Do public attitudes affect conservation effort? Using a questionnaire-based survey to assess perceptions,beliefs and superstitions associated with frogs in South Africa

Globally, amphibians are among the least appreciated vertebrates and are often negatively perceived by the general public. Such attitudes are particularly prevalent in South Africa, where fear, superstitions and myths associated with frogs are pervasive in some cultures. These attitudes could have harmful consequences both for the animals concerned and conservation efforts. This study aimed to investigate attitudes to frogs throughout South Africa across multiple age and ethnic groups. We used a multi-language survey in both hard-copy and online versions. Respondents (n = 2 295) comprised both genders across six age groups and five ethnic groups. A functionalist approach using structural equation modelling was used to assess how liking of frogs and cultural beliefs varied with socio-demographic factors. Attitudes varied significantly between groups, with males more likely to like frogs than females and age and level of education also significantly linked to liking. The influence of cultural beliefs and lack of knowledge also directly influenced negative attitudes towards frogs. More than 60% of respondents expressed an interest in learning more about frogs, indicating an opportunity for improving attitudes through educational outreach. The findings of this study can be used to inform current efforts to protect amphibians in South Africa through social interventions.     

The genetic diversity and structure of 18 sheep breeds exposed to isolation and selection

The phylogenetic layout of the genotyped (30 microsatellite) 18 sheep breeds in this study demands and provides the opportunity to evaluate both neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity in a naturally and artificially selected and subdivided sheep population. Seven Pramenka strains from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia characterized by a very low intensity of artificial selection, preserved the highest neutral genetic variability. Eight central and north‐western European breeds under considerable artificial isolation and selection preserved the lowest genetic variability. Only combinations of various phylogenetic parameters offer a reasonable explanation for underlying evolutionary forces working in the investigated island and mainland sheep breeds under variable natural and artificial selection. More than 60% of total genetic, diversity was allocated to virtually unselected Pramenka strains, and an additional 25% to native moderately selected Graue Gehoernte Heidschnucke and intensively selected Ostfriesische Milchschafe. Some economically very important breeds and strains did not contribute to a pool with maximal genetic diversity, while they play an important role in the cultural heritage of respective countries.     

河西绿洲灌区留茬覆盖免耕保护性耕作的增产节水效应

试验设20 cm留茬压倒(NPS20),40 cm留茬压倒(NPS40),40 cm立秆(NS40),20 cm立秆(NS20),6 750kg/hm2覆盖(NSB40),3 750 kg/hm2覆盖(NSB20)和传统耕作(CT)7个处理,在节水1 950 m3/hm2的条件下,研究了不同的秸秆覆盖量、留茬高度和秸秆处理对小麦产量、水分利用效率(WUE)和不同时期土壤水分的影响。结果表明,留茬覆盖免耕保护性耕作提高了春小麦的产量,NPS20,NPS40,NS40,NS20,NSB40和NSB20较CT分别增产53.08%,46.59%,40.81%,19.93%,17.33%和4.34%;留茬覆盖免耕保护性耕作提高了春小麦的水分利用效率(WUE)(NPS20,NS40,NPS40,NS20,NSB40,NSB20分别较CT提高58.02%,43.40%,47.27%,23.78%,20.69%,8.56%),但增加了小麦生育期土壤水分支出;不同处理在不同时期对土壤水分的影响不同。     

5HC-1型牧草保质干燥机的研制

采用钢丝带水平输送式结构,与混流、余热回收加热、气流翻铺等先进的干燥工艺对紫花苜蓿加工处理;并在试验的基础上,对牧草保质干燥机的主要结构及其性能参数进行研究,设计出了适合于农牧场及畜牧小区的机型.经性能测试与实践证明,该机烘后牧草品质好、生产效率高、成本低,促进了集约化畜牧业的快速发展.     

小流域的综合治理

1984年以来,舒城县采取工程和生物措施相结合的办法,对胡家河等6个小流域进行了综合治理。本文扼要地将在治理和管护工作中积累的经验、方法以及其成效、研究资料介绍给大家,以供参考。     

保雨灌溉技术的研究与推广

保雨灌溉技术的核心是向天空要水,与蒸发夺水,充分利用自然降水和土壤水分,满足作物需要。在作物需水不足时,提取地下水补充灌溉。三年试验结果表明,保雨灌溉比常规井灌年均节水2091mm/hm~2,增产粮食2020kg/hm~2,促进了优质高效农业的发展。     

抗旱保水剂应用特性的实验研究

应用抗旱保水剂是近年来发展较快的一种非工程节水灌溉措施，在实际应用中，土、肥、水等多种因素对保水剂持水能力有很大影响。通过大量试验，对保水剂在各种应用条件下的持水特性进行了定性研究，提出了应用保水剂应注意的问题及若干建议。