A study on a population of pigeons on the University of South Africa’s Muckleneuk campus was conducted over 2 years. Counts were conducted during a baseline year (March 2013–February 2014) to establish the pigeon population index inhabiting the campus buildings, and again in the management year (August 2014–August 2015) once Eagle Eyes™, Fire (Flash) Flags, bird spikes and a combination thereof were implemented on the buildings. An efficacy reduction percentage was determined for each of the control structures. The total pigeon index on the campus declined by 50 % once the control structures were implemented. Control structures; however, differed markedly in efficacy from each other. Whilst bird spikes indicated the highest efficacy at reducing the pigeon population index, seasonality also influenced the efficacy of the control structure. Quantified understanding of the efficacy of pigeon control measures allows urban management to make informed decisions about reducing pigeon populations.

This article is about the significance of the Vaal River for the communities inhabiting the area. Using the interpretation of narratives and rituals, the extent of the connection or disconnection between the communities and the aquatic environment is described. Traditional rituals, religious practices and beliefs associated with the river form an important part of the lives of people living in the area. Results show that industrial development and urbanisation have direct implications not only on the environment but also on the cultural lives and practices of the communities in the areas where these occur. Because of its impact on the environment, development has a direct impact on the people who depend on the environment for both their physical and spiritual well-being. Any form of sustainable development needs to put these factors into consideration for development to truly be sustainable. In addition to forming a part of Environmental Impact Assessment prior to any development, the infringement of the cultural significance and the meanings that local communities have attached to aquatic landscapes should come with stringent legal consequences.Significance of work: Over the past years, the cultural connection between communities in Parys and the Vaal River area has been influenced by the effects of industrialisation, urbanisation and other anthropogenic factors that stem from these. This study found that there is a range of cultural rituals and beliefs that form part of the everyday lives of many residents of the communities in Parys. The significance of this study lies in recognising the importance of aquatic environments for the cultural health of communities and that, prior to development, developers who aim for sustainable development need to adhere to the National Heritage Resources Act, Act No. 25 of 1999. The Act includes the protection of sites of cultural significance to a community, and this involves the Vaal River. In addition to forming a part of the Environmental Impact Assessment prior to any development, infringement of the cultural significance and the meanings that local communities attach to aquatic landscapes should come with stringent legal consequences. The study also emphasises that it is important to realise that one cannot continue to isolate natural science from social science in debating what is sustainable.

A study on the short-term effects of audio raptor recordings and the visual presence of raptors, as a means of pigeon control on the University of South Africa’s Muckleneuk campus was conducted over a 12-week period in 2014/2015. This study recorded no significant difference in the number of pigeons between the scare treatments, however significant difference was observed within the 30 minute period post-scare at dawn resulting in temporary behavioural modification. Knowledge of pigeons’ response to audio and visual raptor presence contributes to understanding pigeon ecology and integrative pigeon control strategies.

When we hear the word ‘community,’ we often think of the communities surrounding protected areas. However, it can also refer to the community of citizen scientists who participate in various environmental projects. There is a growing need for more projects that involve the public in addressing conservation issues. Citizen science is becoming an increasingly popular and accepted method for gathering data and making informed decisions. Engaging the public in research projects can reduce the costs and time scientists spend on data collection. The primary challenge is determining how to encourage different communities to participate in or continue their involvement in conservation research projects. Online surveys of citizen science conducted in 2023 and 2024 revealed that most participants are motivated by the desire to contribute to conservation and science and to help the environment. The most significant motivators for continued participation were receiving feedback on project results and opportunities for greater involvement in volunteer-based projects. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to project designs that validate and recognize participant contributions.

African Journal of Wildlife Research is a multidisciplinary journal that has been published since 1971 and covers the scientific, applied, managerial, methodological, and sociological issues related to wildlife research.