Background
I completed my B.Sc. degree in Livestock and Pasture Sciences at University of Fort Hare, and my M.Sc. in Conservation Ecology at Stellenbosch University. For my M.Sc. I investigated the impacts of invasive Australian wattle species (Acacia mearnsii, A. dealbata, and A. decurrens) on the ecological function of rangeland ecosystems and subsequent conditions following clearing, in South Africa. Following the completion of my M.Sc. I worked as a candidate researcher at CSIR within the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services research group. During this period I was involved and assisted in various research projects in the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research group, including research on improving understanding of the rate of spread and impacts of invasive alien plants, management of invasive alien plants, and exploring success in clearing of invasive alien plants. I am currently a PhD student in Environmental Science at Rhodes University, Grahamstown.
Current Research
My PhD project focuses on understanding the social-ecological drivers, impacts and benefits associated with invasive Australian wattles on South African communal and commercial rangeland ecosystems. And to explore and develop an understating of possible approaches to the management of wattle invasions as a key component of a social-ecological system.
Publications
Yapi, T.S., O’Farrell, P.J., Dziba, L.E., Esler, K.J., 2018. Alien tree invasion into a South African montane grassland ecosystem: impact of Acacia species on rangeland condition and livestock carrying capacity. International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management. 14, 105–116. https://doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2018.1450291.
Supervisors
- Prof. Charlie Shackleton, Rhodes University
- Dr David Le Maitre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (co-supervisor)
- Dr Luthando Dziba, South African National Parks (co-supervisor)