Belowground biodiversity Taxonomy Endemism (6.4 and 7.7%) proportion of globally described diversity. Endemism is high for most groups, ranging from 33-92%. However, major knowledge gaps exist for most soil biota groups. While sampling has been relatively comprehensive in some areas for a few groups (particularly those with direct socioeconomic impacts), the Nama-Karoo, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape are poorly sampled. Natural soils in biodiversity hotspots, such as the Fynbos Biome, are also understudied. We argue that a more integrative approach to acquiring foundational knowledge in soil biodiversity is needed if applied soil research is to be effective in ensuring sustainable soil health. Considerable investment will be required to bring our understanding of the soil biodiversity in this megadiverse region to a level where the Millennium Development Goals can be reached.
Foliage-dwelling spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) were collected from four common tree species in the Grassland Biome of central South Africa by beat-sampling. The aim of the study was to assess possible differences in the assemblage structure and species composition of spiders that could be attributed to structural differences in the vegetation. In total, 1909 spiders representing 17 families and 54 species were collected. Four families were dominant in abundance, together accounting for more than 73% of the spider fauna: Miturgidae (23.1%) was most numerous, followed by Araneidae (17.7%), Thomisidae (16.7%) and Philodromidae (15.4%). Overall spider abundance and species richness did not differ significantly among the four tree species, decreasing slightly from Acacia karroo (n0495, 38 spp.) to Olea europaea africana (n0479, 32 spp.), Buddleja saligna (n0477, 36 spp.) and Searsia lancea (n0458, 37 spp.). However, significant seasonal differences were detected for each tree. Generally, abundance and species richness were lowest during winter and highest during summer on all four species. Our findings suggest that vegetative and habitat structure and complexity have a limited influence on the abundance and species richness of tree-dwelling spiders in grassland habitats, although these factors may affect the assemblage structure on different tree species.
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In two recent case-law dicta, one of the Constitutional Court, it was made perfectly clear that there is no room in the South African law of delict for awarding punitive damages. In Dikoko v Mokhatla (2006 6 SA 235 (CC) 263) Mokgoro J expressed it as follows:“Equity in determining a damages award for defamation is ... an important consideration in the context of the purpose of a damages award, aptly expressed in Lynch [1929 TPD 974 at 978] as solace to a plaintiff's wounded feelings and not to penalise or deter people from doing what the defendant has done. Even if a compensatory award may have a deterrent effect, its purpose is not to punish. Clearly, punishment and deterrence are functions of the criminal law. Not the law of delict ... In our law a damages award thereforedoes not serve to punish for the act of defamation. It principally aims to serve as compensation for damage caused by the defamation, vindicating the victim's dignity, reputation and integrity. Alternatively, it serves to console.” A similar approach is also apparent from Seymour v Minister of Safety and Security (2006 5 SA 495 (W) 500), where Willis J stated unequivocally that it “is trite that the primary function of awards for damages under the actio injuriarum is to compensate the victim for his or her injuriae, and is not exemplary”.It is, however, debatable whether this view accurately reflects the position in positive law, or, if it does, whether the de lege ferenda approach in our law should not be different. Under South African law there is consensus that the actio legis Aquiliae, in terms of which patrimonial damages may be claimed, and the action for pain and suffering aimed at non-patrimonial damages for bodily injuries, have purely compensatory functions - punitive damages are thus completely out of the question. But not so in the case of the actio iniuriarum which is traditionally directed at solatium (solace money) or (personal) satisfaction (sentimental damages) for an iniuria – that is, the wrongful and intentional infringement of an interest of personality.
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