News | Centre for Invasion Biology

2014 / News

C·I·B research predicts performance and survival of agricultural crop pests in the Western Cape

Predicting the impacts of climate change on biological systems is a difficult, but necessary, challenge of ecological research. This challenge is particularly important for agricultural pests that can cause damage to a region’s economy and food security. In the case of invasive pest insects, land managers require information on not only the presence of a species, but also its relative performance at a given location (i.e. potential damage to crops). To make such predictions under novel climates, an understanding of the processes through which climate constrains, or enhances, an organism’s survival and performance is required.

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13 August 2014

Read more about the article Iimbovane a hit with young biodiversity enthusiasts

Learners attending the Big on Biodiversity workshops sharing what they have learnt during the week.

2014 / News

Iimbovane a hit with young biodiversity enthusiasts

In July this year, the Iimbovane Outreach Project introduced 30 Life Science learners to the wonders of biodiversity, during two workshops held at the Centre for Invasion Biology.

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21 July 2014

Read more about the article Endemic ants give alien ants a hard time

The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). Photo credit: Melanie de Morney

2014 / News

Endemic ants give alien ants a hard time

C·I·B postdoctoral associate Dr. Natasha Mothapo used behavioural experiments to see if the African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) can help to keep the spread of invasive Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) in check. Dr. Mothapo found that both species were very aggressive during fights. Their mortality rates were similar during one-on-one clashes, but Argentine ants suffered more deaths than did big-headed ants. When competing for food in the same environment, the African big-headed ant was able to keep Argentine ants from gaining access to the food.

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1 July 2014

2014 / News

Endemic fish threatened by predatory impacts of rainbow trout

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is among the most widely introduced fish in rivers of the Cape Floristic Region, and may pose a serious threat to endemic fish such as redfin minnows, members of the genus Pseudobarbus, which are a unique and vulnerable group of freshwater fishes. In the Cape Floristic Region alone, there are twelve species of redfin minnow, some of which live in only a single river or stretch of river. Nine Cape minnow species face a serious threat of extinction by introduced predatory fish, such as trout.

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23 June 2014

2014 / News

A prickly situation – C·I·B study supports National Strategy for invasive cacti

Cactus plants are a familiar sight in many gardens and nurseries throughout South Africa. However, native to North and South America, these plants are becoming serious invaders across South Africa. In 1976, 12 species were reported as invasive, now, already 34 species are considered problematic. They all share certain characteristics which include heavy fruiting, vegetative reproduction, spines, good dispersal mechanisms and a lack of natural enemies because of their taxonomic isolation. In response to this threat, in June 2012, a national Cactus Working Group (CWG) was called into action to develop a strategy for the control of invasive cacti.

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17 June 2014