JournalTOCs

Biodiversity Observations
Number of Followers: 2

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 2219-0341
Published by U of Cape Town

[5 journals]

The open-access journal Biodiversity Observations: report for the period
2010-2022
- Authors: Les G Underhill, Rene A Navarro
  First page: 1
  Abstract: Between 2010 and 2022, the online journal Biodiversity Observations published 389 papers. In January 2023, the total number of downloads of these papers was 462,000. Between 2018 and 2022, 138 of the papers had been cited in Google Scholar, and had generated a total of 421 citations. The journal plans to continue publishing descriptive papers which report observations relating to biodiversity.
  PubDate: 2023-01-20
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1314
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
A Guide to the Common Garden Birds of Cape Town, South Africa
- Authors: Karis Daniel, Megan Loftie-Eaton
  Pages: 7 - 41
  Abstract: This annotated picture booklet aims to provide a quick identification guide to the common birds in Cape Town’s urban gardens. This guide covers the 32 species you are most likely to encounter; though it is not comprehensive, the species included have been carefully selected to help you make a start.
  PubDate: 2023-01-25
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1316
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Attempted forced copulation by an immature Red-winged Blackbird male:
Video evidence from the Grand River Grasslands of Iowa and potential
explanations
- Authors: Wendy Tori, Joshua Angell, Hannah Grushon, Claudette Roskamp, Thea Clarkberg, Ethan King, Molly McKellar, Jessica Mingione, Jaime Coon
  Pages: 42 - 49
  Abstract: Forced copulations are a type of sexual coercion that typically occurs when the fitness interests of males and females are in conflict. Forced copulations are rare in most species of birds, and there are only a few reports in passerine species. Here we report the first published observation of an immature Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus male attempting a forced copulation on a nesting Red-winged Blackbird female. We describe the behaviour and discuss potential explanations and implications for our observations.
  PubDate: 2023-01-26
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1267
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus in the KhoiSan Karoo
Conservancy, Northern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Josu Meléndez-Arteaga, Jon Blanco, PC Ferreira, Rick J Nuttall, H Dieter Oschadleus, Les G Underhill
  Pages: 50 - 60
  Abstract: We report the occurrence of a Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus at the New Holme Nature Lodge, Hanover, Northern Cape, South Africa. Sightings were made over the period 4 May to 3 September 2022.
  PubDate: 2023-02-01
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1318
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Web-sourced photographic methods reveal dietary composition and shifts in
resident and migrant Coracias rollers in southern Africa
- Authors: Lisa Nupen, Maya Gardner, Julia Morin, Tshianeo Ndou, Emily Kathleen Dugmore
  Pages: 61 - 94
  Abstract: Closely related species coexisting in the same niche often have dietary overlap and interspecific competition can result in resource partitioning e.g., dietary shifts, migration or phenological changes. Traditional methods to study avian diets are typically costly, difficult, and invasive. Using web-sourced photographs is an emerging, non-invasive method to study avian foraging ecology. We used this approach, along with photographic road surveys, to study prey composition of migratory European Rollers Coracias garrulus and resident Lilac-breasted Rollers Coracias caudatus where they co-occur in southern Africa. These insectivorous sister species are frequently photographed with prey in their bills because of their conspicuous perch-and-wait foraging behaviour and bright plumage coloration. We collated over 250 photographs of rollers holding prey and identified prey items representing 15 animal orders. Lilac-breasted Roller diet contained six unique orders of prey during the Austral summer (when the European Roller is present), and only one during winter (when the European Roller has migrated north). This suggests that Lilac-breasted Rollers may broaden their diet seasonally to alleviate competition with European Rollers during summer. Additionally, Lilac-breasted and European Rollers had an 84% overlap in dietary composition, potentially representing high interspecific competition - even during wet savanna summers when resource abundance is high - that might have originally driven the evolution of migratory behaviour in the European Roller. Our findings expand the current knowledge of roller diets and highlighting the growing role of social media in ecological studies.
  PubDate: 2023-02-01
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1227
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Arthropod associates of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus on Vaca
Key, Monroe County, Florida, USA
- Authors: Lawrence Hribar
  Pages: 95 - 97
  Abstract: Examination of a carcass of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus (L.) (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae) provided the first record of a louse in the genus Cuculoecus (Psocodea: Philopteridae), a springtail Seira brasiliana (Arlé) (Collembola: Entomobryidae), and a tetranychid mite in the genus Oligonychus (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), from Vaca Key, Monroe County, Florida, USA.
