Additions to the barnacle (Crustacea: Cirripedia) fauna of South Africa

The purpose of this paper is to document recent additions to the South African barnacle (Cirripedia) fauna. New species records were obtained by examining accumulated collections of unidentified material in the Iziko South African Museum, as well as via material collected directly by the authors. Fourteen species, none of which are new to science, are added to the known fauna, raising the total number of barnacle species recorded from South Africa by over 20%, from 69 to 83 species. Ten of the additional species are offshore benthic forms and represent deep-water taxa whose ranges are extended into South African waters. The remaining four are coastal inshore or surface-dwelling species, of which three are considered recent anthropogenic introductions. The large number of additions to the fauna can be attributed to a long absence of taxonomic expertise on this group in the region and consequent accumulation of unidentified samples. A high proportion of the deep-water samples examined contained previously unreported species, suggesting that additional sampling of hard abyssal substrata in the region is certain to yield yet more new cirripede records.     

First report of Fascioloides magna (Bassi, 1875) in South Africa

Fascioloides magna from a Brahman heifer recently imported from the USA is recorded for the first time in South Africa. The pathological findings are briefly described. The possibility of this parasite becoming established in this country is also discussed.     

The leaf-litter earthworm fauna (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of forests in Limpopo Province,South Africa: diversity,communities and conservation

A qualitative survey of the leaf-litter earthworm fauna of 11 selected indigenous forests in Limpopo Province, South Africa, was conducted to identify the species present, to describe the communities and to assess the relationship between indigenous and exotic species. A total of 8185 individuals from 17 species (five indigenous and 12 exotic species) were recorded. The average earthworm community comprised fewer than five species, but up to seven species were sampled from a single forest. Four of the species recorded are national (one species), regional (one species) or local (two species) endemics. Because these species are not known to live elsewhere, the protection of Limpopo Province forests is critical to their survival. The majority (71%) of the earthworm species sampled was exotic, and differences between exotic and indigenous species richness in forests were mostly significant. At the two spatial scales examined (20 m2 and individual forest) there is no evidence of an association between exotic and indigenous species richness. However, we cannot assume that exotic earthworms do not impact the forest ecosystem.     

Histological observation of the reproductive system in a viviparous teleost Xenotoca eiseni Rutter 1896 (Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae)

Xenotoca eiseni is a viviparous teleost belonging to the family Goodeidae. Here, we report histological observations of the reproductive organs in an adult male, an adult female, a pregnant female with intraovarian embryo and an extracted embryo of X. eiseni. High-resolution images of haematoxylin–eosin-stained sagittal sections revealed the detailed structure of gonads, gametes and reproductive components of the mother–embryo relationship. In the male, mature spermatozoa in the epididymis formed sperm packages. In the female, oogenesis proceeded asynchronously in the ovarian wall, and various stages of oocytes were observed in single ovary. In both sexes, genital openings were located between the anus and anal fin. Developing embryos were observed in an ovary of the pregnant female. Fine structures of components of the mother-to-embryo nutrient supply, ovarian septum and trophotaenia were observed in the pregnant ovary. An immature gonad prior to gamete formation was identified in the extracted embryo. With the aim of supporting the development and extension of studies on this viviparous teleost, we have shared our histological images as raw data in an open online archive, the 'NAGOYA repository ( http://hdl.handle.net/2237/00032456 )'. Our goal is a comprehensive understanding of the viviparous system in fish using both histological observation and molecular biology methods including genomics and proteomics.     

Studies on the Taxonomy of the South African Tectocepheidae Grandjean 1953 (Oribatei,Acari)

