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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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

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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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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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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Read more about the article Sharing the same looks
Monkey beetles (Scarabaeidae: Hoplinii) were observed as visitors to Acacia saligna flower heads.

Sharing the same looks

Can the colors or shapes of invasive plants tell us how they interact with native plants? Tackling the question, C·I·B student, Michelle Gibson and supervisors, Dave Richardson and Anton Pauw, used the problematic invasive Australian Acacia saligna to determine whether floral traits (characteristics) can be used to predict the impact of this invasive on co-occurring native plants in the Cape Floristic Region.

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