  PubDate: 2023-02-01
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1154
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Prey items of Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris in southern Namibia
- Authors: Peter L Cunningham (Snr) , Peter L Cunningham (Jnr)
  Pages: 98 - 105
  Abstract: Although Southern Fiscals Lanius collaris are a common species in southern Namibia, we found only 18 impalements of prey items. We discuss these in relation to the species impaled, the site of impalement, the height above ground and the time of the year. We suggest that the small number of observations was due to the fact that the study period (July 2017 to June 2022) had below average rainfall, that food was therefore scarce and consumed, and that impalements events were rare.
  PubDate: 2023-02-03
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1244
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Observations of claw differences in an invasive crayfish (Orconectes
virilis)
- Authors: Amanda Luzardo, Nicole M Johnson, Julia Custelcean, Sophie Prevost, Christie Sampson, Steven M Vamosi, Emily Baumgartner
  Pages: 106 - 112
  Abstract: The Northern Crayfish (Orconectes virilis) is a relatively new invasive species to Calgary, Alberta Canada. We observed unique morphological characteristics concerning the claws (cheliped) of four (3 males and 1 female) out of 31 crayfish captured using a sweep sampling method from a creek in Calgary, Canada. These specimens exhibited a notable difference in claw size between the right and left claws. Differences in claw sizes can be attributed to an ongoing process of regeneration due to loss of the crayfish’s cheliped.
  PubDate: 2023-02-06
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1222
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Records of tail bifurcation in rainbow lizards Agama agama (Linnaeus,
1758) in Umudike, Nigeria
- Authors: Levi N Onyenweaku, Augustibe U Ezealor, Kingsley U Maxwell
  Pages: 113 - 116
  Abstract: This paper reports sightings of rainbow lizards Agama agama with bifurcated tails in a community in Umudike, Nigeria. Five individuals (two males and three females) were sighted within one month at different occasions within approximately 1 km radius in a semi-urban habitat with high human activity. We consider this to be an unusual aberration among lizard populations in the tropical forest ecosystem in Nigeria. Hence, we believe that there could be a genetic or environmental connotation to the high frequency of occurrence of this aberration within the locality.
  PubDate: 2023-02-07
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.691
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Observations and analysis of Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii
occurrence and behaviour over the Linksfield Ridge, Johannesburg, South
Africa
- Authors: Paul da Cruz
  Pages: 117 - 130
  Abstract: A series of sightings of the Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle (Hieraaetus ayresii) were made over two summers in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 from a property in Fellside, north-eastern Johannesburg. Sightings of the species were of individual birds in flight over the Linksfield Ridge and Louis Botha Avenue, both located a short distance to the south of the observation location. It is postulated that the combination of an abundance of prey in the form of Rock Doves (Columba livia) that inhabit the built-up urban environment of Louis Botha Avenue in high densities and the presence of a well vegetated (effectively wooded) ridge in close proximity appear to be the factors that draw the species to this particular location within Johannesburg. Although the sighting records did not form part of a dedicated monitoring protocol, the observations of the species were submitted to the SABAP2 project, and these and other records of the species in Johannesburg and Pretoria have been analysed to gain an understanding of the timing of the species’ occurrence within the urban centres of Gauteng. The wider SABAP2 dataset indicates that the species has been most commonly recorded in mid-summer (the months of December and February), with the next highest monthly recording rates being for spring and early summer. Further monitoring and observations for the presence of this species are recommended in areas of suitable habitat within Johannesburg (ridges in close proximity to concentrations of Rock Dove populations) to determine if it favours such location and occurs more widely and commonly than currently understood.
  PubDate: 2023-02-13
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1246
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Sparrows roosting and breeding in old nests of Cape Weavers Ploceus
capensis
- Authors: H Dieter Oschadleus
  Pages: 131 - 134
  Abstract: The first record of Southern Grey-headed Sparrows Passer diffusus breeding in a nest in an old colony of Cape Weavers Ploceus capensis is described. This is the second record of this species breeding in any weaver nest. A pair of Cape Sparrows Passer melanurus were observed roosting in another nest in the colony. They returned to the same nest during the night after being disturbed.
