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08 September 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Falko Buschke
Dr Falko Buschke says the iconic sandstone cliffs of the eastern Free State are key to protecting wild plants and animals from climate change.
The iconic sandstone cliffs of the eastern Free State are often the focus of paintings and postcards. Now, new research shows they also protect wild plants and animals from climate change. This finding is the outcome of a collaborative research effort by the University of the Free State (UFS); BirdLife South Africa; the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and KU Leuven, Belgium, which has recently been published in the journal Biological Conservation.

Mountains key for climate change mitigation

The study, led by Dr Falko Buschke from the Centre for Environmental Management UFS, used satellite data from NASA to track the ecological effects of wet and dry seasons, including the record drought of 2015/16. This showed how vegetation on the cool and moist mountain slopes was less affected by dry spells.

The complex physical terrain allows moisture to accumulate in the shaded parts of the south-facing slopes and ravines. This creates cool and moist habitats for plants and animals that wouldn’t survive in the rest of the hotter and drier landscape.

The team also discovered that these positive effects of mountains do not end at the foot of the mountain, but extend at least 500m into the flatter lowlands. “Presumably because water and nutrients accumulate in these surrounding buffers due to run-off,” says Dr Buschke.

Butterflies find safety on mountains

In addition to their high-tech analysis of the area, the team also relied on old-fashioned fieldwork to monitor butterflies over two years. “The data showed us how these insects find safety on mountains during harsh climate conditions and can then recolonise the rest of the landscape after conditions improve,” explains Dr Buschke. “This gives us clues on the best way to protect nature,” he adds. 

This study took place in the Rooiberge-Riemland Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), an area significant for maintaining global biodiversity. Several species of insects, reptiles, birds and mammals here occur nowhere else on earth. “If they disappear here, they will go extinct from the whole planet forever,” says Dr Falko Buschke. 

Despite its ecological significance, most of the area is covered by commercial farmland. So, the next stage of the project is exploring ways of protecting these important habitats while ensuring that farmers can continue producing food and supporting rural livelihoods. 

“Farmers hold the key to preserving biodiversity,” says Dr Buschke, “so conservation scientists need to work closely with them to ensure that we protect species for future generations.” 

News Archive

The UFS warmly welcomes 2016 first-years
2016-01-06

The University of the Free State (UFS) is ready to offer a warm welcome to all first-year and senior students for the 2016 academic year. In striving for excellence, we intend to provide an environment that is conducive to students enjoying their learning experience. To ensure that you, as new Kovsies, are able to navigate all three campuses easily, and receive the assistance you need, we have compiled a list for your information and convenience below.

Gateway Pocket Guide 2016

To assist you in finding your way on campus and to answer frequently asked questions, please read this document and refer to the accompanying map:
Information Sheet and Registration Map 2016.

 

Important dates


Bloemfontein Campus

18 - 22 January 2016: First-year student registration (Yearbooks) (view the full academic advice programme here)
25 - 29 January 2016: Senior resident student registration (Yearbooks) (view the full academic advice programme here)
20 January 2016: First-year athletics
23 January 2016: First-year sports tournament
30 January 2016: Rag procession
1 February 2016: Lectures start

South Campus

Registration and Orientation dates for the South Campus
1 February 2016: Lectures start

Qwaqwa Campus
Pre- and post-registration information for the Qwaqwa Campus
19-22 January 2016: Registration - first-year undergraduate students
22-25 January 2016: Gateway Orientation - first-year undergraduate students (Gateway Pocket Guide 2016)
25-29 January 2016: Registration - senior residence students (undergraduate and honours)    
25 January 2016: Registration - International students
26 January 2016: Official welcoming - first-year students
18 January – 5 February 2016: Registration - master’s and doctoral students
1-5 February 2016: Module and Qualification changes (all faculties)

1 February 2016: Lectures start

Stepping to success at UFS Qwaqwa Campus
Programme for other Gateway activities


Contact numbers 


Bloemfontein Campus

Switchboard: 
+27(0)51 401 9111		Admissions: 
+27(0)51 401 9864/ 3693/ 3696		 Financial Aid: 
+27(0)51 401 7175/ 9359/ 2103

Tuition Fees: 
Accounts/amounts payable: Undergraduate:
+27(0)51 401 2806 / 3003
Postgraduate, BML and e-Learn students:
+27(0)51 401 9537 
Bursaries: 
+27(0)51 401 9160/ 3603		Loans:
+27(0)51 401 9359/ 3202

Female Residences:
+27(0)51 401 3455

Male Residences: 
+27(0)51 401 3562 
Postgraduate Bursaries: 
+27(0)51 401 2045


South Campus

Switchboard: 
+27(0)51 401 9111
Tuition Fees:
+27(0)51 401 2806/ 3003


Female Residences:
+27(0)51 401 3455

Male Residences: 
+27(0)51 401 3562 
 

Admissions: 
University Preparation Programme (UPP): 
+27 (0)51 505 1201/ 1362
Advanced Certificate in Teaching (ACT):
+27 (0)51 505 1378
National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE):
+27 (0)51 505 1221
Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE):
+27 (0)51 505 1342
Varsity College:
+27 (0)51 505 1378
Short Learning Programmes: 
+27 (0)51 505 1436
 


Qwaqwa Campus

Switchboard: 
+27 (0)58 718 5000
Admissions: 
+27 (0)58 718 5011/ 5012/ 5022

Tuition Fees:
+27 (0)58 718 5024/ 5119

Financial Aid: 
+27 (0) 58 718 5062/ 5061/ 5038

Accommodation: 
+27 (0) 58 718 5030/ 5016


Payments and registration

Registration fees are payable five days before the registration date. 

Once you have registered, you will be able to access your official timetable. Use our campus maps to easily find your way around.

For detailed payment information, visit our Tuition Fees website.

Student card

Students on the Bloemfontein Campus have to obtain a student card from the Card Division on the Thakeneng Bridge. Your student card is your official university identification, and allows you access to:

  • campus
  • residence
  • events
  • library
  • computer labs.

With your student card, you are also able to pay for:

  • meals
  • books
  • electronic items.     

General

Once you are registered, important announcements will be emailed to your student email account (studentnumber@ufs4life.ac.za). Information regarding assessments and electronic study material related to the modules you are registered for at the university will be posted on Blackboard - an online learning management system. For Blackboard-related queries, dial +27 (0)51 401 9452. 

Safety and security is a priority here at the UFS. Protection services are available 24 hours a day on +27(0)51 401 / 2911. In addition, the Health and Wellness Centre is here to cater for your health needs. 

Please like the University of the Free State and the Kovsie2B Facebook pages to stay up-to-date about what is happening at the UFS.

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