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The mammals of Botswana
Thesis (DSc)--University of Pretoria, 1971.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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University of Pretoria
2022
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| _version_ | 1867613711692201984 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author2 | Meester, J.A.J. |
| author_browse | Meester, J.A.J. |
| author_facet | Meester, J.A.J. |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | © 2021 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. |
| description | Thesis (DSc)--University of Pretoria, 1971. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/83170 |
| institution | University of Pretoria (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:40:29.643Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| publishDate | 2022 |
| publishDateRange | 2022 |
| publishDateSort | 2022 |
| publisher | University of Pretoria |
| publisherStr | University of Pretoria |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| spelling | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/83170 The mammals of Botswana Meester, J.A.J. Smithers, Reay Henry Noble UCTD Mammals Botswana Thesis (DSc)--University of Pretoria, 1971. The purpose of this study, which was undertaken over the years 1964-69, was to determine which species of mammals occur in Botswana and to contribute to our knowledge of their taxonomy, distribution, habitat requirements, habits, food and reproduction. As this programme involved the services of a number of teams and individuals working independently and far from base, a system was devised whereby the observations and data were recorded in a standard manner for ease of later recovery and correlation. The study area was divided into five sectors, and each sector was visited at least once during both the wet and dry seasons. The data collected included sight records of easily recognizable species, material records based on skins and skulls, stomach contents ( except those of the Chiroptera and Muridae) and reproductive tracts. All specimens were weighed and standard field measurements were taken. In addition, habitat preferences were noted and information on habits was recorded, augmented, where possible, by observations of specimens in captivity. After three years of fieldwork, an interim report was published, giving information on distribution and habitat of the 146 species collected up to that date (Smithers, 1968). By the completion of the study in 1969 a further six species had been added to the list, making the total number, now dealt with, 152. The introduction of the present report deals with: the objects of the study; the value of the results as a basis for further studies; the problem of field-work in terrain that is largely waterless and difficult of access; and other subjects of direct and indirect interest to the survey. Further chapters deal with the study area, its situation, and political, topographical, ecological and other features; a gazetteer of place names and their locus on a quarter-degree grid system; a discussion on the planning of the survey; definitions of the terms used in the text and a glossary of abbreviations. The methods and techniques used in obtaining and processing material and the use of the record forms are discussed. An outline of the classification used is provided. With some stipulated exceptions it follows that of Ellerman, Morrison-Scott and Hayman (1953). A checklist follows, which deals in detail with each of the species studied. Keys to genera and species are given. The distribution of each species is briefly described, and plotted on a distribution map using a quarter-degree square system, distinguishing between sight and material records. The taxonomy of the species is discussed, if it presents problems, and habitat, habits and reproduction are described in the light of the information acquired in the course of the study. Sizes and weights are summarized, when samples consist of four or more specimens. Otherwise, individual values are given. A list is provided of species which were not collected, but which might be expected to occur, as they have been taken in ecologically similar conditions in adjacent parts of surrounding territories. Acknowledgement is made to those who provided the finance for the operation, assisted in the work, or were associated in various ways with it; and a bibliography and indices of scientific, English and seTswana names are given. The data, on which the detailed analysis of habitat and food preference were based, remain available for further study in the archives of the National Museums of Rhodesia. Zoology and Entomology DSc Unrestricted 2022-01-12T05:59:57Z 2022-01-12T05:59:57Z 19/8/2021 1971 Thesis * http://hdl.handle.net/2263/83170 en © 2021 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria |
| spellingShingle | UCTD Mammals Botswana The mammals of Botswana |
| title | The mammals of Botswana |
| title_full | The mammals of Botswana |
| title_fullStr | The mammals of Botswana |
| title_full_unstemmed | The mammals of Botswana |
| title_short | The mammals of Botswana |
| title_sort | mammals of botswana |
| topic | UCTD Mammals Botswana |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/83170 |