Curriculum Vitae: Albert Chakona
Curriculum Vitae
Albert Chakona (PhD)
Tel: +27 46 603 5800; Cell: +27 84 52 33793; e-mail: achakona@yahoo.com or a.chakona@saiab.ac.za
Personal details:
Present occupation:
Nationality:
Languages:
Date of birth:
Marital status:
Scientist (SAIAB)
Zimbabwean
English and Shona
20 September 1979
Married
Education:
 Ph.D. Ichthyology (2008-2011) at Rhodes University, South Africa.
 M.Sc. Tropical Hydrobiology and Fisheries (2003-2005) and B.Sc. Hons. Biological
Science (2000-2003) at the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
Theses:
1. Chakona A. 2012. Comparative biogeography and ecology of freshwater fishes in the
Breede and associated river systems, South Africa. PhD thesis, Rhodes University,
Grahamstown.
2. Chakona A. 2005. The macroinvertebrate communities of two upland streams in
eastern Zimbabwe with reference to the impacts of forestry, M.Sc. thesis, University
of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
3. Chakona A. 2003. A comparative study of the benthic macroinvertebrate
communities in the Gwebi and Marimba Rivers, Harare, Zimbabwe. Hons thesis,
University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
Peer reviewed publications and manuscripts in press:
1. Chakona A, Swartz E & Gouws G (2013). Evolutionary drivers of diversification and
distribution of a southern temperate stream fish assemblage: testing the role of
historical isolation and spatial range expansion. PlosOne.
2. Chakona A & Swartz E (2013). A new redfin species, Pseudobarbus skeltoni
(Cyprinidae, Teleostei) from the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Zootaxa 3686,
565-577.
3. Chakona A, Swartz E, Gouws G & Bloomer P (2013). A freshwater fish defies
ancient mountain ranges and drainage divides: extrinsic and intrinsic influences on
the evolutionary history of a recently identified galaxiid. Journal of Biogeography 40,
1399-1412.
4. Kadye, W.T., Chakona, A., Marufu, L.T. & Samukange, T. (online early). The impact
of non-native rainbow trout within Afro-montane streams in eastern Zimbabwe.
Hydrobiologia. DOI 10.1007/s10750-013-1624-4.
5. Chakona, A., Swartz, E.R. (2012). Contrasting habitat associations of imperiled
endemic stream fishes from a global biodiversity hotspot. BMC Ecology 2012 12:19
6. Kadye, W.T. & Chakona, A. (2012). Spatial and temporal variation of fish
assemblage in two intermittent streams in north-western Zimbabwe. African Journal
of Ecology 50, 428-438.
7. Chakona, A., Swartz, E.R. & Magellan, K. (2011). Aerial exposure tolerance of a
newly discovered galaxiid. Journal of Fish Biology 78, 912–922.
8. Phiri, C., Chakona, A. & Day, J.A. (2011). The effect of plant density on epiphytic
macroinvertebrates associated with a submerged macrophyte, Lagarosiphon ilicifolius
Obermeyer, in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Aquatic Science 36, 289–
297.
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Curriculum Vitae: Albert Chakona
9. Phiri, C., Chakona, A & Day, J.A. (2011). Aquatic insects associated with two
morphologically different submerged macrophytes, Lagarosiphon ilicifolius and
Vallisneria aethiopica, in small fishless ponds. Aquatic Ecology 45, 405–416.
10. Chakona, A., Phiri, C. & Day, J.A. (2009). Potential for Trichoptera communities as
biological indicators of morphological degradation in riverine systems. Hydrobiologia
621, 155–167.
11. Chakona, A., Phiri, C., Chinamaringa, T. & Muller, N. (2009). Changes in biota along
a dry-land river in northwestern Zimbabwe: declines and improvements in river health
related to land use. Aquatic Ecology 43, 1095–1106.
