Factors influencing space-use and kill distribution of sympatric lion prides in a semi-arid savanna landscape.

Understanding lions' () space-use is important for the management of multi-species wildlife systems because lions can have profound impacts on ecosystem-wide ecological processes. Semi-arid savanna landscapes are typically heterogeneous with species space-use driven by the availability and distribution of resources. Previous studies have demonstrated that lions select areas close to water as encounter rates with prey are higher and hunting success is greater in these regions.

An outbreak of (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) larvae in the south-eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe.

The larvae of speckled emperor moths () are important plant defoliators in savanna ecosystems of southern Africa and a valuable food resource for indigenous communities. Population explosions of larvae can negatively impact an area's primary productivity thereby altering herbivory patterns and associated ecosystem processes. Harvests of the larvae enhance socio-economic livelihoods of local people by providing a source of protein and improving household incomes.

The effect of competing carnivores on the feeding behaviour of leopards () in an African savanna.

Knowledge of competition dynamics among Africa's large carnivores is important for conservation. However, investigating carnivore behaviour in the field can be challenging especially for species that are difficult to access. Methods that enable remote collection of data provide a means of recording natural behaviour and are therefore useful for studying elusive species such as leopards ().

A baited-camera trapping method for estimating the size and sex structure of African leopard () populations.

Amongst Africa's large predators, leopards () are arguably the most elusive carnivore. Information on the species is lacking in most areas where they are found. This is because leopards are largely solitary, cryptically coloured and nocturnal making the collection of accurate population data difficult.

Measuring body dimensions of leopards () from camera trap photographs.

Measurement of body dimensions of carnivores usually requires the chemical immobilization of subjects. This process can be dangerous, costly and potentially harmful to the target individuals. Development of an alternative, inexpensive, and non-invasive method therefore warrants attention.