamics, macroinvertebrates, diatoms and microplastics.
Researcher: Micro-estuaries and micro-outlets ecology project in South Africa. South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (2015-2016)
In this micro-estuary and micro-outlet ecology project, am working on team led by the top estuarine ecologist in South Africa Prof Alan Whitfield (Project Leader) and Mr Mandla Magoro of South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Prof Renzo Perissinotto, Prof Tris Wooldridge, Prof Janine B Adams, Dr Lucienne RD Human and Ms Lyndall Naidoo of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and Dr Shaun HP Deyzel of the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON). I am mostly working on phytobenthos and phytoplankton communities. There are more than 100 coastal micro-outlets along the South African coast and none of these systems have had detailed ecological studies conducted on their biotic and abiotic characteristics. A multidisciplinary study on these systems, starting in the Eastern Cape, is likely to reveal the conditions that are required for the establishment of a typical estuarine fauna and flora. If these systems do possess an estuarine biota, there is significance in terms of coastal connectivity between estuaries, since these systems could then fill in ‘estuarine gaps’ along the coastline. There is also the possibility that these systems, because of their ephemeral nature over both short and longer time scales, lack aquatic biotic richness from marine, estuarine or freshwater sources. See featured SANCOR and WaterWheel articles on the project.
Researcher: Functional response studies of invasive species, Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass) and Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill). Centre for Invasion Biology, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (2015)
Running functional response experiments at the Tunnels, Rhodes University
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Pseudocranelabus philander (right) and Tilapia sparrmanii (left) used during functional response studies
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Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides used during experiments
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In this functional response project involving native and invasive species, am working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Bruce R Ellender and Prof Olaf LF Weyl of South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Prof Horst Kaiser of Rhodes University and Dr Mhairi E Alexander of Stellenbosch University. We aim to understand the use functional responses as a measure of predatory interaction in invasive and native fish species towards their prey in aquatic ecosystems. We are using Pseudocranelabus philander, Micropterus salmoides, Tilapia sparrmanii and Lepomis macrochirus as model predator species and the prey are juvenile Oreochromis mossambicus.
Potamonautes mutareensis
Project Leader: Ecological assessment of the recently discovered Potamonautes mutareensis sp. nov. in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, with implications to conservation. Idea Wild, Rufford Foundation (2014–2015)
Freshwater crabs are neglected in the world’s inland aquatic ecosystems and despite their wide distribution in tropical and warm temperate zones of the world. Freshwater crabs are among the largest detritivores found in the freshwater ecosystems and they play a central role in ecological processes (Dobson 2004). These large and conspicuous crustaceans are present in almost all freshwater habitats, from mountain streams to large lowland rivers and small water bodies (Cumberlidge 2011). In the southern African region, twenty-two species of crabs are known and there is every prospect that the species-count will increase as taxonomic discrimination improves and exploration continues. Potamonautes belongs to the potamonautidae family that is endemic to the afro-tropical region with representatives in continental Africa and Madagascar (Cumberlidge et al. 2007). The eastern highlands is a hub of endemism in Zimbabwe, with large numbers of endemic plant and animal species. This fact has not spared the area from the on-going bidiversity loss.
Freshwater crabs are neglected in the world’s inland aquatic ecosystems and despite their wide distribution in tropical and warm temperate zones of the world. Freshwater crabs are among the largest detritivores found in the freshwater ecosystems and they play a central role in ecological processes (Dobson 2004). These large and conspicuous crustaceans are present in almost all freshwater habitats, from mountain streams to large lowland rivers and small water bodies (Cumberlidge 2011). In the southern African region, twenty-two species of crabs are known and there is every prospect that the species-count will increase as taxonomic discrimination improves and exploration continues. Potamonautes belongs to the potamonautidae family that is endemic to the afro-tropical region with representatives in continental Africa and Madagascar (Cumberlidge et al. 2007). The eastern highlands is a hub of endemism in Zimbabwe, with large numbers of endemic plant and animal species. This fact has not spared the area from the on-going bidiversity loss.
