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NaDEET is the educational core of Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve

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for a Sustainable Future!

Research and Publications on Biodiversity

An intern working on his research projectTitle: An investigation of the survival of planted Acacia erioloba saplings on the NamibRand Nature Reserve, and factors influencing it
Author: Hendrin Toivo (Bachelor of Natural Resources Management - NUST)
Summary of findings: The study found that the survival rate of A. erioloba saplings that were planted using cocoon technology had a survival rate of 48%. The different factors that affect the survival of the plants are weather, animals and other unknown factors that cause damage to the saplings. A comparison of the survival of the plants in three different soil types also established that clay soils had the best survival rate of 83%.

 

Title: Biodiversity Around Different Growth Forms of Camel-thorn (Acacia erioloba) in the vicinity of NaDEET Centre
Author: John Amanyanga 2017 (Bachelor of Natural Resource Management – Namibia University of Science and Technology)
Summary of findings: This study found that the camel-thorn interact with almost all the arachnid, bird, grass, insects, mammals, reptiles and other species found in the area, on average a tree interacted with 22 species. Fallen but living trees were associated with high biodiversity compared to those that are living and standing.

 

Title: The Study of Small Nocturnal Mammals Population, to Determine their Diversity Around NaDEET Centre, Southern Namib Desert
Author: Elia Shikukumwa  2015 (Nature Conservation Degree - Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings:  The study shows that there was no significant deference between small nocturnal abundance on the two sites, although a lot of small mammals as individuals were trapped near NaDEET Centre. This however did not have an impact on distribution; they were equally distributed on both sites. Therefore the Centre is not acting as an attractant to nocturnal small mammals. The study also shows that there is no distinct difference between Gerbillurus paeba and Gerbillurus tytonis.

Title: Vegetation survey in different habitats to determine a suitable location for a biodiversity trail in the Huibes Conservancy.
Author: Naemi N Antonius 2015 (Nature Conservation Degree - Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings: During this study a total of 120 plant species in two habitats along the river and rock terrain 1km from the river were surveyed and sampled. The study shows that species diversity was high in habitat one and species were abundant in habitat two. Some of the plants were found to have medicinal and nutritional value for both human and animals.  Due to the amount of time and area surveyed, further research of other locations needs to be done in order to determine a suitable location for a biodiversity trail.

 

Title: Relative abundance and habitat preference of Stipagrostis lutescens around the NaDEET office area

Author: Sem Shilongo 2013 (Nature Conservation Diploma- Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings: The results show that Stipagrostis lutescens is the dominating grass species on the sand dunes  2 km south of NaDEET while Stipagrostis ciliate domites the gravel plains. Dunes habitat shows more species richness compared to the gravel plains with four species recorded. However the gravel plains habitat has more base cover of 84 % while only 69% covered on the dunes.

 

Title:  Feeding Behaviours of Wedge-snouted Lizard in Pro-Namib 
Author: Emilia Ndahafa Sende 2011 (Nature Conservation Diploma-Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings: The study concluded that wild wedge-snouted lizards usually eat small moths, sugar ants, Namib dune ants and detritus.  However, when kept in captivity, Emilia found out that the lizards also are prepared to eat raw meat and cooked rice. This study will allow further research on the unique temperature adaptations of the wedge-snouted lizard to be done.

 

Title: Comparison of Soil Movement in Vegetated and None Vegetated Areas
Author: Viktoria Endjala 2009 (Nature Conservation Diploma-Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings:  It was found that 2-10 cm of soil was removed from vegetated areas.

 

Title: Raptor Occurrence and Activity in the Southern Namib
Author: Jonas Hausiku 2008 (Nature Conservation Diploma-Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings: Seven raptor species identified in the vicinity of NaDEET.  The study also determined typical patterns of activity for some species. However, a correlation between raptor presence and food availability in years of high annual rainfall could not be established.

 

Title: Fence Effectiveness and Maintenance - A Comparison of Maintenance Methods and the Effectiveness of a Boundary Fence in Two Habitats
Author: Jeremia Amutenya 2008 (Nature Conservation Diploma-Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings: Fence holes in dune sand substrate should be repaired with rocks while holes on the sandy plains should be repaired with iron poles.

 

Title: Determining the Biodiversity and Population Size of Nocturnal Small Animals
Author: Patience Mamili 2006 (Nature Conservation Diploma-Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings: Two types of rodents were trapped: a hairy footed dune gerbil and a stripped mouse. Birds and some crickets were also found in the traps.

NB: After the completion of this project, it was determined that the gerbils were not properly identified as both the Hairy footed dune gerbil and the hairy footed dune gerbil occur in the dunes

 

Title: Determination of Transpiration Rate of Different Plant Species within the NRNR 
Author: Thomas Neema 2006 (Nature Conservation Diploma-Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings: The results of the project indicated that non-indigenous plants, like the orange tree, lost more water because of their broader leaves.

 

Title: Insect Biodiversity and Population on Dune Slopes vs Sandy Plains 
Author: Uakendisa Muzuma 2005 (Nature Conservation Diploma-Polytechnic of Namibia)
Summary of Findings: The dunes do have a higher insect biodiversity attributed to food availability and diverse microhabitats. However, Uakendisa recommended trapping insects in the sandy plains as well and to use other trapping methods in order to increase the biodiversity of specimens caught.

 

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