Read more about the article How do lionfish decide what to eat at a buffet?
One of the lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the study in its aquarium tank (Photo credit: Josie South)

How do lionfish decide what to eat at a buffet?

When there is an abundance of food options at a buffet, how do you pick what to eat? Invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) disproportionately eat whatever food is most abundant. This was the finding of a recent study by C·I·B post-doctoral researcher, Josie South...

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Unifying fields is required to advance invasion science

Despite the fact that, by definition, alien species invade ecological communities, invasion and community ecology have mostly grown independently. This led to differences in how ecological processes are considered in the two fields, which can be detrimental for understanding and predicting the spread and impacts of alien species.

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Read more about the article Non-native small mammal species for sale in South Africa
Examples of non-native small mammal species sold as pets in South Africa. Pictures were taken from different advertising websites in the present study (photograph Gumtree, PublicAds)

Non-native small mammal species for sale in South Africa

Small mammals are amongst the most charismatic animals widely sold as pets around the world. Increasing trade for these pets has resulted in several species releases and escapees from captivity. Consequently, several small mammal pets have become invasive...

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Read more about the article Invasive Australian acacias change fynbos soil functioning
Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) was the dominant invader at the site near Vermaaklikheid on the Agulhas Plain, South Africa. (Photo: Suzaan Kritzinger-Klopper)

Invasive Australian acacias change fynbos soil functioning

Microbial communities of fynbos soils have not received as much attention as its aboveground components. This is especially true regarding the impacts of invasive plants on these communities. However, this has recently been explored in a study by C·I·B members.

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The status of alien bamboos in South Africa

Bamboos have caused widespread damaging invasions in many regions of the world. In South Africa, despite a long-history of introduction, little is known on the bamboo species currently present and their invasion history.

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