Stewards of Nature and Stellenbosch University showcase biodiversity benefits of invasive tree clearing
A study led by C·I·B Core Team member, Brian van Wilgen, found that clearing efforts by the Working for Water programme have only reached about 14% of the estimated invaded area in South Africa, and that alien plant invasions continued to grow when assessed at a national scale.
C∙I∙B student, Chelsey Matthys, and C∙I∙B Associate, Sjirk Geerts (based at Cape Peninsula University of Technology), together with colleagues documented the first detailed assessment of the distribution and invasive potential of scarlet bottlebrush (Melaleuca rugulosa) in South Africa.
An invasive stand of Black Alder was recently detected along the banks of the Dwars River from Kylemore to Lanquedoc, near Stellenbosch in the Western Cape Province, which prompted an investigation into the history and distribution of Black Alder in South Africa.
Secondary invasion and/or dominance by weedy native species are often observed after clearing target invaders in South Africa but are seldom reported on and identified by name and/or correctly defined.