12. Chakona, A., Phiri, C., Magadza, C.H.D. & Brendonck, L. (2008). The influence of
habitat structure and flow permanence on macroinvertebrate assemblages in
temporary rivers in northwestern Zimbabwe. Hydrobiologia 607, 199–209.
13. Chakona, A & Marshall, B. (2008). A preliminary assessment of the impact of forest
conversion from natural to pine plantation on macroinvertebrate communities in two
mountain streams in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Aquatic Science 33, 115–124.
14. Chakona, A., Marshall, B. & Brendonck, L. (2007). The effect of fish predation on
benthic macroinvertebrates in a seasonal stream in north-western Zimbabwe. African
Journal of Aquatic Science 32, 251–257.
Manuscripts under review or in preparation:
1. Swartz, E.R., Chakona, A., Skelton, P. & Bloomer, P. (under review) Historical
differentiation and evolutionary processes in the Breede River redfin (Pseudobarbus
burchelli, Cyprinidae) in two palaeoriver systems on the south coast of South Africa.
Hydrobiologia.
Scientific and popular articles (not peer reviewed):
1. Chakona, A. (2012). Uncovering hidden diversity, population declines and localised
extinctions in a global biodiversity hot spot. Contribution to the SAIAB Annual
Highlights Report.
2. Jordaan, M., Swartz, E. and Chakona, A. 2011. Initiating a biodiversity management
plan for species (BMP-S) for the Barrydale redfin. In Proceedings of the 15th
Yellowfish Working Group Conference (Arderne, P., ed.), pp. 63-66. Badplaas:
Federation of Southern African Flyfishers.
3. Chakona, A. (2010). Genetic diversity and habitat requirements of native fish in the
Cape Floristic Region. SAIAB research nugget for 2010/11).
4. Chakona, A. (2010). Threatened unique fish fauna of the Breede River and CFR
need your help. SABI Newsletter, 2, 1-2.
5. Chakona, A. (2009). Comparative phylogeography, ecology and conservation of
Pseudobarbus, Galaxias and Sandelia in the Breede and associated river systems.
SAIAB Annual Highlights Report, 2008/09.
Reports:
1. Chakona, A. (2008) Patterns in diversity and assemblages of intermittent stream
macroinvertebrates in relation to biotic and abiotic factors: an opportunity to initiate
watershed ecological risk assessment. Final Report submitted to the International
Foundation for Science.
2. Phiri, C., Chakona, A. & Zengeya, T. (2007). Environmental audit report. To Lake
Crocodile Park, Kariba, Zimbabwe.
3. Chakona, A. (2010). Comparative phylogeography of Pseudobarbus, Barbus,
Sandelia and Galaxias species in the Breede and associated river systems, South
Africa: implications for conservation of a threatened fauna. Final Report to the Rufford
Grants for Nature Conservation.
http://www.ruffordsmallgrants.org/rsg/projects/albert_chakona
4. Chakona, A. (2011). Genetic diversity, evolutionary processes, ecology and
conservation of the Cape Galaxias (Galaxias zebratus, Galaxiidae) from the south-
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Curriculum Vitae: Albert Chakona
western Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Final Report submitted to the
International Foundation for Science.
5. Chakona, A. (2011). Comparative habitat use, distribution and conservation of
endemic freshwater fishes in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Final Report
submitted to WWF International for the Prince Bernhard Scholarship.
Stakeholder reports
1. Chakona, A. & Swartz, E. (2010). Information about fishes of the Heuningnes River
system, threats and possible conservation actions. Informal report to the Agulhas
Biodiversity Initiative.
2. Chakona, A. & Swartz, E. (2010). Information about fishes of the Wolfkloof River,
Swellendam, Western Cape, South Africa. Informal report to farmers and stakeholders
in the Swellendam area, Western Cape.
Conference presentations and seminars:
1. Chakona, A., Gouws, G., Swartz, E. & Bloomer, P. (2011). Vicariance or dispersal:
does the distribution pattern of Galaxias ‘nebula’ conform to previous biogeographic
hypotheses? (Abstract and oral presentation). 9th SASSB Conference (19-21
January 2011, Rhodes University, Grahamstown.