Bridal Veil Falls River, Chimanimani (Eastern Highlands)
The recently discovered crab species does not come as a surprise since there are no known distribution and population trends and long-term monitoring of freshwater crabs in Zimbabwe. Therefore we are unclear of their conservation status. This project aims to provide comprehensive baseline information on the distribution and population trends of P. Mutareensis and other freshwater crabs in the eastern highlands (Zimbabwe) since no long-term monitoring programmes exist for these species. We aim to gather information on habitat preferences for the different freshwater species and also assess possible interactions among species if any exist. All the above information will provide foundations for us to be able to identify the potential impacts the crab species could be facing hence will lead to better formulation and implementation of conservation strategies for these species. Further, we aim to provide research recommendation strategies that will enable the development of long lasting conservation action plans. http://www.rufford.org/projects/tatenda_dalu
Newly discovered biggest known African freshwater male copepod, Lovenula rayneri Saurez, Wasserman, Dalu 2015
Co–Project Leader: Ecological and functional response studies of small aquatic ecosystems assessed using both field and laboratory studies in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. National Research Foundation, Rhodes University (2014–2015)
Freshwater systems are under serious threat from a number of drivers of global change. As a result there is great uncertainty in predicting the repercussions of future perturbations on such systems and determining their effects on interactions among species. In freshwater systems, shifting climate regimes and habitat alteration are considered to be of key importance, with the latter including the canalisation of rivers, construction of impoundments, introduction of non-native fauna and destruction of vegetation. Such disturbances can have a range of impacts on freshwater systems such as alterations to habitat availability and water quality, and in turn may also mitigate in species interactions with implications for community dynamics.
Working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman and Prof Olaf LF Weyl of South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and Prof P. William Froneman of Rhodes University, in collaboration with Dr Mhairi E Alexander of Stellenbosch University and Dr Danny Barrios-O'Neil of Queen's University, we aim understand the use functional responses as a measure of predatory interaction of macroinvertebrates towards their prey in small water ecosystems of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and we further aim to assess how these interactions are influenced by physico-chemical variables (e.g. temperature, salinity, nutrients), hydroperiod and habitat structural complexity. See featured research on ECOSUR, SAIAB and Water Wheel Magazine (July-August Issue) website for more information on the recently discovered biggest known freshwater copoped Lovenula raynerae Saurez-Morales, Wasserman, Dalu 2015, a collaboration between Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Dr Eduardo Suarez-Morales of ECOSUR, Mexico and SAIAB.
Freshwater systems are under serious threat from a number of drivers of global change. As a result there is great uncertainty in predicting the repercussions of future perturbations on such systems and determining their effects on interactions among species. In freshwater systems, shifting climate regimes and habitat alteration are considered to be of key importance, with the latter including the canalisation of rivers, construction of impoundments, introduction of non-native fauna and destruction of vegetation. Such disturbances can have a range of impacts on freshwater systems such as alterations to habitat availability and water quality, and in turn may also mitigate in species interactions with implications for community dynamics.
Working with Dr Ryan J Wasserman and Prof Olaf LF Weyl of South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and Prof P. William Froneman of Rhodes University, in collaboration with Dr Mhairi E Alexander of Stellenbosch University and Dr Danny Barrios-O'Neil of Queen's University, we aim understand the use functional responses as a measure of predatory interaction of macroinvertebrates towards their prey in small water ecosystems of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and we further aim to assess how these interactions are influenced by physico-chemical variables (e.g. temperature, salinity, nutrients), hydroperiod and habitat structural complexity. See featured research on ECOSUR, SAIAB and Water Wheel Magazine (July-August Issue) website for more information on the recently discovered biggest known freshwater copoped Lovenula raynerae Saurez-Morales, Wasserman, Dalu 2015, a collaboration between Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Dr Eduardo Suarez-Morales of ECOSUR, Mexico and SAIAB.