Mousebirds (Coliiformes) exhibit well-developed communal roosting behaviour as well as a pronounced capacity for facultative hypothermic responses. We recorded body temperature (T_b)) in speckled mousebirds (Colius striatus) under semi-natural conditions in outdoor aviaries, and examined interactions between behavioural and metabolic thermoregulation by experimentally manipulating food availability and communal roosting behaviour. When food was available ad libitum, mousebirds roosting in a cluster maintained approximately constant rest-phase T_b, with 32°C < T_b < 42°C. By contrast, rest-phase T_b in single mousebirds decreased at 0.5°C/hr and minimum rest-phase T_b was significantly lower than when clustering. When food availability was restricted, the mousebirds exhibited facultative hypothermic responses that were less pronounced in clustering groups (minimum rest-phase T_b = 33.3°C, circadian amplitude of T_b = 9.5°C) compared to single birds (minimum rest-phase T_b = 30.7°C, circadian amplitude of T_b = 11.8°C). When clustering, rest-phase T_b was highly synchronized among individuals. Our data reveal that communal roosting has profound consequences for rest-phase thermoregulation in C. striatus, and provide further insights into the potential role of physiological constraints in the evolution of avian sociality.     

Age,Growth and Aspects of Reproduction of the Mackerel Scomber Japonicus in South African Waters (Pisces: Scombridae)

The age and growth of the mackerel were determined from 1742 otoliths collected from commercial catches. The time of annulus formation was established from otolith edge examinations. Two zones. one opaque and one hyaline, are laid down during a year. The distance of each annulus from the nucleus of the otolith was measured. Mean measurements were substituted in a linear regression equation which describes the relationship between otolith radius and fish length to obtain back-calculated length at age values. Growth in length and in mass are expressed by the von Bertalanffy growth equation. Length and age at first maturity were established by macroscopic examination of mackerel gonads. All mackerel were found to mature during their fourth year of life, at 42 cm standard body length. Spawning takes place during the period June to September.     

First record of Cylicospirura (Cylicospirura) felineus (Chandler, 1925) Sandground, 1933 (Nematoda: Spirocercidae) from a domestic cat in South Africa

Cylicospirura (Cylicospirura) felineus (Chandler, 1925) Sandground, 1933 is reported from a cat in South Africa for the first time. The nematode was present in a gastric parasitic nodule in a male domestic cat, and three males were recovered as well as the anterior parts of three and the posterior parts of two gravid females. The heads of two specimens of undetermined sex were also found. Part of the removed parasitic nodule was processed for histopathological examination. The parasitic nodule was located in the submucosa and slightly expanded into the muscular layer. In its centre were small necrotic areas containing debris of inflammatory cells, adult nematodes and numerous bacterial colonies. Neutrophils, eosinophils, plasma cells and lymphocytes, as well as fibroblasts, were the predominant cell types. The serosal surface of the stomach remained unaffected. Some comparative morphological as well as ecological data concerning Cylicospirura (Cylicospirura) Vevers, 1922 in other feline hosts, mainly from Australia, India and North America, are included.     

Incisor morphology as an aid in the systematics of the South African Leporidae (Mammalia: Lagomorpha)

Photomicrographs of cross-sections through the principal upper incisors of the South African Leporidae were evaluated for use in species identification. Differences in incisor width and the pattern of the enamel fold provide a reliable means of distinction between Lepus capensis and L. saxatilis. Incidental comparisons of incisor cross-sections of the South African L. capensis, including those from the type locality, and the taxonomically controversial L. europaeus reveal marked differences which may be useful in the delimitation of these taxa. Within Pronolagus, distinct differences were evident between the incisor patterns of P. rupestris and its congeners, P. crassicaudatus and P. randensis, which are similar with respect to this character. Similarly, striking differences were evident between the incisors of the monotypic Bunolagus monticularis and both L. saxatilis and, importantly in view of their close phenetic relationship, L. capensis.     

First record and redescription of the introduced sea anemone Sagartia ornata (Holdsworth, 1855) (Cnidaria: Actiniaria: Sagartiidae) from South Africa

The brooding sea anemone Sagartia ornata is reported from South Africa for the first time and is redescribed. The species is abundant intertidally in Langebaan Lagoon, where it attaches to stones shal lowly buried in sediment. It is probably a recent intro duction from Europe.     

