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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Read more about the article Scavenger crows spread seeds of invasive prickly pear cacti
Figure 1. Field evidence: Empty fruit of O. ficus-indica consumed by Pied crows (A), regurgitated pellets of mixed seeds marked by mixed colours (B&C), and empty O. robusta fruits and faecal sample by smaller birds (F, D & E). (Photo credit: Thabiso Mokotjomela)

Scavenger crows spread seeds of invasive prickly pear cacti

The consumption of alien fruits by birds and dispersal of ingested seeds increase the invasion risk of two cacti species in arid areas of South Africa.

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Sharing knowledge to improve management outcomes: the CAPE Invasive Alien Animals Working Group

Understanding and managing biological invasions requires a whole range of different skills, but often scientists and managers can feel that they are working in isolation. This is where communities of practice have been found to be useful in closing the gap between invasive species researchers and practitioners.

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