2. Chakona, A., Swartz, E., Gouws, G. & Bloomer, P. (2009). Genetic differentiation of
a widespread Galaxias lineage across currently isolated river systems (Abstract and
oral presentation). 10th Anniversary Conference, Southern Africa Society for
Systematic Biology, 25-27 July 2009, Natalia, Illovo Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa.
3. Chakona, A., Phiri, C., Magadza, C.H.D. & Brendonc, L. (2008). The influence of
habitat structure and flow permanence on macroinvertebrate assemblages in
temporary rivers in northwestern Zimbabwe. 9th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA
symposium, October 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa. Awarded prize for best
presentation.
4. Chakona, A. and Swartz, E. R. (2010). Genetic differentiation of a widespread
Galaxias lineage across currently isolated river systems. Presentation given to WWF
in Stellenbosch as part of the obligations of the Prince Bernard Scholarship.
5. Chakona, A. (2012). Biogeography and genetic diversity of endemic stream fishes
from the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Presentation given to the SAIAB Winter
School.
6. Chakona, A. (2010). Habitat features associated with occurrence of an imperiled fish
fauna in minimally disturbed upland streams in the Cape Floristic Region, South
Africa. Presentation given to the SAIAB Research Group.
7. Chakona, A. (2010). Phylogeography of Galaxias ‘nebula’ across the Cape Floristic
Region: testing patterns of connectivity across drainage divides. Ph.D. Seminar
presentation, Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University.
8. Chakona, A. (2009). Comparative phylogeography of Galaxias, Sandelia,
Pseudobarbus and Barbus within the Breede and associated river systems:
implications for conservation of a threatened fauna. Seminar presentation,
Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University. Awarded prize
for best Ph.D. seminar presentation.
Grants and funding applications:
1. Claude Leon Foundation: Postdoctoral Research funding (2012 to date).
2. WWF Prince Bernard Scholarship: Supplementary Ph.D. funding (2010 to 2011).
3. International Foundation for Science: Supplementary Ph.D. funding (2009 to 2011).
4. Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation: Supplementary Ph.D. funding (2009 to
2010).
5. International Foundation for Science and UZ/VLIR: Project funding for my research at
the University of Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Research Station (2006 to 2008).
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Curriculum Vitae: Albert Chakona
6. University of Zimbabwe and VLIR (Belgium): M.Sc. grant (2003-2005).
Field survey experience:
 Mozambique (2 major field surveys, one in Balama (Montepuez & its tributaries) and
another one in Tete (Revuboe & its tributaries); 2013).
 South Africa (4 major fish and amphibian surveys in the Breede and associated river
systems and a few minor surveys across the CFR; 2008 to 2010).
 Zimbabwe (at least 10 major and several minor fish and macroinvertebrate surveys;
2002 to 2008).
 Angola (one major fish survey of the Kwanza River system; 2008).
 Zambia (macroinvertebrate sampling in the Zambezi and Kafue rivers; 2003).
Molecular biology, taxonomy computer and statistical skills:
 Use of molecular techniques to understand the drivers of diversity and evolution of
freshwater taxa (phylogeography)
 Use of molecular techniques to identify biodiversity hot spots and inform appropriate
strategies for biodiversity conservation
 Use of molecular techniques to identify hidden (cryptic) diversity, map distribution of
unique lineages and reconstruct historical distribution ranges of extant taxa
 DNA extraction, amplification, purification and cycle sequencing
 Alignment and analysis of genetic sequences (SeqMan, DNAsp, CLUSTAL X)
 GENBANK sequence submission (SEQUIN)
 Taxonomic revision and description of fish species
 Phylogenetic and population genetic analysis (BEAST, PAUP*, MrBayes, TCS, MDIV,
ARLEQUIN, MODELTEST, etc.)