Newly discovered biggest known African freshwater female copepod, Lovenula rayneri Saurez, Wasserman, Dalu 2015
Researcher: Impact of introduced crayfish on Lake Kariba littoral zone ecosystem inferred using stable isotope approach. University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Research Council (2014–2016)
Cherax quadricarinatus, the Australian redclaw crayfish, is a freshwater crustacean native to northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is a valuable aquaculture species in Australia and other tropical and subtropical countries, owing to its rapid growth, flexible diet, direct development and ability to withstand variations in temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations (FAO 2011). However, it is a highly invasive species and can alter the ecosystem structure and processes of invaded waters. Consequently, some countries have discouraged its introduction due to these adverse ecological impacts (de Moor 2002). Cherax quadricarinatus is believed to have invaded Lake Kariba after escaping from fish farms in Zambia, where it was introduced in September 1992. Nakayama et al. (2010) showed that it had established feral populations at Siavonga on the Zambian shore of the Sanyati Basin by 2008, but reported that it could not be found at Sinazongwe, further along the lake shore. In May 2011 a report was made to the University of Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba Research Station of the presence of crayfish in the Sanyati Basin after it was caught there by an angler. It is now known to be widely distributed in the Sanyati Basin, where anglers have caught it along the southern shores, and it has also been taken further west at Elephant Point in the neighbouring Bumi Basin (Stutchbury 2011). However, it has not yet been recorded in the Binga Basin. Unlike the deliberate introductions into Lake Kariba of kapenta Limnothrissa miodon in 1967–1968 and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in 1990, the arrival of crayfish was accidental and thus, there is an urgent need to learn more about their biology and possible ecological impacts. Working with a team from the University of Zimbabwe; Dr Tamuka Nhiwatiwa, Dr Maxwell Barson and Mr Lightone Marufu and Chinhoyi University of Technology: Dr Crispen Phiri, we aim to understand and assess the invasion of Cherax quadricarinatus, the Australian redclaw crayfish on the trophic structure, in the Sanyati Basin of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe using stable isotope ecology.
Cherax quadricarinatus, the Australian redclaw crayfish, is a freshwater crustacean native to northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is a valuable aquaculture species in Australia and other tropical and subtropical countries, owing to its rapid growth, flexible diet, direct development and ability to withstand variations in temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations (FAO 2011). However, it is a highly invasive species and can alter the ecosystem structure and processes of invaded waters. Consequently, some countries have discouraged its introduction due to these adverse ecological impacts (de Moor 2002). Cherax quadricarinatus is believed to have invaded Lake Kariba after escaping from fish farms in Zambia, where it was introduced in September 1992. Nakayama et al. (2010) showed that it had established feral populations at Siavonga on the Zambian shore of the Sanyati Basin by 2008, but reported that it could not be found at Sinazongwe, further along the lake shore. In May 2011 a report was made to the University of Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba Research Station of the presence of crayfish in the Sanyati Basin after it was caught there by an angler. It is now known to be widely distributed in the Sanyati Basin, where anglers have caught it along the southern shores, and it has also been taken further west at Elephant Point in the neighbouring Bumi Basin (Stutchbury 2011). However, it has not yet been recorded in the Binga Basin. Unlike the deliberate introductions into Lake Kariba of kapenta Limnothrissa miodon in 1967–1968 and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in 1990, the arrival of crayfish was accidental and thus, there is an urgent need to learn more about their biology and possible ecological impacts. Working with a team from the University of Zimbabwe; Dr Tamuka Nhiwatiwa, Dr Maxwell Barson and Mr Lightone Marufu and Chinhoyi University of Technology: Dr Crispen Phiri, we aim to understand and assess the invasion of Cherax quadricarinatus, the Australian redclaw crayfish on the trophic structure, in the Sanyati Basin of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe using stable isotope ecology.
Researcher: Connectivity through allochthony: Reciprocal links between adjacent and terrestrial ecosystems in South Africa. National Research Foundation, Rhodes University, Water Research Commission (2012–2014)
Phytoplankton and phytobenthos communities play an important role in lotic systems as primary producers providing essential biomolecules to higher trophic oganisms and are important indicators for environmental or ecological change. In this project, under the supervision of Prof Pierre William Froneman, I used field studies (observational and experimental) along a river–estuary continuum to assess the spatio-temporal variation and development of phytobenthos and phytoplankton communities using a combination of stable isotope and community analyses in a temperate southern African system across four study periods: September (early spring) and November/December (late spring) 2012, and February (summer) and May/June (winter) 2013.
Freshwater site 3, Kowie River
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Kowie River
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Reflection of benthic green algae, Kowie River
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I collaborated with Dr Aaron WE Galloway of Washington State University (he is taking an Assistant Professorship position at the University of Oregon this fall - 2015) on the fatty acid study using natural and artificial substrates; Prof Taurai Bere of Chinhoyi of University of Technology (Zimbabwe) and Dr Jonathan C Taylor of North-West University/South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity on diatom ecology. Additionally, the sources and composition of the particulate organic matter were also analysed using stable isotope and fatty acid analysis as part of a bigger project on Connectivity through allochthony.
