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The unseen, unsung heroes of our threatened grasslands

31 October 2021 | Story Elsabé Brits

In the vast, flat grasslands of South Africa a host of magnificent plant and animal species flourish, but not all of them are large. Insects and spiders share the landscape, and they are sometimes the uncelebrated heroes of a fragile ecology.

Walking through grasslands one often ignores what is under our feet, but these creatures are vitally important for the wellbeing of any ecosystem.

Grasslands are the dominant vegetation in the central parts of the country, covering most of the Free State and Gauteng and large parts of the North West, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, explains Prof Charles Haddad from the Department of Zoology and Entomology in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Insects fulfil a myriad of ecosystem functions and deliver crucial services in grasslands. They are the most important group of pollinators, such as bees, flies, and beetles, and are critical to the breakdown of plant and animal waste, especially flies and beetles. They are predators and parasites of other invertebrates, especially spiders, beetles, wasps and flies. The more species in an ecosystem, the greater the number of interacting organisms that can contribute to food webs.

Unfortunately, grasslands are the most threatened biome in South Africa, largely as a consequence of historical agricultural expansion of crop and livestock farming. More recently, urban development, invasive plants and silviculture have impacted on the remaining natural grasslands.

“Little is known about the impact of these activities on terrestrial biodiversity. The presumption is that the destruction and fragmentation of natural grassland reduces the natural vegetation available to indigenous organisms. This creates problems for insects to find suitable plants to feed on, which has a negative impact on their predators and parasites.

“Most anthropogenic influences affect indigenous biodiversity negatively, with very few exceptions. Generally, it is exotic invasive species that benefit the most from disturbance, habitat changes or destruction,” says Prof Haddad.

Spiders

More than 900 species of spiders have been recorded in our grasslands and some 2 300 in the country. Spiders are predators of other invertebrates, especially insects, and play an important role in the natural control of their populations.

They are very resilient to disturbance but are susceptible to chemicals used on crops, the effects of alien plants, and competition with exotic spider species, says Prof Haddad.

Among the interesting spider species one can find in grasslands is a rich diversity of trapdoor spiders, which live in burrows in the ground. Many of them have narrow associations with specific soil types and are often good bioindicators for conservation management.

Some plant-dwelling spiders are uniquely adapted to living on grasses and have slender, pale bodies to camouflage themselves on the stalks of grasses. In contrast, tree-dwelling spiders are often brown with tubercles on their bodies to blend in with the bark of trees to help them ambush their prey, says Prof Haddad.

Termites

Termites are some of the most populous animals on Earth, and the effects they have are most profound in the grasslands. Termites are one of the few animals that can break down cellulose from dead wood and grass. This is made possible through their symbiotic association with tiny microorganisms in their alimentary canal, such as protozoans and bacteria. The microorganisms secrete the enzyme cellulase, which the termites cannot produce themselves, allowing for the breakdown of cellulose in the ingested plant material and the release of the component nutrients for use by the termites. Therefore, these insects play an integral role in the reintroduction of nutrients from the dead plants into the soil.

This enables them to utilise the molecules in the grass that would have otherwise been inaccessible. Their faeces, therefore, contain broken-down nutrients that the roots of plants can absorb.

Many termite species live in underground nests that are great in aerating the soil. Others build large mounds which are extensions of the nests above the soil surface. These mounds, particularly those of the snouted harvester termites, are a familiar feature in most grassland landscapes in the country. These nests and mounds also offer shelter to other organisms, such as spiders, scorpions, lizards, snakes, millipedes, and various insects.

Termites are an important food source for enigmatic animals such as the aardvark and aardwolf, as well as some spiders and beetles, says Prof Haddad.

Mosquitoes

Liezl Whitehead, a master’s student in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the UFS, explains the role of how even mosquitoes are essential.

Mosquitoes are vitally integrated into the ecosystem even as larvae, where they feed on aquatic microorganisms, thereby affecting species interactions and ecosystem dynamics within the aquatic habitat.

Adult mosquitoes feed on nectar as their main food source, and in the process also serve as plant pollinators. Many female mosquitoes do, however, require a blood meal for egg production, where they then transmit a multitude of pathogens. Interestingly, these pathogens play a vital role in the ecosystem, where they help to regulate host population sizes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.

