Abstract
M.Sc. (Zoology)
Blood samples were obtained from 42 Cape (Gyps coprotheres) Vultures
during the period 1990 to 1991. Nestlings were sampled at two natural
localities namely the Scheerpoort and Manoutsa colonies. Samples from
captive birds ranging in age from immature to mature were obtained from
four locations which include the Johannesburg Zoo, Tygerberg Zoo, De
Wildt Cheetah Research and Breeding Station and World of Birds. The main
objective of the study was to describe the population genetic structure
of G. coprotheres by means of a protein electrophoretic examination. The
optimum electrophoretic conditions were determined for maximum resolution
of the protein systems examined. Allele frequency data assessed at 34
structural gene loci were obtained. As measures of variability, the
perc~ntage polymorphic loci and average heterozygosity were calculated
for the Cape vulture and values obtained were 11.76\ and 0.021
respectively. Both of the latter values are less than half the values
reported for the majority of other avian species. The electrophoretic
data were utilised in two population genetic simulation programmes and it
was determined that the variation present in the populations of G.
coprotheres studied may disappear within the next 35 generations.
The blood samples were also subjected to a toxicological examination.
Concentrations of DDT and its derivatives were measured by
gaschromatographic analyses. Biocide levels were detected in ppb and
adjusted to ppm by a conversion factor of 150. Quantifiable levels of
DDT, DOD and DOE were detected in 72.4\, 60.0% and 89.7% of the
individuals respectively. DOE is one of the major metabolites of DDT
and the discussion was focused on levels thereof.