Die gebruik van die Suid–Afrikaanse Diatoomindeks as hulpmiddel vir bewaringsbestuur van Hewitt se spookpadda

Abstract

Distribution patterns of diatoms were investigated to determine the impact of shading on the distribution of diatomes, which form the main diet of the endangered frog species, Heleophryne hewitti. No differences were observed in diatom assemblages between shaded and semi-shaded areas, however marginal differences exist between these and areas exposed to full sunlight. Cell deformaties in diatom species indicated the possible presence of an environmental toxin