Kirstin Stephens Anderson

Cactus Communications

It is commonly recognised that natural history datasets contain locality errors that can compromise the utility of those datasets. However, another source of error in these datasets is taxonomic misidentifications, and this type of error is potentially common, particularly with regards to morphologically conservative species. For example, in the Af...

Hybridisation between invasive and native species represents a significant threat to biodiversity. The Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is known to hybridise with numerous closely related Anas species in regions where they have been introduced, threatening the genetic integrity of native ducks and in some instances contributing to their extinction...

Background: The effectiveness of invasive alien species management in South Africa, and elsewhere, can be improved by ensuring there are strong links and feedbacks between science and management. The CAPE Invasive Alien Animals Working Group (CAPE IAAWG) was established in 2008 to enhance cooperation among stakeholders such as implementing agencies...

Genetic diversity provides the capacity for species to evolve in response to environmental change, and its importance in assessing the status of species is well established. However, there is a paucity of genetic monitoring studies. The Endangered western leopard toad (Sclerophrys pantherina), endemic to South Africa, is a good candidate for geneti...