Ecology of the bald ibis Geronticus Calvus and fire in the South African grassland biome

Manry, David Edward

Ecology of the bald ibis Geronticus Calvus and fire in the South African grassland biome

Master Thesis

1983

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

The thesis comprises four separate chapters dealing with various aspects of the ecology of the bald ibis Gerontiaus aalvus (Aves: Threskiornithinae) and fire in the South African grassland biome. The use of habitat by foraging bald tbises, and the reproductive performance of bald ibises during three consecutive breeding seasons (1978-80) at a single breeding colony in western Natal, South Africa, are discussed in relation to rainfall, grass-burning, domestic livestock grazing and agriculture. A review follows dealing with the ecology of fire in the South African grassland biome, with particular reference to the possible role of lightning in the origin, maintenance and distribution of open grassland in South Africa under the natural fire regime. The four chapters composing the thesis are prefaced by a general introduction and followed by a general summary and conclusion.

Description

Bibliography: pages 111-119.

Keywords

Ornithology

Reference:

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