biological invasions

2016 / Highlighted papers

Barriers to the management of Prosopis (mesquite), a widespread invasive tree

Species have been moved around the world for many reasons and have led to the rise of biological invasions which are a major driver of ecological and social change globally. One such species, Prosopis (mesquite), has been introduced to over 100 countries globally, both accidently and purposefully to act as an agroforestry tree.

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10 June 2016
Read more about the article C·I·B study highlights the need for group-specific analyses of invasiveness
Four of the 19 invasive Araceae. a) Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) b) Elephant ears (Alocasia macrorrhizos c) Silver vine (Epipremnum aureum) and d) Arum-lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica. Photographs: Menzi Nxumalo (a), Desika Moodley (b & c) and Şerban Procheş (d).
2016 / News

C·I·B study highlights the need for group-specific analyses of invasiveness

A recent study recommends that invasion biologists should have a closer look at the traits of whole plant groups, when screening for invasive plants.

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4 May 2016
Read more about the article Defining the invasiveness and invisibility in ecological networks
The invasive harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Photo credit: Wikimedia commons)
2016 / News

Defining the invasiveness and invisibility in ecological networks

A recent paper by a group of researchers, led by C·I·B core team member Prof Cang Hui, proposed a framework to help explain why some invasive alien species are so successful in invading the new areas, while it is not so easy for others.

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26 April 2016
Read more about the article Currently invasive pines belong to naturally invasive lineages
Pinus contorta, a highly invasive species in Europe, South America and Oceania, seen here in its native range in Yellowstone National Park, USA. (Photo credit: Laure Gallien)
2015 / Highlighted papers

Currently invasive pines belong to naturally invasive lineages

Understanding why some introduced species are more successful at establishing and spreading than others is a substantial challenge for managing and conserving indigenous biodiversity.

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9 November 2015
Read more about the article South African alien species databases – are they useful?
Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus
2015 / News

South African alien species databases – are they useful?

Information on how or why alien species arrive in a country can help prevent future introductions. Such information is usually stored in databases, and in many parts of the world, these databases are used for research and management.

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14 September 2015