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Read more about the article From the Neotropics to the Namib: evidence for diversification following extreme long-distance dispersal
Morphological and environmental characteristics of Cardiospermum corindum. (Photo credit: Jaco Le Roux)
2015 / News

From the Neotropics to the Namib: evidence for diversification following extreme long-distance dispersal

The role of extreme long-distance dispersal (ELDD) has been neglected in shaping the global distribution of flowering plants. This is partly because of the rarity of such events. Recently a renewed interest in ELDD has surfaced, as new tools have become available to identify ELDD events.

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9 December 2015
Read more about the article C·I·B participates in international meeting on interdisciplinary projects
South African participants at the meeting on designing considerations for complex integrated projects, held at Annapolis, USA between 19 and 21 October 2015. From left to right: Ross Shackleton (C·I·B PhD student), Brent Abrahams (C·I·B MSc student), Prof Brian van Wilgen (C·I·B researcher), Dr Nadia Sitas (CSIR) and Prof Karen Esler (C·I·B researcher). (Photo credit: Ross Shackleton)
2015 / News

C·I·B participates in international meeting on interdisciplinary projects

There is a growing call to fund research that includes natural and social scientists working together with decision makers, to address the complexities of global changes. In October 2015, the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Centre (SESYNC) hosted a meeting to address this issue in Annapolis, USA.

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1 December 2015
Read more about the article C·I·B shows off with research excellence from students
The C·I·B team at this year’s Annual Research Meeting (Photo credit: Anton Jordaan)
2015 / News

C·I·B shows off with research excellence from students

South African’s top invasion scientists met last week for the Centre for Invasion Biology’s annual Research Meeting. The meeting, which was held from 12 to 13 November 2015 in Stellenbosch.

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24 November 2015
Read more about the article C·I·B researcher contributes to book on risks of invasive alien trees
The meeting to discuss the book chapter and other issues related to risk assessment of alien species was held at the BELSPO (Belgian Science Policy Office) in Brussels. (Photo credit: Sabrina Kumschick)
2015 / News

C·I·B researcher contributes to book on risks of invasive alien trees

There has been a heated debate in Central Europe on the invasiveness of alien trees, including species like Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Black cherry (Prunus serotina), Boxelder (Acer negundo), Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and Black locust (Robinia pseudoaccacia). The discussion includes conservationists on the one hand, who argue that alien species are causing impacts on native ecosystems, and that they should not be cultivated. On the other hand, foresters make the point that these species are crucial for the economy, and that the impacts described by conservationists are not accurately addressed, and exaggerated.

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11 November 2015
Read more about the article Effects of Prosopis invasions and clearing on Nama karoo rangelands
Thabisisani Ndhlovua conducting vegetation surveys at a study site near Beaufort West in the Nama Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa. (Photo credit: Karen Esler)
2015 / News

Effects of Prosopis invasions and clearing on Nama karoo rangelands

Nama karoo rangelands are vulnerable to overgrazing and consequently soil erosion, but what of the impact of invasive plants?  With most research focussing on the impact of alien plants on South Africa’s water resources, the costs of plant invasions on other ecosystem services, such as soil retention, remain understudied

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3 November 2015