The epidemiology of tuberculosis in free-ranging African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

The presence of bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) in the Kruger National Park (KNP) was determined for the first time in 1990. It was diagnosed in an African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) bull, which was found recumbent and in an emaciated and moribund state near the south-western boundary fence. This prompted an investigation into the bovine tuberculosis (BTB) status of the KNP, with emphasis on its epidemiological determinants and risk factors. This report documents the findings of surveys that were conducted from 1990 to 1996. It was found that BTB had entered the KNP ecosystem relatively recently (+/- 1960), and has found favourable circumstances for survival and propagation in a fully susceptible and immunologically naive buffalo population. Indications are that it entered the KNP from across the southern river boundary, where the presence of infected domestic cattle herds had been documented. From there the infection spread through the southern buffalo population and is currently spreading in a northward direction. It was estimated that this northward spread took place at a rate of about 6 km per year; the prospect being that, if this rate of spread is maintained, the entire KNP may be affected in less than 30 years from now. Spillover from buffalo had already occurred in species such as chacma baboon (Papio ursinus), lion (Panthera leo), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and leopard (Panthera pardus). Although there is no indication yet that these species act as maintenance hosts, the possibility is raised that these, or an as yet overlooked species, might assume such a role in future. In the KNP, BTB manifests itself as a chronic and predominantly subclinical disease in buffalo. It may take years for clinical signs to develop, and then only at a terminal stage, when emaciation is a constant feature. It is suspected that the time from infection to death is variable and dependent on the animal's immune response, which can be weakened by such factors as stress, old age or droughts. It was found that, in the interim, buffalo have a normal reproductive life. On necropsy, buffalo show almost exclusively lung and upper respiratory tract involvement, pointing to an aerogenous mode of transmission. Histologically, little sign of encapsulation of lesions was detected, which suggests that they are exceptionally susceptible to BTB and that most lesions are open and infectious and progressive, leading ultimately to death of the individual. Evidence also indicates that BTB is progressive within the herd context (92% being the highest prevalence rate thus far determined in a buffalo herd) as well as progressive within the KNP buffalo population (the implication being that virtually all buffalo herds in the KNP will eventually be infected). Preliminary data suggest a positive correlation between disease prevalence and mortality, with potential mortality reaching up to 10% in buffalo herds having BTB prevalence rates of 50 % and higher. Only the future will tell what the effect of the disease on the population dynamics of buffalo will be.     

First report of a parasitic mite, Leptotrombidium (Hypotrombidium) subquadratum (Lawerence) (Acari: Trombiculidae: Trombiculinae), from dogs and children in the Bloemfontein area, South Africa

Leptotrombidium subqunadratum larvae were collected for the first time in 1994 from dogs in Bloemfontein. The larvae have been collected annually, during the summer months, over a period of 6-7 years. Previously the only known hosts were scrub hare (Lepus saxatilis) (locality unknown) and short-snouted elephant shrew (Elephantulus brachyrhynchus) (Kruger National Park). These mites cause severe itching and dermatitis in humans and dogs.     

Karyology of the redfin minnows,genus Pseudobarbus Smith, 1841 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae): one of the evolutionarily tetraploid lineages of South African barbines

The karyotypes of six species of Pseudobarbus Smith, 1841, namely P. afer (Peters, 1864), P. asper (Boulenger, 1911), P. burchelli Smith, 1841, P. burgi (Boulenger, 1911), P. phlegethon (Barnard, 1938) and P. tenuis (Barnard, 1938), were examined by conventional Giemsa staining and described. All six karyotypes have 2n = 100 chromosomes, dominated by bi-armed chromosomes, as does the only other member of the genus, P. quathlambae (Barnard, 1938). Sex-related intraspecific karyotype variation was not found. The shared chromosome numbers and general similarity of the karyotypes (FN = 186–192) provide a new synapomorphy to support their monophyly, which is already indicated by anatomical and mtDNA markers. Karyotype evolution within the genus has been accompanied by chromosomal inversions and centromeric shifts. Comparison of the diploid number found in Pseudobarbus with other African barbine cyprinines, which have in the region of 2n = 50 and lower FNs, suggests a tetraploid evolutionary origin of the genus, possibly by allotetraploidy.     