Co-Project Leader: An applied ecological assessment of the drivers in decline, distribution and conservation of five endangered frog species in the Eastern Highlands (Zimbabwe). Rufford Foundation (2012–2013)
Endangered Strongylopus rhodesianus endemic to the Eastern Highlands
Working with Edwin Tambara, the project aimed to address three core aspects that will ensure conservation of five endangered endemic frog species (Amietia inyangae, Arthroleptis troglodytes, Strongylopus rhodesianus, Probreviceps rhodesianus and Vandijkophrynus inyangae). 1. Research, aims to determine population sizes and distribution, habitat associations, quantify effects of anthropogenic perturbations. 2. Capacity building, through outreach programmes for schools and the general public. 3. Policy, seminars and workshops aimed at educating policy makers on impacts of, land use, deforestation, climate change and other factors on amphibian and biodiversity in general. Approximately one-third of the world’s amphibians are threatened with extinction. In the present massive decline, amphibians are not faring as well as other taxa. The leading factors contributing to amphibian decline worldwide include habitat modification and fragmentation, climate change, pathogens, invasive species, pollution, overhrvesting and the conversion of forest lands to other secondary landscapes. These events have not spared amphibian species in Zimbabwe. Of the fifty-six known species in Zimbabwe, only thirty-nine have been recorded in the last two years. The Eastern Highlands are the hub of endemism in Zimbabwe, known for their high number of endemic species of plants and animals. This fact has not spared the area from the on-going biodiversity loss. All the seven endemic frog species in Zimbabwe, are currently listed in the IUCN Red List (September 2011) of endangered species and five of which are montane species (Amietia inyangae, Arthroleptis troglodytes, Strongylopus rhodesianus, Probreviceps rhodesianus and Vandijkophrynus inyangae) confined to the Eastern Highlands. Because there has been no long-term monitoring on these species we are unclear of their conservation status; all could be extinct in the wild. Ecological information on the endangered species is one key outcome expected from the first phase of this project. This information will indicate the current status of each species in terms of population size, distribution, main threats, habitat associations, breeding and feeding behaviour. Such ecological information has immediate conservation value and will be crucial in establishing immediate conservation action plans. http://www.rufford.org/rsg/projects/edwin_tambara
Field sampling at Malilangwe Reservoir, Zimbabwe
Project Leader: Limnological study of Malilangwe reservoir in the south-eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe. Malilangwe Trust (2011–2012)
Small reservoirs are often neglected in terms of ecological and limnological research though they support a number of activities and provide ecosystem services in many parts of the country. This is shown by the fact that very little information exist on their limnology. Nhiwatiwa (2004) noted that there is a historical bias in limnological investigations towards larger water bodies that has resulted in small reservoirs being studied less. The knowledge we have about the limnology of small reservoirs is still not adequate, and hence further investigations into this topic are still warranted. As a result of lack of basic limnological and hydrological knowledge, and the potential for water quality to change as a result of anthropogenic activities, it is important to assess limnological conditions of small reservoirs that exist in Zimbabwe. Knowledge of changes in water quality as well as the responses of the biota in small reservoirs could constitute an important tool that can be used by water managers to continuously and rapidly assess the water quality. Thus, management of reservoirs requires a multifaceted approach in order to have baseline information for managers to make the right decisions. Malilangwe reservoir was chosen because most reservoirs of its comparable size spill annually but the Malilangwe reservoir has not spilled in nearly 11 years and this makes it a unique system. It is also strongly affected by water level fluctuations as a result of high evaporation rates. Malilangwe reservoir can be classified as a small reservoir. This is most unusual for a reservoir of its size as most small dams have short retention times (Nhiwatiwa and Marshall, 2006). It is therefore an ideal case study on reservoir management but at the same time there is need for a scientific investigation into the limnology of this reservoir as a first step towards a sustainable dam management strategy. A major challenge of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is to balance water allocation between different users or stakeholders that includes the environment. While economically and/or politically powerful users have relatively well developed methods for quantifying and justifying their water needs, this is not the case for ecosystems – the silent water user. The main of this research was to study the limnological and ecological features of Malilangwe reservoir. The study was under the supervision of Dr Tamuka Nhiwatiwa and Dr Bruce W Clegg.