  PubDate: 2023-02-13
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1323
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Breeding range extension of Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides
in Botswana
- Authors: Duncan McKenzie
  Pages: 135 - 139
  Abstract: This paper reports the first observations of Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides breeding in the Limpopo drainage system, in Botswana, and suggests that it is likely that this species also breeds on the banks of the Limpopo River, on the South African side.
  PubDate: 2023-02-17
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.860
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Impact of cold and wet weather on Common Swifts Apus apus (with comments)
- Authors: Eddie Rabie, Christa Rabie, H Dieter Oschadleus
  Pages: 140 - 141
  Abstract: This note describes the effects of a cold and wet weather event on the Common Swifts Apus apus.
  PubDate: 2023-02-23
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.849
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata: a possible first breeding record for
Algeria
- Authors: Ayeb Slimane, Elafri Ali, Salah Telailia
  Pages: 142 - 145
  Abstract: Breeding events of a waterbird species outside of their normal breeding grounds could be important to address how population changes on wintering areas are impacted by changes elsewhere in the birds’ annual cycle. In this note we confirm the first breeding record of Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata in Algeria. The breeding site was a saline lake, Sebkhet El-mahmel, located 180 km from the Mediterranean Sea and subject to a semi-arid climate. The area was visited on 16 June 2019 and the species was confirmed as a pair of Northern Shoveler accompanied by eight juveniles. The Northern Shoveler is an unmistakable waterbird species in the northern hemisphere due to its distinctive bill. The female and her juveniles looked healthy and they spent almost the entire daytime foraging and swimming.
  PubDate: 2023-02-24
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1210
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos moulting in the Free State
- Authors: Martin Potgieter
  Pages: 146 - 148
  Abstract: Some Knob-billed Ducks Sarkidiornis melanotos in flightless moult were photographed on a farm dam in the central Free State Province of South Africa in May 2019. Although fairly common in the north-eastern quarter of southern Africa, this is apparently only the third record of this species moulting in the sub-region.
  PubDate: 2023-03-06
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1329
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Near-exclusive use of Setaceus Asparagus Fern Asparagus setaceus in the
construction of nests by three South African bird species
- Authors: Raleigh L Meredith
  Pages: 149 - 153
  Abstract: The nesting material used by birds can be an important habitat requirement and a potential limiting factor for the successful reproduction of many bird species. I present records of the use of the Setaceus Asparagus Fern Asparagus setaceus by Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata, and Swee Waxbill Coccopygia melanotis (Family Estrildidae) and Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystine (Family Nectariniidae) in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is the large percentage of fronds of Setaceus Asparagus Fern which have been used in these nests which is of particular interest.
  PubDate: 2023-03-08
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1083
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Cetacean sightings from Mozambican waters, including the first records of
Rough-toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis and Fraser’s Dolphin
Lagenodelphis hosei
- Authors: Dominic P. Rollinson
  Pages: 154 - 161
  Abstract: Opportunistic cetacean sightings were made during a 79-day fishing trip through southern and central Mozambican waters. Notable sightings included the first Mozambican records of Rough-toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis and Fraser’s Dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei, although both species have been recorded from neighbouring South African and Tanzanian waters. A number of other rarely seen cetacean species, with few Mozambican records, were also recorded.
  PubDate: 2023-03-10
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1195
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Reptiles and Amphibians of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Western
Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mike Fraser
  Pages: 162 - 185
  Abstract: The status of all the reptile and amphibian species that have been recorded in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (the southern section of the Table Mountain National Park) is described. A total of 57 species has been recorded, comprising seven tortoises and turtles, 14 lizards, one chamaeleon, 20 snakes, two platannas, and 13 frogs and toads. The Reserve is an important stronghold of the IUCN-classified ‘Endangered’ Cape Platanna Xenopus gilli, and holds the discrete southern population of the range-restricted, ‘Near Threatened’ Cape Peninsula Moss Frog Arthroleptella lightfooti.
  PubDate: 2023-03-14
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1338
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)
Spotted Gully Shark Triakis megalopterus at Robben Island, Table Bay,
South Africa
- Authors: Ekiñe Velasco, Jon Zubillaga, Maite Gonzalez, Emy Cottrant
  Pages: 186 - 188
  Abstract: We report a sighting of a Spotted Gully Shark Triakis megalopterus at Robben Island, 7 km from the nearest mainland, in Table Bay, South Africa. The sighting was made on 18 February 2023 within an hour of high tide.
  PubDate: 2023-03-15
  DOI: 10.15641/bo.1339
  Issue No: Vol. 13 (2023)