Diagnostic imaging of a renal adenoma in a Red Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus Cuvier, 1829)

This case report describes the radiographic, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic (CT) examination of an abdominal swelling in a Red Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus Cuvier, 1829). While radiography only demonstrated caudoventral compression of the swimbladder, ultrasonography found a huge tumor-like parenchyma in the caudal abdomen. CT studies detected a possible connection between the tumor and the kidneys. Necropsy and pathohistology were performed. A papillary-cystic adenoma of the kidney was diagnosed.     

Parasites of South African wildlife. XVIII. Cooperia pigachei n. sp. (Nematoda: Cooperiidae) from the mountain reedbuck, Redunca fulvorufula (Afzelius, 1815)

A new species of Cooperia, for which the name Cooperia pigachei n. sp. is proposed, was recovered from a mountain reedbuck, Redunca fulvorufula, from the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, Free State Province, and is described and illustrated. It is close to Cooperia neitzi M?nnig, 1932 and the South African race of Cooperia rotundispiculum in having more than 14 longitudinal cuticular ridges and in that the lateral cervical synlophe is of the closed type. The new species differs from all the other species of the genus in that the lateral branches of the dorsal ray are large and T-shaped. The spicules are robust, over 0.3 mm long and have large, curved shoes on their tips.     

早成性专性寄生鸟类黑头鸭的宿主利用模式:生态与进化(英文)

黑头鸭(Heteronetta atricapilla)是鸟类专性巢寄生中唯一的早成性鸟类,其雏鸟孵出后即离开巢,不再需要宿主的哺育。因此可以预期,这一寄生系统与其他的巢寄生鸟类不同,它们应该能利用较多的宿主,繁殖成效也较高。基于在阿根廷4年的研究,我们对黑头鸭的宿主利用模式有了较清晰的认识。在野外我们没有发现黑头鸭自己筑巢的证据,这进一步证实黑头鸭是专性寄生繁殖鸟类。与预期相反的是,黑头鸭仅寄生很少的宿主,包括广泛分布和数量较多的2种骨顶鸡和1种鸥类,其他的宿主很少被利用,要么因为不常见,或因为它们逃避黑头鸭。在这3种主要的宿主中,黑头鸭卵的孵化成功率也由于宿主拒绝或忽略而相当低(≤ 28%),而3种宿主由于捕食而导致的死亡率并不高。这与Weller以往仅1年的观察结果吻合。我们的研究与以往关于黑头鸭巢寄生进化的假说不同,其所利用的宿主种类不多,孵化成功率较低。这表明,古澳大利亚大陆湿地的高捕食压力,以及宿主较强的护巢行为和较高的营巢成功率,在黑头鸭寄生繁殖的进化中扮演着重要角色。     

Parasites of South African wildlife. XVII. Ostertagia triquetra n. sp. (Nematoda: Trichostrongylina) from the grey rhebuck,Pelea capreolus (Forster, 1790)

Re-examination of Teladorsagia hamata (M?nnig, 1932) Durette-Desset, 1989 reported from grey rhebuck, Pelea capreolus (Forster, 1790) proved it to be a new species of Ostertagi Ransom, 1907. The new species, for which the name Ostertagia triquetra n. sp. is proposed, differs from Teladorsagia hamata in the configuration of the bursal rays (2-1-2 in the former, 2-2-1 in the latter), and in that the interno-dorsal branch of the spicules bears a process that is triangular and convex in the new species, but concave and shaped like an ice-cream scoop in Teladorsagia hamata. Ostertagia triquetra has so far been found only in grey rhebuck in the Eastern Cape Province while Teladorsagia hamata was recorded from springbok, Antidorcas marsupialis (Zimmerman, 1780) and gemsbok, Oryx gazella (Unnaeus, 1758) in the western part of the country.     

Coccidian oocyst and nematode egg counts of free-ranging African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Faecal specimens collected in the Kruger National Park from 103 African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) up to 1 year old and 283 buffaloes older than 1 year were examined for the presence of coccidian oocysts and nematode eggs. Most specimens from animals older than 1 year had negative coccidian oocyst counts. Positive specimens from younger animals had significantly higher coccidian oocyst counts than those from older animals. No such difference was found for nematode egg counts.