THE PROTECTION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN SOUTH-AFRICA - PROFILES AND PERCEPTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTITIONERS IN NATURE CONSERVATION AGENCIES AND NATURAL-HISTORY MUSEUMS

Two hundred professional natural scientists (those with biological degrees) employed by official nature conservation agencies (148 persons) and natural history museums (52 persons) in South Africa were surveyed for their opinions on matters affecting the protection of biological diversity (= biodiversity). The respondents rated Freshwater/Wetland ecosystems as being most in need of special protection in South Africa. Terrestrial vascular plants were considered to be the group of wild alien species posing the greatest threat to indigenous biodiversity. Despite there being a broad range of specialized taxonomic knowledge amongst the scientists, relatively few of them have contributed to the compilation of species lists for nature reserves, or have published research reports dealing with aspects of biodiversity. The components of conservation biology for which the respondents felt most in need of additional training were geographic information systems, mathematical modelling, minimum viable populations, time-series analysis and decision analysis. The respondents also expressed a greater need for further training in socio-economic influences and environmental impact assessments than for other options.