“Bold steps” are needed to improve the management of specifically invasive pines in protected areas of the Cape Floral Region (CFR), researchers from several of South Africa’s major environmental organisations warn.
Understanding why some introduced species are more successful at establishing and spreading than others is a substantial challenge for managing and conserving indigenous biodiversity.
It may no longer make economic or environmental sense to pursue forestry endeavours using conifers in the Western Cape. If local plantations are to be maintained, invasive pine trees will continue to spread, the Cape’s water supply will continue to dwindle and the unique natural diversity of the fynbos region will be changed forever.