Response of the Plankton to a Fresh Water Pulse in a Fresh Water Deprived, Permanently Open South African Estuary

This study assessed the influence of a freshwater pulse on selected physico-chemical and biological variables in a permanently open freshwater deprived southern African estuary. In the absence of the freshwater pulse a reverse gradient in salinity was evident with hypersaline (salinity > 40) conditions prevailing in the upper reaches of the estuary. Total chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentration during this period ranged from 0.25 to 0.60 μg·l-1. The mean total zooplankton abundance and biomass in the absence of freshwater during the daytime was 666 ind·m-3 (SD ± 196) and 12.4 mg·dwt·m-3 (SD ± 3.3), respectively. During the night time the mean total zooplankton abundance was 3121 ind·m-3 (SD ± 1203) and the biomass 21.8 mg·dwt·m-3 (SD ± 196). The total zooplankton abundance during the dry season was numerically dominated by the copepod nauplii and the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei, which contributed up to 76% of the total zooplankton counts. The freshwater pulse was associated with the establishment of a horizontal gradient in salinity along the length of the estuary and a significant increase in the total chl-a concentration (range from 0.74 to 11.75 μg·l-1) and zooplankton biomass (range from 23.7 to 76.6 mg·dwt·m-3) (p ally, there was a marked increase in the total zooplankton abundances and biomass within the estuary. A distinct shift in the zooplankton community composition was evident with the copepod, Acartia longipatella numerically dominating the zooplankton counts.

Assessing the Contribution of Ecotourism to Economic Growth and Rural Development Offered by Wildlife Resources to People Living in Communities around Matusadonha National Park

Ecotourism is one of the major drivers of economic growth and rural development in many countries involved in wildlife resource management.The objective was to assess the contribution of ecotourism to economic growth and rural development offered to people living in communities around Matusadonha National Park.A total of 140 participants were interviewed and questionnaires were administered to the same number of people.Data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods.Results show that the majority of participants(57%)were females.Safari operations were the major(54.7%)ecotourism activity in Matusadonha National Park.Above half(58.8%)of participants indicated that ecotourism contributed toward economic growth in communities around Matusadonha National Park.Most people(343)were employed on a part-time basis from 2000 to 2022.Participants indicated that the standard of living in most communities increased by more than 50%.Above 50%of participants were satisfied with the contribution of ecotourism towards rural development.It can be concluded that ecotourism has the potential to improve economic growth and rural development if close monitoring and accountability of funds are monitored closely.Local people should be included in the accountability of funds and management of wildlife resources to improve economic benefits to local people.