 Ecological data analysis (R-packages for Boosted Regression Trees, Hierarchical
Partitioning; PRIMER, Statistica, SPSS, PAST, CANOCO etc.)
 Several general computer programs (Microsoft Office, Corel Draw, etc.)
 GIS computer programs (ArcView 3.2)
Museum and database contributions:
 Fish and frog voucher specimens and DNA tissue samples (South African Institute for
Aquatic Biodiversity; 2008 to 2010)
 Sorting and identification of freshwater fish samples at SAIAB (2008 to date)
 British Museum of Natural History and Smithsonian Institution (2012)
 Genetic sequences deposited in GENBANK (20012)
Employment experience:
1. Claude Leon Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellow attached at SAIAB (2012 to
date):
Duties and responsibilities
Molecular systematics, phylogeography, ecology and taxonomic description of
freshwater fishes from the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa.
2. Research Fellow at the University of Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Research Station (2005
to 2008):
Duties and responsibilities
I was responsible for continuous assessment, monitoring and evaluation of the
aquatic biodiversity in rivers and streams around Lake Kariba, determine the potential
human threats to aquatic resources and biodiversity and come up with appropriate
abatement measures to reduce such impacts. I also involved with carrying out
consultancies for Environment Impact Assessments for aquaculture ventures on the
lake.
3. Part-time lecturing at Bindura University of Science Education in Zimbabwe (2005
and 2007):
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Curriculum Vitae: Albert Chakona
Duties and responsibilities
Taught and examined undergraduate students (Vertebrate Biology) and M.Sc.
students (Conservation Biology).
4. Postgraduate student teaching assistant, University of Zimbabwe (2004 to 2005)
Duties and responsibilities
Assisting undergraduate students during practicals in the Department of Biological
Science.
5. Research Assistant, University of Zimbabwe (2003)
Duties and responsibilities
Collection of physicochemical and benthic macroinvertebrate data along the Zambezi
and Kafue Rivers and to evaluate the utility of the South African Scoring System
(SASS) for assessing human impact on large perennial rivers.
6. Research Assistant, University of Zimbabwe (2002)
Duties and responsibilities
Collection of biophysical data during an Environment Impact Assessment exercise for
gold mining activities in Mutoko (Zimbabwe).
Lecturing experience:
 Biological Science Department, Bindura University of Science Education, part-time
lecturing (2007). M.Sc. lectures on Conservation Biology
 Biological Science Department, Bindura University of Science Education, part-time
lecturing (2005). Undergraduate lectures in Vertebrate Biology.
Consultation and workshops:
 Peer-reviewer for Journal of Biogeography, Hydrobiologia and African Journal of
Aquatic Science.
 Environmental consulting projects for Environment Africa (three projects from 2003 to
2005) and Environment Law Association of Zimbabwe (one project in 2004).
 Specialist advice for CapeNature (ad hoc policy and project reviews and participation
in the Freshwater Forum) and the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas
project (SANBI and CSIR workshop, Cape Town).
 Participation in the Cypriniformes Tree of Life and Africa Fish Biodiversity Research
Workshop (Grahamstown, South Africa, 2008).
Academic referees:
Dr Ernst R. Swartz
Specialist Environmental Consultant and SAIAB Research Associate
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Private Bag 1015
Grahamstown 6140
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 5800
Cell: +27 (0) 84 722 4620
Fax: +27 (0) 46 622 2403
E-mail: e.swartz@saiab.ac.za
Dr Gavin Gouws
Scientist/Aquatic Biologist
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Private Bag 1015
Grahamstown 6140
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Curriculum Vitae: Albert Chakona
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 5800
Fax: +27 (0) 46 622 2403
E-mail: e.swartz@saiab.ac.za
Prof. Moses Chimbari
Deputy Director Research
Okavango Research Institute
University of Botswana,
P. Bag 285, Maun
Botswana
Tel: +267 681 7239
E-mail: mjchimbari@gmail.com
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