Read more about the article River red gum in South Africa – towards a national management strategy
Invasion by river red gum along the Berg River (Hermon area, Western Cape). Photo credit: Graham Harding

River red gum in South Africa – towards a national management strategy

In a recent review published in the Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, a diverse team of researchers led by C·I·B postdoctoral fellow Heidi Hirsch compiled comprehensive information on the past and current status of river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) in South Africa.

Comments Off on River red gum in South Africa – towards a national management strategy
Read more about the article Prioritising pathways, alien species, and sites for contingency planning
Climatic models developed using the Maxent modelling algorithm to assess the likelihood of species establishing in Durban (a: alligator weed; b: southern sandbur; c: American bullfrog; and d: red imported fire ant). The climatic models produced were overlaid with data on potential points of first introduction (pet and aquarium shops; plant nurseries and garden centres; and the Durban Harbour) to identify potential sites of first naturalisation for the species identified in this study. (Graphic: Padayachee et al. 2019)

Prioritising pathways, alien species, and sites for contingency planning

New species are introduced to environments outside their native ranges, sometimes causing negative ecological and socio-economic impacts. Identifying which species are potentially problematic is important in planning strategic responses for preventing introductions and mitigating impacts in vulnerable environments such as cities.

Comments Off on Prioritising pathways, alien species, and sites for contingency planning
Read more about the article Guava invasion facilitates changes in some soil properties
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) an invasive alien tree species that is widely distributed in South Africa, where it negatively impacts soil physico-chemical properties. (Photo credit: Sheunesu Ruwanza)

Guava invasion facilitates changes in some soil properties

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a commercially grown small tree, which also invades pastures and abandoned fields in South Africa. The tree acts as a pioneer species in recovering degraded landscapes thus making ecological restoration a challenge.

Comments Off on Guava invasion facilitates changes in some soil properties
Read more about the article The silent and hidden movement of latent pathogens around the world
The distribution of ten Botryosphaeriaceae species of this study in Hawaii and La Réunion Islands and across the world. *These two species exist all over the world (Figure from Jami et al.).

The silent and hidden movement of latent pathogens around the world

A recent study by Fahimeh Jami, together with C·I·B researchers Jaco Le Roux and Dave Richardson, had a closer look at the geographical and host range of Botryosphaeriaceae, a family of fungi that are common pathogens on woody plants. The study, published in the journal, Fungal Biology, provided the first Botryosphaeriaceae records for both the locations and hosts studied.

Comments Off on The silent and hidden movement of latent pathogens around the world

Where did the invasive Guttural Toads come from?

Guttural toads (Sclerophrys gutturalis) have been invasive in Mauritius and Reunion for nearly 100 years (since ~1922), and have been in Constantia (near Cape Town) for another 20 years, but where did those colonising toads come from?

Comments Off on Where did the invasive Guttural Toads come from?