biological invasions

Read more about the article Human usage in the native range may determine future genetic structure of an invasion
Golden wattles, Acacia pycnantha, are native to Australia. This species, like many others wattles that are invasive in South Africa, has been historically introduced for agroforestry and dune reclamation purposes
2013 / Highlighted papers

Human usage in the native range may determine future genetic structure of an invasion

Quantifying the amount of genetic diversity and how it is distributed within and between populations (genetic structure) has become a major focus in invasion biology. Population genetic structure can be useful as a proxy for the introduction history of a species, e.g. to differentiate between multiple introductions vs. single introductions.

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10 December 2013
2013 / Highlighted papers

Human population density explains alien species richness in protected areas

Protected areas are increasingly important in the maintenance of species, ecosystems and the services they provide; at the same time, however, invasions by alien species are accelerating, undermining the conservation value of protected areas and preventing them from achieving their goals. If the invasion of alien species into protected areas is to be prevented, or at least minimised, then a detailed understanding of their drivers is required.

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23 July 2013
Read more about the article Stopping the next wave of biological invasions
A Working for Water team prepares to survey the slopes of Table Mountain as part of the effort to eradicate Acacia paradoxa (Kangaroo Thorn). This is one of the species targeted by SANBI ISP for pro-active management of biological invasions. Photo credit: John Wilson
2013 / News

Stopping the next wave of biological invasions

South Africa is world renowned as a leader in the science and management of biological invasions, but has been lagging behind in one key area—eradication. As of 2010 South Africa had ~8750 introduced plant taxa, 660 recorded as naturalised, 198 included in invasive species legislation, but only 64 subjected to regular control.

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22 July 2013
Read more about the article Insights on invasions from down under
2013 / News

Insights on invasions from down under

Invasive plants compete with native plants for important resources like water and nutrients, often outcompeting or even causing local extinction of indigenous plants. Australian acacias are one such group of plants in South Africa...

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29 April 2013
2013 / News

National Geographic Society grant for legume research

Dr Jaco Le Roux, C·I·B core team member, was recently awarded a National Geographic Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration grant to investigate the consequences of legume invasions on native legume biodiversity in South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region.

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5 March 2013