“In recognising the significance of all forms of life, one also realises that mosquitoes play an essential role in the life cycle of numerous other organisms, including protozoans [single-celled microscopic organisms], nematodes [often referred to as roundworms, but they are not closely related to true worms], and mites that depend on mosquitoes for their development and dispersal.

The abundance and widespread nature of mosquitoes contributes to their significant role in the grassland food chain, where the larvae are consumed by countless aquatic organisms, including insects, fish and amphibians. The adults are consumed by a multitude of arthropods and vertebrates, including dragonflies, birds and bats.

“Their elimination from the ecosystem would thereby impact multiple processes within the ecosystem, affecting food webs, pollination and the presence of many other associated organisms,” Whitehead adds.

A vital food source, urgent protection needed

Prof Liesl van As, Head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the UFS says that although the Grassland biome covers an area of 339 237 km², less than 2% is formally protected. In 2004, the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) identified the Grassland biome as the most threatened habitat, with more than 30% already irreversibly transformed. A year later, the Grassland Biodiversity Spatial Priority Assessment identified 37% of the land as being important for conservation and suggested that 12% needs to be under formal protection by 2028.

Most of the South African grassland literature refers to the almost 400 plant species, the 34 endemic mammals, and the dozen or so globally threatened bird species, with almost no mention to representatives of the Arthropoda (including spiders, termites and mosquitoes).

Invertebrates are the main components of faunal diversity in grasslands, playing substantial roles in ecosystem processes, including nutrient cycling, pollination, and being a vital food source in food webs (Die een se dood is die ander een se brood).

“These invertebrate communities are heavily dependent on plant diversity and production within a given ecosystem, but for some reason, they don’t get the full recognition and attention compared to the larger animals. Maybe it is because they are not so visible due to their smaller size?

“A visit to www.grasslands.org.za and the Grassland Society of Southern Africa draws our attention towards the fact that although progress has been made in the awareness of the sensitivity of grassland habitats, gaps still exist concerning the biodiversity of the remaining natural fauna. To follow up on this, I am of the opinion that when it comes to invertebrates, such as the spiders, termites and mosquitoes we are now writing about, knowledge and public awareness (citizen science) is contributing to reducing this gap” says Prof Van As.

According to her, in their department, a number of colleagues from Animal Behaviour, Arachnology, Nematology, Applied Agricultural Entomology, Environmental Entomology and Dipterology, to name a few, have been involved in research projects for the past few decades, with a focus on the grassland area, closer to home. Through their effort and contributions, they are making a scientific difference.

News Archive

During 2011: Highlights at the UFS

2011-12-01

2011 was a phenomenal year in the life of the University of the Free State and the memorable moments will be engraved in the history of this proud institution.

World Universities Forum honours the UFS

The UFS was awarded the World Universities Forum (WUF) Award for Best Practice in Higher Education during 2010.The Best Practice Award recognises the most significant practices of the year around the world. The university’s implementation of a number of interlocking innovations to transform the institution is recognised with the award.

These innovations include: campus-wide racial integration for students; reinvigoration of the academic culture; nurturing of the most promising young scholars by means of the Vice-Chancellor's Prestige Young Scholars Programme; sending 71 first-year students to top American universities to assist with their development into non-racial campus leaders; the revision of the undergraduate curriculum to promote a cross-disciplinary approach to key societal problems; raising the entry requirements; the facilitation of open access to campus leadership through sessions with the Vice-Chancellor and Rector; extension of this spirit of dialogue internationally through the inauguration of its International Advisory Council consisting of key thinkers and practitioners; the identification of 20 of the most dysfunctional high schools in the Free State and the building of relationships with those schools.

This university-school partnership is based on a strict contract of reciprocal commitments to increase the chances of black children attending university. The WUF applauded this as the most innovative step.

New branding for our 107-year old institution

Our university turned a fresh new page with the launch of a new brand that will take the institution on its path to new horizons.

Two primary brands were adopted – an evolved academic crest and a new marketing brand for the institution’s offerings and services. The very foundation of the UFS is built on a dynamic learning environment where academic excellence and the development of leadership qualities. The new brand seeks to adapt to the changing needs of society, without sacrificing its rich history and heritage.

