Browsing herbivores improve the state and functioning of savannas: A model assessment of alternative land-use strategies.

Changing climatic conditions and unsustainable land use are major threats to savannas worldwide. Historically, many African savannas were used intensively for livestock grazing, which contributed to widespread patterns of bush encroachment across savanna systems. To reverse bush encroachment, it has been proposed to change the cattle-dominated land use to one dominated by comparatively specialized browsers and usually native herbivores.

Potash mining effluents induce moderate effects on histopathological and physiological endpoints of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Stress in fish can be caused by a variety of factors and has the potential to evoke stress responses leading to a reduction of physical condition and of health. The river Werra (Germany) presents a severe case of secondary salinisation caused by potash mining activities. The model organism Danio rerio was exposed to different ion-concentrations depicting current (HT) and future (LT) threshold values of the Werra, as well as to solutions with single-exceeding ions (Mg + K (KMg), Mg (Mg) and K (K)).

Potash mining effluents and ion imbalances cause transient osmoregulatory stress, affect gill integrity and elevate chronically plasma sulfate levels in adult common roach, Rutilus rutilus.

Secondary salinization is a growing global ecological issue. One cause is the discharge of effluents by the potash mining industry into surface waters such as the River Werra in Germany. Increases of major ions require various physiological responses of freshwater organisms to maintain the hydromineral balance of body fluids.