Core team member: Prof Tamara Robinson-Smythe
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Invasive species are an increasing threat to the ecosystem services enjoyed by recreational users of protected areas, but little is known about recreational users’ perception of invasions and their potential role in facilitating them. Recent literature has identified recreational users of national parks as potential vectors for invasive species. This poses a biosecurity risk for South Africa’s Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) which supports many threatened endemic flora. TMNP is unusual as much of the park is open access offering a porous boundary. Trail-runners, dog walkers and horse riders frequent the park, and could be vectors of introduction and dispersal for invasive species.
This exciting project will involve interviewing recreational users at boundary control points and within the park, to ascertain what the level of understanding they have of invasions. The project will also involve field-based screening of recreational users (e.g. trail shoes, bicycle tyres) and their animals (dogs, horses) for alien plant propagules. This project will culminate in recommendations to park authorities on how best to manage this potential source of alien propagules.
ACADEMIC LEVEL
MSc
FUNDING
The running costs for the project are fully funded. The successful applicant will be supported in applying for NRF, SANBI, Stellenbosch University and departmental bursaries.
REQUIREMENTS
BSc Honors degree in ecology or equivalent 4-year degree in relevant field
Understanding of invasion biology, especially pathways
Excellent data management and analytical skills
Proficient in Excel and R
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Good people skills and a willingness to engage with strangers
Willingness to travel and a valid driver’s license
Not afraid of dogs or horses
FURTHER READING
Smith K, Kraaij T (2020) Research note: Trail runners as agents of alien plant introduction into protected areas. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 31: 100315, doi: 10.1016/j.jort.2020.100315
Turbelin AJ, Diagne C, Hudgins EJ, Moodley D, Kourantidou M, Novoa A, Haubrock PJ, Bernery C, Gozlan RE, Francis RA, Courchamp F (2022) Introduction pathways of economically costly invasive alien species. Biological Invasions 24(7): 2061–2079, doi: 10.1007/s10530-022-02796-5
Pickering, C. (2022). Mountain bike riding and hiking can contribute to the dispersal of weed seeds. Journal of Environmental Management, 319, 115693.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED
Visit the Centre for Invasion Biology’s website (https://blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/) to find out more about the Centre and contact Prof Tamara Robinson-Smythe at trobins@sun.ac.za
When applying please include your CV and a motivation for why you are suited to this position.
Please be prepared to provide the details of a past supervisor as one of your references.
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