The rebranding process involved one of the most expansive and intensive process of consultations with staff, alumni, Senate, Council and other stakeholders.

The new brand is anchored in the university’s renewed motto “In Veritate Sapientiae Lux” (In Truth is the Light of Wisdom), which has been evolved to embrace the diversity of the community at the university without losing its essence.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu receives an honorary doctorate

One of the great sons of Africa, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, received an honorary doctor of Theology and opened the International Institute for Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice on the Bloemfontein Campus at the beginning of 2011.

The Institute originated in the Reitz incident of 2008 and embodies the UFS’s determination to be a place where reconciliation, forgiveness and social justice would not only be studied, but where it would also be applied. Students and scholars from across the world can study the theory and practice of building societies across the boundaries of race, as well as religion, gender, disabilities and national origin.

By honouring Dr Tutu, the UFS recognises the contribution he has made in the field of Theology through his teachings and the books he has written. The UFS not only honoured him as a moral and religious leader who has maintained his integrity as a Christian, but also as “a great son of South Africa who has made a huge contribution to peace, reconciliation and justice in South Africa and in the world”.

Reconciliation closes book on the Reitz incident

The Reitz incident, that has taken the UFS to front pages and news headlines, could come to closure this year with a reconciliation ceremony between the former students and staff members. The parties involved could meet in private and also took part in a public ceremony with many dignitaries witnessing the closure of the incident and repercussions it had.

Messages of apology were read by Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Institutional Affairs, on behalf of the UFS, and Mr Danie Grobler, on behalf of the former students. A message of acceptance of the apologies was read by Ms Emmah Koko on behalf of the workers.

Deputy Chairperson of the South Africa Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Pregs Govender, said of this historic event: “The courage and compassion shown by the workers together with the students’ willingness to embrace the spirit of change have enabled a process of justice, transformation and reconciliation that is an inspiring example for South Africa.”

Grade 12s attend first Leadership Summit

More than 280 learners from all over South Africa and Namibia attended a three-day Leadership Summit on the Bloemfontein Campus in April 2011. The goal of the summit was to enable young leaders to develop their leadership capabilities by looking beyond their normal boundaries.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, addressed the learners on leadership while Mr Louie de Necker, a training consultant, spoke about conflict resolution. Other highlights included a visit to the Boyden Observatory, picnic suppers, an introduction to residence life, a social evening, and a prize-giving ceremony aimed at learners who distinguished themselves as potential leaders during the three-day visit.

UFS honours great teachers

Our university and Sunday Times have joined hands in identifying 150 of the greatest teachers, who moved, inspired and transformed South Africans during their time at school. The project culminated in the book Great Teachers.

These are the teachers who stood out among their colleagues and made a lasting impact on their learners, inspiring them to excel, long after the mathematical equations and English literature tests are forgotten. The book is a powerful account of inspired and inspiring teachers.

All proceeds from the sales of the book will be used to provide bursaries to student teachers of today, who may become the great teachers for tomorrow’s generation.

Graduations now a celebration

By changing its format, graduations are now a festival to celebrate years of hard work and dedication of students and lecturers at our university. Some of the changes include the gathering of the procession on the Red Square in front of the Main Building, from where it moves to the Callie Human Centre. The graduation programme is also filled with music and song items with various young speakers addressing and inspiring the audience.

A total of 83 doctorates were conferred this year, making it the highest number in the history of the university.

African Student Affairs Conference a huge success

The first African Student Affairs Conference (ASAC) was hosted by our university. The conference was attended by delegates from universities across the continent and was aimed to place the focus on issues relating to student affairs in an African context.

Delegates shared and exchanged strategies, ideas and resources, and discussed issues related to the work of student-affairs professionals. A delegate from Nigeria said it was an important conference for Africa and it should become a regular event.

Research published in Nature

A research article on the work by a team under the leadership of Prof. Esta van Heerden, and counterparts in Belgium and the USA, has been published in the distinguished academic journal Nature on Thursday 2 June 2011.

The article – Nematoda from the terrestrial deep subsurface of South Africa – sheds more light on life in the form of a small worm (nematode) living under extreme conditions in deep, hot mines. It was discovered in one of the gold mines in the Free State.