Small reservoirs are often neglected in terms of ecological and limnological research though they support a number of activities and provide ecosystem services in many parts of the country. This is shown by the fact that very little information exist on their limnology. Nhiwatiwa (2004) noted that there is a historical bias in limnological investigations towards larger water bodies that has resulted in small reservoirs being studied less. The knowledge we have about the limnology of small reservoirs is still not adequate, and hence further investigations into this topic are still warranted. As a result of lack of basic limnological and hydrological knowledge, and the potential for water quality to change as a result of anthropogenic activities, it is important to assess limnological conditions of small reservoirs that exist in Zimbabwe. Knowledge of changes in water quality as well as the responses of the biota in small reservoirs could constitute an important tool that can be used by water managers to continuously and rapidly assess the water quality. Thus, management of reservoirs requires a multifaceted approach in order to have baseline information for managers to make the right decisions. Malilangwe reservoir was chosen because most reservoirs of its comparable size spill annually but the Malilangwe reservoir has not spilled in nearly 11 years and this makes it a unique system. It is also strongly affected by water level fluctuations as a result of high evaporation rates. Malilangwe reservoir can be classified as a small reservoir. This is most unusual for a reservoir of its size as most small dams have short retention times (Nhiwatiwa and Marshall, 2006). It is therefore an ideal case study on reservoir management but at the same time there is need for a scientific investigation into the limnology of this reservoir as a first step towards a sustainable dam management strategy. A major challenge of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is to balance water allocation between different users or stakeholders that includes the environment. While economically and/or politically powerful users have relatively well developed methods for quantifying and justifying their water needs, this is not the case for ecosystems – the silent water user. The main of this research was to study the limnological and ecological features of Malilangwe reservoir. The study was under the supervision of Dr Tamuka Nhiwatiwa and Dr Bruce W Clegg.
Field equipment and ready for sampling in 2011, Dr. Tatenda Dalu (left) and Malilangwe game ranger Pandeni Chitimela
Researcher: The impact of environmental pollution on potable water quality. Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (Zimbabwe), VLIR-UOS, University of Zimbabwe, World Health Organisation (2007–2008)
Water is the very essence of life, but is also scarce since it is a finite resource. Its scarcity is exacerbated by increasing anthropogenic impacts. Effective legislative and institutional frameworks to efficiently manage water are critical for both current and the future generations. Since 1990, the number of people without access to safe water worldwide has remained approximately 1.1 billion, of whom 2.2 million die of waterborne diseases each year. Drinking water quality monitoring is a common problem in the southern African region. The biological quality of water is reduced by the presence of microorganisms, such as protozoa and bacteria, most of which come from faecal contamination. In this project under the supervision of Dr Maxwell Barson, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of water quality in the upper Manyame catchment area so as to assess/predict the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in the study areas. The specific objectives of the survey were to:
1. Isolate and identify the faecal organisms in different potable water sources in Harare such as boreholes, shallow wells, taps, rivers and ground water.
2. Evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in the study locations.
3. Compare faecal contamination in different water sources.
Water is the very essence of life, but is also scarce since it is a finite resource. Its scarcity is exacerbated by increasing anthropogenic impacts. Effective legislative and institutional frameworks to efficiently manage water are critical for both current and the future generations. Since 1990, the number of people without access to safe water worldwide has remained approximately 1.1 billion, of whom 2.2 million die of waterborne diseases each year. Drinking water quality monitoring is a common problem in the southern African region. The biological quality of water is reduced by the presence of microorganisms, such as protozoa and bacteria, most of which come from faecal contamination. In this project under the supervision of Dr Maxwell Barson, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of water quality in the upper Manyame catchment area so as to assess/predict the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in the study areas. The specific objectives of the survey were to:
1. Isolate and identify the faecal organisms in different potable water sources in Harare such as boreholes, shallow wells, taps, rivers and ground water.
2. Evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in the study locations.
3. Compare faecal contamination in different water sources.
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Most of my research is supported by the following funding bodies as research grants, scholarships and fellowships either as individual grants or through research collaborators funds
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