Author: kcd

This author has written 359 articles
Read more about the article Satellite solutions: Can remote sensing improve our understanding of alien plants distribution?
The occurrence of IAPs along river courses and surroundings near Napier town, in the Cape Agulhas (Photo credit: Bhongolethu Mtengwana, 2020).
2020 / News

Satellite solutions: Can remote sensing improve our understanding of alien plants distribution?

Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) pose major threats to South Africa’s biodiversity, ecosystems and water resources. The availability of moderate resolution satellite data offers invasion scientists an opportunity to map and monitor the spread of IAPs, thanks to technological advances in satellite remote sensors.

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28 July 2020
Read more about the article How many invasive species can our ecosystems tolerate?
Mice are the most widely distributed vertebrate in the world due to historical shipping and trade patterns. The image shows a mouse hitchhiking on marine ropes (photo: James Russell). This is but one example of the many species that are introduced accidentally as a result of tourism. More work is needed to fully understand the role of different pathways in introducing non-native species and to find ways of managing these pathways to reduce the associated risks.
2020 / News

How many invasive species can our ecosystems tolerate?

An increase of 20 to 30 percent in the number of invasive alien species will lead to dramatic biodiversity loss worldwide. This is one conclusion of a study by an international team of researchers led by C·I·B associate Franz Essl that was published in the journal Global Change Biology.

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17 July 2020
Read more about the article Invasive plants are more phytochemically diverse than native counterparts
Triffid weed (Chromolaena odorata) - one of the invasive alien plants that pose severe ecological threats in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. (Photo credit: Llewellyn Foxcroft)
2020 / News

Invasive plants are more phytochemically diverse than native counterparts

When comparing three invasive alien plants (IAP) in South Africa to their native counterparts in the United States, a clear increase in phytochemical diversity in the invaded region was found, highlighting the role of secondary metabolites in plant invasions.

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1 July 2020
Read more about the article Scientists warn of increasing threats posed by invasive alien species
The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an ambrosia beetle that is native to Asia and was first recorded in South Africa in 2017. This beetle and an associated fungus pose substantial threats to both native and alien trees in the country. At least 80 tree species, including 35 native, are known to be attacked. This invasion has already caused huge damage by killing large trees in urban areas. The full extent of impact of this invader on the South African urban environment will only be ascertained over time. Municipalities already face the costly removal of many heavily infested street trees. Photos: Samantha Bush, Trudy Paap
2020 / Highlighted papers

Scientists warn of increasing threats posed by invasive alien species

Invasive alien species are one of the top five threats to biodiversity and ecosystems globally, yet only a handful of countries regard biosecurity measures as a priority.

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26 June 2020
Read more about the article Controlling famine weed under elevated CO2: a troubling future ahead?
Famine weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) stands to benefit in terms of both growth and reproduction under elevated CO2 levels. These increases in growth are likely to make the weed less susceptible to herbicides, particularly glyphosate, in the future (Graphic by Blair Cowie).
2020 / News

Controlling famine weed under elevated CO2: a troubling future ahead?

A paper published in the journal Pest Management Science showed that herbicide is likely to become less effective in controlling the invasive famine weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) in the future as CO2 levels rise.

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12 June 2020