The research can shed some new light on the possibility of life on other planets, previously considered impossible under extreme conditions. It also expands the possibilities into new areas where new organisms may be found.

Postgraduate School is one of a kind

Our Postgraduate School was launched with the aim of bringing research-bases education in line with national priorities and the focus of the UFS Academic Turnaround Strategy of 2010. It spans across our facilities.

The focus of the school is to produce graduates who are global citizens, research literate and able to reflect ethically on the purpose, process and product of research; to improve throughput rates of postgraduate students; and to make the experience of being a postgraduate at our university one which is stimulating, enjoyable and which contributes to the development of people beyond the limits of their disciplines.

Oprah Winfrey now a Kovsie

World attention was drawn to our university when an honorary doctorate in Education was conferred on media icon Oprah Winfrey on 24 June 2011 at our Bloemfontein Campus. The graduation was probably the biggest ceremony of its kind in South Africa, with more than 4 500 people attending.

Our university honoured her for her accomplishments and unparalleled work as a global media leader, as well as a philanthropist with vision and foresight in the field of education and development.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of our university, said: “It is a great privilege for us to be the first South African university to honour Ms Winfrey in this way and to be able to recognise a global icon of her stature.”

UFS doctors make history in South Africa

Two procedures took the UFS to the forefront of the medical world this year.

History was made with the first implant of a special new aortic valve in South Africa. The advantage of this new valve is that it can be implanted percutaneously through a catheter from the groin. This eliminates the need for invasive surgery.

The valve is made from porcine pericardium (tissue derived from pigs) and is mounted on an expandable stent, which is threaded along an artery, until it reaches its desired position. The valve is especially useful in older patients who suffer from aortic valve disease and pose a high surgical risk. It also reduces hospitalisation time.

A rare malignant tumour was also removed in groundbreaking heart surgery. What makes this operation unique, is that the suspicious mass, identified in the heart of a 51-year old man, was rapidly growing into a highly invasive cardiac tumour seen in a small number of patients worldwide.

In the highly complex, 10-hour operation the entire right heart chamber had to be removed and the heart reconstructed.

School of Open Learning adds value

The activities of the new school are driven by a central principle: opening up access to those who have not had the opportunity to study at a higher-education institution due to geographical location, socio-economic circumstances or other factors.

Programmes are delivered through a blended-learning model, which blends contact teaching with distance education.

The school will collaborate with our various faculties, and is managing the continuing education-sponsored endeavours of the Faculty of Education. These include projects for in-service training of teachers in Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences, Languages, Literacy, Economic and Management Sciences, Technology and various areas of Management and Leadership.

Second group of young leaders abroad

A second group of first-year students in the Leadership for Change Programme visited universities in the USA, Europe and Asia. Our university could extent the programme to 150 students, up from 71 in 2010.

These students are seen as a leadership core, not only for their university life, but also in public life outside the university borders.

The main purpose behind the programme is to expose students to positive models of racial integration. Their experiences will go a long way towards changing and enriching the minds of young leaders, who have committed to building a truly non-racial society in South Africa.

Odeion School of Music launched

Our former Department of Music transformed into the Odeion School of Music. The name Odeion name portrays not only an excellent asset in the Free State, but also nationally and internationally.

The school’s new name bears the respected Odeion brand and a number of successful and respected ensembles operate under this brand. These include the residential Odeion String Quartet, student ensembles, the Junior Odeion String Quartet, the Odeion Sinfonia, and the Odeion Choir.

The formation of the school paths the way for more flexibility to complement its profile with new developments. These include the application of prestigious international experts as artistic fellows, membership to progressive European, jointly-developed degree programmes and curriculum development initiatives, the founding of a chair in Orchestra Conducting, a master’s degree in Arts Management, as well as the incorporation of bio-kinetics in the teaching methodologies of performance practice.

World-class Chemistry facilities opened

World-class Chemistry facilities, with state-of-the art equipment, opened on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The upgrading of the facilities and addition and replacement of equipment were the single biggest investment at our university in a long time.

Specialised research by the Department of Chemistry includes X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, synthesis of new molecules, the development of new methods to determine rare elements, water purification, as well as the measurement of energy and temperatures responsible for phase changes in molecules, the development of agents to detect cancer and other defects in the body, and many more.

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